1. Had a terrific time in Halifax accepting my outstanding award as the outstanding alumnae. Pictures on FB. Podcast to be uploaded to the university's web site. Eventually. Rebel came with me.
2. Sister in law in Halifax and I had a great time. Had some great chats while staying with her in Halifax. For now she likes me better than her brother. Bwa ha ha.
3. Started a new job where I have no staff, no budget responsibilities. I LOVE it! I can just do my job.
4. Contrary to that, the young one who replaced me is already burning out. You have a lot to do don't you? And they only pay you at THAT level?
5. My blog at work is number 3. My tweets are number 1. Sorry - intranet only.
6. XSU caught Rebel Junior planning yet another do at my place while I was away last weekend. A day late. She cleaned up everything this time, however, she left crucial details undone. GOTCHA!
7 .I have a scrapbooking weekend this week end. Gone for three days. With my little dog too!
8.Had a perogy making party two week ends ago. The young librarians wanted to come over to make perogies - then eat. We had about 9 dozen potato cheese, 2 dozen meat filled ( Russian) and two dozen cherry filled. All I had left were about 4 meat filled and about 8 cherry filled. And some dessert.
9. Rebel has had three accidents in the Taurus station wagon, XSU's former vehicle. He now has an old man car - a silver Fusion. The hybrid Fusion was going to be my car if the Mustang didn't work out. I am not going to buy a Fusion now, unless it comes in some sort of sporty model.
10. I can't decide if I want to teach next term or not. Not worth the money, I hate marking, but love being on the teaching stage. Maybe I should look to community theatre instead?
11. I am trying to be a morning person. It's still not working.
12 I am trying to go bed earlier. That's not working either
13. The divorced older man shuttle driver at work is hitting on me. Why do I attract these types?
September 30, 2010
September 22, 2010
September 15, 2010
September 12, 2010
Sunday Snippets
It's been a while. I am sorta back but have been feeling a tad lethargic the last few weeks. The blast of hot weather week before last didn't help and getting back into work mode this week. Totally not helping.
Rebel Junior wants to be at school by 8 AM. Every day. This is KILLING me. Have I mentioned that I am not really a morning person? But it's good for me to work towards this goal because it will allow me to change my work day too. It's that getting to bed with the lights out earlier in the evening and not staying up to watch Craig Ferguson or Jimmy Fallon. We managed to get out of the house once at 7:45 AM and the rest of the week it was 8ish... or later.... working on this one!
I found out that a really nice guy I work with, who I haven't seen in months is at home on hibernation leave. He came home from work one day and his wife had left him. Off she went to Newfoundland - with another man- and left him at home with the five dogs and some furniture. He had no clue. Nothing. Isn't that always the way with the men? Typical. He'd been married over 35 years and was getting the retirement plan geared up. He's been off work for over 4 months now. I've sent his manager a note telling him that when next he talks to this guy, that I'd like to take a crack at him. I think his wallowing phase needs to fade out and he needs to start getting angry and dealing with the business. The five dogs and his finances in particular. Apparently she's coming back to take two of the dogs. Nice of her.
We are still dealing with our Hotelby City.com fiasco. The company very nicely took off one night's charges at their inflated price. - I am still so pissed at this thing. But in the end if they don't back away, I am going to have to pay $400 extra in hotel charges to VISA. Hotelsbycity.com is part of Priceline and I can't seen HOW they can say cheaphotels on their site and then charge these extravagent fees.
I am still working on getting a beat up old couch out of my basement. RJ called XSU to come over and destroy it and get it up and out. I had a fit (quietly) when she told me. Apparently he was going to come in the house when he brought her home after school and take care of it. While that would be all fine and dandy, I was pissed that it never occured to him to call ME and ask ME what I wanted to do. RJ keeps using the argument "well it WAS dad's house too, until you two had to break things up." I didn't even bother going there with her, and told her instead that I had things under control and really, it was okay, and thanks for offering up her dad, but I have my own friends who will help me. No doubt this would have the easy way out, but frankly, I'm not too keen to be beholden to the XSU in any way, shape or form. He wasn't helpful while we were married, why would he be now? It's that thing he needs and I don't want to be feeding his needs. I couldn't do it right while we were married, why do it now? Perhaps it's biting off my nose to spite my face ( I love this phrase) but I need to figure these things out on my own with my own people.
I called XSU and told him that if either of the girls ask him to come into MY house for any reason, he absolutely had to call me or send me an email first. There's just no reason for him to be taking requests for stuff at my house from his daughters. He, as usual, said nothing. I don't know why he doesn't get this part. It's NOT his house. He really should focus on his house instead. It's postively a relic!
IN the meantime, I've got a friend coming over with a saw, wire cutters and just in case, a chain saw to get this piece of crap furniture chopped into sections and out the door.
Not a great Sunday activity, but it has to be done!
Happy week friends.
Rebel Junior wants to be at school by 8 AM. Every day. This is KILLING me. Have I mentioned that I am not really a morning person? But it's good for me to work towards this goal because it will allow me to change my work day too. It's that getting to bed with the lights out earlier in the evening and not staying up to watch Craig Ferguson or Jimmy Fallon. We managed to get out of the house once at 7:45 AM and the rest of the week it was 8ish... or later.... working on this one!
I found out that a really nice guy I work with, who I haven't seen in months is at home on hibernation leave. He came home from work one day and his wife had left him. Off she went to Newfoundland - with another man- and left him at home with the five dogs and some furniture. He had no clue. Nothing. Isn't that always the way with the men? Typical. He'd been married over 35 years and was getting the retirement plan geared up. He's been off work for over 4 months now. I've sent his manager a note telling him that when next he talks to this guy, that I'd like to take a crack at him. I think his wallowing phase needs to fade out and he needs to start getting angry and dealing with the business. The five dogs and his finances in particular. Apparently she's coming back to take two of the dogs. Nice of her.
We are still dealing with our Hotelby City.com fiasco. The company very nicely took off one night's charges at their inflated price. - I am still so pissed at this thing. But in the end if they don't back away, I am going to have to pay $400 extra in hotel charges to VISA. Hotelsbycity.com is part of Priceline and I can't seen HOW they can say cheaphotels on their site and then charge these extravagent fees.
I am still working on getting a beat up old couch out of my basement. RJ called XSU to come over and destroy it and get it up and out. I had a fit (quietly) when she told me. Apparently he was going to come in the house when he brought her home after school and take care of it. While that would be all fine and dandy, I was pissed that it never occured to him to call ME and ask ME what I wanted to do. RJ keeps using the argument "well it WAS dad's house too, until you two had to break things up." I didn't even bother going there with her, and told her instead that I had things under control and really, it was okay, and thanks for offering up her dad, but I have my own friends who will help me. No doubt this would have the easy way out, but frankly, I'm not too keen to be beholden to the XSU in any way, shape or form. He wasn't helpful while we were married, why would he be now? It's that thing he needs and I don't want to be feeding his needs. I couldn't do it right while we were married, why do it now? Perhaps it's biting off my nose to spite my face ( I love this phrase) but I need to figure these things out on my own with my own people.
I called XSU and told him that if either of the girls ask him to come into MY house for any reason, he absolutely had to call me or send me an email first. There's just no reason for him to be taking requests for stuff at my house from his daughters. He, as usual, said nothing. I don't know why he doesn't get this part. It's NOT his house. He really should focus on his house instead. It's postively a relic!
IN the meantime, I've got a friend coming over with a saw, wire cutters and just in case, a chain saw to get this piece of crap furniture chopped into sections and out the door.
Not a great Sunday activity, but it has to be done!
Happy week friends.
September 08, 2010
September 06, 2010
Autumnal New Year
It always feels like a new year on the Labour Day long weekend more than it does in the middle of winter after Christmas. The change is far more palpable in September. In the dog days of August you can feel some of the coming crispness in the air in the evenings in spite of the searing heat and humidity during the days. This weekend we went from a major high of 34C ( almost 100F) on Friday to barely 17C ( 65F) on Saturday. Change is in the air.
White clothes, tank tops, capris and open toed shoes are tucked away at the end of August, and panty hose makes a return - much to the chagrin of women everywhere.
I've done my share of back to school shopping this year. I took both girls shopping, separately. Their styles of shopping are so different, it never works to take them together. Never has.
Rebel is working now, but I still have to cut her a little slack after her two+ year absence from the work force. She is coaching gymnastics and loves it, but because she doesn't have her certification she has to take a whack of courses and qualifiers to be able to work without a certified coach trailing her every move. She's frustrated but is getting the short term pain long term gain point of view. The other coaches (many younger than her) don't think her diving experience is worth much but she is handling herself. "Back summersault on a trampoline? Piece of cake. You go ahead and do one off a 7 metre board and hit the water without hurting your head or back, okay? Then we'll talk about who was in the tougher sport!" That's a Rebel for ya.
Rebel Junior has finally started looking for jobs. Though given her school agenda - and I don't mean classes, I mean Yearbook Committee, Athletic Association, Grad Committee, and a drive to be valdictorian, not sure whether a J-O-B will fit. Both XSU and I have told her it has to fit as we will not pay for any number of her extra curricular activities including her plans for Punta Cana at March break.
I also did a little shopping for myself. A pair of jeans to die for - Yoga Jeans by Silver. OMG! Best jeans ever! Sold to me by a wonderfully sharp dressed young man at the jean store. I have to get another pair they fit so terrifically. Cost a fortune but whatEV! And a pair of shoes. Not quite flats - a little wedge heel in gold. Perfect for jeans. I also shopped around for drills and impact drivers. But that will now have to wait until late fall, since I blew the budget on the girls.
And this new year for me? It's now been a year since I officially separated from XSU. I am still adjusting but it is easier. I am mostly enjoying my independence. Money is tight. But I'll get there. At least I have a great job and don't have to worry about that. And it will get better.
Had a martini with the widower neighbour the other night - was taking the dog for a walk and he was out on his porch. I told him I envied his porch and his drink, and he invited me to share both. With the dog. And his two cats. We took a chance. Conversation and that's about it. It was a nice. Friends for now that's all I can manage. But I digress....
This year I am still on the board of the gymnastics centre, (yeah the one where Rebel is working- first time I ever used my influence for anything) I will be teaching again in the winter, I have my theatre girls, and am thinking about working a compressed work week, if I can ever figure out how to be a morning person so I can get to work earlier so I can work the extra 50 minutes a day in order to get the 10th day off every two weeks.
I'll be heading to Halifax in a couple of weeks. I won an award from my university. Imagine that. Outstanding alumnae of the year. Given to me by a committe of my peers from the school. The citation was very nice. I have become one of those "been around forever people" and now need to get my speech written. The new crop of students will be in attendance so I have to speak directly to them. Rebel will be coming with me which was a real surprise. She asked to come.
So the "new year" is off to a good start. The air is changing it's a new start for all of us. Happy New Year to you too.
White clothes, tank tops, capris and open toed shoes are tucked away at the end of August, and panty hose makes a return - much to the chagrin of women everywhere.
I've done my share of back to school shopping this year. I took both girls shopping, separately. Their styles of shopping are so different, it never works to take them together. Never has.
Rebel is working now, but I still have to cut her a little slack after her two+ year absence from the work force. She is coaching gymnastics and loves it, but because she doesn't have her certification she has to take a whack of courses and qualifiers to be able to work without a certified coach trailing her every move. She's frustrated but is getting the short term pain long term gain point of view. The other coaches (many younger than her) don't think her diving experience is worth much but she is handling herself. "Back summersault on a trampoline? Piece of cake. You go ahead and do one off a 7 metre board and hit the water without hurting your head or back, okay? Then we'll talk about who was in the tougher sport!" That's a Rebel for ya.
Rebel Junior has finally started looking for jobs. Though given her school agenda - and I don't mean classes, I mean Yearbook Committee, Athletic Association, Grad Committee, and a drive to be valdictorian, not sure whether a J-O-B will fit. Both XSU and I have told her it has to fit as we will not pay for any number of her extra curricular activities including her plans for Punta Cana at March break.
I also did a little shopping for myself. A pair of jeans to die for - Yoga Jeans by Silver. OMG! Best jeans ever! Sold to me by a wonderfully sharp dressed young man at the jean store. I have to get another pair they fit so terrifically. Cost a fortune but whatEV! And a pair of shoes. Not quite flats - a little wedge heel in gold. Perfect for jeans. I also shopped around for drills and impact drivers. But that will now have to wait until late fall, since I blew the budget on the girls.
And this new year for me? It's now been a year since I officially separated from XSU. I am still adjusting but it is easier. I am mostly enjoying my independence. Money is tight. But I'll get there. At least I have a great job and don't have to worry about that. And it will get better.
Had a martini with the widower neighbour the other night - was taking the dog for a walk and he was out on his porch. I told him I envied his porch and his drink, and he invited me to share both. With the dog. And his two cats. We took a chance. Conversation and that's about it. It was a nice. Friends for now that's all I can manage. But I digress....
This year I am still on the board of the gymnastics centre, (yeah the one where Rebel is working- first time I ever used my influence for anything) I will be teaching again in the winter, I have my theatre girls, and am thinking about working a compressed work week, if I can ever figure out how to be a morning person so I can get to work earlier so I can work the extra 50 minutes a day in order to get the 10th day off every two weeks.
I'll be heading to Halifax in a couple of weeks. I won an award from my university. Imagine that. Outstanding alumnae of the year. Given to me by a committe of my peers from the school. The citation was very nice. I have become one of those "been around forever people" and now need to get my speech written. The new crop of students will be in attendance so I have to speak directly to them. Rebel will be coming with me which was a real surprise. She asked to come.
So the "new year" is off to a good start. The air is changing it's a new start for all of us. Happy New Year to you too.
September 02, 2010
Hotels By City.com Don't go there
A digression from the usual assorted bits I write here and I will now talk about a website that I believe is not doing the job it says it is supposed to do HotelsbyCity.com Apparently it's associated with PriceLine.com. Oh really? I gave the link up there but only as an FYI. Don't use them. Here's why.
So how is that a hotel that has a price of $113 a night ended up on a Visa at over $224 a night? That's over double the cost per night. Would I EVER pay that for a short vacation night? No, I wouldn't. So how is it that the printed rate on the HotelbyCity.com web site gave me one price and then charged something completely differently? I'll tell you how. HotelbyCity.com is perpetrating fraud. The website says one thing, and before you know it - a VISA bill comes in with a different number on it. Fraud, carpet bagging lying out and out snatch and grab.
Do NOT use Hotelsbycity.com when you are booking your own vacation or business trip. They will hose you, rip you off and more.
To add insult to injury - we had to cancel one night's stay. We did this well ahead of the trip and guess what? While the hotel is not charging for the night, Hotelbycity.com wouldn't take even that off their outrageously out line visa charge. Well, we fought that one, and they did decide to remove the one night - at the HOTEL'S rate of $113 a night and not the ridiculously inflated rate they charged us of over $225 a night.
Seems to me if it walks like a thieving duck and talks like a thieving duck it IS a thieiving duck. Hotelsbycity.com. Stay away. Stay very far away.
So how is that a hotel that has a price of $113 a night ended up on a Visa at over $224 a night? That's over double the cost per night. Would I EVER pay that for a short vacation night? No, I wouldn't. So how is it that the printed rate on the HotelbyCity.com web site gave me one price and then charged something completely differently? I'll tell you how. HotelbyCity.com is perpetrating fraud. The website says one thing, and before you know it - a VISA bill comes in with a different number on it. Fraud, carpet bagging lying out and out snatch and grab.
Do NOT use Hotelsbycity.com when you are booking your own vacation or business trip. They will hose you, rip you off and more.
To add insult to injury - we had to cancel one night's stay. We did this well ahead of the trip and guess what? While the hotel is not charging for the night, Hotelbycity.com wouldn't take even that off their outrageously out line visa charge. Well, we fought that one, and they did decide to remove the one night - at the HOTEL'S rate of $113 a night and not the ridiculously inflated rate they charged us of over $225 a night.
Seems to me if it walks like a thieving duck and talks like a thieving duck it IS a thieiving duck. Hotelsbycity.com. Stay away. Stay very far away.
September 01, 2010
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