I have scanned ebay.com on several occasions and for the fun of it even tried selling something once, though unsuccessfully I might add. But I have never bought anything until recently. For years I have purchased Loreal’s Excellence Hair Coloring at Walgreens. But about six years ago, Walgreens not only stopped stocking the shade I needed, they told me they would have difficulty getting some for me. As I searched for places to buy the hair coloring, I found an 800 number that sold me the Loreal and delivered it promptly.
To make sure I could continue buying the hair dye from the same company in the future, I wrote their telephone number in my personal directory. Unfortunately, when I dialed their number a few weeks ago, it had been disconnected. Oh well, I thought, I’ll do a google search and try to purchase it online. Thus, I found a seller on ebay who had just what I needed. Not only that, but he charged half the price as Walgreens and the 800 number did. I hesitated buying from a stranger, but my daughter told me she buys lots of things on ebay and suggested I read the feedback others have written about the seller. It turns out ebay has labeled him as a “Power Seller,” someone who maintains a 98% feedback and sells a significant volume of items.
That was good enough for me. I placed my order and within a couple days, I received the hair coloring. Of course, I have now written his name in my personal directory and will continue to buy from him in the future. Although, I’m happy to once again have found someone who will sell me the Loreal, I am also envious. He has a successful internet business while I’m still struggling to build the popularity and increase the traffic of my site, www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions and hoping it too will become popular.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
TRY, TRY AGAIN
No doubt you have heard the old saying, “If at first you don’t succeed try, try again.” Well No one can accuse me of not trying. Actually, perhaps I need to reconsider how often I should keep trying.
In order to attract more viewers to my website, www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions, I need to advertise. But I have a limited budget. And so to get some free advertising, I have submitted numerous articles I’ve written about the site and myself to many magazines. Alas, none seem interested. At the same time, my Mom cried when she read my story, “Forty Years of Multiple Sclerosis and Me” and several friends told me they really liked the very touching article.
So, yesterday I made another attemp. Oprah Winfrey’s magazine focuses on women. So there you go…I fit the criteria. But submission to her magazine is NOT easy. To begin with, I had to condense my 8,000 word article to 2,000 – not an easy task. Finally, when I finished the editing, I opened the magazine’s contact page on the web and proceeded to copy and paste my story into their form. However, I continually received an error message that I had exceeded the 2,000 word limit, even though I hadn’t.
Thus, I carefully scrutinized the form and noticed it had replaced my quotation marks and apostrophes with funny characters. Thus, I had to first remove all the quotation marks and then replace all the words that had apostrophes to something else. It seems like it took forever. But eventually I succeeded. Hallelujah, I should feel elated!! However, when I then read the fine print I discovered that it might take a couple years before they would even publish it, if in fact they didn’t reject it first. So much for trying again
In order to attract more viewers to my website, www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions, I need to advertise. But I have a limited budget. And so to get some free advertising, I have submitted numerous articles I’ve written about the site and myself to many magazines. Alas, none seem interested. At the same time, my Mom cried when she read my story, “Forty Years of Multiple Sclerosis and Me” and several friends told me they really liked the very touching article.
So, yesterday I made another attemp. Oprah Winfrey’s magazine focuses on women. So there you go…I fit the criteria. But submission to her magazine is NOT easy. To begin with, I had to condense my 8,000 word article to 2,000 – not an easy task. Finally, when I finished the editing, I opened the magazine’s contact page on the web and proceeded to copy and paste my story into their form. However, I continually received an error message that I had exceeded the 2,000 word limit, even though I hadn’t.
Thus, I carefully scrutinized the form and noticed it had replaced my quotation marks and apostrophes with funny characters. Thus, I had to first remove all the quotation marks and then replace all the words that had apostrophes to something else. It seems like it took forever. But eventually I succeeded. Hallelujah, I should feel elated!! However, when I then read the fine print I discovered that it might take a couple years before they would even publish it, if in fact they didn’t reject it first. So much for trying again
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
NEW CARPET
Last May, when I surveyed my condo for spring-cleaning, I placed my carpet at the top of the list. As I sit at my computer way too much, working on my website, www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions, the carpet under my computer endures a lot of wear and tear and greatly needed a good cleaning.
But somehow, the time slipped away and I never got around to finding a good carpet cleaner. Now, however, I’m so glad I did nothing because last week, my son-in-law began a new business – cleaning carpets. With the environmentally friendly products that he uses on the carpet, it dries in only one hour. In addition, as an introductory offer he charged only $49 to clean my living room and computer room. Several years ago, when I had my carpet cleaned I paid over $100 and so I gladly paid James, my son-in-law, half the price.
I didn’t see James, the morning he arrived to clean my carpet, as I had a dentist appointment. And by the time I arrived back home James had finished cleaning the carpet and was already gone. Too bad, he had left. I’m sure he would have enjoyed seeing the delighted expression on my face when I gazed on my clean carpet. The spots that the last carpet cleaner did not remove were now totally gone. And when I stepped on the carpet it even felt as thick as it had when I first purchased it. I was thrilled and the carpet looked great – just like new !!!
But somehow, the time slipped away and I never got around to finding a good carpet cleaner. Now, however, I’m so glad I did nothing because last week, my son-in-law began a new business – cleaning carpets. With the environmentally friendly products that he uses on the carpet, it dries in only one hour. In addition, as an introductory offer he charged only $49 to clean my living room and computer room. Several years ago, when I had my carpet cleaned I paid over $100 and so I gladly paid James, my son-in-law, half the price.
I didn’t see James, the morning he arrived to clean my carpet, as I had a dentist appointment. And by the time I arrived back home James had finished cleaning the carpet and was already gone. Too bad, he had left. I’m sure he would have enjoyed seeing the delighted expression on my face when I gazed on my clean carpet. The spots that the last carpet cleaner did not remove were now totally gone. And when I stepped on the carpet it even felt as thick as it had when I first purchased it. I was thrilled and the carpet looked great – just like new !!!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
MOUSE TRAP
Yesterday afternoon as I worked on my website, www.FunnyPhotosContest.com for cute or funny photos and photo captions, I heard a funny noise in my kitchen. I couldn’t imagine what would cause the noise other than possible falling icicles. And so I ignored it. But when later in the evening I heard it again, I listened more carefully and slowly creeped into the kitchen. I thought perhaps my ears had detected a mouse eating some food in my cupboard. EEEEEK!!
I called a pest control company, but at 9:30 at night no one answered. So, next I called the police department. But the officer on duty told me they were having a very busy night. So of course I couldn’t expect them to help me, but he did suggest setting a mousetrap. Well as it so happens I found a dead mouse in my basement two years ago. Thus, I luckily had two traps on hand. Too bad I no longer owned a cat. I never had problems with mice for all the years a cat lived with me!
Well, now the problem was how to activate the mousetrap. Last summer, my son-in-law showed me how and warned me to be very careful that it didn’t spring shut on my fingers while I set it. So I gingerly picked it up and tried to figure out what to do next. Unfortunately, I had totally forgotten everything my son-in-law taught me. No problem, I thought, just google mousetrap and look for directions, which I did but found millions of hits. To make a long story short, I finally set the trap with peanut butter as I listened to the mouse scratching in my cupboard.
Finally, I placed the trap on the kitchen floor, then raced upstairs to flee the mouse and go to sleep. All I could do was wonder what I would find in the morning. Alas, when I awoke the trap lay on the floor as I left it. But since there was no mouse, I can only wonder with a little fear….what was scratching in my cupboard !!!!!
I called a pest control company, but at 9:30 at night no one answered. So, next I called the police department. But the officer on duty told me they were having a very busy night. So of course I couldn’t expect them to help me, but he did suggest setting a mousetrap. Well as it so happens I found a dead mouse in my basement two years ago. Thus, I luckily had two traps on hand. Too bad I no longer owned a cat. I never had problems with mice for all the years a cat lived with me!
Well, now the problem was how to activate the mousetrap. Last summer, my son-in-law showed me how and warned me to be very careful that it didn’t spring shut on my fingers while I set it. So I gingerly picked it up and tried to figure out what to do next. Unfortunately, I had totally forgotten everything my son-in-law taught me. No problem, I thought, just google mousetrap and look for directions, which I did but found millions of hits. To make a long story short, I finally set the trap with peanut butter as I listened to the mouse scratching in my cupboard.
Finally, I placed the trap on the kitchen floor, then raced upstairs to flee the mouse and go to sleep. All I could do was wonder what I would find in the morning. Alas, when I awoke the trap lay on the floor as I left it. But since there was no mouse, I can only wonder with a little fear….what was scratching in my cupboard !!!!!
Monday, January 26, 2009
MY SON
The telephone rang as I worked on my website, www.FunnyPhotosContest.com for cute or funny photos and photo captions and as they say, “You could have blown me over with a feather.” I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard my son’s voice calling to wish me a Happy Birthday. I thought he would surely forget my birthday and so I can’t tell you how thrilled it made me to receive his phone call!!
My son lives in Chicago and rarely calls or visits. Though it makes me feel sad, I do understand. My Mother told me years ago, “A daughter’s a daughter the rest of your life, but a son’s a son ‘till he takes a wife.” And yet, whenever I feel that my son has neglected me and I least expect it, he does something special that warms my heart.
My son lives in Chicago and rarely calls or visits. Though it makes me feel sad, I do understand. My Mother told me years ago, “A daughter’s a daughter the rest of your life, but a son’s a son ‘till he takes a wife.” And yet, whenever I feel that my son has neglected me and I least expect it, he does something special that warms my heart.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
MY BIRTHDAY
Today’s my birthday, January 25th, and I’ll have no time to work on my website, www.FunnyPhotosContest.com for cute or funny photos and photo captions. A friend invited me out to lunch and I invited my daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons to eat dinner at my house tonight to celebrate both my birthday and my daughter’s on February 4th.
When I woke up this morning, I wondered if my son, who lives in Chicago, would call to wish me a happy birthday. Usually, I send him an email about a week before my birthday to remind him. But this year I decided, I would wait to see what would happen. However, my first thought upon waking this morning was not only that “Good grief…I’m 68 years old” but that my son and I share something in common. He was born in ’68. Of course, how can I let this coincidence pass without any comment? So, after my family finishes dinner, enjoys the birthday cake, and goes home for the evening, I will send my son an email. I’ll tell him the significance of the number 68 for both of us and yes in a devious way, I’ll be reminding him he forgot my birthday.
When I woke up this morning, I wondered if my son, who lives in Chicago, would call to wish me a happy birthday. Usually, I send him an email about a week before my birthday to remind him. But this year I decided, I would wait to see what would happen. However, my first thought upon waking this morning was not only that “Good grief…I’m 68 years old” but that my son and I share something in common. He was born in ’68. Of course, how can I let this coincidence pass without any comment? So, after my family finishes dinner, enjoys the birthday cake, and goes home for the evening, I will send my son an email. I’ll tell him the significance of the number 68 for both of us and yes in a devious way, I’ll be reminding him he forgot my birthday.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
GROCERY STORE
I was very impressed. After working all day on my website, www.FunnyPhotosContest.com for cute or funny photos and photo captions, I rushed to the store to do my grocery shopping. But when I returned home and finished unpacking all my groceries, I could not find several items. Perhaps, I thought, I left a bag in the car. And so I went out to the garage to inspect my trunk, but it was empty. I could only assume the items were still at the store.
I know that many people carefully check their receipts as they put away their purchases to make sure they did not get overcharged. But not me. It’s too much trouble and not worth the time. So I simply throw away my receipt. Luckily paper has to be recycled and I quickly dug it out of the garbage. Sure enough the cashier had charged me for the items and they appeared on the slip, but I didn’t have them.
It was late in the day and I was just too tired to drag myself back to the store to pick up the groceries that the ‘bagger’ had forgotten to place in my cart. Thus, I called the grocery store and lo and behold not only did they tell me they had my bag of groceries, but since I lived only a few minutes away, someone would deliver them to me shortly. Sure enough. Within 20 minutes the doorbell rang and a grocery employee handed me my missing items. As I said, I was very impressed.
I know that many people carefully check their receipts as they put away their purchases to make sure they did not get overcharged. But not me. It’s too much trouble and not worth the time. So I simply throw away my receipt. Luckily paper has to be recycled and I quickly dug it out of the garbage. Sure enough the cashier had charged me for the items and they appeared on the slip, but I didn’t have them.
It was late in the day and I was just too tired to drag myself back to the store to pick up the groceries that the ‘bagger’ had forgotten to place in my cart. Thus, I called the grocery store and lo and behold not only did they tell me they had my bag of groceries, but since I lived only a few minutes away, someone would deliver them to me shortly. Sure enough. Within 20 minutes the doorbell rang and a grocery employee handed me my missing items. As I said, I was very impressed.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
DISAPPOINTED
I grew up in the 40’s and 50’s listening to and loving the music of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Perry Como. And so when I turn on the radio I always tune to a station that plays their music, also referred to as “elevator music.” Sorry, but what can I say, that’s what I like. Well, I couldn’t believe it when Monday morning I turned on the radio and instead of my favorites, I heard songs from the 60’s and 70’s.
I called the radio station and learned that senior citizens don’t purchase the products advertised on the radio and so since the station can’t make money playing to that audience, they have simply stopped. Oh how I miss my music…. I can of course, find the kind of music I like on my computer. But when I work on my website, www.FunnyPhotosContest.com for cute or funny photos and photo captions, my computer doesn’t have enough memory to run both programs. Looks like I’ll have to bite the bullet and purchase an I-Pod.
I called the radio station and learned that senior citizens don’t purchase the products advertised on the radio and so since the station can’t make money playing to that audience, they have simply stopped. Oh how I miss my music…. I can of course, find the kind of music I like on my computer. But when I work on my website, www.FunnyPhotosContest.com for cute or funny photos and photo captions, my computer doesn’t have enough memory to run both programs. Looks like I’ll have to bite the bullet and purchase an I-Pod.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
AN HISTORIC DAY
This morning, when I checked the statistics on my website, www.FunnyPhotosContest.com for cute or funny photos and photo captions, it should not have surprised me that very few people had visited the site. After all, the whole country had instead turned to their radios, computers, and televisions to listen to and watch the inauguration of the first African-American President. Like everyone else I did too and I must admit there were several times when, touched by emotion, I felt a lump in my throat.
Journalists reported that over a million people lined the streets of Washington D.C. to participate in this historic celebration. It seems like the excitement has permeated almost everyone, everywhere. Although I rarely pay much attention to politics, today for the first time ever, even I followed the inauguration festivities closely. And throughout it all, I can't help but feel extremely grateful to live in this wonderful country and proud to be an American
Journalists reported that over a million people lined the streets of Washington D.C. to participate in this historic celebration. It seems like the excitement has permeated almost everyone, everywhere. Although I rarely pay much attention to politics, today for the first time ever, even I followed the inauguration festivities closely. And throughout it all, I can't help but feel extremely grateful to live in this wonderful country and proud to be an American
Sunday, January 18, 2009
PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA
Yesterday when I was working on www.FunnyPhotosContest.com for cute or funny photos and photo captions, I heard on the radio that President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden are traveling by train to Washington on the same route President Abraham Lincoln took. The announcement reminded me of the other similarities between Obama and Lincoln. Lincoln freed the African-Americans making it possible for Obama to become America’s first African-American President. In addition, they share an Illinois residency, careers as attorneys, and when Obama is sworn in, he will place his hand on the same Bible that Lincoln did. But there is another similarity, we can hope they won’t share – assassination.
Hopefully, Obama’s plans to revitalize our economy by creating new jobs to put millions of Americans back to work will create hope, please the unemployed, improve the stock market, and diffuse any discontent.
Hopefully, Obama’s plans to revitalize our economy by creating new jobs to put millions of Americans back to work will create hope, please the unemployed, improve the stock market, and diffuse any discontent.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
HEALTH CLUB
It surprised me the first time it happened. And since I had no past experience, I could not come up with any explanation. But when the same thing happened a year later, I figured it out immediately.
I joined my first health club in April of 1985 and worked out three times a week. I met lots of nice people in the swimming pool and lots of nice ladies in the locker room. But when I arrived at the club the first week of January 1986, not only did I find the parking lot full to the brim, in addition, I could barely find an empty locker in the locker room. What a drastic change from just a week earlier. And each time I went during the first two weeks of January, I noticed the same phenomena. I couldn’t imagine what had changed. However, during the following two weeks, the crowd began to disappear. Once again, I started finding good parking spaces and fewer ladies in the locker room. Still, I had no answer for the sudden surge and then disappearance of new members. Oh well, I enjoyed the return to normalcy.
But a year later, in January 1988, when the same pattern appeared, I knew the cause – New Year’s resolutions and Christmas presents. The new members eagerly jumped in to a new, healthier life style. But it took more effort and work then they cared to devote to their health and they simply stopped coming !!
I still belong to a health club and still work out regularly. And nothing’s changed. I know that a new, big crowd will appear for the first 10 –15 days in January. Because it’s a hassle, to battle the crowds, I try to complete my work out during the less busy times of the day. Luckily, I’m retired so I can arrange my schedule accordingly and when I’m not working out at the club I can work onwww.FunnyPhotosContest.com for cute or funny photos and photo captions
I joined my first health club in April of 1985 and worked out three times a week. I met lots of nice people in the swimming pool and lots of nice ladies in the locker room. But when I arrived at the club the first week of January 1986, not only did I find the parking lot full to the brim, in addition, I could barely find an empty locker in the locker room. What a drastic change from just a week earlier. And each time I went during the first two weeks of January, I noticed the same phenomena. I couldn’t imagine what had changed. However, during the following two weeks, the crowd began to disappear. Once again, I started finding good parking spaces and fewer ladies in the locker room. Still, I had no answer for the sudden surge and then disappearance of new members. Oh well, I enjoyed the return to normalcy.
But a year later, in January 1988, when the same pattern appeared, I knew the cause – New Year’s resolutions and Christmas presents. The new members eagerly jumped in to a new, healthier life style. But it took more effort and work then they cared to devote to their health and they simply stopped coming !!
I still belong to a health club and still work out regularly. And nothing’s changed. I know that a new, big crowd will appear for the first 10 –15 days in January. Because it’s a hassle, to battle the crowds, I try to complete my work out during the less busy times of the day. Luckily, I’m retired so I can arrange my schedule accordingly and when I’m not working out at the club I can work onwww.FunnyPhotosContest.com for cute or funny photos and photo captions
Friday, January 16, 2009
SNOW DAYS
All Wisconsin children know that frigid cold temperatures and blizzard snowfalls will cause schools to close for the day. And, today makes the second day in a row that school has closed. Both yesterday and today, the temperature, including the wind chill factor, has dropped to 35 degrees below zero. And because the freezing cold temperatures can cause frostbite within a matter of minutes, it is dangerous to be outside.
During a normal winter, schools will close for maybe one or two days throughout the whole season. But our unusual weather conditions this year has brought the total to 4 days of no school already and today’s date only brings us half way through the winter season. Although the children love it, they forget that schools are by law allowed to close for only three days each school year. And so when June arrives and the children anxiously look forward to summer vacation, they will unfortunately have to spend a few extra days is school during the beautiful summer days making up the time they missed.
It’s a mixed blessing and so I feel a bit sorry for my two grandsons. But at the same time, since they are home instead of in school, I can ask them to give me a little extra help. They can assist me with sorting all the photos I receive for www.FunnyPhotosContest.com.
During a normal winter, schools will close for maybe one or two days throughout the whole season. But our unusual weather conditions this year has brought the total to 4 days of no school already and today’s date only brings us half way through the winter season. Although the children love it, they forget that schools are by law allowed to close for only three days each school year. And so when June arrives and the children anxiously look forward to summer vacation, they will unfortunately have to spend a few extra days is school during the beautiful summer days making up the time they missed.
It’s a mixed blessing and so I feel a bit sorry for my two grandsons. But at the same time, since they are home instead of in school, I can ask them to give me a little extra help. They can assist me with sorting all the photos I receive for www.FunnyPhotosContest.com.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
UNIVERSITY CLASS
What a hassle!! Senior citizens are eligible to audit classes at the University of Wisconsin and all I want to do is take one physical fitness class. But I swear, I was on the phone for almost an hour and no one seemed to know what was going on. I kept getting transferred from one department to another and then within the department I was again transferred from one person to another.
When I gave them my name they couldn’t find me in their system until someone finally asked if I had ever attended the University under another name. And yes I had graduated from the University in 1962 under my maiden name. But since then I also attended the University to obtain a masters degree in 1981, attended a special physical fitness class in 1988, and worked at the University in the computing department from 1986 to 2000, not to mention I even attended the University’s nursery school in the early ‘40s. It seemed this information helped a bit. But, by the end of all the phone conversations, I still did not really know if I were actually enrolled.
The first class begins on Jan. 26th and I can only hope that when I arrive I won’t be turned away. No wonder I like working on www.FunnyPhotosContest.com for cute or funny photos and photo captions more than exercising. It’s a lot easier and more pleasant.
When I gave them my name they couldn’t find me in their system until someone finally asked if I had ever attended the University under another name. And yes I had graduated from the University in 1962 under my maiden name. But since then I also attended the University to obtain a masters degree in 1981, attended a special physical fitness class in 1988, and worked at the University in the computing department from 1986 to 2000, not to mention I even attended the University’s nursery school in the early ‘40s. It seemed this information helped a bit. But, by the end of all the phone conversations, I still did not really know if I were actually enrolled.
The first class begins on Jan. 26th and I can only hope that when I arrive I won’t be turned away. No wonder I like working on www.FunnyPhotosContest.com for cute or funny photos and photo captions more than exercising. It’s a lot easier and more pleasant.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
SLEEP
On New Year’s I made a resolution to stop wasting so much time playing games on my computer, in particular the Free Cell solitare game. It is a shame to waste time when I have so many other more important things to do, like work on www.FunnyPhotosContest.com for cute or funny photos and photo captions. And when I stay up until the wee hours of the morning, I am always so tired the next day.
But I’ve just learned that a lack of sleep not only makes you tired, it can make you sick. Lately, they have announced repeatedly on the radio that people who do not get enough sleep are more likely to catch colds and become ill. I have long known that sleep provides the body with an important restorative power for health and healing. But somehow the knowledge didn’t seem that important and I just ignored it. However, the recent messages on the radio have made a significant impact on me and now I’m more determined than ever to go to sleep early.
But I’ve just learned that a lack of sleep not only makes you tired, it can make you sick. Lately, they have announced repeatedly on the radio that people who do not get enough sleep are more likely to catch colds and become ill. I have long known that sleep provides the body with an important restorative power for health and healing. But somehow the knowledge didn’t seem that important and I just ignored it. However, the recent messages on the radio have made a significant impact on me and now I’m more determined than ever to go to sleep early.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
BANK STATEMENT
I knew I should have reconciled my last three bank statements. Yesterday I received a letter from my bank that I was overdrawn and thus charged a penalty fee. I usually don’t worry about my checking account, because I always keep an extra $500 in the account. But a couple of months ago, knowing I had a balance of $13,000, I loaned my daughter and son-in-law $11,000. No problem, accept at Chanukah time, without even thinking, I gave my children and grandchildren another $1,000 in gifts as well as paying my property taxes of $2,000 before Dec. 31st. What was I thinking?
It was 8:00 p.m. when I got home yesterday, opened my mail, and saw the bad news from my bank. But to make it worse, I also received a $214 gas and electric bill for Jan., which was automatically deducted from my checking account. Obviously, the bill would certainly generate another penalty fee. Because the bank had closed at 6:00 p.m. I could not call them. Luckily they have an automated bank system and I could immediately call and transfer funds from my business www.FunnyPhotosContest.com for cute or funny photos and photo captions. Unfortunately, when I called an automated voice told me I would have to talk personally with a bank representative.
“Darn,” I thought. Waiting until morning might make it too late to avoid a second penalty fee. Since I had no choice, my only other option was to set my alarm clock for 7:30 when the bank opened and then call first thing in the morning! Guess I won’t ever again forget to reconcile my bank statement in the future – or at least I will pay more attention to the money I just give away.
It was 8:00 p.m. when I got home yesterday, opened my mail, and saw the bad news from my bank. But to make it worse, I also received a $214 gas and electric bill for Jan., which was automatically deducted from my checking account. Obviously, the bill would certainly generate another penalty fee. Because the bank had closed at 6:00 p.m. I could not call them. Luckily they have an automated bank system and I could immediately call and transfer funds from my business www.FunnyPhotosContest.com for cute or funny photos and photo captions. Unfortunately, when I called an automated voice told me I would have to talk personally with a bank representative.
“Darn,” I thought. Waiting until morning might make it too late to avoid a second penalty fee. Since I had no choice, my only other option was to set my alarm clock for 7:30 when the bank opened and then call first thing in the morning! Guess I won’t ever again forget to reconcile my bank statement in the future – or at least I will pay more attention to the money I just give away
Monday, January 12, 2009
LOST BRACELET
I always enjoy visiting my Mom in Nevada, but last fall when I stayed with her I lost my favorite bracelet – a thin, twisted gold chain. I was standing at her bathroom sink and unhooking the clasp when all of a sudden the bracelet slipped out of my hand. Unfortunately, the sink is narrow and very deep. Thus, when the bracelet dropped, it slipped down so rapidly, that I couldn’t grab it in time and it fell into the drain. My heart sank. But I looked closely under the stopper and discovered that luckily the bracelet was caught on one of the prongs under the stopper. I grabbed a bobby pin to see if I could gently maneuver the bracelet back to safety. I managed to slip the bobby pin under the bracelet and loosened it for a second, but lo and behold it slid right off and fell further down the drain. I opened the cupboard door beneath the sink and saw that the pipe was shaped like the letter “U”. I knew then that my bracelet was lying at the base of the “U”.
Later that day, when I told my Mother about the bracelet, I said if you ever need a plumber, perhaps he can retrieve my bracelet. But she lives in a nice new home and who knows how many years will pass before she has to call a plumber. My bracelet will be long forgotten by then. Oh well, at least it wasn’t my computer that I lost. I could still continue working on my website www.FunnyPhotosContest.com for cute or funny photos and photo captions during my visit.
Well, you can imagine my delight yesterday when my Mom called to tell me a plumber had indeed retrieved my bracelet !!! Her toilet overflowed last week and when the plumber finished fixing it, she asked if he could check on the pipe under the sink. What a great surprise. I never expected to see my bracelet again.
Later that day, when I told my Mother about the bracelet, I said if you ever need a plumber, perhaps he can retrieve my bracelet. But she lives in a nice new home and who knows how many years will pass before she has to call a plumber. My bracelet will be long forgotten by then. Oh well, at least it wasn’t my computer that I lost. I could still continue working on my website www.FunnyPhotosContest.com for cute or funny photos and photo captions during my visit.
Well, you can imagine my delight yesterday when my Mom called to tell me a plumber had indeed retrieved my bracelet !!! Her toilet overflowed last week and when the plumber finished fixing it, she asked if he could check on the pipe under the sink. What a great surprise. I never expected to see my bracelet again.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
DINNER GUESTS
A couple of weeks ago I invited three of my neighbors to my house for dinner. And so for the past few days I’ve been eagerly preparing and getting ready for my guests with no time to work on www.FunnyPhotosContest.com for cute or funny photos and photo captions. But the phone rang early this morning and one of my guests, Debby said she couldn’t make it tonight because some out-of-town relatives were unexpectedly arriving shortly. Since several other single ladies also live in the neighborhood, I decided to invite one of them.
It was only 10:00 a.m. so first I called Brenda and then Doris, but neither of them answered. I decided I would wait until noon and try again. At noon, they still didn’t answer. At that point I called Jenny. She told me she appreciated the invitation, but she already had plans that afternoon and wouldn’t arrive home until around 7:00. To be polite, I suggested she could stop by for dessert if she liked.
Since I still had only two guests and really wanted three, I thought I might try calling Heidi. However, I don’t know Heidi very well. Thus, when I left a message for her on her answering machine, I told her I had also invited her close friend Brenda to make her feel more comfortable. Initially I planned a dinner party for four, but now it looked like I might have five….oh well. As I waited for the women to return my calls, Debby called. “My plans have changed,” she said, “would it be o.k. if I came after all?” Of course I said and was so pleased that she could join us after all, even though I might now end up with six or seven guests.
But as Shakespeare said, “All’s well that end’s well”. Heidi called and politely refused. Then Brenda called and politely refused. And Jenny didn’t show up for dessert. So my original dinner party for four was exactly that!
It was only 10:00 a.m. so first I called Brenda and then Doris, but neither of them answered. I decided I would wait until noon and try again. At noon, they still didn’t answer. At that point I called Jenny. She told me she appreciated the invitation, but she already had plans that afternoon and wouldn’t arrive home until around 7:00. To be polite, I suggested she could stop by for dessert if she liked.
Since I still had only two guests and really wanted three, I thought I might try calling Heidi. However, I don’t know Heidi very well. Thus, when I left a message for her on her answering machine, I told her I had also invited her close friend Brenda to make her feel more comfortable. Initially I planned a dinner party for four, but now it looked like I might have five….oh well. As I waited for the women to return my calls, Debby called. “My plans have changed,” she said, “would it be o.k. if I came after all?” Of course I said and was so pleased that she could join us after all, even though I might now end up with six or seven guests.
But as Shakespeare said, “All’s well that end’s well”. Heidi called and politely refused. Then Brenda called and politely refused. And Jenny didn’t show up for dessert. So my original dinner party for four was exactly that!
Friday, January 9, 2009
INSOMNIA
It began in the mid 70’s. I would crawl in bed for a good night’s sleep, but several hours would pass and I would find myself still wide awake. Of course, I would have to drag myself through the following day, as I could barely function on only a few hours of sleep. Thus began my quest to fight insomnia. I tried meditation, relaxation techniques, hypnosis, deep breathing, etc. At first nothing worked, but I kept at it and even though it took a long time, eventually I mastered deep breathing and my insomnia pretty much disappeared.
Insomnia still plagues me on rare occasions, but now that I'm retired, I’ll just get out of bed and work on my website, www.FunnyPhotosContest.com for cute or funny photos and photo captions until, I finally feel sleepy and can return to bed.
Insomnia still plagues me on rare occasions, but now that I'm retired, I’ll just get out of bed and work on my website, www.FunnyPhotosContest.com for cute or funny photos and photo captions until, I finally feel sleepy and can return to bed.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
COMPUTER TUTOR
Since I retired I spend many enjoyable hours working on www.FunnyPhotosContest.com for cute or funny photos and photo captions or providing computer tutoring for senior citizens. When I first volunteered to tutor at the local senior center in 2002, I received dozens of calls each week from seniors who wanted to schedule a one-on-one lesson. Since, I only tutored on Friday afternoons, I had to make appointments sometimes two or three months in advance.
But gradually, as I helped most of the members who needed assistance with their computers, the phone calls began diminishing. Now a month or two might pass before someone calls requesting a lesson. And so this morning, I was pleasantly surprised to pick up the phone and hear a woman asking for help. In addition, it turned out to be an acquaintance I had known some time ago. We eagerly caught up on our recent activities and looked forward to seeing each other again. However, she had purchased a Macintosh computer and when I told her I didn’t use a Macintosh or know much about it, she was very disappointed. Nevertheless, we decided to get together anyway and so made plans to meet for lunch.
But gradually, as I helped most of the members who needed assistance with their computers, the phone calls began diminishing. Now a month or two might pass before someone calls requesting a lesson. And so this morning, I was pleasantly surprised to pick up the phone and hear a woman asking for help. In addition, it turned out to be an acquaintance I had known some time ago. We eagerly caught up on our recent activities and looked forward to seeing each other again. However, she had purchased a Macintosh computer and when I told her I didn’t use a Macintosh or know much about it, she was very disappointed. Nevertheless, we decided to get together anyway and so made plans to meet for lunch.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
GOOD / BAD HAIR DAY
I can barely resist the temptation to cancel my appointment, just stay home, and work on www.FunnyPhotosContest.com for cute or funny photos and photo captions. I’m having a good hair day. In fact my hair looks great. And so, as you might have guessed today is the day I get my hair cut!
It seems to be a law of nature for every woman I know that on the day she plans to have her hair cut she is finally having a “Good Hair Day.” Then sure enough, she walks in to the beauty shop, loving the way her hair looks and walks out ready to cry. It doesn’t seem to matter weather the beautician is a master craftsman or novice, they never cut your hair the way you want it to look.
And isn't ironic that other people who see you will often say, “Oh, your hair looks wonderful.” I remember years ago, my daughter said to me one day when I was having trouble fixing my hair, “Mom, your hair looks the same everyday.” Well, I guess to others it probably does. But a few days later, when my daughter was having trouble fixing HER hair, I said to her, “Sweetie your hair looks the same everyday.”
It seems to be a law of nature for every woman I know that on the day she plans to have her hair cut she is finally having a “Good Hair Day.” Then sure enough, she walks in to the beauty shop, loving the way her hair looks and walks out ready to cry. It doesn’t seem to matter weather the beautician is a master craftsman or novice, they never cut your hair the way you want it to look.
And isn't ironic that other people who see you will often say, “Oh, your hair looks wonderful.” I remember years ago, my daughter said to me one day when I was having trouble fixing my hair, “Mom, your hair looks the same everyday.” Well, I guess to others it probably does. But a few days later, when my daughter was having trouble fixing HER hair, I said to her, “Sweetie your hair looks the same everyday.”
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
BRAND NEW
What a busy day I had! I swam at the health club, stopped at the grocery store to buy food for my dinner party on Saturday night, and went to Best Buy to purchase a new CD/tape player – I barely even had time to work on www.FunnyPhotosContest.com for cute or funny photos and photo captions. And I must say it was not only a busy day, it was a very productive one as well.
This is the third time in three and a half years that I’ve had to purchase a new CD/tape player. Luckily, when I bought the first one on sale, I decided to also purchase a replacement policy for $10. Since I saved about $10 on the reduced sale price, I had nothing to lose. And as it turned out, I had everything to gain. Within 12-15 months, because I use it excessively – 3 to 4 hours a day -- the player broke. I took it back to Best Buy and with no questions asked they let me return it for full price and buy a new one. What a deal !! Since the new one didn’t cost me anything, I again paid $10 for another replacement policy. Well here it is another year and a half later and the second one I bought broke. Of course, I went back to Best Buy, received the same great service, and purchased another replacement plan. Although like everything else, the price has increased and today I paid $15. But hey it’s still a great deal and no doubt I’ll use it once more within the next year or so.
This is the third time in three and a half years that I’ve had to purchase a new CD/tape player. Luckily, when I bought the first one on sale, I decided to also purchase a replacement policy for $10. Since I saved about $10 on the reduced sale price, I had nothing to lose. And as it turned out, I had everything to gain. Within 12-15 months, because I use it excessively – 3 to 4 hours a day -- the player broke. I took it back to Best Buy and with no questions asked they let me return it for full price and buy a new one. What a deal !! Since the new one didn’t cost me anything, I again paid $10 for another replacement policy. Well here it is another year and a half later and the second one I bought broke. Of course, I went back to Best Buy, received the same great service, and purchased another replacement plan. Although like everything else, the price has increased and today I paid $15. But hey it’s still a great deal and no doubt I’ll use it once more within the next year or so.
Monday, January 5, 2009
RECORDED BOOKS
When I’m at home, I spend most of my time either working on www.FunnyPhotosContest.com for cute or funny photos and photo captions or enjoying a great past time of listening to recoded books. Since I began listening to audio books about six years ago, I have probably heard close to 1,000 books. In addition, audio books have become a wonderful companion of mine. Although I live by myself, I don't feel like I'm alone when I listen to audio books. It's as if there is someone with me reading me a story, just as my parents did when I was a child.
Unfortunately, my CD / tape player broke this morning. Because I listen to audio books for about three to five hours a day, it's not surprising that my CD / tape player doesn’t last very long. In fact, every year and a half or so my machine breaks and I must buy a new one. Thus, I will eagerly rush to the store to buy another. Without it, my house seems too quiet and lonely.
Unfortunately, my CD / tape player broke this morning. Because I listen to audio books for about three to five hours a day, it's not surprising that my CD / tape player doesn’t last very long. In fact, every year and a half or so my machine breaks and I must buy a new one. Thus, I will eagerly rush to the store to buy another. Without it, my house seems too quiet and lonely.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
ANSWERING MACHINE
I live in Wisconsin and my Mom lives in Neveda. With 1000’s of miles between us, I can only sit by helplessly when my sister treats my Mother inappropriately. The other evening when my Mom and sister had gone out for dinner, I left a message on her answering machine. In addition, to simply asking her to return my call, I gave her some information.
My Mom at 91 years old doesn’t know how to access the telephone messages left for her. Thus, my sister who lives with her relays the messages to Mom. But the next day when I asked Mom what she thought of my new idea, she didn't know what I was talking about. My sister had told Mom I called, but nothing more. The information was not important. It was simply a question I had about www.FunnyPhotosContest.com for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
You can imagine how angry I was. But unfortunately I have little recourse as my sister ignores anything I say and my Mom does not confront her in fear of angering my sister.
My Mom at 91 years old doesn’t know how to access the telephone messages left for her. Thus, my sister who lives with her relays the messages to Mom. But the next day when I asked Mom what she thought of my new idea, she didn't know what I was talking about. My sister had told Mom I called, but nothing more. The information was not important. It was simply a question I had about www.FunnyPhotosContest.com for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
You can imagine how angry I was. But unfortunately I have little recourse as my sister ignores anything I say and my Mom does not confront her in fear of angering my sister.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
FREEZING RAIN
When Wisconsinites wake up on wintry mornings they can expect, almost without exception, to face falling snow or frigid cold temperatures. As they say, “It comes with the territory.” But in addition, a few times each winter Mother Nature torments us with freezing rain that coats the streets and sidewalks with ice. Needless to say many unfortunate people fill the hospital emergency rooms on those days from falling on the ice and breaking their bones.
Because I’m concerned about falling on the ice, I take extra precautions. When I must go out, I wear cleats on the bottoms of my boots – the same kind of cleats that ice fisherman wear. And when at all possible I simply stay indoors and work on www.FunnyPhotosContest.com for cute or funny photos and photo captions. As a result I have luckily never fallen on the ice. But I haven’t been as lucky indoors. On two separate occasions, both during the winter months, I have fallen and broken my bones, my left ankle in Dec, 1977 and my left tibia in Mar, 1994. Guess I should take more precautions indoors as well.
Because I’m concerned about falling on the ice, I take extra precautions. When I must go out, I wear cleats on the bottoms of my boots – the same kind of cleats that ice fisherman wear. And when at all possible I simply stay indoors and work on www.FunnyPhotosContest.com for cute or funny photos and photo captions. As a result I have luckily never fallen on the ice. But I haven’t been as lucky indoors. On two separate occasions, both during the winter months, I have fallen and broken my bones, my left ankle in Dec, 1977 and my left tibia in Mar, 1994. Guess I should take more precautions indoors as well.
Friday, January 2, 2009
FAILURE
I can’t believe it and I am sooooo mad at myself. In less than eight hours, I broke my new year’s resolution. Early on Dec. 31st, I resolved I would stop wasting so much time and stop staying up so late playing “Free Cell” on my computer. But lo and behold later that very day, I wasted several hours playing that terribly addictive game. I kept telling myself to stop. But I couldn’t. I just had to keep playing one more and one more and one more!
There’s so many more important things I should be doing like working on www.FunnyPhotosContest.com
for cute or funny photos and photo captions and yet I simply while away so many useful hours of time just playing a useless game. On the other hand, it wasn’t yet 2009 when I broke my resolution, so maybe I still have a chance …..
There’s so many more important things I should be doing like working on www.FunnyPhotosContest.com
for cute or funny photos and photo captions and yet I simply while away so many useful hours of time just playing a useless game. On the other hand, it wasn’t yet 2009 when I broke my resolution, so maybe I still have a chance …..
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