Scratching My Head On This One....

Today I had a very interesting experience.

I came into work and about 30 minutes into being here I felt a cold coming on. I do not function well at work if I am sick. I do function, just not well.

I asked to leave to purchase some Aleve Cold and Sinus as that is the only stuff that works for me when I start to feel sick. I go to CVS to puchase it and they do not have any on the shelf. That was odd. All I thought was "Do not tell me that they have discontinued this product!". I would have been upset.

I went over to Randall's and looked for it in the pharmacy department. Nothing. Then the pharmacist saw me looking and asked if I needed help. I told her that I needed Aleve Cold and Sinus. She told me to look for a card that looked like the box. I did and found it. I was told to take it to Customer Service with my Drivers License and I can purchase it there. My mind was boggled by this point but I went to Customer Service and did just that.

The store manager comes over, gets my Drivers License and goes to get the Aleve that is locked up in a glass case!! WHAT?!?!

She comes back over with my Aleve, my DL and a book in which she had to write all of my information in and sign off on. I guess there is a drug in the Aleve that now cannot be left out on the counter. Something that needs to be monitored. I was floored.

My joke was that now I am an undercover drug user. Just to get rid of a cold.

What is this world coming to?!?!?!

Back to O-H-I-O

You got it! We are coming back to Ohio. For good.

Here is a small snapshot of our week:

Monday: E goes into work and is called into his bosses office. It is announced to him that he was going to be getting a "lateral move" to Connectivity Specialist. In regular terms, a demotion. He has worked his heart out, putting in extra time and stepping up to the plate when things need to be done. And this is how he is rewarded. No raise with the position but has the potential to make $75-$80K per year. I heard that song and dance before. He was also told that since he had to relocate his family here it would not be fair to keep us here if he did not want the position. I was called and we took the night to discuss it. Everything seemed to be leaning in the direction of going back to Ohio so we decided to go ahead with it. E called his company that he worked for before he left and they are thrilled to have him back and willing to work with him. Less money but some more benefits, including insurance at a better rate for all three of us. I called BossMan and he still has to give his new girl a 90 day probationary period. No real hope there from what I felt over the phone so it is on to look for a new job.

Tuesday: The quest to tell the bosses our decision was on. It was announced in a morning meeting at E's work about the demotion (and by the way, they promoted two of his techs to be Service Manager and Assistant Service Manager. A move I think they have had planned for a while.) and announced that E would be returning to Ohio. That surprised BossMan J. But the offer was made to move us back and we could not pass on it. They asked that he stay until the end of March to properly train the next person. He agreed and let me know. I took the morning cancelling my cruise (after I worked my butt off for it, but I am okay with it as it was not meant to be right now), forwarding my resume to an agent in Ohio for a job, informing Martini of our return and telling BossLady of my departure. I felt bad having to do that and I know it hit her hard. We have had a great month and got a lot accomplished but at least it will be the end of the quarter when I leave and I can help get them to the goals for the Las Vegas trip.

Wednesday: Things start to change and E is seeing what the position was he was to take if he stayed on. A glorified tech. He is okay for right now. A little ticked because he has said that there were things he needed to get the Service Department running the way he wanted and needed it to and they are now getting accomplished. After he asked and asked for it. Starting to get arrangements made to move back. We managed to get a good quote for a moving vehicle and working to book it. And I got my resume to another agent in Ohio. Hopefully something will pan out soon for a job. I hate waiting and not knowing what will come next.

Thursday: More things are changing at his work and not good. He is still holding up well and even has a smile back. His phone got traded and his laptop was to be traded by Friday. I still suspect that the new Service Manager wormed his way into the position and NO ONE can tell me I am wrong on that. It is my spidey sense. E ended up working late this night on a project that he has told them he needed training on. The system started to shut down and luckily E had an IT tech there to help out. The change could not be made and they left again. Not until 9:30 PM. I guess that helps them as he is still on salary. No overtime or comp time. Advantage for them.

Friday: More changes are going on and not good ones. E has said that a parts person has been needed for as long as he can remember. They put someone in the position. And who is that person? The new Service Managers wife!!!! That is a recipe for disaster. She was working there already as a CSR and toner sales rep. And the person who will manage her will be the Assistant Service Manager. I have shook my head and rolled my eyes enough about this. And I really don't care at this point. The new and exciting part for me? I sold my first Hospital Income policy ever. I never did the app before and it was extremely easy. I was happy. E and I had a date at Applebee's last night and discussed everything. He seems a lot better now and it is nice to see a smile on his face. Picked up B from the YMCA and went home to watch a movie together. Nice quiet evening.

Here is hoping that all turns out well for all of us.

Anyone available to help unload a trailer at the beginning of April. Can't afford to pay but I can promise food and beverage!!!

You might be from Ohio (pronounced O-hi-uh), if:

Got this from Catwoman. Will blog all of my life at a later time.

Enjoy Ohioans!!



Jeff Foxworthy on Ohio


All I have to say is "Go Bucks!"

You might be from Ohio (pronounced O-hi-uh), if:

You think all Pro football teams are supposed to wear orange! (Not all of them, Go Black and Gold!!)

You know all the 4 seasons: winter, still winter, almost winter and construction.

You live less than 30 miles from some college or university.

You know what a buckeye really is, and have a recipe for candied ones.

"Toward the lake" means "north" and "toward the river" means "south."

You know if other Ohioans are from southern or northern Ohio as soon as they open their mouths.

You can spell words like Cuyahoga, Olentangy, Bellefontaine, Tuscarawas,

Wapakoneta, and you know which letter is doubled in Cincinnati.

"Vacation" means spending a day at Cedar Point in the summer and deer hunting in the fall.

You measure distance in minutes.

Your school classes were cancelled because of cold.

Your school classes were cancelled because of heat.

You've had to switch from "A/C" to "heat" in the same day.

You know what should be knee-high by the Fourth of July.

You end your sentences with an unnecessary preposition.
For example: "Where's my coat at?"

You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked.

You think of the major four food groups as corn, pork, beer, and Jell-O salad with marshmallows.

You carry jumper cables in your car.

You know what 'pop' is.

You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit.

Driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow.

You think sexy lingerie is tube socks and a flannel nightgown.

The local paper covers national and international headlines on one page but requires six pages for sports.

If you actually get these jokes -- then forward 'em to your OHIO friends!

My Review of Miss America

It was the Superbowl of Pageants this weekend and here is my review of it.

1) Kudos to CMT for doing such an amazing job with promoting the pageant. I have not seen promotion like that for ANY of the major pageants. And that is including Miss USA. I agree that CMT was an excellent move just for that alone. If you look at the CMT website under Miss America you can see what was done there too. It is fabulous.

2) Staging was simple and gorgeous. Not overdoing it and not overshadowing the ladies. Nice job.

3) Sound levels were terrible. No floor mics for tappers and music sometimes louder than contestants during the Parade of States. Not good when you live with someone who is a sound engineer. It was noticeable.

4) I actually felt like I knew the contestants. They were human and approachable through videos and the extra chatter with them.

5) NO CRAZY DANCE NUMBERS!! Oh yeah!! This was the best part. Stick to the contestants as that is what we want to see.

6) Lack of Diedre. We really did not see last years winner and that was a shame. She put in the extra time therefore she should have been shown for more than 5 minutes.

7) Lack of introducing former Miss America's. I am sure they did not fly to Las Vegas to have three seconds on TV. They deserve to be introduced and recognized.

8) Contestants were GORGEOUS this year. There are your few that don't bring their A game but majority were stunning. I was impressed. Their states took the extra time needed and used it to their advantage.

9) I agree that Top Ten talent needs to come back. It would have made a completely different outcome. But there was a reason for this and I believe that it was God's way of giving Jennifer Berry, Miss America 2006, her crown.

10) I was heartbroken that DC did not make it any further but it was not in the plan for her.

There will always be the "Damned if you do and damned if you don't" but overall they are trying to rebuild. Miss America has gone through this before and will go through it again.

I do still support this program. I did receive some scholarship from it and for that I am ever grateful. Plus, without this program I would never have gained the skills that were necessary for interviewing and challenging myself to go outside of my box.

Comments?

Just Feeling Blah

It has been a crazy week.

I have managed in this week to work out a lot more, stress a lot more, eat a lot less and sleep a lot less. I guess there is a bit of balance there. And we all know that I crave balance. But this is not the balance I care for.

Yesterday I had my first Networking Breakfast at the office. It went over okay. We had only two businesses show up but that was okay. We were not certain as to who actually received invitations or not so I was pleased that the two that showed up were from the invitations that I delivered. Had to be to work by 6:30 AM. I was so panicked on being late that I may have slept 3 hours total. Not good for the complexion. I am geared for the next breakfast next month. I know what I can do to improve and I will do it.

I love coordinating events. If I could afford to go out on my own and do it I would be the happiest woman alive.

Wrote four policies yesterday. Two of them were life insurance so I am pleased. Some success there as my goal for the month is five life apps. I am now up to seven for the month of January.

Tonight I am going to a Crop Stop at a local scrapbooking store. I am dragging two of the teachers from B's school who have never done scrapbooking before but are very eager to learn. I do not think their spouses will like me after I get them hooked. I hope to get a lot done tonight and my mind off of everything else.

B and E are going bowling tonight. That ought to be fun. We took B for the first time last weekend and he cannot get enough of it. May have to get him on a Pee Wee League. That would be a hoot. Now if we can teach him to roll the ball and not throw the ball we will be in business.

Tomorrow night the Superbowl of Pageants is on. The Miss America Pageant is on CMT at 8PM EST. There is a special being aired before it. I will miss my friends as I usually get together with them to watch the pageant. I know that B and E will be great company. We will make it fun together.

Be sure to watch the pageant. From what I hear it is to be very exciting.

A Laugh For Today

Martini sent this along and I felt I would share it in case anyone needs a laugh.

Shopping For Men


January 18th, 2006


A Wal-Mart store that sells husbands has just opened
in Dallas, Texas, where a woman may go to choose a
husband from many men. Among the instructions at the
entrance, is a description of how the store operates.

There are only six floors. It states that the
attributes of the men increase as the shopper ascends
the flights. There is, however, a catch... As you open
the door to any floor you may choose any man from that
floor, but if you go up a floor, you cannot go back
down except to exit the building.

So, Jane decides to go to the Wal-Mart Husband Store
to find herself a husband.

On the first three floors the signs on the doors read:


Floor 1 - These men have jobs.
Floor 2 - These men have jobs and love kids.
Floor 3 - These men have jobs, love kids and are
extremely good looking.

Wow, she thinks, but feels compelled to keep going.

She goes to the 4th floor and sign reads:

Floor 4 - These men have jobs, love kids, are
extremely good looking and help with the housework.

"Oh, mercy me!" she exclaims, "I can hardly stand it!"


Still, she goes to the 5th floor and sign reads:

Floor 5 - These men have jobs, love kids, are
extremely good looking, help with the housework, and
have a strong romantic streak.

She is so tempted to stay, but she goes to the sixth
floor and the sign reads:

Floor 6 - You are visitor 3,446,012 to this floor.
There are no men on this floor. This floor exists
solely to prove that women are impossible to please.
Thank you for shopping Wal-Mart's Husband Store. Watch
your step when you exit the building and have a nice
day!

Wicked Dreams and what they mean

I have not been sleeping well lately. I am either down late and up really early or I have horrible dreams when I am actually asleep. Here is an idea of what I have been dreaming:

Saturday Night:

I am in the store with B. We are walking the aisles and he disappears. When I find him a guy is stuffing him into a duffel bag and attempting to kidnap him. I scream and grab the duffel bag with B still in it. I walk down the aisles as I am unable to run and am screaming to anyone that will hear me that a guy just tried to kidnap my son. He was attempting to throw ground coffee into my eyes and I wake up.

According to dreammoods.com, this is what this means:

Kidnap
To dream that someone has been kidnapped, indicates that you are not letting aspects and characteristics of that person be expressed within you. You are trying to contain and/or suppress those qualities of the kidnapped person.

Coffee
To dream that you are drinking or need your coffee, suggests that you should gain some insight and knowledge before making a decision or tackling some project/relationship. You may be acting too hasty and need to slow down. Alternatively, it may imply a need for you to change your routine.

Sunday nights dream:

This was horrifying. I had a dream that a man had this thing about beauty queens and was stalking Mrs. OH US 2005. He was so obsessed that he took her hostage and shot her. She was rushed to the hospital and her husband was with her the whole time. I went back to my parents home because I was so shook about this whole thing. I kept hearing a ticking from upstairs so I went to investigate. There was a bomb in the upstairs room. Seems the person who was stalking her was stalking me too. I ran from the house and pulled my parents on the way out. He figured out that I knew what was going on and went crazy. He started attacking everyone on the street and got my dad. My dad pushed me into a neighbors house to call 911 and everytime I tried to call for help something would happen.

I woke in a panic.

According to dreammoods.com, this is what part of the dream means:

Hostage
To dream that you are a hostage, indicates that you are feeling victimized and powerlessness. You may also be feeling limited in your choices or physically immobilized. Perhaps this dream is paralleling some situation/difficulties in your daily life or relationship. Alternatively, it suggests that a part of yourself is not be fully expressed.

Bomb
To see a bomb in your dream, signifies that you may be going through a potentially explosive and trying situation in your waking life. The bomb could represent repressed desires and unexpressed emotions that are likely to explode or burst if not dealt with soon. It could be something within yourself, such as the desire to explode with anger over an issue that's affecting you.

To dream of a bomb threat, suggests that you are experiencing some inner anger and/or pressures which are on the verge of exploding into violence.

Help
To dream that you are calling or signaling for help, suggests that you are feeling lost, overwhelmed, and/or inadequate.


Unfortunately, these dreams are telling me so much about what is going on in my life right now. And I am scared. Really scared.

Last night was actually an okay night of sleep. I took a Tylenol PM and had no dreams that I can recall. I did wake up a few times in the middle of the night but went right back to sleep.

Thank goodness for Tylenol PM.

Looking for a hotel? Try Hotwire.com

We are away on our little family weekend vacation to Dallas. I needed it after this stressful week. Don't get me wrong. I am still stressed. But stressed in another city.

We decided to try Hotwire.com to book our hotel room. We have never done this before and thought it would be worth a try. It was booked on Thursday night. We got the room for $51 per night which is a good deal. But we did not know where we were going to be until we booked and paid for the room. So we did. And it came back as the Radisson Dallas Hotel North.

Normal rates are $89 per night. I think we saved a bit.

Just checked into the room five minutes ago and they called us after being in the room a few minutes to make sure everything was alright. Talk about service with a smile!!

On to the mall nearby and to the bowling alley tonight. I am meeting with Mrs. US International 1998 tomorrow to discuss a business opportunity. Hopefully it will be something that can work very well for me. Plus, I just adore this woman. I have admired her for as long as I can remember. She is actually one of the main people who convinced me to try for Mrs. Ohio. She has a way of changing my life around and I hope it can happen again.

Things that make you cry...

It has been an extremely hard week. Lots of things happening and I am trying to take them all in. I have been crying an average of 8-10 times per day. Not good for the complexion but I figure it is much better than getting drunk or drugging yourself. Or starving yourself. Another vice that I have had problems with.

First of all, the stomach flu earlier this week was not fun. The pain of being sick can put you in tears.

My co-worker, RS, left this week. Gave a two week notice then hit the road the next day. Left an entire HUGE project up to me. Way to go. I am unhappy about this.

Reality that we may have to move back to Ohio. Some problems I wish to not discuss but it would mean uprooting my life AGAIN. I do not mind the move back but it is the stress of moving and finding a job there again for me. BossMan hired someone new to go into the place of the girl who was there in my place. It is for a 90 day trial period. When I approached him abotu possibly coming back it did not sound positive. I understand that he needs to give this new girl a chance but I really could have used the positive feedback.

The kindness of a best friend and a mother. Each have been so supportive and willing to listen to me cry and be afraid of what is coming next.

It may just be PMS. Or hormones. Not sure. But I wish I could stop crying.

Maybe the weekend trip to Dallas will make things easier. To take my mind off of everything. But it is hard.

Stomach Flu. ICK!!

Monday was not fun. I got the stomach flu and it knocked me out.

I HATE THE STOMACH FLU!!!

I got it last year around this time and it is not fun. It is one of the only illnesses that can knock me off my feet. But when I got it last year I was at a bridal show in Toledo. Two hours from home and E was already living in Texas. I had no way home and had to crash at a hotel in Toledo.

Picture this. Me in nylons, bra piece and crown on my head throwing up into a David's Bridal bag. It was a sight. But I was thrilled that not many people got to see that side of me. Now it is humorous but it was not then. All that went through my head was "Oh please God do not let me throw up on a dress. I am not buying it."

The fun of being sick!!

New Sport - Lunar Golfing

I think I have found a new sport I can get used to.

It is not your average sport. But it is a lot of fun. It is Lunar Golfing. And I know that you are asking yourself "What is Lunar Golfing?"

Lunar Golfing is miniature golf under a blacklight and all of the course is illuminated by neon orange and green. The golf putters have orange or yellow fluorescent tape wrapped around it and the golf balls glow in fluorescent colors. It is cool.

We were walking through the mall on Saturday just for something to do. I was also looking for Cache' as we know that is one of my favorite stores. As we were heading out we saw a room that was darkened. And our curiousity got the best of us. We decided to check it out and found that it was Lunar Golfing. Once we figured it out we were anxious to play.

We tried to teach B how to properly play the course and promptly gave up. We let him do what he wanted to do and we played the game. It was fun and I was much better than I thought I was going to be.

We have decided to come back at a later time as a date. So that will be interesting.

On one final note, please keep a prayer open for our little family. We may be facing more changes and I am not sure if we are ready for them yet. Thanks.

Ding Dong The Witch Is Gone!!!

It is official. My brother is divorced from the Jobless Wonder!!!

It happened yesterday. All forms signed, sealed and delivered. We are all in overjoy mode.

Yesterday was supposed to be another pre-trial. We just figured that it was another battle until the actual court case. So we thought little of it actually happening then. Until he came to my parents house with a huge smile on his face, the announcement of divorce and a quick call to the loving sister (that is me, of corse).

I waited until I had all the good details in my hands to post this. And I wanted to be assured of what all he got. And he made out very well. Here is the list of what he got:

1) The house. She has signed the quit claim deed so it belongs to him. And they cannot go back and negotiate it.
2) Claim his daughter on his tax returns EVERY YEAR!!!!
3) Reduced child support. At least $15 less per week.
4) One more full day of custody. He currently has 4 PM Tuesdays through 8:30 PM Thursdays and Friday night from 4 PM - 8:30 PM. The change is he has 4 PM Friday until 4:30 PM on Saturday.
5) She went after him for back child support from the day she left him to the day that she started collecting. The amount was $2,300. His attorney got that reduced to $900 and he can pay that at his conveninence. After discussion with Martini, we think that $10 a month may be best. That does not even get her to McDonald's. And if she complains, reduce it to $5 per month.
6) NO SPOUSAL SUPPORT EVER!!!
7) They each have to pay their own court costs and attorney fees. She wanted him to pay them all.
8) He gets Christmas Eve every year. From 4 PM on the 23rd of December until 10 AM on the 25th of December. She gets Christmas every year from 10 AM on the 25th of December until 8:30 PM on the 26th of December.
9) JOINT PARENTING!!!!

There were a few little unpleasant things but if she pursues them they are at her cost and she has to pay his fees to.

Karma is a bitch and it bit her back!!!

Updates on the cruise

Here is the new info I found out about the cruise.

We are going on a 4 night Western Carribean cruise. It is going from Galveston, TX to Cozumel and back. It is a Royal Carribean cruise. If anyone has gone on one let me know.

We depart April 20th at 4 PM and return on April 24th at 8 AM. They are paying for our cabin, taxes, port charges and gratuities. We are responsible for our travel to Galveston and back, parking, additional excursions, all beverages and travel insurance. Not keen on all the beverages but we will get a sheet ahead of time to see what the cost is for beverages.

The cool thing is that with those dates I will get to see my dad on his birthday.

VIVA LA CRUISE!!!

IT IS OFFICIAL!!!

I just got this e-mail!!! Mine is Kathy McClellan Agency.


Congratulations to our 4th Quarter Qualifiers:

Ted Alexander Agency
Bill Anderson Agency
Nancy Britain Agency
Dick Clay Agency
Tom Combs Agency
Ryan Connor Agency
Karen Easterling Agency
Carmina Eaton Agency
Bill Edmiston Agency
Darren Featherstone Agency
B J Goosby Agency
Karen Hall Agency
Ted Heaton Agency
Jim Howell Agency
Kirk Ingels Agency
Billy Johnson Agency
Kanda Kropp Agency
Kathy McClellan Agency
Daryl Mitchell Agency
Mike Moore Agency
Gary Renfro Agency
Rick Rogers Agency
J B Ruebsahm Agency
Dan Ruiz Agency
Kay Threadgill Agency
Marie Williams Agency


The final cruise promotion details will be sent in a separate email.

New Year, New Beginnings, New Everything...

Lots of new's this year.

Had a very quiet New Year's Eve. We were invited to a party in South Austin area and after many bad feelings (and I am one of those people that if I have a bad feeling about something I have to follow it as it most likely happens) we chose not to attend. We did go to HEB and pick up some sushi. They have a Sushi Station in the grocery store where they make the sushi fresh in front of you. It is awesome.

So our night was filled with pajamas, sushi and movies. I barely made it to the ball dropping. Once it did, E and I kissed and I fell asleep on the floor. B had crashed in his sleeping bag on the floor a few hours before and I chose to get out my sleeping bag and make it a camp out. I woke up sore from the floor but it was worth it when my little bean was snuggled next to me.

New Years Day was good. After some lazy lounging we went clothes shopping for me. I got some good gift certificates from my mom to Kohl's. Three pants, three sweaters and two skirts later I was done. We hit the clearance racks with a vengance. After we left we went to the park and let B play for a while. On the way home, B fell asleep and stayed asleep until the next morning. Guess he needed the extra sleep. I ended up taking advantage of the evening and made some greeting cards. They turned out well.

Yesterday was a blast. I had The Biggest Loser Marathon to watch on Bravo all day. So I watched that and cleaned the house. Until the Fiesta Bowl came on. Then I was out of the house. Had to let E watch his Buckeyes. I went and got pictures printed (yeah for Randall's and charging $.15 per print with 10 free after 100 pictures printed) and went to the YMCA. I was proud of myself as I lasted 35 minutes on the elliptical machine. That is HUGE for me. I was not sure if I would fall over afterwards or feel really good. I felt really good!! I worked out another half an hour on abs and arms and came home to a winning Buckeyes and an ecstatic husband. Great Fiesta Bowl turnout.

We shall see what the rest of this week will bring.

I have a few things I want to accomplish this year. Here is my short list:

1) To take more time to scrapbook.
2) To get my card business up and going.
3) To plan a great National Eating Disorders Awareness Week event.
4) To get over $2,000,000 in life insurance sales.
5) To win another trip through work.
6) To get our debt cleared up.

But I think part of these are on everyone's lists.