Monday Morning Wake Up Call

Why oh why must some shiggity always be going on every vacation Monday?! Guess who called bright and early at 8:59? A car salesman informing me that I've been pre-approved for a loan. No shit?! I already knew that because I made the application myself online, not them. Now why is it he could not figure this out on Saturday afternoon? If they are complaining about not being able to speak to a human being on the weekend, they should stop selling cars on the weekend.
I asked the caller for the terms and interest rate and he said he did not know. What the "f" are you calling me for then?

Getting armoured for some bullshit, I called the lending institution to find out the interest rate and after speaking to someone I declare was in another country, I got a headache. He finally told me that the dealer has the interest rate information. Ain't that some shiggity. They are playing pass the BS. I am getting dressed and going to pick up my dirty Dodge Charger and bounce to my errands for the day. Let them stew! I am in no mood for bullshit sales tactics this early in the week!

Moviegoer Shot

Thanks to "The Secret" and "Morning Coach", I watch very little news but I do stay informed. As I scrolled today's news stories online, I was drawn into the headlines about a "Moviegoer Shot In The Movie Theater For Being Too Noisy". I automatically drew conclusions and knew what happened. My thoughts were confirmed. The man was shot for being too noisy. I understand. After you have paid your hard-earned money to enjoy a movie on the big screen, you expect people to shut up and watch the movie. Instead, they talk to each other, open their phones constantly to check for missed calls and even the nerve answer their cell phones and hold conversations! The thing that gets me the most are the people who keep the blue tooth on and flashing throughout the movie. That irritates me. I never managed to miss sitting behind a neon blue blinking light that distracts me from enjoying and concentrating on the movie. If not that, there is always a coughing hacker sitting in my area. I can just feel the germs landing on my neck. Yuck. If you are a hacker, please take a cough suppressant before going to the movie or getting on a plane!

I don't want to shoot or get shot in the movies so I wait for the DVD and watch at home!

Oh Boy!

Went after-Christmas shopping! I did not go crazy. Just picked up a few essentials in Hancock Fabrics. We only made right turns and parked in less populated zones. It was a cinch getting around.

Arrived back home to await the call that my car was ready. I had dropped it off for an oil change. I got out of the car and noticed a huge red liquid blob on the garage floor. It could not have come from my husband's rental car. It was directly where my Dodge Charger is usually parked! Oh Boy! First thing hubby asked was "Did you hit something?" No! A transmission leak??? I called the Service Department to alert them. It was still under warranty and just a year old. It was later confirmed that my car had a small transmission leak. I don't do leaky cars! My mind instantly went to "Trade It Now!"

We went to pick up the car but it was not ready. We browsed the car lot. Since buying my Charger, I really missed my Chevrolet Trailblazer. I'm used to hauling stuff. When buying bolts of fabric, I never had to worry about storage. The Charger is not a hauling stuff kinda car. I looked at the Dodge Nitro. There were only 2 in stock. I would prefer a black one but the red one was fully loaded and had the sunroof. It always worked out like that.

The salesman asked if we needed help. I told him that I was just waiting for my car to be serviced but if he could give me a sweet deal, I'd drive one off the lot today.

I don't know why I always end up in a car dealer's office when I'm hungry. It does speed up the process though when I threaten to faint or throw up from hunger. We worked out a great deal even though I was "upside down" on my Charger. What the hell does that really mean and how does that really factor into the new loan? I drove the Nitro home. It had some cool bells and whistles. It was also Inferno Red!

I'm still in the process of deciding whether to keep it. I have until Monday. I was not happy with the final terms. We signed a contract Friday but when we went back Saturday, they must have realized how sweet of a deal we'd gotten and decided to ask for money down and all that. I refused. Instead of "new car" smell, I was starting to smell Car Dealer Scam 101 ! I told them to bring my keys to my Charger. They were not figuring on that happening. The finance guy's office smelled of garlic so bad that I guess he'd seen "Twilight" and was afraid of Vampires. We tried to leave several times and the General Manager came out. I hate buying a new car. If I had known I was going to buy a car, I would have followed my own rule of advice: go with a pre-approved loan like I always do but I was caught a little off guard this time. I wasn't overly serious about purchasing a car that day.

They begged me to take the Nitro home and to keep it until Monday. They even said they'd give me an extra $1000 if I got it financed through my credit union. I guess this bailout shit ain't no joke. I should have taken their paper work and told them I'd think about it but to bring my car around. But I kept the Nitro just to test it out. I have since been approved by both my bank and another lending institution. Ha! I may just take them their car back and my check to another dealer! I don't play games when it comes to my money. Or, I may make them sweat as if I don't want their car. I see they added an extended $995 warranty that I did not ask for. It is going to come off. They have no idea who they are dealing with. I don't really need a new car!

Hobby Table

Being on vacation has allowed me time to clean my office that's been screaming for some organization. I've been fearful that Niecey Nash and The Clean House team would find me. But I'm safe now. Hubby bought me a much needed Hobby Table which has been a great addition to my workspace. I cannot believe how much I used to slump over my old table to cut fabric and patterns. This one works perfectly and it folds down when not in use.

I should soon be creating more fabulous creations! I'll be sure to post pix.

Light Christmas

We had a great Christmas. We went to his niece's house but I still cooked a small Christmas dinner of Roasted Chicken, dressing, green beans and corn. I made my infamous banana pudding. I actually scooped some out of the one I made for my in-laws!!! They did not miss it! This is always my entry ticket into whosoever house we're eating. As usual, it was gone in 30 minutes! They have tried to pry the recipe from me since it first debut but I refuse to budge. It is top secret. One of the guests told me that "This is the best banana pudding I've ever had in my life. in my whole entire life!" I was flattered. But I get that every time someone new samples it. I forgot to take pictures. By the time I thought about it, it was all gone!

Oh No She Didn't!

By now, we have all seen Beyonce’s, I mean "Sasha's" video for "Single Ladies: Put A Ring On It"! I was huffing and puffing watching those in-shape Chicas! Note to self: go work out!!! A gym membership is now on my Christmas list.

As I was strolling in an undisclosed location, i.e. work. LOL. I saw a woman wearing Dereon jeans who should not have been. Anyone on this planet knows what Beyonce’/Sasha is famous for: her derriere. In my opinion, Dereon jeans are only for women with a derriere! If you ain't pulling some junk, don't put your junk in Dereon jeans! Now, let me get dressed!

Too Hot To Handle

Hmmm . . .maybe someone can help me. I love a Starbucks' Caramel Macchiato every now and then but prior to that, I was not a coffee drinker. Sure, my grandparents would wake up at 5:30 and drink their morning coffee on the porch. They would sit and talk, he in a straight chair and she in her rocker. The two would sit for at least an hour talking and taking coffee refills. I wondered what was so magical about coffee. I tried coffee back then and just did not get it: it was too hot! I would always burn my tongue and cold coffee was not so good. What is the point?

I've been told that coffee gives a jolt for the morning. People meet for "A Cup of Joe". Perhaps it's not really about the coffee as much as the conversation while drinking the coffee. My grandparents must have been on to something.

My occasional Caramel Macchiato I love because it is sweet and creamy and has a good flavor at a less than piping hot factor. Perhaps for me, coffee is just too hot to handle. I'll stick to my Bee Pollen granules for an energy pickup.

Better Late Than Never

It is December 14 and I'm just putting up the Christmas tree! I was not quite "bah humbug" but just not so merry. Been very busy and kinda unfocused. But today, I was in the middle of a sewing project and decided to drag the tree from the storage room.

I had forgotten how many new decorations I scored at the end of last Christmas season! It was like Christmas opening the boxes to reveal my treasures. I don't think I have a big enough tree to put all the glass ornaments I bought at deep discounts! Maybe this year, I'll buy another tree!

One thing I learned today, when putting up an artificial tree, wear clothes! I mean I wasn't nude but my arms were out and got all scratched up! Could that be the sign of my needing to buy a live tree? I want that fresh, pine Christmas scent. I guess for now it'll have to come from Pine-Sol and the scented pine cones I bought. As soon as I clean the mess, I'll take and post pictures.

Love 'n Berries & Apples

I'm happily married but I have a new love.

I was perfectly content with my pink Motorola Razor until. . .

It all started innocently enough. I was sitting in the parking lot of the Shell gas station, addressing postcards on Election Day. I'm a sucker for history sometimes but I digress. I needed the address of my high school history teachers. I remember thinking, "If only I had a Blackberry". I could whip it out and find the addresses without having to call other people to look in the phone book for me. I made up my mind that I would make a change.

I had a meeting that Wednesday afternoon so that day was shot. But Thursday, I went to the AT&T store and there he was: the Blackberry and on sale! I was excited about all of the adventures we'd have. When I got to work Friday, another co-worker had also gone phone shopping the night before! She got an Apple iPhone.

I took my Blackberry home for the weekend to get acquainted with it. I got a headache! Especially after seeing how easy the iPhone looked. I do not read instructions until after the fact.

On Monday, I took the Blackberry back and got the Apple iPhone! It has been love ever since. So much so, that even my husband has gotten an iPhone! And he can talk on a soup can and string! Whether you like berries or apples, just get some fruit and be happy!

The Secrets of Former Shopper

Holiday Shopping is in full effect. I do not like getting in the midst of it unless I cannot avoid it like getting gas or running the the store for a few items.

How does one like me make due during this shopping season? I've learned a few tricks of the trade to make my life normal.

1. Make Right Turns Only!
Though it is the season of giving, trying to make a left turn across traffic will warrant someone giving you something alright, probably the finger! So, try to avoid left turns, especially those without a lane and a traffic control signal with an arrow. Even if it means driving down and making a block to turn around, make right turns only.

2. Walmart Parking Secret Revealed!
I probably should not give this away until January but I will reveal it now. Don't get caught up in the hoopla of trying to park close to the entrance doors. Unless you have a special blue sticker, park as far away from the main chaos as possible. I like to park in the Lawn and Garden center. I can find a good park, rush right in, get my few items, return to the L&G center to pay, and I am out of Walmart in 10 minutes. I tried this last Saturday. I needed a curtain rod and some three ring binders. I followed my own advice and it worked.

3. Skip Work!
Skip work to get some off peak shopping done. You can scoot in and out without the weekend rush.

4. Get Gas!
I used to gas my car religiously on Sunday and everybody else had the same idea: gas up for the week. I started gassing up on Saturday evening and the lines are nonexistent.

5. Browse It! Get It!
If all else fails, get online, browse it, order it and let the delivery man bring it! Works for me!

Thanksgiving Dinner

Does anyone else get tired of running over to somebody else's house to eat when you've got your own meal at home? Well, this year we stayed home. I cooked a small meal and enjoyed a stress free holiday. I cooked Turkey, Dressing, Giblet Gravy, Potato Salad, Green Beans (not pictured), Sweet Potato Pies, Hummingbird Cake and Hawaiian Sweet Rolls! Delicious! I slept late, ate earlier and actually watched and heard the television. It was wonderful. Sounds like Christmas may be a repeat!

TV Overload

Over the holiday, my husband and I watched "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving". I love all Charlie Brown specials except the one about the Mayflower or Pilgrims or whatever it was. There is always phone calls between my aunt Laura and us when a Charlie Brown special is on. Who needs TiVo when you have Laura? Anyhoo, we were watching the show and really tripped out with ole Chuck serving his friends a Thanksgiving Dinner consisting of toast, popcorn and candy! Peppermint Patty complained and they end up going to somebody's Grandma's house. I suppose Snoopy and Woodstock could not go so they had their own dinner: a roasted turkey and all the trimmings. When Snoopy unveils the beautiful bird, Woodstock jumps for joy. Why would a bird rejoice at eating a fellow fowl?

TV One ran a Good Times marathon. You know I love Good Times! We have come to the conclusion that "James" was probably having a secret affair with "Willona"! Why else would they hate each so much? Ever notice how she always just walked into the Evans' apartment without knocking? Why would she wear all those sexy clothes around Florida's husband? When you watch the episodes, you'll see it too! LOL

Twist Out