a year....comes and it goes.

This weekend...today actually...is the one year anniversary of my mom's death. Sometimes it seems like a million years have passed since my mom died and sometimes it seems like it was yesterday.

The anniversary is today, but it felt like it was on Friday. My mom passed away on the first Friday in May last year. I was in a huge funk on Friday. I wanted to call in "sick" to work on Friday...since I just didn't want to deal. I didn't...because there was work that needed to be done, but I wanted to. It was a hard day to sit in my office and go through the motions...and it kind of felt like I was living the day over again since many things were similar. I had a class I was preparing for the next day last year...just like this year. I had to leave during my lunchtime...this year, to run errands...last year, to go check on my mom. I would often think of that wonderful, naive sense I had last year until my dad called and asked if I had heard from mom and if I could call and see if she was home. My whole world changed...once I left and hoped to just go home, check on her and chastise her for not answering the phone.

So...on Friday, I just kind of went through the day and did everything to get my work done and get home. I spent both Friday and Saturday continuing my funk...I ended up bring snarky and trying to pick a fight with my dad on Saturday while we were shopping because I am just THAT mature. I basically hung up on him on the phone (which I think is just the rudest thing a person can do)...when I was calling him from one side of Target while he was on the other. I went home...ate WAY too much for dinner and then watched a movie and went to bed.

Today, I woke up...and felt better. I felt renewed is the best way I can describe it. I got up before my alarm...and got ready to go to church. I considered not going, but I always feel close and connected to my mom at church, so I knew it was where I needed to be. I spent two days being a grump...and missing my mom and I felt this morning, that she was telling me to get over it and honor her by being that positive being that my was always was. So, today...I have that spirit about me again.

I miss my mom. I can't believe she's been gone for a year. Dad and I went to visit her grave marker...and spend a little time with her. I'm gonna do the best I can to honor her and make her proud. I can dwell in the pain of missing her...but I am not going to do that because it isn't what she would want. She's more important to me and the world than that.

Hugs to all....

PITA and checkin' my credit!

I spent a good deal of my morning arguing with a customer service representation about an exercise DVD I bought back in January. Aurgh. I will say now...if you ever see a commercial for those Bender Ball Ab things...DO NOT...I repeat...DO NOT order it. You get charged more than you realized...they continue to charge you and send you DVDs each month without you knowing it...and then after you cancel, you still get charged. I don't think I am going to get my money back, but I am sure trying. I contested the charges with my credit card company and also filed a complaint with the BBB. Aurgh...again.

I wish I had read online a little more about them before I ordered. I should have known better. These days, if you put any product into google with the word review, it'll tell you a lot about what others customers thought of it. I read that this morning that close to 90% of people had the same problem I did and never got a refund. If I had read that prior to ordering, you can guess I wouldn't have ordered. It's a lesson in doing my research before buying something.

As similar thing that people should review is any product or pill or drink they are buying for weight loss. I can't tell you how many things I have bought from a late night informercial...where they SWORE that it worked and it would felt the pounds away. I often wanted to believe it worked so much that I didn't even consider researching it. And sometimes even if you do research it, you get some negative and some positive...so, which ones do you believe? An example, here is a review for a weight loss product called Akavar. It makes some pretty out there claims. It says that it is a product that everyone uses in Europe and just drinking it can cause you to lose weight and look great...without the addition of diet or exercise. It's interesting reading people reviews of it. I do feel bad for the people though because it shows they bought the product. They bought into the scam.

It's amazing to me the claims that companies can make...that are just bold faced lies. And, there seems to be no way to hold them accountable. It's especially disheartening when it comes to weight loss...since so many people are so desperate for a solution that is going to work for them. *sighs*

The only positive thing in my DVD fiasco...is that because I also read that the company has been known to sell your information to others, it got me concerned about my credit. So, I paid a little bit...but did a credit check with a fico score to see where I stand. I hadn't checked my credit in about a year, so it was about time anyways. Luckily...nothing seems out of the ordinary on my credit report AND my score has gone up a little bit. My credit score and healthy credit record is something I am really proud of. I've worked hard at it...and make sure everything is in order and paid on time. The documentation shows that I have a higher credit score than 98% of the population...so, go me!

the news, mortgages and money...

I was watching the new the other day...I try to watch the local news from 6-7am and then I watch Good Morning America for as long as I can before I have to leave for work. They have been focusing on money and finances for the last month, especially since it is tax season and all.

I think it wa Tuesday or someday close to that, they did a huge whole story about the mortgage crisis going on in this country right now. They talked about the possibility of a new government program that would help the homeowner and the mortgage lenders get out of tough situations where because of the adjustable rates, the homeowner can no longer afford to make their house payments. I used to think that the bank still won when they foreclosed on a house, but in the end...they don't. I mean, they don't lose out as much as the homeowner, but they definitely take a hit.

So, what is this whole mortgage crisis about? Well, mainly is has been about banks letting people loan way more money to buy a home than they can really afford. It's a tough spot though because of the increase in the cost of homes. Many times, the normal income doesn't qualify for what the normal house is in many neighborhoods. I know it makes me personally nervous. If I went to a bank today and asked to be pre-approved to buy a home...there aren't any decent homes in this area for less than $100,000. In reality, on my one income...that is too expensive for me. They say that you should not spend more on your monthly mortgage payment than 1/3 of your total take home income. So, I would end up spending more than what I SHOULD be. Now, I am pretty financially responsible, so I would never sign up for more than I could afford, but still...it's pretty daunting.

These adjustable rate mortgages (ARM) are the real kicker that is getting people now a days. The homeowner gets into a loan for more than they can afford...and gets a 30 year mortgage. The kicker is that it isn't a fixed rate, it's a variable one. Well, the first 5 years is a fixed, low rate, but when those 5 years are up...it turns into a variable one. That is great...except when that rate hikes up, the homeowners can no longer pay and risk going into foreclosure.

And you wonder why the idea of buying a house is completely terrifying to me. I mean, I should be doing it because I am not getting any younger and instead of wasting money on rent, I should be spending it on equity in a home. Aurghh!

Random Update....

Happy Friday Everyone! This week has kind of dragged on...which is strange since I had Monday off and all, but still. I am glad it is Friday. It's been a few days since I have posted...or maybe more than a few days. It's interesting since sometimes I am in a post numerous times a day mood...and sometimes, I don't feel the need to post for a week or so.

************************************

I have seen people post all about Heath Ledger dying all over the internet. I think it's tragic and horrible...just like everyone else (except for that jerk on Fox News Radio...who said Heath died because God is punishing him for playing a gay cowboy. *grumbles*), but I am not going to speculate about how he died...what happened, etc. I feel so sorry for his family who have to go through this while the paparazzi and news media are in their face 24/7. I can't imagine how horrible that must be. His ex-fiance returned to NY with their daughter and instead of being able to come home in peace...she came home to a flood of cameras and microphones. That's a shame. But, it's how society works...and I will admit it...when I see a new article on the internet about the story, I click on it and read it. So, I hate it...but I am also part of the problem. So sad...really. Star Jones...who I actually loathe...wrote a great article about it. I hate to agree with her, but well...I do. That's all I will have to say on the subject because even though he was a celebrity...I didn't know the man, I doubt you did either. And in the grand scheme of things...my opinions on someone else's tragedy just don't really matter now do they???

************************************

Speaking of my mom...I have been dreaming a lot lately. Well, I imagine I always dream this much, but I have been remembering them more. She's been present in my dreams lately...and it's been nice. I have been dreaming about family adventures and the whole family is there...mom...dad...my brother, etc. What is particularly nice is that it just seems normal that she is there. It could be a dream that we are all going grocery shoppping and she is just part of the family group. I like it...and there isn't any sadness about it. So, I hope these kind of dreams continue...so I can continue to have warm family moments with her...if only in my dreams.

************************************

I don't know if I have mentioned it before...I probably have, but I am interested in running a 5 mile race in the end of March. Ok, let's be clear...I want to jog a 5 mile race. I have never been a great runner...even though I can run on my elliptical machine forever. So, it's a goal I have....to continue training and be ready by March. I have gone out and jogged around my neighborhood and what not...in hopes of building up my tolerance. So far...it is jog some...walk some...jog some...walk some. Each time, I build up a little more of the jog time. The race is in the winter time, so I am running outside...I figure, I have to get used to it, eh? It does make it hard because sometimes it is just too cold to run. I really wanted to go out for a jog on Monday since I had the day off work...but it was so cold...only in the single digits. I don't have access to a treadmill...so when the outside doesn't work with me, I am stuck. Tomorrow though...it's on. I am going to jog/walk from my apartment to my dad's house...which is just over 4 miles. I don't care if it is cold. I don't care if it is snowing like nuts. I am going! Wish me luck!

Alright...that's it for now. See, I don't update all the time, but then when I do...I give ya more than just a line here or there.

Britney loses the kids...

So, as I was watching GMA this morning...they reported, much like everyone else, that the judge has ordered custody of Britney's children to K-Fed temporarily. I guess I should feel bad for her, but in reality...I don't. I feel bad for those kids. I have little hope that they are going to survive all of this without being scarred...and well, probably turning into a mini version of her. I hope that she sees this...not as the world being unfair to her, but as a wake up call to change the things she needs to do in order to be a mother to those kids. You know, I take it back...I do feel sorry for her. I don't think anyone taught her how to be a mother...I think she was a such a celebrity/media engine when she became a mom that she didn't get the education she needed. Yes...some things are common sense. MANY things are common sense, but she doesn't live in my normal world...she lives in Britney land. lol I hope that with this ruling and the required drug testing and parenting classes, etc....that maybe she learns something. Those poor kids.

Now...I know that there could be much worse for parents. I see it everyday. Example...there was a news story on the local news. It makes me angry and sick just to think about it. This woman...I think she was 36 or 37...she was arrested for prostitution in one of the urban cities in our area. And here is the kicker...she picked people up for services with HER CHILDREN in the car. She would perform her workly duties in the front seat while her 6 year old and one year old were in the backseat. Umm...really? And there are also reports that she smoked crack in the car with the kids present. Ooh...and someone else reported that she once snorted lines off her baby's chest while she was breast feeding him. You HAVE to be flippin' kidding me! And now her children have been taken...but they should have been taken a long time ago. *shakes head*

You know...in comparison...this woman makes Britney's parenting style look like she was Mother Teresa!

Kiefer Sutherland gets ANOTHER DWI

I was reading some different sites on the internet...and came across the news that Kiefer Sutherland was arrested this morning for suspicion of drinking and driving. This would be the second, if not third DWI that Kiefer has gotten.

We all know that I adore Kiefer...he is one of my favorite actors ever. I just think the world of him, etc. However, I have also thought for at least a few years that his alcohol use is out of control. Maybe this last instance will make him realize he needs to get some help. He seemed to be the definition of a functioning alcoholic for a long time...drinking to excess, but still getting the things he needs to get done in life, etc.

I wonder how this might effect 24's schedule...I guess it all depends on what the outcome of the court case. I know that he got sentences to community service for his last DWI in 2004.

*shrugs*

Britney drama...

Oh..since I was mentioning the OJ Simpson drama...what about the Britney Spears custody drama. The courts say that Britney needs to attend a parenting class, she will be randomly drug tested twice a week, she has to meet with a parenting aide for 8 hours a week, she cannot use drugs and alcohol during her visits with her children and that she cannot use any substance 12 hours prior to getting her children. Now, I do wish that they mandated her into addiction treatment instead of just saying she needs to be tested. Obviously, she has problems and drugs and alcohol is pretty much a part of it.

Who would have ever thought that K-Fed would be the shining example of parenting in that relationship? Sheesh.

beauty queen katy update

Hey everyone...I posted my little story about Katy Johnson and what a hypocrite she is this weekend. It's a story that I like to share with as many people as possible...so, if you didn't read it, click away. I'll wait.

Anyways...a little update. I mentioned in the story that Katy sued some guy who posted a post about her being a hypocrite and her behavior when they dated...and that she won and he had to take her name and the words Miss Vermont off her site.

Well, I clicked on this guy's link...and it comes to find out that he hired lawyers and took the case all the way to the Supreme Court and won. See, Katy didn't say he lied...she just said he should not be able to use her name like that.

Now, I will say...I have read this guy's website. He's a douchebag. He's slime. Every feminist bone in my body just loathes this guy and how he treats women. He should be ashamed of himself instead of making a living of treating women like garbage. But well, if it takes a guy like this to get the word out about how Katy lives her life...while she judges others on a national platform for doing the same thing...then, GOOD! It's the hypocrisy that gets me about Katy...and other like her. She says don't drink or have sex...while doing both. Ted Haggard says how horrible it is to be gay...while he is paying a gay prostitute to satisfy him. Strom Thurmond lives a life full of racist hate speech and then is found to have fathered a child with a black woman. Senator Larry Craig puts anti-gay legislation into office...while he is found trying to engage in gay sex in a public bathroom, etc.

He's a shmuck...but because of him, every time someone googles the name Katy Johnson, they get the real story behind that sweet and innocent beauty queen face.

Alright, I am done giggling over a story that is well...years old.

P.S. The pic on his site...with him and some girl with "your face here" over her face. That's a pic with him...and Katy. *giggles*

sometimes it pays to be a bitch...

So, as I wrote a while back...I got very angry with Blockbuster recently. Here is the Cliff Notes if you don't want to click on the link and read my angry rant. Basically, Blockbuster raised their prices by 50% and said it was to better serve their customers. Now, I don't know how having people pay more for the same level of service is serving them better, but well...that's why I would never belong in a huge corporation. I know it is about the almightly buck...and be hidden in providing better customer service, etc.

But anyways...I digress. So, my last billing date at the old rate was on 8/20/07. I paid my monthly fee and thought to myself that I would use the service for the last month and decide if I was going to stay with the service or go elsewhere. There are some benefits to Blockbuster, so I was weighing my options.

Well, since my last billing date was 8/20...I should have service until 9/19, right? And Blockbuster sent an email saying that if you did not sign up for a new service plan, they would be terminating your plan at the end of the service month. At first I thought...good...I am glad they are not just signing people up for the more expensive plans without their permission. I'll decide what I am going to do when it gets closer to 9/19. I might stay. I might go.

So...last week when I am on vacation, I return 2 online movies to the Blockbuster store on Tuesday and get 2 new movies. I saw on my account that they had been received and my new movies should ship anytime.

Tuesday came and went. No movies shipped. No biggie...sometimes it takes a day.

Wednesday came and went. No movies. I started to get cranky. It usually never takes this long for the website to say it is sending you new titles.

So, I sent in an email customer service ticket. I explained that I returned movies and none had been sent to me. I got an email back on Thursday saying that my account had been terminated because I did not pick a new service plan, etc...and that I must have missed the email, etc.

Huh? My account was terminated....suspended...whatever word they used??? It was cancelled before my month that I paid for was up. So, to say that I was livid was an understatement. I emailed again and said that I paid on 8/20 and therefore, how can they cancel my account before I get the month I paid for?? I got another email back telling me that since I didn't pick a new plan, I was cancelled.

So, I decided to call them. The only problem is...finding the phone number is almost impossible. David Blane's next trick should be finding the phone number on Blockbuster's website. So, to find the number...I had to send in another email ticket asking for it. I got it...4 hours later....and then I called. I spoke to a nice young man, who sounded so much like a girl...I thought I was in an episode of Pat on SNL. I explained the situation and told him that if I did not receive the month I paid for, I was going to contest the charge on my credit card. I told him I had emails printed out showing the last billing date and when I was told my account was terminated, etc.

He said he was sorry and that he was going to put the 2 weeks I was owed back on my account. My next billing date would be Sept 27th....so that I would get the 4 weeks I paid for. Okay, I was actually happen...well, as happy as Blockbuster came make me lately. This all happened on Thursday. The guy(?) said that my next 2 movies would ship out on Thursday or by the latest Friday.

So, Thursday came and went. No movies shipped. No biggie...the guy(?) said it might take til Friday.

So, Friday came and almost went. It was 2 pm...and I knew from Blockbuster's website that they have 4 hours to answer an email, so I needed to email now. So, I emailed...gave the person the history and asked why movies aren't being shipped yet again.

I got an email back that was semi-nice and semi-snark. They said that 2 movies were now being sent to me...and they suddenly appeared in my queue. And then the person said that I got 2 free weeks on my account, so I was compensated enough and I shouldn't be complaining.

This is when I lost my shit. I got two free weeks? No the hell I didn't...I got the 2 weeks I paid for. My billing date was moved forward ONE week to compensate me for the week I missed when my account was cancelled.

So, I emailed this person back and said that I did not get 2 free weeks, I got what I paid for. I told them that if they were offering 2 free weeks, please feel free to move my account billing date to indicate that.

I got an email back saying I already got 2 free weeks, booyah!

I got all snarky again...and emailed back. Saying that I appreciated the person making right what Blockbuster did wrong (the person on the phone, not the email person). But, I wanted to make clear that I did not and have not received anything free. I got what I paid for, nothing more.

Then, I informed them that giving this level of service and that the price hike was supposed to increase the level of service, I would be leaving the company after the 2 weeks and returning to Netflix, a company that never cancelled my service and then called giving me what I paid for a free gift.

See...that's my pet peeve. I do appreciate the phone rep making it right, I really do. I was impressed with how quickly he took care of it. But, I hate it when you don't get what you paid for and then people say they will give you something for free. It isn't free, I paid for it. If I order a pizza and you mess it up...don't tell me you will send me out a free pizza. It isn't free...I already paid for that pizza, you just didn't give it to me.

So, anyways...after my last email...telling them that I had enough and after my billing period, I was taking my ball and going home, well...going to Netflix. I got an email saying that I was being given an extension on my free trial.

So...my billing date is now October 20, 2007. I am actually now getting an actual free month of service from them. I am now actually getting something for free. And you know, I never wanted something for free. I wanted them to make it right. But once they kept telling me I was getting something for free and I wasn't, I got pissed.

It's sad...that being a bitch and being aggressive is what worked. It's too bad that being calm and nice just doesn't cut it. They say no...and move on. I had to come back at them and get a little nasty. And two, threatening to leave the company is what did it. And trust me, it's not a threat, it's a promise...I will use my account until the end of the free period...and then return to Netflix.

So...if you need something from customer service...ask for a supervisor...get mean...and threaten to leave your company. I should have threatened to walk on email #2.

There ya go...my "I Hate Blockbuster" story of the day. Given how things are going, I will probably have a new one for tomorrow.

ridiculous!

I went shopping this weekend...just to pick up some random things. I went to Devil-Mart, Target, etc. In each store, I was blown away by the amount of holiday related crap that were in the front of the store.

Halloween costumes and rows and rows of candy. Okay, I accept this...even though Halloween is OVER a month away. And then, I turn the corner and I see rows of Christmas stuff. Yes, that is right...Christmas decorations and candy and Santa covered crap. It's just ridiculous. It's September people...next, I fully expect a whole row dedicated to graduation announcements, but then again...only if they can sell costumes and candy to go along with it.

I am amazed at how every single holiday is turned into how much you can buy...and what crap people can sell you. *grumbles*

Remember, once upon a time...when Christmas was all about loving that Baby Jesus!

beauty queen katy

So, I was watching that TV show MADE on MTV. I think the show is both sad and awesome. I think it is interesting how someone wants to be made into something completely different, but once they find out it might actually be hard...the whine and complain and basically threaten to quit. Really? Doing something different should be easy as pie, eh?

Anyways...I digress. My roommate and I were watching a marathon of MADE on MTV. The last episode we watched...was this girl in Vermont who was the definition of tomboy. And of course, she wanted to be made into a beauty queen so that the boys would notice how hot she was and want to date her. The fact that they didn't address the complete lack of self esteem of this girl was heart breaking, but none the less.

On this girl's journey to be a beauty queen...her MADE coach was none other than the former Miss Vermont, Katy Johnson. Did I mention I went to college with Katy Johnson?? Here is a pic of Katy...in all her beauty pageant glory:



She's a pretty girl...without a doubt. I will say it brought me such joy that in the MADE episode, it kept showing close ups of Katy...and good god, her skin is horrible. She's still pretty...in a Monet kind of way. She's pretty til you get up close and see how bumpy and splotchy her skin is. Eww. Did I mention that I loathe Katy with a passion? I am sure you are asking yourself why....and well, I'll tell you a story. Get some popcorn...and have a seat.

Okay, so Katy transferred to my college during my senior year. Why? Because she was in Florida and competed in Miss Florida...and lost, horribly. Katy wasn't ready to give up on her Miss America dreams...so she decided to move to a new state. Vermont wasn't a bad choice...because if you look at the girls who usually win from Vermont...well, they are much less plasticy and sometimes might have hay stuck in their teeth. So, Katy had a pretty good chance of winning the whole shebang.

So...she transferred in for the spring semester. She moved from Florida to Vermont in the middle of winter...and I remember the day she showed up...and didn't bring a coat. Anyways...not why I loathe her.

I had a class with Katy. It was a small class...only 5 people in the class and 3 of them were named Katy. So, myself and the other classmates...gave nicknames to all the other Katys. One was mousy Katy...cause, well...she's mousy. One was just Katy...cause well, she's cool and there is no other. And then there was Beauty Queen Katy...cause well..duh. She was always perfect...well done up...especially since it was a film class and the instructor often worked on films during the summer session, so Katy wanted to look her best. One time...one of the other Katys and I had lunch with our professor and he called Katy "Beauty Queen Katy." The fact that our nickname made it to the prof...well, it just made me giggle. Anyways...not why I loathe Beauty Queen Katy.

So...Katy competed in Miss Vermont and won...not a shock. It was kind of a given. And that summer she stayed on campus to prepare for Miss America. I was staying on campus as well...and was the RA for the dorm that Katy and I were living in. She was staying in my suite. We didn't talk much.

Okay...this is why I loathe Katy. Everyone needs to have a platform when they are in pageants. It's either "World Peace" or "End AIDS now" or "Childhood Literacy", etc. So, what was Katy's platform??? It was a abstinence platform...mainly not drinking or having sex. Now..I don't have a problem with that platform if Katy wasn't a huge walking hypocrite. How, you say? Well...Katy and I shared a bathroom, a wall and a hallway. So...let me just say that she didn't live by her platform. There were beer bongs in the bathroom...and I could hear her drunken stumbling around the hallway when she came home from the frats. And...she also brought a frat boy home from time to time...and I have ears.

So...if you are going to have a platform of not doing something...well then maybe you shouldn't do those things. You make a platform that judges other young girls for doing the same things that YOU ARE DOING.

*grumbles* And oh yeah...Katy didn't make it past the first cut in the Miss America pageant....two years in a row. Boo hoo for Katy. See that was Katy's real pageant flaw in moving to Vermont. Of course she could win Vermont...cause she would be up against real girls, but well...we all know that that a Miss Vermont is never going to win Miss America or even place for gosh darn sakes.

So there is my..."I know Miss Vermont and she is a whore" story. It amuses me and I attempt to share it with as many people as possible. If you claim to be the virgin mary, but in reality...are a drunken whore...that's a story I am going to tell.

EDIT: When I was doing a google search to find a pic of Beauty Queen Katy...I found this website. Yes, some guy told some story about Katy being a drunk and a whore...and she sued him and won. But well...it's been indexed on google, so if you wanna read the story...click away.

Now the icing on the cake...would be if Beauty Queen Katy sued me. I dare ya! Hey, at least this entry amused me...if not anyone else.

And no...I don't loathe Katy just because she's a beauty queen and I am sporting some extra pounds. *glares*

Mitch Hedberg

I was talking to someone at work today about people who we think are funny...and Mitch Hedberg came up. I mentioned how gosh darn funny I think he is....and then someone mentioned something shocked me. I didn't know Mitch died in 2005. I didn't believe it...at all. I was sure that the person was mistaken...because if Mitch Hedberg died, I would know about it.

Well, he did die...in 2005...from a drug overdose. He died in 2005...and I can't believe I didn't know about it, so...I'll mourn him now. He was one of the funniest people on the planet, not just because of the jokes, but because he had one of the best deliveries I have ever seen.

RIP Mitch Hedberg. *pouts*

buying a house only to lose it later...

It's been all over the news for the last few months, maybe the last whole year...about how the housing market is starting to peak and fall and how foreclosures are on the rise at record levels. It's kind of scary since I am either going to buy my dad's house or look to buy a house of my own in the next year or so. Foreclosure gives me nightmares, seriously...especially since those ARM loans have been biting people in the butt lately. I tell you thought...if I got a loan for a house, I wouldn't get one. It always seems like a good idea at the time, but when that interest rate adjusts it often makes it so that people can no longer pay their monthly mortgate payments. I can't imagine having all that equity in a house suddenly lost because you can no longer pay during the next month. It's gotta be heartbreaking. I was reading the amount of houses that are in foreclosure in the last few months in the local newspaper....there are more and more and more.

I wish that no one has to go through something like this, but with the market going the way it is, I don't think the trend is going to stop anytime soon. So, if you happen to find yourself in the financial pickle...there are websites which can help you through the process. Of course, my advice is to get help long before you even hear the word foreclosure, but something there is nothing you can do to stop the big bad from happening.

I hate you Blockbuster!

Months ago...when I signed up for Blockbuster's Total Access movie program...I wrote a post just saying how wonderful and great it was. I recommended it to family...friends...anyone who wanted to know and probably some who didn't.

Well, Blockbuster and I are officially not friends anymore...and I won't be recommending them to people anymore. Netflix is the shiznit people!!!

Why am I so cranky? Well...when I first signed up, their prices were basically the same as Netflix's, but you got the extra benefits and perks. You got to exchange the online movies in for movies at the store...and because you checked them in at the store, you got your movies sent to you faster. It sounded like the best of both worlds.

And then they sent me an email on Friday or whenever...and made me chuck full of crankiness. They said that their rates would be increasing and that they were making new types of plans. If you wanted to be able to exchange all your movies at the video store....then the price was going WAY up. If not, you could keep your current pricing tier, but you can only exchange a few movies a month. Or you could go online only. They said they did this...in response to a snarky email I sent them in order to more meet their customers needs.
Since when is charging people over 40%more meeting their needs?
Since when is charging people the same amount but taking away something you used to provide meeting their needs?

It's bullshit...and it's just showing that Blockbuster are greedy, slimey bastards.

It's a shame too...because in the beginning, I thought that Blockbuster had it going on. I thought they were going to be able to beat Netflix out. But now...I am pretty sure I am going back to Netflix. I might not get the free rentals, but at least I know that my rates aren't going to get hijacked again. Because unlike Blockbuster....when I have been with Netflix...the prices did change once, they went LOWER. That's right people...lower. When I first signed up for Netflix back in the day...3 movies out at a time cost $21.99 a month. And then 3 months later, they lowered their prices to $17.99 a month....and they have stayed at that rate since then.

So...Blockbuster...I officially hate you and your evilness. And now I plan on going back to Netflix. I feel like that girl who breaks up with her awesome boyfriend to date a complete schmo...and then realized he is a schmo...and goes back to that staple old boyfriend. Sorry Netflix...I never should have left you!

I am not 12 years old!!!

Okay, so my dad wanted to do a little shopping last night and asked me to go along. I am a nice kid...and of course, his favorite and only daughter....so I went along. We went to Devil-Mart to buy some stuff he needed for his painting project and a few groceries.

All was good...until Dad decided that he wanted to get some beer. He selected the beer....bought the cheapest kind they had. (Hey, I had to get my cheap gene from someone, mkay?). We bought some other items and made our way up to the check out.

We are checking out...and when my dad puts the beer up there, the guy looks at me and says, "I can't sell you two the beer until I see your ID." I didn't plan on buying anything, so I didn't have my ID with me...it was in my car back at the house. So, I said..."I don't have my ID, but then again...I am TWENTY NINE years old!" He looks at me like he doesn't believe any of that and says to my dad..."Unless she walks away and I pretend she isn't in your party, I can't sell you the beer."

So...I walked away. But well, it's not the point. In 2 months and 2 days...I am going to be god damn THIRTY years old. The guy said to my dad when I was away that since I didn't look 21, he couldn't sell to me. Please...I know I look young, but that's just ridiculous.

*grumbles, grumbles*

When will enough be enough?

I am sure everyone and their brother is talking about it...so why not me? I am so disgusted about the situation with Lindsey Lohan and her legal and substance abuse troubles. She left Promises Rehab and relapsed publicly 11 days later...while getting arrested for a DUI, driving without a license and possession of cocaine. She has already had one DWI...which she also fled she scene. After that incident, she bailed out and jumped right into rehab. And after this DUI...she also bailed out and immediately entered another rehab.

Now I don't mean to downplay the power of addiction and how it can take someone's best intentions and throw them right out the window. However, treatment only works...if you play by the rules and do what you are supposed to. Lindsey Lohan is a poster child for not doing things the way someone in recovery should be. She is someone who seems to go to rehab when it will get her out of trouble, but doesn't seem to want it to negatively impact her life at all. Why do I say this? Well...one, fresh out of rehab she is going to Vegas nightclubs where booze and drugs are available and encouraged. She said she was sober there, but still...anyone in recovery knows that people, places and things will get you sooner or later. You can't surround yourself with the drug...the temptation and not think you are going to come out the winner, especially a WEEK out of rehab. And then there are unconfirmed reports that Lindsey was asking where she could score some ecstacy at the club since she wouldn't get caught on her alcohol detection bracelet if she was abusing drugs.

And then her DUI situation...11 days out of rehab she was caught speeding, driving recklessly and under the influence of alcohol. Where were all her sober friends then? And...they also say that cocaine was found in her pants pocket. She says it wasn't hers, but even if that was true...why is someone 11 days out of rehab have someone else's cocaine in their pocket??

I do have compassion for the girl...because I think getting clean and sober while being in the fishbowl of celebrity is hard, especially when you have the money and status to not really face the consequences. I mean, if this happened to me...where I was charged with a felony DWI and had a $25,000 bail...I wouldn't be going anywhere. My butt would be sitting in jail until my next court appearance. For Lindsey...25 grand is nothing, paid it and moved on. And for her own sake...because if she doesn't get clean, she is either going to kill herself or someone else, I hope she gets some consequences. I hope that this time...the judge doesn't think rehab as "good enough"...I hope she serves some time. Of course, it will all become the next Paris jail saga. I think this girl really needs a good wake up call. A serious one.

I do wonder...when will enough be enough? Does she have to drive drunk and hurt or kill someone? Do we have to find her OD'ed in her hotel room? Haven't we learned this lessons in Hollywood excess over and over again??

*shudders*

where have I been?

Wow, I haven't written in a while...I have been crazy busy the last few days or so. On Saturday, I had to work in the morning...teaching a class. Then, my dad and I went to my aunt's summer house for the rest of the day. A bunch of my cousins were there and it was super nice hanging out with them. I can remember hanging out as kids and it's an interesting and really cool concept to all hang out together as adults.

On Sunday, I had church...and then stayed after church to prep for Vacation Bible School (VBS) which is running all this week. After that, I went out for lunch with my dad.

Oh..side note. I feel like such a douche bag. A complete and utter douche bag. Why, you ask? Because my dad's birthday was on Friday and I completely forgot. I remembered on Saturday, but well...that's not Friday is it. He was very nice and kept letting me off the hook. But, I feel like crap. I know how I would feel if he or my brother forgot my birthday. I should have remembered. Grr. I basically suck.

Okay...so dad and I went out to lunch at Panera's for a belated birthday celebration. It was yummilicious. I haven't really been able to eat out because of the new diet...but Panera was a winner. I had a nice garden salad with fat free raspberry dressing. Yummy! Then dad and I went grocery shopping and hung out for a while.

Monday...I started teaching a class at work. So, it was stressful and a lot of running around like a chicken with my head cut off before class. Plus, I haven't taught this class before...so I was nervous about how it would go. I went pretty good...well, at least on Monday it did. And then after work...I jetted home, made dinner and headed over to VBS. I made sure the room was set up...and then went down to collect the kids. It was SO HOT...and the church is not air conditioned. We had 4 little girls...and then did well, even though the heat was making them uber cranky.

I got home on Monday at 9pm...watched some crap TV (Hell's Kitchen) and headed to bed.

Tuesday...was much of the same. I had class at work again. This one did not go as smoothly. We had one kid who was just being mouthy and not really "into" class. So, it was 3 hours of me constantly correcting someone's behavior. It got frustrating...and I ended up just pissed at the end of the day. I finished the afternoon at work...once again jetted home, made dinner and headed over to VBS. Tues was even hotter than Monday, but the kids got to get wet with the hose, so they were much less cranky. It was a great time. But still..exhausting.

And I got home at 9pm again...watched some of the stuff on the Tivo...and headed to bed.

And now...we are at Wednesday. This has been a fun week, but it does feel like the longest week ever!

So, I was driving home from work today...and I drove past our local gas station...and saw that gas was selling for $2.99/gallon. Gas had been selling for about $3.15/gallon around here and the news had said that the area average was $3.11/gallon. So...I was shocked to see it under 3 dollars.

I pulled in and filled up. I had about half a tank, but I figure...if gas goes down in price...I should buy it. How sad that anything under $3 a gallon is considered cheap gas. *rolls eyes*

Don't be fooled....

So, I was watching TV this morning and saw an ad that just made me ill. Gary Coleman...you know..."Whatcha Talking about Willis?" Well...he was advertising for one of those instant loan companies. He said that it was great...cause no one would loan him money, not even his family...so this loan company saved the day.

One, how pathetic must Gary Coleman be these days to either have to advertise for these shmucks or even worse...have to use them.

I paused the tivo...to look at the actual description of the evil loan they are talking about. Let's take a look at what they are actually offering you:

"The APR for a typical loan of $2,600 is 99.25% with 42 monthly payments of $216.55. Credit approval is not guaranteed and depends on the lender's credit standards."

That's right people...the interest rate is 99.25 percent. That's just insane. And let's to a little quick math about how much you actually have to pay in order to fulfill the loan.

42 payments X $216.55= $9095.10

To borrow $2600...you end up paying a little over 9K.

If anyone actually gets one of these loans...you are either completely desperate or an absolute moron.

Shame on your Gary Coleman...selling your soul to these shmucks!

what the....

You know, sometimes I think people think it is just too much of a bother to be nice, to be cordial, etc.

I get to work about 15 minutes early each morning...and before clocking in, I walk around the building once or twice. It's good to start the day with a smidge of exercise and if I clock in too early, I will get the dreaded red box on my timesheet! dum, dum, dum....

So, there are often people working or standing outside smoking cigarettes when I am walking around. I usually always walk by and say "hello" or "good morning" to them as I pass. Most people will say hi back or ask how I am doing, etc... There are a couple of people that just REFUSE to answer. Every single day I walk by and say, "Good Morning" and every single day they sit there like no one said anything to them.

It's just rude...and well, unnecessary. *grumbles* But, I won't let their rudeness get to me...so every single morning I will say "g'mornin" to them...if they don't respond, it their problem...I still wish them a good morning!

P.S. I am doing Relay for Life tonight...so wish me luck!