Moving Day

The day started cool and wet with rain showers.  It didn't stay that way.

No, it bucketed rain!  We got 36.8 mm (1.45 inches) of rain today and I think most of it came down while we were unloading the truck at D's apartment. :(

She's been staying at the apartment with the boxes she's moved over in her car.  She made herself a bed on the floor with lots of pillows and has been fairly comfortable though I know she's happy to have her bed tonight.

Yesterday we went shopping to buy a few items.  We picked up a toaster oven, a garbage can, some shoe storage, oven mitts, and some kitchen tools.  I'm not sure how/where she managed to misplace or just simply not find some of these items in the boxes she had stored in the garage.  The toaster, as we used hers when mine quit working, and then I purchased another just a year ago when hers died.  Storage is an issue as this apartment is probably 400 square feet, maybe a little larger.  We found some over the door shoe storage (the girl has a LOT of shoes) and the score of the day were two boxes for storage under the bed.  They were on clearance at Jysk so she paid under $4 for each.

Her couch had to be left behind because it is a huge overstuffed monstrosity.  Apparently it's comfortable as both she and her brother have been known to sleep on it.  We checked a number of places but the door way into the hall up to her apartment is very narrow (31") so nothing we found would have worked.  I ended up ordering her a roll-away bed from Walmart.  With lots of cushions it will work as both couch and day bed.

The move was pretty quick, we had every thing loaded and unloaded with 2 hours.  She didn't take everything as it was raining so hard she decided to leave some boxes behind.  She'll be over to the house tomorrow to clean her room and her corner of the basement.  Good thing she was moving out of my house and not another apartment.  There was a friend who met us there and helped with the heavy stuff.  I convinced my son to come too by reminding him the faster she moved, the sooner she would be out of the house. :)

After dropping her brother and I back at home, she headed back to her apartment to unpack and organize.  I'd had a few texts, she got the bed set up, the table re-built (we had to take it apart to get it through the door), the bookshelves filled, and most of her clothes unpacked. Later she texted to say she had been doing dishes and unpacking more boxes.  I think she'll sleep well tonight!

I spent the rest of the day doing laundry, cleaning kitchen cupboards, vacuuming and washing floors, and washing dishes.  Our football team had their first game of the season - we won - so the evening has been a little more relaxing.   Though there is still laundry to finish and supper dishes to clean up.

I'm not working tomorrow and Tuesday is Canada Day so I can sleep in and take things easy.  I certainly won't be doing any yard work!

Hope everyone is having/had a good weekend.

Friday Funny

I want this keyboard for work!

Weather Watch

As I mentioned yesterday, we've had mostly rainy and cool weather over the past week. Yesterday, for a change, the sun was shining.  But here in Saskatchewan, the weather can change very quickly!

These photos were taken over the course of an hour yesterday afternoon.  From the build-up of the clouds, to the first drops of rain on the patio, then the rain came down in torrents, overwhelming the eaves on the house.

Within only minutes the storm passed and we were enjoying the sunshine again.

The rain is keeping my containers well watered, now we could use some sun and heat to encourage these blooms!

Another Random Saturday

It was another busy week, that started Sunday evening.  I realized my rented water heater wasn't working when I went to do dishes after supper.  Downstairs I went, read and followed the instructions on the side of the machine to relight the pilot, and....nothing.

There was an emergency number to call so I did.  I reached an answering service, who asked for my name, address, life history, and eventually a daytime telephone number.  I stopped her at this point and asked why she needed a daytime telephone number as I expected a call that evening.  She said, she didn't know their schedule and wasn't to be able to promise I would get a call.  I asked, why then was this an emergency number, and all she would do was repeat herself.  Frustrated, I said to her "add this to the message, if they don't call me tonight, they can pick up this piece of shit equipment tomorrow morning".  She informed me she didn't need to tolerate that language, I agreed and hung up.

Fully expecting I wouldn't get a call until Monday morning, I called the hotel in Saskatoon to cancel my reservation. I sent an e-mail to my boss to tell him I wouldn't be in the office in the morning and possibly all day.

About 20 minutes later, I got a call from a technician.  I explained what the problem was - the pilot light wasn't lit and I wasn't able to get it to do so - and he asked what kind of water heater it was.  A big white one as my answer.  After a couple more questions I couldn't answer, he informed me that the company does not service water heaters on the weekend.  Again, I asked why there was an emergency number listed...his response, if it is an emergency call 911.

I'm pretty certain I could have heated the water on my own at that point.  I was so angry, I'm sure there was steam coming out my ears.  Since the conversation was pointless, I hung up.

Then I did what every rational (?) unhappy customer would do.  I took to Facebook and searched for the company's page.  I found it and posted a snarky comment.  The following morning at 8:02 I had a call.  I explained to Linda what had happened and all they way through the conversation I heard, "Oh I'm sorry" and "Oh that shouldn't have happened".  She told someone would be out between 9 and 9:30 and I said no, have someone here by 9 because I am having to take time off work to be here.

I suspect, based on the accent, that the individual who came to the door (at 9 a.m.) was the same technician I'd spoke to the night before.  He questioned whether I'd had the annual service done  - I had - and then the next few minutes doing exactly what I'd done the night before.  I left him on his own and came upstairs. He came up at one point and told me he had to go back to the office to get a part, though why he hadn't brought out what he might need is beyond me.  When he did finish up just after 10, he informed me that the gas line had been plugged with cat hair.

Seriously?  At this point, I was totally fed up and didn't bother to question how a sealed line would have gotten plugged.  Instead, I asked him to leave my home as I needed to get to work.  I haven't yet done so, but I plan to send an e-mail to the company asking why I should remain a customer...

****
Speaking of leaving, my daughter took my ultimatum to heart and has found new accommodation.  She's rented a very small apartment in downtown Regina.  The former tenant moved out earlier in the month, so the landlord has renovated, installing new carpet, repainting and updating counter tops.  I think she has about a foot of counter space based on the photos she's shown me.

Had she taken her time I suspect she might have found something a little larger but she's angry with me and this is her passive aggressive way of saying "here's what you are forcing me into."  She's rented a truck and will be moving a week from tomorrow.

****
Tuesday to Thursday was spent in meetings in Saskatoon with the other supervisors and managers.  For a change the time was actually fairly productive.  Though one of our senior managers (the one who promised me the transfer and then reneged) showed us a video full of platitudes....if you work hard, you'll get more done; if you stretch, you'll be more flexible...and then replayed it suggesting it had such a powerful message.

On the other hand, the organizers had found a video of a TED talk, where the speaker told the story of a medic in Afghanistan who helped carry a severely wounded soldier to be the waiting helicopter.  When the soldier was loaded, the medic leaned down and gave him a kiss on the forehead, before turning to assist another.  As the speaker explained, our organizations need to create an environment of safety and trust, where we care for one another, and the business objectives will be met.  That was a powerful message.  I asked myself, do I really care for my employees?  I think I do.  What can I do to encourage the development of such an environment?  Good questions, any suggestions?

****
It rained a lot this week. Yesterday morning, I took advantage of a brief break in the weather to mow the back lawn.  I hadn't the mower away and it began to rain again. Hard!

According to the local weather reports we got 13.6 millimeters of rain yesterday (just over a half inch) and 50.6 mm over the past week (about 2 inches).

The good news is that my containers are well-watered, the bad news is we're not forecast for any real heat for the next 14 days.  I'd really like to see summer!

I've bought wood sealer for these sheds, but I need two full days of warm weather to thoroughly dry the wood and then another day or so to get the work done.

****
Today is another day of housework - this time around the increasing mound of boxes.  Both my kids are working today so I'll have the house to myself.  I can turn on the tunes and go to town.  I've been watching an episode of Consumed (about a family of hoarders) and I'm feeling inspired.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Friday Funny

Random Saturday

Damn, I`m glad this week is nearly over.  It had it`s good points but there a few major disappointments that overshadowed everything else.

***
Monday, I took my son to the hospital for his appointment with the cardiologist.  He underwent various and everything came out clear. Thank goodness!

Why he needed this appointment has a bit of a back story.

While I was in Saskatoon in May, my cousin M called the house to let me know his sister H had passed away.  My daughter took the call and tried to call me but my cellphone was turned off.  She wasn't able to reach me until the following day.  She was angry with me for not being available and for my lack of emotion.  Even when I explained I'd met H once for certain, and probably only twice in my life she couldn't understand why I wouldn't be upset.  She hung up on me.

Then the following day at 10:45 a.m., she called me again, this time to let me know that my son C was in the hospital.  He had been experiencing back and chest pain and vomiting so severe that he had woken her up in the middle of the night to take him to the hospital.  When I asked why she hadn't called me earlier, she informed she'd stayed with him for awhile, then went home, took a sleeping pill and went to bed because she was tired.  C had just called her, to say he was being released and she was on her way to pick him up.

It was my turn to be upset and her turn not to understand why.

Later C told me the doctors thought he may have pinched a nerve in his back, and the pain was so severe it caused the chest pain and vomiting.  To be certain they wanted him to see a cardiologist.

****
There has been sh*t going on at work as well...I can't describe any other way.  Almost a year ago, I put in a request to transfer to another area within our office. Then in the fall I was selected to lead the group I'm currently managing.  While it is an interesting project, it has an end date and there is no guarantee where I'll be placed at the end of it.  In the meantime there have been two opportunities to move to the area I initially requested.  Each time management uses operational requirements to keep me where I am and put someone else in the area.

The most recent event took place while I was on vacation.  Before I'd left I'd had a couple of conversations with the senior manager and thought we had an agreement, it was just a matter of deciding when the transfer would occur.  Imagine my shock and frustration when I returned to find they'd moved someone else and again were using the phrase operational requirements.

After a conversation with my senior manager, I got the union involved.  The steward met with both managers, and came back to me with a little more information.  Nothing however, that was meaningful or honest.  There is nothing, however, that can be done so I'm having to mentally get over the disappointment and prepare to be stuck somewhere for the last four years, nine months, and fourteen days before I retire.

****
Normally, I don't say much about my adult children's personal lives.  Today I'm making an exception because something my daughter has done has impacted my life.

When both returned home, and I purchased a larger house so we could live comfortably together, the agreement was for the short-term.  It was an opportunity for both to pay off debt, save some money in order to purchase their own home.  My son, with the exception of the year he didn't work...heavy sigh...has managed to make his car payments and save money.  His goal is to be out of my home in the next year.  I've seen his bank statements and I'm sure he'll reach his goal.

My daughter, on the other hand has taken advantage of the situation. Last December she told she would be debt-free within a year and thought two years of saving would be sufficient.  Then in February she went out and bought herself a brand new car with all the bells and whistles, excepting leather seats.  The car won't be paid off for seven years....she's never managed to keep a vehicle for more than three.

Then this week, I learned something else.  While she's been paying minimal rent, in the last several months she's been "lending" money to a friend!  Now this friend is claiming the money was a gift and is refusing to repay her. We're not talking a small amount either.

I was so angry with D when I found out. I suggested that since she is so obviously able to subsidize her friend's life she obviously can afford to support herself.  I've given her until mid-September to move out.

What she has done is so foolish and reckless, and she ought to have known better.  I realize she is in a sticky situation but I'm afraid if I don't make her take responsibility for herself and her life she will never grow up.  She's 32 years old and I've always come to her rescue.  Not this time.  It's going to hard for both of us, but it has to be done.

****
On a much happier note, on Friday, I went with two friends to a day spa.  After a lovely massage, we went for brunch.  We sat and visited, and simply enjoyed our time together.  It was the best part of the week!

Today it is raining, so housework is on the agenda.  The dishes are done, the laundry is started, and I'll run out for a few groceries later.

No watering needed to keep my containers blooming.  That makes me happy. :)

Have a great weekend everyone!



 

Friday Funny

Thought you might appreciate this, even if you’re not quite old enough to get it! ...

  

ARE  YOU "GOING GREEN?"            

Checking  out at the store, the young cashier suggested to the much older  woman, that she should bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags weren't good for the  environment.

The  woman apologized and explained, "We didn't have this 'green thing'  back in my earlier days."

The  young clerk responded, "That's our problem today.  Your  generation did not care enough to save our environment for future  generations."

She  was right -- our generation didn't have the 'green thing' in our  day.

Back  then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles, and beer bottles to  the store.  The store sent them back to the plant to be  washed, sterilized, and refilled, so it could use the same bottles  over and over. So they really were recycled.

But  we didn't have the "green thing" back in our  day.

Grocery  stores bagged our groceries in brown paper bags, that we reused  for numerous things, like household garbage  bags.

We  walked up stairs because we didn't have an escalator in every  store and office building.  We walked to the grocery store  and didn't climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had  to go two blocks.

Back  then, we washed the baby's diapers because we didn't have the  throwaway kind.  We dried clothes on a line -- not in an  energy-gobbling machine burning up 220 volts -- wind and solar  power really did dry our clothes back in our early days.   Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not  always brand-new clothing.

Back then we had one TV, or radio, in the house -- not a TV in every  room.  And the TV had a small screen the size of a  handkerchief (remember them?), not a screen the size of the state  of  Montana .

In  the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn't have  electric machines to do everything for us.  When we packaged  a fragile item to send in the mail, we used wadded up old  newspapers to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble  wrap.  Back then we didn't fire up an engine and burn  gasoline just to cut the lawn.  We used a push mower that ran  on human power. We exercised by working so we didn't need to go to  a health club to run on treadmills that operate on  electricity.

We  drank from a fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup  or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water.  We  refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we  replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the  whole razor just because the blade got  dull.

Back  then people took the streetcar or a bus and kids rode their bikes  to school or walked instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour  taxi service in the family's $45,000 SUV or van, which cost what a  whole house did before the "green thing."  We had one  electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to  power a dozen appliances.  And we didn't need a computerized  gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 23,000 miles out  in space in order to find the nearest burger  joint.

But  isn't it sad the current generation laments how wasteful we old  folks were just because we didn't have the "green thing" back  then?

We  don't like being old in the first place, so it doesn't take much  to piss us off . . . especially from a tattooed, multiple pierced  smartass who can't make change without the cash register telling  them how much.