Wednesday, July 14th 2010
I think the past week has caught up with me. I'm exhausted and achey. The thought alone of doing anything is not appealing. I took a long nap around lunch time.
For dinner I made the same thing as last night. This time I did not set off the smoke alarm - woohoo! I played Solitaire again while I ate. I am not in the mood to do the dishes yet.
I painted flowers on the tissue box holder. I put one big flower in pink with two smaller light blue flowers. On the next side I reversed the colors and made the big flower blue and the little flowers pink. I outlined them in a slightly darker hue.
I have a fly in the apartment since last night's cooking escapade. He presumably made his entry when I had the sliding glass door open to air the place out. He's smart. He's much smarter than the flies at Mom's. There I was able to swat them more often than not. This little bugger counters my attacks by flying away. The most annoying part is when he flies by my head. I can't stand the close-range buzzing sound. It gives me the heebie-jeebies! Ick!
About 6pm I called Mom to see if I could go up there to watch her TV since I can't figure this one out. So You Think You Can Dance is on tonight. Her phone went directly to voice mail. I left a message. I'm going anyway.
An hour drive later I was at Mom's. She and Glen were still at the American Legion for funeral services of one of the post's members who passed earlier this week. When I came in, the two cats greeted me. Princess (AKA Fatso) did figure eight's around my ankles while Cleo jumped on the counter to headbutt me. Princess thinks it's time to eat whenever someone is in the kitchen, even if she just ate. I told her she had to wait for Mom to get home because for all I knew she ate ten minutes ago!
There was an envelope on the table. It was addressed to me. The return address was Social Security, Puerto Rico. They moved my case from Voorhees, NJ to San Juan, PR a while ago. I don't know why. I opened the letter. It informed me my hearing date is August 26th at 9am in the Voorhees, NJ building via video teleconferencing and they will have a vocational specialist and two medical experts present to testify. This is what I've been waiting for. I have not yet heard anything from my attorney. The last I got from him was a very short email the end of January stating he was still gathering my records. The last phone call I got was before I was evicted. It will have been over a year since I saw him in person by the time this court date comes.
...a vocational specialist and two medical experts. What if they agree with the last denial determination? I have asked the doctor two or three times about returning to work, he still says no, and I am a long way from work, and reiterates that I am disabled. What if Social Security doesn't believe him? Then what do I do? I am broke, Social Services will only help with rent for 12 months, and the doc says no working... Deep breath. Mom's says she thinks I have it and she's excited that I finally have a date for the hearing. She reminded me the surgeon felt I was too far gone for surgery. My friend says he thought I should have had it the last two times, but admits he's a bit biased :-) It's good to have friends who believe in you.
The anxiety started welling up. I started having chest pains just thinking of it. Then I remembered my emergency zip-lock bag in my purse. Dr. Del prescribed me medicine for my "next heart attack." What better time to use it than when I am having chest pain and know I have anxiety issues? Xanax, here I come! Twenty minutes later the chest pain had subsided...proof it was a panic attack brewing. If it was cardiac related pain the Xanax wouldn't have relieved it.
I watched So You think You Can Dance. Last week my favorite dancer was sent home on injury. :-( This week, another one of my favorites was injured and told not to dance. :-( They're dropping faster than the silly scalawag fly I have in my apartment! Tonight had some BEAUTIFUL performances! I am so glad I came to Mom's to watch it. It proved well worth the hour-plus drive!
Towards the end of my show, I got the munchies. I took out the salad I stashed in the fridge when I got here. True to form, Princess jumped up on the back of the couch behind me and started purring. I looked back at her and said, "This is not for you." She nosed me and sniffed at my lips. She put her front paws on my shoulder and started kneading. I caved in. I took a little piece of ham from my chef salad and offered it to her. She sniffed it but looked perplexed by the fork. I dropped the ham on my shoulder. She practically inhaled it! The purring got louder. I've seen people with their birds perched on their shoulders. This was the first time I ever saw a cat perched on a shoulder. Now I'd done it! I was not getting rid of her. Glad I didn't mind sharing my salad.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The Smoke Alarm Works
Tuesday, July 13th 2010
Subtitle: Burning Down the House - the sequel
Dayna began painting her dresser. She made jewelry while waiting for the paint to dry. Last night she bought beads, stretchy jewelery cord, and charms. She made two necklaces. Today she's making matching bracelets. I sat waking up with my coffee.
We went to pick up Dayna's best friend, Maddi. Then we stopped at CVS. Then we came home. (It's so nice saying that..."home.") Maddi walked in and said, "It's so big!" Dayna replied, "I know, it's bigger than our old HOUSE!"
The girls painted the dresser while I worked in the kitchen. I cleaned out the cabinets and began contact papering away! Some areas are bubbly and wrinkly but I'm not too worried about it; I doubt anyone will be sticking their head in to critique my handiwork.The girls decided it was time to go. We packed up and left for Elizabeth. Maddi will be sleeping over with Dayna up there until Thursday or Friday. Then Bryan will take Maddi home and bring Dayna to me through Sunday. We stopped at Roy Rogers on the way up. It's the only one I still know in existence. Awesome cheeseburger! Mmmm.
When I got back home, I unpacked boxes of DVD's and VHS tapes into the media cabinet. When I ran out of room I unpacked them into the entertainment center cabinets. I left the pegs for the shelves in my pants at Mom's house, but I don't want to completely set it up because Dad said he wanted to fix it - the back is falling off and it's wobbly. I think I spent $200 on it at KMart about 7 years ago, so it's had some use and survived three moves.
After I unpacked three boxes, I decided it was time to eat. I got out some veggies and cut up some kielbasa. I put the pan on the stove and turned the knob to what I thought was low. I was wrong. I made the mistake of turning it like a gas knob, which it was (why they'd put a gas knob on an electric stove I do not know). What I initially thought was low was actually high and BOY did it start smoking! On the bright side, we now know the smoke alarm works!
I decided to try to set the TV up instead (I was afraid of the stove). I untangled the cables and cords and tried to make sense of them. I am not very good with TV's. I always let someone else hook them up. This time did not prove to be any different.
...small white cable from antenna to little off-white box...white cable from white box to black converter box...black cable from converter box to TV...power on...no signal. OK...small white cable from antenna to white box...black cable from white box to converter box...black cable from converter box to TV...power on...no signal. Call Dad. I couldn't understand what he was telling me to do. :-( I'll have to have him set it up next time he's here.
I decided to brave the stove again. I used a different burner, one with an actual electric stove knob! I started with low. I added a little olive oil. I dumped in kielbasa. The burner was getting hot. The kielbasa was doing nothing. I turned up the heat to medium-low. Not much different except the food was starting to get warm to the touch. Yay! No smoke! No obnoxious beeping!
I added garlic (because I love garlic). I sauteed until I could smell the wonderful aroma. I added a partially thawed Italian Vegetable blend (cauliflower, carrots, flat green beans, lima beans, and zucchini). I covered it and let it go! Soon after, with a little stirring, dinner was served! I played Solitaire while I ate.
When Dayna and I were at Michael's yesterday, I bought a little wooden tissue box holder. I began painting it after dinner. I watered down the lavender paint Dayna picked out and went to town giving it a base coat. Since I thinned the paint, you can see the wood grain through the light purple. It's pretty. I'll paint flowers on it tomorrow.
Another day done! Bedtime!
Subtitle: Burning Down the House - the sequel
Dayna began painting her dresser. She made jewelry while waiting for the paint to dry. Last night she bought beads, stretchy jewelery cord, and charms. She made two necklaces. Today she's making matching bracelets. I sat waking up with my coffee.
We went to pick up Dayna's best friend, Maddi. Then we stopped at CVS. Then we came home. (It's so nice saying that..."home.") Maddi walked in and said, "It's so big!" Dayna replied, "I know, it's bigger than our old HOUSE!"
The girls painted the dresser while I worked in the kitchen. I cleaned out the cabinets and began contact papering away! Some areas are bubbly and wrinkly but I'm not too worried about it; I doubt anyone will be sticking their head in to critique my handiwork.The girls decided it was time to go. We packed up and left for Elizabeth. Maddi will be sleeping over with Dayna up there until Thursday or Friday. Then Bryan will take Maddi home and bring Dayna to me through Sunday. We stopped at Roy Rogers on the way up. It's the only one I still know in existence. Awesome cheeseburger! Mmmm.
When I got back home, I unpacked boxes of DVD's and VHS tapes into the media cabinet. When I ran out of room I unpacked them into the entertainment center cabinets. I left the pegs for the shelves in my pants at Mom's house, but I don't want to completely set it up because Dad said he wanted to fix it - the back is falling off and it's wobbly. I think I spent $200 on it at KMart about 7 years ago, so it's had some use and survived three moves.
After I unpacked three boxes, I decided it was time to eat. I got out some veggies and cut up some kielbasa. I put the pan on the stove and turned the knob to what I thought was low. I was wrong. I made the mistake of turning it like a gas knob, which it was (why they'd put a gas knob on an electric stove I do not know). What I initially thought was low was actually high and BOY did it start smoking! On the bright side, we now know the smoke alarm works!
I decided to try to set the TV up instead (I was afraid of the stove). I untangled the cables and cords and tried to make sense of them. I am not very good with TV's. I always let someone else hook them up. This time did not prove to be any different.
...small white cable from antenna to little off-white box...white cable from white box to black converter box...black cable from converter box to TV...power on...no signal. OK...small white cable from antenna to white box...black cable from white box to converter box...black cable from converter box to TV...power on...no signal. Call Dad. I couldn't understand what he was telling me to do. :-( I'll have to have him set it up next time he's here.
I decided to brave the stove again. I used a different burner, one with an actual electric stove knob! I started with low. I added a little olive oil. I dumped in kielbasa. The burner was getting hot. The kielbasa was doing nothing. I turned up the heat to medium-low. Not much different except the food was starting to get warm to the touch. Yay! No smoke! No obnoxious beeping!
I added garlic (because I love garlic). I sauteed until I could smell the wonderful aroma. I added a partially thawed Italian Vegetable blend (cauliflower, carrots, flat green beans, lima beans, and zucchini). I covered it and let it go! Soon after, with a little stirring, dinner was served! I played Solitaire while I ate.
When Dayna and I were at Michael's yesterday, I bought a little wooden tissue box holder. I began painting it after dinner. I watered down the lavender paint Dayna picked out and went to town giving it a base coat. Since I thinned the paint, you can see the wood grain through the light purple. It's pretty. I'll paint flowers on it tomorrow.
Another day done! Bedtime!
We're Dangerous in Michael's
Monday, July 12th 2010
I woke up on time and got ready for my doctor's appointment. The doctor gave me a script for a cream to put on the rash on my neck (I seem to get it every summer the past few years, Dayna the past two also), and more pain meds, follow up in two months.
I came back to the apartment and was greeted by my wonderfully groggy daughter who immediately said, "You're never leaving me alone here again!" I asked what happened. The Super woke her up to have the bedroom window fixed. Poor kid. I didn't know they were coming today.
We both took naps and rested out weary bones from the past few days of exertion. When we were both up, Dayna checked movie times. She wanted to take me to see Eclipse. I needed to go to CVS. She wanted to go to Michael's to get paints for her dresser. She is going to paint designs on it. Way more money than we intended to spend later, we set off home for TV dinners.
I was wiped out. After a bit of rest I put the cleaning supplies under the sink, cleaned off the counter, and washed the dish drain and silverwear. Since the drawers are done I can actually put that stuff away. I still have to clean the top cabinets and contact paper them. Then I can really begin unpacking the kitchen!
I woke up on time and got ready for my doctor's appointment. The doctor gave me a script for a cream to put on the rash on my neck (I seem to get it every summer the past few years, Dayna the past two also), and more pain meds, follow up in two months.
I came back to the apartment and was greeted by my wonderfully groggy daughter who immediately said, "You're never leaving me alone here again!" I asked what happened. The Super woke her up to have the bedroom window fixed. Poor kid. I didn't know they were coming today.
We both took naps and rested out weary bones from the past few days of exertion. When we were both up, Dayna checked movie times. She wanted to take me to see Eclipse. I needed to go to CVS. She wanted to go to Michael's to get paints for her dresser. She is going to paint designs on it. Way more money than we intended to spend later, we set off home for TV dinners.
I was wiped out. After a bit of rest I put the cleaning supplies under the sink, cleaned off the counter, and washed the dish drain and silverwear. Since the drawers are done I can actually put that stuff away. I still have to clean the top cabinets and contact paper them. Then I can really begin unpacking the kitchen!
First Night Home
Sunday, July 11th 2010
We woke up and lounged a bit. I think we were all exhausted from yesterday. Once we showered, Dayna and I picked up Dad to take the truck back to U-Haul. We were dropping it off at the Toms River location nearer my new apartment.
We stopped at ShopRite across the highway from my street. I thought we were getting stuff for lunch. I was wrong. Dad was having fun filling up the cart - fish, chicken, pork chops, London broil, oil & vinegar, TV dinners, frozen pizza, frozen veggies, water, soda, milk, iced tea, Coffeemate, ice cream...$150 later on Dad's credit card even though I said I would pay, we left for our new home with a car full of groceries.
After I put everything away, we sat and rested. Dad read the paper. He looked in the freezer and said, "Now I feel better. I know you have something to eat." Dad tried to change the shower head for me. he had the wrong size wrench so no such luck. We'll make due with what's up there for now.
We brought Dad home and stopped at Mom's for our overnight things. We then set off for our first night in our new apartment!
We woke up and lounged a bit. I think we were all exhausted from yesterday. Once we showered, Dayna and I picked up Dad to take the truck back to U-Haul. We were dropping it off at the Toms River location nearer my new apartment.
We stopped at ShopRite across the highway from my street. I thought we were getting stuff for lunch. I was wrong. Dad was having fun filling up the cart - fish, chicken, pork chops, London broil, oil & vinegar, TV dinners, frozen pizza, frozen veggies, water, soda, milk, iced tea, Coffeemate, ice cream...$150 later on Dad's credit card even though I said I would pay, we left for our new home with a car full of groceries.
After I put everything away, we sat and rested. Dad read the paper. He looked in the freezer and said, "Now I feel better. I know you have something to eat." Dad tried to change the shower head for me. he had the wrong size wrench so no such luck. We'll make due with what's up there for now.
We brought Dad home and stopped at Mom's for our overnight things. We then set off for our first night in our new apartment!
Grandpa Stole the U-Haul
Saturday, July 10th 2010
Moving Day!
I woke up at 5am and had coffee, AKA "Wake-Up Juice." I woke Dayna at 5:30am. I texted Marty at 5:45am to "Wakey, wakey," and called Dad to make sure he was up and tell him we're on our way. Then we set out for out moving adventure!
We picked up Dad and the hand-truck. We headed off to the U-Haul on Rte 9 in Old Bridge/Parlin, near Marty's place. I dropped off Dad to get the truck and then went down the road to get Marty. We waited a bit for him. We went back to the U-Haul place to get Dad and set Marty up driving the truck.
Dad wasn't there. The lady at the desk said he left 20 minutes ago. This is what we get for waiting on Marty. Well, since Dad's gone already, off we go! We headed up Rte 9 to 287. Then I thought, "What if Dad went to the apartment to find us?" U-turn! We went all the way back to make sure. I called Dad's cell phone on the off chance he might have it with him; he usually leaves it home. No answer.
We made it back to the apartment complex and drove around looking for a 17' U-Haul truck. We didn't see one. So we drove past the U-Haul place again - still no Dad. Off we go again! This time we stopped at Dunkin Donuts. Dayna got a large Iced Coffee with two donuts. Marty and I got ham, egg and cheese on an English Muffin and nice, hot, wonderful coffee!
When we got back in the car, Marty took the lid off his coffee to stir it. I was getting myself situated. I have trouble sometimes. I have to have myself just so in proper alignment or my back hurts too much. I re-adjust periodically as I am driving. I usually put my left hand on the door arm rest and my right hand on the center console. Then I push up, align myself, and lower back down. Ahhh!
Marty apparently was not aware of this routine. As he held his coffee in his left hand and stirred with his right, I went to adjust myself. I put my left hand on the door arm rest. I then put my right hand on the center console...and promptly smashed into Marty's left coffee holding arm. :-( It did it's best impression of a sommersault all over him. I felt horrible. He now looked like he wet himself. I am never going to hear the end of it.
Off to Chester, NY! We traveled up 287 to the end into New York and hopped on the NY Thruway to exit 16, Harriman. From there I couldn't remember which way to go. We drove one way. It didn't look familiar. I pulled over. Then I remembered Dayna has an unlimited data plan on her phone! GPS! Directions to Storagetown in Chester, NY and we were on our way to Route 17 West!
As we came up to our exit, I could see the storage facility. I said, "Everyone look right and see if you can spot a U-Haul in row E." Yup!
We pulled in to find Dad had already started loading the truck. He said, "You made it!" We made it...thanks to modern technology. Marty and I jumped in helping Dad load the truck. Dayna wasn't feeling too well so she sat in the car reading and using her laptop. Two runs to potty at McDonald's, a trip to CVS for water, and a few hours later we were on the road home. I text messaged Marty directions in case Dad forgot, but it was basically a straight run down Route 9, turn at the Diner, et voila!
Dayna and I beat them there. I vacuumed quickly and started moving stuff out of the way. Mom and Glen called for directions. They're coming to help, too! Yay!
We unloaded the end of the truck and then took a ride to "Don Found It" to pick up the couch and dinette. The man there helped load it in the truck and we set off back to the apartment. While we were out, Mom and Glen unloaded the fish tank from Mom's truck and set it in the living room. Somehow we got it all unloaded and in! My first ever couch :-) It looks so nice next to my falling apart blue recliner, and the curtains are a wonderful accent!
After Mom and Glen left, Dad and I sat having coffee. Marty fell into the couch drinking water. Dayna occupied the recliner and frequently reminded me she'd like to go now. We set off to drop Dad and Marty home. Since we were already north for that, Dayna and I stayed at Mom's for the night. I took a pain pill and sacked out!
Moving Day complete! Mission accomplished!
Moving Day!
I woke up at 5am and had coffee, AKA "Wake-Up Juice." I woke Dayna at 5:30am. I texted Marty at 5:45am to "Wakey, wakey," and called Dad to make sure he was up and tell him we're on our way. Then we set out for out moving adventure!
We picked up Dad and the hand-truck. We headed off to the U-Haul on Rte 9 in Old Bridge/Parlin, near Marty's place. I dropped off Dad to get the truck and then went down the road to get Marty. We waited a bit for him. We went back to the U-Haul place to get Dad and set Marty up driving the truck.
Dad wasn't there. The lady at the desk said he left 20 minutes ago. This is what we get for waiting on Marty. Well, since Dad's gone already, off we go! We headed up Rte 9 to 287. Then I thought, "What if Dad went to the apartment to find us?" U-turn! We went all the way back to make sure. I called Dad's cell phone on the off chance he might have it with him; he usually leaves it home. No answer.
We made it back to the apartment complex and drove around looking for a 17' U-Haul truck. We didn't see one. So we drove past the U-Haul place again - still no Dad. Off we go again! This time we stopped at Dunkin Donuts. Dayna got a large Iced Coffee with two donuts. Marty and I got ham, egg and cheese on an English Muffin and nice, hot, wonderful coffee!
When we got back in the car, Marty took the lid off his coffee to stir it. I was getting myself situated. I have trouble sometimes. I have to have myself just so in proper alignment or my back hurts too much. I re-adjust periodically as I am driving. I usually put my left hand on the door arm rest and my right hand on the center console. Then I push up, align myself, and lower back down. Ahhh!
Marty apparently was not aware of this routine. As he held his coffee in his left hand and stirred with his right, I went to adjust myself. I put my left hand on the door arm rest. I then put my right hand on the center console...and promptly smashed into Marty's left coffee holding arm. :-( It did it's best impression of a sommersault all over him. I felt horrible. He now looked like he wet himself. I am never going to hear the end of it.
Off to Chester, NY! We traveled up 287 to the end into New York and hopped on the NY Thruway to exit 16, Harriman. From there I couldn't remember which way to go. We drove one way. It didn't look familiar. I pulled over. Then I remembered Dayna has an unlimited data plan on her phone! GPS! Directions to Storagetown in Chester, NY and we were on our way to Route 17 West!
As we came up to our exit, I could see the storage facility. I said, "Everyone look right and see if you can spot a U-Haul in row E." Yup!
We pulled in to find Dad had already started loading the truck. He said, "You made it!" We made it...thanks to modern technology. Marty and I jumped in helping Dad load the truck. Dayna wasn't feeling too well so she sat in the car reading and using her laptop. Two runs to potty at McDonald's, a trip to CVS for water, and a few hours later we were on the road home. I text messaged Marty directions in case Dad forgot, but it was basically a straight run down Route 9, turn at the Diner, et voila!
Dayna and I beat them there. I vacuumed quickly and started moving stuff out of the way. Mom and Glen called for directions. They're coming to help, too! Yay!
We unloaded the end of the truck and then took a ride to "Don Found It" to pick up the couch and dinette. The man there helped load it in the truck and we set off back to the apartment. While we were out, Mom and Glen unloaded the fish tank from Mom's truck and set it in the living room. Somehow we got it all unloaded and in! My first ever couch :-) It looks so nice next to my falling apart blue recliner, and the curtains are a wonderful accent!
After Mom and Glen left, Dad and I sat having coffee. Marty fell into the couch drinking water. Dayna occupied the recliner and frequently reminded me she'd like to go now. We set off to drop Dad and Marty home. Since we were already north for that, Dayna and I stayed at Mom's for the night. I took a pain pill and sacked out!
Moving Day complete! Mission accomplished!
Curtains on Clearance
Friday, July 9th 2010
I got the confirmation call from the U-Haul reservation. I changed the pick up time to 7am and rented a 17 ft truck. My social worker called and said she would put the message through to my caseworker to get a verbal commit over to JCP&L so the electric isn't turned off. The doctor's office called to confirm my appointment for Monday. CVS called with a refill reminder. All this was during my first cup of coffee. Whew!
Dayna and I picked up Dad and headed to Lowes, where he "had fun breaking in his credit card." He bought us a new toilet seat (one that actually fits to toilet), a curtain rod, curtains for the sliding glass doors in the living room (nice heavy material, blue like my chair and soon to be couch flowers, regularly $32/panel, on clearance for $8.74! Some one must have taught me how to shop!), burner plate covers and a new receptacle for the stove.
Dad hung the living room curtains for me while installing the curtain rod. I cleaned out the bottom cabinets and contact papered the drawers. Dayna played on her computer. Dad fixed up the stove. He put the burner plates on, set the burners in, and began playing with the faulty receptacle. The dialogue went something like this:
Me: "Should you be doing that with the electric power on?"
Dad: "Most people would probably turn it off."
Me: "Have you done this before?"
Dad: "No."
Me: "Do I need to worry about you electrocuting yourself?"
Dad: "At least I'll know I'm alive. For all I know, I died a half hour ago and just don't know it."
At least he still has his sense of humor!
I got the confirmation call from the U-Haul reservation. I changed the pick up time to 7am and rented a 17 ft truck. My social worker called and said she would put the message through to my caseworker to get a verbal commit over to JCP&L so the electric isn't turned off. The doctor's office called to confirm my appointment for Monday. CVS called with a refill reminder. All this was during my first cup of coffee. Whew!
Dayna and I picked up Dad and headed to Lowes, where he "had fun breaking in his credit card." He bought us a new toilet seat (one that actually fits to toilet), a curtain rod, curtains for the sliding glass doors in the living room (nice heavy material, blue like my chair and soon to be couch flowers, regularly $32/panel, on clearance for $8.74! Some one must have taught me how to shop!), burner plate covers and a new receptacle for the stove.
Dad hung the living room curtains for me while installing the curtain rod. I cleaned out the bottom cabinets and contact papered the drawers. Dayna played on her computer. Dad fixed up the stove. He put the burner plates on, set the burners in, and began playing with the faulty receptacle. The dialogue went something like this:
Me: "Should you be doing that with the electric power on?"
Dad: "Most people would probably turn it off."
Me: "Have you done this before?"
Dad: "No."
Me: "Do I need to worry about you electrocuting yourself?"
Dad: "At least I'll know I'm alive. For all I know, I died a half hour ago and just don't know it."
At least he still has his sense of humor!
Friday, July 9, 2010
More Memories
When Dayna saw my postings, she recalled several other memories we have. So many things are inside jokes that we still say a few words and we both crack up. Some you had to be there to understand, but I will try my best to recount her memories.
These aren't Mickey's
These aren't Mickey's
We had a period of time in our last house when the mice would get in the house. Sometimes we would be sitting in the living room and we'd see Charlie prowling around. Sometimes, we thought he was just being his usual quirky self. Then when the mouse ran across the floor and Charlie pounced, we'd find out why he was prowling!
Once he caught a mouse in the middle of the night. I woke up to hearing him thrashing through the house. When I got out of bed to reprimand him, he came tromping to my room with his "new toy" in his mouth looking at me like, "Hey Ma, check out what I did!" I promptly told him to keep his new friend in the kitchen and play quietly! The last thing I wanted to deal with in the middle of the night was a cat and mouse!
Before we left that house,we had Charlie trained to catch and hold hostage until we could relocate the furry little things. It was much better than cleaning up mouse guts and blood, and they're just so darn cute I felt horrible when he played with them too much. We used to grab them in a few paper towels and walk them to the lot across the street.
Grandpa didn't spill rice
For a time at the end of my nursing studies at Brookdale, we had to stay at my father's house. Any one who knows my Dad knows he is not the world's greatest housekeeper. He is a perpetual bachelor. He's had his issues and you can always tell when he's doing ok or when he's doing poorly by the condition of his house. If he is okay, there is evidence of cleaning and projects. If he's having a rough patch, the place is a hot mess!
One night while Dayna and I were watching TV in the bedroom, I went to get up. Before I put my foot down I saw a pile of spilled rice. Grandpa spilled rice on the floor? Why would Grandpa spill dry rice in the bedroom? Then the rice moved! It was NOT rice! So of course Dayna and I freaked out just a bit. Then we decided to try to get rid of them using the only tool within reach...toothpicks! Dayna still considers this "stabbing maggots with toothpicks." It was gross, but we had a fun memory out of trying to get rid of them.
The Money Seat
When we lived in Matawan, my little brother Robbie stayed with us for a time. He used to like to sit in the recliner in the living room. Everyone likes to sit in the recliner. It's typically the only seating IN the living room. Any time he would get up, Dayna would jump in the chair. He'd go to the bathroom, come back to find Dayna in his seat. He liked the chair so much that one day he offered Dayna a dollar to get up so he could sit. My daughter is no dummy! She gladly accepted the bribe. She showed her gratitude by promptly jumping in the chair anytime Robert got up, and graciously accepting his dollar when he'd come back.
Roller Derby
Dayna was about 4 years old when she first started roller skating...in the house. I didn't mind much, I could see her, the carpet prevented scrapes and other boo boos, and she was pretty good at it. She'd whiz around the kitchen, plug along over the living room carpet, back to the kitchen for a lap around the table...she'd be occupied for hours! This was a fun game!
I can't tell you how many people thought I was crazy for letting her do it. I can't tell you how many reprimanded me. What I can tell you is that it was more than one. We finally put a stop to the in-house roller derby when Dayna forgot to stop and crashed into the living room window :-)
Bed, Bath & Beyond!
About two years ago I was "redoing" Dayna's room. I had gotten a Bed, Bath and Beyond catalog in the mail with a coupon. We decided to go check out the store and see what they had in terms of organization. We saw kitchen gadgets and cook wear. We saw bathroom stuff. We saw closet organizers and browsed a bit. I checked out the curtains. We came along to the "Bed" part of the store. Dayna saw a nice comfy bed all made up pretty and decided she was going to lie on it. That's when we realized it was NOT a bed at all! The "bed" scooted over and clunked down under her weight! I was mortified. I hollered at her, brought her into an aisle, made sure she was alright, and then we nonchalantly wandered into the pillow section, picked out a pillow, paid and left. We laughed in the car. To this day anytime we see commercials or circulars for the store we think of "Dayna breaking the bed."
The Beauty of Electricity
Dayna had trouble sleeping Wednesday night. She slept very late on Thursday. I began making phone calls. I called the pharmacy to refill my prescriptions. I called JCP&L to change the electric into my name.
First brick wall of the day. JCP&L noted my past due balance and said payment in full would need to be made before I could turn on service. I told them I paid through the collection agency that contacted me. They verified that and then said they need a deposit. They could take a check over the phone or a credit card number. i told them I did not have either. The man said they needed $301.32 upfront, and the landlord has the service to be turned off tomorrow. Sigh.
I called my social worker. I left a message. She has not called me back. So tomorrow I will call again. If i do not hear from her by the time I pick Dad up and get to the apartment, I will leave Dad and Dayna painting and go sit in Social Services until someone talks to me. Everything in the apartment is electric - fridge, stove, a/c, heat... When I met with the social worker the first time she said they would help with past due amounts and deposits, so hopefully they can call and vouch for the amount so service isn't shut off.
First brick wall of the day. JCP&L noted my past due balance and said payment in full would need to be made before I could turn on service. I told them I paid through the collection agency that contacted me. They verified that and then said they need a deposit. They could take a check over the phone or a credit card number. i told them I did not have either. The man said they needed $301.32 upfront, and the landlord has the service to be turned off tomorrow. Sigh.
I called my social worker. I left a message. She has not called me back. So tomorrow I will call again. If i do not hear from her by the time I pick Dad up and get to the apartment, I will leave Dad and Dayna painting and go sit in Social Services until someone talks to me. Everything in the apartment is electric - fridge, stove, a/c, heat... When I met with the social worker the first time she said they would help with past due amounts and deposits, so hopefully they can call and vouch for the amount so service isn't shut off.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Used Furniture!
Second attempt since the last time I typed this up it vanished!
On Wednesday, Mom and I set out on our journey early in the morning. She had a doctor's appointment, then we headed south! I showed her the apartment. Then we went to the Family Dollar (my third time in two days). She found notebooks she needed, I found contact paper for the kitchen cabinets.
We headed over to the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store to look for a couch and a dinette. There were a few tables, none without blemishes, but one I liked. They wanted $79 for it. My furniture voucher should be more than enough! Then we looked at the couches. Most of them were beat up and lumpy, some were smelly. We found one that might do. We spoke to the lady at the desk. She says they do not deliver, but they could hold stuff until Saturday. Unfortunately, they only had two people who could work with the voucher so I had to come back 10am the next day.
There were two more stores in Northern Ocean County on the list of contracted places Social Services gave me. We drove to the one furthest west on Rte 37 figuring we could back track to the last one. We pulled into the parking lot of an obnoxiously bright green and yellow building. The sign said, "Don Fount It." As soon as we pulled in, I spotted a couch set up outside. I told Mom I think I found my couch!
We went over and looked. It was a sofa bed! Just what I was looking for! It would be perfect for when Dayna's with me and her friends sleep over. It was a nice white/ivory color with blue flowers. It will go nicely with my blue recliner chair! The marked price was $179. Sold! Now to find a table!
We went in the "warehouse" and saw several table sets with hutches. Most were big and heavy and I didn't think they'd fit in the dining area. Mom asked one of the men working if they had any more. He said he would check trailers. In the meantime, Mom and I browsed the air conditioned (Ahhh!) showroom and spoke with the ladies working there. They were all very nice and very helpful. They had bedroom furniture, living room furniture, wall hangings, beautiful paintings, and a ton of knick knacks.
The man came back in and said he found one more table, it has six chairs and a leaf. We went out to see it. I wasn't even at the trailer yet when I decided that was the table I would take. It's a nice oval, good size but not too big, not to heavy, nicely kept wood. There are a few scratches on the legs, but nothing awful. I looked in the back of the trailer. the chairs have blue upholstery. It's a sign! I looked at the man and said, "Sold! Now what do I do?" He led me back inside to talk to the ladies again.
The one lady grabbed a calculator, a pen, and a pad. She came outside with me and took the price tag off the couch. She called for a price on the table. They wanted $130. I'm still WAY under my furniture allowance. She asked what else I needed. I drew a blank saying that I think that was it. She said how about kitchen stuff? I said, "Do you have blenders? I don't have a blender." She led me to another room and there were several blenders on the wall. We picked out a nice one. I eyed a rolling pin and said, "Add this on too, I could use a good wooden rolling pin." I saw a toaster oven and we added that in. She asked if I had a crock pot. I do not have a crock pot. We added one on. We went back downstairs and added two lamps. For $40 they would deliver the couch and table, I did not have $40. They would hold it for Saturday when I have the truck to pick it up.
In the end, I still didn't use my whole grant allotment. I think I only used $420 of my $585, but I really didn't need anything else. I'm very excited about the couch and table! It will be my first couch, after all these years! And it will be my first table that doesn't have a pizza box stuck in the leg to keep it on, and the first that has CHAIRS! I had been using folding metal chairs.
Things are looking up! Thanks for all the prayers!
On Wednesday, Mom and I set out on our journey early in the morning. She had a doctor's appointment, then we headed south! I showed her the apartment. Then we went to the Family Dollar (my third time in two days). She found notebooks she needed, I found contact paper for the kitchen cabinets.
We headed over to the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store to look for a couch and a dinette. There were a few tables, none without blemishes, but one I liked. They wanted $79 for it. My furniture voucher should be more than enough! Then we looked at the couches. Most of them were beat up and lumpy, some were smelly. We found one that might do. We spoke to the lady at the desk. She says they do not deliver, but they could hold stuff until Saturday. Unfortunately, they only had two people who could work with the voucher so I had to come back 10am the next day.
There were two more stores in Northern Ocean County on the list of contracted places Social Services gave me. We drove to the one furthest west on Rte 37 figuring we could back track to the last one. We pulled into the parking lot of an obnoxiously bright green and yellow building. The sign said, "Don Fount It." As soon as we pulled in, I spotted a couch set up outside. I told Mom I think I found my couch!
We went over and looked. It was a sofa bed! Just what I was looking for! It would be perfect for when Dayna's with me and her friends sleep over. It was a nice white/ivory color with blue flowers. It will go nicely with my blue recliner chair! The marked price was $179. Sold! Now to find a table!
We went in the "warehouse" and saw several table sets with hutches. Most were big and heavy and I didn't think they'd fit in the dining area. Mom asked one of the men working if they had any more. He said he would check trailers. In the meantime, Mom and I browsed the air conditioned (Ahhh!) showroom and spoke with the ladies working there. They were all very nice and very helpful. They had bedroom furniture, living room furniture, wall hangings, beautiful paintings, and a ton of knick knacks.
The man came back in and said he found one more table, it has six chairs and a leaf. We went out to see it. I wasn't even at the trailer yet when I decided that was the table I would take. It's a nice oval, good size but not too big, not to heavy, nicely kept wood. There are a few scratches on the legs, but nothing awful. I looked in the back of the trailer. the chairs have blue upholstery. It's a sign! I looked at the man and said, "Sold! Now what do I do?" He led me back inside to talk to the ladies again.
The one lady grabbed a calculator, a pen, and a pad. She came outside with me and took the price tag off the couch. She called for a price on the table. They wanted $130. I'm still WAY under my furniture allowance. She asked what else I needed. I drew a blank saying that I think that was it. She said how about kitchen stuff? I said, "Do you have blenders? I don't have a blender." She led me to another room and there were several blenders on the wall. We picked out a nice one. I eyed a rolling pin and said, "Add this on too, I could use a good wooden rolling pin." I saw a toaster oven and we added that in. She asked if I had a crock pot. I do not have a crock pot. We added one on. We went back downstairs and added two lamps. For $40 they would deliver the couch and table, I did not have $40. They would hold it for Saturday when I have the truck to pick it up.
In the end, I still didn't use my whole grant allotment. I think I only used $420 of my $585, but I really didn't need anything else. I'm very excited about the couch and table! It will be my first couch, after all these years! And it will be my first table that doesn't have a pizza box stuck in the leg to keep it on, and the first that has CHAIRS! I had been using folding metal chairs.
Things are looking up! Thanks for all the prayers!
They're not supposed to be brown.
On Tuesday, Dad and I drove down to the apartment in the morning. We went to Family Dollar where Dad had fun picking out stuff we'd need. He got me a shower curtain rod, a vinyl curtain and hooks, multiple cleaning supplies, a broom, a mop, paint, paint supplies, and some stuff for lunch. I missed my doctor's appointment but they were okay with rescheduling me for next week.
When we got to the apartment, the dining room wall was painted. The kitchen was painted. The old dilapidated dining set was out of the dining area. The bedroom and bathroom were cleaned up and painted. Hmmm. Guess the squeaky wheel got the grease. The new refrigerator is beautiful!
I started in on the windows and the kitchen. I don't think the last tenant ever cleaned! The windows were filthy! We started off with an ammonia solution, followed by Windex, and it still took two rounds of scrubbing! I wasn't able to get all the dirt off.
I attacked the stove vent. Ugh! It was covered in grease and crud! Some more elbow grease and scrubbing later, it was at least touchable. I cleaned off the top of the stove. The dials had crusted junk under them. I wasn't able to get it all out, but I got it better than it was. I was unable to get all the baked on stuff out from under the stove top. Dad helped me remove the burners and plates and I began scrubbing. We're getting new plates; these are beyond cleaning. I was taking chrome off in some places and in others the stuff was so charbroiled on it was futile.
I began cleaning the cabinet handles. They were so slimy you slid right off trying to open the cabinets. I scrubbed and scrubbed and voila! The brown handles were no longer brown. They were really a pewter shade. Who knew?
While I was attacking the kitchen, Dad attacked the bathroom with bleach. He scrubbed the tub, the walls, the toilet, the floor...he just kept going! He commented how the last people obviously never cleaned anything. I agreed.
Unfortunately by this time, my back was bothering me enough that I had to sit down. My legs went numb and I got the painful pins and needles tingling. I asked Dad how much more he wanted to do. He asked if I was done and ready to go. I said for today I think I was. He finished cleaning the bathroom sink and we called it quits!
When we got to the apartment, the dining room wall was painted. The kitchen was painted. The old dilapidated dining set was out of the dining area. The bedroom and bathroom were cleaned up and painted. Hmmm. Guess the squeaky wheel got the grease. The new refrigerator is beautiful!
I started in on the windows and the kitchen. I don't think the last tenant ever cleaned! The windows were filthy! We started off with an ammonia solution, followed by Windex, and it still took two rounds of scrubbing! I wasn't able to get all the dirt off.
I attacked the stove vent. Ugh! It was covered in grease and crud! Some more elbow grease and scrubbing later, it was at least touchable. I cleaned off the top of the stove. The dials had crusted junk under them. I wasn't able to get it all out, but I got it better than it was. I was unable to get all the baked on stuff out from under the stove top. Dad helped me remove the burners and plates and I began scrubbing. We're getting new plates; these are beyond cleaning. I was taking chrome off in some places and in others the stuff was so charbroiled on it was futile.
I began cleaning the cabinet handles. They were so slimy you slid right off trying to open the cabinets. I scrubbed and scrubbed and voila! The brown handles were no longer brown. They were really a pewter shade. Who knew?
While I was attacking the kitchen, Dad attacked the bathroom with bleach. He scrubbed the tub, the walls, the toilet, the floor...he just kept going! He commented how the last people obviously never cleaned anything. I agreed.
Unfortunately by this time, my back was bothering me enough that I had to sit down. My legs went numb and I got the painful pins and needles tingling. I asked Dad how much more he wanted to do. He asked if I was done and ready to go. I said for today I think I was. He finished cleaning the bathroom sink and we called it quits!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Donna's Miserable Life - Parts VIII
Why You Don't Leave the Microwave Unattended
As if you all haven't had enough of my stories today, here's one more (well, two more, but they're connected).
Dayna and I went through a rough patch a few years ago. Life was tough, we had lots of stress, and we just couldn't handle it anymore. One afternoon as I went for a nap, I figured, "She's 12, she'll be ok for an hour." Boy was I wrong. I woke up to the smell of smoke, jumped out of bed, and proceeded to panic!
As I reached the kitchen, there's my daughter standing at the microwave. There was smoke. The smoke alarms were screaming their warning. I asked what she did. She explained she was making bacon. I said it wasn't working!
I opened the microwave and the paper plate of a whole pound of bacon burst into flames! With a little quick thinking I grabbed it and dashed out the back door. I threw the plate down in a puddle from the morning's rain! Whew! One point for Momma.
About a month later, I needed to return Library books. If anyone knows my daughter, they know she reads! A lot! The girl can go through 7 books in like 4-5 days, if they're Manga's she can go through 4 in one day! I asked Dayna if she'd like to come with me. She said no. I left her home while I went about 4 miles to the library.
When I returned home, I walked in the back door and smelled burnt stuff. All the windows were open. Confused, I asked Dayna what happened. True to form she replied that she didn't know. Then on the kitchen window sill I spotted the evidence. There sat a melted tupperwear container with little charbroiled looking pieces of something. I asked Dayna what she tried eating. She said, "Chicken." Apparently she attempted microwaving chicken and the microwave put it on for 1 hour instead of one minute.
This is why Kristin won't leave Dayna alone with the microwave. She's much better with a frying pan and some tortillas and cheese. The kid makes a great quesadilla!
As if you all haven't had enough of my stories today, here's one more (well, two more, but they're connected).
Dayna and I went through a rough patch a few years ago. Life was tough, we had lots of stress, and we just couldn't handle it anymore. One afternoon as I went for a nap, I figured, "She's 12, she'll be ok for an hour." Boy was I wrong. I woke up to the smell of smoke, jumped out of bed, and proceeded to panic!
As I reached the kitchen, there's my daughter standing at the microwave. There was smoke. The smoke alarms were screaming their warning. I asked what she did. She explained she was making bacon. I said it wasn't working!
I opened the microwave and the paper plate of a whole pound of bacon burst into flames! With a little quick thinking I grabbed it and dashed out the back door. I threw the plate down in a puddle from the morning's rain! Whew! One point for Momma.
About a month later, I needed to return Library books. If anyone knows my daughter, they know she reads! A lot! The girl can go through 7 books in like 4-5 days, if they're Manga's she can go through 4 in one day! I asked Dayna if she'd like to come with me. She said no. I left her home while I went about 4 miles to the library.
When I returned home, I walked in the back door and smelled burnt stuff. All the windows were open. Confused, I asked Dayna what happened. True to form she replied that she didn't know. Then on the kitchen window sill I spotted the evidence. There sat a melted tupperwear container with little charbroiled looking pieces of something. I asked Dayna what she tried eating. She said, "Chicken." Apparently she attempted microwaving chicken and the microwave put it on for 1 hour instead of one minute.
This is why Kristin won't leave Dayna alone with the microwave. She's much better with a frying pan and some tortillas and cheese. The kid makes a great quesadilla!
Donna's Miserable Life - Parts VII
Donna's Miserable Life - Part VII
Burnin' Down the House!
Now, this is the adventure of adventures! We find out starlet awake on her day off at 7:30am (for some ungodly reason that has yet to be explained) and accomplishing her "chores" by 8am! Talk about productive! She gets her paperwork ready for work, FAXES it (rather than forgetting to), and stuffs it in an envelope all ready to mail out on Monday (simply because she isn't used to being off on Saturday's and forgot there is mail delivery today). She gets four loads of laundry done, does dishes, and even remembers to get more toilet paper from the basement to restock the bathroom. After putting away laundry, she grabs a nice big 30 gallon garbage bag and makes her way into the living room to "pack up" Dayna's "recreational activites (read as: Throw out all Dayna's stuff, again). But... ***Dunt dunt dun dun*** upon arrival to the living room, she notices a funky smell. ***Sniff, sniff*** Woodsy? Incense?? Burning!!! But what...?
She wanders around, frantically unplugging anything (and everything) that can be unplugged. She runs room to room trying to figure out where this odor is coming from! She sees no flame...no smoke... She ventures outside, possibly someone is BBQ'ing? (Why they'd BBQ a wooden log is beyond me, but hey...stranger things have happened). No unusual smells outside. Uh Oh! That means it's IN the house!!!
Back to the living room! Dayna's recreational activity has permeated every corner (and much of the sides and center as well) ***Pan room to illustrate*** Garbage bag in hand, our starlet sets out on the impossible task! After finishing one corner, she remembers..."The Room"... The Room has been off limits for over a month now, for Certain Death lie in wait on the other side. Could it be? It can't be! Maybe? No!
Our starlet drops everything, stands and begins clearing a path to The Room! She throws aside a stereo speaker, eyes a smashed computer monitor and (carefully) avoids it's attack, she steps on several other vicious creatures on her way!!! (Folders, papers, empty bags, markers, a whole swarm of dirty clothing...did I mention this episode is PG 13? Discretion is advised.) The smell is worse the closer she gets! She runs (as best she can jumping over more obstacles) to the electric socket, and pulls all the plugs! She turns to face the other socket... ***suspenseful music here*** there it is! The lavender lamp from the dresser, now on it's side on the floor (presumably knocked over by Charlie, our cat), still ON!!! ***Freaky music*** Our Starlet, taking care of business by her self (as usual), rights the lamp, and pulls the plug, and proceeds to stamp out the smoldering carpet!!! The bravery, the valor, the courage!
Burnin' Down the House!
Now, this is the adventure of adventures! We find out starlet awake on her day off at 7:30am (for some ungodly reason that has yet to be explained) and accomplishing her "chores" by 8am! Talk about productive! She gets her paperwork ready for work, FAXES it (rather than forgetting to), and stuffs it in an envelope all ready to mail out on Monday (simply because she isn't used to being off on Saturday's and forgot there is mail delivery today). She gets four loads of laundry done, does dishes, and even remembers to get more toilet paper from the basement to restock the bathroom. After putting away laundry, she grabs a nice big 30 gallon garbage bag and makes her way into the living room to "pack up" Dayna's "recreational activites (read as: Throw out all Dayna's stuff, again). But... ***Dunt dunt dun dun*** upon arrival to the living room, she notices a funky smell. ***Sniff, sniff*** Woodsy? Incense?? Burning!!! But what...?
She wanders around, frantically unplugging anything (and everything) that can be unplugged. She runs room to room trying to figure out where this odor is coming from! She sees no flame...no smoke... She ventures outside, possibly someone is BBQ'ing? (Why they'd BBQ a wooden log is beyond me, but hey...stranger things have happened). No unusual smells outside. Uh Oh! That means it's IN the house!!!
Back to the living room! Dayna's recreational activity has permeated every corner (and much of the sides and center as well) ***Pan room to illustrate*** Garbage bag in hand, our starlet sets out on the impossible task! After finishing one corner, she remembers..."The Room"... The Room has been off limits for over a month now, for Certain Death lie in wait on the other side. Could it be? It can't be! Maybe? No!
Our starlet drops everything, stands and begins clearing a path to The Room! She throws aside a stereo speaker, eyes a smashed computer monitor and (carefully) avoids it's attack, she steps on several other vicious creatures on her way!!! (Folders, papers, empty bags, markers, a whole swarm of dirty clothing...did I mention this episode is PG 13? Discretion is advised.) The smell is worse the closer she gets! She runs (as best she can jumping over more obstacles) to the electric socket, and pulls all the plugs! She turns to face the other socket... ***suspenseful music here*** there it is! The lavender lamp from the dresser, now on it's side on the floor (presumably knocked over by Charlie, our cat), still ON!!! ***Freaky music*** Our Starlet, taking care of business by her self (as usual), rights the lamp, and pulls the plug, and proceeds to stamp out the smoldering carpet!!! The bravery, the valor, the courage!
Donna's Miserable Life - Part IV
(Still June 2007, same week)
Work, Work, Work
Unfortunately, due to federal HIPAA regulations, I cannot disclose much of anything that happens in Part IV here. However, I think I can say 32 patients, 4 RN, 1 nurse's aide...anyone in healthcare can pretty much figure that one out. 14-1/2 hours later Donna makes it home...beat!
Donna's Miserable Life - Part V
The White Stuff
Our story begins as Donna arrives home from Part IV's day at work. Finally glad to be home, achey and tired and hungry (survived on a cup of coffee and a half a turkey sandwich), she enters the back door and yells the equivalent of, "Honey, I'm home!" to her 12 year old daughter. No response. Then... ***play more freaky suspense music here*** she sees the horror that is her home! White powder!!! It's on the floor of the back hall! There's also some glue type stuff stuck to the floor! She takes a step further...it's covering the bathroom!!! What IS it?!?!? She turns, the kitchen...it's covering that too!!! ***Do some funky camera shots of the room, zoom in and out as necessary for effect*** The bedroom had been attacked, too! The carpet, the floors, the bedsheets and comforter! Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! We find Dayna sitting at the computer in the living room with the TV on. When asked what happened, she responds simply, "I dunno..." Will our starlet ever find the culprit? Will our starlet ever identify the mysterious white powder? Will our starlet stop crying before work tomorrow? Tune in to find out!
Donna's Miserable Life - Part VI
Kuato
Let's just say it's Tegadermed and someone suggested I name it Kuato.
(Still June 2007, same week)
Work, Work, Work
Unfortunately, due to federal HIPAA regulations, I cannot disclose much of anything that happens in Part IV here. However, I think I can say 32 patients, 4 RN, 1 nurse's aide...anyone in healthcare can pretty much figure that one out. 14-1/2 hours later Donna makes it home...beat!
Donna's Miserable Life - Part V
The White Stuff
Our story begins as Donna arrives home from Part IV's day at work. Finally glad to be home, achey and tired and hungry (survived on a cup of coffee and a half a turkey sandwich), she enters the back door and yells the equivalent of, "Honey, I'm home!" to her 12 year old daughter. No response. Then... ***play more freaky suspense music here*** she sees the horror that is her home! White powder!!! It's on the floor of the back hall! There's also some glue type stuff stuck to the floor! She takes a step further...it's covering the bathroom!!! What IS it?!?!? She turns, the kitchen...it's covering that too!!! ***Do some funky camera shots of the room, zoom in and out as necessary for effect*** The bedroom had been attacked, too! The carpet, the floors, the bedsheets and comforter! Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! We find Dayna sitting at the computer in the living room with the TV on. When asked what happened, she responds simply, "I dunno..." Will our starlet ever find the culprit? Will our starlet ever identify the mysterious white powder? Will our starlet stop crying before work tomorrow? Tune in to find out!
Donna's Miserable Life - Part VI
Kuato
Let's just say it's Tegadermed and someone suggested I name it Kuato.
Donna's Miserable Life - Parts I - III
Donna's Miserable Life - Part I (June 2007)
Fantastic Dad To The Rescue!
In this adventure, we find Donna taking the car into the shop. The list of ailments THIS time: Multiple lights on dash (Service vehicle soon, anti-lock brakes, traction off, washer fluid low, low tire pressure - some Not new, but recurring, yet again!), a funny noise, a strange grind when turning right, license plate light bulb out (can't figure out how to get the damn thing out), and wiper blades need changing (didn't look like the proper size bought based off the book in pep boys was fitting), and the passenger window doesn't always like to go up. The run down: left hub shot ($500+), oil change (don't remember $$), bulb (No charge, they felt bad the wait was so long), wipers were wrong size, motor in window shot ($300+). Also, the service mgr found the plugs and wires needed to be changed...but the belts and hoses could wait. $1082.46. In this episode we also see Fantastic Dad come to rescue of our starlet and save her from sitting another 3 hours in the service center, he also loans her his car for work the following day and (If that weren't enough) helps pay for the repairs!!! ***Applause for Fantastic Dad Here!***
Donna's Miserable Life - Part II
I Need a Maid
In this episode we hear Donna's central air conditioning unit making very strange humming and buzzing noises! Oh no! Whatever shall we do? (Seriously, up until a few days ago, it was hot!) This warrants a call to the Landlord's Mother!!! ***Play freaky suspense music here*** No problem! The repair men will be there Wednesday right after Donna gets home from work! Fantastic! But...***dunt dunt dun dun!!! (gong here if available)*** they need to get into the attic!!! This requires massive amounts of cleaning in order for the attic to be accessible. There goes Donna's weekend. For the next three days we find our starlet cleaning and cleaning and cleaning (and finding stuff she never hoped, dreamed, nor desired to find - except an old dance recital tape, been looking for that for ten years). No one comes to Donna's rescue in this episode. She does it all on her own!
Donna's Miserable Life - Part III
Don't Bother
Donna's darling daughter, Dayna, comes home in this episode. She is banned from all recreational activity (read as "demolishing the house") until well after the A/C repair guys come. As always, this doesn't work. Part III simply negates everything accomplished during Part II making it a total waste of time...don't watch Part II...it doesn't matter anyway! For that matter, don't watch Part III either. You can totally catch up in Part IV without having missed much of anything...cause the A/C still isn't fixed yet either!
Fantastic Dad To The Rescue!
In this adventure, we find Donna taking the car into the shop. The list of ailments THIS time: Multiple lights on dash (Service vehicle soon, anti-lock brakes, traction off, washer fluid low, low tire pressure - some Not new, but recurring, yet again!), a funny noise, a strange grind when turning right, license plate light bulb out (can't figure out how to get the damn thing out), and wiper blades need changing (didn't look like the proper size bought based off the book in pep boys was fitting), and the passenger window doesn't always like to go up. The run down: left hub shot ($500+), oil change (don't remember $$), bulb (No charge, they felt bad the wait was so long), wipers were wrong size, motor in window shot ($300+). Also, the service mgr found the plugs and wires needed to be changed...but the belts and hoses could wait. $1082.46. In this episode we also see Fantastic Dad come to rescue of our starlet and save her from sitting another 3 hours in the service center, he also loans her his car for work the following day and (If that weren't enough) helps pay for the repairs!!! ***Applause for Fantastic Dad Here!***
Donna's Miserable Life - Part II
I Need a Maid
In this episode we hear Donna's central air conditioning unit making very strange humming and buzzing noises! Oh no! Whatever shall we do? (Seriously, up until a few days ago, it was hot!) This warrants a call to the Landlord's Mother!!! ***Play freaky suspense music here*** No problem! The repair men will be there Wednesday right after Donna gets home from work! Fantastic! But...***dunt dunt dun dun!!! (gong here if available)*** they need to get into the attic!!! This requires massive amounts of cleaning in order for the attic to be accessible. There goes Donna's weekend. For the next three days we find our starlet cleaning and cleaning and cleaning (and finding stuff she never hoped, dreamed, nor desired to find - except an old dance recital tape, been looking for that for ten years). No one comes to Donna's rescue in this episode. She does it all on her own!
Donna's Miserable Life - Part III
Don't Bother
Donna's darling daughter, Dayna, comes home in this episode. She is banned from all recreational activity (read as "demolishing the house") until well after the A/C repair guys come. As always, this doesn't work. Part III simply negates everything accomplished during Part II making it a total waste of time...don't watch Part II...it doesn't matter anyway! For that matter, don't watch Part III either. You can totally catch up in Part IV without having missed much of anything...cause the A/C still isn't fixed yet either!
Memories - The Prequel
I have decided to input my previous blog stories into this blog. Enjoy!
2007 Memories
Life with Dayna was never boring.
One night I was on the computer after Dayna was in bed. I heard her get up and go to the bathroom. About twenty minutes later I smelled something. I went to inspect. I found the stove burner turned on with no flame. ACK! I smell GAS! Holy moley!
I turned off the burner and opened all the windows I could. I closed the bedroom door to protect Dayna from the fumes (the window was open for fresh air). I then proceeded to sit outside in a lawn chair until the house was sufficiently aired out...until 2-3am :-/
The Cucumber Story of '96
I don't even think Dayna was a year old yet. She was very advanced for her age - rolling over at 2 months, scooting by 4 months, climbing the stairs at 6 months, standing and running (not walking, running!) at 9 months and getting her own Froot Loops and sippy cups out of the fridge by the time she was one.
One afternoon (or evening, it was a long time ago), Lisa and I were sitting in the living room chatting while Dayna watched TV (probably Lamb Chop). Suddenly, we realized Dayna was no longer in the living room with us. I hollered for her. No response. Of course not, she's a baby. I hollered some more while I got up and began looking for her.
I nearly had a heart attack when I walked into the kitchen to find my "baby" sitting on the floor straddling a cucumber in one hand and a steak knife in the other. She was getting her own snack. I tried not to get to frantic while I approached her to save her from the steak knife. She was doing a wonderful job, but I had visions of missing fingers!
Cheese Head (and I don't mean a Packer's fan)
As you've seen above, my daughter was a quick one hitting those milestones. By the time she was 14 months old, I had her trained to get out of bed, get her sippy cup from the fridge, and pop in Winnie the Pooh so I could get an extra hour of sleep (well, half sleep). After Pooh was over, she would come wake me up. I wouldn't be able to get the kid to sleep until 11pm, no naps during the day, and she'd be up at 6-7am.
One morning during our routine, Pooh ended and Dayna decided she wanted breakfast. She went into the fridge, got out a block of cheddar cheese and made her way to the bedroom to "wake up Momma." Momma was in for a rude awakening. My darling daughter didn't just wake me up, she clobbered me! She threw the cheese at my head, said, "Cheese!" and then looked at me expectantly grinning. If it wasn't the first time she said "cheese," I'd have been really upset!
Don't buy glass baby bottles
When Dayna was little, I used to buy the little glass 4 oz bottles of apple juice for her. I washed and reused them for a long time. Sometimes while we laid in bed (because my kid never liked the crib and the bed was the only place I could get her to sleep) she would have a little water bottle.
One night while we were laying in bed, she was drinking her bottle, I was dozing. Imagine my rude awakening, if you will, of my little one swinging her hand back holding the nipple of the bottle while saying, "More!" As my luck would have it, the glass bottle smashed into my eyebrow bone and sent me into tears and seeing stars!
I never bought, nor used, glass baby bottles after that. Can ya see why?
Please don't be in the pool!
When Dayna was about three years old, we had some company over. All of the adults were in the kitchen playing Spades. Every so often I would go check on Dayna while she played in the living room. For a few hours that worked out well. Then one time, Dayna no longer appeared in the living room.
I hollered for her. No response. (Do we see a trend here?) I ran through the house hollering. Still no response. I sent someone to the store to see if she went for cheese doodles (she had a habit of wandering to the store three houses down to get 25 cent bags of chips). Everyone else was wandering around looking for her. I ran out to the backyard in tears and grabbed the skimmer. The pool was green at that time (either early in the season or late in the season, I can't remember). I cried my eyes out while I dug through the pool thinking, "Please don't be in the pool, Please don't be in the pool!"
I ran back into the house crying and hollering for her. As I walked aimlessly through the living room I heard a giggle. A giggle! Where is it coming from? "Dayna?" Another giggle. The TV! The TV is giggling at me? "Dayna Leigh!" She poked her head out from behind the TV laughing and smiling! I didn't know whether to yell at her or hug her. I opted for hugging.
The intelligence of a three year old
I have learned a lot from my daughter over the years.
For instance, remember when the gear shifter of the car was made from those little broom bristles? Did you know that's a piggy bank? Me neither, until Dayna started dropping coins into it.
Did you know that if we didn't have skeletons we'd look like jelly fish? I hadn't put that one together until my daughter told me.
One of my favorite stories is when Dayna was about three years old. It was morning, early morning. I put the kettle on for a cup o' instant java, Momma's wake up juice. Dayna came into the kitchen and said, "Momma, can I...wait. Have you had your coffee yet?"
I groggily said, "No."
My snarky daughter looked at me and simply said, "I'll come back later," and walked back to the living room. Ah, I trained her well! She's the best!
----
There are numerous other stories I can tell. Once I have some more time and remember them, I shall update this.
2007 Memories
Life with Dayna was never boring.
One night I was on the computer after Dayna was in bed. I heard her get up and go to the bathroom. About twenty minutes later I smelled something. I went to inspect. I found the stove burner turned on with no flame. ACK! I smell GAS! Holy moley!
I turned off the burner and opened all the windows I could. I closed the bedroom door to protect Dayna from the fumes (the window was open for fresh air). I then proceeded to sit outside in a lawn chair until the house was sufficiently aired out...until 2-3am :-/
The Cucumber Story of '96
I don't even think Dayna was a year old yet. She was very advanced for her age - rolling over at 2 months, scooting by 4 months, climbing the stairs at 6 months, standing and running (not walking, running!) at 9 months and getting her own Froot Loops and sippy cups out of the fridge by the time she was one.
One afternoon (or evening, it was a long time ago), Lisa and I were sitting in the living room chatting while Dayna watched TV (probably Lamb Chop). Suddenly, we realized Dayna was no longer in the living room with us. I hollered for her. No response. Of course not, she's a baby. I hollered some more while I got up and began looking for her.
I nearly had a heart attack when I walked into the kitchen to find my "baby" sitting on the floor straddling a cucumber in one hand and a steak knife in the other. She was getting her own snack. I tried not to get to frantic while I approached her to save her from the steak knife. She was doing a wonderful job, but I had visions of missing fingers!
Cheese Head (and I don't mean a Packer's fan)
As you've seen above, my daughter was a quick one hitting those milestones. By the time she was 14 months old, I had her trained to get out of bed, get her sippy cup from the fridge, and pop in Winnie the Pooh so I could get an extra hour of sleep (well, half sleep). After Pooh was over, she would come wake me up. I wouldn't be able to get the kid to sleep until 11pm, no naps during the day, and she'd be up at 6-7am.
One morning during our routine, Pooh ended and Dayna decided she wanted breakfast. She went into the fridge, got out a block of cheddar cheese and made her way to the bedroom to "wake up Momma." Momma was in for a rude awakening. My darling daughter didn't just wake me up, she clobbered me! She threw the cheese at my head, said, "Cheese!" and then looked at me expectantly grinning. If it wasn't the first time she said "cheese," I'd have been really upset!
Don't buy glass baby bottles
When Dayna was little, I used to buy the little glass 4 oz bottles of apple juice for her. I washed and reused them for a long time. Sometimes while we laid in bed (because my kid never liked the crib and the bed was the only place I could get her to sleep) she would have a little water bottle.
One night while we were laying in bed, she was drinking her bottle, I was dozing. Imagine my rude awakening, if you will, of my little one swinging her hand back holding the nipple of the bottle while saying, "More!" As my luck would have it, the glass bottle smashed into my eyebrow bone and sent me into tears and seeing stars!
I never bought, nor used, glass baby bottles after that. Can ya see why?
Please don't be in the pool!
When Dayna was about three years old, we had some company over. All of the adults were in the kitchen playing Spades. Every so often I would go check on Dayna while she played in the living room. For a few hours that worked out well. Then one time, Dayna no longer appeared in the living room.
I hollered for her. No response. (Do we see a trend here?) I ran through the house hollering. Still no response. I sent someone to the store to see if she went for cheese doodles (she had a habit of wandering to the store three houses down to get 25 cent bags of chips). Everyone else was wandering around looking for her. I ran out to the backyard in tears and grabbed the skimmer. The pool was green at that time (either early in the season or late in the season, I can't remember). I cried my eyes out while I dug through the pool thinking, "Please don't be in the pool, Please don't be in the pool!"
I ran back into the house crying and hollering for her. As I walked aimlessly through the living room I heard a giggle. A giggle! Where is it coming from? "Dayna?" Another giggle. The TV! The TV is giggling at me? "Dayna Leigh!" She poked her head out from behind the TV laughing and smiling! I didn't know whether to yell at her or hug her. I opted for hugging.
The intelligence of a three year old
I have learned a lot from my daughter over the years.
For instance, remember when the gear shifter of the car was made from those little broom bristles? Did you know that's a piggy bank? Me neither, until Dayna started dropping coins into it.
Did you know that if we didn't have skeletons we'd look like jelly fish? I hadn't put that one together until my daughter told me.
One of my favorite stories is when Dayna was about three years old. It was morning, early morning. I put the kettle on for a cup o' instant java, Momma's wake up juice. Dayna came into the kitchen and said, "Momma, can I...wait. Have you had your coffee yet?"
I groggily said, "No."
My snarky daughter looked at me and simply said, "I'll come back later," and walked back to the living room. Ah, I trained her well! She's the best!
----
There are numerous other stories I can tell. Once I have some more time and remember them, I shall update this.
Donna's miserable Life - Part IX
Home Sweet Home
Upon initial inspection of the apartment, the following issues were noted:
1. Apartment smells like mildew/mold.
2. Screen broken on patio door (falls off track when you move it).
3. Vertical blinds broken.
4. Air conditioner old and dirty, won't plug in.
5. Soft spot noted on floor at living room / dining room junction.
6. Second closet - no rod; broom, mop & bucket inside.
7. Dilapidated table and chairs in dining area.
8. Broken door knob on linen closet.
9. Mildew/mold in tub; shower curtain rod filthy.
10. Drain not attached in tub; slow drain.
11. Vanity cabinet has a lot of water damage; falling apart; smells.
12. Sink drain does not stop up water.
13. Bathroom wall has a lot of old spackle.
14. bathroom not painted; very very dim lighting. (I'll be showering practically in the dark the way it is)
15. Bathroom radiator rusty.
16. Bathroom ceiling grate rusty, very dusty.
17. No control of water pressure in shower.
18. Old toilet paper tube and paper towel left in sink.
19. Wrong size toilet seat.
20. Cracked bedroom window.
21. Bedroom heater rusty and dirty.
22. Bedroom not painted; dirt on wall; dirty blinds on floor.
23. Kitchen floor peeling up.
24. Refrigerator outside rusty and moldy; inside dirty.
25. Vinyl counter covering peeling up by sink.
26. Cabinet handle broken; drawers not on track - fall out.
27. Electric burners on stove do not fit properly.
28. No rack in oven; last tenants cooking sheet in oven.
29. Kitchen wall filthy.
30. Sink dirty.
31. All windows filthy.
32. Kitchen and common dining room wall not painted.
Sigh!
Upon initial inspection of the apartment, the following issues were noted:
1. Apartment smells like mildew/mold.
2. Screen broken on patio door (falls off track when you move it).
3. Vertical blinds broken.
4. Air conditioner old and dirty, won't plug in.
5. Soft spot noted on floor at living room / dining room junction.
6. Second closet - no rod; broom, mop & bucket inside.
7. Dilapidated table and chairs in dining area.
8. Broken door knob on linen closet.
9. Mildew/mold in tub; shower curtain rod filthy.
10. Drain not attached in tub; slow drain.
11. Vanity cabinet has a lot of water damage; falling apart; smells.
12. Sink drain does not stop up water.
13. Bathroom wall has a lot of old spackle.
14. bathroom not painted; very very dim lighting. (I'll be showering practically in the dark the way it is)
15. Bathroom radiator rusty.
16. Bathroom ceiling grate rusty, very dusty.
17. No control of water pressure in shower.
18. Old toilet paper tube and paper towel left in sink.
19. Wrong size toilet seat.
20. Cracked bedroom window.
21. Bedroom heater rusty and dirty.
22. Bedroom not painted; dirt on wall; dirty blinds on floor.
23. Kitchen floor peeling up.
24. Refrigerator outside rusty and moldy; inside dirty.
25. Vinyl counter covering peeling up by sink.
26. Cabinet handle broken; drawers not on track - fall out.
27. Electric burners on stove do not fit properly.
28. No rack in oven; last tenants cooking sheet in oven.
29. Kitchen wall filthy.
30. Sink dirty.
31. All windows filthy.
32. Kitchen and common dining room wall not painted.
Sigh!
WOW! Just wow!
A lot has happened since my last post. You all know I was evicted. You all know the chaos of the move. I spent two months on my mother's couch and dealing with the run-around from social services. Let's just say "service" should not be their second name! Ocean County canceled me since my mother's couch happens to reside in Monmouth County. They told me to go there. I went to Monmouth County and was told, "since you became homeless in Ocean County, they are legally responsible for you." The lady gave me the phone number for legal services and told me if they didn't help me in Ocean to call for advocacy and representation. Sigh.
Back to Ocean County I went. They told me I was living at my mother's. I told them no, I'm sleeping on her couch because she doesn't want me on the street, I cannot live there. The case worker for General Assistance, Food Stamps, and Medicaid gave me a hard time. I cried and said since my Medicaid was cut I have been off my meds and I can't understand what I am doing wrong or what I am supposed to be doing but I need help! Then she helped me. The benefit of being a psych case and having a psychiatrist fill out your Medical Disability form...
Then I went to Special Response. Initially it didn't look like they were going to help me. I said, "So where am I supposed to go for help? maybe I am in the wrong place and I should be somewhere else. Where do people usually go when they become disabled and homeless?" The case worker put me in a motel in Seaside Heights. I guess I was in the right place and God was watching out again. He gave me a good case worker who could help me.
I spent two months in the motel. Then I had an appointment with a Social Worker. She called a landlord on their list. He had an apartment available for July 1st. YAY! He sent over all the paperwork, I saw the Superintendent's apartment as a "model" and signed the lease for one year. The CO came in on Tuesday, I picked up the key Thursday morning! YAY!
NOT YAY! The apartment is a DIVE! I brought Dad down to inspect it with me. See the next post for the list of repairs needed. I called the social worker, she's out until Tuesday. I called the case worker, he doesn't reply to messages and never answers the phone. I drove down and got hit with a ton of shore traffic so missed Social Services. I called the Super. He said he can't fix anything unless the landlord tells him to because he needs to be paid. I called the Landlord. He listened to my major complaints about the bathroom and kitchen. He said he'd call me back to go over all of it, he sounded surprised there were maintenance issues. He never called back. I have decided he has until Tuesday to call me before I bring this list to my social worker Tuesday morning. In the meantime, I am sleeping on my mother's couch again. My wonderful luck...
Back to Ocean County I went. They told me I was living at my mother's. I told them no, I'm sleeping on her couch because she doesn't want me on the street, I cannot live there. The case worker for General Assistance, Food Stamps, and Medicaid gave me a hard time. I cried and said since my Medicaid was cut I have been off my meds and I can't understand what I am doing wrong or what I am supposed to be doing but I need help! Then she helped me. The benefit of being a psych case and having a psychiatrist fill out your Medical Disability form...
Then I went to Special Response. Initially it didn't look like they were going to help me. I said, "So where am I supposed to go for help? maybe I am in the wrong place and I should be somewhere else. Where do people usually go when they become disabled and homeless?" The case worker put me in a motel in Seaside Heights. I guess I was in the right place and God was watching out again. He gave me a good case worker who could help me.
I spent two months in the motel. Then I had an appointment with a Social Worker. She called a landlord on their list. He had an apartment available for July 1st. YAY! He sent over all the paperwork, I saw the Superintendent's apartment as a "model" and signed the lease for one year. The CO came in on Tuesday, I picked up the key Thursday morning! YAY!
NOT YAY! The apartment is a DIVE! I brought Dad down to inspect it with me. See the next post for the list of repairs needed. I called the social worker, she's out until Tuesday. I called the case worker, he doesn't reply to messages and never answers the phone. I drove down and got hit with a ton of shore traffic so missed Social Services. I called the Super. He said he can't fix anything unless the landlord tells him to because he needs to be paid. I called the Landlord. He listened to my major complaints about the bathroom and kitchen. He said he'd call me back to go over all of it, he sounded surprised there were maintenance issues. He never called back. I have decided he has until Tuesday to call me before I bring this list to my social worker Tuesday morning. In the meantime, I am sleeping on my mother's couch again. My wonderful luck...
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