A little bit of this...a little bit of that

• I saved $12.05 with the help of coupons at the grocery store yesterday. I am shooting for $15 next time. There are a lot of great websites that help. I came upon this one last week and it was really helpful. They sometimes have posts dedicated to free stuff that you can get online. It usually just requires you filling out a brief questionnaire and your address info for you to receive your free sample/stuff/whatever.
• I really hate that Memphis State (or U of M for all you newbie’s) didn’t make it to the NCAA final two again this year.
• Just when I get all of my fingernails to the almost perfect length, a couple of them break. UGH!!!
• I watched bits and pieces of “Sex in the City” (the movie) 3 times this weekend. Between those 3 times, I was able to see the entire movie…just not all at one time. The first hour of it is the best IMO.
• My mom is coming to visit Easter weekend. She doesn’t want me cooking a lot of food just because of her visit. I let her know that wouldn’t be a problem. Lol
• I think I may make a pot roast (or get mama to make it…shut it) or just go out to eat that weekend.
• My mom loves to snack on the following food combos: chips and dip, chips and burnt (yes burnt) popcorn, or burnt popcorn. I’ll have to remind her to try to not to burn it while she is visiting as I cannot stand that smell. I ironically have all of these items at the house right now. I guess I got it from my mama.
• I need to run and get my niece a b-day card today so I can throw some cash in it and send it off so it makes it to Memphis in time. I’m not really a fan of looking for gifts for special occasions (I will however pick something up if the price is right and I think it’s a good fit for the person). I’d rather give you money to get what you want.
• She will be 15 Thursday. Wow. She was just 2…..*smh*
• I still remember being 15 like it was yesterday. Where did the time (and my youth) go?
• I saw a preview for a movie on tv this weekend about a man that reverts back to his 17 year self (in looks only). I could go for that. I’ve learned a lot since I was 17 (plus my tummy was flatter back then, lol).
• I need to do some crunches.
• I think the DVD player in the den is broken.
• Where the hell am I supposed to do Tae-Bo at now? There’s not enough room in the bedroom.
• I don’t know why I’m worried, it’s not like I did it last week. I stuck to walking or vegging out on the couch.
• I guess we can just move the one in the bedroom to the den if it is broken. It’s not like we use that one much anyway.
• I had to get new rotors and brake pads on the car this weekend. It’s been the best $234 I’ve spent this year. That wobbly steering wheel was starting to irk the shit outta me.
• If your steering wheel vibrates (vigorously) when you press down on your brakes, you probably need some too. Lol
• I got to Mid-ass early Saturday morning so I could get in and out. After waiting 45 minutes for them to show up, I left and went to another place I always forget about.
• I’m going to start going to them all the time for car maintenance. Their cheaper and quicker!
• How did I forget about them again?????
• I’m already ready for Friday.

My instincts never fail.........

Tuesday morning I was welcomed to a warm and fuzzy email advising me, and all my colleagues near and far, that a 2nd round of layoffs were on the way. My spidey sense usually doesn't fail and this time was no different as I figured this would happen (1) because the economy has passed the crapper and made it's way to the sewage, (2) receiving an email from massa requesting a time audit is never a good sign, and (3)the first round didn't eliminate enough people. I know that sounds harsh but when you are trying to cut costs, 5 people just won't do. You wouldn't have to make a 25 on the ACT's to figure that one out (is that even a high ACT score? I wouldn't know 'cause math ain't never been my friend.)

Needless to say, the mood at the plantation has been somewhat somber. Folks are doing their best to maintain and put their best foot forward but hey there's only so much fakin you can do when your job is at risk. I've been through this layoff thing a couple of times before (and have even been fired once before) and it doesn't get any easier. Losing your job is never easy but losing a job in this economy...maaaaaaaaan it's gotta be a different experience. And if my layoff pro-fashional tail can be honest, it's an experience that I'd prefer to keep as a part of my past.

One lady I was riding on the elevator with today made a comment (in an effort to make me feel better I suppose) that our department can't get any smaller (there are currently only four of us). I answered, "Yeah, I guess" because I didn't really want to get too deep. I was a floor away from my stop and had no time to chat it up.

Sidenote: The TV is on Fox and American Idol is on. I need to know who put that atrocious wig on Lil Rounds head. It looks like the stay puff marshmallow man went grunge and died on her head.

Anyway, so in my head I was thinking, just because we are a small department doesn't mean we won't be subject to dismissal. Hell, they may decide to do away with all of us. I'm laughing as I type but hey it could happen. The first go round wasn't even supposed to happen, let them tell it, but one day 5 folks just up and lost their jobs and that was all they wrote. What I do hope is that I get to keep my job but also that they don't delay this process any longer than necessary. To cover their butts, they've given themselves until the end of our FY (which is not until the end of June) to make the cuts.....*sigh*. I am certain they are they are reviewing "critical" positions now. And to cover my butt, I've been applying for other jobs. lol I did notice my boss having a meeting with her boss and the big boss the other day. I was going to wait until our regularly scheduled meeting next week to ask but I need to know...like now. My intent was to do it today but both of our schedules have been SO freaking hectic (that's supposed to be a good sign right?). I would have walked away disappointed because she wouldn't have had to time to go into depth like I would want.

Sooooooooo, that's that. Once we go through this next round, I think that will be it as far as layoffs. They have to have enough people in place to actually do the work. And since our work is raising money, it's not gonna happen if they don't at least have a skeleton crew in place. Wish me luck. :)

Afternoon at the Movies: Knowing

GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!

Mkay, now that I have that out of the way, this is hands down the BEST movie I have seen in quite some time. It has all the right ingredients and is worth the money (matinee, regular price, or bootleg) to watch. I would recommend that you go check it out on the big screen first though to get the full effect. I'll be totally honest in saying that I wasn't that thrilled to go and see this. Whenever I hear Nicolas Cage's name, I automatically think thriller "fluff". This movie is anything but that. The special effects are KILLER!! Whoever was responsible deserves an Oscar. There are several disaster scenes in the movie that are so realistic that it has me over here, even as I type this, considering not ever flying again. One scene actually had me in tears.....carazy!!! I know...I'm such a punk! I told Z that never until today, not even after 9/11, has something truly shook me to the core like that did. But then I realized it's because you only hear about what happens after the fact. You don't have a birds eye and actually see the events in real time to know how it all goes down. Yeah I know we all saw the events of 9/11 as they transpired but I wasn't physically there. This movie made me feel as though I was and put it into perspective for me. I could go on and on about it but I'm pretty certain you would at least like to know what the movie is about. lol

Without giving too much away, the movie starts back in '59 with the sealing of a time capsule at a school. Enclosed in the capsule, along with mainly drawings, is a sheet of paper with random sequences of numbers written by a young girl that was contacted by the "whisper" people. Fastforward to 50 years later when the capsule is opened. The son of the character played by N.Cage, receives the envelope that contains the number paper. The whisper people contact him, as well as many others as we found out later in the movie. The dad takes the paper one night and partially decodes it realizing that the number sequences are the dates and number of people that die (and eventually the latitude and longitude) during the tragic events that have happened and are to happen in theincluding the extinction of Earth. The movie pretty much revolves around the dates and the dad trying to figure out what the whisper people want with his kid.

Overall, the story is well written and all the actors did a very good job of portraying their characters. I have nothing bad to say about this film but I will say everyone will not like it. One lady got up, walked out, and never came back. I heard the people behind us comment as we were all leaving that it was too wierd. Ehhh, that's their opinion but hey....I think they wierd for thinking it's wierd but whatever. lol

AR Gal rating: GO SEE THIS MOVIE

Just in case......

.....you feel like you can't take one more second of work this week, just remember IT'S FRIDAY!!!

Press play as many times as needed to help get you through those rough patches.

Record of Assault

I lifted up my head briefly to say hello after I noticed her walking in the entrance behind me at work. I was busy texting on my phone as I had been since I got out of the car. My head was still down looking at my phone as we walked to and both made our way into the elevator. While continuing to mind my own business typing in a message (and giving off a strong "don't bother me" vibe) , I see a hand coming towards me. Not just any hand, a hand full of fingers with cluster rings. I was a bit startled then annoyed as I saw what was in her hand. A business card of the pank variety with that ever noticeable font. I almost screamed but the elevator doors opened so I just grabbed the card, said thank you, and scurried out the door.

I had just been quietly assaulted by a Mary Kay rep.

I don't wanna be saved.........

Yesterday Z and I went to sit and visit with Mr. B and his sister (click here to find out why). We had probably been there the better part of 30 or 40 minutes when the doorbell rings with more company stopping by to pay their respects. This guy comes in with his two daughters. He introduces himself and his kids, they sit down, and we continue to talk. Mr. B was telling us a story about when he used to live in CA and drove down to AR with some friends of his. He had us rolling laughing, it was hilarious. lol Then, he (the guest) did it. He started the interrogation. What's that you ask? The interrogation that always starts with that oh so "innocent" question......."So what church do you go to?". *RMERHTTWMS* (rolling my eyes real hard 'til the white meat shows". I knew as soon as he fixed his mouth to ask where that convo was headed and released a deep sigh as a warning signal to let his ass know I wasn't in the mood.

If there's one thing I absolutely CANNOT stand is churchfolk. And not just any ole' churchgoer. The kind that feels that their life's work is to make you their hoe and them the captain to help save you from the "unholy" and "unchristianlike" life they think you are leading by not going to church or by practicing another faith other than christianity. REALLY? GTFOH!

Anyway, so it started with that question and he kept on and on and on. Especially after Z told him he was of Sooni-Muslim faith and I told him I was non-denominational. Oh goodness no...not that! You would have thought the man said he worshipped satan and he pretty much implied that I did because being non-denominational now means that you don't believe in God. REALLY? I say again GTFOHWTHBS!!!! After about 20 minutes (too long) of his ass being way more than too nosey, he and Z going back and forth about their different faiths (read dude trying to tell Z what he believed was wrong), and me seeing Mr. B give ole' boy the side-eye no less than 3 times I put a stop to it all.

Me: "Excuse me Mr. ....what's your name again?
Mistah: Mr. S
Me: Mr. S, with all due respect, this is neither the time NOR the place for this conversation. We are all here, or are supposed to be here, for one reason and one reason only...to visit with Mr. B. and Grace and support them right now NOT to have a come to Jesus meeting. Now if it's not too terribly hard for you, would you mind keeping your questions and/or comments regarding the way WE (pointing and Z and myself) live our lives to yourself. Thanks.
Mistah: Oh sister
Me: I ain't ya sister
Mistah: Oh, *sarcastic chuckle* well Ms. I meant no harm I was just trying to get to know you and your...is it your husband or boyfriend.
Me: *taking a deep breath with a smirk on my face* He is my boyfriend (I had to REALLY resist the urge to say "AND??", lmao)but I can see where this is going and I will not entertain you any longer, just know people like you are the reason why I no longer participate in organized religion.

Just then the doorbell rings (such impeccable timing) and in walks his wife. She came in and introduced herself and I personally felt that I was our que to mosey on up out of that joint. We said our goodbyes and do you know this dude tried to actually hug me?? AS IF?! I extended my hand to shake his, told his ass bye and went over to hug Mr. B and Grace.

Needless, to say Z and I heard great conversation about Captain Save a Soul when we returned home. At first I was a little remorseful about saying what I said in front of his kids. Then I wasn't and got over it. I'm sure this dude does this all of the time so this is something they are used to. I kinda feel sorry for them because their daddy is dumb as a box of rocks.

Today, after returning from grocery shopping, Mr. B called and asked if could he come over. Once he arrived, he told us he had come to apologize for the way ole boy treated us. Hmmmm, seems I read those side-eyes correctly. lol He also said that he did another one of his guests that came to visit later that evening the exact same way! Really? Dude needs to be bitch slapped with his bible....like for real. Of course we told Mr. B that there was no need for him to apologize. It's not his fault his church fam is an idiot. I did apologize to Mr. B, I had actually planned on calling him today when I returned home, for overstepping my bounds in his home. He told me there was no need for my apology because he would have done the same thing. lol I heart him. Mr. B said the next time he is over there and tries that he will put a stop to himself because it is extremely rude and disrepectful to him and to his guests. I concur!!! Go Mr. B!! I'd pay to be a fly on that wall when that happens. lol

I'm just glad I finally opened my mouth to voice my opinion. Granted I may have been in the wrong with my timing but I was beyond sick and tired of his useless drivel. There have been SO many times when I would just let something like that slide because of the "respect your elders" clause but you know what...I just don't care anymore. I was so put off by his bitchassedness (with his six car garage that has no cars in it because they all sit outside....yeah he's a strange one...or a big fat liar) and the fact that he put respect by the wayside for the sake of his own agenda. Over the years, I've found myself becoming more and more disgusted by people like him. It's obvious they lack the basics of hometraining and common sense. I love my life and the way I live it. It works for me. I don't need your stamp of approval nor do I need your advice on ways to live a "better" life. Please believe if and when I need your opinion, I will ask. Until then, kick rocks and kiss my ass.

Life and Death.............

I was just outside finishing up the convo with the repairman that came by and noticed an abundance of cars in the driveways of both of my neighbors yard. As I was walking to the mailbox, I noticed a sign in one of the neighbors yard announcing the birth of their new baby. Awwwwwww. I really don't talk to them all that much but I'll be sure to tell the husband congratulations next time I see him out walking their dog.

Since the driveway at the other house was also full, I saw a couple across the street taking soda's and Styrofoam cups out of the trunk of their car. I stopped to ask them was everything okay, in my mind knowing what words were about to come next (it's just something about seeing folks randomly bring over pops to a house ya know?).

Friend of Neighbor: No, Mrs. B passed away this morning.
Me: WHAT?!
FON: Yeah, you know she had to go back to the hospital.
Me: No, but she was just here Tuesday (like that makes a difference)
FON: Yeah.....

Then I busted out crying, told them thank you, and went into the house.*sigh* I don't know where that came from and feel stupid for crying in front of a couple of strangers like that. *bigger sigh* I'm sad though. Tuesday was the last day I saw her since it was the last day this week that was nice enough to go walking. I would normally only see them when I went to pick up their dog to take him walking with my pack or if they called for Z and I to come over and do something for them.

I'll miss Mrs. B. She was a cool old lady that gave good advice. I'll miss her referring to Z and I as her "kids". I'll miss her harassing us about doing the right thing and tying the knot. Okay not really but oddly enough, she was one of the few people that didn't annoy me when she brought it up. lol I remember when she came home after being released from the hospital and physical therapy (after breaking her hip). When I stopped by to chat it up with her, I honestly was shocked because she seemed just fine. She was waiting on Mr. B to come back with her cigarettes (she stayed lighting up the VA Slims, lol) and we just talked about everything and nothing. I guess in my head that stereotype of it having a hip break and being old and it all "going downhill" was implanted in my head. Perhaps they were right. I dunno. I'm just sad and in shock.

Z will be off in a little while. Hopefully the visitors will have died down by then so we can go pay our respects.

Updated: We decided to wait until later this weekend to go over and sit with him (and his sister who also stays next door). I talked with Mr. B over the phone not too long ago and he just sounds sooo sad AND tired. I have the blinds open and people have been coming and going all day long. We didn't stay on the phone very long but he did say that this was unexpected. :(

It's really not me.........

...........I promise. They keep putting this stuff out here on the innernets and I just have to watch and share. Your world is a better place for knowing that this stuff and that these people exists. I'm keeping ya'll in the know so you can be on the lookout for the crazies. You can thank me later with Girl Scout cookies.

Anyway, I present to you some of the weirdest sh*t I think I've come across on youtube to date. While the pop-up text was really creative, I really don't think making a gospel song about "no mo' breakfast" is the way to coerce people that Kingdom of Heaven is where they want and/or need to be. And I lied.....the pop-up text is not really that great although it did serve as a good translating tool. I guess my seat in heaven is in jeopardy....*weeps*

Thanks Goli!!

The reason why..............

..............the DTV date was pushed back from February to June.