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Post by Honeylioness on Apr 30, 2009 14:32:55 GMT -5
Final update for April: 28/25 NEO
26/20 CS/NSGoals for May: 25 NEO
20 CS/NS
31 NKB or CW (No killing boss or co-workers)
31 NCMTSOH (No crying myself to sleep over Hawk) MittenKitten - 05/03/09 09:51 PM Question of the Week (QOTW): What goal did you have that made you decide to join the controlled/no spend thread? Have you made new goals since you have joined? Challenge of the Week (COTW): (come on you had to see this one coming!) Make a new goal for yourself! Be it a health goal, a money goal whatever but make it something you can attain. Honeylioness - 05/05/09 01:08 PM QOTW - I am not sure I can pinpoint just one thing that made me decide to stop "lurking" and start participating. Perhaps it was running out of available cash before I ran out of month. And feeling out of control as to where all the money was going. When I sat down and wrote out income and bills it seemed to work in theory but by the end of the month I was not seeing a balance of $100-$300 dollars still in my checking account that the paper exercise said I should. One thing I committed to trying was to write EVERYTHING down - a soda, money for parking meters, a dollar put into a charity collection cup - EVERY SINGLE PENNY.This for me has been both useful and eye opening as I had not realized how much these little things added up so quickly. One of the new things I am doing is to round up cash purchases. So if I spend $2.61 at Dunkin' Donuts I record it as $3 since the change is tossed into a jar in my kitchen. Then every few months I roll the collected coins and deposit them into my savings account. I need to make a trip to my bank (which is about 23 miles away) as so far I have about $60 in rolled coin. COTW: Something I can attain?  Oh come on ..... MK, didn't you know I am the Empress of Over-Reaching and the Crown Princess of the Kingdom of Unrealistic Goals? Attainable ... yeah right ...*pouts* .... So losing 50 pounds, putting $1,000 more into savings, finding a new man who worships me, getting additional vacation days from my employer for this year and winning the Lottery before Memorial Day is NOT realistic??? And define "attainable" - this week, month, year? And do I have to prove it? Can anyone tell I have a few "issues" with goals and resolutions?  Perhaps my new "goal" should be to stop writing To Do lists - especially when they could double as royal proclamations - at least in length. ********************** Honeylioness - 05/04/09 01:10 PM Regarding the question "... I wonder if anyone, who has been doing this for awhile, calculated how much they saved..." This sort of shook me in a way I was not expecting or even think I like too much. Not because of the question per se - but what I came up with when I sat down with my numbers this weekend. I have been participating since July 2008 and don't feel as though I can point to a specific pile of cash and say "See, this is what I have saved". I do know that there have been more subtle changes that perhaps only I would see or care about. - Not having to transfer $ from savings to checking every other month to cover basic bills, thus being able to not spend my tax refund but just let it sit there quietly earning it's measly 3%
- Not receiving any collection calls from the electric company or a credit card company
- Not having any credit card balances at all, so I guess I could say I have saved money there by not having to pay finance charges.
- I increased my 401(k) withdrawal from my paycheck from 4% to 6% without really noticing the difference in less take home pay
- I have cut back on my purchases online of things I liked or thought were pretty but did not really need.
I guess I am just feeling discouraged today. I would like to be better disciplined and have a big pile of cash somewhere I could show off as proof of how hard I try to keep my non-essential spending in check. WARNING: Rant ahead, take evasion actions to avoid Can I get a do-over for today? Late last night I decided to check my e-mail before going to bed. At the end of March I had submitted a syllabus and proposal to teach a Beginning Quiltmaking class at the local community college, and I had a reply from the program director saying "...At this time, I do not believe that your course fits into our offerings at MCC..." I am bummed. One of the reasons (selfishly) I proposed to this school is that it is walking distance from my house. I suppose I should be comforted though by another comment she made about how she had mentioned it to a colleague at another school and they were very interested, and that she was forwarding my information to this second person. Then this morning I slept through my alarm, didn't get up until 15 minutes AFTER the time I am supposed to start work, called my boss to let him know I was running late, got attitude from him, raced out of the house and got stopped by a motor cycle cop who claims I ran a red light .... HUH??!?!?!?!?! He then proceeded to give me a citation for $150 !!!!! I think I want to cry. Then the first e-mail I open once I am at my desk with my first cup of coffee is from our snarky Acctg Mgr wondering why I did not get her the end of month reports on Friday .... ummm... EXCUSE ME!!! We were a little busy laying people off .... not exactly a lot of extra time for anything else. Besides I have until the third business day after EOM to get my reports out - and that would be tomorrow!!!! Add to this my still un-sure reaction or lack of to RH's call Friday night - and his saying he would have a line the next night and would call back for sure (but of course didn't) and I don't know ... did I believe him or not? Am I surprised or not? Am I processing any of this or just completely shut down to not feel anything? ****************** MittenKitten - 05/12/09 01:12 PMQuestion of the Week (QOTW): How do you spend quality time with your family? Is there a set time? Do you call them if you don't live with them, e-mail? I did catch azmom with her dilema with dinners with the kids. (BTW: I think maybe you will need attempt to have some dinners a week together but not all maybe instead or in place of each week figure out a night you can do game night for an hour...) Challenge of the Week (COTW): Make it a point to let your family or a friend know you love them and value them. MittenKitten - 05/26/09 10:37 PMQOTW: What do you do for vacation? Has it changed with this thread/economy? COTW: figure out a way to get away, even if it is for an hour at a park. Those times can really recharge us and help us get through the rest of the day/week etc Honeylioness - 05/27/09 03:50 PM QOTW: I have never really been a "Let's spend thousands of dollars to go and lay on a beach somewhere" kind of vacation gal. So I don't think the current economy will have that much effect on my plans - except for a bit more angst about spending any of my savings - no matter what I had earmarked it for. Growing up, most summers we were shipped off from whereever we were living to my grandparent's summer cottage in New Hampshire. To spend our days swimming, catching frogs, roaming the woods etc. So perhaps that is why I tend to take small extended low-key weekend type of "vacations". Like the one coming up in June to Vermont for my annual quilt festival. On alternate years I go see my parents for Christmas or will take long weekends during the summer to attend a show or festival. I used to travel for large company meetings with my last company and was able to tack two or three extra days onto a business trip to visit and see new cities or revisit old favorite ones (like D.C.) I think I have a hard time in some ways with the concept of "vacation" that many hold to - of just sitting around and doing nothing. Not that I am adverse to hanging out on a nice porch with a great book and a still lake out front for a day. Perhaps I just don't really know HOW to unwind. The one "real" vacation I think I ever took was the two weeks I went to the UK all alone to commemorate my 40th birthday - renting a car in Edinburgh and driving south to Bath before ending up in London and flying home. COTW: I should really try to do this. Most days I don't even get away from my desk to eat lunch as I seem to, by default, be the only person in the office physically capable of answering the phone when the receptionist is away from the switchboard. |
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Post by Honeylioness on May 5, 2009 15:26:58 GMT -5
What's your bad financial addiction? NorEasterSW - 05/04/09 08:18 PMI've always had a soft spot for antique jewelry. In the past I've avoided getting too oooey and awwwey by, well, just avoiding shopping for it. There's just something about a pair of earrings made in 1790. I've already managed to horde all my grandmother's and great-grandmother's jewelry. My DF and I made both my engagement ring and my wedding ring out of their diamonds (my mother wouldn't part with the entire setting Tongue out). But now....I'm going crazy. I said I'd allow myself 2 pieces of 18th-early 19th century for my wedding. A pair of earrings and a bracelet or pin. And I've been good. No extreme shopping and am looking in my set budget (well, sometimes I go up a price point or two just to think what if?!). Oh, but the temptation!!! I swear every other item that has "Georgian" or "Early Victorian" in the title makes me want to click the buy button. Does anyone else out there have a bad financial tick that's hard to keep in check? Honeylioness - 05/05/09 08:30 AM Ahhhh ... so glad to see I am not the only one who loves loves loves unique jewelry! I did not get the "shoe craving" gene like some others (though I do have a real soft spot for a great pair of boots), nor the "purse" gene, and I don't really care how many CDs or movies I own. However, Italian micro mosaic jewelry from about 1880-1920 just makes my little heart go pitter-pat! Like love-to-organize I have a couple of favorite websites I check out regularly. One of which is not that widely known for having jewelry so I get some great deals. I am not sure I could go an entire month cold-turkey but perhaps it is something to think about trying. I also collect English bone china brooches and earrings as well as hand painted brooches. And fabric - did I mention fabric? As a quilter and a beginning quilting teacher I have a lot of fabric ... and I do mean A LOT |
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Post by Honeylioness on May 7, 2009 9:37:26 GMT -5
06 May 2009
Honeylioness - 05/06/09 09:26 AM
Sharing - feel free to jump in here if I got the numbers messed up - I find it sometimes easier to understand when I can see real numbers.
Regarding the reverse split of GM stock of 1:100 as I understand it from reading the articles it will do several thing:
1. First, the company is planning on issuing up to 60 BILLION new shares of stock. This in essence means that shareholders would retain a mere 1% of the equity of the company.
2. Let's say you own 500 shares of GM stock worth $5 each for a total of $2,500. Because of all the new stock your $5 per share would drop to $0.05 per share. So now you would own 500 shares of stock at a nickle a share for a total of $25.00.
3. Then the company would do the 1:100 split so you get an additional 5 shares to bring your grand total up to 505 shares at $0.05 a share for a whopping worth of $25.25.
4. Or would the share price go BACK to the $5 so you now had a total of $2,525 worth of stock?
From the news article:
Either way it seems to me that since there will be so much extraneous stock out there that the real hurt will come during the payout of shareholder earnings since the average person or employee will hold such a nominal number of shares they could see their "Payout" slashed to under $10 or so.
Sharing the Simple Lifestyle - 05/06/09 09:58 PM
Honey, Your explanation seems correct on the GM reverse split plan. Boy, one can easily see indeed that shareholders are nearly wiped out.
CoffeeGirl
Honeylioness - 05/06/09 01:59 PM
CG - You mean questions such as "Why does the government seem to be in dire need of massive quantities of glass belly buttons?" or "Do you have any insight as to why the 'Talking Heads' were trying to scare people by throwing around phrases like 'The Second Great Depression' ?"
Hmmm... probably NOT what you were looking for.
Okay, what about:
"Do you think the economic events of the last year are more likely to push global governments into seriously considering a common international currency? And if not - why?"
"What are the two positives you see arising, and still in play a year from now, from this situation?"
"In light of the fact that the current Administration wants to encourage people to continue spending instead of saving, Would it have not made sense as part of the stimulus package to let responsible homeowners refinance their mortgages to a lower percentage rate without paying closing costs or points? These are the people who are not in need of millions and millions in bail out funds, but would instead have monthly money freed up to again go to Home Depot or buy a new stove. Yet most cannot get their mortgage adjusted because they are not in default or even late."
"For those 'insiders' at the Federal Reserve or Treasury, do you think they really do not GET it as to why people are angry and outraged at the seemingly irresponsible use of tax payer funds spent by many of the major corporations WE bailed out?"
"Which company/institution would YOU have allowed to go under and why?"
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Post by Honeylioness on May 15, 2009 14:59:18 GMT -5
3catslady - 05/14/09 10:10 PMupdate; 9 NSD, 10 NEO, 14 NKDIL/DS It has been a really quiet week mainly because Children and Youth Services has been here every day with DGD. I don't think DGD is staying here yet. Yesterday was an all-out verbal conflict between DIL and DGD. DIL knows the F-word very well because that is the only word I could understand her saying. I did hear DS say he was done bailing DGD out and she had better straighten out or she will be going back to jail. It seems like when DGD doesn't get her way she acts out, but then what teen doesn't. She will be 18 in September and she will be out on her own. I have been cleaning up the brush pile but I need a pair of loping shears and then I need a shop-vac. Lowe's has a small vac for $40 dollars. I must say I made a dent in the pile but it would have been quicker if DS and the kids would have helped me. But since I am on my own, I do what I can and it looks good. I am going to bed early so I can get up and work on that pile because DBIL is coming for his trailer, hopefully after work which will be around 4-6. night all 15 May 20093catslady - 05/15/09 10:40 AMSharing; I think that is where DGD is right now. CYS brings her to the family meetings and takes her away with them. I still think she would be better off in Texas with her aunt than here. I know geographical change doesn't help everything but it would give DGD a chance to get her head on straight. And her Aunt would not be afraid to smack her up side the head when she needed it. I have to get dressed and pick up my check and head for Lowe's. Another spend day. Sharing - azmom, such good suggestions from honey, etc. As well, your kids will be ready to create a small wall hanging and talk about their inclusions; "this star is for bravery for young soldiers who went overseas far from family" and "this stripe is for the ties which bind our country together" etc. It could be dollar store felt items, bits of trim, some buttons, etc. Honey, SES_, on that theme, isn't there something about buttons and their scarcity during one of the wars? Disclaimer: I'm famous for partial bits of info that are vaguely correct but totally incorrect in some significant way, like the actual century, LOL. SES_Books - 05/14/09 10:52 PM
Sharing--The old lady who lived next door when I was a kid collected buttons and button hooks. The majority of her collection was from 1880's-1920's (probably her childhood) and I vaguely remember something about a shortage because so many were handmade. And availability went down--(Civil War,WW I,1918 Influenza?) I also remember the family story about my great uncle going to the "talkies" wearing his good pants that had a new fangled "zipper". He sat down in the dark and loosened his button for comfort and when it was time to leave the zipper had loosened so he refastened everything in preparation to leave only to find out that the lady in front of him had her dress trapped in his zipper. Thank goodness his wife was sitting right there. He never used anything but buttons again, nor did they ever go to a "talkie" again. I never did learn how he got out of the "movie palace" Sharing the Simple Lifestyle - 05/14/09 11:02 PMSES_,[/b] Oh that is a great story! You're right. Buttons were handmade. I think bone was often used, and of course, mother of pearl. I can just imagine the acute embarassment of your great-uncle!!! That's a good one! Honeylioness - 05/15/09 10:42 AMSharing et al – During the Civil War the South was unable to produce metal buttons not only because of blockades and having their supply rail lines shut down – but the metal they could scavenge was more valuable turned into weaponry. There also was not a standard uniform button for the Confederacy as each state was producing their own designs at the start of the war. Another sign that the Confederacy may not have been as cohesive a movement as some believe. In contrast the Union army had standard uniforms and buttons that did not promote one state over another. The North also continued to have working factories, smelters and access to raw materials, which they choked off for the Rebels. By the middle of the war Southern troops and civilians alike were making buttons from acorn caps, freshwater mussel and clam shells, wood and mere balls of thread or fabric scraps. As a side note – button mania became so out of control in the 1500’s that there is a meeting reported between the kings of England and France in which each of them had over 10,000 buttons sown onto their clothing. However in the 1600’s they were outlawed by the Puritans who considered them “sinful”. I am not really sure why – but perhaps it is the symbolism of a rigid object sliding through a soft opening??? Startsmart – I would be interested to know what book/test you were referring to that you identified as “clean slate” because that is so NOT me …. If anyone has heard of, or taken, the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) I think it is one of the best tools out there. I first took it when I was 18 through my counselor – in the last 20+ years I have taken it about four more times – and each time I fall squarely into the same “profile” I remember the first time I took it and was given the results and what they meant I was almost shocked and sure that someone must have drilled into my head one night to so accurately peg me. (Note – my type is actually a bare 1% of the population – how scary is that? ) 3cats – I do not often comment on your updates because I truly do not wish to hurt your feelings or add to your stress. But your son ….. if anyone ever needed a Dr. Phil intervention it is him and his broom-riding wife. Your grand-daughter is obviously troubled and in incredible emotional suffering as witnessed by her behavior and recent suicide attempt. Screaming and threatening such a person will accomplish nothing but only damage more her already wounded soul. What I wouldn’t give for a half hour alone with each of these supposed “adults” – and if they still refuse to “see the light” I have a good friend here named Vincienzo who I am sure could be much more ….. “persuasive”. My heart also aches for the younger children who are growing up surrounded by these toxic behaviors. And I worry for them as they get older – no offense to you – but your son seems to have not learned how to be an adult – never mind a parent. And is obviously not getting any positive assistance from Broomhilda. Again, my apologies if I have offended you. I just had to say something. 3catslady - 05/15/09 01:15 PM
Honey; I don't get upset when somebody tells me something I agree with. Even if I don't agree, I understand where you are coming from. I just wish DIL would take some telling from the right person, but she is one of those that knows everything. She took a couple of classes in psychology and "know every thing that needs to be done to" fix her family. I have heard it said that "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing" and she has little knowledge of life. DS said she has been pampered for to long, and I bit my tongue because he pampers her too. I got my shears for the brush pile so I had better get out there and get busy. Be back later. teh mom - 05/15/09 11:51 AMHoneylioness-I would guess (this is a guess) that the Puritans thought it was “sinful” because people became obsessed with collecting buttons, showing off their buttons, and wanting other’s buttons, hence it would fall more into the category of “glutton” or “coveting”. ( and the "thou shalt not have any other God before me")
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Post by Honeylioness on May 15, 2009 15:04:02 GMT -5
Original post from CQG Yahoo Group Page
May 13, 2009
Hi Everyone,
I am going to start taping my own tv show on the local channel next month. Channel 8. It will most likely be called "Its Easy Being Green." It will be about ways in which we can easily be more environmental in our everyday lives. Most of the shows will be about crafts. Every other show I would like to have a guest on. If any of you make or do something that is eco-conscious, and you
would like to be on the show, please let me know.
My 1st guest and I will be talking about making a quilt, a valance for a window, and possible a table clothe or table runner out of fabric items that we have inherited from loved ones. It fits into the show's theme because we are finding a new purpose for something that would normally be locked away in a box somewhere.
I am also planning on having at least one other show that talks about quilting. There will be several shows that deal with sewing, crocheting, and knitting as well.
Thank you,
Kristy
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Honeylioness - 05/15/09 12:31 PM
HELP!!!!!
Okay, now that I have your attention ... .... I am sitting here with a real quandry. A woman from my Quilt Guild who is very eco-conscious is going to be doing a local cable station show called "..."It's Easy Being Green" - her premise being "...ways in which we can easily be more environmental in our everyday lives..."
Here is the "problem" - She wants to know if I will be a guest on her show.
Aside from feeling that I am no where near her level of .... how shall I say? .... "crunchy-granola-ness" ... I HATE even having my picture taken. So the idea of a moving, yammering ME compressed onto a television screen that will probably highlight all the flaws in my body I am MORE than conscious of ....well, this is my dilema.
While I don't have so many recycling type "crafts" that I do, at least I don't THINK I do .... there are all the dorky low-environmental-impact things I do like making my own detergent, and ant repellent, and basic cleaning pastes.
Oy - I am very flattered she would consider me. My mother is adamant that I NOT just "give" her my ideas and recipes unless I am the one demonstrating them. But Oy Vay ... television?.....with this chubby girl?
Can anyone tell I have some issues to work out?
So I thought ..... WWTCSBLD? .... (What Would the Controlled Spend Board Ladies Do?)
red_wagon - 05/15/09 12:53 PM
Honey - I say gather yourself together and do it! Isn't this a time in your life when you want to be trying new things and becoming a new, better you!? Be more confident! Help save the planet! I think it sounds like a great experience!
jillbean_1978 - 05/15/09 01:01 PM
Honey- I think that is wonderful that your friend asked you to be a guest! I hate getting my picture taken too, and actual TV? I don't know if I could do it. However I am sure you would be great! Get a new outfit that makes you feel awesome! Now, I've been wanting to make my own laundry soap but I can't find the Washing Soda. Do you use that or something?
Red2Black2011 - 05/15/09 02:05 PM
Honey: I say do the show. It will be something new and exciting and you will be absolutely wonderful at it.
SES_Books - 05/15/09 02:06 PM
Honey--I say do it. For a rather odd reason. These are issues all of us need to be aware of and I would rather learn from a "real" person who knows what/why they are doing this rather than some "pretty artificial actress type" who is just saying words. If you just want an actress, maybe smartstart would be willing to give you one. You know your stuff and it comes across.
If more people get into this maybe Jill and I will be able to find washing soda. So consider that you would be doing us a personal favor. (Be sure to mention how harsh and wearing commercial products are on our fabrics-that was news to me) For my two cents, my steam cleaner is a great way to avoid chemicals. I am a fan.
ETA: will you get a video copy or a link so we can also learn from the master?
Sharing the Simple Lifestyle - 05/15/09 05:58 PM
Honey, I want to know more. You have fabulous info. You get yourself out there in front of that TV camera. Who cares if you're not a Size 0? Beautiful hair, nice make-up, a cool piece or two of jewellry or incredible vest, shawl, etc. and all I see is a gorgeous, interesting woman. Honestly, at least eighty-eight percent of us viewers are oblivious to size. I know I am. I do notice pretty hair, accessories, someone well groomed.
Kittycow - 05/15/09 09:45 PM
Honey - if I wanted to see a size zero mouthpiece talking on a subject she knows nothing about I'd watch more shopping channels! I say go for it, use your powers for good!
Sheila in Cali - 05/15/09 10:38 PM
Honey: I think you should consider doing your friend's show. Share what you know with the masses- you can easily tie the financial savings in as a reason to be more environmentally frugal as well. Plus you are awesome and her viewers would hang on your every word.
beej1967 - 05/16/09 02:09 PM
Honey - I say go for it! Nothing ventured, nothing gained and this would be an experience of a lifetime to possibly do a guest spot on the show!
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Post by Honeylioness on May 21, 2009 15:26:45 GMT -5
Honeylioness - 05/20/09 11:43 AMDoes anyone know where I can go to exchange specific family members for new ones? Perhaps with less wear and tear and insanity issues? Not a fun evening last night. At 9:00 pm I got a call from my sister Laura (we do not share the same biological parents - long story for another time). Now you have to understand, Laura is ...... different. Not as in "Oh, how cute she's eccentric" different, but as in Sybil different. And yes, she DOES have MPD (Multiple Personality Disorder - bad joke about Sybil but even she says it) Anyhooooooooo - she almost never ever EVER calls me or initiates contact. So that was odd factor number one. Then she is hemming and hawing about why she called while I tried to figure out just "who" I was actually speaking with (much easier to do when you can see her mannerisms and body posture as each "person" is very distinct). Finally I get the gist of what she is calling about - she thinks Mom is in danger of hurting herself and so "H" (one of her alters) had gotten scared and decided to call me - the big sister. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate her care and concern for Mom. And yes, Mom was having a less than stellar day on Sunday for a variety of reasons. But this is what really got me upset with Laura. Not that she called me - that's fine. But first she had called Mom's arch-nemesis and told her this and then, in an act that shows just how little she understands the word "boundaries" she had ferretted out the home phone number of my mother's doctor and called him at home!!! All of which she told me and then asked for my approval that she had done the right thing. OY I was as calm as I could be and told her I would need to get back to her as I did not have enough first hand information. She really wanted me to tell her exactly what to do that moment and I wouldn't. I am sure someone listening from the outside would think I was being a horrible B**ch to this "ill" person - but I have been dealing with this for so many years - you just can't always deal with this issue with kid gloves. Sometimes you have to be brutally frank. The upshot is that I talked to Mom last night, and she is also not happy with Laura's behavior. I knew she was not suicidal as I talk to her almost every day. A part of me understands that the "personality" that called me and over-reacted is only about 8 years old. I get that. I am just sort of at the point where I just don't have the physic or emotional energy to deal with it anymore. The last time she was hospitalized I made the mistake of mentioning it to a co-worker. They thought I was the original Ice Queen for not flying back to be with her. But I just can't do it anymore. And I just needed to get this off my chest I guess. Not really looking for sympathy or advice or constructive feedback. Thanks for "listening" SES_Books - 05/20/09 12:47 PMHoney--if you ever find a family member exchange/recycle center let me know. Hang in there, you have always been there to listen when one of us needed it, now it is our turn to listen to you. Everyone has to pick the battles they can deal with in order to move through life. Sounds like you did just what you needed to do. HATOO - 05/20/09 01:13 PMHoney: bwah ha ha! If you find such a place, let me know. Sorry to read your post, but I am amazed at your ability to maintain a good sense of humor. HUGS! Sharing the Simple Lifestyle - 05/20/09 01:46 PMHoney, Just echoing SES_. Had a close enough brush here and there to totally get what you went through last night with that phone call. Fruitless to be drawn into conversation with them when they're...hmm...currently visiting alternate realities. dakota4600 - 05/20/09 02:00 PMHoney- Let me know if you find one. I've got some extended relatives I'd like to trade. nitza19 - 05/20/09 04:30 PMHoney - You are not an "ice queen" or anytihng of the sort. I'm sure there are a lot of times when people think that of me (and not just the kids at school, ha ha). But you have to draw lines somewhere. And sometimes they're a little farther than others. But everyone has a limit and you reached yours. Glad you have us to vent to and get a little release  Angel 33 - 05/20/09 05:35 PMHoney- Hugs to you as well. Please let me know if you find a place to return family members. I just found out my little brother just got busted for drugs AGAIN and is going to get prison time this time...since rehab hasn't worked the 3 times he has been there. I stopped giving him my sympathy a long time ago. The exact day I lost all sympathy for him (and there wasn't much left) was when he attacked my parents because he was asked to help dad mow the lawn. I didn't speak to him for nearly 2 years. Sometimes to protect our own sanity, we have to distance ourselves. Hugs again to you. calsfan - 05/20/09 09:51 PMHoneylioness---had to laugh at your wanting to trade in some family members. I immediately thought of a recycling center with different bins for different types of relatives. I am envisioning the following bins; one for those who only care about themselves; one for those who constantly want to tell you what you SHOULD be doing; one for those who are just plain annoying; one for those who start family fights whenever they arrive. Feel free everyone to add your own “bin” to my list. reeneejune - 05/20/09 11:22 PMETA - Family recycling bins... we also need to account for those family members who should not be recycled because they are irredeemable. My father is a good example. nitza19 - 05/21/09 01:38 AMcalsfan - Oh, do I have some "bins" for you! one for those who ask to borrow money; one for those who demand presents; one for those with no manners; one for those who won't help out the family; one for whiners; one for drama queens! I'm sure there would be more. That's what I came up with for one person in my family  Ha ha ha. *Ice Queen* I would definitely love a copy of your Vegas Primer!
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Post by Honeylioness on May 26, 2009 10:11:28 GMT -5
Honeylioness - 05/25/09 07:25 PM"What I have done in the last week"- Swung by my church's rummage sale. Picked up a room sized rug in green, cream and rose for $10 (for my living room next winter as the one I have now is too big) - Same rummage/plant sale I got a mature (about 4 yo) Bleeding Heart plant for $3! - "Liberated" some perennials from houses in the area that are vacant/abandoned. Lily of the Vally and Star of Bethlehem. - Cleaned out and weeded garden beds. - Planted Bleeding Heart, Lily and Star plants. - Cleaned front door and replaced burnt out lights - Freecycle'd over 2 dozen boxes to a family moving soon - thus freeing up a LARGE part of my studio - Did over 2 hours worth of ironing and almost emptied my ironing basket. - Did grocery shopping - Fought with my bank over several overdraft fees they slammed on my account arising from them charging me for replacement checks without notice. GRRRRRR. Did get them to reverse most of them but still a PITA - Drafted design for tile pattern on the wall behind my stove. Right now it is just painted wall board which has been bugging me for years as it is borderline impossible to keep really clean. If I scrub hard enough to take off the splatters the paint comes with it. Finally had enough and decided to just tile the wall area from the top of the counter to the hood fan and in between the cabinets that make the reccess the stove sits in. - Went to Home Depot Thursday night (great timing, no one was there and I was in and out in under an hour). Bought tiles and supplies - after having to make a last minute design change due to availability of what I wanted. Also bought some annuals for some of my planters. Total bill= $125, What came out of MY pocket = $0 !!!! Having a brother who hates to shop and sends you gift cards instead = Priceless. - Met up with BFF for our yearly visit to Gore to pick up heirloom tomato plants and herbs. Also got the fudge she bought for me a couple of weeks ago. Made by a small company in VT - Chocolate Raspberry fudge and some Chocolate Amaretto fudge ... HEAVEN. - Prepped kitchen wall, pulled the stove out a bit and cleared counters. I could not take the stove all the way out as it is gas so was limited by the flex pipe. - Set tile, grouted the joint lines and cleaned up "accidents" - Since the stove was pulled forward I scrubbed the whole thing down and dismantled burners to clean. Also washed flooring underneath, sides of stove usually hidden and the cabinet alcove. - Since I was in "the Zone" I scrubbed down all the kitchen cabinets. Scoured the countertops and did a deep clean of the microwave and sink. - Scrubbed the kitchen floor - Planted four large planters with tomatoes. Planted up 14 other various containers, hanging baskets and wall baskets with annuals and railing boxes with herbs. - Cleaned off back patio aree and washed down the bistro table and chairs. - Reorganized tapes and CDs that were just jumbled in the hutch - Hung my new artwork in dining room which involved removing current items and re-hanging them in new locations. Culled a few items for donation. - Patched a wall where a lighting fixture had been knocked off by a cat sitter. Repainted area and touched up other minor scrapes and scratches in dining room and staircase. - Cleaned both bathrooms - Changed sheets on bed, washed quilt to store away - Put away clothes and cleaned bedroom. - Did three loads of laundry - Made a double batch of Toll House cookies - Made three bottles of simple syrup (I prefer this with my iced tea as sugar often does not dissolve all the way) - Scrubbed out both cat litter boxes Wonder why I am TIRED? beej1967 - 05/25/09 08:18 PM Holy Cow Honey Lioness and R2B2, you both are making me tired! BTW, my awnings are wood slat awnings. Hard to describe, fit the style of my old house though. If I were smart I would get vinyl shutters instead - but they do seem to help a tad in the summer in keeping it a bit cooler in here. Red2Black2011 - 05/25/09 09:38 PM Beej: I made you tired. I got tired just reading about Honey and Startsmarts day.
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Post by Honeylioness on May 28, 2009 10:13:57 GMT -5
Honeylioness - 05/27/09 03:26 PM Okie Dokie .... guess I was inspired by seeing smartstart's new artwork. So ... remember my telling you that last month I splurged BIG time for a piece by my favorite artist - William Hallmark? Well, here is picture of the the First Piece of his I ever bought (though mine is framed differently and is signed and hand numbered by the artist) ep.yimg.com/ip/I/yhst-46633710854924_2053_24687850And here is the one I Just Got (though mine is matted in burgundy). I love this man's Lions - and in person their gaze is so much more direct you do feel they are really looking INTO you from the wall. ep.yimg.com/ip/I/yhst-46633710854924_2053_161756398
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Post by Honeylioness on May 28, 2009 10:25:55 GMT -5
Sharing the Simple Lifestyle - 05/25/09 11:58 AM
Just a drive-by, ladies. I'm cat, dog, fish, plants, house sitting for BFF and her DH. They are out west for the week. Poochies are not doing well. I don't know if they're eating poison ivy or some such out in the dog run. Both are elderly and Farley had testicular cancer (a large tumor removed) in February. Both are restive at night and accidents are plentiful no matter how careful and insistent I am to have them outside frequently. I see signs, all kinds of them, that perhaps this is Farley's last summer. Big guys (retriever, border collie). This is just not going swimmingly, but this too, shall pass.
Sharing the Simple Lifestyle - 05/27/09 11:11 AM
Pet sitting update: Did take both poochies to the vet Monday late afternoon. I'm so glad I did. It was very expensive, but BFF will reimburse me without a worry. The ears (both border collie and retriever) are in terrible shape and must be cared for 2x per day. Farley got some meds for anxiety, bad guys in the intestines. Yesterday was much better. With the long drives back and forth, little time for anything else.
teh mom, Have you noticed that bright orange cats who MUST dig in freshly rained gardens MUST share the dirt? I did manage to wash two paws but the dear Cat face has just flicked onto the keyboard what he had craftily hidden under the back paws. Cats do have a karma thing going on, in that the owners WILL pay for transgressions like having one's paws held under the kitchen tap.
teh mom - 05/27/09 11:50 AM
Sharing - But what else were we put onto this Earth for, but to take care of the Cats? We are at their beck and call. Sole purpose to fill the food bowls. Change out the water bowls. Scratch under the chins. Let them out....let them in....let them out....let them in. And chase away all other Kitties that "think" they may want to cross their borders.
Sharing the Simple Lifestyle - 05/28/09 10:23 AM
SES_, Cluseau (Inspector Cluseau) brought me a prezzie this morning. It was on the front deck, right at the door. One very cute, but very dead little mousie. BFF's kitties are indoor/outdoor/indoor/outdoor Cats
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Post by Honeylioness on May 28, 2009 10:28:55 GMT -5
Red2Black2011 - 05/25/09 09:50 PM Honey, Sheila: Remember last year when Red_Wagon was moving, you both gave her suggestions on how to patch up the holes in her wall. What were those suggestions again? I want to hang some stuff on my walls but I want to make sure I know how to patch it up before I go crazy. Thanks. Honeylioness - 05/27/09 10:29 AMR2B2 - Okay (putting on my custom leather tool belt) Spackling 101 is now in session. Now, I am going to go on the assumption that you are not talking about patching up big-my-drunk-BFF-put-her-fist-through-the-drywall type of holes - but smaller ones from nails or perhaps even drywall anchors to hang something heavy like a mirror. You will need the following: - a small putty knife (I recommend a plastic one)
- one piece of fine grit sandpaper (anything rated above 80 - the higher the number the finer the grit)
- small amount of matching paint (You can often get these for a couple of dollars at the hardware store - about 3 oz of the color you need)
- foam paint applicator
- spackling (I would recommend DAP since it goes on pink and when then turns white to let you know when it has dried enough for the next step.)
Now that you have your tools here are the basic steps: - If there is a hole larger than the eraser end of a pencil you can stuff a small amount of kleenex into it first, just so the spackle has something to adhere to.
- If the surface area is slick, or painted with high gloss paint, lightly sand the area to give it more "bite" or texture for the spackling to hold onto.
- Using the putty knife scoop out a small amount of spackle just as you would peanut butter from the jar.
- With the blade almost level with the wall push the spackle into the hole you are filling.
- Holding the putty knife at a 45 degree angle draw it across the filled hole to make the fill somewhat level with the wall and remove any excess from the surrounding area.
- Once the spackling has dried lightly sand the patch and surrounding area smooth.
- With a dry sponge or tack cloth wipe off any remaining dust so the area is clean
- Touch up the area with a coating of new paint using the brush to feather the edges of the new paint into the old paint.
Now, it MAY seem like a lot of steps but this is a really easy repair especially if the walls are nicely painted something other than white. For a down and dirty "hide" in apartment walls (which are usually a boring flat white) you can push Colgate toothpaste (It has to be the white stuff only - no gels) into small nail holes and smooth with a fingertip. It will dry to match the flat paint around it. Red2Black2011 - 05/27/09 05:16 PMHoney: Thanks for the Spackling 101 lesson. I've printed it off and saved it in multiple places so I wont loose it. What color is your custom tool belt? Is it like the one Tool Belt Diva wears? Thanks again. nitza19 - 05/27/09 05:29 PM Honey - I love your instructions. you know how to do everything, don't you!?
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Post by Honeylioness on May 28, 2009 10:50:32 GMT -5
Honeylioness - 05/25/09 07:13 PM
jillbean - too odd about one of the kids "ventilating" your screens. Thank god it was not a plate glass door though. How did the salon visit go? Are you doubling for Gwyneth Paltrow now with the new "do"?
About Fung Shui - I have a friend in Seattle who is really into this. It can get really complicated as to specific types of furniture etc. However, these are MY take-aways that seem to make a lot of sense and I have incorporated into my own home.
* Color. Some colors really do seen to promote aggression. Pick calmer colors for rooms like the bedroom to promote relaxation. Brighter colors in baths and kitchens.
* Bathroom. F.S. makes the correlation with the toilet area being the lower digestive part of the body so you should try to keep the doors closed when not in use. I do this as I feel like the one closest to my kitchen is just gross to have open and exposed to my food area.
* Red is said to be a color to use in the bathroom to promote the retention of wealth
* Living plants in the bedroom. Aside from F.S. science has proven that they absorb large quantities of the CO2 we emit during sleep and release increased oxygen into the air which is said to promote better and deeper rest
* Overall the idea is that your home should be a haven from the outside world and it's chaos. I love my home. It makes me happy each time I walk in, to me that is the most rewarding thing. When your home feels that welcoming and warm YOU feel more relaxed and I think can make better, more rational decisions.
reeneejune - LOL at Bigfoot!!! Here is an interesting, okay perhaps just odd, piece of body trivia. For most people the length from inside their elbow to their wrist is the same length as their foot. Try it - weird huh? ETA: Oh, and one of the reason I look at a man's hands first is that "they" say that the length from the tip of his middle finger to the base of his palm is equal to the length of his "sword". ((I know .... I am a sick sick kitty cat!!))
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Post by Honeylioness on May 29, 2009 12:56:59 GMT -5
Honeylioness - 05/28/09 02:44 PM Muttley - Here is a thought to cheer you up. Folk wisdom says that "Morning" sickness (or afternoon, evening, late mid morning) is a sign of a strong well established pregnancy. So try looking at it as a signal that the muttley-ette has staked his/her claim and is powering through his/her early development so he/she will be raring to go once they get to the outside! (Even as I typed that for some reason I had a vision of a baby wearing a black lone ranger mask looking at a diagram of the female body and muttering about "heading out of this joint". I really need therapy!! ) Sharing - The pics I sent you were not tops or quilts I made but rather that I have found and purchased - so I can't take credit for them. They were all hand embroidered and sewn. reenee - In looking at the options you laid out I can see the pros and cons of all three. In the end I think it comes down to a final determination such as the one startsmart is facing. You have to objectively decide how much your emotional and mental well being is worth. While it is conscientious of you to have listed the consequences for Princess #1 in your options - It really is not about her OR her sister at this point. It is about YOU and what is best for YOUR well being. I don't think your leaving or staying will have any effect at all on the BRAT - I am sorry if this offends - but regardless of what any doctor has said is her problem, on some level she continues this aberrant behavior because she CAN. Because there has yet to be a real consequence that she cares about thus from what you have shared I have not seen or heard any evidence of constructive self-awareness that her actions affect others - not does she seem to care. And I worry more about the other girl who is most likely feeling short changed because the BRAT gets most of Mom's attention and time. However - these are not YOUR children. And as cold as this may sound - NOT your problem either. C is going to have to make some very hard decisions and stop letting you be the fall guy and punching bag. You are still young enough to have plenty of options for your life - and you need to pick one and try something new. nitza & Sharing - Let me preface this by saying that my reactions are just that - mine. Something you both said however triggered a not so nice knee-jerk reaction in me which I had to stop and look at, and then of COURSE write about in order to really process it. If anyone is interested I left it here **************************** Sharing the Simple Lifestyle - 05/28/09 02:57 PM Honey, dear friend. I read your link. I completely understand. We'll meet at some point- hopefully soon- and you'll see that I am just here on the thread as I am in real life. You have so much to share and I for one, happily lap it all up. I'm amazed every day at the courage, strength, ability, creativity of all the girls here on our thread. I'm a follower, not a leader, so I delight in you and others who step forth to share your light and guide our path. MuttleynFelix - 05/28/09 03:11 PM Honey - LOL. Yeah little Yo (as in embryo...my DH's genuis) has an opinion of its own in my opinion. My little she/he is telling me she/he doesn't like me right now. LOL. At least that is my opinion. reeneejune - 05/28/09 06:26 PMHoney – As much as the princesses aren’t MY kids, I still love them and care about them. One of the biggest questions I’m facing is “Is it worth it to put in the effort, knowing regardless of the outcome a year from now this job will be over?” Even if I stay, the job will end June 2010 when #1 begins high school and #2 begins middle school. I am seriously including the impact on #1 in my decision making process because she will have the biggest upheaval if I leave, when it’s not really her fault. She’s about to begin her final year of middle school, and if I go, she’ll have to transfer from the school she’s been going to for 4 years to another school at the other end of town. red_wagon - 05/28/09 09:03 PMhoney again - laughed out loud (literally) and your lone ranger Muttley-ette. hehe. And I just read your "knee jerk" reaction and have to ask, are you me? I don't have quite the range of skills that you do, but as far as the loving to read and being that kind of outcast type because of knowing a LOT, that's me. I even had one guy tell me my intelligence intimidated guys and that's why I was single. Until Blue, who challenges me intellectually every day (oh, you should see us watch Jeopardy). So I can sympathize, but I also want to reassure you that you are deserving of that praise and we love you here! 3catslady - 05/28/09 10:29 PM Honey; I posted on your "knee jerk" board. I think knowing I may never meet any of you is the reason I can be my true self. Normally I am a very quiet person and very embarrassed when anyone asks me a question or expects me to say something. On this board, I can talk freely.Thinking What is up with that. I have been put down all my life, 50 years of being told "you are so stu.pid. You will never amount to anything" and really believing that because it was a daily statement. Well I am somebody now. I may not have a glamorous job, but I enjoy what I am doing. I am not just a meat/cheese slicer, I carve delicious and succulent morsels of body building protein and vitamin D. (How's that for a job description?) Angel 33 - 05/28/09 10:47 PM Honey I just read your blog, and I just want to hug you. There have been so many times in my life that I have felt as you described. There were so many times I was told by my mom to play down my intelligence too. She actually told me not to go to college. She said I was too pretty to be smart and that I just needed to focus on finding a man to take care of me. red_wagon - 05/28/09 10:58 PM Oh, the best was when my guidance counselor told me not to waste my intelligence on being a teacher, that I should go be a scientist. (I didn't end up becoming a teacher, but she made me more determined to try it out... not for me... yet. Later in life I still want to teach history). That infuriated me! I even wrote a speech about how awesome teachers are and how people shouldn't do it just as a "backup" job (a lot of people do), and mentioned the guidance counselor. (Got a gold medal for the speech! see! I embrace my success now! hehe) My English teacher then had the speech printed in the school paper, with "guidance counselor" changed to "Someone", and my guidance counselor came up to me and said "I never said that!" and I said, "Then how do you know I was talking about YOU?!" ha ha! Got her! lol. It still infuriates me to this day that she thought my being smart meant I should only do certain jobs, and especially that she thought teaching was only good enough for "average" people. wtf!? Sorry. That kind of went off topic. But as you can see, I value intelligence, and teachers! So kudos to all of you who are teachers! or were! and to all of you who are smart or have unique talents that set you apart! If we didn't have all of those fun quirky bits of ourselves, who would we be? I think now that I am in my 30's I am more comfortable in my own skin then I have ever been in my life. I still sometimes lack the confidence I should have but I am working on it. I learn so much from you with every post. I look up to you and admire you greatly. startsmart - 05/28/09 11:50 PM Honey- read the post and I understand what you're saying. how we were raised plays very significantly into how we react as adults. That doesn't mean we're going to stop complimenting you if anything you should trust our wisdom when we say you're awesome and creative and the best list maker ever! One thing I do appreciate about the WIR is that most of the posters who ask a question want an answer. The answer may not be easy to do but usually an honest, polite, well-intentioned answer is appreciated. nitza19 - 05/28/09 11:51 PMHoney - well of course I first have to say (even though I know you already know) that my "you do know how to do everything, don't you?" question was complete and utter honesty, and wholeheartedly a compliment. I truly do believe that about you. I am astounded at the wealth of knowledge and information you can remember (!!!! I can't remember BEANS!) and that you so graciously share with us. You are so practical and prepared for things, and that is something I am so terrible at. I have so much to learn from you! But I also feel you on the "know-it-all" stuff - I had a friend tell me in the 8th grade that I shouldn't use big words because that would make people dislike me. *snort* The sad thing is I did, for years. She was my BFF after all! She also tried to offer me helpful corrections on my singing, in choir class, and I've had a paralyzing fear of people hearing me sing ever since Things do indeed stick with you long after people say them. But those people are still wrong Red2Black2011 - 05/29/09 11:00 AMHoney: I read your link and you have summed up how I've been feeling. You are a treasure and asset and who I admire greatly. I love your lists and look forward to them.
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Oh come on ..... MK, didn't you know I am the Empress of Over-Reaching and the Crown Princess of the Kingdom of Unrealistic Goals?
Ha ha ha. *Ice Queen* I would definitely love a copy of your Vegas Primer!