She Lives!!

two weeks post surgery and I'm alive!! it was decided a little late in life I should have those lovely tonsils and adenoids removed. Surgery went... uh well?? Let's see they did nerve damage to my tongue it's been two weeks and all I can feel are the tinglies, my mouth is pretty small so they broke my jaw in order to get my mouth open wide enough to remove my abnormally infected and large tonsils and they put me on steroids because of the severe swelling they feared it would affect my breathing.

Here I sit two weeks later and I can be reasonably understood when I talk and I can even eat soups now (I will never eat jello again!) nothing hot, nothing super cold just room temperature creamed soups doesn't that sound WONDERFUL!!

I baked insane amounts of cookies, tarts, cranberry bars, cakes, etc. lots of delectable foods, crab dip, shrimp puffs, steak, etc. for Christmas Eve dinner and I also did quiche, a breakfast casserole, breads, rolls, spicy potatoes, home made sausage, bacon, for Christmas Breakfast and I couldn't eat a single bite of any of it. I just stared longingly while I munched my ice chips and inhaled jello.

I did however, for Christmas dinner become very fond of bread pudding. It was pretty much my dinner but I was just so happy it wasn't gelatinous in any way!! I've been losing weight right and left, I think for those with tonsils who want to lose weight just get your tonsils taken out. It'll kill any appetite you could possibly have! Something about feeling like your swallowing razor blades that just ruins the fun of food.

Anyways I am alive and well and looking forwards to being able to eat solid foods in the new year!! I hope everyone had a wonderful family filled Christmas and an equally marvelous New Years!!

Good Deed for the Decade

So I did my good deed for the decade today. Not only did I not get upset that a woman who was talking on her cell phone rear ended me and damaged my beloved Zoey (my mini) I even sent her off with a hug, and a Merry Christmas. Not that I don't love my car, but it's only a few scratches and she was older and I'm sure didn't need that on her insurance/driving record. I think it's funny though I was calm and collected about it and everyone else is like WTF!! you should have called the cops and got her info and EVERYTHING. But you know what, I'm tired of getting upset because other people ruin what I've worked so hard to get. I love my car, I'm down right obsessive and anal about my car it's spotless all the time, but you know what I have NEVER owned a car not a single car that someone else didn't rear end. NOT ONE. (and I've owned 5 cars) I used to get so upset and cry and be angry and let it eat me inside, but now... this time, its just ok.

I hope she passes on the same kindness to someone else who makes a mistake. But I think, that was my good deed for the decade. Maybe all this cookie baking, holiday stress, work stress, school finals stress, volunteering, child mentoring, 2nd job stress has finally melted my brain... Alas, I am trying to be a good person, it's not easy though I tell you, I had to take a few deep breaths before getting out of my car on the side of the road. Here's to being best person I can be. I hope it doesn't kill me!!

Christmas Past

After helping an elderly woman who was struggling with her cart, contents and the loading of them into her vehicle I was surprised to hear - "I didn't think there were any kind, helpful youth in the world anymore. Thank you."

My heart swelled, ok so maybe it was my pride. but not pride in myself, pride in my parents for teaching my to respect my elders and to accomodate them whenever possible. I'm proud to say I was raised right. And this year more than ever I find myself going out of my way to help the elderly as I miss my grandparents to very much.

So many young people don't even realize the treasure they have in their lives to have grandparents. I haven't had a grandparent since I was 12 years of age. I miss baking cookies with my mom-mom (it'sa southern thing I hadn't heard of it either til we moved to The States) I miss bundling up when we went to visit my grandma in Canada for Christmas. Sledding in the front yard, making her furious for tracking snow onto her always freshly cleaned kitchen floor.

I miss my pop-pop (American) always getting so excited about his funny little trinkets he would collect all year just to see my eyes light up when he's pull them from behind his back. I miss hearing my mom-mom get on his case for not saving his treasures until Christmas day (I think that's where I got not being able to wait to give gifts from!). Singing Christmas carols that I barely remember the words to now, listening to stories of my grandparents' childhood Christmas' and how different life is now. I miss making snow angels, and laughing while shivering in the cold only to rush inside and sit by the woodstove until my cheeks are bright red. Helping my oldest brother shove my middle brother down slippery slopes covered with snow and ice... ya sibling violence - sniff sniff good times.

There is so much I miss from my Christmas' past. It brings a sadness to my Christmas present when I remember so many good times past and know that those beloved people will never touch our holidays again. I wouldn't necessarily call it Hum-Bug-itis but I am definitely not feeling overly joyous this season and I can't seem to shake it...
Maybe it was the woman who ran me down in the store with her cart yesterday... hmmm

Delinquent Blogger

I have a confession to make... I have been a delinquent blogger. When times get busy or a teeniest bit tough I have bailed on my blog like a cockroach when the lights come on. I am ashamed, delinquent and about to rectify that situation. With school finals all this week, baking Christmas cookies till I wanted to send charred lumps to all my relatives and friends out of frustration, and frantic shopping, decorating and the pressure of sweating excellence I am slowly but surely making progress in trudging through this holiday season. Alas, they closer it gets to Christmas, the more excited I get about giving my carefully selected gifts to my family, but I get more agitated, edgy and just wish it was over a little faster. *sigh* ah the whoas of such a supposedly glorious season.

It's That Time Again

Furious driving, animalistic shopping, screaming, shoving, hitting, fighting. Nightmares of old lady's armed with shopping carts and big purses torture my dreams of what should be fun holiday shopping.

Fruitcake drivers in SUVs (or really anything larger than my Mini lol) haunt my trek to and from work. What is it about this supposedly joyous time of year that brings out such vicious sides of people? With 33 more days until Christmas I have now become the most devout online shopper of anyone I know.

While people will be up and out in the cold before the sun, I will be snuggled up in a blanket on my couch with a cup of steamy caffeinated goodness and my laptop before braving the roads to work. While they run frantically down isle after isle ready to pounce on anyone/anything that may hinder their ravenous shopping I simply point my mouse and become one click closer to my final Christmas purchase.

The very idea of "Black Friday" sends shivers down my spine, a childhood memory of being practically run down by an old lady pushing a shopping cart. My mother had to fight the old woman back so I could get my foot out from under her cart. I was scarred for life and as result have not been out to shop on a black Friday since I was 6 years of age.

Black Friday will be my day to safely hide behind my desk at work and hope beyond hope that anyone who calls or comes in may be either naturally happy or on Prozac :0) Just another year I wish people would truly come to see what the real meaning and purpose of these holidays are.

Here's to another season of people who already have more than they need, fighting over what they want, when there are so many who can barely survive. Certainly makes me feel selfish and more privileged that I could ever deserve. *sigh* It's that time again. Pass the Advil - please!

Because This Is America That's Why

I had this spanish gentleman call into my office today. He was rude, and very ignorant because I informed him I do not speak spanish. He wanted to know "WHY YOU NOT SPEAK SPANISH." Rather than reply (because every fiber of my being wanted to shout, "BECAUSE THIS IS AMERICA THAT'S WHY!!) I just changed the subject towards how I could help him. However, he refused to get off the subject of why I do not cater to him and "his people" by learning their language. (at this point its running through my mind how "why would you want me to learn your language, then you would lose out on the fun you and your people have insulting Americans in your language so we don't understand! not to mention they don't speak English in "their country" for American who visit, the Americans have to learn spanish") I was losing patience (of course he did not know that) I remained jovial and polite and simply stated that I was again sorry but I do not speak spanish and perhaps he could call back with an interpreter? He was a tad ticked off at that statement, but ya know what! When I moved here, I had to start speaking English 24/7, I had to relearn how to spell alot of words because I spelled in french but guess what, my parents decided we were moving here and so I learned what was required of me, the country did not cater to me so I don't feel the need to cater to people too lazy to learn English. Sorry! Is that spiteful? I don't think so, ARG!! I digress, this was my, "I'm sick and still at work cuz I'm disgustingly loyal and wonder why I even got out of bed because of people like HIM," rant for the day, I'll retire my soap box and return to my vegitative state.

The Hostile Take Over

They are everywhere... I can't get away! At my every turn there THEY are sizing me up, contemplating my next move, and then.... AAAAAHHHHH at least a half of a dozen lady bugs fall on me, my desk, EVERYWHERE from the ceilling/light fixtures. as if I didn't have enough of them on my desk, my computer, phone and every other surface now they were planning air attacks! I am one of THOSE girls who can handle dirt, I own horses so there are the not so pretty spects of clean up there, but bugs... ya I can't handle bugs of any variety. I caught a lady bug crawling on my hand and had to stifle an involuntary squeek. I DO NOT LIKE BUGS. Funny when you consider how many are around in a horse barn, but I none the less am just terrified of bugs, even butter flies kind of creep me out - sure their wings are pretty but look closely at what those wings are attached too!!! needless to say I, am ready for another attack from the lady bugs and I will happily escort them outside! I still have to figure out where on earth they are coming from. They're cute so long as they don't TOUCH me, so I'll turn them lose so insecticide or anything but still they better not be getting anymore fall on Penelope ideas or I might have to break out the big guns!!

Road Rage... is...... fun?

Ok, i drive fast. I admit, I LOVE to speed around in my "street legal go-cart" as my Mini has come to be known. however, fast does not = rage infused road hazard. I speed yes, I do not tail gate, swirve at people, brake check, or whatever else crazy road rage peopl do. BUT!! This weekend, I had enough a a stupid college aged jerk who found it fun to go 15 miles under the speed limit in the fast lane (moving road block basically) so no on could pass anywhere and break check anyone who dared get close or flick lights at him. Well he tried brake checking me (twice) as he had several other vehicles only sad for him I was never close enough for it to affect me in anyway :0) (i flicked my lights at him once for about 2seconds so he braked hard). Lol, so I finally get around him and he put his high beams on behind me and left them on. I touched my brake peddle only enough for the lights to flash and then continued on my merry way, well Mr. Jerk came barrelling up behind me in response to my light flash I guess thinking he would intimidated me... Asshole in Lexus - meet rear end of Mini!!! I slammed my breaks on and went from 60 to 30 and HE went into the grassy median. hehehe. I know I shouldn't find it funny, and I really am NOT an aggressive driver, on the contrary I like speed, but I am usually the car who always tries to get out of the way and mind my business. I guess jerks like Mr. Lexus can get to anyone after a while. It still brings me a smile to think he probably had to completely scour his undercarriage to get rid of the mudd, leaves, grass, etc that lives in our medians. hehe hopefully he won't mess with anyone anymore, especially mini coopers :0) I don't think I'll be making a habit of being a jerk back to the crazy drivers, but just this once.... It was hilarious!

Drama, Drama, Drama

I thought that mess died off as we get older. My boss as pure evidence... it does not. He was on his cell phone for at least 80% of the day going back and forth on a "he said, she said" rant from a comment made at a party he went to this weekend. Someone said something negative about someone else (imagine that) and he didn't like it and felt compelled to announce that to any within earshot. (apparently the need to do so carried over into today and whomever happened to be on the other end of the cell phone)

Amidst his heated rants and ravings I was swamped, over-loaded, chained to my desk and about to pull my hair out from the stress and insane amount of work piling up around me. You see we are a small agency. Consisting of two agents. Owner and personal slave/only other agent (that would be me).

While being a small agency can be nice and personable (the secretaries are great! and we're all like family), it can also be a tad hair raising when things get hectic and I'm the only one on track to get things done. *sigh* slaving my way up the corporate ladder amidst the drama and turmoil.

Left Lane Closed - OOPS

It have now been 9 months since they began the road construction between my house and my place of employment. 9 months... Of every day stop and go, cut throat traffic that makes my drive to work over an hour long. I admit I do get frustrated with other drivers at times, but I don't get aggressive or flick people off I usually just try to stay away from "the crazies." This morning I got in line like everyone else to wait our turn to drive 2 miles an hour on a one lane highway during rush hour. We get to a certain point and all the road signs say "Left Lane Closed" so of course everyone obediently merges to the right lane. we go all of maybe 30 feet and everyone is moving the to left lane... A little befuddled I hesitate to move at first to get a look at what's going on. Ya, one of our rocket scientist road workers put out the wrong signs and it was the right lane that was to be closed and a car drove right into one of the holes but into the road because the right lane wasn't blocked off. *shudder* I would hate to be the guy(s) who blocked off the wrong side of the road and put out the wrong signs when the guy in the beemer gets through with them. He was FURIOUSLY jumping up and down and screaming about his car int he middle of a cement crater. While I would be angry too, he must have been going pretty fast not to see the gaping 10 foot hole in the middle of his lane. At least no one got hurt! I have to admit I did chuckle at the sight of a BMW's rear end sticking out of a hole in the road and some irate guy flapping around like a chicken. What a mess. I wonder if they will teach our road construction guys the old L shaped adage that helps you decipher right from left? Talk about an OOPS!

Is It Just Me

OK, here's another horse horror story (I rescinded on the other horse) the second horse (not mine selling for someone else) I sell the horse and it's agreed verbally that the price is $3000. so Saturday they give me what is supposed to be the final payment and they are $500 short. (not only that when initially taking the horse they wanted a 2 week trial, I agreed, then they didn't want it they were certain she was "the horse" until I get the horse there and then they change their minds and again want the 2 week trial and I had already set up for that weekend another person to look at the horse) I call to ask what's up and the woman has some excuse and then "has to call me right back" ya so it's now Wednesday she didn't call me back, and didn't answer my call. I am so @#%$^&$ SICK of fighting for what is rightfully mine! WTF!! why is it that I go out of my way to help people and they screw me over right and left! I trailered the horse almost an hour away for these people for not so much as even gas money, I GAVE them her winter blanket and her bridle (because they know absolutely nothing and wouldn't know how to measure for that stuff) I have told them everything they need to know about basic care, and THIS is how they treat me! I am just SICK TO DEATH of the BS! So tonight I will stop by the barn where they have the horse, leave her papers, tell them to find someone else to teach their daughter, pick up my tack that I have allowed them to use (since they didnt have their own yet) and wish them luck. (part of me wants to storm in their and say "what the hell I'm an independently wealth college student going through a divorce but hey I'm sure you totally need the money more than me you know to pay for your Cadillac or your jag!") but I won't I'll just walk away screwed over yet again. *sigh* sometimes I just get so discouraged. I try so hard to do what is right and be kind and helpful and I just always seem to get taken advantage of for it... *tears*

That Fuzzy Feeling

And I don't mean the warm fuzzy feeling you get from helping other people (who appreciate it) I mean that not-all-here, cold pill, fuzzy-balloon head feeling... Ya, I've got. Can't think straight, can't spell, can't remember stuff. I was sitting in class last night and I understood everything perfectly clear like mud, but this morning... I have no idea what went on in class last night. I had to try to go back, review notes, review archived stuff. I haven't the slightest. Being a work-aholic and a school fiend is great... until you get sick and then there is not time for it and I can't seem to shake this mess. I have a combination of the flu and strep throat not to mention staph is running rampant in our area right now with children (guess who volunteered to play a part in a charity play for you guessed it 150 little girls - ya me) So it's been 6 days and I seem to be getting worse, mt doctor finally took pity on me and will see me this afternoon, and my boss sympathetic though he is, is a heart beat away from asking me to wear a mask because I am a walking incubator for "the funk" (as I have so lovingly come to call it). I need sleep, I need antibiotics, I need a kick in the ars so I pull myself together and get on with it! You know I actually apologized Monday morning when I called out, I actually laughed after the conversation because I was not even able to get up without getting sick and I actually apologized for not toughing it out and getting to work. (I was also running 103 fever) Lol, I was dressed and ready for work tho! What I wouldn't give right now for a hot bath and a throat lozenge.

Ya, they make pills for that now

Angry at your ex - there's a pill for that it's call Prozac

Sad because you're having a rough time or lost a loved on - try Zoloft

Can't sleep from a guilty conscience - Ambien to the rescue!

Just sick of the bs and want to tell people off? try this:

Penelope the Heffer

It's positively official. I am being sold, with the agency. Like a side of beef, like an unsuspecting dairy cow. I am trying to look at it as a possibly brighter future with a bigger chance of earning what I'm worth... but somehow this little voice (moo) in the back of my mind keeps telling me to be cautious. I have so many fears about being "sold" with the agency, but so many hopes.

While feeling like a piece of livestock isn't the greatest feeling in the world, with a new owner and new standards this agency may really be going somewhere. If I am good enough I will get to run the agency. If not, I may be shoved to the slaughter line and cut from the agency staff...

All this worrying is making me sick. I have to stop worrying about that I can not control. *sigh* oh for the simple, care-free days of childhood when things like deciding when to play in the pool all day or ride my pony all day were the toughest decisions to be made.

Side note:
I totally don't believe in reincarnation but if I did, I would want to come back as my parent's dog. Our dogs are so spoiled it's disgusting but they are adorable their only worries are what time they are getting fed and what time they are going out. Must be nice.

Oh, Oh, totally off subject lol but guess who gets to play a bride in an upcoming event... YOURS TRULY... I was a little leary of the part especially since I was volunteered for it against my will. But it should be fun! My mom's way of getting me to agree to volunteer for the part...
"You already have a wedding dress and it's not like you're ever going to use it!" - gee thanks mum always know how to make a girl feel great! Actually, the two of us just cracked up when she said that. lol, brings back such interesting memories.

Yes, Oh Snarky One

ok, so am officially on the board at a local equestrian organization/show facillity now! Exciting though that is, I also find it a tad daunting.

First official meeting transpired this week and by then end I was left feeling both excited and ready to get to work yet, a little confused and peeved at the attitude of some of (ok ONE of) the other board members.

Now don't get me wrong I pretty much like everyone, really easy going and comfortable in a room of strangers or with everyone I know. This one person; however, kind of got to me. She was rude, as in flat out ignore me if I talk to her rude, and when I tried to make a suggestion towards one of her ideas she turned into Super SNARK.

She pulls out this cute horse border that she decides she wante to put up in the office of the show facility, it is VERY cute and a good idea... BUT the office has panelled walls and is neither heated nor air conditioned so it get the roughest of the harsh weather, AND it's super humid here ALL the time but even worse in the summer. So I bring these conditions into perspective, at which point "SUPER SNARK" decides to put me in my place. "My brother is a WALLPAPER EXPERT... BESIDES! I take hot steamy showers every day and MY wallpaper stays up JUST FINE." I did not respond to her snarkiness only thought to myself... ok DUMB ARS!! your HOUSE IS STILL CLIMATE CONTROLLED!!!! but I didnt, I just left it and when it comes off the walls I'll help clean it up.

I almost offered to draw/paint whatever they want on the walls because I've been know to do such things to the delight of others from time to time but I figure there's no use it would only anger "Oh, SNARKY ONE" and it would be a lot of time and work gone to waste if it is not wanted. Alas, I find my niche and my source of frustration in the horse world.

I am a little to nice I think because I'm not clickish noand I don't put weight in what a person owns but who they are as a person... Sigh, at least I only have to humor the Snarky One at board meetings once a month, I'm too busy at events to bother with Little Miss Snarky-pants.

Sometimes I wish I could just smack those kind of people though, they take the fun out of horse showing and turn it into a money fest and a dog eat dog atmosphere. That's part of why I stopped showing horses... It was fun though.. especially being a no name rider on a no name horse with hand me down equipment and show clothes and walking out with all the ribbons amidst the dumbfounded looks from wealthy trainers and riders... :0)

Frazzled/Exhausted

gosh I'm tired.... I was thinking on all the things I have to take care of this week and I'm exhausted just thinking about it. 6 projects for school, working both jobs, meetings almost every night this week, getting ready for the Hunt Club's open season, taking care of the final issues with the divorce, getting on the previous employer for an WC claim they never paid, the horses, my insurance lisence junk, volunteer stuff, I'm beat and I have barely even made a dent in my week.

*sigh* It is all going to pay off... In 3 years when I'm done school... and get a fabulous job because I have maintained perfect grades, and shown loyalty to my employer and perserverance in the fires of life... right?! lol probably not, but at least those thoughts are what keep me going. Killing myself now will be more than worth it in the future when I can run my own business, travel, maybe retire early who knows!

Ah, but for now frazzled though I am, it's back to the daily grind another late night at work with additional work related meetings going well into the 9ish hours and then school after that.... *yawn* I need a power nap!

Bad Vibe Mentoring

So tomorrow I officially begin the child mentoring program. I have to admit I'm a little nervous! So far I have gotten some rather unusual vibes because this has been my experience so far:

I email the organization to find out more about mentoring, I receive a response. "Dear such and such it appears you are in DE..... WE service the lower shore of MD.... You MAY want to try the Dover chapter." My response, " Oh, well that's fantastic since I live on the lower shore of MD, (when I said what city it does span the Mason Dixon line so she was not only rude but foolish for assuming). I again requested additional information. That particular person... NEVER got back to me.
I send another request, at which time the Baltimore chapter contacts me. So I respond:
"I'm sorry I am several hours away from your chapter, I was hoping to volunteer for my local chapter." At which point the girl gets rather rude and says she will set up a meeting time for me with my local chapter. At this point I inform her that I work in DE but live in MD and I work until 5pm so it needs to be after that time with leave way for travel time.

That woman calls me telling me I have an appointment for 5 pm. at a location that's almost 45 minutes from where I work. I was like "uh, scuze me... I said I work until 5 so obviously I can't be ANYWHERE right at 5 let alone somewhere in MD. Is there anyway, I can get a meeting for 6pm?

This girl was furious! She went off on hateful torrents of "YOU told ME that YOU work until 5!" I just calmly responded with: "Yes, I did tell you that I work until 5, I also said that I work in DE and the chapter I need to be at is in MD. I did not realize there was a misunderstanding there. I apologize that you did not realize that since I work until 5 I couldn't be anywhere AT 5. So she blurts out some disdainful things about I should have been more specific, etc. etc. and says how she will "TRY" to get a later appointment.

Makes me wonder if I really want to volunteer for these people.

Odd Man Out

I am perfectly happy being single. I don't miss being someone's barbie, doll, baby, toy, trophy or any of the other categories I have been put under. Last night, I went out with some friends, and you guessed it, I was the ONLY single person, everyone else had someone. Did I feel, "odd man out," not really, unlike alot of people I really don't mind not having a "someone", when everyone was giving their "someone" a kiss I laughed and declared their public displays of emotion "disgusting."



Do I believe that... no. lol When you have REAL, friends, they don't forget about you and get wrapped in their little "world," because they can spend time with their gf/bf anytime! Do I miss relationships?? lol, actually... no. Had too many bad ones and I've emersed myself in work and school and the community to the point where I have no time for anything else

Gimpy and Her Horse

I have this gorgeous Thoroughbred Gelding, dark bay (reddish brown with black legs and a black mane and tail) white socks, a big white blaze down the center of his face and soft, loving eyes. He's so expressive with his facial features he's more like a person then a horse. I can tell exactly what he's thinking with a quick glance at his face.

Kash (my horse) is a sad story, and we're still working on the happy ending. He has been starved, abused, placed in home after home having a bad experience at each one. The original owner was going to put him down, when I came along. I took him in, put about 200 lbs. (he still needs more) on him, have gotten his shots, had his feet, teeth, etc. taken care of and he's now to the point where I ride him.

Now most horses that have had bad experiences with riders will buck or try to throw a person off once they are actually sitting on the horse. Kash on the other hand has a fear of people getting on and off. He's perfect once I'm on it's just the getting on part.

Some days he seems like he's really making progress and starting to truly trust me, and then we have days like yesterday where he was bucking in the barn after he was saddled. For no reason! I was so scared he was going to hit a wall and hurt himself. Once he stopped and relaxed, I took him out to the arena and he was perfect to ride, but it's those scary before the ride moments that make me wonder if he just holds it all together while I'm on him cuz he is conscientious of his rider. It kinda breaks my heart to think that he would still be scared of me, but he has had so many people do so many bad things I can't really expect him to trust me.

Here is a little glimpse of his past. He was starved, had a woman ride him with spurs and was so rough she CUT him so bad he has scars & proud/dead flesh, he was beat before, during and after riding, misused, and his trust was completely ruined.

So now, I am just hoping and praying that he will one day trust me, and know that I wouldn't ever hurt him in any way.

Thinking on it, we are a pretty good pair, I have a sprained/broken foot, he has broken trust and we're both clumsy. Maybe I should write a book "Gimpy and Kash on the Road to Recovery."

Hooray for the Perfect Costume!!

I found! I actually found it!! AND it ACTUALLY fits me!! Hooray! So I am going as a pixie (Tinkerbell since it's my nickname) this year. I found a costume that doesn't look like it belongs on a first grader and it FITS!!! Sorry, I can barely contain my excitement! I usually end up making my costume because I can never find one that looks right AND fits but this year... this year I have defied the odds!!! I will be sure to post pictures of this years costume party, I just couldn't resist sharing my luck in finding a costume and not at the last minute like usual!

Caffeine Fiend

I'm as much of a caffeine fiend as the next guy. I get cranky, moody and awful headaches when denied my thirst for that golden, amber liquid that so enhances my life.

This morning however, I was a little thrown aback upon listening to this slightly eccentric looking woman order her morning Starbucks.

She ordered (and I can't believe I remember this) a grande, soy, double vanilla latte, with whip and cinnamon. Demanded that they double cup it AND include a sleeve. I half wanted to ask her if she would like the cup Valium laced or plain... Lol, she was so "matter-of-fact" that she was rude and I actually apologized to the barista for the snarky woman who was in line before me.

Upon her leaving, one of the newer baristas (most of them know me because I used to work there) turns and asks me if I know how lucky I am... I was totally befuddled, I had no clue what this girl was talking about! She could probably see the question mark on my forehead because she went on: "Please don't think me rude, but you are sooo lucky you don't look like your mom! Your so little and cute and she's well... not?"

I had no idea what to say, my first thought was to declare that I look just like my mom, only 6 inches shorter, but then it dawned on me...

She thought the wrinkly old fuss pot who had ordered before me was my mother because I had apologized to the person at the cash register for the woman's ill behavior. I just sort of giggled and informed the girl behind the counter that I was in NO WAY related to that woman (Thank God) that I just felt bad for the people working that morning because she was so rude and demanding.

guess who got a free coffee this morning just for being nice? Wow, it made me feel special :0) and I don't mean short bus special, I mean I felt really good that kindness actually meant something to someone. Not too mention my super yummy White mocha was made to perfection :0)

Oh ya, It's fake... It's still WARM

So I go to a local pool hall with some friends (who despite my horrid past performances are DETERMINED that I CAN and WILL play pool). Because pool halls and alcohol (bars) usually go hand in hand (imagine that) they of course carded us all at the door.

Now I long since grown use to the bouncers making me recite every bit of info on my license, AND them sticking it in the little machine to verify that my ID is indeed REAL. But this time, THIS TIME was VERY interesting. After spending about 10 minutes reciting all my info and passing the license in machine test I was finally permitted to join my friends at the pool table. I don't think 10 minutes went by and our waitress demanded to see my license again, amidst the groans of protest and statements that I HAD TO GIVE IT TO THE BOUNCER JUST TO GET IN...

I handed the girl my license at which point I had to re-recite every tid bit of info on my license for the 2nd time and mid license # she stops me and says: "Look, I don't know what you think are you pulling here, this license it fake... It's still warm!" At this point I started laughing hysterically and pointed out that I had been stowing it in my back pocket, of COURSE it was warm, I might not have much fat but my butt is like a space heater!!

You know she was going to make me leave!! I just happen to know the owner/manager who came up to say hi and after being quickly briefed on the situation told the waitress I was good and to serve whatever "on the house" for the trouble.

I felt kind of bad for the waitress and actually stuck up for her by stating that she was only protecting the owner's best interest because she suspected me underage. The owner just kind of laughed, but I was serious. I didnt want the waitress to get in trouble or have to pay for the "on the house" rounds as punishment for doing her job. So when we left, I gave her a $50 tip to make sure she was covered if she had to pay the "on the house" rounds and if not; maybe, just maybe she'll remember me next time and not give me such a hard time :0)

What would you do?

We'll say hypothetically you are selling a horse. A girl comes and "test rides" and decides she wants to purchase your horse. She comes out several more times to "test ride."

A month goes by, other people are interested and this girl thinks you are going to just hold out for her. So you let her know "Hey I have a couple other people intersted if you want this horse you need to put a deposit on him ASAP." She recoils and states, "I thought you were going to hold him for me and just let me pay on him until December."

Thus far you have been very patient, basically given her free riding lessons everytime she has come out to ride the horse and offered to allow her to board him at your farm until she finds another location for him. She sets times to come out and ride and doesn't show up until hours later and still expects you to stay out in the barn with her so she can ride.

She uses all your tack and equipment, grooming supplies, fly spray, etc and does rent it or share cost on supplements, fly sprays, grooming products, etc. You have gone out of your way to help her purchase her own supplies only to have her stand you up when you have asked the tack shop owner to come in early for you so SHE can look around. and all this while working 2 jobs and going to school full time, plus, running a child mentoring project and pony club.

Then upon requiring the girl to pay board once she finally put the deposit (a month and 1/2 later) on the horse, and you require she pay it on the 1st of each month (she is already a month behind) and upon the horse coming due for it's shots you ask her (again helping her out) if she wants to have her horse's shots scheduled to be done when you have YOUR horses done since vets rarely want to do a farm call for one horse.

She waits and waits to confirm, she then does and the evening the vet is to come out she sends you a text (doesn't even have the decency to call) and asks if YOU will PAY for her horse and she will pay you back. (wtf like you're her friend or somthing?) Upon agreeing to pay for shots (only because the vet has already been scheduled and is HERE to do shots), you require the person pay the last month's and the coming month's board plus the shot fees on the 1st of the month (in 4 days) in response to this she gets angry and wants to know what the problem is and if "YOU ARE BACKING OUT OF THE SALE OF THE HORSE."

In response to tell her no and that in light of how she has handled the situation thus far she needs to have the horse paid for before he leaves the premises. To which she is furious. How would you handle the situation from here?? I am rather befuddled by this "USER" who for some reason thinks I owe her. I sold her a really good horse for less than I should have trying to give her a break.

I've allowed her to keep it at my farm for several months (it only takes a few days to build a run in and put up fence- trust me I know), I teach her to ride every night she rides (I'm an instructor and I can't not give help when asked for it) because she is a fool and knows nothing, I have paid for the horse's feed thus far, waited a month for a deposit, am still waiting for the 1st months board and she now owes a second, paid for the horse's shots, allowed her to use my supplies, tack, etc. AND gone out of my way and put my name on the line requesting a person open their tack shop 2 hours early so we could go while she had off work only for her to show up at 10am which was the tack shop's normal hours anyway AND the person running it was sick AND SHE DIDNT BUY ANYTHING, she didnt even PRETEND to be interested.

So now I am to the point where if she does not pay her board to date, the shots and her next deposit on the horse tonight I am going to rescind and re-advertise the horse. What would you do?? Do you think I am being to impatient or harsh?

I Wanna Be a Princess TOO!!!

This morning while enjoying my cup of "get yourself together b4 work latte" (Starbucks) I watched as the most elegant being I have ever seen got out of her car in walked into the Starbucks. This girl had the most beautiful ebony skin I have ever seen! She was flawless, tall, walked with sense of pride and dignity that you don't see in people from around here. While her clothing was not designer quality, nor her hair done any special way, she was gorgeous. I felt (for a moment) a desire to be like her. I want to be able to get out of my car and turn heads. I swear this girl looked like a princess, she could make a canvas potato sack look good. The only thing I can say didn't look quite right, was that she was here... She looked like she belonged in some beautiful city setting or in front of a mansion. On her way out, she stopped and talked to me and it was so funny because she thought I was adorable and I without a sense of embarrassment admitted that I thought she was one of the most gorgeous people I have ever seen. I know part of it was her physical appearance, but she was also friendly and intelligent and the way she carried herself made her perfect. I want to be like that... Only thing, I need to grow about 6 or so inches to be anywhere near her height. Plus then I really would look anorexic lol. *sigh* oh for the life of a princess.

Caffeine and Tranquilizers

An odd pair, perhaps... Yet they are exactly what I need, a good, strong cup of coffee and a couple tranquilizer darts.

While the coffee is for me, the tranquilizers are for the infuriating little man who was sitting before me just moments ago. Try as me might he could not manipulate me into saying something about his insurance that is not true. He wanted me to tell him that he did not have to maintain the coverage on his home that his mortgage company required of him.

It occurred to me rather abruptly that people like him take out mortgages every day, I now have a HUGE respect and sympathy for those in the lending business of any kind. This man was redundant and infuriating, a combination that would make anyone tired of his nonsense in five minutes.

Half an hour after he walked into my office I informed him that was he was inquiring about was an issue for his MORTGAGE COMPANY not his insurance agent and as such I was advising he give the MORTGAGE COMPANY a call. I also informed his not once, not twice but 8 times that upon taking our a mortgage he agreed the day he signed on the dotted lines to uphold all of the MORTGAGE COMPANY'S requirements. This infuriated the little gremlin, and I was slowly losing my patience.

I finally informed him that I could not help him, he needed to contact his mortgage company and then get back to us on the amount of coverage needed. End of conversation and I moved on to answering my phone which had been ringing off the hook since the tyrant walked in the door.

I only experience dealings with fools such as him when I am the only agent in the building and don't have the time for his ignorant rantings. Ugh, I just wanted to kick him out from the first moment he opened his mouth. He didn't talk to me he shouted at me. I hate that. What makes anyone think that someone is going to WANT to help them when they are rude and ignorant. It would be like me tearing someone down emotionally and then demanding their assistance... Ya not exactly a realistic expectation is it. *sigh*

This is wear a steaming cup of coffee and a poofy chair would be just wonderful. What a morning.

Round and round we go

I love it when people call my office and want "help." They insist on askng a million redundant questions yet never shut up long enough for an answer. Or when they do give you half a second to answer, they are so busy thinking of another question they make you repeat what you've just said a couple more times "for their own edification." I spent 45 minutes on the phone with a woman today explaining what coverages she has and what that entails. 45 MINUTES to give a 10 second overall presentation of her policy. AHHH!! What I don't understand is, if a person is ignorant to the way something works, wouldn't they want to LISTEN and LEARN?

Apparently not as the very same woman called not an hour later wanting to know what I had just explained to her a short period of time earlier. Not only that, when I answer the phone I state the agency name, AND my name. You know she kept telling me she had "previously discussed this with suchansuch" and she wasn't sure who was right.

I finally was like "I AM SUCHANSUCH" (after saying my name several times and her still not having the little light bulb go on) and YES this is EXACTLY WHAT I REVIEWED WITH YOU DURING YOUR PREVIOUS CALL.

Sometimes, I wonder. I think my dog a more competent being than some of the people I deal with and not just at work, in LIFE. Alas, it's my job and I like it. It's just now and then when some stubble bum who really doesn't care (otherwise they'd listen and learn and remember) just wants to waste my already non-existent time with such frivolous and redundant nonsense. *sigh* ah for the love of work.

An Autumn to Behold

It's finally here, that breath-takingly beautiful season we all know and love! Autumn, when the leaves portray their magnificent and vibrant colors in all their silent glory. The season that brings about all the wonderous fall treasures, crispy apples, pumpkins and gourds, brisk mornings and warm afternoons decorated with some of the most lavish colors known to man spanning every field, yard and highway. I welcome our fall season with open arms and a joyous heart!

why the government wants to run the world, why it shouldn't

I read an article this morning about the State of MD possibly enforcing a class that potential pet owners must take before they are permitted to own a pet. Although on one hand I can see the need for a class to educate people on what owning a pet entails, I can't see it being a requirement.

While yes, the majority of our population here on the Eastern Shore is rather intelligence challenged, I don't think there should be class set up & required before someone can own a pet.

Perhaps a system set up where upon an owner's or pet's first offense the owner be required to pay a fine and take a class, and upon the second offense have the animal placed in another home or put down.

I have heard horror stories of people who own animals and have left them with wounds because they just "thought it would heal on it's own," wounds that would make you sick, like a puppy who's eye was hanging out of socket that's now blind due to the owner waiting a day to take it to a vet. Or a horse living off it's barn because the owner didnt realize the horse couldn't survive off just the stubs of grass in an 8 ft dog run.

The sheer stupidity I have witnessed first hand and heard from others is enough to make me sick. Where do you think a country is headed when people don't have the heart or the sense to take care of their pets, helpless animals who love unconditionally?



With the stupidity some people present to the ownership of animals, or better yet their children, it does tend to make one ponder what would come of allowing the government step in, but then again I don't want a world where the government runs every aspect of our lives, then it ceases to be a free country.

Although it does tend to make one worry when a person doesn't have the sense to look after an animal how on earth they can have a child. But if America starts mandating what we can and can not have when it comes to pets and children... Well that would make us China, and even China is working to change their regulation of children in China. *sigh* I do believe our once great country is sliding down a slippery slope to an unforetold despair.