Rants and Whimsy

Trying to Find My Voice (again)

2010-12-03T17:15:00.000-08:00

On some levels I miss blogging. It was becoming though almost a burden. I was writing more for the "readership" than I was for myself. It honestly stopped being fun for me.

I'm searching for a new vision, a new muse and hopefully I've found it. I actually debated on removing all the old stuff but I dunno, it's hard just erasing all those words and pretending they didn't exist. But at the same time I'm looking for a do-over.

Look for more soon.

Stimulous Part Two

2009-02-09T23:00:00.000-08:00

To Simulate or Not to Stimulate....that is the Question

It just aggravates me to no end when either party has control and feel it's okay to bully the other. This doesn't work because it just causes the other party to dig in their heels and make life miserable. It doesn't work in business, it doesn't work on the playground, and when it's our Federal government the American people end up the losers. Take the latest stimulus package, the democrats added in a bunch of pork to show how great it is to be the big shots on campus, and it caused the republicans to dig in their heels and whine to anyone that would listen.

It's not that the republicans whining is not without merit, but they also seem to forgot that when they were control the democrats and the American people were forced to eat their pork. It also needs to be said I don't care much for pork especially fatty pork and both sides have their history of fatty pork padding. John McCain said he hated republican pork as much as democratic pork, but he voted the republican pork filled bills.

Yesterday and Today

No, I'm not talking about Y&T, but literally lets leave yesterday to historians, and worry about today and tomorrow. The bill the democrats support is full of pork, some fatty, and some lean but pork has no business being in this particular stimulus package. I have to wonder what would the Republicans had said if the bill had been pork free. However we'll never know because the Democrats screwed up a big chance to show the American people that they truly care about these difficult times. Now it appears the Republicans are the caring ones but the truth is they really don't care. I don't think either side does since they have no worries about being laid off.

They need to start acting like neither side has a majority and think about what is best for the American people. Historically speaking when the congress is more narrowly controlled by one side or the other, they are forced to work together more. When one side has a overwhelming majority they become drunk with power and pass whatever they like. If the president happens to be on the other side, then he will become an insignificant president, but if the president happens to be on leading side, then he has big problems.

I think this president is in trouble because the higher they are, the further they will fall.

The Politics of Being Political

I can't be a democrat or republican, because I have to watch both sides closely and listen to what they are both saying. Some of the infrastructure spending is a good thing but I don't think it's enough nor do I think it will solve all our economic problems. Lowering taxes on businesses will help the businesses but I really don't see them expanding much as a result of this. When times are hard people hold onto their pennies more, and it's true for everyone. I don't think a business is going to look at their lower taxes and say let's expand. They are still going to be uncertain that their business will even be around in a few months with or without lower taxes.

It's all a gamble, with the Republicans wanting to fix everything by just cutting taxes alone and the Democrats wanting to spend their way out. Tax cuts for businesses and wealthy people sounds great on the surface but it doesn't wash with the middle and lower middle class people, since with them lies most of the spending power. We already know that alone doesn't work, it hasn't worked for the past 8 years. If a business large or small gets a few paltry tax cuts, but people still don't feel comfortable enough to buy their goods, their business will fail. If the government puts lot of money into infrastructure, which would create jobs, but if people still don't feel comfortable they still won't spend money and businesses will still fail.

I think what bothers me the most is the Republicans are just standing back, saying it won't work and seriously hoping things will just fall apart.

What They Aren't Saying..

I was watching Bill O'Reilly's show after the President spoke and he was talking with Dick Morris, who explained that the Japanese in the 1990's tried to spend their way out of their big recession...both of them and subsequent guests just threw up their hands and said it didn't work. The problem is they didn't mention that the Japanese also cut 2 trillion in taxes too...and it didn't help them in addition to their big spending. What the Japanese did have going for them was the fact they saved their money roughly 13% of their income goes into savings. Roughly 1% of the average American's income goes into savings.

The problem is I don't think either has it right...you can't cut taxes to get out of a recession (at least it's never worked in the past) and you can't spend your way out of it. The only thing you can do is curb your spending, save as much money as possible, and hang on because I think the only cure for a recession truly is time. When goods and services get too expensive too fast recessions are useful. When the stock market starts to nose dive they call it a price correction--over-inflated stocks come down in price more in line with their true value. When houses dropped they called it bubble and the effect is the same, prices came down to where they probably should have been had the boom not occurred. Now the whole economy is going through the same thing. It's going to take a long time but I believe things will get better--it will just take time and probably more time than the next couple presidents will have. And yes you did read that right. We're talking 8-10 years people!

I believe if Obama's stimulus goes through as planned, we will benefit from it but I'll be very surprised if it's within the next four years. If the next president doesn't try to undo everything, then perhaps during that term things will start to turn and they can take credit for it. If they do try to undo everything, then we'll sink deeper but still eventually things will improve. The question is would things improve without all this on it's own in the same amount of time.

That too, I believe is possible, but try to convince Washington of that.

© 2009 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Lots of Stuff

2009-01-19T11:35:00.001-08:00

How Many Resolutions Have Already Been Blown?

I had every intention of keeping each of my resolutions but sometimes life just sucks. First week back to school for the kids was hell. I got a phone call from a hysterical family member in California saying that Grandma was in the hospital (it turned out that was ONLY bit of information they got right). The downside is my grandmother had to move again, but the upside is she gets to return to the area she liked. There are people able and willing to pick her up now and bring her to the church she loves. She'll get to go to her old hairdresser each week, and the place she'll be going into will bring her to the doctor and take care of all her meds so she won't have to think about them.

I have pondered if it's not time to bring her up here to live near us but decided actually against it because she would know no one here except us and we're just not that entertaining. Too many strikes against moving her up here at this time, I want her to be able to enjoy living there and see the people she wants to see for as long as she's able. She certainly wouldn't get that up here with just us. It's such a double edge sword though because I know she misses all of us but after the first few weeks she'd also become very bored with her life up here.

Meanwhile while all this was going on, I had to deal with issues involving Fredo and school; times are bad, school budgets are the first cut and I was worried they would be compelled to get rid of his aid. Fredo, is on the spectrum for Autism, and since he seems to learn best in a one to one setting, we had to fight the school to get him what he needs. This year from the beginning he's had an aid helping him transition. It's been wonderful! We went from last year worrying about him being able to stay in his school to this year where he's actually starting to excel. He's taking what he learns during the one to one, and bringing it into the classroom. I'm thrilled, he's thrilled. He's not over relying on the aid, but instead just using her when he needs some additional direction. He's transitioning in his schedule very well now, and no longer wanders with a lost feeling. His outbursts, anxiety are also greatly diminished. I can't say enough good things that have happened just since September.

So there it is, the good and the bad for the first weeks of 2009.

The other resolutions, like sticking to the food budget, losing weight and healthy eating haven't really been happening but I'm working on them. I've been under a lot of stress lately and it's easier when feeling harried, to slip into old more comfortable habits. But all that said, my knee is feeling much better these days and I'm ready to start walking again, I just need to remember slow down a little and try to enjoy the walk.

On the upside, I haven't complained about our weather. I have observed that its been windy lately but it was more of an observation and I'm not really complaining about it, unless we get high wind on school nights. Behind our house we have lots of extra tall Cedar trees and I do sometimes worry when the wind starts really whipping about one falling and hitting our house. Fredo's bedroom faces those trees so if the winds get really bad (in the 50+ mph range) I make him sleep downstairs.

Over the weekend Piss-boy turned 15, leaving me to seriously wonder where the time has gone. We had the car discussion with him and he said he's in no hurry to get his permit. He said he feels it's too soon to think about it after all, he's only been sitting in the front seat for a couple years now. He honestly is the only kid I've ever known that isn't in a hurry to grow up. Maybe that's not such a bad thing.

© 2009 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Another Year

2009-01-06T12:00:00.000-08:00

I Just Shake My Head

Israel and Palestine are at it again, and I know we're all bored with the economy, but Jett Travolta is the is the big story?! Let me just say that it's deplorable, I watched for roughly a couple minutes of the so-called interview with the EMT that was there and I don't mean this figuratively, but actually it turned my stomach. We're talking about a family that is going through a level of personal hell that few could appreciate and the press is clawing for every little detail. And this idiot seeking his own fame, or money is dishing it out.

My heart goes out to Jett Travolta's family. I don't need to know the details about his death, hearing of it is painful enough. I don't need to dwell on the so-called religious issues or non-issues because it's none of my business or anyone else. I don't need to know about his medical history or what the autopsy says or doesn't. The way the media has hijacked this story is opprobrious and inexcusable.

I know flashing bombs also makes for big news, and we're all bored with Iraq so I imagine from a media perspective the latest Israel skirmish is news worthy but why should I care what Roseanne Barr or whatever she calls herself has to say about the conflict? Good ol' Bill O'Reilly thinks I should care; I see whatever her comments are about as useful as a turd in a punchbowl. I don't give a...Well you know.

Any Feel-good stories out there? Hackers broke into Obama's Twitter account, okay that was worth a chuckle, they also hacked into Britney Spears account. And wrote to everyone that CNN's Rick Sanchez was "high on crack and not coming into work today" Maybe I should check my Twitter account? Heh.

Much Ado

It's award season and everyone is talking about the Dark Knight flick and I'll admit I haven't seen it but I also have to believe that if that actor hadn't died no one would still be talking about it. They would be talking more about Grand Torino, or Milk (both movies I haven't seen but the latter I do know something about). I honestly as a former San Franciscan, have no desire to see the movie Milk, well, maybe I'll rent it. Harvey Milk was gay, and yes he was completely out of the closet, and did something for gay rights in The City, but I was living there at the time. His biggest claim to fame that has catapulted him to superstar status was being shot by Dan White. And he wasn't shot because he was gay, he was shot because he was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Dan White (aka the twinkie defense), intended to just kill Mayor Moscone but Milk was in his office at the time so they both were killed. Like I said I haven't seen the movie but had Milk been killed because of what he did for the gays in SF, then it would be more compelling otherwise to me it's a sad footnote.

Well it's Tuesday and yes the kids finally went back to school yesterday and yes, I celebrated. Well I didn't really celebrate, I mean I didn't get rip-roaring drunk or anything, but I did a brief happy dance. My knee is much better but I still don't have all my cool Elaine dance moves back.

Like I said, it will take a while.

© 2009 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

another picture

2008-12-22T11:52:00.001-08:00

This is a shot of the steps going up the side of my house. I know, you'll have to believe me when I say there are really steps there....Big steep steps.

Ranter

Christmas is Canceled!

2008-12-22T10:54:00.000-08:00

I'm Done

It's over with. Not happening until maybe this weekend. Happy New Year!

Frosty After the Holiday Party

2008-12-20T18:55:00.001-08:00

Yes the kids tried to make a snowman, but when it fell over, they adapted.
Our frosty just had too much to drink and needed a nap in the driveway!
© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Somewhere that's Green

2008-12-18T21:17:00.000-08:00

A Green Christmas?

I'm not talking about ecology, or global warming; I'm also not talking about green as in money, I'm just talking about the color green. I've spent a week seeing nothing but white. Frankly it's a boring color. White hills, white trees, a monochrome blanket of white across my lawn, driveway and house. I feel like I'm stuck in a photo before color.

When I was a child in San Francisco, I would watch TV like most kids and during the holiday season I would see the endless shows displaying snowy landscapes and wonder about it. What was it like, I would ponder, to get a sled for Christmas instead of a bike? Or did those kids get bikes and sleds? It seemed silly to me to ride a bike in the snow, so I assumed they could get a bike but not get to ride it until springtime. I got to ride my bike right away. Of course they got to ride their sleds so things evened out.

After many eggnog's with extra nog my Grandmother would play the piano, and start to badly sing White Christmas. I clearly remember being around 4 and thinking that snow must be really special because everyone was always singing about it. Dreaming of a White Christmas, asking to "please have snow...; Hear the snow crunch...; Walking in a Winter Wonderland...; (I could go on), so, I reasoned, snow is obviously important to having Christmas. My Christmases began feeling incomplete, as though I was being cheated out of such an intricate part of the holiday.

Only the Rudolph song gave me hope, because it specifically mentioned fog. Now fog was something I knew about. I understood fog. I had seen fog cover my house most days and nights in a blanket so damp it would make the power lines crackle. I was comforted by fog. I also understood it could be dangerous, many a day I couldn't see the house across the street from me, and headlights would just cause light to bounce around. That was the tricky thing about driving in fog, you were better off not using headlights, because they would limit your ability to see. However without them, you were greatly diminishing the ability of others on the road from seeing you.

I also understood Rudolph's nose wouldn't be much use to Santa, but whatever; the song was about fog. I know some believe that it was about Rudolph, but without the foggy Christmas Eve, Rudolph with his bright nose would have been sporting a uzi waiting for the other reindeer that picked on him and wouldn't him play their reindeer games to return. A bloodbath would have occurred with Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen's guts sprayed all over the north pole, thereby cancelling Christmas forever. The fog saved Christmas not Rudolph.

But I digress, after a week of seeing nothing but white I'm ready to see green again. I miss it and find now you can keep your snowy landscapes, I'm dreaming of a green Christmas, just like the ones I used to know.

The kids are currently enjoying an extra long winter break, having been off the week before they were officially supposed to be off. I did get most things done but not everything, the rest can wait, I am no longer going to obsess over getting the holiday cards out. If they don't get them until after the holiday, oh well. At least they got one. Between our storms you'll find me cooking and going to the grocery store.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Snow!

2008-12-14T14:43:00.000-08:00

This is how it looked in Ranterville today!

Mixed Bag

2008-12-12T08:45:00.000-08:00

This and That

It appears the body of Caylee Anthony was found yesterday, I mean what are the chances that it's not? I guess it's possible but I doubt it. I've been thinking a lot about the grandparents, George and Cindy Anthony and how badly I want to smack them. On Wednesday night they appeared on Larry King professing their daughters innocence, what about their granddaughters innocence that was taken much too early? People say they're in denial but that's just an excuse. Cindy Anthony has made excuse after excuse for her psychopathic daughter from day one and I'm tired of it.

She reminds of Scott Peterson's parents saying Scott was framed. By who? Well who knows maybe the satin worshippers that took Lacy also took Caylee...it's as good as a defense as anything. I don't understand a parent that is that so completely blind to the facts that show their child did the unthinkable? I can say if it were my child and I heard all that evidence I wouldn't be saying a word. I'd be mourning, wondering where the fuck I went wrong. I sure as hell wouldn't be telling the press they were wrong. I think in all this there is a much bigger question, if it is the body of Caylee, what will Nancy Grace have to talk about now? Maybe she'll rehash the whole Auruba thing again for a ratings boost.

DOA

At least for now the senate has voted down the Auto Bailout. I'm mixed about this revelation, as I wrote in a previous blog, I hate seeing any company fail and people lose their jobs, but the idea that something is too big to fail is just wrong. We cannot continue to hand out blank checks. Maybe it's time for the auto industry to merge, get the union under control. The truth of the matter is we are capitalists, part of capitalism is that business must evolve to stay competitive. If they don't stay competitive they fail. We can adapt the notion that some companies are too big to fail but honestly is our fault they continued making a product no one wanted to buy? It doesn't matter if it's microwave ovens or cars, if you can't sell it, you shouldn't be making more.

Will a Tree Fall on My House if I Clean it?

Today we're supposed to get our first blast of winter, in the form of wind and rain. Beyond our back yard stands around 20 or more 100 foot plus cedar trees. I worry about them falling on my house so I have this thing I do...I clean my house from top to bottom before the storm hits. I don't know why I do this, but I do. Oh and by the way there is only 13 more days until Christmas.

I was taken aback when I realized it. There is so much still to do and not a lot of time to get it all done, for example I need to pick up a few more things for my mother-in-law, one more thing for father-in-law, write and send christmas cards, mail the pictures to my grandmother in California, and I really should take a few more to send to her.

My card list has been cut waaaaay down to a scant few family members and close friends we actually see or hear from during the year. Everyone else I'm basically cutting out. The only time I hear from these people is when the holidays roll around and while it's nice, I also don't really care. It's not like they say anything, they just sign their name. Some don't even do that, they send out one of those letters that explain why they were too busy all year to pick up a phone and call or send an email or whatever. Everyone must get at least one of those; it's the one with the small picture in the upper corner or as part of header with them all standing in front of a Christmas tree or snowman, wearing matching clothes, holding some sort of prop like a cup of hot cocoa. I know I sound jaded and cynical but I don't care anymore. Just like the people that never bother to send out cards (I'm not talking about people that are older and can't), they've been cut from our list too. So, my list that used to be around 70 long is now dwindled to around 15. That's quite a change.

I guess I'm also a bit homesick.

For Your Viewing Pleasure:

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Chasing Santa

2008-12-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

For the past five Christmases we've lived here each year around the same time, we'd hear the sirens, and someone talking on a loudspeaker wishing everyone in the area a Merry Christmas. When I say sirens I mean lots of sirens as if a 5 alarm fire were burning out of control. I'd hear them but never see them around so I didn't think much about it until the following year and with the same result. One year I recall it was raining so I guess we missed it completely. Another year, I had seen a sign while walking the dog but didn't put it together until...

This year; I saw the sign saying that Santa would be conducting an Operation Santa fundraiser, which is in effect a Fire Fighter parade (I later learned that on our local fire department's website), where they cover the big engines in lights and travel different neighborhoods with sirens blaring and Santa seated on top of one of the engines. It didn't give a time but I knew it happened in the evening. As I stood outside, talking to Piss-boy about the holidays I heard the sirens, and thought DAMN!

I flew into the house yelled for Fredo to get his jacket on, being 8PM the kiddo was already in his jammies, but he complied, putting on his heavy winter coat, and shoes. The boys were in the van while the dog barked out warnings, and I relented yelling for Dumbass to run to the van. He did...if something exciting was happening or if the whole neighborhood was burning to the ground, he wasn't hanging around, he was going with his pack.

I had no idea what they took for donations but I figured cash always works and thankfully this year I had 20 bucks in my wallet.

We drove down the street and saw the firefighters leaving our area, and moving on to the next, which I had no clue where exactly it was, I saw them turn down a street but being behind them...well there wasn't enough room. I whipped around, and turned down a different street, yes I made a couple illegal u-turns, and I'm grateful the cops were busy elsewhere, so I drove down a different street and saw them coming toward me.

I flagged down the lead engine, and they said they'd be thrilled to take the cash (they really need every type of donation they can get especially this year). He said to hold my hand out the window and they'd come by. Fredo was in the back seat ooohing and ahhhing at the massive size of the engines while Dumbass stood beside him poised to attack in case the big vehicles stormed us. As they continued to drive by, the kids waving, and them waving back to us, one vehicle pulled close, it was the HUGE engine covered in lights and carrying Santa, I reached my hand out the window and handed the money to the driver, he held on to my hand for a minute and thanked me for the donation. It felt personal. It felt good.

Finally it feels like Christmas.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Congratulations!

2008-12-01T17:46:00.000-08:00

To Bumble for the Winning the Name that Tune Challenge!

You can copy this image and display it proudly on your blog! LOL

Yes, indeed folks Bumble answered the musical question correctly Norwegian Wood was the first song that featured George Harrison playing the sitar on the Beatles Album Rubber Soul. 1965. Isn't it good?

Name That Tune

2008-12-01T06:13:00.000-08:00

Question is the first Beatle song that featured George Harrison playing the sitar (not the regular guitar).

Hint: In the 60's Ravi Shankar is credited with teaching George Harrison how to play the sitar, which he later used on several Beatles albums and songs, but I'm looking for it's first appearance.

Bonus points if you can tell me what album it was on and the year. Partial points if you can just guess the album.

And I am working on making an award.

Black Friday, Karma, and Random Fluff

2008-11-30T08:53:00.000-08:00

When Did it Start?

I mean the whole referring to the day after Thanksgiving as Black Friday come from? In the 80's there was a black Monday when the stock market slid like a 500 points or something and markets around the world did the same--not really a good thing. I know some retailers have acted as though the day after Thanksgiving is the most important day for their whole year. But the day after Thanksgiving has also lost it's own magic. It used to have meaning but now it's, I guess just about money. When I was growing up, yes the day after Thanksgiving we'd all pack into the car and head Union Square in San Francisco, where cops would be there directing traffic. However, we were not there to shop, we were there to see all the Christmas decorations. I specifically was there to see Santa. My favorite place was Emporium Capwell's winter wonderland display. To me it represented Christmas with the nut crackers, trains and of course Santa in his own holiday shoppe.

Later when the shopping malls took over, the day after Thanksgiving still held the same meaning, as it was still a time to get your first injection of Christmas. Not to clean up on some good sales, and yes while there were sales, the main focus was going with the family. Not mom or dad, waiting in line all night long trying to score a big screen TV. Maybe I'm just sounding cynical, old and jaded but I don't care for this shift.

Is Black Friday So Important?

75% of people could have gone to the mall the day before Thanksgiving and stayed home on Friday, at least that's what surveys say that most people just look for a bottom bargain and will actually leave the store if they don't find one they wanted, empty handed. However, the weekend before Christmas is the BIG shopping weekend in fact it's the biggest of the season and that is the real crunch time for retailers.

That's the one where you can smell the desperation on people and they no longer care about price, they just want something to put under the tree. Which could explain how I ended up one year with artichoke plates. Or the other year I ended up with fluorescent green hat, scarf, and glove set that were horribly itchy and basically unusable. I won't continue to bore you through the past 24 years of bad holiday gifts. Though, last year my husband did come through with an iPod Nano, but with that said, he does hit the target occasionally. But, you'll just have to trust me that I do know something about the weekend before Christmas; I've got a closet full of bad gifts to prove it. Well that sounded ungrateful, and even a bad gift can be nice, right? The artichoke plates might be used one day.

Karma

Rainbird spent most of the time before Thanksgiving bitching about it, and believe me, I tried using the word complaining but it's just not strong enough. He bitched, everyday, to anyone that would listen to him. He had to deal with his parents, make the stuffing (his family recipe), make the brine (which I could have just as easily did but he figures that's *his* job). And with each task no matter how far in advance he made them, he bitched and moaned.

Then after those tasks were done he started whining and complaining about actual day, making the turkey and planning everything else. I politely reminded him with the exception of putting the bird into and taking the bird out of the oven, his work was done and the rest of the day is mine to deal with. I peeled the potatoes, cooked and whipped them, cleaned and halved the Brussels sprouts then baked, make sure the bread was cut and on the table with butter, cook the stuffing....I also had to set the table, and make the gravy. Now it also needs to be said that since we have just one oven, all those things were done after the turkey was out of the oven.

Ah, but what about that turkey? Firstly it needs to be said that cayenne pepper is NOT the same as paprika. And though he was told several times I was afraid the temperature probe was on the fritz, and he repeatedly informed me I was wrong about that. End result...The turkey was dry. I mean....DRY. Of course it was the probes fault and had nothing to do with his Freudian slips. Though seeing that dry bird placed a lot of pressure on me NOT to screw up the rest of the meal. Which came out darn good.

Friday came with me cleaning the kitchen, a fridge full of left-overs and then annual impending doom of decking the halls. I arranged for Pissboy to drag the box out of the loft area, the big box labeled, Holiday Crap and I dove in. There is something of an art to decorating for the holidays, anyone can just throw more stuff out but I'm a firm believer not doing that because for me, I start feeling claustrophobic. So, I have to decide what stuff gets put away, what stays and where everything else goes. It's a process that takes roughly a whole day, combined with other wifey tasks that need completing, like laundry, general cleaning, menu planning and the like. By Saturday I was left with just cleaning up and moving newly filled boxes back into the garage, but on Saturday I was feeling lazy, so those things were put off until Sunday. Sunday also included the rest of laundry, changing of sheets, washing of towels, folding and putting away and watching the customary chick flick on TV while doing said tasks. It's a time saver for me because it keeps the men away.

Name That Tune

I haven't done one of these for a while so I figured it was time.

What song by the Beatles was the very first that featured George Harrison playing the sitar?

First to answer correctly wins bragging rights and maybe a prize.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

I Just Realized

2008-11-22T10:38:00.000-08:00

Okay Maybe I didn't just realize this but Thanksgiving is this Thursday and what have I done, aside from buying the Turkey? I still must do the following

Make all the grocery lists, of things we need for the holiday and beyond that (it's regular shopping time too).
Clean the whole house including the washing of all the bedding in the guest room.
Bring down all the Christmas dishes (and put them into the china cabinet) to use on Thanksgiving because (gasp) I don't have a table cloth suitable for the big table and I don't have enough regular silverware to go around.
Figure out what we're going to have for dessert.

I think that's everything that must be accomplished before Thursday oh and I have a "team" meeting for Fredo at 8 in the morning on Wednesday (Its one of those teacher work days, without students).

I've really got to not sleep in so late on weekends.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Oh Yeah I Remember

2008-11-21T07:06:00.000-08:00

Silly Me

I guess each year I go through this and after it's over I seem to promptly forget about it again until the next year. Yes people we're talking about the holidays. Thanksgiving is less than a week away, which ushers in the holiday buy me that season and ends the year. Wait! Ends the year? Oh wow, I'm digging myself deeper, while I'm sure some can't wait for the New Year, I keep thinking can't we put off another month. I need more time with this year. I've barely gotten used to writing 2008 on checks, and now I have to start writing 2009?

Maybe it's something buried deep in my subconscious that doesn't want this year to end. I mean normally a year is a year long and by the time it's over it feels like it should be over. This year feels somehow unfinished and maybe it's the economy that is causing those feelings, which is the exact opposite feeling I had back in 2001, when I, and I think most people, just wanted the year over.

I spent a little time looking back over my blogs for the year, lots of political stuffs because this was a big political year for everyone. A lame duck president leaving office, two completely different choices for the future. It was, in retrospect, fun to watch it all unfold, but the aftermath is starting to annoy me just a little bit. I mean when the Democrats lost in 2004 everyone here walked around like they had just seen the 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Yeah, I was kinda bummed, even though I didn't like Kerry, at the prospect of facing another four years but that lasted about an hour or so.

I hear now the other side whining about the loss, why they lost, how they can win next time...blah blah blah...and yes they should be discussing this but I don't need to know about it. I don't care. Of course blaming Obama for this recession is really reaching, I mean really really reaching. The die for this recession was cast long before he even announced his intention to run for President. People don't have to worry about an increase in their capital gains tax because quite frankly no one this year has a capital gain. In fact they'll be writing off their losses for the next several years (because they can carry over).

What I believe has happened is a massive rationalization that the economy is worse off than people first wanted to believe. People are getting out of the market simply because they don't want to lose any more money. More people are counting their pennies and rightfully so. In a few years we'll hopefully see as a result, the average person carrying a much lower credit card debt and a larger savings account. Of course they'll complain about that too. This problem wasn't caused by deregulation alone, plain and simple old greed played a huge role in our economic demise. Let's make money today and worry about tomorrow....well tomorrow. People were duped by greed, led to believe that if they could get something for nothing. They weren't told they were gambling, they were told not to worry about it. People like to believe what they are told, because it takes the pressure off them. They told me the housing market would continue to rise and they believed them, they said there was NO housing bubble that could burst and even if it did, the money they save would be enough. The fly in that ointment was they didn't pocket the difference into their savings, instead they lived as though they could afford it. They took the family to Hawaii, bought the SUV that looked so nice in the driveway, paid for their daughters wedding and sent their son to a college they couldn't afford, telling him not to bother with financial aid. The very notion of saying no wasn't in their vocabulary. They would charge on their credit cards things they couldn't live without as well as the things they needed, because they earned points. When the bill came they didn't want to spend all their "extra" money on paying it all off, so instead carried a balance and not a small balance of maybe a couple thousand dollars (that they could easily pay off if they wanted to) but a HUGE balance in the fifteen thousand range.

Okay, I'll say it...maybe instead bailing out the lending industry, they should have given each of us a piece of that action and bailed out the American People. Instead of throwing us a bone of a measly thousand bucks, they could have given us a 100K each (tax free of course). Of course I'm not so sure we could have been trusted to spend it wisely either.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Bailing Out The Big Three

2008-11-20T07:57:00.000-08:00

$2 5, 0 0 0, 0 0 0, 0 0 0.00

That's really a lot of lettuce and that's what the big three are asking for, of course they showed up for their second senate hearing day in separate private jets. I know it seems picky but the senators asked them point blank, if they were willing to give up their jets to help save the companies. None of them said yes. They released a statement saying that the CEO's travel by private plane for "security reasons." I'm surprised they're allowed to sit next to each other during the senate hearings. Perhaps the cited "security reasons," have nothing to do with each other, but instead have to do with other competitors. Of course everyone knows that first class on commercial airlines is just a breeding ground for espionage; is there a fear of them being kidnapped and tortured until they give up secrets for failing? Is someone that works for Toyota or Honda, going to beat the crap out of one them, asking repeatedly, "I want your secret for making cars that don't sell!"

Maybe not.

Here I go Again

I'm getting all nostalgic and reminiscent with not so warm and fuzzy memories of the 1970's, specifically the gas shortage. Some of you might remember only being able to buy gas on certain days based on your license plate, even or odd numbers indicated the days you could buy gas, if there was any to buy. You might recall long lines while waiting to buy gas. People screamed for more fuel efficient cars then, which is why Toyota saw America ripe for the picking. Of course Ford answered the call by giving us the Pinto, which had this nasty tendency to explode when rear-ended. Then people screamed they wanted economical and safe cars to drive however by the time that happened, the gas crisis was over and Americans being a fickle bunch forgot. I still recall hearing Walter Cronkite saying that by the early 1980's American made cars will be getting 20 miles to the gallon. He was being clearly optimistic because not only did that not happen, we're still struggling with it today. The average car (I won't use the term American made), built by the big three gets around 13 MPG and there it stayed until 2004, when the average started to rise to around 20 MPG. However during that same time foreign companies (Toyota, Honda, etc) were getting on average 18 MPG, and now hover somewhere around 25 for their larger cars and trucks. Smaller cars do better.

The Big Three want people to believe that the credit crisis has brought them down but it's not the only reason. The main reason is their resistance to change, they believed if they could make a big SUV and sell it for less (a few thousand) than say Honda, Joe consumer would just buy theirs because it was cheaper. But somewhere along the way, Joe consumer got smarter and realized that he would spend a little more on buying a competitor and save money at the pump, maintenance and everything else that goes along with car ownership. Joe the consumer could also keep the vehicle longer. Joe consumer demanded that cars be reliable, economical, and safe. The Big Three answered with cars that were cheaper than their foreign competitors but also lagged behind in safety, and mileage. They continued with brands that wouldn't sell, like the Impala, hoping their SUV sales would make up the difference. It worked for a while. During the mid part of this decade, when everyone wanted an SUV to feel important--okay that's not exactly true...

The SUV Boom

For a while it seemed dealers couldn't keep SUV's in stock and it didn't matter who was making them, it was about a self serving self importance that drove the sales, I also believe it was the fact people were tired little cars with nothing around them but other cars on the road. Now in some mountainous regions an SUV or other four wheel drive vehicle makes sense. But lets also admit for a moment they looked darn nice parked in front of the new house. It seemed to go along with the new lifestyle people were being told they had. The Big Three will tell you that people can afford their cars because repossessions aren't climbing to the levels that the banks are seeing with homes. Home foreclosures are HUGE in most areas around the country but lets be honest, most people realize that if they can't afford to make their mortgage payment to the tune of $5000 a month, not making their car $400 payment isn't going to help. Generally car payments are MUCH smaller, therefore people are more likely to continue making those payments because they NEED a car, they didn't need that 6 bedroom 6 bath house, with the gourmet kitchen and media room in the suburbs. People wrongly blamed the SUV drivers in the increase in gas consumption, but that's just not the whole story, blame also falls on the Big Three for not making those SUVs more fuel officiant when they had the chance.

The REAL IMPORTANT PART

When Clinton was president the Japanese Government gave their auto makers money to develop what we would call now hybrids. Our government answered in 1993 with the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles or PNGV for short, the government gave the Big Three somewhere around 1.5 billion dollars to invest and develop hybrid technology. Each of them actually produced a hybrid car but did little else. In 2001 the Big Three appeared before the republican congress asking them to repeal the act because it was too difficult. Naturally with an Oil president, vice president, and congress deep in the pockets of the oil industry it easily passed. A huge opportunity was missed, and the Japanese got more than a decade head start on hybrid technology and making it useful.

Too Big To Fail or Just Too Big?

I know, but what about the jobs? I don't want to see anyone lose their job. Especially in this economy. But that said something needs to be done. Maybe it's time for the Big Three to merge, and restructure, to rebuild themselves and remake their reputation. Its hard to let that dream die, especially since we're the ones that invented the auto. However we have to be pragmatic, today cars are lasting longer, people when times are good are more likely to replace their car because they've grown tired of seeing it, than to replace it because it stopped running. The Big Three cannot continue the way they have, jobs will be lost, dealerships will close or merge with others, things MUST change. I doubt 25 Billion will be enough. If the money is given, more money will likely follow and I seriously doubt it will change the outcome.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Toxic Waste

2008-11-18T08:24:00.000-08:00

So, here I am laying bed all snugly and warm, my head swirling with images of George Clooney about to ravage my body, when I start to sniff, both in the dream and in reality. You know, those brief moments while you're still asleep but at the same vaguely awake. I hear a toilet flush, moments later I feel the bed bounce a little, George Clooney is banished from my consciousness, as I become more aware of a stench filling the room.

I cover my head and think to myself, George Clooney come back, I tightly shut my eyes, and continue albeit vainly trying to get the dream back, but unless George has a violent case of the diarrhea, it isn't happening. Frankly that's just not that appealing to me anyway. A short while later the alarm was going off where the My Dick song could be heard and I slam the alarm, fall back asleep, and again George has returned and all I can think is, NOT NOW....there isn't enough time.

I wake again to a different song and shut off the alarm and ramble out of bed. Thus begins the day.

The My Dick Song Explained

It was 1974, and my mom was very much into pop music and AM Radio, and in our area, KFRC was the station everyone listened to. Dr Don Rose was the AM jock and a powerhouse, telling silly one-liners, talking over the music, singing along, everything a morning jock was supposed to be before shock took over. He'd blow horns, and woke people up with smile. I know it seems silly and pedestrian now but back then radio was supposed to be fun. His wake-up, drive-time slot was number one for a decade; long after I had stopped listening in favor of better music. Music in the 70's was different, especially before Disco and the Bee Gees, but still upbeat, however misheard lyrics are a universal thing especially in the days before lyrics displayed on liner notes, the internet, and closed captioning (for the TV crowd). Hence the My Dick song. A vaguely recalled group called Pilot penned a hit with Magic in 1974. I guess they were Scottish, which could be why I always believed the song was about some guy singing about his dick. Here's the Youtube of the song and you can decide for yourself, is he not clearly singing MY DICK, instead of Magic?

So, for however long it remained on the charts and popular that particular song was played every morning at 7:35, just after the news break on KFRC, has been forever known, if only to me, the My Dick song. Over the years I'm sure I've misheard other lyrics but none have stuck with me the way that song has.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Just Another Monday

2008-11-17T08:30:00.001-08:00

Not Ready For Prime Time or Prime Rib

As I mentioned Saturday the family went out to lunch, though the location was a surprise, the reason wasn't, it was to celebrate this Ranter's birthday (which is actually today). The place we went to was fairly upscale, and the food was very good but I have to say my family has the WORST table manners. Think about an early Simpson episode showing the family gathered around the table when Lisa still ate meat and you'll get the idea. If you don't watch the show just imagine people shoveling food into their mouths.

Looks like I need to plan a fancy dinner at home to teach my family some lessons on table manners. Now that being said, the kids are well behaved in most situations and eating establishments, they just lack the refinement. There was sleeve to nose action, ignoring the cloth napkin in lieu of pants or shirt, little nitpiky things that would make a mom crazy. Like Fredo, who ordered a hamburger but decided he didn't like the bun, so picked the meat up and ate that with his fingers. Even dipped it in ketchup. Pissboy was no better in his table manners shoveling large..too large forkfuls of salad into his mouth and chewing like a cow. Rainbird did maintain himself, and kicked children when appropriate but that led to usual loud voice..."why did you kick me?"

Yeah it was a proud moment for me, but thankfully it was just lunch and not dinner and I'm equally thankful we ate early before the place was crowded. Now that I know what needs to be done I can work on it at home. Table manners 101.

Now, I will have to say Fredo did surprise me this morning, first thing he said when he came downstairs this morning was "Happy Birthday Mom." I was kinda blown away because normally in the hustle and bustle of the mornings, I'm lucky to get a hello out of either kid. Fredo gets up very early to catch the 7:20 bus, so that was the best gift. I'm serious, I'm getting teary eyed just writing about it. Pissboy got up, told me that I have to wash his hoodie because he got something weird on it, his bird is running low on food, and he needs more toothpaste. He did say his usual, "by mom, love ya see ya later," as he walked out the door. I'll just pretend he said happy birthday.

I'll admit it I have a love/hate thing about birthdays and I'm surprised at myself for spending so much time on this, because really I don't care that much. It's nice to have my birthday acknowledged, but I dunno. Okay, I'm pissed. I'm pissed off that Pissboy asked me last night what I wanted for my birthday, I'm pissed off that his father said NOTHING. I just told him it was a little late to be asking that--I mean for fucks sake my birthday is today.

If I waited until the day before to plan what to give any of them....Ohmyfuckingod, they'd feel so unloved and would be so pissy about it...but it's okay when it's just 'Mom's' birthday. I know everyone is just focused on the great turkey dinner I'm going to prepare next week but still.

Pissboy is very artistic, he could have made me a card, though he is totally old enough to say to his father, I want to get mom something for her birthday, can you drive me to the mall. Might have given his father the much needed kick in the ass he deserves too. I'm sorry going to the store and buying a card on the day of someone's birthday isn't a great thing either unless it is an office buddy...it's an afterthought.

I know we/I let men off easy when it comes to that kind of stuff, like waiting until the last minute and we've all seen florist shops packed to the gills with men picking out just about anything on Valentines Day so they don't go home empty handed. Or the joke about men going to shop for the wives/mothers/girlfriends on Christmas Eve and that's because for a lot of men it's true. But don't they understand what they are really saying is, "I don't really give a crap but will do it to get her off my back for another year." Heavy emphasis on the I really don't give a crap part.

Anyway, today I'm going out for lunch again, this time with my mother in law, who has gifts for me. We're going to a Mexican place where all the money is put into the food and none is spent on atmosphere. I have no idea what I'm going to cook for dinner tonight. I

I can't believe I actually care....but then again...Fredo did wish me a Happy Birthday.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Houston We have a Desk Chair

2008-11-15T08:42:00.000-08:00

The Happiest Place on Earth Meets the Grinch

Yes, I broke my own rule and took Rainbird (aka Mr. Ranter) to Tarjay to look for a desk chair our Tarjay's remodel has been completed and it's absolutely gorgeous inside. It's a pleasure shopping there but bringing Rainbird was a huge mistake, all he did was complain, and whine and make me crazy. We found a chair he approved of, like I wasn't capable of getting it myself and stuck it in the cart then we walked around the store. I was looking for some large pillow like things the boys can use for when they sit on the floor watching TV or playing video games. They have some fancy ones that are specific for gaming but I'm not spending that kind of cash on it. I'm thinking with the way they are on things somewhere around 20 bucks is reasonable. I'm not spending no 70 bucks for something like this ....Especially when all they need is something like this...Which ironically I just ordered.

I'm not thrilled with the color but it will do.

Of course the main reason for going and enduring his whining was to get a new desk chair and they had a few to choose from, but we settled quickly on this one...Eh, it will work and it was fairly simple to put together.

We also have a working washer again, I guess a wire or two was loose and that was causing the door not to open when the cycle was finished. Let's hope it continues to work without incident, because I have tons of laundry to catch up on. We're talking a lot.

Today Rainbird is taking me out to lunch with the kids...not sure why but he's made a big point of telling me nearly every day about it. Not even sure where we're going. Time will tell I guess.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Call Me Slacker

2008-11-14T08:18:00.000-08:00

Slacker Slacker

Yes, I've been slacking off lately on the whole blog thing, between gearing up for Thanksgiving and the impending doom that is Christmas. I've just been busy. Monday, I cleaned and shampooed 14 year old Pissboy's room, then kinda tried the same in Fredo's room without the same success, but it looks a whole lot better. I also discovered after doing a load of white clothes my front-load washer wouldn't unlock, yes with the clothes trapped inside. Tuesday, I spent much of the holiday stuck in a stylist's chair getting the dark brown stripe removed from the top of my head, then I came home and spent 40 minutes on the phone with the maker of my washer trying to figure out who to call for service--stupid outsorsing. I want my washer fixed not the weather in India though I will try that recipe for Tikka Masala.

I hung up and called Sears they're coming Friday and I hope they fix it. Wednesday, was a field trip with Fredo's class to the mountain by the Ranter Homestead, I didn't ride the school bus with the other parents but instead, just met the class there. Okay, I walked down the street. Did I mention it was pouring rain? Did I mention the wind? Yes, plenty of both but despite the weather I did learn some things I didn't know before. But later I had to memorize my shopping list, so all that new information was promtly forgotten. My brain can only handle so much stuff in it at one time, so when something new is learned something else is pushed out, which might explain why I forgot where I put the shopping list to begin with.

Thursday was quiet, with no clothes wash--I wouldn't take a chance, but I had to watch Mr. Ranter sulk because I told him I couldn't go out to lunch with him because my only pair of pants were dirty from the hike on the mountain. Just puttered and cleaned out the laundry room. Watched a little of the news but got annoyed and shut off the TV. I did watch a little of Survivor last night and I only have one thing to say after however many seasons of that show, how can you NOT know how to make fire using a flint? Fire is a mainstay of the show and everyone that goes on it should know and have practiced before they even auditioned, and certain after they did how to make a fire using a flint.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Like the Fat Orange Cat Garfield

2008-11-10T08:54:00.000-08:00

I Really, Really Hate Mondays

Especially when Monday is followed by a holiday, I mean what is that all about? I think with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Years, 4th of July, shouldn't have a date attached to them, they should just be 2nd Monday in November, or whatever month they happen to be in. Actually we can remove Thanksgiving really from that list since it's always on Thursday--there is no date attached to it. But I do feel most holidays should be on a Monday. Even back in the day when we used to get both Washington and Lincoln's birthdays off, they were celebrated on a Monday, and yes it made sense to combine them into Presidents day. Because I don't want a day off celebrating Ronald Regan or Roosevelt or JFK or any other....MLK day moves around too, as it should.

So now we come to Veterans day, and yes it's an important day to remember all veterans of any war, but it's a date that can be easily moved to a Monday in November. Woodrow Wilson signed the original bill into law in 1919. Armistice Day as it was called then, was to celebrate the men that fought in the first world war, the idea was that WW1 was the war to end all wars (how optimistic was that?). It was later changed to Veterans Day in 1954 by Eisenhower. This date isn't attached to any significance past or present, aside from it being for VETERANS. I would also think for travel purposes having it on a Monday would be more convenient rather than in middle of the week.

Train Kept A-Rolling

As long as I'm ranting, I might as well continue and I hate sounding like an old fart but....what is it with parents? I'm not talking about parents of little kids, I'm talking about parents of children in the 25-30 year range that are not in school. At first I thought it was a little strange that a parent would continue to let a child live at home, and we've all heard the jokes about the 30 year old, living in his parents basement, playing video games. Never had a date, etc., but it's really not a joke anymore, now it's like cool to be that guy, or girl. It used to be, hence the joking, something to really be ashamed of but now it's not. It's cool if you have a job, earn money, don't pay rent, have meals prepared for you, laundry done, don't have to clean, budget for household expenses, save for "wants", pay for car insurance, car registration....I can go on. I personally know and have heard of LOTS of parents that are enabling (let's call it what it is) their children to not grow up, and why should they when they have everything done for them? Is this helping them to learn any kind of responsibility or is it just prolonging childhood when we had no worries? I don't know if the parents are afraid of an empty nest (another rite of passage) or if they're afraid their children can't make it without them.

Is this fallout from the 1980's when children's self esteem was all consuming and included letting children win at games so they wouldn't feel bad about losing. No one was picked last, teams were decided by the teacher. Parent/Teacher conferences were attended by the parents only, without the children, because the teacher didn't want the child to hear bad things being said about them (in some areas that's still the norm). Or is it because parents want to be their children's best friend rather than a parent? When my 14 year old son comes to talk with me about something sometimes the mom hat is on, sometimes it's just the adult hat, or no hat, depending on the conversation. I will say though the "friend" hat is never on. I'm not a peer of his, I'm his mom.

I've heard stories that just curl my toes, like the daughter that told her parents to pay for her lavish wedding, and then demanded they give money for a downpayment for a house. Which for some reason the parents did, then the housing market dropped, the house ended up being foreclosed because the "children" coudn't afford the payment on the adjustable mortgage. It gets better...Then these parents said they'd buy these children (I use the term children lightly) another house, because their daughter was having a baby. These so-called children said they would accept the house ONLY if they could pick it out themselves. WTF? These "parents" aren't wealthy, their own house is mortgaged to the hilt, but took the money out of their retirement savings to purchase this house for the daughter.

I know another family, two sons grown in their early 30's, one still lives at home, the other "lives" in a house down the street, the parents inherited. This son that "lives on his own" pays none of the utilities, and eats ever meal at home, showers at home, and does just about everything at home and by home I mean MOM and DAD's HOME, not his own. He's supposed to be paying rent but doesn't because he just bought a new truck and needs to pay for that, this is in addition to the new Honda he bought last year. He works 4 hours a day as an plummer. He could work more hours but doesn't want to.

I know more but just can't go on....I feel my blood pressure rising.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

A Bargain for you

2008-11-08T14:28:00.000-08:00

Lego Batman Arkham Asylum In Original box

Never used, Includes all the pieces (the box to my knowledge was never opened). You pay for shipping.

Let me know.

Best offer plus shipping.

I Must Be Missing Something

2008-11-07T04:26:00.000-08:00

Flashbacks of the Great Potato-Potatoe Debate

Yesterday I settled down to watch TV, I saw a blurb about McCain's people saying that Sarah Palin, who I am no real fan of to begin with, was more than just a little problematic. Aside from refusing to sit down with staff before the Katie Couric, she also had no idea that Africa is continent, if South Africa is it's own country or a state in the United States of Africa. She went way over budget on her wardrobe (I giggled at that one--it sucks to be a woman) She yelled and screamed, throwing stuff at staffers, had no idea about NAFTA or what countries were involved. NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGGREMENT, might have provided a clue but I guess not.

Like I said, I'm not a fan of her, but damn. Since so much fuss was made about Obama and the people that he aligned himself with, tenuous or real, what the hell was the McCain campaign thinking by picking her? Didn't she go through a vetting process, or was taking her at her word that she could see Russia enough? Or was she there to be a typical woman and keep her mouth shut, look pretty and smile for the cameras? Suddenly I like Sarah Palin a little bit more--these attacks on her are not only unfair but incredibly stupid of the McCain camp to put them out. It doesn't make them appear too swift in the brain department or were they pandering to people that already said they didn't care for her like me? Either way I'm not buying it. Yes a 150K on clothes to the average person does sound outragous, but you can't wear the same thing all the time. Men can get away with wearing black or a navy blue suit, they change the tie and it's a totally different outfit, if a woman does that she's a slob. You must have more than one outfit. Plus outfits for different times of the month, when she felt fat. Not to mention if you appear in one area, then go to another in the same day....come on...it's like going to multiple parties during the holiday season, you can't keep wearing the same thing. Of course on the other hand, the money spent on her wardrobe might have been put to better use in the McCain camp, like paying for more people to get his message out. Or to put Joe the Plummer on his payrole.

My God I'm Defending Her!

Just like when people would get on Dubya's case for things he had no control over, or no part in, I would find myself defending him. There's enough that he did wrong without having to invent things. The same is true for Palin, who obviously made some errors notably the Katie Couric interview and if she didn't prepare for that, it was a huge mistake. Now, I have lunatic right wing people sending me emails about impeaching Obama because he's not a real US citizen, their claim being he was born in Kenya and not Hawaii and his birth certificate was forged. It just makes my head hurt. He's not even president yet. Yes, his mother commited this fraud way back in the 1960's just on the off chance he would one day become president and just for fun, lets all agree it was because aliens (the kind from outer space), told her so. I like that story better anyway...it's got that whole Wesley Crusher wonder boy thing going on.

Make it so, Number One.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

And I Thought the Election Would Be Close

2008-11-04T21:09:00.000-08:00

Without reservation, Barack Obama is elected the 44th President.

I will say I'm thrilled that the people spoke LOUD and CLEAR to what they wanted. I listened to McCain's speech, and heard the crowd booing when Obama's name was mentioned and I couldn't help but to think that was why they lost. McCain in the end understood it, and that is why he stopped them. The country has spoken, opted for unknown change and maybe the majority is right. Time will tell.

It's no mistake our country for the past 8 years has been clearly divided, and I believe it's one of the reasons our economy has gone so sour.

I wish the President-Elect all the luck in the world. I hope he can put an end to the red verses blue states, I hope he can unify this country in a way that it hasn't felt since 1980.

Myself, I believe it can be done, but it's not going to be an easy road.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

It's Already Tuesday

2008-11-04T00:26:00.000-08:00

And I Thought this Time Change would be Different

I woke up waaaaay too early for a Sunday morning, 7AM to be exact. I know for some that might be sleeping in, but for me it's clearly not, especially after staying up to physically see the time change. At least on the computer.

Friday was Halloween and our house finally had that Halloween put together look about it. The kids had a blast, Piss-boy scaring people by hiding by the front door. Fredo by going out and shaking down neighbors for candy. Fredo this year said he wanted to be Dracula, so his costume though easy for him to put on, and fit him well, required that copious amounts of black hair spray-like stuff to be applied. I should be glad it wasn't raining because it would have dripped all over himself. That said, he did look sufficiently scary enough. Their bathtub after he showered was another story and I'm still cleaning off the now gray hair stuff left behind (insert numerous grumbles here). Image courtesy of Mr. Ranter. That was hanging in Pissboy's bedroom window.

Saturday was spent doing Autumn prep, trimming of plants, pruning of trees, and dodging the usual landmines of dog poop.

Monday Madness

Sunday evening the kids were at each other throats and I just had a feeling about Monday. I had warned Fredo before school but I just had a feeling. He came home, got off the bus, waived to the bus driver and looked at me. He said I could punish him. Naturally I asked why and he actually told me what happened. And as much as I hate him using bad words at school I was kind of proud that he told me about it. Normally, he'd come off the bus, ask about his snack, and act as though nothing had happened, then an hour or so later the principal would call and inform me of what he had done. This time when the principal called I was able to tell him what Fredo told me had happened and those stories matched. He was surprised too and explained that he spent time talking with Fredo again about consequences, and on Tuesday he'd have to eat his lunch in the office and stay in during recess. While he was a little whimpy about that, he also accepted it even when I reminded him of what the principal had said. His punishment is the one he picked out, absolutely NO TV for tonight and he has to do extra chores around the house. He helped me with emptying the dishwasher, picked up his dirty clothes and separated them, then he emptied all the waste baskets (I didn't tell him to do that last one he did it on his own).

All bad words now are officially banned from this house. I'm not sure how we'll all communicate with each other but we'll get by somehow.

Now...Get out and Vote!

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Thankful Thursday

2008-10-30T15:23:00.000-07:00

What am I Thankful For?

I am Thankful that the boys are off for the next couple days because that gives us extra time to get all the stuff done we haven't had time for yet.
I am Thankful Piss-boy is getting A's and B's in all his classes, so I don't have to attend a parent/teacher conference.
I am Thankful that I got to sleep in a little this morning, though the dog did wake me up thinking we had missed the bus. (no school today or tomorrow)
I am Thankful for a dog that LOVES the neighborhood children so much he wakes up early for the chance to see them.
I am Thankful that Fredo didn't cry when we went for our flu shot...well not much, he cried when we first got there but I told him to look at me, and he didn't know that the shot was over.
I am Thankful I didn't cry getting my flu shot....damn that thing freaking HURT!
I am Thankful for ice cream.
I am extremely Thankful for my family.
Ditto to my all my friends, real or internet, bloggers and on line buddies a like. I am truly Thankful for all of you!

Feeling Lazy

2008-10-29T07:56:00.000-07:00

Kind of Sort of, in a Way

I don't know if it's the darkness in the morning, or if it's just feeling of fall, but I'm feeling lazy today. I know I'm tired of the election. I know I'm tired of paying bills..which reminds me...

As I was saying, I tired of just about everything. So maybe I'll try like Abby to think of things to be thankful for. Maybe I'll call this Thankful Thursday. Wait! It's not Thursday, it's Wednesday. Damn! It's Why is it Wednesday but I don't even have a why is it to complain about.

I'm sure there is something, like the fact I'm leaving lights on all over the house because its so dark when I get up, therefore probably not saving any money. Remember when our lovely congress decided to save us money by extending day light savings time by a few weeks. So now we change our clocks in November rather than October and change them again in early spring. Yeah, that was a brilliant plan, causing more problems for companies, computers and everything else run by a computer (which is just about everything) and we saw little to no savings from it.

I really hope that whoever is elected our next president stems congress from trying to help us out too much.

GM is looking for a bailout and why not, we're giving millions to banks to help them out because they wrote underwrote mortgages to people that couldn't pay for them. So, GM wants to merge with Chrysler, and wants a hand out to do it. It needs to be said, or written, that the same company that has controlling interest in Chrysler also owns controlling interest in GMAC, Cererus Capital Management LP.

Ironically GMAC is also asking for money, after making the announcement they will only finance car loans to people that have a 700 or higher on their Credit Scores. While I'm sure congress is concerned about the "little people" that might lose their jobs if these companies fail, but it also needs to be said that Cererus would benefit greatly from this bailout. It's like they're holding people's jobs hostage and effectively saying, pay 10B dollars or we'll be forced to fire them all.

So now the government is in the lending business with Freddie and Fannie, the banking business with that 700 Billion dollar bailout, and now they'll be in the automotive business.

And McCain is calling Obama a socialist because he used the term spreading the wealth. With or without Obama, this country is well on its way to becoming just that. Really the media shouldn't be so concerned with this minutia (what, who paid for a candidates clothing, who is supporting who, and who is likely going to win), and people need to remember that just because someone campaigns for something doesn't mean instantly when they get into office it's going to happen.

It's not. There will likely be no tax cuts, and if anything who ever is president will likely have to raise taxes ON EVERYONE to pay for this. Of course the ultra wealthy will hire the best tax attorneys who will advise them how not to pay their taxes, so the brunt will fall on the working class and it will be business as usual in Washington. It's appearant since the past 8 years congress has spent, spent, and spent ourselves further into debt, and remember 6 of those years congress was controlled by the republicans, so we can't blame just the spendocrats on this. They're all to blame, and they're all corrupt.

The FDIC seized WAMU and promptly sold it to JP Morgan Chase for 1.9 Billion dollars, despite the fact WAMU had 300 Billion dollars in assets. Now JP Morgan is getting money from the 700 billion dollar bailout. It just doesn't sit well with me now, at the time I understood why WAMU had to be sold, even if it was for a rock bottom price. AIG took their executives on spa vacation at the expense of the tax payer...What will be next? Ya know, I could use a bail out too.

Honestly, if we're going to be socialists I would rather we be the kind that provides health care for all the people, rather than the kind that controls the banking, lending and auto industries.

It's a slippery slope and we're sliding.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

One Man Gathers What Another...

2008-10-28T06:56:00.000-07:00

Monday Blues

The day started off not so bad, go up, got Fredo ready for school, saw the bus leave. Really the whole day was fairly uneventful and I was looking forward to a nice quiet evening after the kids went to bed. Piss-boy announced that he needed to use our computer, which was fine, so he set to work typing away hours later went to print. I had told him to wait until I got there; I was busy cooking dinner at that moment. Suddenly I heard him say it wouldn't print.

Uckfay

I knew it was going to happen and of course it was going happen when he needed to print something for school. I had found the black ink, but our printer is stupid, and believes even if you choose black and white, it still needs to use color (which it was totally devoid of). Did I mention our printer is old? So old they no longer make it...so old they no longer sell the ink for it.

I knew my MIL had a printer she had gotten when she purchased her laptop some three years ago, which she never used (the printer; the laptop she uses everyday). Naturally she was out with her neighbor, shopping at Kohls no less, so I called her cell phone. She said she was going to be on her way home soon, and said, since I have a key, I was more than welcome to go over, and get the printer. I figured since my father-in-law is as deaf as a doornail, I could just slip in and out before she even got home and maybe help myself to a soda.

I got to her house to discover my key for her door didn't work but I continued trying different keys, none of which worked. I went back to the car, and called Piss-boy to remind him NOT to let his father's Brussels sprouts burn. As I hung up, her friend drove up and I explained my key didn't work, so she of course had to check to make sure her key still worked...don't ask. Then Father-in-law's key. Both of those worked. She gave me his key. I went into the empty closet (I'm not kidding the only thing in this closet was the vacuum, and the printer box) and got the box. Sprinted to the car, and drove home.

Thankfully dinner was ready before I left the house (except for those Brussels sprouts that Piss-boy didn't let burn), so opened the box and set to work hooking it up. Now normally the hooking up of anything, like the putting together of stuff, is husband's domain, but I couldn't wait for him. I followed the instructions and it worked.

Yay me....Meanwhile husband came home for dinner, bellowing about where this was or that...give me this...bring me that, but since I was busy, I didn't have to deal with that. After I printed the assignment for Piss-boy, husband again mentioned that he was still looking for a piece of paper he acquired from last year. I'm good. Very good. I found it. Stuck in a file he told me to put it in, I don't know why because he has his own place to put that crap in, but for some reason decided NOT to. He's lucky I thought to look the file labeled HUSBAND'S CRAP. Normally that's where I stick all the receipts for the planter box err ah Hot Tub.

Soon he returned to work to finish his shift, grateful probably on many levels, one being that he doesn't have to dea with hooking up the printer when he got home from work and the other being that I found that paper. No one in this house is grateful for my chicken. That would be too much to ask.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Brotherly Love or Is Christmas Coming

2008-10-27T06:56:00.001-07:00

Big Book of Crap

Saturday the boys were nice to each other, kinda weird but both were excited for different reasons so I chalked it up to that. Piss-boy was excited to go to a haunted house later that evening, and Fredo was excited to spend the night at his grandma and grandpa's house. We dropped Fredo off before leaving to meet our other friends at a pub downtown and he was so excited he barely hugged me. While visions of candy, sodas, grandma's French Toast, raced through his head, I couldn't really fault the kid. Grandma has her rules though, rules one would think might impede fun but according to both kids insist they don't. Of course they don't mind being waited on for everything, I mean who doesn't?

The haunted house was fun but at one point I got separated from my group (there was six of us), and was approached by a sinister looking ghoul with amazing sky blue eyes who proceeded to tell me I looked delicious and he wanted to eat me (he said this several times). I didn't miss a beat, and told him he could eat me later. For just a moment as my words sunk in, he broke character and I walked away. I didn't see him later....oh well.

Later after having gone through the three different 'houses' we went to this haunted graveyard which was nice because this one was free. Mr. Ranter told me that this place was very cool, but I had no idea what to expect. It was incredible and totally appropriate for younger children to go and look. Made me wish Fredo was with us.

Sunday we went to Trader Joe's, did some laundry and had bad Chinese food, it was bad in the sense it made us hurl, just bad in the sense it was more American Chinese, than real Chinese food. Mr. Ranter was supposed to take Piss-boy to one more haunted house but decided he didn't want to drive all the way to get there. In the meantime Fredo was picked up from nirvana, and made to get ready for school on Monday--the crosses we all must bear. I finally had a chance to open the Sunday paper and saw the coveted Toys R Us big book, I handed it to the boys with usual warning...You may write your name on ANYTHING in the book but that doesn't mean you're going to get it. They both said they understood and went upstairs. I could hear complaining about how this was a little kid toy, or the page after page of girl stuff but finally they returned it to me. Fredo wrote his name on two things and Piss-boy found three Wii Games to his liking. Remember what I said about them wrting stuff down but it doesn't mean they'll get it? Okay, while that was true when they were little and would write their names on EVERYTHING, it's not so true today. They'll get what they marked. I'm stuck with kids that are reasonable and never ask for things that are too expensive. Plus there are plenty of relatives that want to buy for them, so they "buy" from me instead. I have become the defacto toy store and I think last year I made a profit, though small.

Sunday night was spent watching The Omen on DVD, which was probably better than most of the other bland offerings of night time television. Pet Semetary is on deck for later this week.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men Often Go Arwy

2008-10-24T05:43:00.000-07:00

Ethay Arterstay Otshay

You might recall on Monday, I posted about our adventures getting the flu shot. Well, as it turns out, the shot we all received wasn't exactly good. By 'good' I don't mean toxic or deadly it's just not good. Apparently the hospital got a batch of the flu shots that were shipped too cold, and virus held inside didn't survive the cold temperatures to provide the needed immunity. So that first shot we're now referring as the Starter Shot. We're all not happy about it, and of course I knew Fredo would be the most upset but he actually understood, and that coupled with the promise of ice cream after seems to be okay with going again.

I told Piss-boy about it and his only response was, "uckfay." My eyebrow arched at hearing him say that but to his credit he didn't exactly say the other word...just pig Latin version. My eyes lowered and soon I found myself uttering, "uckfay" too. Somehow it just seems appropriate.

Of Birds and Windows

Yesterday as you can tell just wasn't a great day, though it wasn't exactly a bad day either. While unloading the bags of groceries I purchased at the super cheap but somehow sad place, I heard a small bang on the window. I waited a few minutes before venturing outside to see if anything was still around. A small bird laid on his back but I could tell it was still breathing so I closed the door and returned inside to wait a few minutes. As per the directions received previously by our local Audubon society, I waited 15 minutes and again checked, the bird was still on his back, but also still breathing. So, I went into the garage and got a box, put an old sweatshirt of Fredo's in the bottom of it, and went back outside. I gingerly picked up the bird with a gloved hand, and put it upright into the box, covered it lightly and returned into the house.

I waited the customary amount of time (roughly an hour and half) before returning outside, normally I'd find the box empty but the bird was still inside. It hadn't moved but was still very much alive and somewhat startled at my opening of the box. I closed the lid again and left the box alone for another hour. When Fredo came home from school together this time we peaked into the box and the bird was still there in the same position and still alive, so I called the Audubon society and relayed to them the story. They said they'd call back and let me know when someone could pick up the bird. I checked on the bird an hour or so later and the bird had moved but was still inside the box. A short while someone from the Audubon society called me back, and said he was sorry but no one could pick the bird up until the next day. I explained that the bird had moved in the box to a different spot and he seemed encouraged. He said to call back just before the office closed to give him an update.

About 15 minutes to 5 I looked outside again and the bird wasn't in the box but instead had moved to the lawn. I called them back and they said that it was unusual for a bird to still hang out that long, so I should poke some air holes into the box, put in a warm towel, some water, and put the bird back in it, and then cover the box with another towel to thwart the efforts of the bird to escape. Dutifully I did as told, punching several holes into the box, adding a nice but old fluffy towel, and some water, then I returned outside and found the bird in the same spot.

I tried to get the bird into the box but it had other ideas and hopped away from me, I continued to pursue it but soon it was out of the front yard and into the much vaster green space adjacent our house. I called them back just a minute before they closed for the night, explained that they didn't need to come, the bird had left. They were happy the bird was able to get away and to call them back if it did return.

A before dusk settled in I ventured again outside, and saw what I believe to be that bird, I stepped closer and it again hopped away, I carefully took another step and flew into the air landing on a nearby tree.

Damn thing didn't even thank me. But upon further inspection of that old sweatshirt, it did leave some crap behind...I guess that's enough.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

But It's My Job...

2008-10-23T05:54:00.000-07:00

When You're an Adult, Then You Can Be Mean

Those very words were uttered to my 14 year old Piss-Boy when I not-so-politely asked him for the millionth time to empty the dishwasher. It's his job and unlike the bathroom, I'm not going to let him off the hook about it. I don't have a set schedule for running the dishwasher, except to say when it's full, or we've run out of glasses I run it. It could be in the afternoon, morning or night, who knows when it will be full--I can't predict the future. Though, I'm not entirely sure that I can't make the hot tub go on with my mind (I'll get to that later). Though I'm good at reading my kids minds I'm not psychic and I won't be called to Hollywood to appear on a psychic detective show.

I Taut I Taw a Puddy Tat

Okay Fredo didn't use those words exactly but he did say, "Mom, I see a cat sitting on a log out side." We have several downed trees in our area from various windstorms and there plain as day was my nightmare cat returned from last year. This was the cat that for some reason felt I was a soft touch and would feed it, if it meowed in a cute way. It almost had me too but my dog went into a jealous rage over the very notion. But the cat is very cute and very Sylvester looking, with his white chest, whiskers and feet. And seems rather friendly all the while maintaining his natural aloof behavior, as if he doesn't care if I feed him or not. But who is he fooling?

Actually, we've been seeing many cats around, one with a raccoon-ish looking ringed tail, another pure orange and Sylvester. I haven't seen mailbox cat in well over a year now and consider maybe MBC didn't survive the winter. Mailbox cat was by far the friendliest, and just wanted so much to belong to someone, at least when I first met him/her. MBC would run up to me when I got the mail out of the box, wrapping itself around my legs and loudly purr. I know a neighbor was providing MBC shelter during the winter months, I guess I can hope that it adapted to the home and decided not to leave it.

Cats are by nature such curious creatures, almost an enigma. One minute you're the best thing that's happened since their last feeding, but then again, you're not and cats will always remind you of this. If the house down the street gives better treats, they'd just as well live there. There is something about their temperment that if they choose you, and really choose you, they are quite forgiving. But still something under the surface reminds you that if you aren't nice enough on their terms, they will leave you. It makes you want to do more.

Am I Psychic or Just Psycho?

So, yesterday I was cleaning out my big bathtub, scrubbing it, then cleaned the shower (yes this boring but important so pay attention). The dog was running around, so I went downstairs and let him out. The air outside was crisp and cool, but the sun was shining so I lingered outside waiting on the dog to do whatever it was he wanted to do. As I stood out there, looking at the trees gently swaying in the breeze, listening to the sounds of the birds chirping, and the leaves falling, the dog returned, running into the house. I remained outside thinking about returning to the bathroom and thought to myself I should fill the tub and run those jets. I've taken several baths, but have used bubbles and I'm told bubbles and the jacuzzi jets don't mix. So I'm thinking about running those jets when I hear this noise coming from the back yard.

Several seconds ticked by before I realized the sound was coming from Mr. Ranter's $7,000 planter box. Or what normal people call the Hot Tub. I went down and shut it off, and told Mr. Ranter the story when he came home. He looked at it, well lifted the lid, turned it on, turned it off and said everything seemed fine. I told him what I was thinking when the tub spontainously turned its self on. With a sheepish look on my face I asked him if he thought I made it go on with my mind.

Once he stopped laughing, he dashed my dreams and said it was probably the main control pad, which was recently replaced.

It hasn't done it since, at least that I'm aware of, so I'm not convinced I didn't make it happen.

Stupid Scary Movies

I need a few ideas for stupid scary to rent over the next week or two. Just those movies that are vaguely entertaining. Last night my Mom's movie Night selection was The Little Girl That Lives Down the Lane. Starring Jodie Foster and Martin Sheen, it's a mid 70's thriller about a teen aged girl who keeps up a charade that her father is still alive after his untimely death. Piss-boy actually enjoyed it (I know it kinda defeats the whole Mom's Movie Night premise but I had nothing else to watch and was fairly confident I wouldn't want to watch it twice...

So, anyone have any ideas on other movies to rent?

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Just Another Day

2008-10-22T08:20:00.000-07:00

Hodgepodge

For me at least, it's official, I'm finished all I have to do now is wait. I'll be honest, I do kind of suck at waiting; you've probably seen me because I'm the one in line at the grocery store, stuck behind the person who decides at the last moment they are paying by check, or counting pennies. I'm at the bank stuck behind the person that hasn't filled their deposit slip. It's me behind the person at dry cleaners that's lost their slip and is taking FOREVER to describe their clothes. Did you catch me 'waiving' to the person on the freeway that entered doing only 35 instead of freeway speed. Yup that was me.

However, as I said I'm finished, I've done all the research I'm going to do, so for me it's all over, until the Tuesday following the first Monday of November I am effectively finished. I took three hours filling out my ballot and I'm bittersweet about some of the hard choices I had to make. I don't always agree with mandatory sentences for people caught with a controlled substance. I believe it should always be handled in a case by case way. I don't believe that a 18 year old should have to register as a sex offender because his 16 year old girlfriend's father and mother decided they didn't like the fact their daughter had sex. I believe the law should always be applied in a common sense way not because people just want all sex offenders off the streets--so yeah I'm against knee-jerk laws of any type.

The Best Advice

A Long time ago when the first Bush was running for president, there was a young Ranter in line waiting her turn to vote for the first time. An older gentleman in line ahead of her struck up a conversation, and unwittingly handed over the best voting advice she's ever gotten. He said to her, almost never vote to raise your own taxes. It sounds so easy coming from a retired person probably taking full advantage of California's Prop 13*, but I pondered it. I queried, what about school bond issues? He did agree that would be an exception in some cases but he also felt he was paying more than his share in taxes (income tax rates were higher under Reagan than they were under Clinton). He pointed out several things on the ballot that were just wasteful spending or that he felt the private sector could fund. I have done a fairly good job of following that advice with few exceptions.

This election I've found myself asking these questions more and more, but I'm almost certain a tax hike is in our future (at some point) regardless of who is elected. I think all any of us can do is make the best choice we can.

Of Cleaning and Men

It's not a secret, the men living in this house are slobs and that I'm sure anyone could agree if you could see the condition of my house. So I spent 3 hours yesterday cleaning a bathroom my older son, Piss-Boy was supposed to be cleaning. I had fully anticipated cleaning the floor well and cabinet fronts (about an hour) but I had no idea that I also had to scrub the bathtub/shower area AND spend 30 minutes cleaning the toilet! Mind you just the inside! I also spent a while unclogging Fredo's hardened toothpaste filled drain. Today, I'll be spending most of the day cleaning the rest of the house, since the bathrooms are sparkling, the rest of the house needs to.

*For those of you from other states Proposition 13 was overwhelmingly approved by California voters in 1978, which froze their property taxes at whatever level they were currently paying for as long as they owned their home. If you purchased a new home, your property taxes would go up based on the amount you paid for the house (figure around 10%) but remain frozen (meaning they couldn't go up any higher). A majority of the those monies collected go to the school systems in the state. The exception is bond issues, if approved those will increase the property taxes, as would sewer increases, and other miscellaneous items but they never added up to much. So in California it was very possible for a retired person that owned their home for 35 years could be paying around $200 dollars a year for their property taxes while their neighbor that had just purchased their house would be paying $6000 a year, plus those special bond issues.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

The Twilight Zone

2008-10-21T08:05:00.000-07:00

The Bradley Effect

The past few days I've been hearing much about the Bradley effect in relation to the election next month. It refers to Tom Bradley who was mayor of Los Angeles, during his bid for being Governor of California, was (this is a little before I became politically aware) ahead in the polls over the republican candidate George Deukmajian, however, Deukmajian won the election. It was believed at the time that race was the issue, people would say they would vote for Bradley during the polls, but secretly knew they had no intention of doing so.

As I recall Deukmagian wasn't a horrible Governor, so I can't really make a statement either way. However with the currant media buzz surrounding this issue, it seems the media is implying that if Obama loses the election it will be not because the majority of Americans believe his plans for our future aren't better, but instead because we are all really racists. I find it all rather disturbing. And it seems that will do nothing but create more tension in this country if McCain wins the election. Maybe I'm wrong about that.

What About the Colin Powell Effect?

While Republicans are downplaying this by mentioning all the people that are endorsing McCain, I think it's quite a pin from the Pope for Obama. I do see some undecided people that are against Dubya, might be swayed on this issue. That said I don't think its going to be a huge help either. Maybe as much as Palin appearing on SNL.

What About Socialism?

I guess the catch-phrase of this election is the redistribution of wealth statements made by Obama and everyone is hanging on to this. I'm sorry but ALL taxes are redistribution of wealth. PERIOD. That said, what is rather socialist about Obama is the health care issue but is the media mentioning this? NO. I hear these so called conservative nitwits on the radio and they keep missing the point they're so focused on few percentage point tax increase on people making more than 250K that they are neglecting the real issues. Of couse these are the same people that continually used Obama's middle name. So what can you expect? His health care plan is going to cost us MILLIONS of dollars and I just don't see how he will be able to pay for it.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Woke Up This Morning Feeling Fine

2008-10-20T08:08:00.000-07:00

Question Everything

On Friday, after posting to my blog in the early morning my email was flooded with this email saying the presidential election was going to be held over two days. Uh huh. Ranter sense went up (it's kinda like spidey sense but much more cynical), all republicans are supposed to vote on Tuesday the 8th, and Democrats vote on the 9th. Independent, and other miscellaneous people, under this plan are shit out of luck. Ya. I made use of the delete key and moved on to more important stuff.

Then later the same day I got another email saying effectively the opposite of what the other emails had said, I sighed thinking how many stupid people will actually fall for this? The fact that people are forwarding this to everyone they know is bad enough. The fact that it's gone so far that SNOPES is involved speaks volumes. I didn't need to go to Snopes to find this information, it found me right there in my weekly Snopes update email, which I normally derisively scan and delete.

It also needs to be said that I'm tired already of sitting on this hard, 100 year old kitchen chair, instead of the comfort of a real computer chair. That said I am making due, though I was cursing it's existence while performing the random google searches life sometimes requires of me.

Shot in the Arm

Yeah, it's flu shot season, and given my bout with pneumonia this past April, I'm not taking any chances, well okay, I did get the flu shot last year too, but three days in the hospital were enough to convince me that it's a chance not worth taking. The problem was what to tell Fredo since he's developed a phobia of shots, breaks down at the thought of them. A few weeks back at school, I guess someone mentioned shots, or getting a shot and he freaked out, wouldn't calm down. He was afraid he was getting a shot, like that day or something. One of his teachers called and I assured her no shots forthcoming. It wasn't exactly a lie, it was an omission that I didn't think would come back to bite me later during one of his progress meetings. The teacher brought it up using it as example of when to call me, she said Fredo was afraid of getting a shot, 'so I called mom who said there were NO SHOTS on the horizon'. Oh Crap! Ya, I was screwed and knew it. If I made him get the shot now I'd be a liar, but if I didn't he'd be at risk for the flu.

I held my breath and waited, debating do I tell him before or after Friday cookies? I decided to wait a little longer after cookies and milk, better to tell him on Friday night rather than have him freak out in line on Saturday. I held my breath and dove into the shallow end of pool, head first. Of course there were tears, whining, gnashing of teeth. I explained some shots you have to get because the illness is worse than the shot...but then my head raced what if he gets the flu anyway?????

Let's face it, flu shots don't always work but given my older son's problems with asthma, it's just not really something I've wanted to take a chance with. Mr. Ranter has always balked about getting his flu shot until he got the flu two years in a row, making him a believer. He still balks about it, yes there are other things I'd rather do on a Saturday morning too but...he complies.

So, I told Fredo, and while watching him freak, I did the bad mommy thing and bribed him, I asked him if after maybe he'd want to get burgers, and it didn't work. I sighed and said, well what if you go to Grandma's afterward? He stopped crying, almost immediately, sniffed a few more times and promised to be brave when he got his shot.

Score one for Mom, then I picked up the phone and told my mother in law who laughed and felt proud that her and father-in-law have that kind of effect on little Fredo. Later, the fear started creeping up in me though, what if he changes his mind and decides he doesn't care about Grandma's house?

Undaunted I took my in laws, Pissboy, husband, to the flu shot clinic, and we waited in line. His fidgeting increasing with each step closer. At last we got the "form area" and I filed out the forms for Fredo and myself not at all certain what if anything he'd say. They asked for our medical cards together as a family, something they didn't do in the past, which extended our time, finally we were through. Then we waited for "family area" to open up. A couple with their little girl was already in there and she was screaming her head off. Now this does NOTHING for Fredo's already stripped nerves. They left, and I pointed out how young the girl was making all the racket. Mr. Ranter had jumped the line opting instead for going into the adult area, where he was back before Fredo even had a chance to sit. They asked him if he wanted to sit on my lap but he said nothing except, "no no no no no" and was in the middle of mid "NOOOOO" when the lady giving the shot said, you're done. Mr Ranter jumped in and said, "dude, you're done." Fredo caught again in mid "nnnnnn" stopped short and said, "I am?" The lady then slapped a band aid on his arm, handed him a sticker and told him to step aside. Piss boy got his shot, then myself. Grandma and Grandma were just coming out of the adult section when we were finished.

I'm not sure what if anything Fredo really thought about the whole thing, but we kept up our end of the bargain and dropped him off at grandma and grandpa's house where the promise of French toast wirled through is head. He did before exiting the van, give me a thumbs up signal as I kissed his cheek reminding him of his bravery.

I'm Easy Like Sunday Morning

Most of day Sunday was spent in recovery for Mr Ranter, thoroughly hung-over and complicated with aching muscles, spent most of the day napping. I spent the day doing all kinds of very boring wifey type things, like laundry, vacuuming (just to annoy the Mister) and running the dishwasher a couple of times. I did accomplish much of the precleaning stuff; read, tossing out clutter so tomorrow I won't have as much to do. And that's enough for me.

Experimental Sunday

Well, I experimented with dinner last night and it must be said that my family HATES it when I do that because half the time it doesn't work. I made chicken breasts and thighs (boneless skinless), topped with a mango salsa like thing. I cut up the mango, which is nearly impossible to cut up because of that damn membrane inside it. Added a jalapeno, diced, red onion, garlic, some lime juice and Italian Parsley, I think cilantro would be a better choice but Mr. Ranter hates it. Anyway after cooking the chicken, I added some wine to get up those tasty bits off the bottom of the pan and added the mango stuff. Cooked it a little then added the chicken back. I roasted brussels sprouts in the oven and served the whole thing with brown rice.

Mr. Ranter sat nervously down to the table, and surveyed the food, asking if this was indeed a real recipe or if I was just experimented again. I said taste it. He did and liked it. After that I confessed that I just came up with it on my own, though it wasn't very hard so I'm sure someone else has thought of it before. He commented on the food like an Iron Chef America judge, saying he enjoyed the different textures. Piss-boy, his fellow foodie agreed that dinner was good. Upon total reflection, he said he would have liked smaller mango pieces...Okay, I can do that next time.

I smiled as they cleaned their plates, and quickly left for the Haunted House they were going to. Naturally their dishes remained on the table. Oh well somethings I just can't change. I through Fredo into the shower and we settled down for a quiet Sunday evening reading books. It was a good day. A very good day.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Finally Friday

2008-10-17T05:07:00.000-07:00

I'm So Glad

Bonus points for anyone that can tell me which trio recorded that song. It's a fantastic Friday and I'm excited, not sure why maybe I'm just overly optimistic about the future or perhaps it's the rose-colored glasses I just got in the mail from Ronco. In just a few more weeks the country will embark on the election and come January good or bad, Dubya will be OUT.

It's no secret I'm not a fan of Dubya, but I was less of a fan of the other choices in the past couple elections. This election I do feel differently, since lets face it neither is gong to be able to do half of what they want to accomplish. I don't feel nearly as fatalistic than I thought I would feel. Maybe the prozac I stole from my mother-in-law is working.

Rose-colored glasses or no, I feel albeit guardedly optimistic our economy will recover without any further meddling from Washington. Maybe I'm insane but it's time to let the investors do what they need to do.

In Other News

My desk chair has finally said that it's had enough and snapped yesterday evening. We've had it a long time, and it a great find at my then local Goodwill Store. An 18 dollar bargain that's lasted nearly a decade. It's held my fat ass, with a child on my lap for years now and I'm kinda sad to see it go. But with the way it is now, with all four wheels firmly on the ground yet the back of the chair on the floor, it's just not going to work, nor is possible to save it.

Husband was home ill yesterday which annoys everyone to no end since we can't do what we want to do. Namely watch what we want on TV in the evenings--after all I gave up MMN the previous night for the debate. I know he's not home at night often but can't he just submit himself to an hour of Survivor without making snarky comments? So, instead we give in, handing over the remote, and exist in a hell that shows everything on the Food Network channel and the Travel Channel. Oh Boy! Me without a safe computer chair, well it just sucks.

The upshot is I get to go to back to Target, our newly remodeled one, the one that is like Disneyland with better prices for a new chair. The downside is that I have to wait until Rainbird gets paid again, since just a couple days ago I made a big deal about him not being able to make an expensive Halloween prop to house Dead Ted, or was it Dead Fred. I don't know I always forget which is which.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

While the Country was Distracted

2008-10-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

As the Stomach Turns

Since I've been so preoccupied lately with my financial health and well being I've realized I've missed quite a bit of celebrity gossip. Like Madonna and her kept man, er ah, director husband are divorcing. Nancy Reagan was hospitalized after breaking her pelvis, which forgive me but she's so frail looking (and has looked that way for decades) I'm surprised she didn't break in half. Dick Chaney was in and out of the hospital also yesterday for his atrial fib.

The big shocker though to me was this little article about Ryan O'Neal and his son Redmond, who is also the son of Farrah Fawcett, were arrested for possession of meth. I always knew Ryan, Tatum, and the whole O'Neal clan are just train wrecks but I never imagined Meth, hell I was surprised to read he was still alive.

It's All Over

At least the debates are, the final debate between McCain and Obama was last night, and I don't think there was any "winners" however that said, I think both candidates did a better job than the last debate. Both sides said some things that I found rather humorous, like when McCain said that Obama has spent more on his political ads than any other candidate in history. Why did I find this funny? Because to me, it's a big duh...no kidding. Airtime isn't free, they pay to have the commercials made, they pay money to air them. I'm sure they cost more now than they did 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, or 28 years ago. It's kind of a no brainer and if McCain hasn't raised enough money to pay for more ads, tough luck. Half the time he sounded a bit whiney about this issue, as though he expected Obama to apologize for having more funds.

McCain did score some points by pointing out he's not Dubya, but his plan is very much like a Dubya plan, though it has been tweeked. He did finally broach the topic of William Ayers, but I think it was too little too late for that. Obama said what I expected regarding Ayers. McCain brought up ACORN, but I don't see how Obama is responsible for the actions of that group. This is a group that paid people based on how many they registered to vote and it's not the first election this has happened during, it happened in 2000 and 2004. Yes the numbers are incredibly high this year, but isn't that more of an economical issue? If people weren't feeling so desperate for money, the incentive might not have been so great to lie. Again this already been covered to the hilt by the media and has nothing to do what people care about, their money, their jobs, their very way of life.

McCain said something else that I think he might have bit his tongue afterward, when talking about the bloated federal goverment, he said that in the past 8 years the goverment has expanded, and the democrats have been in control 2 of those years. That made me shake my head, and yell....what??????? Does that mean the republican party is solely responisble for the 6 years that preceeded that? Interesting. I don't understand what point he was trying to make because I don't think he really meant to say it like that. I was surprised Obama didn't jump on that later on, but again, maybe Obama is for bigger goverment so he didn't care.

I would have liked to see Obama defend the three million (the number keeps changing), to purchase an "overhead projector" for a Planetarium (a dreaded earmark). This brings up an image of that antiquated piece of equipment used in schools but that's not what it was. It was in fact a "smart board" which is cutting edge technology. If you want children to become more interested in science then why put in something where they can touch a "planet" and learn all about it. A computer generates images on the wall that children can touch and learn more about what they see. It's an amazing learning tool that eventually will make its way into every classroom in the country. Then again, maybe it's better Obama didn't say anything because it's likely McCain wouldn't have understood that new fangled stuff, since the man can't use a computer or even understand how to send an email. Of course it's entirely possible that Obama doesn't understand it much either.

On Abortion, neither did really well, but on health care Obama really poked holes in McCains so called plan to give everyone a 5000 dollar tax credit so they can buy their own health care. And McCain really looked like he was just taking up space. I don't think McCain understands what a crisis the health care industry is in, probably because his health care is great. Especially with the pre-existing condition clause so many families face daily. McCain was so focused on picking apart Obama's health care plan, he lost focus on his plan and nor did he refute the fact that he'll tax the money employers spend on their employees health care. I don't know if it's true or not, but he didn't say it wasn't. That could force employers to stop offering health care to their employees and force more people to go without.

On the general economy both candidates failed miserably and I don't think either of them understand or comprehend how bad it is or what to do to fix things.

On education, McCain said they should spend money to find out what causes Autism. Now as a mom of an autistic child, you'd think I'd be jumping up and down but honestly, I would like to see No Child Left Behind fixed so that schools are left holding the bill for things they can't afford to provide and more money spent on special education. Finding out what causes Autism is like finding out what causes cancer or multiple sclerosis, or MD and I think it should be left to the private sector, spend the government funds on ways to educate these children so the government can really say that no child is left behind. Obama brought up NCLB, but I don't think he was strong enough.

Enviromental issues Obama did well but I would have liked to have seen him spell it out even simpler. We consume 20 million barrels of oil a day, more than half of which are imported from other countries, primarily Saudi Arabia. There is enough oil in the US, including areas of North Dakota, off shore, and Alaska (if we had access to it today) to sustain us for roughly 10 years at our currant rate of consumption. Then what? That said I do have to take McCain at his word that he would invest in other forms in energy.

A final point about Joe Plumber

Here is the complete context of the Plumber verses Obama, so you can decide for yourself. I had to weed through literally 50 different youtube posts to find one that didn't show the "Fox News commentary." Or Joe's opinion of Obama's Socialist view and if he believed that he had the opportunity to say it to his face instead of claiming it in his 15 minutes of fame to Neil Cavuto on Fox News. Unfortunately thanks to McCain, his 15 minute will probably last longer.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Why is it Wednesday

2008-10-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

He Gets it from his Father

It's why is it Wednesday and I have a huge one to tell that happened a little less than a week ago. Last Thursday, little Fredo was waiting in line to go out to recess, and the teacher warned the students none could leave until all in line were quiet. Well that Thursday the kids decided they wanted to be noisy and noisy they were. Fredo has a tendency driven by Autism to say whatever pops into his head at any given time, whether he has thought about it or not. This isn't always a bad thing because it can lead to a spontaneous show of affection, like when he blurts out that he loves me. But that being said it can also be used for evil.

While in line, focused solely on the experience of recess; they were just nearly outside the door, and growing ever impatient waiting for his classmates to quiet down, he blurted, well, screamed (possibly bellowed) the unthinkable, "Shut up you Fucking Idiots!!!!"

The Principal called that afternoon, and my first instinct was to laugh, because I can honestly say having been on that playground every kid has heard the F-Bomb being dropped before--and they didn't have to hear it from my kid. My mind raced back in time listening to a much younger Piss-boy going on about how "all the class has to do is be quiet in line and they'd get to play but could they....ooooh NOOOOOO." I'm confident that very sequence of words his younger sibling uttered at school last week, ran through his mind a thousand times. However, young Piss-boy's edit was firmly in place and he wouldn't have dared or maybe risked getting into that kind of trouble and besmirch his "permanent record."

The Principal gave Fredo five options, and he chose to apologize to the class on his own, which for him is a huge thing and I was actually proud of him for that. However it did shed light on the issue that his echolasia wasn't limited to Spongbob cartoons but also included all the frequently heard words we used. Not good because if swearing or cussing were an Olympic event, we'd be gold medalists.

I decided there and then to implement a swear jar, and charged a dollar an infraction. I emptied the laundry tip jar, and cashed in those coins, changed the label, and started charging.

Since then, I've put nothing into the jar but Rainbird hasn't been so lucky, he's put well over 20 bucks so far and even offered to get a note from a doctor to explain his apparent Turrets Syndrome. I explained that would be fine as long as he goes to HIS doctor and not just get a note from any doctor he works with. Fredo understands that since he places no real value on money, he must perform chores, which has only happened twice. Myself, I find myself surprised that I haven't contributed, and believe there are enough people here to remind me if I slipped. My self edit, has always been fairly decent when at places with children and normally restricted to my home, and the pages of this blog. I can only hope that Rainbird does learn to edit himself and this issue for Fredo will go away.

I can only hope but still it begs to ask, why is it that our children pick up on the very habits we often don't want them to. Sometimes these habits are small things but sometimes it's much bigger, like our bad words, our cynical attitudes toward our fellow man or even our good habits blown wildly out of proportion. What is it about "do what I say and not as I do." that makes it so hard to follow?

Since I'm on a Blogging Roll of Sorts

I've been posting fairly regularly lately, which is weird for me but I'm willing to continue as long as I have things to blog about. It's kind of like therapy or something, but anyway I was debating if I should even bother with this post and then I read this post by Abby and realized I needed to write about this. If no other reason to remind myself I'm not alone in this.

Now I just need to tear a page from Judy's blog, and start getting serious about losing weight.

Welcome Back

In honor of Bumble's return...

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Of Chickens and Eggs

2008-10-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

Are Diamonds Really a Girl's Best Friend?

Or is a girls best friend the person that gives the diamonds? Diamonds are nice, especially when they arrive with a promise....awwwwwwww. My friend Bumble popped the question to his matchdotcom girl, and she said yes. Here's a snap of the ring he emailed me with.

Oh Bumble you done good.

Normally I'm ever the cynic when it comes to engagements but not this time. I'm thrilled for them both and hope they have a wonderful, long healthy life together. And Bumble...Welcome back to the wonderful world of blogging!

You can Take the Girl Out of California

I've said it before but it bears repeating, I'm a city girl living in the sticks. And I'm not going to suggest that California didn't have it's share of rural areas, because it did. I just didn't live there. I lived and grew up close to San Francisco. I'm probably one of the few people that could relate to the movie Colma the Musical on a personal level. I did however have the benefit of growing up in an Italian neighborhood, and they raised chickens, rabbits and other small creatures the law at the time allowed. All which were painstakingly, but lovingly prepared in the stove located in garage, because no self respecting Italian woman would risk dirtying the oven in the kitchen. People might see that! The kitchen was for show, like the living room, except it wasn't hermetrically sealed in plastic.

Now I was a kid then, and paid little attention because my parents bought their chicken, eggs and other items from the grocery store. As I got older the laws changed and the chickens, rabbits and other small creatures disappeared from the neighborhood. However I digress.

Yesterday, I went to our local market to pick up a few things. The usual, milk, eggs, rice....things on sale. I came home to find our local "egg lady" standing in my driveway. She proclaimed the hens were laying and she had too many. "Damn" I muttered under my breath, and quickly explained that I already bought eggs. Undetterred she started pulling my bags out of the back of the van and carried them to the front door as though running a sprint. Silently I cursed myself since now I'd have to invite her in, as I made my way to the door.

Naturally she followed me into the house, sitting the bags ontop of the kitchen table, then she started pulling things out, putting them away. My head then was ready to explode because I HATE that with a passion. I know, she was just being helpful, but it just grated on my nerves. Then she took out a dish from the cabinet (after opening and closing several) and started putting the eggs I just bought inside it and left it on the counter.

All the while she never stopped chatting about how they were getting a new goat, and about the chickens, most of which I tuned out. I reached for the eggs and put them into the fridge (they wouldn't fit on any shelves but I figured I'd deal with that later when I heard her ask in an incredulous tone, "whatever are you doing that for?" "Ummm," I stammered, "I always put eggs in the refrigerator."

For craps sake woman, my mother put her eggs in the refrigerator, as did her mother before her, before that the freaking fridge hadn't been invented yet!

"Why?" she asked in the same tone, "they don't come out of the chicken's butt cold." I changed the subject and having put all the groceries away, she asked about the eggs but I politely refused. She left, saying she'd try the people down the street. After she departed and I breathed a sigh of relief I briefly pondered the subject of eggs and chickens. Not about which came first but about other perplexing notions. Like do eggs really come out of a chickens butt? Or do they pop out somewhere else, I know nothing about chicken anatomy for all I know they could come out their mouths, but if Foghorn Leghorn cartoons are right, they sit on the eggs. I would assume they come out that way. But like women, isn't there another hole? Thanks to Google, I now know in fact there is only one exit area on a chicken. I'll probably never think of chickens the same way again.

The second question that came to mind, which is much more important, must they be refrigerated? That's a little more difficult to answer half the websites say yes, the other half say no, there's lots of anecdotal evidence saying they don't but I'm not so sure that applies to eggs you buy at the store.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

The Happiest Place On Earth

2008-10-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

Dateline: Somewhere in the Pacific Northwest

The boy formally known as Piss-boy needed shoes for school. I promised him a few weeks ago that we would go and get shoes but it wasn't high on his priority list so he didn't mention it again. On Friday, I knew the man formally known as Rainbird, said to me that he had Friday off and was taking his parents to a Indian Gaming place they love to visit. I glanced at my calendar and ascertained that the children were also off from school.

I made the decision while he was out with his folks, we'd do a little something to help the economy.

When the Going Gets Tough; The Tough Goes to Tarjay

We walked through the doors of our Newly remodeled Tarjay a feeling of warmth surrounded me, truly Target, is Disneyland for moms, except with better prices and shorter lines. We made our way to the shoe area in the back of the store, and started looking for tennis type shoes for Piss-boy. I turned around and saw a whole row of snow boots, for kids going to adults...and every possible size in between. I immediately set out finding snow boots for the child formally known as Fredo and it only took me a few minutes to find a pair that fit him.

Then I thought to myself, I need snow boots too, so I started looking over the women's selections and there they were.

Everything Old is New Again

On the shelf, beside the faux fur lined snow shoes was a gray snow boot with a pink lining that caught my eye. My mind drifted back to a time when my hair was bigger and my rear was smaller. It reminded me of high school and my best friend's 16th birthday when we both decided to wear pink mini skirts with pink and gray tops. Naturally pink with gray mocs completed the ensemble We looked so cute. I recall her cousin was upset because my friend didn't tell her about our clothing choices and felt left out.

Not at all deterred the whimsical thoughts of the past, I tried them on, they felt warm and toasty but a little bit big, but I decided that I could just steal a pair of Rainbird's extra thick socks to add further cushion. I snapped them up.

Yes the years have changed me, my hair isn't big anymore and my rear has grown considerably, but some things just never change.

Easy Like Sunday Morning

I really do enjoy the Autumn season, there is something about cool temps and crisp air, the colors and stores setting up their Christmas displays? Well, yeah, I went to our local home improvement center (read: Mega-chain) to look for a duster with a telescoping pole for my mother in law. There by the door where the fall and Halloween stuffs were formally located, was about 3 aisles of Christmas stuff. Those HUGE inflatable things that you put in front of your house, the super-sized sleighs with a waving Santa.

I did walk up and down the aisles looking at the various wares, when I saw a HUGE Frosty the Snowman...I'm a sucker for Frosty. It must be a "real" Frosty, not just any old snowman with a silk hat, scarf and button eyes. What's funny is that you know a real Frosty when you see him, because, well duh, he looks like Frosty.

Countdown to the Holidays

Some people do Spring cleaning, but I prefer Autumn cleaning. Over the next several weeks I'll start decluttering the house of all the junk we've accumulated since Spring. The goal is to make cleaning easier when the holiday's are in full force and I have no time for it. I will admit some rooms will be easier than others, but I'm sure it will be worth the effort. As long as everyone doens't start cluttering them back up again.

I've also started our Christmas shopping, though this year will be lighter, each kiddo getting a few things they really want rather than a hundred things they don't.

Congratulations

To my Bumble Buddy who just this past weekend got engaged to his matchdotcom girl!! Congrats to you both.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Sound of Silence

2008-10-10T12:49:00.000-07:00

Free Falling

It's scary out there, the Dow has dropped a couple thousand points in the last few days, the Government just gave AIG even more money despite reports they took their executives to a spa. I guess they needed massages after all that work they did screwing up the company. I'm sorry, they said that company was too big to fail? They couldn't let it happen, yet they let Lehman Brothers down without a second glance. What the hell is Paulson doing anyway, the government approved the "bail out" but as of yesterday he has yet to spend any of it.

I don't care how bad things get, I will NOT shop at Wallmart.

Now that I got that off my chest, I can go back, remember that boring post a few weeks ago about the subprime mortgages. Well, during the debate on Tuesday, McCain said something that interested me, he mentioned that the government should buy people's mortgages, and sell them back to homeowner at what their house is currently worth. Sounds like a plan doesn't it? The question is, is it a good plan, and let me say, some will benefit from this but I'm afraid that it just won't work for most.

Remember that senerio involving the person making 60K qualifying for a loan amount of around 450K to buy a drastically overpriced house? Okay let's revisit it, and lets say for the sake of argument, he recieves a call from McCain, since McCain considers everyone his friend McCain tells him, "My friend, I'll buy your house, and sell it back to you at it's currant value." Houses in his area are now selling for around 350K, naturally he has no money to put down, so he'd be financing the whole amount, which puts his payment around 2100 a month. Just his payment, even if they waive the PMI, and insurance...and remember he makes $4600 a month before taxes. Based on that information he might make it if he foregoes doing anything else. This person will be existing to pay their mortgage which will still be over half of his take home salary.

So what would it take to make this work? That's even more scary.

To make this work, an appraiser would need to appraise his house and all the houses in the neighborhood at far less and how is that fair to everyone else that played by the rules and bought a house they could afford. To work for this individual the appraised amount would have to come in at around $275K...that's down from the orginal price of 480K or a $205K drop in value! Let's not forget he owes a bank far more than that because he's paid only the interest for several years.

Is it fair that my property values should drop because some asshole felt entited to buy a house he couldn't afford in the first place and now can't afford?

Short answer no. Long answer is...longer. Four years ago, we paid a good price for our house, actually an excellent price, just as the market here started going up. Today houses in our neighborhood are worth roughly $200K more and that's in a slow market. In order for some of these people to stay in their homes their values would have to be reduced to a price less than what we paid for our house, effectively wiping out my equity. Now we're lucky that we haven't taken out a home equity loan. But what if we had? Our kitchen and bathrooms do need some attention, so say we had taken out a home equity loan for 50K, since we're handy we did the work ourselves.

Under the adjusted amounts so that asshole could keep his home, we would then owe more than our house is worth, which does figure into your FICO score and our credit would take a serious hit for that. Our interest rates would go up, we'd pay more for insurance, and we couldn't qualify for another loan if we needed it.

Wall Street Blues

Let's face it, i'ts a mess out there but have we hit bottom; I'm thinking we're close but not yet. One would think it's a great time to buy, but the problem is there isn't enough buyers and that drives stock prices down further. Coupled with the S&P downgrading companies left and right, which I think just further complicates the healing process. I mean would invest in a company that's just been downgraded? Probably not, and if a company you invested were downgraded you'd think of selling. It's a natural response. Today the market went down to below 8000 but now is back up to around 8500. It hasn't closed yet so we don't know what will happen. Overnight the Japanese stock market tanked, as did the Ausrailian.

Banking Woes

Banks around the world are in trouble, lets face it, Americans are to blame for it, we can't lend money to other banks overseas, in return they won't lend to us, or anyone else, out of fear. This leads to a shutdown of the global banking markets. Our government's idea is to privatize banks, taking their cues from Europe, now some think this is unheard of but it's happened before in the 1930's during the great depression.

What about Gas Prices?

Oil is like anything else, people will pay only what they will pay. Its true with anything, you're not going to pay six dollars for one piece of fruit, if you can get the same peice of fruit somewhere else for six cents. It's not about bargains, it's about common sense. Housing is another example, someone attaches personal memories to the price of their house, under the idea they will 'not give it away,' and the problem is the same, the house will not be sold.

Compettive pricing is essential, oil prices have dropped because the oil buying counties like this one are going through hard times. Things aren't that rosie in India and China, the two other huge oil consumers, as well as Canada, Europe, South America, Japan, Austrailia are all having financial problems. Once the markets and banks start improving in these countries, oil prices will again go up. Stockpiling oil isn't the answer because right now few companies can get the credit to do it.

It's all about banking.

A friend has said to me that if the United States Sneezes the world gets a cold. Well the US has a bronchitis and the world has gotten pnuemonia.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Politics Free Thursday

2008-10-09T08:08:00.000-07:00

Smells like Autumn Reign

Not exactly that kind of chili, but something happened yesterday, something fitting, yet strange that left me a little happy. I got up in the morning and house was cold, not it's normal cold, but very cold. If I notice it's cold, well it's cold, because I'm normally always warm. So I go downstairs and look at the thermostat and see the reading, I blinked several times and read it again, not trusting what I saw. Then I unceremoniously flipped the button from "off" to "heat" and heard the sound of the furnace firing up for the first time since mid May. I poured myself my first cup of coffee, and went to the computer, and there it was in my email box. An email from Accuweather, who informed me for the next several days our temperatures would be dropping overnight possibly into the 30's. They recommended that I move my "delicate" plants indoors.

I don't mind the idea of having the furnace on in October, and actually I'm a little comforted since I'm not a fan of hot weather. Now that said, I don't like idea of moving my delicate plants (meaning plants in pots), indoors. In fact this year I've decided to clear some out, all together, and replant the pots in the spring. I will do my best to keep my rosemary alive, but the dusty miller can go, it's looking crappy anyway. What I really hate is finding a place for them, because the only place I have room for plants is the garage. Especially with the outdoor variety, which who knows what kinds of creepy crawly things have made their home in the soil.

So, this morning after taking the dog for a walk, putting the little guy on the bus, and drinking my second cup of coffee, I dumped the dusty miller, and sad looking thyme into the garbage. I moved the two rosemary plants inside the house, breaking my own rule, and moved the other also sad looking thyme and equally sad looking Italian parsley into the kitchen.

I left the basil outside since it's on it's last leg, and the peppers the birds seem to be so very fond of. Who knew Stellar Jays absolutely love cayenne pepper and jalapeno. Each time one would start to grow, a Jay would come along and eat it.

So, I guess the heater will just have to stay on now, or at least I won't be turning it off and on anymore manually. This morning I had to turn it on again when my little son came down for breakfast

but on the upside, at least the smell has diminished. I'm sure everyone knows what I mean, it's that annoying, you-haven't-used-your-furnace-for-a-season-smell.

Side Bar

I've added an anonymous polling feature to my blog, which if popular will be updated weekly. Please take the time to vote, and just to mess with my head, you can pick more than one answer.

About Today's Title

I've decided that Thursday will be a politic free day, because I'm tired of all things politics, unless something HUGE happens that must be talked about Thursday will remain about everything else. Like the idea that the child formerly known as Fredo is doing much better in school but the other child formerly known as Piss-Boy is a typical teen complete with eye rolling and sighing at every little thing.

Why is it Wednesday

2008-10-08T06:49:00.000-07:00

Hey Yaaaa ABBY!

Congrats to my blog buddy AbbyNormal and her beautiful hot and gassy new addition (waaaaay hotter than me)! Who knew something that blows hot air could be that wonderful? Even more so since it's not a politician.

Are Firefighters Always Good Looking?

Why is it that I'm walking through the grocery store, pushing my cart, paying attention to my list, when I look up and see the most gorgeous man standing in front of me. He was tall, at least 6 foot, dark hair with the most dazzling dancing sky blue eyes, I have ever seen. Muscular, dressed in blue, I was awestruck. So struck, I couldn't help myself but to stare at him, until I pushed my cart into a display sending everything flying.

My mind screamed, what do I do....what do I do! Do I run away and leave the mess, or clumsily pick up the stuff I knocked over. Thankfully a store employee came to my rescue and started picking up the stuff for me, saving me the further embarrassment, and allowing me a quick exit. I avoided further collisions, well until I was in the check out line, and spied him in the next aisle over, bending over. Oh My God. Okay, I said that out loud twice, the first after seeing him, the second, when I bumped my cart into the woman in front of me. She gave a look that could have killed, but then her eyes followed my gaze just as he was righting himself. Her eyebrow raised and she started fanning herself with her check book.

He looked at us and smiled; he's probably used to it, and for that moment I doubt either of us felt frumpy. It must be a rule that all firefighters must be good looking, because it doesn't matter where I go, where I live, or where I visit, it seems they always are.

When I got home, I looked around pondering if I could somehow set my house on fire, just to see him again. I decided that probably wasn't a good idea.

Are School Meetings Always Stressful?

In a word probably, even if it's only been three weeks since the last one, I find myself preoccupied with what has gone wrong, or if another shoe will drop. I have to keep reminding myself that it's still early in the year.

Debating the Debates

Why can't we just watch the debates then move on? Or rather why must we have endless debate about who won, who lost, and why. Both sides baring their ideas, showing soundbites that bolster their argument and for what purpose? There is nothing else for them to say. Sure they could continue to give talking points about why you don't need to pull your money out of the bank, or why it's going to take so long for the economy to recover. They could talk about the Iraq war, or ponder where Bin Laden is. But they don't want to cover any real news, they just want to know which candidate might have answered the question about "what they don't know" the best.

Finally Why Is It...

I feel a migraine coming two days before it actually hits? It's really annoying but thankfully they don't come that often. My head is still aching and probably will until tomorrow.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Smoke 'Em if You Got 'Em

2008-10-07T07:58:00.000-07:00

The Politics of Being Political

I've made a decision regarding the election. I've decided the candidate that will earn my vote is the person that doesn't engage in personal attacks or the least. I don't care what they think of each other, I don't care who was an acquaintance, minister, lobbyist or who had whom fired from their job when their sister was going through a divorce. I honestly don't care, and please don't tell me what's wrong with the other guy, tell me what you will do for me. That's what I care about, tell me about what your plan is for the fixing the economy, not that the other guy has NO plan.

It just makes you look desperate and on the future President of these United States, it's not a good look.

Laws of Physics or Something Like That

Isn't there something about inertia, or body that's moving will keep moving until it hits something, I don't know something like that. Anyway, things around here lately have been rather difficult, I don't know if it's the weather, impending constant rain or what, but husband and I have been testy with each other. Though yesterday I did get a lot accomplished, I was later slapped on the nose by older son for writing paper towels on the shopping list.

Now, I'll admit, I'm a paper towel junkie and I'm on step three to deal with it, but I just can't go cold turkey. I understand about the landfill thing, and paper towels doused with chemicals, and I know I could easily use a roll a day if given the chance. So, I'm torn between being a good and understanding mom that leads her children by example, and being the paper towel glutton that I am.

I do have to admit he's right, even at the big box place where I buy my beloved paper towels, they're not cheap and currently running over 20 bucks. Now this is for a huge amount but, as my son willingly points out, I would run through them in a couple of weeks. So, I promised him to try not to. It's been over a month and still have a few rolls left. I seriously think my patience will run out before the towels do.

Now instead of just being able to toss a paper towel into the trash, I have to remember to lug a towel upstairs to the laundry room, lest someone come along and try to dry their hands using a goopy towel. Oh the horror.

Halloween

Do I like Halloween, my younger son asked me yesterday. My husband and older son lifted their eyes briefly to me, hearing the young one ask. I know I have to be careful about how I answer the question, especially around this house surrounded by two Halloween nuts. I replied, yes, I liked it. Satisfied with the response he returned his attention to his carrots, which is probably why he asked, so he could avoid eating them.

Older son decided to further probe by asking, what do you like best about Halloween mom. I wanted to smack him, but instead, I thought quick and answered, 'seeing my boys so very happy.' Truth of the matter is I hate Halloween, I don't mind the handing out candy part, or the trick or treating, or the costumes. What I hate is the fact that my husband and son are willing to tear out a wall to exhume the big ladder from the lower depths of the basement, while they were both unwilling to do so when the gutters needed cleaning.

Both are so eager to climb up 20 feet to hang a corpse from the ceiling in the outside entryway and are carefully plotting out the strobe light placement. Why? Because it's fun. These are the same people that bah humbug their way through the Christmas season when I'm trying to decorate the house, and not to mention put up the Christmas tree by myself. Oh sure, they both love getting gifts but neither wants to put in any effort whatsoever. Those presents don't wrap themselves.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Kids Today

2008-10-06T17:19:00.000-07:00

Out of the Mouths of Teens

My son today asked me a strange question that gave me pause. What if there is a tie in this election what happens then. I gave him the answer but also commented that I wasn't sure that could happen because not every state has the same number of votes. It would be difficult to achieve a perfect tie. That said there are 538 total votes, so technically 269 could be awarded to each candidate and 270 are needed to win. It's actually not that impossible.

Now this did kinda scare me, because according to our constitution, the President would be decided by the House, but only one person per state could vote. Can you imagine the arguing about that? So, first they need to decide who gets to make the vote, then they'd get to argue about how he or she would vote. Vice President is decided by the senate. Equally weird since we could effectively end up with a Democrat President and Republican Vice President. Or vice-versa, I guess. Of course back in the day this all was written the president was the person with the most votes and vice president was decided by the person who came in second.

Now for the really weird part all this must be done by the inauguration day in January. If they haven't decided by then, the currant VP becomes President until all this is straightened out. And I was hoping that they'd get to wrestle for it.

Weekend or Weekbeginning?

It happens every week, Friday comes around and before you know it, the weekend is over, and that's with having nothing special to do because it didn't stop raining. Well, we did have come 'periods' without rain but they were only long enough to run out maybe go to the store to replenish supplies of Maui Luau Barbecue Potato Chips. It's an addiction. Husband spent Saturday drinking beer and making beer with a few friends, while the kids and I went out to lunch. By the time lunch was over it was raining so hard we decided to forgo our walk and head home. I wish I could be like Abby and ride a bike (with a tricked out bell) everywhere but with this weather...ugh. It certainly would make me feel better about that bacon cheeseburger I ate for lunch.

And She Was

It seems in high school there are always the girls make other girls feel uncomfortable and my high school was no exception. Patty was a nice girl with a pleasant smile but an attitude that could cut you down without realizing it until later. She was thin, with legs that started at her armpits and the longest blonde hair I'd ever seen.

I remember the first time I'd seen her after high school, I ran into her at a local eatery about two years or so after graduation. I was dressed exceptionally wearing designer clothes that would have made the Sex in the City character Carrie Bradshaw proud. The next few times I bumped into her were more of the same, then I hadn't seen her or thought about her much, until around a year ago in our local Rite Aid.

I had no makeup on, wearing sweatpants-hadn't had my hair colored in months, fat, with my arms filled with stuff when I saw her coming toward me. She exclaimed, "Oh, Ranter, my you look..." followed by a pause that lasted a little too long, "...well, I almost didn't recognize you." Ouch, I thought, as I looked her over, thinking she still looks the same. I noted her shoes were Prada, while mine were keds.

She explained that she was living in this state now with her husband and 2.3 children.

Since that time over the course of the past couple years I've ran into her one other time, with the same result, until this time. Now, today I was at my bank and I was having a good hair day, wearing jeans, makeup, and a nice unstained shirt; on my feet high heels, not expensive but good enough. There she was in line just ahead of me. I saw her turn her head around, then she snapped it quickly forward and I thought she was ignoring me, when she turned around a moment later to face me. I smiled and said, "hi Patty." She smiled faintly and returned the hello, when I saw it..a roll of fat around her belly area. It was then I noticed how wrinkled her eyes were, and the cottage cheese around her thighs--her legs not looking nearly as long. I said nothing else and stopped paying attention to her when they opened another window, and she went to do her business. Before I could further examine her appearance it was my turn.

I left the bank before her, I could hear her saying something about looking for her account number, and I felt somewhat vindicated. It was the first time in years I felt a rush a self worth, instead of the traditional self loathing.

It felt good.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

How Odd

2008-10-03T09:08:00.000-07:00

I know I said

I wasn't going to watch the VP debates but I did see some of it. I do think Palin did okay but were there teleprompters used? She seemed to be looking down a lot, like she was reading a script. Biden did too but it wasn't nearly as obvious.

My only other complaint about Palin, and this was just based on 40 minutes or so I watched, was that she didn't seem to answer some questions. The moderator would ask her a question, then she would start talking about something else like gas prices.

I didn't see or note that Biden did this, though it's possible since I didn't watch the whole thing. I would have liked to have seen Joe Biden chip away at Palin's constant use of the word "Maverack" because while I know McCain isn't the most loved guy in the senate, he does vote with Bush most of the time. So he doesn't like earmarks, but it doesn't stop him for votiing for someone elses earmarks.

This Must Be a Record

At least for me since I rarely post everyday and I'm not sure what's gotten into me, but I'll go with it. Yesterday while I waited for husband to his lazy butt out of bed (okay, truth time, he's not that lazy, he gets home from work at midnight and goes to bed around 2 AM) so I could begin dusting and vacuuming, I decided to troll some other blogs. These blogs were just random, hitting the next blog button, and reading.

It's kind of a crap shoot doing that, since so many blogs are just spam, but some other blogs were just sad. One blog, the writer was upset with her father for having an affair and divorcing her mother. A different blog had about the same written but in reverse which made me ponder if the two were somehow cosmically related. I'm sure stranger things have happened.

Ahhh Choooo!

Another odd thing about today is that my younger son is home from school because he wasn't feeling well this morning. He said his throat was hurting and his head hurt, just like older son a few days earlier. Oh well it's not a bad weekend for being sick, its supposed to rain most of the weekend, we have nothing planned except my husband brewing beer with friend of his.

I have a few things to do around the house, since an outsider (homebrewing friend of hubby's) will be visiting and I don't want him to think that we're all just slobs. Even though, clearly we are. Maybe this will be a good weekend to do some work in my older son's bedroom, and get those shelves put together. Who knows what we'll do as I said a few days ago, excitement just can't be planned. Maybe I'll walk on the wild side and take out the carpet shampooer.

For Your Viewing Pleasure

I rememeber a friend of the family, who served his country in Viet Nam, hearing this song for the first time and he cried. I came across it today and thought I'd share it; the owner of this piece doesn't allow for embedded URL's so you can find it here.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Just a Few Words

2008-10-02T08:34:00.000-07:00

You Can Lead a Man to the Toilet, But You Can't Make Him Sit

I didn't mention this yesterday but it's been a growing issue with me and I find it disturbing. The pee that lands behind the freaking toilet! How do they (men) do this? People will claim the Kennedy assassination couldn't be true because of the magic bullet, well what about the magic urine? The urine that travels around the toilet to stain the back of the wall.

Seriously

Why can't they just sit down to pee? What is this need which men have, that they must stand to pee, is it to show dominance over the toilet? If they are sitting...and doing their number two thing, do they immediately stand up and turn around? No, I've never asked but I'm curious to know the answer.

Enough Potty Talk

Yesterday, I asked myself the question if excitement can be planned and I'm fairly confident that it can't. You can plan fun, but excitement just happens. Today, I again did the boring stuff, but I didn't feel it was dull, it was just all the stuff that needs to be done. Bills paid, errands run, clothes washed, rugs vacuumed. These things don't get done by themselves--someone has to do them. Wish it could be someone else but...

October

October...wow...October. Of course today it's raining, and tomorrow, and for the next several days, then a break and back to rain, at least according to every weather person on TV. Still it seems hard to believe it's already October! Where has the year gone. Soon enough husband will be taking the older kid to visit our abundant local haunted houses, then November will be here and the holidays will start. This past year I got incredibly lazy....just how lazy was I? Well, I got so lazy that after Christmas when I removed all my Holiday dishes out of the china cabinet, I never put the good china back into it. It's just sat empty since January. Very unusual for me.

Anyway, now it's October and the leaves are making their decent from the trees, landing on my lawn, inside my gutters, and everywhere else I don't want them to fall. Our apple pear tree, which had only 3 apples on it this season, has gone through a major growth spurt. I guess without any apples to slow it down, it put all its energy into growing leaves and limbs. Should be fun when it comes time for pruning. The other tree in our yard we discovered this year is an apple tree, and while it gave us many surprise apples this year, we didn't get eat any of them. I suppose the opossums and squirrels enjoyed them though at least I believe so...Since nearly all of them had these mystery bites taken out of them. Big chomping bites. Weird.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Today, I am Dull

2008-10-01T11:09:00.000-07:00

Tell Me Something We Don't Know

We all know the economy is in the toilet and while we wait to see if Congress has the courage or not to flush it, I decided to change gears. I'm not going to watch the VP debate on Friday, because I don't care about them. I know it sounds weird coming from me, and while I do care who is elected president, I just can't bring myself to care who the VP is. I know today they do more than just waiting for the president to die or be killed but I still just don't care.

Why Am I So Dull

I guess it's because I'm not doing anything exciting, well, unless you count blogging to be exciting. I got up early, as usual, got little son off to school or rather on the bus that takes him to school. Grabbed the car keys and before anyone else was up ran to the store to pick up a few things. Very few since I"m trying to watch my pennies, just bought things that were needed to keep the house running until my husband gets paid again. Nothing exciting happened there unless you count the register guy I know begging me to jump ahead in line so he could buy cookies for his break. They time the breaks you know--at least that was his excuse.

My older son got up, and informed me that he was feeling better (he had a sore throat yesterday) downed a muffin and cup a tea then bolted outside to pick up dog poop in the backyard. See? Even he is dull. Meanwhile husband shows himself downstairs, complaining about things that for once have nothing to do with me, so I let him prattle while I sipped coffee. After he's finished with his complaints, I went upstairs to clean the master bath and make the bed, while he prepared to leave the house on an outing with a friend. Older son leaves for school, with his normal..."Bye Mom, love you, see ya later."

It took me a full 20 minutes to realize I'm alone..well almost. The dog is still here but he doesn't count really so I contemplate flipping on my iPod and decided against it. Weird for me, since that is normally the first thing I'd do, but today I felt like I needed the silence. I finished cleaning the bathroom, threw in some towels to be washed, and cleaned the other bath upstairs. Then I came downstairs to clean that bath but the computer called me.

Really, it made a noise. Boooooop! I guess it meant I had mail or something, I did check but it wasn't anything great. I pondered briefly the notion of having the computer make a noise only when I have mail from someone good. Of course that kinda led me here.

My Big Fat Nothing Day

That's exactly what today is, a big fat nothing day. I'm making a shrimp scampi like thing with pasta tonight for dinner. Sound exciting? No, not really to me either. I still have that final bathroom to clean, but now I'm all about avoiding it. My mojo isn't in the mood and I'm thinking of taking the dog for a walk instead. I do have tonight to look forward to since it's MMN (mom's movie night) this week my selection is In the Heat of the Night starring the amazing Sidney Poiter and Rod Steiger.

Maybe I'll try to plan some excitement for tomorrow. Can excitement be planned like a birthday party or does it just have to happen on it's own?

I'll let you know.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

I Just Can't Take it Anymore

2008-09-29T23:17:00.000-07:00

Will Someone, Anyone, Tell Sarah Palin to Shut Up

About her, cough, foreign policy experience. Craps sake she's the governor of Alaska....670,000 people in the whole state. Yes its geographically close to Russia but I must have missed the news flash where she single-handily averted a Russian invasion. I suppose if she were governor of Hawaii (BTW Honolulu's population runs around 900,000 people), we'd have to hear that she had experience because she was governor of the Island in the Pacific, and had experience dealing with Japanese tourists.

I Know I Know

The big news should be about the house not passing the big bill, and yes, as you can imagine I'm about as happy about this as I was about hearing the debate of how the debate went and who won. Both sides (Republican and Democrat) said they had reached an agreement and vote was just going to be a formality. The republicans claim that they were set to vote for it, but decided not to when they heard Nancy Pelosi talk. The Democrats are saying that it's the Republicans playing partisian politics.

Get this people they're both playing a game, and we're the ones that are going to lose. When your FICO score goes down because the bank that holds your credit cards decreases your limit, which means you'll pay more for car insurance, more points on loans, your personal buying power diminishes. You think this is just about a wall street bailout....think again...this is bigger than main street and wall street. Your FICO score is based on your available credit and your ability to pay bills, so if you have a credit card, with a 10K limit, and you owe 1000...your FICO score if you pay your bills on time will be higher than a person who makes more money, has a 30K limit and owes 20K.

Both sides are talking about the "fat cat" CEO's and this is just to protect their salaries...another wake-up call...they've already been FIRED! That doesn't mean the bill wasn't without problems, it was but those were very small, compared to the implication of doing nothing--which is what they're doing. My 401K is gone, but that's okay because I'm not retiring soon but what about the people that are? I think everyone needs to wake up, shake the sleep from their eyes and demand that our government do what they need to do.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Question of the Day (Maybe the Month or Year even!)

2008-09-26T17:42:00.000-07:00

Are We Capitalists or Socialists?

That is a question that perplexes me and I'm not sure what the answer is anymore, ten years ago I probably could answer that question much quicker. Today, I don't know the answer. Should banks fail (including my bank which I love)? Should the government be bailing out AIG, under the idea that its failure would adversely affect the world economy? As someone that does believe in capitalism I'm finding it difficult to wrap my head around an all out bailout with or without restrictions. Businesses that make poor choices close all the time for example, a restaurant won't thrive even in the best of neighborhoods if the food isn't good or is highly overpriced to what the average person will pay.

If a bank, in the business of lending money, lends money to people they have a good idea won't be able to pay it back (as was the case with most of sub prime mortgages) isn't that a bad business decision? Now I understand that this is a bitter pill to swallow, especially for the thousands of people facing foreclosure and I'm very sorry for them that they might lose their homes. That said, I feel the government's idea of buying those mortgages is a horrible idea for any price.

Breakdown Go Ahead Give it to Me

Lets say someone makes 60K a year or roughly $4600 per month before taxes wants to buy a house, under the old rules they would have to save 20% of the price for a down payment, and pay no more than 1/3 of their monthly income. That means simply put you can afford a house priced around $240,000. Instead with the sub-prime these people were qualifying for a loan for a house double that price, or $480,000. So now that these people have figured out that they can't afford these loans and they don't want to lose their houses the government is trying to work out a deal to buy those bad mortgages from the lenders that issued them. They will work to let the people refinance into a "traditional" loan so they may keep their houses.

So, lets go back to our hypothetical, and lets say that these people can refinance that $480,000 loan. First lets all recognize they put very little or no money down, and have not been paying any principle for the past 4 years so they don't owe $480K. It's more like $520K. Now remember they only make $4600 a month, so where are they going to get the money to pay the new mortgage bill of $3117.66 (that's 30y fixed rate of 6% interest)? A 40 year mortgage wouldn't save them that much about $256 dollars.

So how is this going to help them? Unless they forgive the past four years and offer them a loan at the original $480 at a 40-year rate that is lower than I would pay with excellent credit...they might make it at a little less than half of what they make. However the real question is still unanswered. How is the so-called bailout going to help these people? Short answer is that it won't.

Of Mice and Men

We can't consider ourselves capitalists until the economy goes into the toilet and is being flushed, then say wait a minute, we can't let that happen. We also can afford to bail out everyone, some will fall like WaMu who just late yesterday had their 300 billion dollars in assets seized by the FDIC and sold for 1.9 billion to JP Morgan Chase. Surprisingly I have no problem with this because it was sold, all the depositors money is still there (even those over 100K) and they handed out flyers to customers entering the bank this morning and put a notification on their (Washington Mutual's) website. It won't cost taxpayers anything and the FDIC can return to their jobs of watching other failing banks.

Maybe those people are just lucky they were banking with a bank that the FDIC felt was too big to fail completely and the amount it could have costed taxpayers would have been atronomical.

The bailout is more about global markets so that money can keep moving. If someone owns a business and needs to make an important improvement, they normally need to borrow money to do it. If they can't borrow, the business could fail, employees will lose their jobs. Think of George Bailey and the Building and Loan in holiday classic It's a Wonderful LIfe, when there was a run on the bank, George exclaimed that their money was in 'Sam's house or Dave's house..." you, I'm sure get the idea.

Money has become a virtual thing, no one really sees it anymore but I think that's going to change. Will there be a depression? If there is a bailout probably not but we still can't avoid a deep recession, if there isn't a bailout, then it does become likely.

This all said though, we always want people to be accountable for their actions, right or wrong, and that's not what is going on now. Lenders were irresponsible, the goverment was irresponsible, the brokers and everyone else that lined their pockets instead of doing what was right. If that means things fail, change and hit rock bottom then nothing will change it.

We call a huge downslide on Wallstreet today a Market Correction (meaning stock prices went too high too fast and must come down) maybe what we need is an Economic Correction?

In any event the debates are about to start and I for one am relieved that McCain changed his mind and decided to attend and very interested to see what both have to say.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

The Biggest Mistake

2008-09-25T09:29:00.000-07:00

What is He Thinking

I heard on the news yesterday that McCain is canceling the debate Friday because of the economy being in, well the shitter. While the notion is admirable that he wants to return to the senate to do the work that needs doing; he also needs to remember that he's running for President not the senate. What a huge missed opportunity to debate Obama and explain why his plan is better or where the failings lie and what he would have done to change it, or stop it from happening all together.

On a very serious note do we want a President that won't discuss with the American people what he feels needs to be accomplished. I understand that speeches and debates are two different things however both provide a venue to speak ones mind. The latter provides an opportunity to ask follow-up questions and critique what they would do differently.

More to come on financial crisis from me maybe tomorrow about I feel this bailout isn't going to be all that helpful.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

And I was Walking Down the Street One Day…

2008-09-19T08:43:00.000-07:00

Wall Street Woes

The mortgage crisis is reaching its apex, or is it? Each day companies whose primary business was lending money or jumped upon the lending bandwagon, seem to be going belly up in today's hard economy but why? Because they put profits of today against the wellbeing of the economy for tomorrow, or rather they gambled and everyone lost. Now we have Obama blaming Bush and while he has a right to his opinion, just like everyone else, I'm sorry to say this but he is more to blame than Bush is (as is McCain), after all it's congress that regulates the industry not specifically the white house. They're calling for Alan Greenspan's head on a platter, saying it's all his fault. But who is really to blame?

Four years ago, I worried about the economic future but I was alone in those worries since time and again people told me it wasn't my problem or their problem if the mortgage industry went belly up. We had a huge influx of people getting mortgages for more than house than they could afford. They could put no money down, and pay only the interest for so many years gambling that their house value would continue to rise in value. So that 3000 sq ft, home they couldn't afford, suddenly seemed wonderful and with all the extra money they'd save they could afford to fill it full of furniture and buy that Labradoodle for the kids.

The Blame Game

Fast-forward 4 years and they're in foreclosure blaming the banks; other banks are closing or may close, stock reduced to junk status. So who is to blame in this debacle? I think it's just greed plain and simple. The government (meaning Freddie and Fannie) had NO business getting involved with the sub prime mortgages but people were screaming that they couldn’t get a house despite the low interest rates. Freddie and Fannie took the bait and dove head first into the shallow pool, and after that other lenders thought the same, why not. It was a gamble, a bad gamble, and we all ended up the losers.

The Fallout

So, where do we go from here or will there be a recession, depression, inflation, deflation, or total economic collapse? If you watch any of the cable news organizations that seem to thrive on conflict, not to mention doom and gloom you might believe that you should pull your money out of your bank and put it into your mattress. The argument for that is fairly persuasive.

I don't however think it's very practical but that being said if your bank is in trouble you can do things to minimize the headaches.

Stop direct deposits
Research your banking options online.
Remove funds in order of potential problems, accounts with over 100K and familiarize yourself with the FDIC rules. For example if you have a joint (two account owners) account, you are actually covered up to 200K.
Market Rate (Money Market) accounts are NOT FDIC insured. Investments are not FDIC insured.
Certificate of Deposit (CD) accounts are FDIC insured but tend to have hefty penalties for early withdraw. Understand your options.

Most of the larger "safer" banks have "free" checking, so research what their restrictions are, and you can open an account with as little as a hundred dollars. Other questions might include ATM fees, charges for bill pay, and online banking charges.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

This Post Has No Title

2008-09-10T08:53:00.000-07:00

Wacky Wednesday

I'm not sure what to call this post because it's going to seem like a hodge-podge. The kids are officially back in school now, and life seems to truck along until I turned on the TV and see the images of planes crashing into the world trade center and realize it's almost September 11.

Of course this means not only am I stuck with all matters political because of the election, but on all my other channel haunts (History, Discovery Channels, etc), because of the endless shows about 9-11 conspiracy and day. I still can't bring myself to watch movies made about that day, which were on all through the weekend.

So, I Watched

Both the Democratic convention and Republican convention and it needs to be said that anyone undecided shouldn't bother watching ANY convention because they're all just preaching to their choirs. That said I found much more bashing with little substance from the republicans and that really surprised me. They must have mentioned throughout the week Obama's name a MILLION times, always too the appropriate "USA" or Boo's or Cheers…But what they didn't say was more important. Aside from drilling here and now, they offered NO real plan for the future. They were too busy discussing what is wrong with other side.

I also don't understand why his running mate is such a "superstar" I mean she's been governor since '06 and was a mayor of a small Alaskan town before that. The whole Alaskan population is only 670,000! Compare that to Los Angeles, where you have 9 MILLION people living. I'm not that impressed. She hasn't held a public office long enough to know if her "changes" are good or bad for the state. But the republicans are insistent that she is more qualified for office because she's run a state Government as opposed to Obama who has not. Let's not forget that McCain is the man actually running for president and he's been a senator for a 25 years, and has NEVER been a governor, mayor or anything else. Well, except a POW, and military guy and that isn't exactly the same as running a state.

I did watch Senator Edward Kennedy speak, and I have to say first off it was nice seeing him considering the news media have him on his deathbed. Aside from that, I really enjoyed what he had to say. He didn't bash McCain but spoke about the future and what all Americans should do. I loved the idea of young people in public service, and enjoyed someone else asking what has happened to the American "can do" attitude using the space program as example.

Obama's speech was very good, and I'm glad he did say more about what we need to do to fix our economy, though I don't agree with everything he said.

The republican convention was rather overshadowed by the hurricane, but still interesting. I caught a snippet of the first lady talking but it seemed to be more Obama bashing than substance, as did Palin later in the week. McCain's speech was dry, and frankly too long and to me lacked substance. It also made my skin crawl when he added an R to the word Washington…which was roughly half the time.

As I said when I started this segment, the conventions shouldn't be a platform for anyone undecided to make the choice of who to vote for. It's nothing but a giant pep rally that the media pays way too much attention to.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Hi Again

2008-09-02T20:35:00.000-07:00

Whimsical Ranter not available right now because she's busy watching the Republican Convention. At the tone please leave her a message and she'll get back to you.

Beeeeeeeeeeep!

FlashBack Friday

2008-08-29T16:59:00.000-07:00

Something to Blog About

Thanks to Judy for the idea...

In honor of the official back-to-school time AND this being Flashback Friday for your viewing pleasure...

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Hi--

2008-08-27T11:23:00.000-07:00

Whimsical Ranter not available right now because she's busy watching the Democratic Convention. At the tone please leave her a message and she'll get back to you.

Beeeeeeeep!

It's Still Hot But Again...

2008-08-17T21:28:00.000-07:00

Summer Is Holding On By Her Fingertips

At least around here we were slammed with temperatures past the century mark, and it's followed up by what? Rain. Heavy rain & gale force winds. Surprised? Anyone familiar with the pacific northwest might say no, but to those that live here, the answer is a resounding yes. Of course we're used to summer rains, but it's normally light, and billowy and doesn't keep you from enjoying the outdoors. Not to mention few and far between.

This is different though, as people are desperate to try to enjoy the remaining weeks of August we go from hot to cold back to hot again. If that doesn't screw with your mind, body and don't forget sinuses, nothing will.

Actually this summer hasn't been too bad, but it's inevitable end has the kids climbing the walls with the kind of anticipation of rather Olympic proportions.

Speaking of the Olympics

I don't know if it's because it's been on so late at night or what, but I've been glued to the TV in renewed interest. Surprisingly so, but it could be also because there is NOTHING on TV anyway. I'm kinda enjoying the fact that all the kids can watch this with me, if they choose to, with or without video games of the hand held variety.

Could it Be?

I'm actually sad to see the summer end and school begin. Well, don't tell the kids but yeah I am. I hate the idea of getting up in the morning to get the little one on the bus, arguing with the teen about homework and everything in between. I'm dreading IEP meetings, and hearing the little one complain about how much he hates school and how they want him to learn stuff. Imagine going to school to learn stuff? I've just enjoyed not having to worry about that crap and I hate idea of it all starting again.

Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor?

I've been buying lottery tickets and sharing them with my teen son. We use the winnings (if any) to buy more tickets...I know, I'm horrible. So far we're won 23 dollars! Not bad for a 2 dollar ticket. He's also becoming a wine aficionado.

How To Get Something Done

My wonderful husband built his own bar area in the basement room we have, it's freaking beautiful and I've commented that he could build furniture. He's afraid that I would make him build me furniture. He's always said that he can't. Whatever. Today, I'm down in the basement, and he comments that he needs a table to go beside the futon we acquired from a friend of ours. I told him to build one, but he said no he couldn't. I told him to just make a box...he got all pissy about it and now is out to prove to me that he build something better than "just a box." He never saw it coming.

Shout Out to AbbyNormal

I was driving down the road today and I saw a car and license plate read:

Aabynrml

Somehow it just made me think of you.

Welcome to Blogger!

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

It's Hot Hot Hot

2008-08-07T23:29:00.000-07:00

Everybody's Talking At Me...

About so much stuff these days, I know the media likes to make us feel we should be discussing this or that, but I'm going to talk about Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt selling their baby photos for a reported 14 MILLION dollars. That's a lot of lettuce! Yes the money is going to charity and help a lot of needy kids, so, what's the problem? Honestly it's their child and I'd rather see the money go to a charity than to line the pockets of some idiot stalkeratzi. Yes it's much ado about nothing and as is the great debate about them being "allowed" to do so.

Another Thing

I really can't stand the media in general now. I hated the primary election, I especially hated the way the democratic primary was handled by the media. The media picked out Obama as the winner from the beginning. Wolf Blitzer of CNN hammered the point each election, by commenting how Obama voters were college educated, ethnically diverse, young, and wealthy. The poor, white, uneducated voters were for Hilary. I still find it insulting, even though I was for neither. I will say Hilary's appearance on Bill O'Reilly changed my mind about her. It is my college educated opinion that between the two she was much more qualified than he.

Now it's starting to show, he's sounding more and more like a politician willing to say anything needed to get elected, and according to the latest polls, McCain is leading by 5%. It's not a land slide by any stretch but it highlights the fact that our country is still seriously divided. We still need a candidate that will bring us all TOGETHER. The democratic party is a shambles really in thanks to the media who I am now convinced they were starved for drama and figured Hilary would run away with the nomination. They built up the monster Obama to create drama in the election, and now they are left scratching their heads wondering what the hell they're going to do now.

Drill Here? Now??

Here we go again selling our children's future short to fill our pockets today. But now the rallying cry is nearly 10 years away. The US consumes 20 million barrels of oil per day, frankly I don't think there is enough oil anywhere in the US to help ease our own pump prices. In fact historically speaking once prices go up they NEVER go down. Honestly, does anyone really believe that once the price of gas comes down that the airlines will drop their prices, stop charging for checked luggage (which was created by the freaking Federal Government by NOT allowing more than one ounce of liquid), and will start serving food again? Will the grocery stores now lower their prices when consumers have well adapted to paying more? Not on your life! Lets not forget that oil is a NON renewable resource so once it's gone...well, that's it.

I guess what I really have trouble understanding is what the hell has happened to American's can do attitude? This is the same country that in the early 1960's said they would put a man on the moon before the end of the decade and did it. Has our can-do attitude been outsourced to India too? Are we even capable of finding a viable solution, and not a half ass one that involves drilling everywhere, and building Nuclear reactors. Surprisingly enough I'm not against Nuclear energy, but we have to have a decent plan on what to do with waste involved that doesn't include sending it down the Mississippi on a barge. Maybe for each dollar that is spent drilling, two dollars should be on a renewable energy?

And as if there wasn't enough silliness going around GM is bringing back the Camero! Yes! The Camero, will be back with a whopping 8 cylinder Corvette engine! This really cracks me up how the car companies are about a decade too late. I'm sure they'll just fly out of the showroom and probably outsell the Toyota Prius. Right!?

A final note, I don't understand the Newt Gingrich ideal of saying that China and India should going green otherwise there is no point to the US doing it. I don't give a crap about what goes on in India or in China...I do however care about what goes on here, it's time for all of them to stop deflecting, and start actually doing something about it. HERE and NOW.

Tired of Hearing about Tires

Oh my god, someone asks Obama what they can do now to help with the energy problem, so Obama suggests making sure your tires are inflated properly and McCain giggles...fox news giggles. Give me a break! Would McCain have suggested that the guy get a shovel and start digging for oil? Honestly it's not a bad idea, and hell up to a few days ago I didn't know how to check my tire pressure, but I was reading that needs to be done each month. I had NO idea you are supposed to check it that often.

I did something, possibly illegal but nonetheless fun. I copied off the internet the normal average tire sizes and found out what the tire pressure was supposed to be, then went to my local market and checked 50 cars. Yes I did! I actually checked 50 freaking cars! NOT ONE was filled to what they were supposed to be...and it wasn't a little, it was a lot...weird huh? Most were around 13 pounds UNDER inflated. Now some do believe that your tires during the summer are supposed to be under inflated but thats actually wrong. Something else I learned. Under inflated tires are much more likely to blow out in hot weather...go figure.

Then I found this article from 2005 on Good Morning America....which you can read here.

Yes I did finally get my tires properly filled and yeah I'll be checking it every month.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

I know...I suck

2008-06-06T15:27:00.001-07:00

I'm kinda back though and with a movie recommendation, which I normally don't do. This movie was different though. Even my husband liked it and he seriously thought it was going to be stupid.

Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill

This movie contains the MOST breathtaking views of San Francisco, and the story is equally amazing.

Can I get my coffee just delivered by IV?

2008-05-09T22:35:00.000-07:00

Or How NOT to Make Waffles

Take frozen waffles from freezer, put on plate, begin trying cut them up into small bite size pieces, curse repeatedly because they're so difficult to cut. Realize too late the frozen waffles need to be TOASTED first. Place frozen waffles in microwave and hope for the best. Watch wordlessly as the waffles become a soupy mess.

Go to freezer to find more waffles and see there is none. Curse yourself again and make toast. Put syrup on said toast. Feed toast to child and try to say it's French Toast.

That’s how my morning began.

It Only Gets Worse

Our computer has been having "issues" like suddenly shutting down, when I'm typing, which is why I haven't blogged much this week despite having tons of blog fodder, most of which I can't recall now anyway. We've tried various fixes but nothing seems to fixing the problem. No viruses have been found despite running our virus program several times like Santa making a list and checking it well, you know.

Computer willing I'll be back next week, hopefully with more coffee.

Happy Mother's Day

Always be nice to your children because they are the ones who will choose your rest home.: Phyllis Diller

Random Musings on a Tuesday Evening

2008-05-06T23:19:00.000-07:00

More Questions Than Answers

I'm an answer person, the person everyone asks questions and I seem to know what to say but lately I'm at a loss. Gas prices are out of control, yet the oil companies are registering record…what's it called...Oh yeah profits. I wonder if the oil companies feel awkward explaining this? I know their shareholders are happy but I'm not a shareholder, I'm pissed off. I don't give a crap what they put their profits into; it's still a profit. That means they made more money than they put out, right? So they're making huge profits and they're trying to justify it by saying that they're reinvesting it.

I'd like to know what they're investing it in because I know damn well it's not on technology that would put them out of business.

In the spirit of trying to save money a friend brought this to my attention but hasn't given me permission to link to her blog so I'll just direct you to the main website.

Aren't we all clipping coupons anyway? I will admit I haven't joined, not sure why except I'm a skeptic and a little pissed off I didn't think of this first. I'm not thrilled with the choice of stores in my area, in fact there is only four, two aren't grocery stores and one grocery store I refuse to shop at—which leaves me with only one grocery store and it's a store I prefer not to shop at. I don't care if green beans are a dollar a pound if they all look like garbage—like they do at this particular store. I also don’t buy a lot of processed foods, so a coupon for Mac and Cheese isn't going to cut it. All that said maybe someone else can use this information…and who knows if prices get higher, I might just join.

It's Almost Over

Our election ballots came in the mail today and Husband's was thick while mine was a paltry single page with what I believe was the word loser scribed in the barcode. I filled out my nonpartisan (cough, loser) ballot and already popped a stamp on it and mailed it back with warning label "do not open until election day," upside down, just to annoy. I know I'm like that but at least now when the calls start coming from Hillary and Obama I can just refer to them to my husband. Well that's opposed to just hanging up saying we've already voted, because he hasn't yet. He loves talking to people on the phone anyway, well not really but whatever. The point is it's almost over and it's about time, really this has to be the longest election in history. I don’t think the elections a hundred years ago when they campaigned by train were this long.

It looks like Obama took South Carolina, and Hillary as expected took Indiana no surprise there but I still don't see how she can win. Unless those super delegates do something weird, which I guess they could but I would think it could just piss off democrats. Well, I guess no matter what happens half the democrats are going to be pissed. McCain better start courting them now, pissed off Hillary voters; seriously if I were McCain I'd start strategizing how to get them because they'll be his key to win. I do believe like Hillary Clinton, the election will be his to lose, meaning he can win it, if he doesn't do or say anything stupid. Should be interesting.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Can I Get a Little Cheese to with this Whine?

2008-05-05T21:20:00.000-07:00

Is it Any Wonder?

Okay, I understand gas prices are out of control and that is making food prices to rise but my god this is getting ridiculous. I feel like I'm being gouged now. It's getting to the point where I won't be buying anything except for what is absolutely needed. No fun food, like chips, cheese puffs, and other crap, which I know, kids or adults don't need to survive but that’s only because the general cost of fruit and vegetables has doubled in some areas. Yet I can still get (if I wanted to) 4 boxes of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese for a dollar. Is it any wonder Americans are getting fatter?

Two Part Irony or Bad Omen

I'm sure everyone heard about †he Kentucky Derby and horse Eight Belles who was put down immediately following the race after breaking both her ankles in a freakish accident. Well, here is the ironic part of this story. Hillary Clinton was encouraging her supporters to "cheer" for Eight Belles, since she was the only female running in the race. I think Ms Clinton felt a certain kinship with the horse.

As most people know Eight Belles did finish the race and came in second. So people that bet on her to come in second won, but in a presidential race coming in second means you lost. The horse she lost against is called Big Brown. Maybe it's an omen for Hillary Clinton to hang up her spurs?

Oh The Pain, the Pain of it All

I'm cutting this short tonight because my back is killing me and I'm thinking I threw something out of alignment trying to close my freaking kitchen window a couple days ago. The damn thing opens fine but NEVER wants to freaking close and I can't get close enough to close it without wrenching my back. Let's hope the pain is only temporary.

For Your Viewing Pleasure

A friend of mine sent this to me and I thought I'd share with all moms out there with more than one boy!

Enjoy!

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Back in the Saddle

2008-05-01T21:33:00.000-07:00

It's Been A While

I know but I'm Finally feeling like my old Ranty self, actually I've been feeling like my old ranty self for a week now, but I had to take my house back first. Not to mention be able to stay up past nine in the evening.

Yes, I've been spending time cleaning, doing laundry and watching a lot of TV. Weird for me because I don't normally do that…clean? No, watch a whole lot of TV.

Tales of Reverend Dumbass

No my dog wasn't made a spiritual advisor, though he likely could be, I'm speaking of Obama's buddy Reverend Wright or Dumbass I as I like to call him these days. I've remained fairly silent on the whole thing mostly because I felt the story was a big nothing or distraction from the real issues. Though I did have serious issues with how a man can say he's been a friend with someone for 20 years and member of his church, and not know about his views.

Then the Rev Dumbass started talking to the media and basically I feel; threw Obama, who I assume he'd want to see elected, under the bus. This made no sense to me at all, I still don't understand it, why talk at all? Why not just keep silent? Obama did the only thing he could and denounced him and it made him look a very tall jackass, since he should have done it a long time ago.

The Media Builds Them Up and Brings Them Down

For months during this LOOOOONG process Obama has clearly been the media darling and perhaps now the tide is shifting to Hilary but I think it's just a little too late. I doubt she will be able to pull enough delegates, short of Obama doing something incredibly asinine.

Did you happen to catch Hillary on Bill O'Reilly? I think she did a marvelous job and it would have been nice to see her do that from the beginning of this election. While I've said in the past that I don't like her, she was far more likeable than she's ever been in the past to me. Also, I did like some of her ideas, with the exception of illegal immigration. Which no candidate is going to anything about.

What Am I Missing?

What is the big deal with all these mostly radio jock (itch) people, using Obama's whole name? Barack Hussein Obama. What is the deal with that? They don’t do the same for Clinton or McCain. I get the whole Islamic thing, but Hussein is actually a common name. Do these same people have an issue with Cassius Clay Jr changing his name to Muhammad Ali? Are we supposed to hate him now because he picked a Muslim name and forget the fact that he changed it decades ago? It's not that they use [the middle name] it but how they say it, like they're talking about Mark David Chapman or Lee Harvey Oswald. It's creepy.

Obama was named that, as far as I know, back in 1961 he didn't just change his middle name recently. Seems odd to me that it's such an issue. Of course these are the same pundants that claim they're not going to vote for McCain because of some his views. Then again maybe that's for the best.

At Long Last

I'm seeing signs of spring. The azaleas are blooming, the lilac is full of flowers, and everything is coming up with weeds. I'd love to say I'll be spending this weekend doing gardening but I'll be too busy…well, we'll just say that I'll be too busy because I despise all gardening. I love the idea of a perfectly manicured garden, but I don’t want to put any effort into having one.

So, Is There Anything Else?

Let me think for a minute. Um no. Over a month since my last real post and I got nothing.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

I know...

2008-04-14T15:38:00.000-07:00

It's only been a week since I was admitted to the hospital, but still I really hoped I would be feeling more myself by now. Yet, I'm not. I'm exhausted and tired of coughing at night. I have one more day of antibiotics to take. They're supposed to continue working for 7 days after I stop them. I hope they do, because if not, I'll have to go back earlier.

If all goes well I'll just have to see the doctor at the end of the month.

/Ranter

Damn, Will I Ever Learn?

2008-04-09T22:41:00.000-07:00

I'm not convinced (entirely)

I've been sick with pneumonia and yes, hospitalized. I'm back home. Thank goodness. I'll be back to post about this latest installment of Ranter's Karmic retributions. Just give me a couple more days.

/Ranter

Never Put Off Tomorrow What You Can Do Today

2008-03-17T22:14:00.000-07:00

I Should Have Known

I had skipped blogging for a while, actually a long time now, because my posting habits have been somewhat lackluster. I keep meaning to change that but, I just keeping finding better things to do than blog. Sometimes blogging to me, seems like work, trying to come up with the right thing to say when nothing is going on becomes an arduous task. I feel I lack discipline, but I guess the truth is I lack the time to sit quietly at the computer with my thoughts.

Later, I start thinking of things I want to blog about, mentally at least I ponder countless things to share, but then I sit at the computer and nothing comes to mind. It's frustrating and makes the task of blogging even more difficult. Then it happened, my computer started acting up in a weird but subtle way, for nonetheless, as anyone that carries their whole life on a computer knows is foreboding.

It was a Monday, a day like any other day, I sat down with my full coffee cup in hand, and noticed the computer sounded like an airplane ready to take off. The screen was an empty gray, with the characteristic apple staring at back at me, lifeless. I shut down the machine, and restarted, same thing happened. I mentally panicked, what would I do if I couldn't check my email? How would know what my bank balance was, or how the weather would be?

I went upstairs and told husband that the computer wasn't feeling well, and returned to it's side, restarting again, hoping it would just fix itself. My coffee tasted like water, uninteresting and I felt strangely incomplete. Mentally, I wrote a wonderfully poetic blog about the circle of life, as told by doing laundry. I cleaned the kitchen, washed the floors, and did load after load of laundry, all while contemplating what a cruel bitch life can be.

Meanwhile husband got up, unplugged the machine, and plugged it back, from upstairs I heard the characteristic chime indicating restart. I held my breath; I waited, frozen or maybe just unwilling to move. I heard the sound of fingers hitting the keyboard. What was he doing I wondered, eventually, I mustered the strength to call down and he replied that he was checking his email.

So, now each morning when I get up, I attempt start up, which fails, then I unplug the machine, and plug it back in causing it to start. I know it's a band aid and one day, maybe soon, it won't work.

Which brings me to the overall title of this blog, about not putting off tomorrow what can be done today. I've decided since today the computer is working, I'm back to blogging a lot more often, unless the machine stops working and we're unable to start it. I'm also going to start folding and actually putting away those clothes when they come out of the dryer.

But that's a story for another time.

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Can You Stand It?

2008-02-21T07:11:00.000-08:00

They All Got Whacked

Yes another post about the Sopranos and hopefully the last, please don't misunderstand I loved the show but waiting to see the episodes on DVD was somewhat annoying. Anyway I got the Season 6 Part 2 (which was really season 7), months ago but haven't really had the time to sit and watch it. Let's face it, it's not exactly kid friendly TV.

I finally watched the whole season, and a couple episodes twice; I've come to the conclusion that at the end they all got killed. Several times during the season Tony makes the comment about when you get whacked you don't see it coming. Hence the black screen at the end of the finale.

And if that's not the case I'm going to be pissed off for such a lousy fucking ending!

The Truth is Out There

There have only been a few shows in my life that I felt I must see every week, because I just loved them that much. Yes I enjoy watching The Simpsons, Pushing Daisy's, Desperate Housewives, and Boston Legal but honestly if I miss an episode it's not the end of the world to me. Hardly any shows have been at that level.

In fact there has really only been two, Star Trek: The Next Generation and The X-Files. Both shows I loved though I didn't watch much of the final season of the X-Files because of the absence of David Duchovny. Fox Mulder was a brilliant character and it seemed replacing him just didn't feel right with me and a lot of other viewers. Some might say this made me less of a fan but I don't think so. I made a viewing decision.

That being said, I'm finding it difficult to become excited about both franchises and the movies that are coming. The X Files did a movie once, while the show was still on the air, but it wasn't done well, and provided no answers to deep burning questions. The subsequent season felt disjointed and odd as though the movie had never happened.

The Star Trek franchise is offering up a Starfleet Academy movie where you see Kirk and Spock meeting for the first time. Sounds mildly interesting but didn't they learn anything from Enterprise? I tried in vain to get into to that show but just couldn't care enough to watch it week after week. I did catch series finale on the SciFi channel recently and I have to say if I had gotten into the show like some did, I would have been seriously pissed off at the way that show ended.

. . . - - - . . .

Jericho is back for it's second and probably it's last season. Fans complained when the show was cancelled so CBS brought it back, but in their brilliance waited until now to put it on the air. The night and time-slot sucks and the show isn't much better but my son and I are watching—for now, though I'm not happy about missing Boston Legal.

And While I'm on the TV Subject…

Have you seen that new show "Moment of Truth" on Fox? Omg, what a cluster fuck that show is! I watched it once and that was bad enough. I guess the premise is before filming you are given a lie detector test where you're asked 50 questions. Some are extremely personal. Later they pick 20 questions to ask you on the show. Depending on how you answer and what the lie detector recorded you might win a half million dollars! Did I mention friends; family and maybe even coworkers are in the audience? Did I mention that they would dig up people from your past to present some questions directly to you?

Exactly how much are you willing to risk for a half million dollars?

For Your Viewing Pleasure

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

I Know…I know

2008-02-19T23:04:00.000-08:00

It's Been A While

I can't begin to explain everything that's been going on. We'll just say although it can be serious, we were very lucky and it's not. We are still having the autism issues with our youngest son but like a good friend pointed out to us, if it wasn't this, it would just be something else. Needless to say I did get rather down and it has been a long, cold, dark winter so far here. Not to mention, rainy. But the past weekend the sun was out, we saw lots of snow and the kids went tubing, for a brief and shining moment life was good again.

Of course the rain returns tomorrow if our weather people can be trusted but, for once, I'm okay with that. The robins have returned, the woodpeckers are back pecking the trees around our area and as long as the little peckers stay away from my house I'm fine. My bulbs are starting to poke their heads out of the ground and some might even bloom!

I Shouldn't Complain

We've come a long way since the days of beating clothes on a rock in a creek then boiling them and hanging them on a line to dry. Back in those days laundry was work and it took all day. Today I have a washer and dryer and it still takes all day but the machine does most of the hard work, but I still complain about folding the clothes. In fact at this moment I have probably two loads of clothes piled up on an unmade bed. Well, after all, it is a holiday.

Since Christmas was a bust, as was New Years, and Chinese New Year kinda sucked eggs too. We attended a Chinese New Year festival that sounded fun but wasn't. Not that I mind seeing 80 people waiting in line for a single pot sticker, or a pencil just because it's free. It was just dull. The next holiday I missed out on was Valentines Day but not because of any "issues" but because my husband refers to it as a Hallmark holiday. Why give roses, they'll just die anyway, plus the prices are totally inflated. A card? Nah that's just money in Hallmark's pockets, and what about a nice dinner out; no way Jose! Why spend money just for a day? You can eat out anytime, why bother making reservations and paying more for a special meal? Not to mention that candy makes you fat.

The above is how my husband feels about that day, now how do I feel about it? I feel that all men should just suck it up, deal with it and do what the fuck they are supposed to do. Which means buying a card, maybe flowers, and some chocolate, maybe dinner. Not all those things but I'd settle for one. Especially the chocolate part.

And The Beat Goes On…

It looks as though McCain, despite Bush's endorsement, will get the nomination for the republican side, but the Democrats are still yet to be determined. Obama or Hillary? Who will win? Do I care?

Drums keep pounding a rhythm to the brain

Is it wrong to say I'm kind of hoping for Obama? Not because I agree with everything he says, but I do agree with some things he says. Which is more than Hillary and I'm sorry I loved Bill Clinton.

La de da de de, la de da de da

I am concerned about this recent phenomenon about dropping the illegal part of illegal immigrants. What once was isolated to one cable news network is now practically all of them. Immigration is the hot issue and I sit at home screaming at the TV…they did NOT immigrate; they snuck like thieves in the night across the boarder.

Grandmas sit in chairs and reminisce

I do remember a time when the law meant something, and if you broke the law, you were punished for it. Mexico is suing us for deporting illegals that break the law in our country. I guess they don't want them either.

Boys keep chasing girls to get a kiss

The more things change the more they stay the same.

The cars keep going faster all the time

Yeah but can they afford the gas for them?

Bums still cry "hey buddy, have you got a dime"

No, it's more like a dollar and if you open a wallet, they'll steal that too. Not sure also how PC the term 'bum' is anymore. Financially Challenged?

And The Beat Goes On…
And The Beat Goes On…

© 2008 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Bear With Me

2008-01-25T21:30:00.000-08:00

I know I've seemingly fallen off the earth. My husband is going through some health issues, which has had me a bit preoccupied. I will be back soon.

I am reading everyone's blogs, just not commenting a lot lately.

--Ranter

Ho Ho Ho

2007-12-17T20:04:00.000-08:00

Is It Wrong?

To be thrilled at the beginning of the holiday rush hour (meaning the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve), and then go to feeling blah about it, to missing it when it's over? Seriously I'm beginning to question my sanity, and my ability to simply go with the flow. I'm just pissed off and I can't stop thinking about new things to piss me off even more. What is up with the freaking car commercials this time of year? BMW, when you buy a new model, will donate to the Make a Wish Foundation. That's a good thing but for craps sake, is that really going to influence anyone it buying it? And I'm sorry but anyone that buys a woman a stupid Dust Buster or fancy vacuum cleaner for Christmas seriously needs help or else there had better be something better buried inside the damn thing. And let me further add if one more thing seemingly goes wrong this holiday, I'll climb up on the roof and shit down the chimney myself.

My husband this year actually gave me an iPod Nano, which I picked out because he wasn't sure what color I'd like. I picked red. Not because of African Aids thing but because I really liked the color. Yes some of the money went to Aids funding in Africa and I'm fine with that. I mean it's not like I paid any more for it. Knowing about the gift ahead of time is somewhat of a good thing because then I know how much to spend on him without being sneaky and checking credit card statements. But I'm also kind of bummed because it kind of takes the surprise out of it. It doesn't kind of take the surprise out of it; it DOES take the surprise out of it.

Now with the boys I'd rather not be surprised, because since they are men in training they consistently buy me the most god-awful gifts that I must pretend to like. Like the year I got a HUGE bottle of some smelly perfume. Then we were watching and rerun episode of some sitcom where the children bought the mom a large bottle of smelly perfume so she wouldn't have to save it for special occasions. My sons beamed at me saying at least they bought me good perfume. I nearly choked. This year, I won't be surprised because I went out and spent 20 bucks on a rocking red purse for myself, as an accessory to my iPod Nano.

I thank the boys profusely for it each time I use it. Yes I'm using it early.

I'd Go To the Mattresses (if they weren't already infested)

A week after Thanksgiving when our weather turned cold, then warm and shit rain for a week (causing huge flooding issues in our region), our fearless (okay he's not so fearless) Dumbass started making rounds around the house. Looking down the heater vents spending lots of time in the kitchen staring at the floor. Yes the middle of the kitchen floor. One morning after waking earlier than normal I heard a sound…like munching and scratching and saw LOTS of insulation in the heating vent.

Yes, Ranter's house again has rodents residing in the basement. We went out and bought rat poison, the kind that comes in individual serving sized bags. We tossed one bag down each heater vent and waited. So far we know for certain one bag has been consumed but several others that were placed in the basement have disappeared all together. I'm not going to question where they have gone to, I just hope they had a good party.

Now, it needs to be said that my big assed 300-pound husband becomes a big pussy when it comes to rodents of any kind. If he were to see one face to face, he'd likely scream like Ned Flanders, and throw the bags of poison at it while trying to run in the opposite direction. This should explain why we don't do traps of any kind. He'd NEVER be able to empty them. I'm sure as hell not going to do it, since I'm supposed to be the one with all the estrogen it's just not in my DNA.

Each evening though the dog (aka Dumbass), goes insane listening, tilting his head and trying to scratch through the floors.

I wonder if I send my older son down into the basement armed with his violin he can lure them away, or scare them out? His practicing is enough to make me want to leave so I wonder if the effect is similar on the rodents?

© 2007 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T07:46:00.000-08:00

I will be back after the holiday.

At the Risk of Sounding Xenophobic?

2007-11-08T09:03:00.000-08:00

Since I'm So Freaking Busy These Days

I don't have the time to a real formal post right now so I'll just pose this question for anyone to answer. With all the problems recently involving imported toys from China, and another toy added to the list, should we stop having toys manufactured overseas? Is there any way that we can effectively know for certain all goods shipped from China are safe, let alone not constructed with the sweat of children? Given the problems that Mattel and other toy companies have had and frankly I don't give a shit if they were subcontractors or the actual manufacturers in China...to me that doesn't matter because no one is watching them. Not even our government. Well until now...but then I read this....

Read this and then tell me what you think.

© 2007 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

A Few Good Rambles

2007-10-19T00:11:00.000-07:00

All About The News

Ever notice on the local and cable news channels when there is something big going on (or they feel it's big because it's only thing worth talking about at the moment) they give it a terse title, like "Killer Bug"? Killer Bug of course refers to the staff infection, which caused several schools back east to be closed and scrubbed down. Now I'm not trying to downplay this, since one student, apparently healthy at that, died, but still, I'd hardly classify it as an out and out epidemic of biblical proportions. Is it really worth the Killer Bug tagline?

Is The War To Blame?

With everything going on in the world, with Iraq, the lackluster economy, people losing their homes in foreclosures, which are all real issues, does the media seem to go out of their way to talk about non issues. Is that why Ellen and Britney seem to grip the headlines? Britney loses custody of her children (again) and they interrupt with that bit of breaking news. I was watching a cable news channel, and they were discussing all the foreclosures when the Britney's news broke, and the newscaster (I use that term lightly) actually asked the person she was interviewing what he thought about that. Who the fuck cares? The media seems though to glob onto every single non-story trying to blow them up into something bigger…is it because they're bored with the current news? Maybe.

Okay I admit it, I'm tired of the war, I'm tired of Iraq, and I'm sick to death of Iran, North Korea and now I might be ready to add Russia to that list, well at least Putin. I'm tired of the election and I'm almost to the point that I don't care who gets elected because I just see the whole thing as a sham anyway. And I'm tired of Ellen and the dog, Britney and the kids, and I don't want to hear anything about Lindsay, Paris or anyone that has gotten famous because of the sex tape release.

It's Only Because I Love You

Why is it that some men insist on growing a mustache that resembles dirt on their face? Today I lunched with a dear friend, and finally after being mesmerized with his upper lip, gathered the courage to ask him if he had a dirty Sanchez. My friend glared at me from across the table and explained he doesn't do that and finally offering that it was indeed a moustache, to which I laughed. While he didn't find the comment funny, later when I ran into him at local market, he was there buying a roasted chicken, I did notice he shaved. I didn't bother telling him that the chickens at that particular market are really tasteless. He'll find out that on his own.

Okay, maybe I should have told him about the chicken and left the condition of his upper lip alone.

© 2007 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Blogger's Block

2007-10-17T09:12:00.000-07:00

As The Seasons Change

I think with every change of the season, I go through a period where I just can't seem to blog about anything. My life feels not really dull or sucky but unbelievably normal. Do you actually want to read about how my older son and I played the Wii all night one evening? Okay, we did, and I wrote it, but was interesting? Probably not. Husband took a trip without me to Vegas to visit a friend of his. He had fun, we actually had fun without him around, but it was a different kind of fun. It was more a stay at home fun, play games, and relax kind of fun. Husband is more of a lets go out and do something fun kind of guy, which is great but sometimes the kids (and me) would rather stay home and frankly do nothing. He'd rather eat nails than stay home. Thankfully there are a lot of Haunted House functions to keep him busy through the end of this month. Then we'll be into November, and making preps for Turkey day! I'll be shampooing carpets, I know, I know, boring stuff.

Is This What Happens To Blogs Before They Die?

My life lately is mired in the same old, same old and I'm starting to sound like a bored housewife, which there is nothing wrong with that but it’s not very interesting. I've seen this happen before and I'm not ready to give up on this blog.

Oh Crap Just Give the Dog Back Already

The Iggy saga continues, and the woman that owns that so-called shelter is just another freaking LA, LA land loony. Okay, yes Ellen Degeneres did make a mistake by adopting Iggy from the Mutts and Moms shelter and not reading the fine print on her contract. However this shelter has a policy of not placing dogs in homes with children under the age of 14. What the hell is that about? Aren't shelters in the business of finding good homes for dogs? Or is this woman using the shelter as a guise to satisfy her dog hoarding need? Now this isn't so far fetched as some might think. There has been several cases when these rescue shelters, have pushed out even SPCA out of communities, their rules are so strict that few actually qualify to adopt an animal. One shelter actually required copies of the person's W2's and asked for information regarding how much they spend on utilities and food under the guise of making certain the people adopting could afford the animal. Few qualified, and the shelter was later seen on Animal Cops being effectively raided. What kind of shelter has a policy that only homes with children 14 and older are suitable for dogs? Furthermore, the stylist's children are a 11 and 12…since when is that too young? If anything younger children benefit more from having a pet around than do older ones, so I have a hard time wrapping my head around that concept. I really don't understand it and feel it's rather unreasonable. What if someone without children, adopts a dog, then has a baby? Do they take that dog away?

I believe, this shelter owner, hoping to ride the current wave of celebrity backlash, and now has created quite a name for herself unfortunately I'm sure she'll discover that the kooks that agree that she was right will be lining up to adopt dogs from her, and I'm sure none will be psychopaths like her. Yeah right. Unfortunately this woman picked the wrong celebrity, Ellen is actually liked, though I find her a tad annoying.

In any event, while Ellen did violate the contract on I guess more than one level, I'm sure she didn't mean to do it otherwise she would have lied about not having the dog anymore. I really can't help as a dog owner and lover to feel bad for her since she truly felt she was doing the right thing. Regardless Ellen did spend roughly 3000 on training and having the dog neutered and even paid extra to have the dog stay the night with doctor, instead of having him stay alone at the hospital. This is not someone that recklessly disregarded the animal. This shelter owner, who was a former employee of Pasadena Humane Society also has thrusted her shelter in a very unfavorable light by taking this hard unbendable line and I hope the Pasadena Humane Society reevaluates their relationship with this so-called shelter.

I just looked and the Mutts and Moms webpage has been removed, but we'll see how long that lasts.

© 2007 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Editors Note: Unfortunately blogger isn't cooperating and not allowing me to upload images or links...I'll try to come back and fix this later

Life (such as it is) Sucks

2007-10-05T16:59:00.000-07:00

In Transition

First thanks for all the well wishes both private and public...Now onto the blog: Okay, maybe I'm being a little harsh, life for me doesn't completely suck but lately it's been too normal, and by normal, I mean regular. Dare I say boring? I've gotten over the cold from hell and haven't started blogging again, why? Nothing new to say that hasn't already been said, but now and again I'll come up with a decent idea, thinking that I should blog about this, and then like the changing of the seasons the idea has left me.

It's a vicious cycle all this trying to decide what to blog about. Senator Craig has been discussed and most people, certainly gay men, know the man is guilty as sin. Britney Spears losing custody of her children doesn't really interest me because frankly I feel bad for her. I really do! Yes she's an idiot and yes you can take the girl out of the trailer park, but you'll never take the trailer park out of the girl. The problem is this girl has talent, she's not an heiress, she's worked hard to get to where she is today financially speaking and she's out of control. On what planet does she exist that she feels it's okay to get a latte instead of showing up at your children's custody hearing? I think it's worse for her because she has two children and I'm not going to get into all the psychology about why she has them. Did she think having kids was something she was supposed to do? Perhaps. Is she going through ppd? Maybe. Has she encapsulated herself around people that refuse to be honest with her? Duh. She needs help for the sake of her children, and the people that do seem to really care about her. Hell yeah, is a parenting coach the answer? Probably not. Parenting and life coaches are California's answer to high cost of therapy. Is there any question bigger? Well PETA is worried about her taking care of her dogs and wants Kfed to get them.

I feel another River Phoenix is coming and whether it will be Britney, Lindsay, or someone else, still remains to be seen but it will happen and maybe people will wise up, but I doubt it.

So What Did I Do While I Was Sick?

I watched a lot of TV and allowed my brain to become somewhat stagnant for a week. Was I thrilled with anything? Pushing Daisies looks somewhat promising but Caveman, which was ripped from TV commercials, I doubt will last. While I'm on the subject, how many versions of Law and Order, and CSI do we really need? What about all these stupid games shows like Deal or No Deal and all the other rip offs. Kid Nation? UGH, what a piece of crap that show is—I watched about 5 minutes of it and flipped it to Food Network. I wonder what kind of parents sign a release that says if their children are killed or catch a sexually transmitted disease they won't hold the studio responsible.

I watched a lot of stupid movies on AMC, most of which are so forgettable I can't even recall the titles.

Looking Forward

I also watched a good deal of the news, including all the pre-election coverage, which ironically is making not want to vote for any of them. They more they talk, the more I want to change the channel. Personally there are too many of them, none with any valid suggestions but all say they have plans. I would love to see all contributions for ANY special interest group eliminated from all elections and limits on how much individual people can donate. I would like to see debates that aren't so much like reality TV, and more like real debates. I would also like to see the words, NONE OF THE ABOVE added to EVERY election form to send a clear message to those dumbass politicians that refuse to listen. Lastly, I don’t want the next election to be a coin toss, I've done that too many times in the past 10 years and frankly I'd rather not vote at all.

Christmas Season is Coming

Have you started any planning or arrangements? Now is a great time to start figuring out when the carpets will be cleaned, have your furnace serviced and arrange the photographs of the kids.

Also October is a great time to start stocking up on pantry items for the holidays, flour, sugar, nuts (which can be stored in the freezer), yeast (also stored in the freezer) and canned goods. Even breadcrumbs for the stuffing can be made ahead and stored in the pantry or freezer.

Start by making a master list for the holiday feast and adding things to it as you see them on sale. You'll be grateful when December rolls around and you can avoid the big crowds at the grocery store. Not to mention a shortage on silly cans of jellied cranberries Grandpa MUST have with his turkey.

Also don't forget about unusual storage options such as storing potatoes, onions and apples in a cellar or even a wine locker, its cool, dark and they'll last for months. Wipe down apples first with a teaspoon of household bleach mixed with a gallon of water to kill any microbes that live on the fruit and prolong spoilage. Or, if you feel very ambitious you can cut them up, add some lemon, a bit of flour, sugar, and cinnamon then can them, store them in your pantry. Piecrust can purchased premade in the frozen food aisle, or made ahead and frozen either rolled out or just formed into a ball.

© 2007 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

AAAAAAAAACHOOOOOOOOOO

2007-09-26T08:19:00.000-07:00

ahhhhhhh ahhhhhhhhhh, ahhhhhhhh Chooooooooooo! I'll be back when I'm feeling better.

Back To Normal

2007-09-12T17:28:00.000-07:00

What I Missed During My Summer Vacation

Today is Wednesday, the kids have been in school for just over a week now and I'm beginning again my weekly mom movie night or MMN. I started this earlier this year, completely by mistake when I accidentally rented a 'chick flick' from Netflix. A movie I knew my husband and now teenage son would have absolutely zero interest in watching and rather than live through their ridicule, I watched the movie myself and returned it to the mailbox that evening. On Thursday the mail was picked up, and by Friday it was back at Netflix, and new movie was being mailed to us.

Since the turnaround is normally a day, we had a new movie to watch on Saturday, a movie much more to their liking. Thus began my MMN and each week I would become excited at the drippy movies I'd get to watch all free of testosterone riddled complaining. Then summer came along and MMN was suspended because the boys were up almost every night and this was supposed to be about my time. I've been looking forward to resuming it all summer, and lined up all the usual suspects of Doris Day movies, and musicals to watch.

Tonight's offering is Fiddler on the Roof a movie I know husband and kids will have no interest in watching (even though my husband is a huge closet fan of the Sound of Music). Their movie for the weekend will likely be something like The Italian Job along with whatever else that was delivered.

It's my special way to relax to watch a movie I don't have to discuss afterward or defend, I don't have to think about the plot because it's well defined yet rather simple. I don't have to worry about being scared to death, or feeling my blood pressure rise. I can just lay on the sofa, or in bed, and just watch.

Do I Really Need to Comment?

Is anything I can add to the latest train wreck evidence that Britney Spears career is on a downward spiral? Can I add constructively to any of the drama surrounding the VMA performance? Maybe. Okay, although, I have no complaints about her overall appearance, and didn't think she looked fat, I will say the performance on the whole resembled a bad SNL sketch. She appeared stiff and out of sorts, as though she knew what she was supposed to do, but not well enough to appear comfortable. Almost as though she were auditioning to play the part of Britney Spears.

Everybody Sing!

Rosie O'donnell Wrote a Book, E I E I O
And in this book she slammed Donald Trump E I E I O
With a bad hair here, An asshole there, Here a rug, there a rug everywhere a bad rug
Rosie O'Donnell wrote a book E I E I O
And in this book she slammed Barbara Walters E I E I O
With die old bitch here, and a retire while you can there…

Oh hell you get the idea.

She also offered excuses why she's so messed up; something about beating herself with a baseball bat. Very telling.

But really does anyone care anymore? Probably more garbage about how fire can't melt steel. *Yawn*

© 2007 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Back To The Grind

2007-09-07T17:43:00.000-07:00

What I Did On My Summer Vacation

Yes, I decided to take a little time off. It's been over a month since I last posted in that time we went on several weekend excursions, plus a little camping trip. Camping in the forest below the ominous Mount Hood was interesting and very cold. Too cold for my tastes, and tent camping isn't the great fun it used to be. I guess I am getting old.

I got to sleep in, and not that piddly-hit-the-alarm 5 times but really not set it at all and sleep in. Most days I wasn't up before 9 AM! Most nights I was awake until after midnight, which is about the same as now but now I'm up at six. Strange, but I still recall vividly the days when getting up at 6, was sleeping in.

Did I Miss Anything?

Nicole Ritchie went to jail and served a few hours before being released, Lindsay Lohan was arrested and went into hiding—possibly into rehab, maybe a real one this time. Whoppie Goldberg joined The View and offered her opinion why Michael Vic was involved in dog fighting. Britney was cleared of being a bad parent and OJ's book, If I Did It, or How I Did It was scheduled then unscheduled for release. Denise Brown went on a rampage trying to stop the Goldman family from publishing the book after they won the rights to do so. Denise's reason was because she didn't want her niece and nephew hearing about this or becoming upset. I'm sorry but aren't they in college now? Haven't they heard all this already? I'm sure their father has done a good job of brainwashing them or they have forgiven him, which ever is the case I don't care. I wouldn't read the book, but I might check it out of the library.

Not to mention we had to relive the whole Death of the People's Princess and all things royal was new again. I especially enjoyed the commentary of the Mohammed Al Fayed former publicist talking about the conspiracy surrounding her death. Included of course were the obligatory comments about her so-called pregnancy, and imminent marriage to Dodi Fayed. None of which are true but are a lot of fun, I suppose to repeat and equally fun is the talk now legendary white car that was never found. I guess we must rehash something. I'm surprised Katie Couric wasn't sent there, or maybe she was. I don't watch CBS.

And this was on the heals of anniversary of Elvis' death which included numerous interviews with Pricilla talking about her early involvement with the King at the tender age of 14. People were really different then. As I watched her talk about it, I felt creepy. I never thought of Elvis as being a pedophile. Wonder if he'd be arrested today?

He's Baaaack

Bin Laden has released a videotape in these days just before the 6th anniversary of 9-11, which shows him sporting a new beard or at least a dyed one. I wonder if the black beard is a secret call to unleash hell or at the very least the hounds? I did enjoy the commentary about the beard and it's significance on all the cable news media shows. Maybe it's taped on and they couldn’t find a grey one? Maybe next he'll show the hemorrhoids on his ass and people can surmise if it's a call for solidarity?

Maybe they should concentrate more on his words, but of course the news media is on that one too. Asking every "expert" I've never heard of; what they think about what he said as though they have an opinion that I care about. It kind of makes me nauseous to think about Bin Laden, so I'll stop talking about it. But I still ponder sometimes that we should pull every soldier out of Iraq and put them into Afghanistan and vow not leave until every hole and the space beneath each rock is checked for him.

© 2007 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Random Thoughts of Whimsy

2007-08-01T16:42:00.000-07:00

Ranter's Bed & Breakfast

Yes, my personal B&B was open again and I must admit the summer visitors are easier than the springtime, fall or winter guests we get. Two guy friends of husband were here, and one couple with their two kids. I can't believe how much older the kids got in the three years since we last saw them all. I guess my kids aged too, but I don't notice it as much. The kids had a blast reconnecting with old friends and I took an adventure shopping with a preteen girl and her mom. Which ironically leads me to my first rant…

What a Crock

I went into stores shopping at the mall I normally would never go into and honestly I wish I had taken notes because the only store that comes screaming to mind now is Hollister Co. You walk in and it looks like some surf shop, it's dark and the clothes are flimsy and pricey. Here's the kicker though, everything displays the name Hollister, Ca—as in California. Which is obviously just a marketing technique that I'll get to later but what I couldn't get over was how dark it was in the store. Even the tween girl complained briefly that she couldn't understand why it was so dark. I guess it's so you can't see how flimsy the clothes are you're buying or so you can't completely read the price tag. Or maybe it's also you can't tell if someone else has blown their nose on the clothes, either to me is completely possible.

Let Me Fill You In on the real Hollister California

Nowhere near the beach, located in San Benito County, Hollister mostly home to migrant illegal immigrants; which are probably the backbone of its mostly agricultural economy. Hollister is a hole of a town, and resembles nothing of the "Dudes" and "Betty's" it proclaims in the store and I doubt few people actually living there can actually afford to wear those clothes.

Is It Wrong?

To be jealous that the tween girl I was shopping with has a Coach purse? It turns out I have something in common with her, we're both bag hounds, and she explained that she told her dad she needed a new purse, and her dad insisted that she just buy a Coach bag, probably under the impression that it was the ONLY Bag she'd ever need. Poor guy never knew what hit him. Lets be honest though, I really felt I "needed" one I'd just buy it but it's just not that needed.

BFD Report

Paris Hilton puts her house on the market for 4 million bucks and her neighbors are celebrating, as I would imagine, and probably taking up a collection to try to buy the place themselves to restore some sort normalcy to their neighborhood. Britney Spears has a melt down during a photoshoot that she arranged and cleans up dog crap with a designer gown. The lawyers for OK! Magazine are currently talking to her lawyers and I'm sure soon money will change hands. Also, her divorce is finally final and she's completely free to move on to the next Mr Spears.

Lindsay Lohan's alcohol bracelet went off but, unfortunately it was before her lawyer could find her and she was arrested for her second DWI, Driving with a suspended license and trafficking cocaine.
11 days after her release from Promises Rehab, where they proclaim they can teach you not to drink in clubs while treating alcohol and drug abuse. Naturally her mother, sensing the end of the gravy train spoke out in her daughter's defense. After all she's just doing what young, stupid, rich girls do, right?

Also, Whoopi Goldberg is joining the View and I found that about as interesting as Drew Cary joining the Price is Right.

Finally

The Bump reports were right Nicole Ritchie is pregnant and going to jail good for her.

If only clearing up the war in Iraq could be settled so easily. In all seriousness what we clearly need to do, is send a very direct message to the fledgling Iraqie government. They need to meet certain deadlines or we leave. I think its fair and possibly more effective than all the blowhards in congress saying, we must leave but do nothing really about it. I also feel that some sort of slap on the President's hand is in order for getting us into this conflict under false pretense so that HISTORY will remember understand we weren't just complacent.

© 2007 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Worthless Observations by a Ranting Fool

2007-07-11T22:54:00.000-07:00

Whats in a Name?

Yes that would be me and I'm saying goodbye to Lady Bird Johnson who died Wednesday at the age of 94. Now out of all the first ladies, she had without a doubt the most interesting name. Lady Bird. Her real name was Claudia Alta Taylor not nearly as interesting as the nickname given to her by her nanny as a child who said she was as pretty as a ladybird. The name obviously stuck because I never knew her to be anything else but Lady Bird. Johnson as some might recall was the unfortunate fool to be vice-president when JFK was assassinated in 1963. He finished that term and served another full term as president. He was also known for escalating the Viet Nam war…Oops I mean police action--but that's another issue entirely.

Here We Go Again

Special thanks to Bumble for bringing this to my attention. I blogged about this case before which you can read here.

Georgia Prosecutor released the sex tape that put the 17 year old behind bars. Just to recap, he's serving a mandatory 10 year sentence for child molestation. He was 17 and the girl in question was 15. That's just two years apart in age. I'm really confused on this, was he convicted because he had oral sex or made the sex tape? Why is this kid still in prison?

The sex tape helped convict him, but can we really blame kids for doing what everyone else in Hollywood has done since Pam Anderson and Tommy Lee? Kids have been copying what other stars have done since my dad was a teen and got an Elvis haircut, or my grandmother fainted straight away when Frank Sinatra walked passed her. Okay someone at the party recorded him, but are we forgetting the big issue? He's in prison! He'll have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life for doing something that teens do! Georgia has changed the law because of this kid!

Now everyone is upset that the video was released and saying it's child porn or something. Who cares???? Some fear support for the kid will diminish. Are we living in such a politically correct society where this kind of tripe matters a whit when put against plain old right and wrong? Kids will have sex.

The issue is the states attorney doesn't want this kid out of prison because he's afraid 1300 other molesters will also be released. HUH? You have 1300 kids in Georgia prisons, wrongfully convicted of molestation, who were just having teen sex????? That's about the only group that this would apply to.

© 2007 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Ramblings on a Too Hot Tuesday

2007-07-10T23:11:00.000-07:00

Who Knew

The weather here could get so freaking hot? When we moved here the only thing people fixated on was the fact the winters are dark, wet and cold. No one told us that the summers are HOT, HOT, HOT! It just sucks and I'll freely confess when the mercury hits the century mark I don't want to leave the house. I melt into the furniture despite the AC going around the clock set to a still warm 73 degrees. Yes 73 degrees Fahrenheit is where the upstairs remains livable, and the downstairs very comfy. I won't suffer.

So, in any event I'm trying hard to keep cool and keep my cool with the kids. Neither is proving to be easy. This weekend promises cooler temps and I'm looking forward to it. End of the month brings visitors yet again, more California friends, which I'm not exactly looking forward to but nonetheless must try to prepare for which means more cleaning.

© 2007 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

A Point to Ponder

2007-07-03T22:23:00.000-07:00

As we celebrate our Nation's Birthday, let us all take a moment to ponder the document that started it all, remember the call of freedom that caused these men to put their lives on the line by signing the document and the plainly stated reasons for doing so. --Ranter

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

— John Hancock

New Hampshire:
Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton

Massachusetts:
John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry

Rhode Island:
Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery

Connecticut:
Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott

New York:
William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris

New Jersey:
Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark

Pennsylvania:
Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross

Delaware:
Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean

Maryland:
Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton

Virginia:
George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton

North Carolina:
William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn

South Carolina:
Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton

Georgia:
Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton

I'm Back and Not Very "Rested"

2007-07-02T22:28:00.000-07:00

Playing Family (I Mean Vacation Time)

Actually I shouldn't complain we had some good times, ate some good food and saw some cool things. Like the Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville, and the great fun of playing miniature golf at Bullwinkle's Family Fun Center with husband the kids. As a lark we decided the winners would make the loser pay for lunch. I fully anticipated the seven-year-old washing dishes, since he only has a few quarters in his pocket at any given time. However that wasn't meant to be with both husband and my older son scoring around 54 and even my seven year old beat me with a score of 65, their scores might have been lower but I stopped keeping accurate records. My score was a whopping 90 and that was only because they had a 5-stroke max, toward the end, after being poked in the butt by the 3 year old in the group following us, I started just taking the 5 strokes. I even wondered why I left my flask of rum at home; my Dr. Pepper needed something extra. Then we spent another small fortune on the video games in the arcade all so my seven-year-old could win a Whoopee cushion, some play money, and Skittles, I could have bought him at the dollar store for way less than it cost us there. And needless to say I had to buy lunch for everyone but thank goodness I had my husbands credit card. By the time we got home that day, I was ready throttle the person that actually invented the Whoopee Cushion.

Of All Times

My cell phone died a horrible death, continually dropping calls and making me crazy and in a fit of final desperation I threw it on the ground. I'd had the phone for 2 years and suffered with it but now, since my older son needed one since he'll be going to middle school I decided it was time for a new one. I went to the provider store and they gave me the song and dance, saying how great this one was and that one and blinded me with a 3 for one offer. By three phones for the price of one and they had me. I walked out with a new phone for me, plus a phone for my older son and a phone for my husband. Plus I'm getting a 50 dollar rebate so the phones will really only cost me 60 dollars including the 25 dollar activation fee for adding the third line. Not too bad considering I was considering leaving the company all together but now they've got me until 2009, after that, if they don't carry the new iPhone, I'm walking.

Yes, I'm a Mac Geek

And I'm damned proud to be one. Nuff said.

Other Adventures

Other things we did included a journey to the Fruit Loop, we I debated leaving behind my husband since he really had gone crazy with all the family warmth we shared. Then we started preparing for our huge 4th of July blowout. We've invited a lot of people, will they show up; we don't know. Will they bring food; we haven't a clue. What will happen, who knows? Meanwhile I've been spending days cleaning the house. I'm ready to bring in the big guns and hire a freaking service…Where is my husband's credit card anyway? I think he took it back, smart man, especially since I'm better at signing his name than he is.

Are We There Yet?

2007-06-26T05:58:00.000-07:00

The First Week

Yes, school is out for summer here and already the kids are nearly bored. I only say nearly because of the afore posted about Wii seems to be holding their interest, maybe a little too well. Its not that they've been playing it whole lot, only in the evenings because there is NOTHING on TV right now and I don't care if they play. So far the kids are engrossed in the Paper Mario Game, so life is good at least for them. It's keeping them occupied effectively enough that they are staying out of my hair and behaving themselves. I'd say it's been a life saver.

My house however, is suffering the effects of having crap everywhere, and today, I even found a pair of my older kid's blue jeans in the kitchen!

In any event, we're on vacation all this week in fact today we're heading out to see the famed Spruce Goose (yes in all the years I lived in California, I never saw it there). So I'll be back in all my glory next week, with a complete update on everything we did, including my horrible (absolutely horrible) miniature golf score.

Until then…Ciao

The Last Day of School

2007-06-14T22:03:00.000-07:00

Sorry, but I Must Brag

My older son had his 6th grade promotion today. This morning he was freaking out because he couldn't find his "speech" he was supposed to give. He said he thought it was in his backpack but he couldn't find it...he was freaked out (he NEVER once despite me asking repeatedly told me what was going on during the promotion thing). I was annoyed when I put him and his little brother on the bus.

8:30 AM husband and I meet at the school and we were both seriously overdressed, most people looked like they just rolled out of bed. Husband's wearing his power suit and I'm dressed nicely as well (we can't have him looking good and me looking like crappo, can we?).

So we find seats near the back, the place was packed with parents. A few band members performed, then the principal spoke...boring....snooze.

Then each child got up (in alphabetical order no less) and said something about their time in the school. OMG half the kids couldn't string a sentence together..lots of "umms" "ands" "you knows" and "like". One or two were good, and rather engaging. Naturally, Older Son was one of the last kids to speak (we're at the tail end of the alphabet; I was seriously mentally cussing husband out) and I wasn't surprised when he walked up, shook his teacher's and took the microphone without presenting any notes.

I'm not saying this because I'm his mom, but he sucked the oxygen out of the room! He was completely engaging when after introducing himself, he opened with a short talk about his first teacher (whom we both HATED) at the school,

"A lot of the kids didn't like Mrs So-and-so because she was too strict and yelled a lot (lots of laughter--she's no longer teaching at the school), but if you want a nice teacher you have to a nice person to them."

Every ONE in the room said "Awww" and a one teacher who is retiring this year started to cry.

Then he went on to talk briefly about his teacher last year (whom we both liked a lot) and complimented him on his teaching skills and the fact he took the time to play basketball in the classroom with the kids, "How cool is that?" he asked the audience who laughed again. He Spoke glowingly about his current, who is well traveled and said, "She would bring trinkets and pictures of her travels and it was like looking at a geography book and made the learning more enjoyable." Then he echoed what his teacher said said in her short speech earlier to the kids, "...life is not about the destination, it's about the journey...and she's lived that."

Finally, he wrapped it up by talking about how bittersweet it is to be leaving the school, how glad he was that today was the last day of school, and there would be no homework, (big laughs) but also sad "because next year, although I'm prepared for the challenges of middle school, I won't be returning here except to visit." Then he thanked the audience and departed.

The applause was for him thunderous. Some parents seated behind us and standing, mused about what a good speech it was. I actually felt bad for the last kid who followed him--I haven't a clue what he said. I was in shock.

After another short speech from the principal, everyone got up to leave. I'm not kidding you but we couldn't get to our son, so many parents and other staff were shaking his hand and complimenting him on his speech. It also helped people remember him because he was next to last.

Then when they realized we were with him, they shook our hands. Of course we gushed about how proud we were but honestly we were speechless...we sounded like two inarticulate boobs. We were so taken aback. Then I asked him if that was the speech he intended to give, and he said simply, "no, I winged it."

There is a Cure for the Summertime Blues

2007-06-13T09:45:00.000-07:00

Is It Time Yet?

That's question I'm growing increasingly weary answering, well that and "how many more days?" as constantly queried by Fredo. As of tomorrow at 2:15 PM the boys will be free from the rigors of getting up early, having to worry about homework, and onto endless hours of TV watching and video game playing, especially for the older son. I know, he should be going outside and playing, getting dirty and exploring the world, but he's not that kind of kid and never has been.

Going To War

A few years ago, I mentioned to my husband that the older kid would like a Game Cube, and he instantly replied, "no, I don't think he needs one, he needs to be outside more." I reminded husband that the weather was inclement (we were living in the San Francisco Bay Area at the time) and who wants to play outside in that. What was the kid going to do, run outside at 5PM when the weather cleared and stay outside for an hour until the fog rolled back in? This was the same child that dressed himself in preppy shirts and simple black pants for school when the rest of his classmates were wearing shorts, and tank tops, in the 50-degree temperatures. He's the kind of kid that always has his jacket in case the weather turns poorly. He has about as much interest in sports as I do and is probably just as bad at them. He's never learned to ride a bike because he had no interest in riding one and prefers to take walks. Not to mention he throws a ball like a girl and is even worse at catching one. But most importantly, this kid of mine never asks for anything. I'm not kidding, I could take him to Toys R us, and tell him he could have anything in the store and he'd walk out with NOTHING! I know this because I've tried it several times. The only things the kid has ever asked for are the Game Cube, years later he asked for some Pyrates Mega Block sets, and games both video and board games, Nick magazine, special art paper to draw on, colored pencils, crayons and things related to drawing, and a large desk for his room. The kid is thirteen and over the course of his life these are few things he's ever wanted. Naturally, I hate refusing a request he has, so I went to war with husband to get the kid the game system he wanted. And eventually husband relented, and the kid practically crapped himself one Christmas when he saw the system—I think he was 9.

They are True Opposites

Conversely his younger brother loves being outdoors and even though he also doesn't throw so well, he's obviously better than his elder sibling. When we lived in California the kid was always tanned (yes, you can tan in fog), and I couldn't keep that kid inside the house or get him to watch TV if I paid him to unless it was raining hard outside, and even then he'd play under the covered porch. Just to be outdoors.

Ironically, everything he enjoys, like trying (and I do mean trying) to play basketball, or swinging on the swing set (a huge bonus when we moved to this house), husband refuses to make the back yard more kid friendly for him and daydreams of when the swing set finally falls apart so he can create some sort of garden retreat on that side of the yard.

Well, the swing set now is falling apart, and the side of the house is so overgrown with Himalayan blackberry, the underside of the deck is filled with husband's stuff, and the rest of yard is either has dog poop, or roses where Fredo knows not to play. So by default Husband has actually created a child that now prefers to be indoors because it's so less restrictive. Like his brother he does enjoy taking walks—in fact, he walk circles around all of us.

Varied Degrees of Winning

As I explained we did get the older son, a Game Cube, and he became rather addicted to it, when he started lying about not having any homework so he could play the games more, husband gave me a smug look. All the games were taken away until he was caught up and that lasted months from around March until June one year. That said, he learned from it, much to husband's chagrin, and has never had the problem since. He understands that things we do as a family come first, watching movies, playing board games, and going places. The video games are reserved for when there isn't anything else for him to do.

Now, I wasn't entirely surprised when one day while watching Star Trek: Voyager, he commented on a commercial, "Those Nintendo Wii systems look pretty cool, don't they mom?" I hadn't paid much attention to it before that but after knowing this kid as well as I do, I knew that was his way of saying he wanted one.

Speak Nicely and Make a Heavy Meal

So, I jotted down a few pluses for the Nintendo Wii, and planned to do a roast, garlic smashed potatoes and gravy topped with caramelized onions, and large Cesar salad (with real anchovies…yuck). I made my chocolate fudge brownies, topped with a layer of peanut butter, and then iced with chocolate frosting and opened a bottle of Zinfandel. I might have even lit candles, though I don't really recall now.

He came home to a stunningly clean house, the children quiet, and the scent of roast beef filling the air, I offered him a cocktail, gin and tonic, as he sat down. I didn't hand him the remote control, or offered to change to the channel on the TV because that would have seemed too obvious. After he finished the cocktail I set the table, and poured the wine, then called everyone to dinner, we talked about the day, and I didn't bring up the Wii. The timing had to be perfect.

After dinner, I cleaned the kitchen while he used the computer catching up on his avoided email, and then spending time working. I kept his wine glass filled. When the bottle was empty, it was time for the younger one to take his evening bath and then dessert. I glanced over my notes. Again, this was about timing.

After the kids went to bed, we settled down with the dog, on the sofa, and I sipped the only glass of wine I'd had that evening. I was nursing it, making it last until the commercial came on for the Wii. "Thank goodness, it's about time," I thought as I watched it, and then casually said to my husband, "you know, we should really think about that for Older Son. He mentioned it the other day, and it might be a good gift for him." I didn't make eye contact with husband, just continued with my plan, "You have to move your arms and such to make it work, but I think I heard that all the Game Cube Games will work with it (Of course I already knew damn well this was the case because I had researched it). He instantly replied that the answer was no. Unflinchingly, I continued, "he's worked so hard this year, and has done very well, next year he's going into middle school—it's just a shame since he never asks for much of anything." I had him and I knew it.

© 2007 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved

Weekend Wrap-up

2007-06-11T16:22:00.000-07:00

Not with a Bang but a Whimper

No, I'm not talking about Paris Hilton going back to jail but instead the Soprano's series finale. I imagine everyone has heard about what a disappointment it is and I'd like to thank those people for spoiling it for the rest of us that refuse to pay for HBO. Now I have to wait months for it to come out on DVD to add my voice to the chorus, but by that time, no one will care. I'm also confused about the Soprano's season 6 DVD which says it's 6 Part 1, yet I'm watching interviews with the cast saying it's season 7. So will the next DVD set be Season Six Part 2 Or Season 7? If it says season 7, then what about season 6 Part 2. Maybe that cast just doesn't know which season they are working on since they had to keep so quiet on the bad ending.

Can You Believe They're Appealing?

No, not Paris Hilton, but the prosecutors in Atlanta, GA say they're going to appeal the decision handed down by a judge today letting a 19 year old free after serving only 2 years of a 10 year sentence for child Molestation. Before you start saying right on, the guy was 17, and the girl was 15. I'm sorry but when I was in high school I dated guys that were 17 and I engaged in sexual activity with them. As if this wasn't bad enough the guy wasn't screwing the girl but going down on her. Yes! They were engaged in oral sex.

Had he just screwed her, he would have been charged with a misdemeanor but instead he was charged with FELONY molestation because he was engaged in oral, and she was 15. Remember he's only 2 years older than her and never been in trouble a day in his life. Can you imagine having to register for the rest of your life as a sex offender for going down on your girlfriend? The law in Georgia was even changed because of this case so it can't happen to another kid and YET the prosecution wants to appeal the judge's decision? This pisses me off even more than the Paris Hilton crap.

Sister Paris?

Yes, about Paris Hilton, who was heard screaming Mom, Mom, Mom, when they judge ordered her back to jail, finally got a responsible driver in the back of a LA county Sheriff, who took her back to jail, while she sobbed. Now, she's had an epiphany and vows to be a better person, and that her time in jail has changed her life. Wonder if she got a refund on all the party supplies that will have to wait until her real release? Wonder if she'll become a nun? Sister Paris? I think if you look closely her booking photo, there could be a halo.

What amazes me is that she cries for her mom and whole media who before was ready to hang her by her well-manicured rich thumbs, did a 180 by saying how unfair the judge was? What? She claimed she didn't know her license was suspended, she at first tried to get out of appearing all together at her sentencing and then showed up late so yeah, and had a big blah attitude as if saying, "this is so not hot." Finally lets all understand that under California state law, she faced up to 90 days in the clink and already got off easy with 45.

© 2007 Whimsical Ranter
All Rights Reserved