What????? October already? Come ON!!! I'm still thinking I should plan a Memorial Day BBQ. With the flipping of the calendar page to another month I can't help but be reminded of the ominous HOLIDAY SEASON that is encroaching whether we like it or not.
Oh yes....the holiday season....love and best wishes to all....right? So easy to say from our holier-than-thou pulpit. We need to practice what we preach. We all want world peace and get angry at our elected political representatives because they can't get along. However, how many of us avoid and manipulate celebrating holidays with certain relatives/friends because they have pissed us off? How many of us have boycotted holiday get-togethers because of family feuds? I see you. You can't fool me.
Before you get your liberal ass all preachy mandating peace and love for all while dissing your own family I have a few parting thoughts and a practice challenge for you. Visualize the following carefully.
We all can't even come together over a meal at Thanksgiving with family members we are not particularly fond of and compromise -- even if we have to fake it. We all know that the holiday season is fodder for suicide, violence, and 911 domestics. Why on earth do you expect your elected officials and government to behave differently?
Michael Jackson said it best. If you want to make the world a better place take a look at yourself and make that change.
Your challenge for this holiday season is to make peace with a relative who has pissed you off and break bread with them. Grandma will take that humanitarian gesture to her grave....AND it will legitimize your "world peace" bumper sticker on your Prius. Think global. Act local. You can't get any more local than your own home and family.
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Reptilian Brain
The old saying "cold hearted snake" isn't so far off the mark. There really is a personality disorder mostly associated with narcissists where their brains are wired in a somewhat reptilian fashion. People with this type of brain wiring are broken. They are incapable of long-term relationships and any kind of love and reciprocity that does not revolve around the RB (reptile brain) constantly having his/her ego stroked. They think nothing of keeping people in their lives -- as long as they serve a useful purpose to them -- and then devaluing and discarding them like they were a wrapper around a fast food hamburger. They need a constant supply of ego stroking, and like a swarm of locusts will go source-to-source, destroying everything in its path, to feed and keep the ego alive.
The problem is that these people are smart and know how to manipulate. It takes time to sift through what is real with them and what is not. They can't keep the act up forever and they will slip up and show their true colors. Don't be fooled thinking that the RB suddenly had an epiphany and suddenly grew a conscious and a heart. They don't. They just need something from you whether it be nursing their ego or filling their bank account.
Next time a cold hearted snake tries to slither his/her way into your life remember this very helpful visual that somebody told me. Go into a pet store and look at a lizard and I mean REALLY look at a lizard. Do you think it's capable of genuine love and feelings? Do you think the lizard will change if you give it 'just one more chance'? The chameleon will change colors, but it's not permanent and only a tool for manipulation for the RB to get what s/he wants from you. Your RB person *is* that lizard.
This one will *not* turn into a prince upon kissing. Trust me.
The problem is that these people are smart and know how to manipulate. It takes time to sift through what is real with them and what is not. They can't keep the act up forever and they will slip up and show their true colors. Don't be fooled thinking that the RB suddenly had an epiphany and suddenly grew a conscious and a heart. They don't. They just need something from you whether it be nursing their ego or filling their bank account.
Next time a cold hearted snake tries to slither his/her way into your life remember this very helpful visual that somebody told me. Go into a pet store and look at a lizard and I mean REALLY look at a lizard. Do you think it's capable of genuine love and feelings? Do you think the lizard will change if you give it 'just one more chance'? The chameleon will change colors, but it's not permanent and only a tool for manipulation for the RB to get what s/he wants from you. Your RB person *is* that lizard.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Belly Laugh
As life is taking me on a tour and educating me on this plane of existence, I'm realizing more and more the importance of the belly laugh. You know. The laugh where sometimes liquid spurts out your nose and your stomach is in agony.
Where belly laughs are inappropriate (funerals, weddings, business meetings) hard core silent giggles work as well. You know. Where your entire body is shaking and people think you're having an epileptic seizure. Weird grunts arise from your throat in attempt to suppress and silence the laughter.
You know what love is? It's the people you experience laughter with. I'm not saying that you don't have your knock-down nasty arguments with them -- if you spend ANY amount of extended time with ANYBODY you will have a knock-down nasty argument. It's the ability to later have a good belly laugh about the argument down the road with the person you had the argument with. It's my lame definition of love.
Surround yourself with people who make you laugh and see the humor in this temporary, brief existence. None of us are as nearly as important as we want to believe.
Where belly laughs are inappropriate (funerals, weddings, business meetings) hard core silent giggles work as well. You know. Where your entire body is shaking and people think you're having an epileptic seizure. Weird grunts arise from your throat in attempt to suppress and silence the laughter.
You know what love is? It's the people you experience laughter with. I'm not saying that you don't have your knock-down nasty arguments with them -- if you spend ANY amount of extended time with ANYBODY you will have a knock-down nasty argument. It's the ability to later have a good belly laugh about the argument down the road with the person you had the argument with. It's my lame definition of love.
Surround yourself with people who make you laugh and see the humor in this temporary, brief existence. None of us are as nearly as important as we want to believe.
Monday, September 28, 2015
Numbers Stations and Super Moons
Did you all watch the blood moon lunar eclipse last night? It was a great night for a stroll with a lover;) Looking up in the star studded sky and seeing the never-ending wonder of nature and the universe puts things into perspective.
There is so much going on that we just don't see. Not only are most people completely oblivious to the supernatural powers that are all around us, most are also oblivious to what's being invisibly thrown around in the airwaves.
Take the creepy 'numbers stations' as an example. The five-words-or-less-version is that they are short wave radio transmissions that consist of code for military purposes. I remember coming across a numbers station when I was a kid as my dad had a radio that picked up signals from around the world. I don't know *how* he got that radio, but it's one of those big, old wooden honkers the size of a bookcase. I remember tuning that radio ever so carefully picking up feint signals in the wee hours of the night. I was fascinated with it. It is believed that 'numbers stations' are still used because sometimes low tech is the best way to combat high tech. Plus, the signal has staying power and can be picked up in remote areas.
The Swedish Rhapsody posted below was believed to transmit to Germany and Russia. Creepy. Fascinating. Look up, people. You have NO idea what's being flung around the skies. Seriously.
There is so much going on that we just don't see. Not only are most people completely oblivious to the supernatural powers that are all around us, most are also oblivious to what's being invisibly thrown around in the airwaves.
Take the creepy 'numbers stations' as an example. The five-words-or-less-version is that they are short wave radio transmissions that consist of code for military purposes. I remember coming across a numbers station when I was a kid as my dad had a radio that picked up signals from around the world. I don't know *how* he got that radio, but it's one of those big, old wooden honkers the size of a bookcase. I remember tuning that radio ever so carefully picking up feint signals in the wee hours of the night. I was fascinated with it. It is believed that 'numbers stations' are still used because sometimes low tech is the best way to combat high tech. Plus, the signal has staying power and can be picked up in remote areas.
The Swedish Rhapsody posted below was believed to transmit to Germany and Russia. Creepy. Fascinating. Look up, people. You have NO idea what's being flung around the skies. Seriously.
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Fort Abercrombie: Abercrombie, North Dakoka
So much history under my feet growing up I was tuned into, but oblivious of. Let's take Fort Abercrombie for example. When I was a kid it was a place to have picnics after church on a Sunday. As I got older into the teen years it was the place to hang out at night to party. We would all sit still and wait for the spirits to become active. Somehow, that pretty much always turned into 'spin the bottle' where many a romance started -- and ended.
It wasn't until I was a little older did I really understand the history of the place. It was the first fort in the Dakota Territory that protected the Red River of the North and the Ox Cart trade. The Sioux sieged the fort in 1862 as the Sioux were getting peeved at the number of whites staking out land for farms and killing the bison. Strategic timing for the Sioux as the Civil War was going on and a lot of men were called away to fight. Well, we all know how the Sioux Uprising of 1862 ultimately went.
Anyway, some images that depict Fort Abercrombie past and present. I have and always will feel at home there.
It wasn't until I was a little older did I really understand the history of the place. It was the first fort in the Dakota Territory that protected the Red River of the North and the Ox Cart trade. The Sioux sieged the fort in 1862 as the Sioux were getting peeved at the number of whites staking out land for farms and killing the bison. Strategic timing for the Sioux as the Civil War was going on and a lot of men were called away to fight. Well, we all know how the Sioux Uprising of 1862 ultimately went.
Anyway, some images that depict Fort Abercrombie past and present. I have and always will feel at home there.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Beezer: Lost
I got an eerie text message from my cousin today. He texted me that Beezer had a stroke and that he was in surgery and things did not look good. Beezer died today.
Who was Beezer?
Beezer was my intended farm boy from Dakota. He was there for me when my cousin died and if things had turned a different corner I would have been his fat and happy farm wife. As life turned, events and things turned a different corner and I ended up in Sonoma County. Beezer did call for me after I left the midwest for California. But by then life had set its course.
Beezer was half Norwegian and half French. Just that in itself was a combo that only alcohol can explain. I remember kissing him in the cornfield near the Fort Ambercrombie ruins along the Red River that divided Minnesota and North Dakota. I also remember spending time with him just prior to taking off to California and his concern.
Yes, Beezer, you were my Superman. I know it was a stupid joke when we were teens but I did remember after all these years. I will support your widow and your kids as best as I know how. They lost a great husband and father today.
Who was Beezer?
Beezer was my intended farm boy from Dakota. He was there for me when my cousin died and if things had turned a different corner I would have been his fat and happy farm wife. As life turned, events and things turned a different corner and I ended up in Sonoma County. Beezer did call for me after I left the midwest for California. But by then life had set its course.
Beezer was half Norwegian and half French. Just that in itself was a combo that only alcohol can explain. I remember kissing him in the cornfield near the Fort Ambercrombie ruins along the Red River that divided Minnesota and North Dakota. I also remember spending time with him just prior to taking off to California and his concern.
Yes, Beezer, you were my Superman. I know it was a stupid joke when we were teens but I did remember after all these years. I will support your widow and your kids as best as I know how. They lost a great husband and father today.
Match Maker
I work in a male dominated industry. I have known the guys I work with for 25 years or more. My relationship with these guys is very sister-like. I get constantly hit up from these guys asking if I have any 'friends' I can set them up with.
(big sigh)
I'm hesitant to play match maker for these guys for a multitude of reasons I can't go into. However, I did acquiesce to one request because I was getting vibes from both my female friend and the guy I work with, who have met each other at social outings over the years, that there was a mutual-interest-attraction-vibe going on.
I took the initiative and was the 'broker' for both parties. I set up a mutually agreeable place, date, and time in a non-threatening environment. Keep it light and fluffy at first, right? Perfect. It's all set up.
Now....this why i DO NOT play match maker and went against my better judgement with this one instance.
I got a call from the guy yesterday evening saying he may be late because he has a doctor appointment down in Marin because he's going out on "stress" disability at work.
I wanted to reach through the phone and strangle him. Great. I go out of my way to set something up taking a risk in the process. HE agreed to the time, date, and place. My friend is all excited. Now he calls saying he will be late and/or miss the event all together.
....and this guy wonders why he can't keep a woman.... DUH.
(big sigh)
I'm hesitant to play match maker for these guys for a multitude of reasons I can't go into. However, I did acquiesce to one request because I was getting vibes from both my female friend and the guy I work with, who have met each other at social outings over the years, that there was a mutual-interest-attraction-vibe going on.
I took the initiative and was the 'broker' for both parties. I set up a mutually agreeable place, date, and time in a non-threatening environment. Keep it light and fluffy at first, right? Perfect. It's all set up.
Now....this why i DO NOT play match maker and went against my better judgement with this one instance.
I got a call from the guy yesterday evening saying he may be late because he has a doctor appointment down in Marin because he's going out on "stress" disability at work.
I wanted to reach through the phone and strangle him. Great. I go out of my way to set something up taking a risk in the process. HE agreed to the time, date, and place. My friend is all excited. Now he calls saying he will be late and/or miss the event all together.
....and this guy wonders why he can't keep a woman.... DUH.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Mabon: Autumn Equinox
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Windows Tech Support and Robo Calls: HELP!!!
Getting strange calls from some dude with an Indian accent claiming he's from Windows Tech Support? This scam is about as blatant as the prince from an African nation pleading for your bank account number because he needs to give you his money. Are you also sick of phone calls pushing solar panels? Political opinion polls? All you want is your peace and quiet and the ability to have a conversation over dinner without being interrupted.
You've put your numbers on the 'do not call' registry and continue to report these annoying solicitations to the FTC. It's about as effective as the 'no cell phone while driving' law. Useless and completely unenforceable.
You can play along with annoying solicitors and scammers and then pull the rug out from under them if you have the time and the energy. I'm conserving my energy as of late. A VERY good friend of mine recommended "NoMoRobo" which sounds like a cheesy infomercial but my friend is very tech savvy and I'm desperate to actually want to answer my phone again.
The downside is that it's not available for wireless numbers. Keep requesting it for your wireless carrier. There's power in numbers, people. I have never endorsed anything on my blog. This one is worthy. For freedom of robocalls watch video below:
You've put your numbers on the 'do not call' registry and continue to report these annoying solicitations to the FTC. It's about as effective as the 'no cell phone while driving' law. Useless and completely unenforceable.
You can play along with annoying solicitors and scammers and then pull the rug out from under them if you have the time and the energy. I'm conserving my energy as of late. A VERY good friend of mine recommended "NoMoRobo" which sounds like a cheesy infomercial but my friend is very tech savvy and I'm desperate to actually want to answer my phone again.
The downside is that it's not available for wireless numbers. Keep requesting it for your wireless carrier. There's power in numbers, people. I have never endorsed anything on my blog. This one is worthy. For freedom of robocalls watch video below:
Monday, September 21, 2015
SQUIRREL!!!!!
Take above squirrel. He is more protective of the bird bath than a pitbull. He watches from above in the redwood trees. When he spots an intruder in HIS water supply he lets off noises that are part squawking and part shrieking. Bottom line: He is noisy beginning at 5:00 AM. I'm not a morning person.
Sunday, September 20, 2015
The Farm Found the Girl
It's true you can take the girl off the farm, but never the farm out of the girl. I suppose that's a good thing?
I had an unexpected opportunity yesterday afternoon. A friend of mine invited me to take a tour of an "organic" farm. She lives in Novato, but this farm is very close to where I live. I have been by there a zillion times but for whatever reason never stopped in. Of course, we never explore our own back yards.
I do take a poetic license and poke fun at the "organic" slow-food-organi-yup-craze, but in reality the owners were very, VERY nice and I immediately picked up a good vibe from them. I did not have the urge to insert their Prius into their anus. Yup, Quiet Rage is eating crow. Tastes good with ketchup.
The owners and I struck up a conversation and talked at length about farm food and how to preserve it -- a survival technique that still lives on from my frozen tundra prairie pioneer background. The woman was amazed that I knew how to can. I did not realize it was such a lost art.
Guess what. I'm now canning for them. It was an impromptu invitation with no expectations, and I ended up making a friend who shares my love of home-grown foods and meats. I need to retract all my "organi-yup" jokes.
I had an unexpected opportunity yesterday afternoon. A friend of mine invited me to take a tour of an "organic" farm. She lives in Novato, but this farm is very close to where I live. I have been by there a zillion times but for whatever reason never stopped in. Of course, we never explore our own back yards.
I do take a poetic license and poke fun at the "organic" slow-food-organi-yup-craze, but in reality the owners were very, VERY nice and I immediately picked up a good vibe from them. I did not have the urge to insert their Prius into their anus. Yup, Quiet Rage is eating crow. Tastes good with ketchup.
The owners and I struck up a conversation and talked at length about farm food and how to preserve it -- a survival technique that still lives on from my frozen tundra prairie pioneer background. The woman was amazed that I knew how to can. I did not realize it was such a lost art.
Guess what. I'm now canning for them. It was an impromptu invitation with no expectations, and I ended up making a friend who shares my love of home-grown foods and meats. I need to retract all my "organi-yup" jokes.
Friday, September 18, 2015
Saving the Kids or Saving Yourself
We love our kids. We are also saving for our own retirement. I'm at that age where I have friends trying to figure out where the line is in helping their kids financially without sabotaging their own retirement portfolio.
I have a friend who's kid has pretty much bled their retirement dry. Despite financial bailout after financial bailout, the kid never changed his irresponsible spending habits despite promises of saying, "This is the last time I will ever, EVER ask for help. I swear it."
Now the kid is in his mid 30's and is in the midst of a nasty divorce and now has little kids. Now my friend is suffering financially after years of 'helping' and the 38-ish year old "kid" who has sucked them dry with no prospects of pulling himself up by his bootstraps. Nobody is going to come out ahead in this situation.
I guess we should take the advice of the flight attendants. Secure your own oxygen mask first before assisting others.
I have a friend who's kid has pretty much bled their retirement dry. Despite financial bailout after financial bailout, the kid never changed his irresponsible spending habits despite promises of saying, "This is the last time I will ever, EVER ask for help. I swear it."
Now the kid is in his mid 30's and is in the midst of a nasty divorce and now has little kids. Now my friend is suffering financially after years of 'helping' and the 38-ish year old "kid" who has sucked them dry with no prospects of pulling himself up by his bootstraps. Nobody is going to come out ahead in this situation.
I guess we should take the advice of the flight attendants. Secure your own oxygen mask first before assisting others.
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Dating Websites: Beware
I can't make this stuff up, people.
There is a website that pretty much blacklists guys and warns other women about them. Most of the information is provided by ex-wives and girlfriends. Some of the comments made are quite funny going so far to describe what lines he will use when. Every once in a while you will get a sister out there who can't bear to see an innocent woman taken for a ride by her obnoxious brother.
Which leads me to dating in the North Bay. This is a small community. Really. If a guy wrongs a woman you can bet it's out there. Granted, some women are just horrible and the guy deserves to callously dump her, but it's pretty easy to vet that out.
Which leads me to a guy trying to pass himself off as Mr. Wonderful on a dating website. See, he's really been divorced three times and has four children. His dating profile says he's never been married. How do I know this? I was in his first wedding and present at the birth of his first child. A mutual friend was looking for a date and I happened to be scrolling profiles with her when he popped up. Great. Start a relationship with a pack of lies. PASS.
The other website had another guy I know trying to pass himself off as tender loving. I just about spewed my drink on the keyboard. This guy has no interest in settling down and has openly admitted that he will be a lonely old man the way he goes through women. It's all about sex and fun for him. An acquaintance of mine came across his profile and started asking me questions about him. I did not want to lie, but I did not want to squash a potential relationship either (you never know when it could be "the one.") All I could muster was that he's held a job for a long time and he's a great dad. I left out everything else.
Moral of the story: Guys, if you're an ass your reputation will catch up with you faster than you think. Gals: dating websites only host predators and losers.
There is a website that pretty much blacklists guys and warns other women about them. Most of the information is provided by ex-wives and girlfriends. Some of the comments made are quite funny going so far to describe what lines he will use when. Every once in a while you will get a sister out there who can't bear to see an innocent woman taken for a ride by her obnoxious brother.
Which leads me to dating in the North Bay. This is a small community. Really. If a guy wrongs a woman you can bet it's out there. Granted, some women are just horrible and the guy deserves to callously dump her, but it's pretty easy to vet that out.
Which leads me to a guy trying to pass himself off as Mr. Wonderful on a dating website. See, he's really been divorced three times and has four children. His dating profile says he's never been married. How do I know this? I was in his first wedding and present at the birth of his first child. A mutual friend was looking for a date and I happened to be scrolling profiles with her when he popped up. Great. Start a relationship with a pack of lies. PASS.
The other website had another guy I know trying to pass himself off as tender loving. I just about spewed my drink on the keyboard. This guy has no interest in settling down and has openly admitted that he will be a lonely old man the way he goes through women. It's all about sex and fun for him. An acquaintance of mine came across his profile and started asking me questions about him. I did not want to lie, but I did not want to squash a potential relationship either (you never know when it could be "the one.") All I could muster was that he's held a job for a long time and he's a great dad. I left out everything else.
Moral of the story: Guys, if you're an ass your reputation will catch up with you faster than you think. Gals: dating websites only host predators and losers.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Forensic Accounting
Word is out that I can dissect and investigate a gnat's *ss. Now, I'm becoming the go-to-person for financial bloopers and getting to the bottom of an issue. I guess it makes me an unofficial forensic accountant of some sort. I don't think I want to do it anymore.
Why? Because people just get lazy and they want me to do the hard work *for* them -- for free, of course. People in my industry, just like most industries, want somebody else to do the actual work. They think of every scenario to try to pin you as the responsible one while they busily manage their fantasy football teams.
I've finally got the backbone now to put it back on them where it belonged in the first place.
Why? Because people just get lazy and they want me to do the hard work *for* them -- for free, of course. People in my industry, just like most industries, want somebody else to do the actual work. They think of every scenario to try to pin you as the responsible one while they busily manage their fantasy football teams.
I've finally got the backbone now to put it back on them where it belonged in the first place.
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Burning Man - Here in Northern California
Well, we have our own rendition of the dirty hippie fest known as 'burning man' right here. Yup. Things are burning. My car is covered with ash. I could tell from how scorched the landscape is because of the lack of rain that this was going to be a fire season of all fire seasons.
This one hits close to home. People I know have lost their homes. The fire isn't contained yet. It reminds me of the song we used to sing in grade school called "Scotland's burning."
This one hits close to home. People I know have lost their homes. The fire isn't contained yet. It reminds me of the song we used to sing in grade school called "Scotland's burning."
Monday, September 14, 2015
Angie's List: Useless
I've always been skeptical about Angie's List or any other web based Better Business Bureau wannabe. How about this one, Angie. How well do you *really* vet your reviews and endorsements?
A few years ago a traveling contractor came into the area from Shasta and performed a job. Well, the flake contractor did not pay the benefits (health insurance premiums and pension contributions) for his employees and we had to get a joint check from the general contractor cuz he was such a flake to make the employees whole.
Fast forward about five years. I noticed this same contractor clown was awarded a job at Sonoma State University. He's back. Like a bad penny he keeps turning up. Well, the job went from bad to worse. Both the contractor and the employees were like an episode of Breaking Bad. Boom!!!! Without going into the gory details the contractor began to repeat his same pattern of shorting the employees paychecks and benefits.
I had the responsibility of tallying up the collective shortage from the workers and filing for retribution. The flake contractor, who owes my office money for back pay and benefits on his employees, had the audacity to want me to do his brief for him. Wow. Really?
In collecting factual information for the hearing I came across the contractor's information on the web stating that he was "Angie's List" certified.
I can't make this stuff up, people. Buyer Beware.
A few years ago a traveling contractor came into the area from Shasta and performed a job. Well, the flake contractor did not pay the benefits (health insurance premiums and pension contributions) for his employees and we had to get a joint check from the general contractor cuz he was such a flake to make the employees whole.
Fast forward about five years. I noticed this same contractor clown was awarded a job at Sonoma State University. He's back. Like a bad penny he keeps turning up. Well, the job went from bad to worse. Both the contractor and the employees were like an episode of Breaking Bad. Boom!!!! Without going into the gory details the contractor began to repeat his same pattern of shorting the employees paychecks and benefits.
I had the responsibility of tallying up the collective shortage from the workers and filing for retribution. The flake contractor, who owes my office money for back pay and benefits on his employees, had the audacity to want me to do his brief for him. Wow. Really?
In collecting factual information for the hearing I came across the contractor's information on the web stating that he was "Angie's List" certified.
I can't make this stuff up, people. Buyer Beware.
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Stinking Pile of Poo: Part IV
OMG. This has more episodes than Star Wars. About 6 months ago or so my duties were relieved of being the chief administrator of a less-than-up-and-up "insurance" program I inherited from some low-level mobster who had to retire and relocate to Nevada - where all mobsters hide. The FBI became involved and I was more than happy to let it all go.
Anyway, Mr. Wonderful Los Angeles and his partner in crime, Mr. Shiney Shoes, thought they could take it all over and run the program in their sleep. I did inherit a pile of stinking poo, but I honestly tried to make it legitimate. I spent countless hours making sense out of the entire thing as the concept was, at its core, a good one.
My cell phone rang on a Saturday from an insurance broker panicked about a renewal that is not being followed up on. See, the insurance broker has a HUGE amount in commissions hanging in the balance. We're talking millions in premiums for the panicked insurance broker for just this one client. For myself, I just tried to make something legitimate out of something that was not. I was not working on commissions - I can't say that the past administration did not. Phone calls from the new administrator are not being returned and everything is a mess.
Boo Hoo.
Here we go... I took over and made running the program look easy. Now these idiots are figuring out they're not going to get their commissions because Mr. Wonderful Los Angeles with all the answers took the reigns. Now that the situation is impacting the brokers pocket books they are now trying to woo me back into running things.
Sorry. You did not value me then, why are you suddenly giving me value now? Oh...... I see....because you now have figured out that I made you MONEY. It took until the annual renewals to figure out my dollar value to you.
fuck off, assholes
Anyway, Mr. Wonderful Los Angeles and his partner in crime, Mr. Shiney Shoes, thought they could take it all over and run the program in their sleep. I did inherit a pile of stinking poo, but I honestly tried to make it legitimate. I spent countless hours making sense out of the entire thing as the concept was, at its core, a good one.
My cell phone rang on a Saturday from an insurance broker panicked about a renewal that is not being followed up on. See, the insurance broker has a HUGE amount in commissions hanging in the balance. We're talking millions in premiums for the panicked insurance broker for just this one client. For myself, I just tried to make something legitimate out of something that was not. I was not working on commissions - I can't say that the past administration did not. Phone calls from the new administrator are not being returned and everything is a mess.
Boo Hoo.
Here we go... I took over and made running the program look easy. Now these idiots are figuring out they're not going to get their commissions because Mr. Wonderful Los Angeles with all the answers took the reigns. Now that the situation is impacting the brokers pocket books they are now trying to woo me back into running things.
Sorry. You did not value me then, why are you suddenly giving me value now? Oh...... I see....because you now have figured out that I made you MONEY. It took until the annual renewals to figure out my dollar value to you.
fuck off, assholes
Lake and Napa County Fire
Our neighbors to the east and northeast (Napa and Lake Counties) are on fire. No wonder the skies were hazy all day today. Lake County might as well be in the deep south, if y'all know wud i meen. Lake County is not accessible by freeway and it's isolated by a mountainous, windy road. Let's just say that fights break out at the mini mart over paying for a slurpee, and a full set of teeth is a rarity. Just wait. It will come out that the fire was started to an exploding meth lab cooking incident.
Please disregard my last post about my pressure cooker;)
Please disregard my last post about my pressure cooker;)
Pressure Cooker
My grandma had a pressure cooker and canner. She cooked just about everything from vegetables, sauces, soups and broths, and even chickens. I have an antique water bath canner that I inherited from Aunt Gertrude, but water bath canning is limited to high-acid foods. If you use a water bath canner for low-acid foods you run the risk of "the botch." Dying from food poisoning or accidentally killing somebody else is not in my nature, so I went out and bought a pressure cooker/canner -- which can be used for either high or low acid foods. Here she be:
I fear not the pressure cooker. Some people are absolutely terrified of them. A pressure cooker/canner is the ultimate work horse kitchen power tool. It's like any other power tool and following instructions for safety is a MUST or you can blow your face off. This weekend I made another 40 pounds of pasta sauce -- some with pork sausage I got from a Sonoma County 4H kid and some without any meat. My stove is a complete mess. However, I have many happy customers who keep telling me I need to go into business.
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Rush: Tom Sawyer
It's official. I'm in love with the drummer from Rush. I have forgotten how incredibly talented this band is on so many levels. Just listen. The drummer is WORTHY!!! xxoo
Friday, September 11, 2015
Rush: New World Man
ok. I've been told by many that my thoughts mirror the lyrics of songs written by the rock band Rush. Cheers, Geddy Lee. yeah, you're the total dork in high school I had a massive secret crush on. Why? Cuz U HAVE SOUL.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Mid Life Crisis: The Flipout
The bombs are dropping all around me. Friends and family are going through the midlife crisis flipout. It's a stage of life of unfulfilled dreams and the reality that the mortality clock is ticking. Time is not on your side.
However, this stage of life is NOT a license to act like an immature asshole abandoning responsibilities with a flippant attitude using the fact that we are all going to die anyway, so why not indulge myself without a care to anybody.
Grrrrrrrrrrrr... I have way too many of these people in my social circle these days and now I need to weed the 'friend garden' a bit as they are like vampires who will just suck you dry. I'm tired of being the shoulder they cry on when they dump their spouses for another, and then figure out the person they dumped their spouse for was WAAAAAAAAY worse than the person they were married to. In the process the kids suffer as casualties of domestic war, and now everybody is struggling financially. Living on half and then giving the lawyers their cut turned out to be a *really* bad money management decision.
Now the kids are on drugs and flunking school. Dad has his 'bimbo brigade' flavor of the week. Mom figured out that all the good guys are already married and there is a reason if any of them are still single. Now mom has fled the country on a 'spiritual quest' with some hindu-buddhist-whatever-tree hugger in Micronesia. Her barely 18 year old son, who is struggling with every aspect of life, bounces from grandma's house, to dads (when he isn't bedding his latest bimbo), to the homes of friends.
Now mom is coming home and complaining about her finances and wondering where she went wrong with her son.
I have a big, fat "A-DUH" speech all ready for her. She won't like it, but it's the truth.
However, this stage of life is NOT a license to act like an immature asshole abandoning responsibilities with a flippant attitude using the fact that we are all going to die anyway, so why not indulge myself without a care to anybody.
Grrrrrrrrrrrr... I have way too many of these people in my social circle these days and now I need to weed the 'friend garden' a bit as they are like vampires who will just suck you dry. I'm tired of being the shoulder they cry on when they dump their spouses for another, and then figure out the person they dumped their spouse for was WAAAAAAAAY worse than the person they were married to. In the process the kids suffer as casualties of domestic war, and now everybody is struggling financially. Living on half and then giving the lawyers their cut turned out to be a *really* bad money management decision.
Now the kids are on drugs and flunking school. Dad has his 'bimbo brigade' flavor of the week. Mom figured out that all the good guys are already married and there is a reason if any of them are still single. Now mom has fled the country on a 'spiritual quest' with some hindu-buddhist-whatever-tree hugger in Micronesia. Her barely 18 year old son, who is struggling with every aspect of life, bounces from grandma's house, to dads (when he isn't bedding his latest bimbo), to the homes of friends.
Now mom is coming home and complaining about her finances and wondering where she went wrong with her son.
I have a big, fat "A-DUH" speech all ready for her. She won't like it, but it's the truth.
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Context is EVERYTHING
Losers or not they are laughing all the way to the bank. What that family needs now to remain in the tabloid spotlight is for one of the females to have an 'addadicktome' surgery.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Rent Control - Sonoma County
Hot button issues. Gotta love 'em. Rent control. Nothing taps into our primal survival instincts like the need for food and shelter. Housing - or lack thereof - let's discuss, shall we?
I remember studying, sweating, and toiling away with graphs, complex formulas, and economic theories with instructor Ron Schulke at Santa Rosa Junior College well over 20 years ago in Economics 1A and the subsequent Economics 1B.
I became rather miffed after my intense, studious efforts were boiled down to just three words. Supply and demand. That's economics in a nutshell.
I never wanted to punch an instructor in the face before. All that hard work - in HIS class that HE was teaching. Came. Down. To. Three. Words. I think he got some sadistic joy after making that merry little announcement to the class the end of the semester and watching our faces fall. I can still hear the collective gasp from us students like it was yesterday.
Well, that was many years ago and I have long forgiven Mr. Schulke. Given the man has been teaching well over two decades, I doubt very much he has any individual recollection of me. We all become a faceless blur. However, his lingering impact has individually settled with the students that we will never forget.
I'm getting off track. This rant is about rent control -- which in three words or less is boiled down to 'supply and demand.' That's what got me going down memory lane with Economics at SRJC. See, despite all the fancy formulas, theories, etc., we have too many people with too little housing. Whatever is rare is valuable. Anything that is common and in abundance is disposable. Sonoma County is rare with its natural beauty and proximity to commerce. Everybody wants to live here. They aren't making any more land, so of course property values explode along with the rental market. Add to the mix the nightmare of trying to build anything in this county (unless you claim Native American eminent domain) toss in an increase in humans reproducing, and voila -- exploding rents.
The problem is that if Sonoma County caves to more housing, it will become just like every other area and will lose its unique appeal. I'm thinking the people in Bolinas aren't so dumb after all.
I don't claim to have the answer to rent control. I don't have any answers to anything. All I can see are consequences to our decisions. More people just bring more problems. Guaranteed.
I remember studying, sweating, and toiling away with graphs, complex formulas, and economic theories with instructor Ron Schulke at Santa Rosa Junior College well over 20 years ago in Economics 1A and the subsequent Economics 1B.
I became rather miffed after my intense, studious efforts were boiled down to just three words. Supply and demand. That's economics in a nutshell.
I never wanted to punch an instructor in the face before. All that hard work - in HIS class that HE was teaching. Came. Down. To. Three. Words. I think he got some sadistic joy after making that merry little announcement to the class the end of the semester and watching our faces fall. I can still hear the collective gasp from us students like it was yesterday.
Well, that was many years ago and I have long forgiven Mr. Schulke. Given the man has been teaching well over two decades, I doubt very much he has any individual recollection of me. We all become a faceless blur. However, his lingering impact has individually settled with the students that we will never forget.
I'm getting off track. This rant is about rent control -- which in three words or less is boiled down to 'supply and demand.' That's what got me going down memory lane with Economics at SRJC. See, despite all the fancy formulas, theories, etc., we have too many people with too little housing. Whatever is rare is valuable. Anything that is common and in abundance is disposable. Sonoma County is rare with its natural beauty and proximity to commerce. Everybody wants to live here. They aren't making any more land, so of course property values explode along with the rental market. Add to the mix the nightmare of trying to build anything in this county (unless you claim Native American eminent domain) toss in an increase in humans reproducing, and voila -- exploding rents.
The problem is that if Sonoma County caves to more housing, it will become just like every other area and will lose its unique appeal. I'm thinking the people in Bolinas aren't so dumb after all.
I don't claim to have the answer to rent control. I don't have any answers to anything. All I can see are consequences to our decisions. More people just bring more problems. Guaranteed.
Syrian Refugees and the EU
I feel sorry for Europe these days. They are being bombarded with floods of migrants from foreign lands trying to escape whatever hell they refer to as their former home.
Wow. A little bit of history repeating. Think about it.
How did the Americas become populated with European migrants? We were all trying to escape war torn Europe and their political crap. The Native Americans resisted our initial push for land and resources, but we just killed them and took their land anyway.
We all invade where we believe the grass to be greener. Welcome or not. We all arrive with the innocent mask of suffering mothers with babies. You suckers take them in much like the Native Americans did with the first Thanksgiving and show them the ropes of raising crops, livestock, and whatnot thinking that the newcomers actually came to help you and live in harmony with you. Bullshit.
Brace yourselves, Europe. The ISIS Trojan Horse has arrived. They will soon be slitting your throats. There is a tipping point. News flash for the EU: You can't take them all in.
Wow. A little bit of history repeating. Think about it.
How did the Americas become populated with European migrants? We were all trying to escape war torn Europe and their political crap. The Native Americans resisted our initial push for land and resources, but we just killed them and took their land anyway.
We all invade where we believe the grass to be greener. Welcome or not. We all arrive with the innocent mask of suffering mothers with babies. You suckers take them in much like the Native Americans did with the first Thanksgiving and show them the ropes of raising crops, livestock, and whatnot thinking that the newcomers actually came to help you and live in harmony with you. Bullshit.
Brace yourselves, Europe. The ISIS Trojan Horse has arrived. They will soon be slitting your throats. There is a tipping point. News flash for the EU: You can't take them all in.
Monday, September 7, 2015
Back of the Bus
It's harvest season and I've been going non-stop with canning, freezing, and other assorted farm wife duties that modern society has pretty much abandoned. Yes, I'm the go-to person people come to with their garden abundance not knowing what to do with it. I think I have found a niche much like a butcher does with livestock. People bring me their fruits and vegetables and I can, freeze, process, or whatever and give it back to them. I have all the canning and preserving gizmos and gadgets and can do it pretty much in my sleep.
However, even Quiet Rage gets tired after processing 30 pounds of tomatoes in one afternoon. I have my little tricks to keep my energy level up. A must have is music in my kitchen. It keeps me motivated. During a break in the tomato canning process I broke out in dance right there in the middle of my kitchen floor. My VERY Scandinavian husband tossed a look my way and said, "I married a neeGROW. If this were the early 1960's you would have been sent to the back of the bus."
To which I replied, "Well, the back of the bus is where all the fun is at. AND they have better food."
However, even Quiet Rage gets tired after processing 30 pounds of tomatoes in one afternoon. I have my little tricks to keep my energy level up. A must have is music in my kitchen. It keeps me motivated. During a break in the tomato canning process I broke out in dance right there in the middle of my kitchen floor. My VERY Scandinavian husband tossed a look my way and said, "I married a neeGROW. If this were the early 1960's you would have been sent to the back of the bus."
To which I replied, "Well, the back of the bus is where all the fun is at. AND they have better food."
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Tattoos and Body Piercings
Yes, I have a daughter "that age" where some of her friends are getting pierced and tattooed. She would not need me to sign a consent form should she decide she even wanted a piercing or a tattoo. Lucky for me, both my kids dislike body art of that sort. When my daughter gets asked by her friends as to why she doesn't have any tattoos and has no interest in getting any her response is, "Honey, would you put a bumper sticker on a Bentley?"
When my son gets asked about his lack of tattoos and piercings his response is, "We all know what ultimately happens to the branded bull with the nose ring."
Touche, kids. Yo momma did somethin' right.
When my son gets asked about his lack of tattoos and piercings his response is, "We all know what ultimately happens to the branded bull with the nose ring."
Touche, kids. Yo momma did somethin' right.
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Help Wanted - Labor Shortage
This rant may not set well with some of you, but oh well. I don't blog for popularity points. I'm wondering if any of you have noticed the proliferation of "help wanted" signs posted about on every food establishment, construction company, etc., etc., etc.
There is a shortage right now for blue collar labor, skilled labor, and service labor. If you have a pulse and can fog a mirror I can get you a six figure job with full benefits. No joke.
The problem, I believe, is two-fold. First, we have created a mind set in education that everybody needs a college degree and work indoors. The Bored Moms on Prozac pointed you out as a failure if you did not subscribe this philosophy. Now we have a glut of paper pushers who really don't do anything except LOSE your paper work. They are a dime a dozen.
The other is that increased security at our borders has curtailed the flow of illegal migrant workers. Now employers are forced to up the pay and working conditions to attract workers. Employers, who were used to importing their slave labor, paying them under the table, and treating them badly in the process, are now having to actually play by the rules as the labor market now has choices.
See, a shortage of people/workers actually is the best method for wealth distribution. It forces employers to pay a decent wage or they won't get anybody to work for them.
There is a shortage right now for blue collar labor, skilled labor, and service labor. If you have a pulse and can fog a mirror I can get you a six figure job with full benefits. No joke.
The problem, I believe, is two-fold. First, we have created a mind set in education that everybody needs a college degree and work indoors. The Bored Moms on Prozac pointed you out as a failure if you did not subscribe this philosophy. Now we have a glut of paper pushers who really don't do anything except LOSE your paper work. They are a dime a dozen.
The other is that increased security at our borders has curtailed the flow of illegal migrant workers. Now employers are forced to up the pay and working conditions to attract workers. Employers, who were used to importing their slave labor, paying them under the table, and treating them badly in the process, are now having to actually play by the rules as the labor market now has choices.
See, a shortage of people/workers actually is the best method for wealth distribution. It forces employers to pay a decent wage or they won't get anybody to work for them.
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Ghost or Angel? WTF???
Had a couple of weird things happen last night in the wee hours and early morning. Besides from my nightly journey into surreal dreamland, I was visited by something/someone and I'm not sure what to think of it.
I woke up at about 3:30 AM to see a hovering, white, glowing something over me parallel to my body. I could not discern a face or feet. It kind of looked like the stock photo below I pulled off the internet (see photo below), but it was a glowing white like I have never seen before. Thinking I was hallucinating I rubbed my eyes and sat up. It was still there but I did not feel any sense of danger. If anything, I felt a sense of protection and peace. I wanted to touch it, but it vanished. Weird. So, I went to the bathroom and returned to bed to sleep a bit more.
I did manage to fall back asleep, but this time I had a very real dream about an old boyfriend trying to text me. In the dream he was trying to communicate with me about why things ended in a very abrupt fashion. He then wanted to take me to lunch -- as that was the content of the first text message. Sensing my lingering anger and hesitation he sent a subsequent text message stating, "Please say yes."
I felt like a surge of electricity go through me and I immediately was wide awake as I was reading the text message in my dream.
Weird.
I woke up at about 3:30 AM to see a hovering, white, glowing something over me parallel to my body. I could not discern a face or feet. It kind of looked like the stock photo below I pulled off the internet (see photo below), but it was a glowing white like I have never seen before. Thinking I was hallucinating I rubbed my eyes and sat up. It was still there but I did not feel any sense of danger. If anything, I felt a sense of protection and peace. I wanted to touch it, but it vanished. Weird. So, I went to the bathroom and returned to bed to sleep a bit more.
I did manage to fall back asleep, but this time I had a very real dream about an old boyfriend trying to text me. In the dream he was trying to communicate with me about why things ended in a very abrupt fashion. He then wanted to take me to lunch -- as that was the content of the first text message. Sensing my lingering anger and hesitation he sent a subsequent text message stating, "Please say yes."
I felt like a surge of electricity go through me and I immediately was wide awake as I was reading the text message in my dream.
Weird.
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Man vs. Electronic Devices: Electronic Devices Win
Hmmmmm... I'm no marriage 'counselor' as the standard Dear Abby cop out always recommends, but I would say this marriage is in peril. The day a woman prefers her "electronic toys" over the real thing something is very, VERY wrong. This was a recent heading (no pun intended) in Santa Rosa Press Democrat. I can't decide if the editorial staff at the Press Democrat is completely out of it or if they are geniuses. Again, I can't make this stuff up, people.
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