Chinchilla Land

Well I purchased a new cage for the chinchilla’s. It came with out any problems. The wheel however is still outstanding. It is supposed to get here on Thursday, but the ups tracking # that says it will be here has it departing WA last Tuesday and no other notes as arrivals or departures. It needs to get to mt olive today to get to me tomorrow, not that I can get home to sign for the package. And if they leave it at the main office of the Apartment complex I may never get it (Pat would have to get home early). But it’s the last piece, once I have that my chins will have a happy and complete home.

If you can’t tell by the last paragraph we now have a new chinchilla. Chinchilla #2 does not yet have a name (we got her Thursday) It’s either Pink or Fluffer nutter or Nutty. I’ll let you know as soon as we decide.

This weekend we went to Rochester to pick up my car. It is finally fixed and sounding much better (it was an exhaust leak) though not 100%. My ac condenser will need to be replaced at some point, at least the AC works. I shouldn’t need to actually replace it anytime soon. Anyway it was nice and relaxing I got to spend time talking with my sister in law (in the pool). And have dinner with my family. Saturday night we had fireworks to light off, it was fun. We got home Sunday and still had 2 more days off. Other then putting above mentioned cage together and light cleaning, I just relaxed.

The Wheel

I ordered a nice chinchilla wheel for Gizmo. Pat was fine with this, as a matter of fact I did such good job selling him on the idea and showing my excitement that it would arrive this week, it backfired.

The shipping address I used was my business address, silly me the name of the business was not included. This delayed the packages delivery (I have to pick it up from the post office today). Pat was upset last night arguing with me about the fact that the wheel was not in. I was irresponsible and bla bla bla. It was obvious that he had had a bad day considering that he really never before last night showed any interest in said wheel. I hate fighting over insignificant stuff it’s a waste, our lives are not going to be changed significantly because of the wheel, though hopefully Gizmo will love it.

The Good and The Bad

Well my Grandpa went in for additional eye surgery, my sister called me last night; my mom could not get a hold of me. At least they told me after he got home and is ok. The Dr. said it was a fluke that the 2nd surgery needed to be done so it should be all taken care of now. It’s weird that I now worry about my grandparents; they have always been very healthy. Having something start out of the blue like that really hit home I guess.

But I have good news to distract me from my worry.

I am going to be an Aunt! Becky & Doug are 3 months along!!! They just told us last night, I’m so thrilled they are going to be great parents. Was going to have Lillie make her a homemade baby blanket but she expressed desire to make it for Baby for a gift. So I will do some more shopping!

Gizmo 2

I don’t know how many times I have forgotten my medication this week, all I know is my stomach hates me!! Stupid immune system, their simply has to be a better way to teach it to get along with my colon. And for the record croissants do not go well with painful tummies.

We put Gizmo’s cage in the bedroom to see if she would go in after she was tired of running around. She did not. Hopefully after I get the flying saucer wheel thing she will not be as obsessed with being out of her cage. We let her out for 2-3 hours a day, unfortunately yesterday I chose to go through old papers and stuff which seemed to scare her and she did not run around as much. Chins are very sound sensitive especially ours. She did bark periodically through out the night which was a little annoying.

One thing that I have found that she LOVES to do, is jump on my head repeatedly in the morning. Pat lets her out when he gets up (5am) and she wakes me up by jumping on my head. She jumps like a champion, on and off the bed and from one object to another. It’s really great to see.

Still More Accident

Still no police report, I’m beside myself. I really want to get the claim filed with her insurance company (I’m worried she does not have one). I have the estimate and the date with the body shop but I need her information to go through and get it fixed. Her insurance co will want to see the car. This has been a nightmare! I know better then that I should have gotten her information; I have no idea why I did not. I guess when I asked him and he said it would be done in a few days I figured that latest Monday I would have her information. (from the police report)

In better news Gizmo seems to like us! We moved as many wires out of the bedroom as possible so she can run and play. She loves to jump and has no problem jumping on and off our bed. She even spent some time sitting on me yesterday. She still won’t jump on us so we can carry her to the bedroom but we are working on it. This morning Pat let her run around as I was trying to sleep and she ran over my face few times, it’s a strange way to wake up.

We are taking my car to Pat’s dad’s house this weekend. There is a noise coming from the engine and we are scared. It seems like we get our feet on the ground and something else screws with us, at least (so far) we have been able to manage I just hope the engine is not bad.

It Should be Pat's Fault!

What a night! Pat was still mad about the accident when I got home so we got into a fight. This rarely happens, Pat usually given time will get less upset and more able to talk. I guess what made him the most mad was how I told him about the accident. He called me and I was laughing and told him that his car was cursed (he has been in 2 accidents with it, none his fault). Laughter is not what he wanted to hear and I wouldn’t have except I just think about how many times that car has been hit by others, and adding a little stress and it was funny (you have to admit people are aiming for this car, we have only had it 2 ½ years). But I’m not hurt and we will get a rental provided for us when the time comes.

He was also mad I was using the car for business (something he does everyday). He of course expenses the miles (he drives lot), I do not do either. In the last 7 months I have driven my car maybe 10 miles for the company (Yea! 3.50, I’m rich). For the record I let my company know and I would hope they are going to help me take care of the repairs and claiming through her insurance.

The Next Day;

They have to review the file they may not do anything to help me with the accident. I apparently have to ask to use my vehicle for personal use before doing so. It actually makes me sick to think about the times I went to train some employees, or pick up marketing supplies in my own car. I didn’t think to get permission then and I do no have access to any company cars. If I had gotten hit by an uninsured driver and been injured, holly shit. Well I don’t care what they want of me after today they either bring it to me or give me a company car, f-them. (I hate it when Pat’s correct) At least this is therapeutic I wasn’t sure if I was going to scream or cry when I got off of the phone with Loss Control, I was pretty determined to go home early.

The End

So it seems that we have come to the end of the chinchilla wheel saga. I picked it up from ups last night. Yes, after all that trouble I had to drive 10 miles to pick it up from UPS. I called UPS after I missed the delivery to see if I could pick up my package (I knew I would miss the delivery because UPS refuses to deliver after 6pm). This was at 6:30, the distribution center was supposed to call me back with in the hour, 8 PM rolls around I call the 800 # again they apologized and sent another message for them to call me. 8:45 pm she calls saying she can’t find my package, she will call as soon as she found it.

It was 9pm before I left to pick it up. The distribution center is large and busy! I guess they needed to pack up for the next morning.

Any way I get home and install the wheel in the new cage, unfortunately it was not designed for my cage, but I made it work. When we put Pink (the little one) away she showed interest in the wheel but did not manage to figure out its real purpose. She would jump up and get tossed off, or ride in a circle. It was great amusement for me! Gizmo however sniffed it then let it be. I think she will learn to love it. Once they figure it out.

What A Great Day

Wow my first car accident in a long time. Why don’t people pay more attention! I was driving in the right hand lane minding my own business when this lady decided to slowly run a stop sign and take a left hand turn in front of me. She says she did not see me, Grumble. I assure you my car is not invisible. I was with a fellow employee and after the shock wore off it was fairly comical. No one was hurt.

During the accident I even went as far as nicely asking the lady to stop as I floored the brakes in my (husbands) car. It was definitely a slow motion accident, I even think my coworker herd my “NO Please Stop!” in slow motion.

My car has a significant dent in the bumper and front fender, a small crack and scratching to the fender. Her minivan was damaged! Their is a big dent from just past the drivers side door to the rear wheel well. I saw that and was soo worried about hubby’s car, I was relived to see the real damage.

So I call him to tell him and he is livid. He gets into accidents and it’s no big deal the car will get fixed (he is more upset then I am). But it finally happins to me and all hell breaks loose. I have to drive home extra careful today (I’m stressed and it’s all hubby’s fault).

Gizmo

I am infatuated with Pat’s new pet. She loves to come out and explore and play, she even takes breaks now and again to check in on us and say hi. Currently the only area that is chinchilla proof is the stairway. So we decided to let her go and see what she did. She loved it! Up and down and up and down it was crazy. She would play with us at the top landing in between the trips, but did not spend much time at the lower landing.

She does have a weird habit of bouncing off the walls (literally), once it looked like she was trying to push the wall out of the way. She does that to us when we are sitting on the top of the stairs, she is trying to get by us, I think she’s just playing because she usually just jumps on our laps. If she really wanted to I’m sure she could make it very hard for us to keep her in the stairwell. Also she doesn’t run from us fast. When she gets away it’s almost like she’s playing it cool, as if she acted like she belonged exploring the room we would forget that it wasn’t allowed.

I am working on Chinchilla proofing the bedroom, but that will take some time. I have to move the computer (which i wanted to do anyway) and try to minimize any loose wiring she can get to. I can’t wait to let her run in a whole room! It will be fun (for both of us)!

New Addition

This weekend we welcomed a new pet into our home. One of Pat’s friends had to give her up. He had too many pets and his girlfriend whom was helping him care for them (I think the chin was her idea) broke up with him (or vice versa).

She is a Chinchilla; I am a little worried bringing her home. I have traditionally had rats as pets and am quite used to spoiling them with healthy treats. Chinchilla’s can not have many treats so I will have to get used to not providing extra food for Pat’s critter. But Pat will keep me in line and I think I can find treats made out of alfalfa that may be given slightly more often. Pat named her Gizmo (as in the Gremlins movie). She’s very cute and warming up to us fast. I am chinchilla proofing a room so she can have free time, until that is done I will get her a run about ball. I really love the fact that properly cared for chins live 10-20 years.

On a negative note my car was idling funny so I took it to the shop, and the noise is coming from the engine and they can’t do anything for me so I have to take it to the dealer. I hope it’s nothing too bad!!

Why I Blog

I think most people blog because they have (or think they have) an interesting story to tell. Me? I want to remember the little things better. My memory is horrible, I loose things and forget things, and it sucks. While the blog can’t help me keep track of things, it will let me read back and remember what I write about. Occasionally I may have funny memory stories to share (if I can remember them).

Like this weekend, Pat’s mom warned me bout a strange lady who walks her dog around their street. The dog can get mean so she was telling me to stay away; I will pet anything that will let me (though I always ask owners). On Sunday at the Memorial Day picnic at Becky’s house I was talking to MIL and she said she saw me petting said dog and it was licking my face. I’m thinking (hoping) that she just mistook someone else for me because I have no recollection of petting said dog or letting any dogs lick my face. I can’t even come up with a time that it could have happened. This is either an example of my horrible memory or mistaken identity.

Business

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/CompanyFocus/WhataHugeCEOSalaryWouldBuyYou.aspx?page=2

It is strange to think the US is #1 in the pay gap between the executives and the worker bees (read above article this is paraphrased from page 2). Growing up in Rochester it always amazed me that instead of cutting the executive’s pay by a small percentage the big employers would lay off thousands of workers. At the very least they could do a combination of the 2 methods of cost reduction. From my recollection the layoffs were not because the workers became obsolete but because the company was loosing money.

In my opinion the worker bees fired have a very small impact on the company’s performance. They (for the most part) build what they are told and do not do much else. It’s the executives that determine how to market, what to build, and make the other critical decisions needed to steer the company into big profits or tremendous losses. So why is it that they are not taking the losses with the company? I understand that they are paid to work all of the time and shoulder a lot of responsibility but shouldn’t their compensation grow as the company becomes more profitable (and shrink if they post losses)?

Their is another article on MSN today about living wages, how can you be against it? One gentleman even went as far to say that the government is not taking care of these unskilled workers, why should businesses? Let me tell you. These people are WORKING for a living and trying to get by on just over 10K/year. They are productive members of society, providing a service for your company (and us consumers). Why do you feel that you can pay them less then it costs to live in any given area? I’m not rich (maybe low to mid middle class) but I can’t fathom living on only 10k/year even if you could find an apartment for less then 450/month (double that if you want to live in NJ). If you don’t pay taxes after rent you have $442.66 left for gas, a car, groceries, insurance, electric and other utilities, medical expenses, and other necessities. Is that even possible?

With all of that said it’s probably why I am not a CEO (yet), though I’m not a communist either. I don’t think everyone should be paid equally, not everyone does the same job or works as hard as everyone else.

Always Make Your Husband Proud

I needed an oil change and forgot to get it Friday, so I had it in my mind to get it done last night. Pat’s AC went last night and so we put his car in the shop instead (in hindsight an oil change is soo much more important then the AC). We rented a car for him after dropping his car off for the repairs to be done the next day. This morning my car was running a little off. This made me nervous so I pulled into a gas station and popped the hood. Now I have checked my oil before (not in this car) but I thought I knew what I was doing. I missed the obvious dip stick and went to the one hidden in the car (a little lower and more obscure); turns out I was checking the transmission fluid. My husband would be soo proud. Anyway the guy from the shop was standing next to me and pointed out my mistake (with out laughing). Then he checked my oil it was so low, I’m glad I stopped because replacing the engine is expensive! He added 3 Quarts of oil so I could make it to work. After all that I was only 15 min late.

Vacation The End

I very much needed that long weekend! It was really great seeing Ann again. It won’t be long before she is graduating from Vet school, I don’t have much more time to convince her to come to NJ to take care of the zoo I plan on acquiring as soon as I get a house. I’ll take any suggestions I can get.

I missed Sean another of our close friends, I called him too late and did not have the phone near me when he called back (dummy). I miss him.

I spent most of my time bouncing back and forth between families. I’m so grateful that I like my in-laws as much as I do. There are horror stories out there! I got a lot of gardening done with my mom. Though I didn’t help plant them I pawned some plants off on my sister in law and mother in law.

I ate soo much ice cream cake this weekend I'm sort of surprised that I'm not frozen solid! But it was yummy! I love Abbots frozen custard!

Birthday Part 2

That was about the perfect birthday!!

I can’t believe it as I have already posted the morning was great (by 8 am). I cleaned a little then ran out for 2 quick errands and a workout. The most important errand was to purchase a new DVD player, The PS2 was just not working (it normally does). I found one cheap so very happily purchased it.
The workout was great! I had all day, having taken the day off. I took my time and really enjoyed the workout. Then I come home at 11:30 to find that my husband had come home really early because the drillers equipment was not working, they could not work. He had some work to do at home as I showered and broke in the new DVD player. (He took a little longer then I would have liked but it was work that he had to do).

Traffic was light, and we got to Rochester by 6:30. We were supposed to be leaving then. I went to dinner with my in-laws, P stayed behind to watch hockey. After dinner they drove out of their way to my parents house.

I got to surprise my sister and share birthday cake with her (it’s been a while). Who shows up but A one of our best friends growing up. It was great to see her! Her little brother graduated from collage today (holy crap I’m old). Oh and his wedding is in 7 months! I’m soo happy for him.

It's My Birthday

Happy Birthday to me!
Happy Birthday to me!
Happy Birthday Dear S
Happy Birthday to me!

____________________

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday dear L!
Happy Birthday to you!

What a great day! I took the day off so I can relax and pack for our long weekend trip. I know I will end up doing a good bit of cleaning today, but I’m ok with that.

My wonderful husband got me exactly what I wanted and even let me open it last night. I’m assuming he did that so he would not have to wake me this morning when he got up for work. Which he did a splendid job of avoiding! I just wish it had worked; I still woke up around 7 am, why oh why can’t I sleep in?

I’m looking forward to a relaxing day that will just get better when I figure out how to get my new DVD’s to work in the Play station 2.Time to go and enjoy my birthday!

A Love-Hate Relationship

I LOVE surprises, today I also hate them! I was on the phone with my boss today discussing a logistical issue, (wow I made that sound important) when he let me in on a little secret. He’s got a surprise for me, which he will give me on Thursday. . . HRM. It’s got to be a good surprise but my only guess is that I got a bonus (that I already knew about) and he’s bringing it to me on Thursday. That also makes me think, I knew the bonus was coming so that can’t be it. Someone help me out what is it!!!

On an interesting note Pat and I got at least an hour of free entertainment from the squirrels that live in our apartment’s attic. (Management knows about them and as long as they don’t care I don’t care. I’m sitting at my computer lurking on one of the many blogs linked on my blog, when I hear the strangest sound outside the window. I turn around to see a huge squirrel butt and tail hanging off of the screen. Now I should tell you we live on the 2nd floor. The only way up is one of two bushes, one on either side of the window (but at least a foot or two away). So I scream for Pat to come look and of course the squirrel leaps back to the bush. We stood there for 15-20 minutes when it came back crawling across the window then up to the top of the screen. We could have pet the furry little thing, if we wanted rabies and the glass were not in the way. After that we had to stand at the window like idiots to see if the squirrel would do it again. Sadly they all went home and we were left with out entertainment. And me with out a photo, sigh.

What A Lucky Wife I Am

This weekend I got a very special treat from my husband. On the way back from a Rock/ Mineral show we got to stop at Jimmy John’s. The sandwich shop is about an hour and a half from home but not to far off of our path returning home from the show. Jimmy Johns Stays mostly near university’s and was a collage favorite of P and me (though I think they are spreading to regular communities). It was just as good as we remembered.

We also stopped by Wegmans. Anyone with this fine grocery store nearby knows why this is a HUGE deal. It is simply the best grocery store in the US. It has everything you could need including many prepared dishes ready to go if you are so inclined. The food is delicious and the deserts are decadent. It also carries items that can be harder to find elsewhere. Many favorites growing up in Rochester are sold at these stores such as Country sweet, Dinosaur BBQ and many yummy cheeses. Growing up in Rochester we take any visiting friends and family to Wegmans and they are always impressed. Yes their is allot of other stuff to do in Rochester this place is just that impressive.

It is wonderful to go to Wegmans again, I feel so close to home and I get great food!

What's Your Bra Size

Is today national get your real bra size day? I went to shopping today and 2 of the 3 clothing stores (not counting target that sells everything), were offering to check your bra size free. Apparently it’s a national epidemic women are wearing the wrong sizes. I suppose it can cause some problems but seriously what is with today? Someone educate me as to the significance of today.

I have no idea why but my morning of shopping wiped me out. Figuring it would be best to do the grocery shopping before going home, Tired and hungry I went grocery shopping. Everyone knows that going hungry is a bad idea, I got plenty of food for two people. Thankfully I managed to restrain myself when it came to the junk food. I felt I had done very well until it came to pay, sigh. The tiredness kicked in and the wrong card was used to pay the bill. I used the spending account money which was not there. Why didn’t it decline? I would like to know, but am looking forward to the charge on my account.

*update*

The grocery store was nice enough to switch the payment to the correct card, after I realized what had happened 30 min later. Where was my brain today? It’s sunny, maybe it took a vacation.

Money

Money is a recurring problem in my marriage. I am a chronic saver, He is a chronic Spender. This provides us hours of entertainment (read fighting). WE (I) came to an agreement with the husband that I would take X amount of spending money every month and leave him with a little more then X. I try to take it right away so he can’t spend it or forget that I have not taken it all out yet. Last night I took the remaining balance out which lead to some entertainment. (Note when a significant other has a bad day do not do something that will piss them off).

First Pat was worried that a few checks would not go through, once he found out they were safely cashed, he could be irritated that he did not have much money left over. This of course is my fault. I being a saver had more then I needed so I offered him some of my extra $, thinking that it would make him happy. Pat being in a bad mood before I offered said peace treaty was still not happy. Once the idea warmed on him he agreed, then asked if I could keep the money until he needed it. Why? Because I will ask questions as to why he needs the money and to quote Pat “you won’t always take my pin code”. Sigh

Good News

I have two corrections to be made courtesy of my beautiful twin. I am apparently not a hypochondriac because I feel better after being pronounced healthy. Personally I think because I diagnose myself with maladies (such as hypochondria) I can proudly claim to be a hypochondriac. The other is that the surgery was Major eye surgery for Grandpa I thought that because he was not going to be fully sedated it was not major. I apologize, I was wrong!

Well He definitely made it out of the surgery fine! Only time will tell how much sight he gets back in his eye. He’s a trooper and I need to visit them again soon. I feel like a horrible granddaughter the last time I drove down (4 hrs) was over, well I don’t remember. I got a surprise 3 day weekend and drove down to see them. I will just have to create my own 3 day weekend and go to see them, I deserve a vacation day and they deserve to see me!

Grandpa's Surgery

My Grandfather is going in for surgery as I am writing this right now. It’s not a Major surgery, but how minor can any surgery be at 87. My mom volunteered to go out and help but they felt everything was under control. I would feel better if she could be there; I know all she could offer is some moral support, along with her mother powers. As a mother I think she has special healing qualities. Together moms and Grandma’s can cure anything!


- later today -

No calls form anyone so I’m assuming everything is fine. I can’t wait to call them tonight just to make sure.

A great day for a Dr. or two

A great day!

I had two Dr’s appointments yesterday. And one lingering question, when did they start doing an EKG in an annual health physical? They even said they did not think they would find anything it was just the new yearly thing to do. It’s just strange, I always thought of EKG’s as post heart attack things. Though a little help from Google and Web MD I found out they can find all sorts of fun stuff. I know they were not expecting to find anything but it still seems strange. Anyway I was proclaimed healthy today, YEA!

I am a self proclaimed hypochondriac; I suppose anyone that needs a diagnosis for hypochondria is an armature. Me, I'll settle for self proclaimed, but I guess I can believe I am fully healthy after an EKG. I figured if I go to the Dr.’s every year as I should (and do with the Gyn and Gastroenterologist). It will help keep me healthy and no more needless worrying.

I also had a wonderful dentist appointment, to cap or crown (whatever they do) the tooth that just got a root canal. This was almost as fun as the root canal with out the benefits of narcotics (though not much pain was involved). That was the most expensive skiing ‘trip’ I have ever taken. Maybe next year I will stay on my feet (or skis).

Messy Apartment

Yesterday Pat got to work from home (his site inspection was nearby). I come home to him telling me he cleaned. Something any wife would be happy to hear, but I had already walked around the (dirty) apartment. I gave him a confused look and asked exactly where he had cleaned, the kitchen of course!

Let me interject with the fact that the dish washer was full of clean dishes and the counters full of dirty ones. The counters were not wiped down, the floor was not washed.
So by now you may be wondering as I was what exactly he cleaned. He put a few things away (so he says). Maybe this is part of our cleanliness problem. I think it’s dirty but get sick of cleaning it myself and he thinks it is perfectly clean. For the record I cleaned the kitchen so he could see what I meant by clean.

It only took one year for me to screw up my brother in law’s name. I do not know why it happened but I was talking to my sister and I called her husband Justin (his name is Jason). Now both my sister and myself have given my mother a healthy ration of s*&T because she has done this allot in the past, so of course my sister had to burst out laughing. After giving me the proper ration of shit we had a lovely conversation about nothing.
Sorry Jason, I think it’s genetic.