Couple of words

I can't comment on Facebook on this one, because that's what my gripe is. And, yes, before you say anything, I realize that autocorrect is most likely the cause. But, still. Here's a couple of examples.

"I'm trying to sale my car, if anyone is interested"

"I've been called an angle, but I think I have them fooled"

Sell, people, sell. And, ANGEL. Amazing what a difference the location of letters can make.

On another note. Over the past couple of weeks, I have been spring cleaning my house. Floorboards, curtains washed (and starched), comforters cleaned. Once I got my house cleaned, I started in on cooking. Brownies, chicken salad, egg salad, homemade salsa. Then, when I ran out of things I wanted to cook, I started in on my flower beds. Re-mulched, new flowers put in, flowers actually put in to my pots, etc. Today I actually have clothes hanging out on the line. Nesting, I've been accused of. And, before anyone says it, no, I'm NOT pregnant. However, in the past month, I've had big change in my life. My manager left for a better position. One of my favorite co-workers is transferring to another branch. Heck, even my dentist is moving away. Lots of change. I feel like the only thing that I have any control over is my house, so it's going to be under control, dag-nab-it. It's not working. I have a friend who has suggested that now would be a fantastic time to re-evaluate my life as it is. Am I truly happy? I don't know that I have a solid answer for that.

Writer's Workshop

Choose a prompt, post it on your blog, and come back to add your name to the link list below. Be sure to sign up with the actual post URL and not just your basic blog URL (click on the title of your post for that URL). For good comment karma try to comment on the three blogs above your name!!
The Prompts:
1.) One pet peeve that shouldn’t drive you crazy, but does.
2.) Share 10 “Must Haves” this Spring!
3.) What were you blogging about last year at this time? What has changed?
4.) What inspired you this week?
5.) Perform a random act of service. And then tell us about it.

I'm really trying to get back in this blogging spirit thing. I used to really enjoy writing, even if I have friends who are much better at picking the right words. So, I'm going to use some helps to get back in the swing of it, and maybe turn off a few of the filters along the way.

3. What were you blogging about last year at this time? What has changed?

The reason I chose this, was that the answer is actually *nothing*. And, the reason for that is filtering. What was going on in my personal life, dating life, was pretty rough. And, there's a very good chance that person could stumble on my blog, and I didn't think he would much care for me to have it out there. But, in the year that we were dating/talking/together (what DO we do in the 20 something year?) I discovered I filtered a lot of myself out, and that wasn't fair to me OR to him. I like McDonalds food. And I like country music. And I believe in God. And I have no problem with my dog sleeping in my bed. And if any of those are issues to the guy I'm dating, they are HIS issues. I can negotiate on brands of toothpaste, but there are some things that just are what they are. And I have spent the last year learning to like, and to be ok, with those things about myself. The strange thing is? There are people out there who like me just the way I am. Country music, french fries, and all.

I've made a really good friend over the past year plus or so. He told me this week I'm a growth stock. Now, being a banker and all, I found that rather funny. He said he'd buy my stock. There are some days you might feel like you're losing your shirt, but if you stick with me long enough, you're going to come out ahead. I'll take that.

Professional Responsibility?

I read an article today on CNN.com about too few doctors telling their patients they are overweight. Can I get a little amen? There’s no secret that I’m not a skinny girl. I don’t always eat right, and I don’t exercise every day. However, I’m working on it. And, I have a LONG way to go. But. I wonder if my trip might not have been shortened by a doctor 13 years ago saying, “Hey, you’ve gained 10 lbs since your last visit. What’s changed? You need to keep an eye on that.” Instead, you know how I realized how bad it was? When during one visit, the nurse left my chart in the room with me. There, in the doctor’s notes, it clearly stated, “Patient is obese.” And, I’d been seeing this doctor for a couple of years! Not once, in any check-ups, ‘I’m sick’ calls, or any other time, did this doctor mention it to me. The only way it got discussed was when I said, (after reading that), “Hey. I don’t like being fat. What do you recommend?” He then promptly put me on Meridia, and that was the end of it. When I have a client come into the bank and do a transaction, how upset is that client going to be if I don’t mention, “We didn’t receive your loan payment.” Or, “I see you got a service charge last month. Let’s do something about that.” If the professional that you are working with sees that there is a problem, don’t they have an obligation to SAY something about it? Yes, being overweight is a sensitive, touchy subject. But, that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be addressed. And, I would have much rather had 10 lbs to lose, than what I’m faced with today. So, yes, doctors. Please say something sooner, rather than later, to your patients!

Oh, and yes. I’ve switched doctors. To one that regularly does blood work, takes the time to discuss my current personal situation, and keeps me in check as far as diet and exercise. Isn’t that what they are getting paid to do?

Nothing much . . .

To say. See, here's my problem. I'll think of something during the day (where blogging is strictly forbidden), and by the time I get home, I've completely forgotten about it.

I can tell you this. I'm tired. I was out late last night on a squad call, and up early this morning. Now, I don't mind calls, but when the patient gets to leave the hospital before I do? Fail. I was told when I started running calls the time would come when I wouldn't jump to answer everything. I laughed. I need to hunt that person down and tell them that they were right. Even now I'm listening to tones go off, and making no move to go answer them. The call? MVC. Vehicle off the roadway, engine still running, no one around car. Now, before people jump to anything, we do have an assigned crew, so someone is going. It's just not going to be me.

On another note. My poor Britney dog has had a heck of a time lately. Last week she suddenly wouldn't tolerate standing, and was "gimpy" as she walked. Fortunately, I have a totally awesome vet who saw here less than 12 hours after I called him, and she is now taking Novox every morning. The only problem? She now thinks she's a puppy again! Crazy thing.

This weekend will be busy. Racing, BIG racing. If you're in the Southwest VA area, Natural Bridge Speedway is going to be the place to be . . . come see us!

Hey. At least it's a post. :-)

Since January?

Wow. Just, wow. I used to love writing, daily, and I just . . . got away from it. I think in some ways I've forgotten how to be me. And what I want. In other ways, it's become far more clear, what is important. But, for now, can I tell you about the bracelet I'm wearing?

This past week, I was on vacation. I was supposed to go see the Boy, but since that, well, fell through for various reasons, I found myself with a week with nothing to do. My friends, Karey and Laurie, and their respective families, had made plans to visit VA Beach. K. invited me to ride down with her sister, but her sister ended up leaving earlier than I could have left work. Bummer, but I was still flattered that they would even have invited me. I underestimated my friends. Karey and Laurie banded together to make sure that I had transportation there. Once I got myself to VA Beach (without a wrong turn!), Laurie let me bunk up with her family. The next two days were spent applying sunblock, chasing kids through waves, more sunblock, riding bikes, sunblock, eating yummy sushi and seafood, (did I mention sunblock?), and all in all, having a fantastic time with my friends. On Sunday, as Karey's mom was leaving, she tossed me the jelly bracelet they had given out at the hotel in case I needed it for something. I came home Monday evening, and spent the rest of the week contemplating and enjoying not having to be anywhere.

Each time I look at that bracelet, I'm reminded of how much I have to be grateful for. I have incredible co-workers, who jumped in at the last second to watch Britney for me. I knew how much I liked my friends, how much I consider them my family, but I was overwhelmed by their show of friendship. It's exactly right - Friends are the family that you choose for yourself. I've chosen, . . . very well.

Idio-craty

Is that even a word? Along with most of the nation, I've been watching the news. My heart aches for those lost, people who have no idea if their family and friends are ok. I remember when Hurricane Ike went over Houston - my parents were on a mission there, and for about 24 hours, I couldn't get in touch with them. I knew they were ok. I mean, the Church is very good about notifying family and all that, but I was still worried. I can't imagine longer than that, and with the images we are seeing.

I'm a Christian. I believe in helping anyone and everyone you can. As I told a friend the other night. I believe in being a productive member of society. Work as much as you are able, and make a difference. Give of yourself. Make the world a better place because you were here. I work (technically) 3 jobs. Volunteer with the Rescue Squad and Fire Dept. While I'm a clutz, and make more than my fair share of mistakes, I consider myself a decent person.

When I see, and hear, idiots like Limbaugh making comments like he did, it just infuriates me. I remember Mama teaching me: If it isn't kind, necessary, and true, don't say it. It's not like Meatloaf sang. You can't have 2 out of 3. I overheard a person today saying, "What's the big deal? They were overcrowded anyway." Who says that??? Anyway. Sharing this response. I don't do politics, I don't do a lot of big, fancy words in a conversation, but I got this. What do you think?

While I'm on it, in case you hadn't heard, you can text "Haiti" to the American Red Cross at 90999, and $10 will be donated that will show up on your cell phone bill. In the past 24 hours, over $5 million has been raised. Please don't let this stop you - it's a drop in the bucket when you look at what's going to be needed over time. Also, Ree, at www.thePioneerwoman.com is doing a fundraiser. Leave a comment, and be entered to win a drawing for her to donate $500 to the Haitian charity of your choice. She's also donating $.10 per comment left, so go, help her do a good thing!

Seriously?

Have y'all seen this article? Let me back up. I work in the financial industry. Here's the dirty laundry you're not hearing. Not all the institutions that received bailout money wanted, or needed it. But, the government didn't want people to know which ones were hurting, so they grouped a bunch up and said, "Here's how much you're taking. Not an option." As soon as we could pay ours back, we did. With interest. And fees. And all the extra's. Now, it appears that AIG, GM, and others may not be able to pay there's back. So, Mr. Obama, your solution to recoup the costs are to levy taxes and other fees against everyone who took the money??? Hold up. How is that any different than said "Big Evil Banks" giving a loan to a person with all the fine print, etc., that goes with it. That person pays it back early, paying all the penalties, and fees associated with it. Then, the bank says, "Oh you know, Mr. X over there didn't pay his back, so uh, client? Fork over some more dough." What. the heck. Seriously? Why is it wrong for banks to make money? They are a FOR PROFIT industry. If you don't like paying overdraft fees, here's a novel concept. Don't spend money you don't have. Don't like late penalty rates, and over limit fees? Pay your bills on time, don't spend more than what you have. Realistically, the majority of people never overdraw their account. A few will do it once or twice a year. A handful will repeatedly overdraw their account. Guess who's making the most noise? Ugh. I'm so tired of hearing about this. When you make bad decisions, there are consequences. If those are bad business decisions, than your business would fail. Some of these badly-run institutions need to fail. There are plenty of good ones that are eager and waiting to help people be financially sound and successful.

Getting off soapbox now. Thanks for reading! I'd love to hear your thoughts . . . . it's a pretty hot topic for a lot of people.