Wednesday, April 30, 2008

late afternoon

Meme Me Up, Scotty!

I’ve been working my butt off lately, and I have the Carpal Tunnel pain to show for it, so I’m celebrating by, uh, doing a meme.  Okay, what I’m really trying to do is get back in the swing of this here blogging thing.  Instead of being grumpy & sad because life sucks, I should just write about how badly life sucks and then maybe some gazillionaire will stop by and pay off my mortgage, so Leigh-Ann and I can live happily ever after.  Because other than working out a payment agreement to stop the bank from foreclosing on our house and making other rather large payments to stop another evil witch from taking my care and aside from the Fibromyalgia pain & exhaustion, I’m really pretty damned happy.  I would like to say here and now that Aurora Loan Services sucks and will not help you if you’re having problems with your mortgage payment.  Instead, they will constantly threaten to auction your house unless you agree to pay whatever it is they want, even if it’s $500 MORE a month than the payment on which you were behind.  They wouldn’t let me do ANYTHING to try to lower the horrific interest rate of 8%.  I even asked if I could pay points, but nope, they’re not interested in helping.  And if anyone from Aurora reads this and doubts what I’m saying, I have emails from the representative from the company, where she keeps saying, “...well then we’ll auction the house” every time I tried to get reasonable consideration.  She kept telling me that it wasn’t a refinance (she wrote it in a really snotty way, too) and that basically, she had no interest in making life any easier for us.  Of course, all she did was increase the chance of us walking away from the house and letting them have the house and all of its damned negative equity.  I hope that someday, Aurora’s finest, has some financial problems caused by medical issues and that she gets someone to treat her exactly how she treated me.  Normally, I’d say that I wouldn’t want my worst enemy to be treated that way; however, I think karma deserves to visit the representatives from Aurora Loan Services who have teeny tiny itty bitty hearts of stone.  I’ll admit that there were a couple of super nice people there, but they were the ones to work on my final loan modification, unfortunately.  The woman who did seems to think that a mortgage that is equal to half of my gross monthly income is feasible, when I also have large medical bills every month.

I live in the country’s biggest foreclosure zip code, there are a couple of empty houses on my block, and they’ve been empty for well over a year now.  My house has dropped so far in value that I’m paying into a large amount of negative equity.  I just want to move where the houses cost $50k, so I could beg for change on the streets and still be able to pay the mortgage.  If you know of anywhere nice that is really cheap (with land for the dogs to roam), and is near an airport, so I could visit my family often with the fortune I’ll be saving on not having to pay an outrageous mortgage, please let me know.  Since the stress has made my FMS so bad, my family barely sees me anyway and wouldn’t even know if I moved.  I could fly in to visit once a month and see them more than I do now. 

Oh yeah, about that meme.  I apologize for rambling about the mortgage again.  Until I’m living in a cheap shack or unless I win the lottery, that’s probably going to be a frequent whine for me.  I’ll try to limit it to the confines of my house, so you don’t get tired of the whining.  Anyway, the meme!  I swiped this from Nancy & Helly.

MEMOLOGY

TECHNOLOGY
What is your wallpaper on your computer? - It’s a picture of Nancy’s son, with his back to the camera, and his arms folded across his chest, in what is clearly the best pouty body language that can be found.

How many televisions do you have in your house?  - Four.  The big tv in the bonus room that has the cable box hooked up to it, the bird’s little tv that is on PBS all day to keep them company, and the tvs in the other two bedrooms that are never used.

BIOLOGY
Are you right-handed or left-handed? - Right-handed, but I play pool left-handed because I learned by watching my left-handed brother.

Have you ever had anything removed from your body? - Four wisdom teeth and some herniated disc gunk.

What is the last heavy item you lifted?  A pile of folded laundry.  I don’t lift really heavy stuff anymore because my back could go at any moment.

Have you ever been knocked out? - For surgery once.  I also once saw stars, but didn’t get knocked out.  I was playing first on my college softball team and our third baseman fielded a ground ball and made a bad throw to me.  She threw it up the line, in front of first, so in order to catch it, I had to step in front of the runner, knowing we were going to collide.  We did.  My head bounced off the ground, but I held onto the ball.  Seeing stars is overrated.

BULLSHITOLOGY
If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?  Yeah, so I could make better plans.  If I was going to die soon, I wouldn’t worry so much about money & stuff.

If you could change your name, what would you change it to?  When I was in elementary school, I wanted to be named Karen for some odd reason.  I don’t even particularly like the name Karen now.  I mean, it’s fine for other people, but I don’t crave being named Karen.

What colour do you think looks best on you?  - I don’t know, but I like wearing dark colors mixed with bright colors.  For instance, grey & pink.

Have you ever swallowed a non-food item?  - Sure, I take pills every day.  Oh, and I ate pot brownies once, many many many years ago.  My cousin, she was a terrible influence.  Then again, I’m proof that pot isn’t a gateway drug.  Except for what I’m prescribed, I have no desire for anything wackier than pot.  Although, I’ve always wondered what heroin would feel like.  But, I would never try it, so I can just keep on wondering.

DAREOLOGY
Would you kiss a member of the same sex for $100?  - Sure, why not.  I’d even do it lots of times, especially if you were paying me $100 a kiss.

Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for $200,000? - Yep.  Right now, you can have them both, as long as I get the $400k. 

Would you never blog again for $50,000? - No, that’s really not enough money.  Although, tempt me with a briefcase full of the cash and we’ll see.

Would you pose naked in a magazine for $250,000?  I’d hate every moment of it, but I’d definitely do it for a quarter of a million bucks.

Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1,000? - Hmmm, how hot?  Maybe.

Would you, without fear of punishment, take a human life for $1,000,000?  - Definitely, if I didn’t have to worry about getting caught.  Heck, I’ve got a list.  But, just so I don’t seem like a crazy person, I’ll just tell you that I’ll start with child molesters & rapists.  However, there are other people on the list.  “Can I get a million for each?”, she says, rubbing her hands in glee.

DUMBOLOGY

What is in your left pocket?  - Nothing, but I have a paper towel in my right pocket.

Is Napoleon Dynamite actually a good movie?  - I cannot express in words how much I hated that movie.  I don’t understand how anyone could like it, except for the dance scene.  That was entertaining.  But the rest of the movie?  Yuk.

Do you have hardwood or carpet in your house? - I wish we had wood (or Pergo) flooring, but we mostly have carpeting, with some linoleum here and there.

Do you sit or stand in the shower? - Stand.  Although, sometimes I’m so tired that I wish I could sit.  It’s probably best that I don’t or I might fall asleep.

How many pairs of flip flops do you own? - One, maybe.  I had some groovy flowery ones from Old Navy or somewhere, but I think I may have worn them out.

LASTOLOGY
Last person who texted you? - No one.  I don’t pick up messages from my cell phone.  I don’t give out the number, so if someone is calling or texting, it’s a wrong number.

Last person who called you? - The doctor’s office, to confirm our appointments for tomorrow afternoon.

Person you hugged? - Helly & Alan, last week.  We haven’t been huggy at home lately, I guess.  We haven’t been purposely not-huggy though.

FAVOURITOLOGY
Number? 7

Season?  - Summer, but when it’s 100 degrees or less.

Colour? - Grey.

CURRENTOLOGY
Missing someone? - Probably.

Mood? - Kind of grumpy.

Listening to? - I listened to Madonna’s new album on Rhapsody today.  Meh.  Maybe it needs to grow on me.

Watching? - The Stanley Cup Playoffs, Reaper, Samantha Who?, and American Idol.  I can’t wait for “So You Think You Can Dance?” to start back up.

Worrying about? - LOL!

Wearing? - Black shorts and my grey t-shirt with my company’s orange logo on it.  It’s a XXL and super comfy.

RANDOMOLOGY
First place you went this morning? - Went?  This afternoon we went to the mailbox store.

What can you not wait to do?  - Not worry.

Do you smile often? - Despite it all, yeah, I think so.

Are you a friendly person? - Generally.  I’m not so good with strangers, but I’m chatty with people who are easy to talk to.

Saturday, May 19, 2007

terribly early in the morning

Kristine’s Meme ‘Bout Books

Total # of books owned - Lots and lots.  More than a thousand, less than ten thousand.  I don’t like to give away my books, and in general, I don’t even like to loan them out.

Last book read - I can’t remember the last book I read.  Since we started working on our commission tier, we’ve done a lot less reading.  It’s kind of crappy, because I miss reading every night before bed.  Anyway, I started a new book today that Leigh-Ann already read.  So far, I’m really enjoying it.

Duh, just remembered the last book I read.  It’s a good one too! 

Five Books that mean a lot to me -

Replay doesn’t really mean a lot to me, it’s just a lovely fantasy that I don’t mind reading over and over.

Hmmm, I thought this meme seemed familiar.  I did it two years ago, and shockingly (No!), my answers are pretty much the same.  When I realized that it was seeming awfully familiar, I stopped, and I shall now link you to the original.  If any of you would like to do this meme, and you haven’t done it yet, by all means, do it.  It’s always interesting to read about people’s favorite books.  Go read about Kristine’s.

Monday, February 19, 2007

terribly early in the morning

A Whole Bunch O’ Questions

It’s a meme, cleverly disguised as email, from our fabulous hair stylist, Laurie. (her website was a Hanukkah gift from us, only it’s not finished yet)

1. What time did you get up this morning?  1:30p (and it’s likely to be a similar time tomorrow because of our late bedtimes)

2. Diamonds or pearls?  Diamonds, but I prefer simpler stuff, like jewelry from Teno.com.  If it’s accented with diamonds, then okay.

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?  I can’t remember.  Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill, maybe.

4. What is your favorite TV show?  Veronica Mars or Heroes or…

5. What did you have for breakfast this morning?  A bagel w/ peanut butter

6.What is your middle name?  Jo

7.What is your favorite meal?  Sushi

8. What foods do you dislike?  Lima beans, ginger, curry

9. Favorite chips?  I’m not picky.  I like just about any kind, although I prefer the super crunchy ones.

10. What is your favorite CD at the moment?  Shivaree - “Who’s Got Trouble?”

11. What kind of car do you drive?  2005 Chevy Equinox

12 What is your favorite sandwich?  I’m not picky, I like lots of different kinds of sammies.

13. What characteristics do you despise?  Mean people, liars, and people who think they know me, but really don’t.

14. What are your favorite clothes?  Jeans, t-shirts & sweatshirts.

15. If you could go anywhere in the world for a Vacation where would you go?  Any exotic island.

16. Favorite brand of clothing?  No real favorites, as long as they’re comfy.

17. Where would you want to retire?  San Francisco

18. Favorite time of day?  The middle of the night these days.

19. Where were you born?  Canoga Park (now West Hills), CA

20. What is your favorite sport to watch?  Hockey (Maple Leafs), Baseball (Dodgers), or Football (any team that has my fantasy players on it)

21. Who do you think will not send this back?  Everyone who reads it

22. Person you expect to send it back first?  No one

23. Pepsi or Coke?  PEPSI!  I don’t like Coke at all.

24. Beavers or ducks?  Rubber duckies

25. Are you a morning person or a night owl?  Night owl.  I’ve always hated getting up early.

26. Pedicure or manicure?  Manicure, but I’ve only had a few in my life.  Also, I can’t stand having anyone touch my feet because they’re ticklish.

27. Any new and exciting news you’d like to share?  I had a cystoscopy without any numbing gel!  Whoo!

28. What did you want to be when you were little?  Professional baseball player.

29. What is your best childhood memory?  Probably being on a softball team that won a national championship in 1978; but otherwise, almost all my childhood memories are good.  I had a happy childhood.

30. Piercing?  One in each ear.

31. Ever been to Africa?  Nope, you? 

32. Ever been toilet papering?  Yes, with a couple of my softball teams.

33. Been in a car accident?  Yes.  Although it was minor, I think I have permanent back problems from it.

34. Favorite day of the week?  They’re all the same generally.  I like Saturdays because of Hockey Night in Canada though.

35. Favorite restaurant?  Makino

36. Favorite Flower?  Gerbera Daisies.

37. Favorite ice cream?  Godiva Chocolate Raspberry Truffle

38. Favorite fast food restaurant?  Zaba’s Mexican Grill - They have amazing tomato & red chile salsa

39. How many times did you fail your driver’s test?  Never, although I came close.  I choked on the three-point turn and the “blind” intersections.  I don’t like anyone looking over my shoulder when I drive...or type.

40. From whom did you get your last e-mail?  Myself.  It was a copy of a work email.

41. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?  Amazon.com - they have almost everything.

42. Bedtime?  Lately, between 3am - 7am, although as late as 10am.  It’s horrid.

43. Who are you most curious about their responses to this?  Everyone

44. Last person you went to dinner with?  Leigh-Ann, although we both had lunch at the Red Rock buffet with my parents on Friday.

45. What are you listening to right now?  Shivaree

46. What is your favorite color?  Grey or black w/ any bright color

47. How many tattoos do you have?  None, although I’ve thought about getting a small one.

48. When was the last time you cried and why?  Maybe a few weeks ago, when I was really stressed out.  It was one of my good long cries and lasted maybe fifteen seconds.

49. What are your biggest dreams?  To have Leigh-Ann and I be financially secure and healthy.

Monday, November 06, 2006

lunch time

Book Meme - From Jack’s Raging Mommy

1) One book that changed your life:  I can’t think of a single one that changed my life.

2) One book that you’d read more than once:  In general, I hate reading books again, but as a kid I read “Harriet the Spy” over and over again.  As an adult, I’ve read “Replay” a couple of times.

3) One book you’d want on a deserted island:  “How to Survive on a Deserted Island and Become a Millionaire While Doing So” - clearly authored by no one...yet.

4) One book that made you laugh:  All Laurie Notaro books.  If you haven’t read her books, do it right now.  All of them.  Some are better than others, but you won’t regret reading any of them.

5) One book that made you cry:  Recently, “Last Days of Summer” by Steve Kluger.

6) One book you wish you’d written:  Probably “Last Days of Summer”

7) One book you wish had never been written:  Too funny that Jack’s Raging Mommy said “The Da Vinci Code”, when we own a whole message board about Dan Brown’s books.  Not because they’re particularly well-written, but they have interesting information ("Angels & Demons” is the best one) and they read like a movie script.  Zip zip zip.  Anyway, I wish any book written by Ann Coulter had never been written.

8) One book you’re currently reading:  “Between the Lines: Not-So-Tall Tales From Ray “Scampy” Scapinello’s Four Decades in the NHL”

9) One book you’ve been meaning to read:  Probably most of the “classics” - I may never get around to reading most of them.

10) Tag people:  I’m not tagging anyone, but if anyone would like to do the meme, feel free.

Sunday, October 22, 2006

evening

Secret Agent Basil’s Meme

I can’t link to Basil’s blog because it isn’t public, but I’d like to thank her for her meme.

1. What famous (or infamous) person would you like to be?

I can’t think of anyone, maybe just a better looking, younger, and wealthier version of myself.

2. How do you get through the day?

One blog at a time.

3. What is your favorite pleasant memory from childhood?

I don’t know, I had a pretty great childhood.  There are lots of pleasant memories.  Just hanging out with family.  Being a part of a team that won a national softball championship in ‘78, and was introduced on the field at Dodger Stadium.  I got Dodger dirt on my shoes!  Also, everyone was making paper airplanes out pages of the program, so I made one, just playing around.  I threw it and it landed well into right field.  Rick Monday had to go over and get it off the field.  Whoops.

4. Who’s your daddy? (Just kidding. I’ve always wanted to just say that)

That just makes me think of our friend, Ed.  But my daddy, he’s reading.

5. What country have you considered emigrating to since the Bush regime came into power? Why?

Canada.  Leigh-Ann is Canadian.  They have socialized medicine.  Gay marriage is legal.  The general populace is more liberal and tolerant than ours.  Hockey!  We could see Leigh-Ann’s niece & nephew grow up.  In my mind, I flirt with France too, but I have no real desire to do it.

6. How important is exercise in your life?

I used to be a total jock, but it was the game that was important, not the exercise.  Unfortunately, I don’t really enjoy exercise without the goal of winning or having fun.

7. Describe your life in an alternate universe or an alternate life in this universe.

I’m almost sure I’ve been living in an alternate universe recently.

8. What life form would you like to be if you couldn’t be a human being?

Perhaps a dog.  Eat, play, get pets, sleep, get snacks, sleep, eat.

9. How do you define the word “smart?”

Someone who just gets things.  Jokes, tv shows, politics, etc.  I know there are other definitions, but that’s the most important one in my personal universe.

10. Who was our stupidest US president in your lifetime?

Either Bush, or Reagan after the Alzheimer’s set in.

11. What is your favorite sport to play?

Used to be softball.  Now, it’s well, nothing, I guess.

To watch?

Not a specific sport, but the Maple Leafs.  I like watching baseball and football too, but hockey games are shorter.

To pretend to play?

Fantasy football?  Or like pretend for real?

To pretend to watch?

I either watch or I don’t. 

12. Who is the best actor and/or actress living or dead?

No idea.  But, I rarely like actors’ actors.  I’m happier with pop culture good versus deep meaning good.

13. What question would you like to see on QotD?

Biggest lie you’ve ever been told online?