Soooo....

[Not Afraid]

Mick Chocolate toffee covered pistachios should be outlawed. But, only after they cure me of my codeine hangover.

[Kevy Baby]

Now I have visions of Mick Jagger covered in chocolate and wrapped around a pistachio

[Not Afraid]

Gimme Mick!

[Kevy Baby]

Gimme Mick!Dipped in chocolate?

[Disneyphile]

Oh, Mick, you're so fine,
You're so fine,
You blow my mind,
Hey Mick!

[katiesue]

So I just took 4 garbage bags of pine needles off my balcony. That was before I could even begin to sweep. Not a fire hazard or anything.

Ash got into the fish tank (I had it oustide drying) wonder if that will kill the fish?

[Gemini Cricket]

This is going to sound so weird and completely wiggy, but I have just seen the most beautiful man I have ever seen in my life. Honestly, I am just blown away right now... He is someone's client. But... I mean... just gorgeous... I know I've been the total horndog lately but... wow. I saw him for just a second and helped him find his way through the building... now he's gone.

I'm going to find him and marry him.

I mean, just wow.

Wow.

:blush:

[swanie]

I really need Mr. Swanie to come home soon. :mad:

The smoke detector has been chirping in our bedroom for over 2 hours. Of course it had to be the one on the vaulted ceiling that I can't reach with a ladder.

At this point I'm just glad I married someone not as vertically-challenged as me.

Chirp...chirp...chirp...

Nails on the blackboard, people.

[JWBear]

This is going to sound so weird and completely wiggy, but I have just seen the most beautiful man I have ever seen in my life. Honestly, I am just blown away right now... He is someone's client. But... I mean... just gorgeous... I know I've been the total horndog lately but... wow. I saw him for just a second and helped him find his way through the building... now he's gone.

I'm going to find him and marry him.

I mean, just wow.

Wow.

:blush:

What? No pictures?

[Gemini Cricket]

What? No pictures?
Sadly, no.

But I tells ya, JWBear... hot. Freakin' hot!
And not really my type per se...
But wow.

Young... maybe too young... but I'm just so twitterpated.
:)

[MouseWife]

Aw, GC, you do sound twitterpatted...or horny. :p

Today at work a group of firemen came through. They came through the lanes behind me. My boss and I were like 'Hey, we're open!!!' So I was able to pull one through my line...wow, I love firemen. :D

[GusGus]

Hot boiling wax: $30.

Hair being ripped out by the roots: $20.

Having a complete stranger muck around with a body part you don't show your own mother for 20 minutes: Priceless.





ouch

[Kevy Baby]

Value to your VERY appreciative husband: Immeasurable





Thank you honey!

[GusGus]

ok.... but you're putting out when I'm through!

[GusGus]

or was it "mowing the lawn?"

no wait, I just did that.

nevermind.

[katiesue]

I really need Mr. Swanie to come home soon. :mad:

The smoke detector has been chirping in our bedroom for over 2 hours. Of course it had to be the one on the vaulted ceiling that I can't reach with a ladder.

At this point I'm just glad I married someone not as vertically-challenged as me.

Chirp...chirp...chirp...

Nails on the blackboard, people.

Short people got no reason too.....short people got no reason too.....liiiive :D

[Kevy Baby]

ok.... but you're putting out when I'm through!Woosh...

That was the sound of this post going over everybody else's head.

Was that Stephanie Hodge, or some other comedian?

[swanie]

Short people got no reason too.....short people got no reason too.....liiiive :D

That took you far longer than I thought it would ;)

That being said, there's no more chirping at Casa de Swanie.

Mr. Swanie came home with a bottle of Jose Cuervo, made me a tall margarita and changed the battery on the smoke detector.

I have the BEST HUSBAND EVER.

And to make my night even better, I figured out I do in fact have access to the internet ;)

Sorry Kevy, I can't let that one go :D

[JWBear]

Sadly, no.

But I tells ya, JWBear... hot. Freakin' hot!
And not really my type per se...
But wow.

Young... maybe too young... but I'm just so twitterpated.
:)

And do we not have a cell phone??? Hmmm???? Surely you could have managed a surreptitious shot? ;)

[Disneyphile]

ouchOuch indeed! :eek:

[Gemini Cricket]

And do we not have a cell phone??? Hmmm???? Surely you could have managed a surreptitious shot? ;)
Damn.
I didn't think about it.
What a fool I be.

[Disneyphile]

Ugh. I hate it when cats fall asleep with one eye partially open, showing only the inner/white lid. It's freaky.

[MouseWife]

Woosh...

That was the sound of this post going over everybody else's head.



Ha! I doubt that.

I think we all were just giving you two, um, twitterpated folk? a bit o'privacy.

LOL I thought that 'woosh' was the sound of you catching your breath after, um, putting out tonight....:D

[CoasterMatt]

dipped in chocolate
:D

[Prudence]

I saw Spamalot tonight, and Wendybeth didn't.

That is all.

:p

[ozron]

I spent this afternoon removing a dead rat from underneath my fridge, then cleaning the kitchen floor.

At least I can breath in my apartment again!

[CoasterMatt]

Here's a tip for helping with the wonderful odor of dead rat-

Soak a rag in Listerine, and place it in the spot where said critter was found.

Helps get rid of the smell quite quickly.

[BarTopDancer]

I like the new Nickelback video for Rockstar. Gretzky is in it. :D

In other news, my foot is asleep.

[Moonliner]

Here's a tip for helping with the wonderful odor of dead rat-

Soak a rag in Listerine, and place it in the spot where said critter was found.

Helps get rid of the smell quite quickly.

The same thing works for rotting corpses. Of course you need more Listerine. Like the size you get a Costco.

[BarTopDancer]

It's drizzling in Irvine!!!!!

Hopefully it's drizzling out in the Cleveland forest as well!

[Prudence]

I leave for the airport in about 6 hours.

[katiesue]

Good luck Pru! Knock em dead.

[Snowflake]

I leave for the airport in about 6 hours.

Best of luck! I've got my fingers and toes crossed for you! :snap:

[Disneyphile]

Sending you lots of calm and clarity, Pru. :)

[libraryvixen]

Go Pru!!

[Morrigoon]

Good luck Pru!

[€uroMeinke]

So I guess "non-drowsy" means "don't even think about sleeping, and the, which I thought stood for "decongestant," really stands for dehydration.

Feh

[Motorboat Cruiser]

Premature condolences to Nephy. ;)

[lashbear]

I can't sleep because of my interview tomorrow. Bah. Bloody sleeping pill didn't work either. I'm trying a cup of Sleepytime tea.

[lashbear]

OH... and Daylight savings happened last night so my body thinks it's an hour earlier than it is. This doesn't help. :rolleyes:

[Moonliner]

I can't sleep because of my interview tomorrow. Bah. Bloody sleeping pill didn't work either. I'm trying a cup of Sleepytime tea.

I say skip the drugs and don't worry about the sleep. Adrenaline will get you through the interview and you can crash once that is over. Good luck!

[Prudence]

Pru is in Wheeling. Pru is very conflicted. Oglebay park is very nice - rather amazing, actually. The McD's across the river in Martin's Ferry serves sweet tea. Lot of trees and the colors are beautiful. The roads suck; narrow, sharp turns, and full of potholes. There are some very cool looking houses, and a lot that look like crap with the front porch falling off. The gambling place has a large parking lot. I saw more dead deer and bits of dead deer on the way here than I can count, but there were also some live deer in the park. The Dairy Queen here is just a little booth, and it and nearly everything else imaginable is closed on Sundays.

It's all very different. It's probably because I'm exhausted (been up since about 6am west coast time yesterday and it's now about 4:30pm here on the east coast) add have had 2 months to romanticize the whole notion, but I'm suddenly very homesick and loathe to move. I am probably going to go to bed before too long. I can sleep for over 12 hours! Check out is at noon and interview at 1:30.

[BarTopDancer]

Different isn't necessarily bad. We're so used to places being open 24/7 that "closed on Sunday" is nearly inconceivable.

Trust your gut - you'll make the decisions that are best for you.

[innerSpaceman]

And not really my type per se...
But wow.

Young... maybe too young...

Um, hello??

[lindyhop]

I go to a costume dance every year but I've always been one of those boring people wearing something vaguely orange and black and admiring everyone else's creativity. This year I decided to do something more creative and I bought a pair of orange and black striped tights and then tired to figure out something to go with them. I ended up making a "poodle skirt" only mine is orange with a black cat applique. This is the first sewing I've done in probably twenty years so it's taken up most of my time the past month. I wore it to the dance last night and it turned out rather well. I wore it with a black t-shirt, I made a scarf out of the skirt fabric to tie around my neck, and I found a witch's hat with orange ribbon that matched everything else perfectly: '50's sock hop witch.

:)

[CoasterMatt]

Pictures please!

[Matterhorn Fan]

Lot of trees and the colors are beautiful. The roads suck; narrow, sharp turns, and full of potholes. There are some very cool looking houses, and a lot that look like crap with the front porch falling off. The gambling place has a large parking lot. I saw more dead deer and bits of dead deer on the way here than I can count, but there were also some live deer in the park. The Dairy Queen here is just a little booth, and it and nearly everything else imaginable is closed on Sundays.You must be on the east coast...

The nice thing about stuff being closed on Sundays is that you literally can't do errands on that day. That means it's perfectly acceptable to lay around in your pajamas drinking tea all day long.

[Prudence]

You must be on the east coast...


You mean this happens everywhere over here? It's not some sort of weird backwoods blue law issue?

I suspect that the deserted streets contributed to the somewhat negative impression I got driving through this afternoon. I'm trying to keep an open mind for tomorrow - perhaps with some activity in the old downtown core it will look more "aged" and less "dilapidated."

After all, it's a great opportunity and it's only for a year. And people do live here voluntarily, so there are presumably some redeeming qualities.

And the park really was sort of spectacular. "Park" doesn't even describe it. I could totally imagine a swanky gathering involving renting a cluster of cabins and spending our days paddle boating, swimming, hiking the hills (some amazing views), touring the glass museum, watching the deer meander by totally unconcerned...

And now I think I'll take a rinse off to get rid of the travel crud, take a double dose of benedryl, and head to bed. Big day tomorrow!

[lindyhop]

You must be on the east coast...

The nice thing about stuff being closed on Sundays is that you literally can't do errands on that day. That means it's perfectly acceptable to lay around in your pajamas drinking tea all day long.

The only thing I like about Las Vegas is that you can do just about anything at any time of the day or night. I want everything to be open even if I'm in my pajamas drinking tea. What if I decide to get dressed and go buy something?

[Matterhorn Fan]

And now I think I'll take a rinse off to get rid of the travel crud, take a double dose of benedryl, and head to bed. Big day tomorrow! Good luck for your interview! :)

[katiesue]

6 pre-teens make a heck o a lot of noise. Why did I think 6 at once was a good idea?

[CoasterMatt]

They key is to use 6 pieces of duct tape, to moderate the noise, of course. :evil:

[katiesue]

Oh it got even better. Maddy decided to have them all call their parents to stay later WITHOUT ASKING ME! She's in trouble for eternity.

[Not Afraid]

Good luck Pru!

[Strangler Lewis]

Kind of a rocky start for Colorado, eh Nephy?
But we'll see what happens.
You never know.
:)

It looks extremely Mudville for the Rockies nine tonight.

[Gemini Cricket]

It looks extremely Mudville for the Rockies nine tonight.
Looks like a sweep.
:)

[RStar]

Hey GC, is that witch in your avatar selling cookies? And whats the white stuff comming out of her butt??

Cool picture!

[Gemini Cricket]

Hey GC, is that witch in your avatar selling cookies? And whats the white stuff comming out of her butt??

Cool picture!
I think that's the under lining of her dress...



SWEEP!
Sox win!!!!
:)

[Disneyphile]

Ugh. We're still moving crap. :rolleyes:

Both Ken and I are about to drop over.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Good luck Pru!

Met my new boss at the theater this weekend. Nice guy, reasonably decent looking (for a boy), and kind of a twisted sense of humor.

I like it. Of course, I'm still hearing the songs from Annie in my head, but that will go away soon.

[Scrooge McSam]

I FINALLY FOUND IT!!!

(continued from page 283)

It's been an interesting weekend. Sunday afternoon, I talked to the owner of that house I'm buying for my mother. Curiously, the owner of the house is not the lady that's wanting to sell it to me.

Late Friday afternoon, B, from my lender, calls me with bad news; Title AND attorney problems. We couldn't get an appraisal because the seller's name on the contract doesn't matching title records down at city hall. Seller told me she'd bought the property. I figure there's some records mixup which will require 9000 phone calls to clear up. So I grit my teeth for the rest of the bad news. This lady, what's her name, this M_ S_ attorney person my seller want to close with? No, lender won't be doing business with her. Not on the approved list. GRRR I try to find seller, get voice mail and leave a message. She's out of town but at least she'll know when she checks her voicemail.

So on the way home, I head out to the house to give my mom a project. She needs to make some decisions on flooring, appliances, bathroom fixtures and such and quit digging in her new Barbie dream garden. I swear if I had pulled up 5 minutes later, she'd have had those corral fenceposts she's been fussing about in her trunk. Get thee to Home Depot, woman, and lose thyself in chips and swatches and mind the loo.

Sunday was Home Depot day. Mom ran into an old friend of hers and was telling him how excited she was about her new house. This friend knew the street and the man that used to own that group of houses near the cul de sac, but he was practically sure that last house (our house) hadn't sold.

??

Three cell calls later and I'm talking to the owner... the real owner. Sure enough, the lady selling to me does not actually own the house. She's been talking to the owner about buying it. For several months she's been talking to him. But that's all she's been doing... talking. She hasn't signed a contract. In fact, the owner had given up on her and was about to start advertising again until he got an email from her dictating to him that she needed to close on the place this coming Friday at 11AM. with this M_ S_ attorney person (My closing with seller was scheduled at 2:30PM that same afternoon). The mention of M_ S_ gets an immediate reaction out of the owner. I would call it disgust.

Now I got nothing against a good flip. But this lady crossed some lines.

Seller announced herself to my Mother as the owner the first time Mom inspected the property.
Seller told the owner she'd turned on the utilities. We did that.
Seller told the owner she'd been cleaning up the place. We're doing that.
Seller told me she wanted to close this month because she didn't want to pay additional fees on a property I now know she doesn't even own, nor does she have under contract.

Seller is a lying weasel. Which reminds me, I need to check out this M_ S_ person. They run in packs, these people.

Long story short, if that's even possible at this point, I am saving 37.5% off a purchase price I was already satisfied with by dealing with the owner instead of the lying weasel. And I get the distinct impression the owner, after having been strung along by lying weasel all these months, is enjoying wrecking her deal.

How was your weekend?

[Nephythys]

Hmm, Rockie's lost.....bummer....

Is it Wednesday yet- Halloween is fun....

Is it Thursday yet- I wanna go to Disneyland!

[Moonliner]

Hmm, Rockie's lost.....bummer....


While it might surprise you, I agree with that. Bummer. I like a seven game series. It's better for all the folks that work those games.

[lashbear]

37.5% off :snap:
Nephy... come to Oz instead ! (you know I'm not gonna stop trying....)

[RStar]

Wow Scrooge, that's the house deal from the Twilight Zone!

Reminds me of when I was selling my house, and just days before escrow closes, we have the people over for the final walk-through. We are all packed and ready to move. Our lives are in limbo. The folks pull up, get out of their car, and.............walk to the house being sold accross the street.

Our agent says "come on over for the walk-through!" to which they reply

"We are here for the walk through, come over here!".

He says "But you are buying this house!"

They look at each other in dismay and bark back "No, we aren't!"

"Oh, yes you are. I have the contract right here that you signed and it has this address on it. There must be some mistake."

Both houses were for sale at the same time by the same selling agent. The buying agent thought they wanted the house across the street, which was larger, for the great price of our smaller house. She didn't pay attention to the addresses. We got to keep the deposit, and sold it (again) two months later, while living out of boxes all the while. Who wants to pack twice? What a nightmare it was.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Wow. I thought buying our house was stressful. I take that back. Good for you, Sam, for finding the truth. I can totally see why you and the real owner would get some satisfaction from wrecking lying weasel's deal.

[Scrooge McSam]

Rstar: OMG! I'm sure you felt that same sinking feeling standing on the sidewalk as the one that descended on me Friday afternoon.

alphabassettgrrl: It's all a little fresh for me to be getting much enjoyment... yet. I'm tempted to just let Friday roll around and have the weasel explain to me why she can't sell me the house that's she's been claiming all along she owns. But I'm just not that mean. Sometimes I wish I was, but I'm not.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Score! My manager just stuck me in a training class last minute. Not only does this mean I don't have to do any actual work for the next three days (or, rather, that I will legitimately not be doing any actual work for the next three days), but this will be the first formal training I've received on the technology I've been working with for the last 6 years or so. Probably a good thing.

[Disneyphile]

Sam, sorry about all the mess, but it sounds like it will work out better in the long run. Like I've always believed - things happen for a reason. Sometimes things that appear bad are actually the stepping stones for a much better outcome. Hang in there, and you're going to have a gorgeous house soon, and even more money after the fact. :D

Today's starting off fun. I've got work piling up, numerous people to call about projects, a producer to meet with, and still need to pack up about 20 boxes of crap at our old place. :rolleyes: I'm so exhausted and feel like I could sleep for weeks, but can't, because there's just too much to get done. I feel like I'm falling back into the same rut that I did over the summer. :(

[Kevy Baby]

Score! My manager just stuck me in a training class last minute. Not only does this mean I don't have to do any actual work for the next three days (or, rather, that I will legitimately not be doing any actual work for the next three days), but this will be the first formal training I've received on the technology I've been working with for the last 6 years or so. Probably a good thing.6 year old computer technology? Is it a training class or a history class?

[wendybeth]

Rstar: OMG! I'm sure you felt that same sinking feeling standing on the sidewalk as the one that descended on me Friday afternoon.

alphabassettgrrl: It's all a little fresh for me to be getting much enjoyment... yet. I'm tempted to just let Friday roll around and have the weasel explain to me why she can't sell me the house that's she's been claiming all along she owns. But I'm just not that mean. Sometimes I wish I was, but I'm not.

You're a better person than me, Scrooge. I'd love to see her try to explain her little attempt at fraud here, because that's exactly what it was. You cannot claim to be the owner of a home (and sell it on that premise) when you are not. They may have been trying the world's fastest flip, but they went around it all wrong.

[Ghoulish Delight]

6 year old computer technology? Is it a training class or a history class?If you want to get technical, the fist version of fibre channel protocol was written nearly 20 years ago in 1988.

[alphabassettgrrl]

But I'm just not that mean. Sometimes I wish I was, but I'm not.
The world needs nice people so good for you for being one.

[Kevy Baby]

If you want to get technical, the fist version of fibre channel protocol was written nearly 20 years ago in 1988.Is fibre channel still a viable technology? I know a lot of people invested a lot of money into it (I sold a couple of setups back in the mid-nineties), but I was just curious if something better is available today?

[Not Afraid]

Sam, your story is amazing. Major fraud going on there. I'm glad it has worked out.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Is fibre channel still a viable technology? I know a lot of people invested a lot of money into it (I sold a couple of setups back in the mid-nineties), but I was just curious if something better is available today?It remains the leading connectivity option for switched data networks.

I should add that there's some flux in terms of which protocol is being sent over fibre channel, SCSI's days are probably numbered to be replaced by some combination is iSCSI, SAS/SATA, ethernet over fibre, but fibre infrastructure is here to stay for a while.

[Gemini Cricket]

Sam,
Weasel is right.
Sheesh.
B

[Morrigoon]

Three cell calls later and I'm talking to the owner... the real owner. Sure enough, the lady selling to me does not actually own the house. She's been talking to the owner about buying it. For several months she's been talking to him. But that's all she's been doing... talking. She hasn't signed a contract. In fact, the owner had given up on her and was about to start advertising again until he got an email from her dictating to him that she needed to close on the place this coming Friday at 11AM. with this M_ S_ attorney person (My closing with seller was scheduled at 2:30PM that same afternoon). The mention of M_ S_ gets an immediate reaction out of the owner. I would call it disgust.

Now I got nothing against a good flip. But this lady crossed some lines.

Seller announced herself to my Mother as the owner the first time Mom inspected the property.
Seller told the owner she'd turned on the utilities. We did that.
Seller told the owner she'd been cleaning up the place. We're doing that.
Seller told me she wanted to close this month because she didn't want to pay additional fees on a property I now know she doesn't even own, nor does she have under contract.

Seller is a lying weasel. Which reminds me, I need to check out this M_ S_ person. They run in packs, these people.

Long story short, if that's even possible at this point, I am saving 37.5% off a purchase price I was already satisfied with by dealing with the owner instead of the lying weasel. And I get the distinct impression the owner, after having been strung along by lying weasel all these months, is enjoying wrecking her deal.

How was your weekend?
And where was your Realtor in all this?

[Gemini Cricket]

Soooo....

I just saw some new trailers and gosh trailer producers can make any movie look awesome.
So very exciting.
:)

[JWBear]

Which movies did you see trailers for?

[Gemini Cricket]

Which movies did you see trailers for?
:p

[Disneyphile]

I think I know where half the weight of our boxes is coming from - all the dust that piled up at the old place. Bleh! I'm unpacking a few things, and blew them off with an air canister and now there's a cloud in here, and I'm sneezing. So much for starting off with a clean new home. :rolleyes:

[Scrooge McSam]

And where was your Realtor in all this?

Nonexistent

[JWBear]

:p

That was not an answer.

[Snowflake]

Which movies did you see trailers for?

What JW said!

[Snowflake]

:p

GC is being a poo-hed, that is all.

[Gemini Cricket]

That was not an answer.
Nor can I give one.
(A lot of them are untitled anyway, so I don't have a name for you.)
(Some have code names instead of their real one...)
But with the right sound and a cool background song, any trailer can make a film look good.
Even without the "In a world..." narrator.
:)

[blueerica]

When the going gets tough, the tough reach for Italian Roast.

That is all.

[Morrigoon]

Getting all snoozy here in my chair... could use some coffee about now.

[Gemini Cricket]

One person I deal with on a daily basis I call the Dementor. Everytime he calls, I feel like I will never be happy again. Oy vey.
:D

[JWBear]

Nor can I give one.
(A lot of them are untitled anyway, so I don't have a name for you.)
(Some have code names instead of their real one...)
But with the right sound and a cool background song, any trailer can make a film look good.
Even without the "In a world..." narrator.
:)

That was an answer. :)

[Gemini Cricket]

That was an answer. :)
:p :D

[Kevy Baby]

Even without the "In a world..." narrator.Don LaFontaine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_LaFontaine)

I wonder if he sounds like that talking dirty during sex? I don't want to know personally, it just makes for a funny thought.




With apologies to Pablo Francisco

[Morrigoon]

Dude, he could be saying nice things and it'd still sound dirty



....mmrowr! :evil:

[Capt Jack]

With apologies to Pablo Francisco

is that anything like a Dirty Sanchez?

[Ponine]

Milk Chocolate toffee covered pistachios should be outlawed. But, only after they cure me of my codeine hangover.

They cure me of most anything, and the fact that I know about them is ALL YOUR FAULT

[Not Afraid]

We went to go look at a Pug today. Keep your fingers crossed.

[BDBopper]

Darn you Bret Favre! 83 frickin yard touchdown all that stood between me and Disneyland money in a pool. Grrrr. :mad: :(

[swanie]

Holy Cow! That had to be one of the greatest finishes to ANY Monday Night Football game EVER.

swanie

[swanie]

DH actually won his Fantasy Football game on the catch :D

But you have to admit, wager aside...that was an amazing finish.

[BDBopper]

Holy Cow! That had to be one of the greatest finishes to ANY Monday Night Football game EVER.

swanie

Honestly it was quite incredible but it's a real downer when the outcome costs you free money.

[JWBear]

I was doing a Google image search for Hugh Crane (a character from The Haunting). This is one of the first images in the results.... <sigh>

http://www.michellerowen.com/blog/uploaded_images/HughJackman_2-781422.jpg

I just wanted to share....

[Nephythys]

ooo- thanks...he is SO yummy *rowr*

[Capt Jack]

I like his shirt

[Kevy Baby]

I like his shirtI like his pants

[Brigitte]

We went to go look at a Pug today. Keep your fingers crossed.

Oh yay! Keep us posted!

[Disneyphile]

I've decided that Emmy's cuteness has worn off.

She's stealing stuffed animals as big as she is, which was cute, up until she started attacking my collectible plush. :mad:

And, she decided to keep us up most of the night by clawing our feet whenever they'd poke from beneath the blanket. I even have the Band-Aids to prove it. :rolleyes:

[BarTopDancer]

Halloween: The start of the candy season.

[Brigitte]

There's a season for this? I thought it was a year-round obsession...

[Kevy Baby]

Food for thought:

According to a recent study, without the revenue from unsolicited promotional mail ("junk mail"), the USPS would have to charge between $5 and $10 per piece for the ability to deliver to every address in the U.S.

This was mentioned in a reliable print trade journal. I am trying to secure a link to the source.

[Kevy Baby]

There's a season for this? I thought it was a year-round obsession...No: it is seasonal. It runs from October 1 through the following September 30.

[katiesue]

She's stealing stuffed animals as big as she is, which was cute, up until she started attacking my collectible plush. :mad:


Hopefully she's just stealing it. My Aunt had a cat who kept taking my cousins big ole fluffy bunny that she slept with all the time. They'd come home from being out for a while and Bunny would be out in the hallway or the living room. After a few months of that they finally figured out what the cat was actually doing to the bunny when no one was around. He was, what's a good way to put it, getting lucky with the bunny. My cousin, who was maybe 13 at the time totally freaked out as she'd been sleeping with the bunny in her bed.

From then on the bunny was referred to as Max's "friend".

[Kevy Baby]

He was, what's a good way to put it, getting lucky with the bunny.Were there, um, protein stains?

[katiesue]

Were there, um, protein stains?

Yes. Which is why she was freaked out. It had been happening for months and she'd been sleeping with it (when the cat wasn't).

[Kevy Baby]

EEeeeeyyyyyeeeewwwwwww

[MouseWife]

ROLFLMAO

Yes, this has happened to us. I can't recall which child suffered being the one with the stuffed animal, though.

But, our giant doggie loved his bed/pillow very very very much.

I used to call it his girlfriend. Luckily, none of the kids felt cozy enough to lay on it...

[Not Afraid]

Oh yay! Keep us posted!

This is the guy we looked at. (http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=9537932) I'm waiting to hear if we got him.

[BDBopper]

DP...at least you don't have a cat that likes to relieve himself on my bed four or five times a year! :mad:

[Ponine]

DP -
I had to make a "cat friendly" group of stuffed animals.
Granted, my son has his own room, but...
If its on the top bunk, the cat can have it.

If its on the top of the dresser, he doenst, and he wont try.

But whenever he's lonely, he takes up to 15 into the living room to keep him company.

And no, this one is not getting lucky, he just doenst like to be alone.

[Snowflake]

This is the guy we looked at. (http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=9537932) I'm waiting to hear if we got him.

Where have I been? Boy, he's cute!

[MouseWife]

Aw, and his name is Sarge!

Good luck with the adoption...When will you know?

[Gn2Dlnd]

This is the guy we looked at.

This pet has been altered.

To fit my screen?

[Not Afraid]

Hopefully today or tomorrow. We will probably be changing his name slightly to Serge as in Gainsbourg. ;)

[Ghoulish Delight]

This is the guy we looked at.

This pet has been altered.To fit my screen?
Better than what it said yesterday. "Already neutered". Worst personal ad line ever.

[Capt Jack]

depends on what your intentions are. sometimes thats a really really good thing. :cool:

Sarge. what a great face he has. good luck. hope he's cat friendly

as far as the portable love dolls for cats......uh..............
nevermind. I got nuthin

[Gn2Dlnd]

We will probably be changing his name slightly to Serge as in Gainsbourg. ;)

Unfortunately, "Serge" sounds like "surge," as in troops to Iraq. I think he's just destined to have a military name.

Oh, and according to Wikipedia - Serge is a type of twill fabric that has diagonal lines or ridges on both sides, made with a two-up, two-down weave. The worsted variety is used in making military uniforms, suits, great and trench coats.

Ten-HUT!

[Ghoulish Delight]

Unfortunately, "Serge" sounds like "surge," as in troops to Iraq.
not if you pronounce it right.

[mousepod]

Hopefully today or tomorrow. We will probably be changing his name slightly to Serge as in Gainsbourg. ;)

http://pocketsymphony.com/lot/sergeg.jpg
http://pocketsymphony.com/lot/serge2.jpg

[Gn2Dlnd]

GD does have a point, if he's been previously called Sar-gay.


You could go with Sartres.


Or Sauron.


Or Sara Lee. I mean, nobody doesn't like Sara Lee.

[€uroMeinke]

Soft G - this is French we are talking - so like the "s" in pleasure

[Ghoulish Delight]

GD does have a point, if he's been previously called Sar-gay.It's pronounced Sairge.

[Gn2Dlnd]

Ah, Sairzh.

'Swhat I get for never leaving southern California. Dumb Ammerican.




What? Nobody likes Sara Lee?

[madmonkeygirl]

he is a cutie NA.

[Kevy Baby]

Now I am thinking of Bronson Pinchot in Beverly Hills Cop.

http://www.random-squeegee.com/haikupics/balki.jpg

[Disneyphile]

Bronson Pinchot rules. I loved him as Balki. :D

Thankfully, Emmy's not "loving" the plushies. Not yet, anyway. :eek:

And, I just met with the producer again today... good news coming. :D

[Morrigoon]

Ugh, Barnum was getting all amorous last night. Or at least he attempted to... we quashed that quick.

Dphile: good to hear there's good news!

(on a side note, I love how the abbreviation of your name reads like defile ;))

[Capt Jack]

are all these animals fixed? my lil dog was doing that until we had him snipped. I dont think the subject has crossed his mind since.

[Prudence]

Let me tell you about my day.

I had to get up around 2:30 am (eastern time) to get ready, finish packing up, and arrive at the security line the required 2 hours early.

This is after being up until 11:30pm because the guests in the room upstairs decided that 10:30pm would be a good time to start encouraging their wittle pwecious to race up and down the length of the room, because their need to indulge their little genetic experiment clearly outweighs the needs of other guests to, oh, I don't know, sleep. Because if people are spending THAT MUCH to stay in the hotel attached to the airport, odds are it's because they want to maximize their shuteye time. I did call the front desk and they did try to get them to quiet down, but no one was going to rain on wittle pwecious's parade!

So, resigned to a day of exhaustion, I figure I'll sleep on the plane. It's just a short leg from Pittsburgh to Atlanta, but then about 5 hours from Atlanta to Seattle. Plenty of time for a nap, right? Especially since no one was assigned to the seats next to me.

Because the seats next to me were empty, a woman from elsewhere moved over. With her infant. Who shrieked at maximum volume for the next five hours. She moved because she wanted to give her husband peace so he could work. And since I have ovaries, I obviously would like nothing more than to have her devilspawn scream in my ear for a few hours. So, no sleep for me.

Now I am prepping for class tonight at six, which will last until 8:45 pacific time. Which is 11:45 eastern time. Which is a long day. And I have to get up at 5am to go back to work.

I hate my life.

[Snowflake]

My heart goes out to you Pru.

Next time, pretend you have a horrible cold and advise she may not want to move there for the devil-spawn's sake.

BTW, how'd the interviews go?

[Snowflake]

And, I just met with the producer again today... good news coming. :D

Yay! :snap: :cheers:

[Morrigoon]

Let me tell you about my day.

I had to get up around 2:30 am (eastern time) to get ready, finish packing up, and arrive at the security line the required 2 hours early.

This is after being up until 11:30pm because the guests in the room upstairs decided that 10:30pm would be a good time to start encouraging their wittle pwecious to race up and down the length of the room, because their need to indulge their little genetic experiment clearly outweighs the needs of other guests to, oh, I don't know, sleep. Because if people are spending THAT MUCH to stay in the hotel attached to the airport, odds are it's because they want to maximize their shuteye time. I did call the front desk and they did try to get them to quiet down, but no one was going to rain on wittle pwecious's parade!

So, resigned to a day of exhaustion, I figure I'll sleep on the plane. It's just a short leg from Pittsburgh to Atlanta, but then about 5 hours from Atlanta to Seattle. Plenty of time for a nap, right? Especially since no one was assigned to the seats next to me.

Because the seats next to me were empty, a woman from elsewhere moved over. With her infant. Who shrieked at maximum volume for the next five hours. She moved because she wanted to give her husband peace so he could work. And since I have ovaries, I obviously would like nothing more than to have her devilspawn scream in my ear for a few hours. So, no sleep for me.

Now I am prepping for class tonight at six, which will last until 8:45 pacific time. Which is 11:45 eastern time. Which is a long day. And I have to get up at 5am to go back to work.

I hate my life.

Oh, I would SO be having words with that woman if that wasn't even her seat!

[Capt Jack]

you should have gone and sat with her husband. you know he'd be quiet

[Prudence]

Oh, I would SO be having words with that woman if that wasn't even her seat!

Well, I really had no claim to the seat either, so I didn't really have a leg to stand on there. Plus, I was at the point where I wasn't sure that I could limit myself to polite remarks at that point. Best to keep the mouth shut as to not invite bad karma to the close of my interview trip. Not that sulking was a huge improvement, mind you....

The interview itself was odd. He wanted to know about all my old jobs. And I mean ALL of them. From the first one on. His current clerk told me work ethic is probably the most important thing to him. If I'm not demonstrating work ethic by now, I don't know what I could do differently. Plus, I got to mention that I'm currently reading a book on the creating of the polio vaccine (sure, I've been reading it for something like 6 months now, but he doesn't need to know that), which seemed to impress him (that I was reading non-fiction). And he mentioned a book and when I looked up the authors later it turns out I've read another book by them, so I could mention that in a PS in the thank you letter, thus increasing the perception that I'm well read.

But he's definitely an odd duck. Not in a bad way at all, mind you, just definitely someone walking to the beat of his own drum. Which could be great.

Meanwhile - drivers in Pittsburgh are a new kind of crazy. When merging on the freeway, they try to go behind you. Not accelerating to jump in front of you while not looking at all, but actually pacing you to merge behind. It really confused me.

[Capt Jack]

Meanwhile - drivers in Pittsburgh are a new kind of crazy. When merging on the freeway, they try to go behind you. Not accelerating to jump in front of you while not looking at all, but actually pacing you to merge behind. It really confused me.

I cannot express how funny I found this. :p

[Morrigoon]

Plus, I got to mention that I'm currently reading a book on the creating of the polio vaccine (sure, I've been reading it for something like 6 months now, but he doesn't need to know that), which seemed to impress him (that I was reading non-fiction). And he mentioned a book and when I looked up the authors later it turns out I've read another book by them, so I could mention that in a PS in the thank you letter, thus increasing the perception that I'm well read.


My advice? Send him the book. Tell him since he'd read that other one, you thought he might enjoy this one. Send it with your thank you note.

[alphabassettgrrl]

DP- I'm glad to hear that your project is progressing!

Pru- Hopefully you can sleep tonight. That saga stinks. It's good that you have tidbits to drop with the judge though.

Your comment about drivers actually merging made me giggle, too. :)

[Ponine]

Meanwhile - drivers in Pittsburgh are a new kind of crazy. When merging on the freeway, they try to go behind you. Not accelerating to jump in front of you while not looking at all, but actually pacing you to merge behind. It really confused me.
This would be funny to me, except, I'm fairly certain thats how I drive.

[lashbear]

Lisa, Q T Dog E !! I think that Sarge is pronounced "Gwynneth" but I'm not sure.

I hope you get him.

[JWBear]

We moved my mom in to her new apartment today. the movers got there at 9:00. They quoted her 4 hours (The new apartment complex is literately across the street), but it took 6. We had to unpack her kitchen, and set up her bedroom for her;she's been sick and doesn't have the strength right now. We're going back this weekend to help unpack, and to hang pictures & etc.

At least it's a nicer place, and she'll be happier there.

Oh, and I managed to convince her to let me borrow her recipe box, to copy some recipes.... :)

[blueerica]

I was too lazy to quote anything, but Prudence, that doesn't sound at all unlike a flight experience I had last semester. I scheduled a flight that was having me in about 30 minutes before the start of a 9 hour school day. During that flight which was super early morning, all I wanted in the world was some sleep. Instead, I got a kid who was isolated from his family. He kept whipping around the seat and elbowing my stomach. I didn't know what to say that was non-offensive (I'm the opposite of a morning person), so I just asked as nicely as I could, which stopped the kid for about 10 minutes before he started swinging around again.

Memo to parents flying with kids. If you have to choose to separate a kid from your group, pick the one that doesn't throw punches. His/her seat neighbor will appreciate it.

I'm sorry that it happened at such a crappy/tiring time for you. I don't get the logic behind her leaving - then again, it's easier to dispose of any guilt if you never have to see the person again. As for me, I'd feel horrible for imposing so badly upon someone else in that way.

[Mousey Girl]

"Mom, my pumpkin is bigger than yours, so you need to help me gut it."

"Mom, come on, get off the internet and help me please."

"Mom, when are you going to help me?"

"Boy, I will help you when Hell freezes over."

"Mom, Hell has frozen over so you need to get in here now."



*sigh*

I am off to gut a pumpkin...

[Gemini Cricket]

This is the guy we looked at. (http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=9537932) I'm waiting to hear if we got him.
Whatever you do, if he doesn't work out in your house... don't pull an Ellen and give the dog away to someone else.
:D

[Cadaverous Pallor]

"Mom, come on, get off the internet and help me please."

"Mom, when are you going to help me?"

"Boy, I will help you when Hell freezes over."
Wow, I can't believe you posted that. A sad or mad emoticon doesn't do my current feelings justice.

[alphabassettgrrl]

**hugs** to MG. Rough day?

NA - cuuuuuuuuute doggie!

[wendybeth]

"Mom, my pumpkin is bigger than yours, so you need to help me gut it."

"Mom, come on, get off the internet and help me please."

"Mom, when are you going to help me?"

"Boy, I will help you when Hell freezes over."

"Mom, Hell has frozen over so you need to get in here now."



*sigh*



I am off to gut a pumpkin...
I just gutted three of them. This, on top of prepping for the big party tomorrow (for Tori and her friends) and nursing a punky hubby, who just had surgery today on his deviated septum.

Hugs- sounds like you're having a rough day.:cheers:

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I'm sorry, but I'm not giving anyone hugs for ignoring their son on Halloween, leaving them to attempt to celebrate the holiday alone while they surf the internet, no matter how "rough" their day was.

Hell, I don't care what day it is, ignoring your child's requests for help with a project so you can chat online is pretty offensive to me. Let me just stick my neck out and say that.

[wendybeth]

With the smattering of information provided, I commend you on going out on that ledge there. I was kind of thinking it was just a minor vent, but my mind is too tired to leap anywhere today. Being a parent does that to a person. Isn't Halloween tomorrow?

[Disneyphile]

I hate to even ask, but if anyone could help Ken and I haul our last bit of stuff over from the old place this evening, we'd be eternally grateful. It's all packed. We just need help with loading and unloading (just into our garage), since I threw my back out and can't carry anything down stairs.

I know it's Halloween, so it's not good timing, but I figured I'd throw this out there anyway. Thanks. :)

[Ponine]

Know that if I lived close enough, I'd be there.

[Gemini Cricket]

I hate to even ask, but if anyone could help Ken and I haul our last bit of stuff over from the old place this evening, we'd be eternally grateful. It's all packed. We just need help with loading and unloading (just into our garage), since I threw my back out and can't carry anything down stairs.

I know it's Halloween, so it's not good timing, but I figured I'd throw this out there anyway. Thanks. :)
PM me.
I can help.
It will give me an excuse not to pass out the candy I haven't bought yet...
:D

[CoasterMatt]

We'd help, but we'll be at Haunt :)

Giving candy to monsters.

[Disneyphile]

:D

I'm only giving stuff out if the kids help unload the car on this end. :evil:

Oh, and I should mention that we'll buy pizza for anyone who can help, even just a little. :)

[BarTopDancer]

I'll call you when I get out of work. Which is generally around 5.

Or now.

[katiesue]

I can run up after work if you still need help. Just let me know.

[BarTopDancer]

I can run up after work if you still need help. Just let me know.

Wow, you're sure motivated after your little DL marathon. Running from SD to Anaheim. Impressive! :p

[Disneyphile]

I can run up after work if you still need help. Just let me know.We're all the way up in Garden Grove. By the time you get here, we'd probably have things under control by then. And, I'd hate for you to sit for hours in rush hour traffic.

But, just in case things start to look grim this afternoon, I'll let you know. Thanks. :)

[Morrigoon]

I am in SO much trouble with my family right now. I forgot to filter my vitriolic rant from last week on my LJ.

[DreadPirateRoberts]

I am in SO much trouble with my family right now. I forgot to filter my vitriolic rant from last week on my LJ.

I am sorry you are in so much trouble, but it expressed how you felt, didn't it?

I think we all feel that way from time to time.

[katiesue]

I am in SO much trouble with my family right now. I forgot to filter my vitriolic rant from last week on my LJ.

Ooops. :(

Wow, you're sure motivated after your little DL marathon. Running from SD to Anaheim. Impressive! :p

Swanie's trying to cajole me into doing the next Disneyland Half Marathon. I would die probably.

[Moonliner]

Wow, I can't believe you posted that. A sad or mad emoticon doesn't do my current feelings justice.

Raising kids ain't all about fun and games. They have a tendency to like fun stuff like carving pumpkins and not the "icky" parts like cleaning out the gunk.

Without getting to metaphorical, kids that are taught to clean out their own gunk in life are on a much better road. Anyone that's spent more than 5min with MG and Boy know the love those two share and that the incident she related is not one of neglect. What "mom" was doing be it surfing the net, reading a book or developing a cure for cancer was immaterial. What's important was the message:

Hey boy, in life you need to clean out your own gunk. Especially if that gunk is in a pumpkin that's four sizes too big because someone just had to have a really big one.....

[Disneyphile]

Ouch. :( (In response to Goonie's dilemma.)

[Gemini Cricket]

I am in SO much trouble with my family right now. I forgot to filter my vitriolic rant from last week on my LJ.
What's LJ?

[katiesue]

What's LJ?

Live Journal

[Gemini Cricket]

Live Journal
Ah.
I have one of those, I think.

Morrigoon,
If what you posted is honest, then they shouldn't be mad at you.
Tell them it's better than you lying.
B

[Morrigoon]

Funny... I'm told that no one can speak honestly to me because of my tendency to take offense, but look at the reaction my honest speaking gets. Hmm... I wonder where I could have learned it from...?

And it's nice to know that my family still sees me as a 4-year old drama queen, and continues to mock me for the "pile of rocks" comment I made back then rather than actually addressing WHY I feel that way.

[Morrigoon]

Oh holy hell!

I *had* attempted to filter my post (which, in retrospect, wasn't all that horrible to begin with), but instead accidentally filtered a post about the Irvine fire moving away from my home.

Fvcking brill.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Hey boy, in life you need to clean out your own gunk. Especially if that gunk is in a pumpkin that's four sizes too big because someone just had to have a really big one.....Hey, I can understand that much. I still stand by my comments, but I'm not getting into it on Halloween. :) Good vibes all around!

[wendybeth]

Np, CP , but in all fairness MG was hardly surfing the web- she only had two or three posts in the past few days, and I can just imagine the scenario that caused her irritation. She's a great mom, a great single mom, and I thought that dig was really harsh. (Especially since she obviously went to help him and hasn't been back on to see all this). As for whether or not I want to give a sympathetic virtual hug, I see no problem with it- the world could use more of such things.

Happy Haunting day- I'm off to finish prepping for the Girl's big party tonight!:cheers:

[katiesue]

I agree with WB. You get home. The kid is all amped to do whatever but you need to do a few things first, make dinner, check e-mail, call the cable company. They will drive you bonkers with the "is it time yet", "can we do it yet", "why are you doing X not Y". They have no patience and five minutes is an eternity to them. And plenty of time for them to drive you completley over the edge with the 20 questions. In Maddy's case "no" translates into "ask me again 900 more times please". They do have to learn a little patience and that carving their pumpkin right this second may have to wait ten minutes as other things may need to happen first. Least of which is Mommy needs 5 minutes of quiet time so she's up to the whole pumpkin carving thing.

[katiesue]

eeek - double post.

Nothing to see here - move along please.

[Prudence]

eeek - double post.

Nothing to see here - move along please.

What if I don't want to move along? Who made you the boss of me?!


:p

[JWBear]

There was a big accident near my building (Garden Grove Blvd & Brookhurst) a few minutes ago. There is a fire truck there now. Mmmmmm.... Firemen....

[katiesue]

Mmmmmm.... Firemen....

Photos? Please?

[Gemini Cricket]

There was a big accident near my building (Garden Grove Blvd & Brookhurst) a few minutes ago. There is a fire truck there now. Mmmmmm.... Firemen....
Pictures, please. Thanks. :)

Oh and I hope no one was hurt badly...

[Morrigoon]

Funeral protesters get fined millions (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21566280/)

Good.

[JWBear]

They were too far away to get a good picture, plus they didn't stay long.

It looked like everyone (including a child) walked away from it. There were no ambulances. One car looks totaled, and it's still sitting in the middle of the intersection.

[innerSpaceman]

Fatal accidents all around me.

Yesterday, the 405 was blocked for over 15 hours by the big rig with a giant crane that crashed into the meridian at 5am and killed the driver in a fiery inferno that was the explosion that woke me u, only to to be followed by hours of sleepless helicopter racket, and it was all day hell on any surface streets within 20 miles of the 405.

Today, on the way into work, a fatal car crash just south of my office, with a sheet being pulled over a body (and I don't think it was a ghost costume).

In neither instance did I have the countervailing pleasure of firemen, paramedics or other stereotypically gorgeous hero men.

[JWBear]

Funeral protesters get fined millions (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21566280/)

Good.

Excellent! :snap:

[Gemini Cricket]

Funeral protesters get fined millions (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21566280/)

Good.
That's freakin' awesome.
:)

[BarTopDancer]

Ugh Steve. That sucks.

[alphabassettgrrl]

The award to the serviceman's family exceeds the Phelps family assets.

Whatever. I'm just glad they got sued. They are abhorrant, though I am torn on the right of free speech thing.

[Kevy Baby]

I decided against making this story its own thread:

Sex on a plane? Not if airline can help it
Singapore Air to ask first-class passengers on A380 to refrain

SINGAPORE - Singapore Airlines (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21560120/#), the first operator of the new Airbus A380, has dashed the hopes of sexual thrill-seekers planning to engage in amorous activity aboard the world's biggest jumbo jet.

The carrier said it would ask passengers on the A380 to refrain from sex while ensconced in one of its 12 first-class suites, which boast the world's first airborne double beds.


"All we ask of customers, wherever they are on our aircraft, is to observe standards that don't cause offense to other customers and crew," the company told Reuters in a statement.

"Nothing different applies for our Singapore Airlines Suites customers."While private, the double cabins are neither sound proofed nor completely sealed.


Singapore Airlines, the world's second-largest airline by market value, started commercial flights of the double-decker A380 last week with a Singapore-Sydney service.

"So they'll sell you a double bed, and give you privacy and endless champagne and then say you can't do what comes naturally?" Tony Elwood, who traveled with wife Julie in a suite aboard the inaugural flight, told the Times of London.

"They seem to have done everything they can to make it romantic, short of bringing round oysters," Julie said. "I'd say they shouldn't really complain, should they?"

The original story (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21560120/)

[Not Afraid]

I'm going to go with the opinion of the actual parents on the "hell freezing over" comment.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

And I'm going to stay out of it - especially since it now seems to be a sides-choosing issue. Yuck.

I read the post, it affected me, I posted how I felt - good enough for me. :)

[Kevy Baby]

Is it just me, or is the LoT running R e a l l y . S l o w l y ?

[Morrigoon]

I thought it was just me! Yeah, this thread loaded super slow.

[Kevy Baby]

I thought it was just me! Yeah, this thread loaded super slow.Not just this thread: ALL threads.

[Gemini Cricket]

Not for me...

[lashbear]

Funeral protesters get fined millions (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21566280/)

Good.

I'm delighted that they copped the fine, but saddened. Proclaiming God Hates Fags (and singing God Hates America) etc is just wrong. Hate speech is wrong, and should not be allowed or tolerated. Saying "God Hates America" - isn't that what Al-Queida (sp?) says all the time? Don't they also believe that God hates Fags?

I think religious freedom of speech crosses too many acceptable boundaries nowadays. (sorry for the soapbox, but that kind of behavour (ie the demonstration) is truly despicable.)

I thought it was just me! Yeah, this thread loaded super slow.

It isn't to do with the 14,449 replies, is it? :rolleyes: :D

[Disneyphile]

*falls over*

The bad news - Ken has to make two more runs tonight (in order to wipe out the old carport storage too).

The good news - BTD is our new best friend, otherwise we'd have been pulling an all-nighter. :p

The best news - we're finally home in time for the Celtic new year. It's a good Samhain. :)

[Ghoulish Delight]

What the f*ck is wrong with the cell phone industry? Why, and this is true for all carriers, do they insist on a pricing structure that makes it more attractive to change carriers than stay? They make such a big deal about forcing you into a 2 year contract, but at the end of that contract they give you no incentive to renew.

Our contract is up in a few weeks. If we stay with our current carrier we'll be paying $100 per phone MORE up front than we would pay if we come in as a new customer elsewhere.

What is their motivation here? Is that $200 out of my pocket really that important to them when, by not offering discounts as large as all companies offer to new customers, they risk giving up $2400 in revenue by not having me as a monthly paying customer for 2 more years?

With number portability, I have zero reason to stay. I can get approximately the same plan anywhere for approximately the same monthly fee with significantly less upfront cost to myself. And seeing as I've had equally crappy customer service no matter which company I'm with, that's not much of a consideration.


I just don't get it.

[blueerica]

I don't get it either.

What I do get is how farking excited I am to go to SLC today!!!

[Kevy Baby]

What the f*ck is wrong with the cell phone industry? Why, and this is true for all carriers, do they insist on a pricing structure that makes it more attractive to change carriers than stay? They make such a big deal about forcing you into a 2 year contract, but at the end of that contract they give you no incentive to renew.I would try calling the SALES department and see if they will give you the new plan at the advertised pricing, explaining that you would be forced to change companies otherwise. Be very polite about it and they may be willing to cooperate.

You may also want to try going to a store. They are most interested in sales, so they may be willing to help. I'm not sure which is higher in likelihood to be successful.

Good ruck!

[Ghoulish Delight]

I would try calling the SALES department and see if they will give you the new plan at the advertised pricing, explaining that you would be forced to change companies otherwise. Be very polite about it and they may be willing to cooperate.It's not the plan, it's the phones. And, at least with Sprint, they are very hard line about it. I've gone online, I've gone to the store, I've called. "When your 2-year service contract is up, you will be eligible for Discount X on phones." No one seems to have any wiggle room, at least on the front lines.

I don't really have the time to sit on the phones while they escalate to someone who might be able to cut me a deal. I'm thinking I might shoot an email off and see if that gets me anywhere.

[katiesue]

Hmm I just got my new phone from Verizon. They'll let you "upgrade" your phone to a new one (with a new contract) at least a few months before your contract is up. I got the same "discount" I would have on the phone if I were to have just started service with them. And if you don't make any changes to your contract all the terms remain the same.

[BarTopDancer]

Verizon has a "new every 2" plan where you get a significant discount on a new phone (from what I hear, it's pretty close to the "new customer" cost).

But if you're happy with your plan and the service you may want to look on eBay for a new phone.

[blueerica]

!!!

[Not Afraid]

We're out of coffee. None to be had this morning. So, I went to Starbucks on the way home and picked up a Grande Pumpkin Spice Latte. I got to take about 5 swallows before Calliope knocked it off my desk and spilled sticky caffeinated goodness all over the office floor. Apparently she was jealous that I was working and not paying attention to her. I've downgraded her status from cute to bad.

[blueerica]

Oh, thanks for making me feel guilty NA!! :P

I really regret not picking up the coffee after all... :(

[Ghoulish Delight]

We're out of coffee. None to be had this morning. So, I went to Starbucks on the way home and picked up a Grande Pumpkin Spice Latte. I got to take about 5 swallows before Calliope knocked it off my desk and spilled sticky caffeinated goodness all over the office floor. Apparently she was jealous that I was working and not paying attention to her. I've downgraded her status from cute to bad.I knew this day would come, seeing her hang around with the wrong crowd (read: Scoundrel).

[BarTopDancer]

!!!

???

[Morrigoon]

...

[Morrigoon]

Verizon has a "new every 2" plan where you get a significant discount on a new phone (from what I hear, it's pretty close to the "new customer" cost).

But if you're happy with your plan and the service you may want to look on eBay for a new phone.

Yeah, I got an awesome deal on my Motorola Q, between the new-every-two and other promotional discounts (adding a data plan, etc.) Verizon costs me about $10/mo more than my previous carrier (the evil Cingular), but they are worth every penny as a carrier.

[Morrigoon]

My kitchen is painted!

Okay, technically I'm not *quite* done as there are a handful of missed spots (hard to reach/see, etc.), and I'm not counting the one wall I purposely skipped because it runs behind the fridge and stove and will just have to wait for another time to be primed and painted, but for the most part...

It is done.

Old:
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/condo/P1060305-1.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/condo/P1060307-1.jpg

New (taken before last night's work, so not quite complete):
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/condo/071030065.jpg

[Ghoulish Delight]

Errr, I retract my rant. I've come across a different corner of Sprint's website and have found phone deals that match ones available for new customers.

Nothing to see here, move along.

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Errr, I retract my rant. I've come across a different corner of Sprint's website and have found phone deals that match ones available for new customers.

Nothing to see here, move along.

link?

[Ghoulish Delight]

link?
It's in their online management section for current customers (i.e., you have to log in). I think it may have just appeared as I'm now close enough to the end of my service contract. I just went into the "upgrade phone" wizard and, unlike every other time where it either said I have no options or offered me a pittance of a discount, it gave me a list of phones with discounts/rebates equal to what's in their public new customer online shop.

[Kevy Baby]

It's going to be a tough day. I have to go to Morton's for lunch (on someone else's dime!).

[Snowflake]

It's going to be a tough day. I have to go to Morton's for lunch (on someone else's dime!).

My heart bleeds for you, you deserve a nice lunch ( how late did you end up working last night?)

Rib-Eye steak? :p

[Snowflake]

My kitchen is painted!

New (taken before last night's work, so not quite complete):
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/condo/071030065.jpg

That looks great! Care to fly up to SF and spend a weekend helping me prime out 25x20 living room? Uh, yeah, I did not think so! ;)

[BDBopper]

My kitchen is painted!

Okay, technically I'm not *quite* done as there are a handful of missed spots (hard to reach/see, etc.), and I'm not counting the one wall I purposely skipped because it runs behind the fridge and stove and will just have to wait for another time to be primed and painted, but for the most part...

It is done.

Old:
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/condo/P1060305-1.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/condo/P1060307-1.jpg

New (taken before last night's work, so not quite complete):
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/condo/071030065.jpg

Awesome! Congrats. Your kitchen looks great. I like the color. It seems to blend much better.

[DreadPirateRoberts]

It's in their online management section for current customers (i.e., you have to log in). I think it may have just appeared as I'm now close enough to the end of my service contract. I just went into the "upgrade phone" wizard and, unlike every other time where it either said I have no options or offered me a pittance of a discount, it gave me a list of phones with discounts/rebates equal to what's in their public new customer online shop.

Thanks! I'll check it out

[Kevy Baby]

My heart bleeds for you, you deserve a nice lunch ( how late did you end up working last night?)

Rib-Eye steak? :pNine-ish

[BDBopper]

Okay it's November 1st. One day removed from Halloween. XM just put on its All-Christmas music channel. I've listened for two or three hours now. I feel happy. Am I nuts?

[Moonliner]

Okay it's November 1st. One day removed from Halloween. XM just put on its All-Christmas music channel. I've listened for two or three hours now. I feel happy. Am I nuts?

I'm sorry to say this but Yes. You are.

Sincerly,

Moonliner, Regional president of NPOBJBT

















(No Profiteering Off Baby Jesus Before Thanksgiving.)

[Disneyphile]

Okay it's November 1st. One day removed from Halloween. XM just put on its All-Christmas music channel. I've listened for two or three hours now. I feel happy. Am I nuts? Yes. :p

[Snowflake]

Nine-ish

Ugh, that is just wrong. I was pulling those kind of hours in VA, and I do not miss them.

Enjoy your free lunch!

[BDBopper]

I'm sorry to say this but Yes. You are.

Sincerly,

Moonliner, Regional president of NPOBJBT[/B


([B]No Profiteering Off Baby Jesus Before Thanksgiving.)

Honestly I'll tire of this in an hour and not listen again until Turkey Day.

[Disneyphile]

Well, someone in Hollywood is interested in the show that I'm connected with. I met with the writer/producer a couple days ago, and he wants me to fully direct it as well.

Yesterday, he had a meeting that went really well - a guy is really interested in the show, and "wants to get the ball rolling".

:eek:

I'm freaking out.

:eek:

[Gemini Cricket]

Awesome!!! Congrats!!

:snap:

[BDBopper]

Well, someone in Hollywood is interested in the show that I'm connected with. I met with the writer/producer a couple days ago, and he wants me to fully direct it as well.

Yesterday, he had a meeting that went really well - a guy is really interested in the show, and "wants to get the ball rolling".

:eek:

I'm freaking out.

:eek:

Wonderful Teresa! :) I can't wait until the day you win an Emmy! ;)

[innerSpaceman]

When's the After-Party?

[BarTopDancer]

Okay it's November 1st. One day removed from Halloween. XM just put on its All-Christmas music channel. I've listened for two or three hours now. I feel happy. Am I nuts?

I've been quoted at the top (therefore it is really true).

Christmas cannot begin until Black Friday!

[katiesue]

Congrats Disneyphile!!

And I'm with BTD - no Chrismas Music until I'm out shopping like a mad woman the day after Thanksgiving.

[Snowflake]

Visible DP mojo!

Freak out and enjoy it!

:cheers: :snap: :cheers:

[Morrigoon]

I'm okay with Christmas starting at some point after Halloween. I know it's too soon, but at least it's after Halloween.

Which reminds me... I need to direct some hatin' towards Ross for running their CHRISTMAS ad DURING a HALLOWEEN show! Can't you wait ONE FRIGGING DAY, PEOPLE???

[Gemini Cricket]

I can't even think about Christmas yet.
I'm broke as a joke.
Looks like handmade gifts again this year...
:D

[Kevy Baby]

Ugh, that is just wrong. I was pulling those kind of hours in VA, and I do not miss them.Sadly, those days are not uncommon right now. Last week was pretty light: I only put in 56 hours. A month ago, I actually had a 97 hour week :eek:

Enjoy your free lunch!It was
just kinda "eh". Rib Eye was a bit too fatty, I ordered cheddar cheese on my broccoli and most of it melted off the broccoli onto the plate in one giant cheese globule. The Caesar salad was good.

Had it not been lunch, I would have ordered the hot chocolate cake. But alas, we did not have time for that :(

[BDBopper]

Okay...back to the 50's channel.

[Snowflake]

Sadly, those days are not uncommon right now. Last week was pretty light: I only put in 56 hours. A month ago, I actually had a 97 hour week :eek:

It was
just kinda "eh". Rib Eye was a bit too fatty, I ordered cheddar cheese on my broccoli and most of it melted off the broccoli onto the plate in one giant cheese globule. The Caesar salad was good.

Had it not been lunch, I would have ordered the hot chocolate cake. But alas, we did not have time for that :(

Sorry you have to work those kind of hours, man that will kill you faster than anything, I was dying pulling in 65 hour weeks in VA, how you do 97 is beyond me!

As for lunch, "eh" for Mortons is not good enough. That's shameful and I'm glad you did not have to pay for it (unless you pay for it later, if you know what I mean). It should have been great and not "eh."

[BarTopDancer]

Had it not been lunch, I would have ordered the hot chocolate cake. But alas, we did not have time for that :(

Umm.. That's blasphemous!

[Kevy Baby]

Sorry you have to work those kind of hours, man that will kill you faster than anything, I was dying pulling in 65 hour weeks in VA, how you do 97 is beyond me!I am lucky in that I enjoy what I do. I can't stand the person I work for, but I enjoy the work.
As for lunch, "eh" for Mortons is not good enough. That's shameful and I'm glad you did not have to pay for it (unless you pay for it later, if you know what I mean). It should have been great and not "eh."For me, the meal needs to be about not just the food, but the whole experience. The food was good (although my choice in cut was not the best - I should have gone with the fillet) and the service was good but not great. But the overall experience was what was "eh".

Morton's is more about the long slow dinner experience - not a quick lunch.

And it was weird to be presented a menu at Mortons!

[Kevy Baby]

Umm.. That's blasphemous!You have to order it 45 minutes in advance.

That and we had to get the client to the airport and we were running late.

[Gemini Cricket]

High maintenance!

Someone I work with.

Freakin' high maintenance.

Can't use the phone.

Doesn't know how to make copies.

Can't find anyone.

10,000 questions. Most of them asked repeatedly.

Has like 10 people (who need to be doing other things) working for him specifically.

Urgh!

I just had to vent.

:)

[katiesue]

Welcome to my planet Mr. Cricket. It's amazing people get to where they are without the ability to do the most basic of things.

[Gemini Cricket]

Welcome to my planet Mr. Cricket. It's amazing people get to where they are without the ability to do the most basic of things.
Yes and double yes.

I mean, I ask a lot of questions but once I get the answer I don't have to ask again and again and again...

I think, and this is just a guess here, that this person was raised with hired help around him 24/7. It's just a guess.

I mean, granted, I'm not savvy about a lot of high tech stuff but I only torture GD and zapppop about it. I don't get thousands of people involved. This guy has all the extras from the movie 'Gandhi' helping him to work the fax machine.
:D

[katiesue]

I have one who can't work the fax machine at all :)

[Ghoulish Delight]

So I've made a seemingly minor shift in my daily schedule that results in major benefit. I am leaving home 40 minutes later. By doing so, I cut my commute in half, saving me 20+ minutes/day. That's nearly 2 hours/week of my life that I've regained. Sure I will be leaving work 20 minutes later to account for arriving 20 minutes later, but it will be well worth it to sleep that extra 40 minutes.

[JWBear]

Well, someone in Hollywood is interested in the show that I'm connected with. I met with the writer/producer a couple days ago, and he wants me to fully direct it as well.

Yesterday, he had a meeting that went really well - a guy is really interested in the show, and "wants to get the ball rolling".

:eek:

I'm freaking out.

:eek:

Congratulations!! :snap:

I have one who can't work the fax machine at all :)

We had an employee here that had to send a blank, multi-copy, NCR form to someone in another building. Instead of sending it through the intra-agency mail, she tried to fax it. She thought the fax machine would make an exact copy of what she sent, multiple pages and all. :rolleyes:

[Kevy Baby]

I'm out of paper: can someone please fax some to me?