Yesterday marked Mom's 72nd birthday. I threw her a nice birthday party/dinner. Mom, Malana. Larry and Joe came over. Larry got here early, coming straight after work. He was kind enough to help me decorate with streamers and a banner. It is nice that he is so tall. No ladder required. He also helped in the kitchen cutting up Fruits and garlic bread. What a Godsend my bro-in- law is. I really love you Larry.
We had New York Strip steaks, baked potatoes with every topping imaginable, baked beans, steamed broccoli, garlic bread, jumbo prawns with cocktail sauce, a veggie plate, a pickle and olive plate, chips and dip and some lovely carrot cake and vanilla ice cream. The food was a success. Malana brought the cake. It was very Yummy!!!
As a surprise for Mom, I had invited Beth and Grace to her party. Beth brought along her little nephew, Nicholas. Mom was very happily surprised when they arrived. I am glad they could make it.
Everyone seemed to have a good time. I especially loved watching Joey with Grace. He just loves her so much. He kept on going up and giving her hugs and kisses the whole time and saying he loved her. How adorable is that? They are precious I tell you, just precious!
My Mom had on a new outfit that Larry and Malana gave her. Chocolate brown pants and a tan top with white polka-dots. She looked so pretty. Most importantly, she seemed very happy and pleased with her celebration. Did this daughter's heart good to see her Mom so happy. All in all, it was a successful birthday bash!!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
State of Flux!
I have been in the process of trying to take my grooming shop back over since mid February. The gal that I had attempted to sell it to is 2 years in arrears in her payments to me, 9 months behind in the rent payment to the landlord and behind in several of the utility bills.
In October 2009 I informed her that her payments were going to have to resume or she would be found in default and I would resume ownership and operation of my shop by year's end. She made a little payment and a huge promise that she was going to be able to resume payments on a regular schedule. It did not happen. My husband and I went there on Christmas day and were surprised to find that I had been locked out of the shop.
I then gave her one more chance to get it together, giving her until March 1st, 2010 to make good on all past due debt. This was to include the past due rent as well. The landlord by now was wanting her gone. There were too many excuses and not enough compensation. She had informed me that due to the recession that business had all but dropped off.
I gave notice at my current place of employment, went up to my shop in mid February to take possession of my shop. She refused to leave and called the sheriff. The sheriff informed me that I had no legal right to the property or to it's contents. She had had possession for over 2 years. She was informed that she was not allowed to take any equipment from the shop or it would be theft. I took pictures of the shop with the sheriff as witness. We were left with no other alternative but to legally evict her. She informed me and the landlord that her family was giving her a loan to pay off the purchase price of the business and all the back rent. She assured us we would have all money owed to us by 2/28/10. She also said that she would remove herself from the premisesby 3/1/10 if this loan failed to come through.
Needless to say, she has never paid and is still squatting. The eviction is in process and I have no idea how long this process will take. This has been such a trying time. I gave her too many chances and have shown her nothing but kindness and patience. In reviewing the record books, it came to light that she had been completely fabricating the story of not making a decent and workable income. It is not what it once was, but there was more than enough monies earned to meet all financial responsibilities. Good news in some ways, but still a dagger in the heart. At least when I do finally get to take it back, there is still clientele enough to keep it going. I honestly thought I was going to have to revive a dead business. I am left with the question as to why she wouldn't have taken this opportunity for the great possibility that it was. and just met her financial responsibilities. I guess I will never know the answer to that question.
I am just in a state of flux and waiting. I can't wait to get this resolved and start moving in a positive direction. I think the biggest mystery to me is her unfailing sense of entitlement to be there when she hasn't earned the right to do so. I couldn't imagine behaving as she has. If I had belittled this opportunity such as she has, I would have simply walked out the door with my tail tucked in shame. What audacity she has to have such an attitude of self-righteousness. All I can say to her is, "Carma, Pumpkin, Carma!"
In October 2009 I informed her that her payments were going to have to resume or she would be found in default and I would resume ownership and operation of my shop by year's end. She made a little payment and a huge promise that she was going to be able to resume payments on a regular schedule. It did not happen. My husband and I went there on Christmas day and were surprised to find that I had been locked out of the shop.
I then gave her one more chance to get it together, giving her until March 1st, 2010 to make good on all past due debt. This was to include the past due rent as well. The landlord by now was wanting her gone. There were too many excuses and not enough compensation. She had informed me that due to the recession that business had all but dropped off.
I gave notice at my current place of employment, went up to my shop in mid February to take possession of my shop. She refused to leave and called the sheriff. The sheriff informed me that I had no legal right to the property or to it's contents. She had had possession for over 2 years. She was informed that she was not allowed to take any equipment from the shop or it would be theft. I took pictures of the shop with the sheriff as witness. We were left with no other alternative but to legally evict her. She informed me and the landlord that her family was giving her a loan to pay off the purchase price of the business and all the back rent. She assured us we would have all money owed to us by 2/28/10. She also said that she would remove herself from the premisesby 3/1/10 if this loan failed to come through.
Needless to say, she has never paid and is still squatting. The eviction is in process and I have no idea how long this process will take. This has been such a trying time. I gave her too many chances and have shown her nothing but kindness and patience. In reviewing the record books, it came to light that she had been completely fabricating the story of not making a decent and workable income. It is not what it once was, but there was more than enough monies earned to meet all financial responsibilities. Good news in some ways, but still a dagger in the heart. At least when I do finally get to take it back, there is still clientele enough to keep it going. I honestly thought I was going to have to revive a dead business. I am left with the question as to why she wouldn't have taken this opportunity for the great possibility that it was. and just met her financial responsibilities. I guess I will never know the answer to that question.
I am just in a state of flux and waiting. I can't wait to get this resolved and start moving in a positive direction. I think the biggest mystery to me is her unfailing sense of entitlement to be there when she hasn't earned the right to do so. I couldn't imagine behaving as she has. If I had belittled this opportunity such as she has, I would have simply walked out the door with my tail tucked in shame. What audacity she has to have such an attitude of self-righteousness. All I can say to her is, "Carma, Pumpkin, Carma!"
Monday, March 15, 2010
Hand is Healing
Went in for surgery on March 2nd for the release of trigger finger on my dominant hand (Right) of the middle digit. Surgery went very well. I opted for non sedated surgery. Just a localized numbing agent. This is definitely the way to go, for me at least. No recuperation time in post op.
Went today and had the stitches removed. Bing bang and done. The hand is still tender and stiff, but he assures me that it should be better within a couple more months and advised stretching exercises.
I am very happy about this. It is good to have movement back again, even if it is stiff.
Went today and had the stitches removed. Bing bang and done. The hand is still tender and stiff, but he assures me that it should be better within a couple more months and advised stretching exercises.
I am very happy about this. It is good to have movement back again, even if it is stiff.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Happy 5th birthday Grace Isabella!
It seems so hard to believe that my darling little granddaughter Grace is now 5 years old. She had her birthday party yesterday at "The Spaghetti Factory". Jeff, myself, Mom, Malana Larry and Joey attended from our side. From Beth's side it was Nana Nadine, Auntie Gina, Cousin Nicholas and Uncle Vito. Oh Yeah and Mom Beth and of course Gracie too. It was such a nice get together.
We all had such a nice time. The food was great as well as the company. It seems whenever we all get together as a family, we have a fabulous time. My favorite part of the evening was watching the kids have such a good time. Gracie and Joe love each other so much. They get along beautifully and have a blast together. Joey especially loves his cousin, Grace.
Gracie was quite the little fashionista. She looked so adorable in her little dress with cute little bows in her hair. She really is quite a beautiful little child. To me, she is just an absolute feminine replica of her Daddy. Oh, if only he could have been there, it would have been all the way perfect. I know that he would have been so proud of his adorable little Grace Isabella. She really is so very sweet, loving and incredibly gorgeous. No bias here, I assure you.
It is times such as these that make me aware of how wonderful life is. Life is definitely in the little moments. They are meant to be revered and treasured. They are special times that make for the fondest memories. This night with the family will go into the memory book in my mind for all the days of my life. Happy 5th birthday Grace Isabella. Grandma loves you so!!
We all had such a nice time. The food was great as well as the company. It seems whenever we all get together as a family, we have a fabulous time. My favorite part of the evening was watching the kids have such a good time. Gracie and Joe love each other so much. They get along beautifully and have a blast together. Joey especially loves his cousin, Grace.
Gracie was quite the little fashionista. She looked so adorable in her little dress with cute little bows in her hair. She really is quite a beautiful little child. To me, she is just an absolute feminine replica of her Daddy. Oh, if only he could have been there, it would have been all the way perfect. I know that he would have been so proud of his adorable little Grace Isabella. She really is so very sweet, loving and incredibly gorgeous. No bias here, I assure you.
It is times such as these that make me aware of how wonderful life is. Life is definitely in the little moments. They are meant to be revered and treasured. They are special times that make for the fondest memories. This night with the family will go into the memory book in my mind for all the days of my life. Happy 5th birthday Grace Isabella. Grandma loves you so!!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Cakes
I have had a request from my dear friend Betty to see the last few cakes I have decorated. I posted them on facebook, but forgot to blog them. I don't want to let her down as I just love her so much. So Betty....this one is especially for you!
The chocolate cake was done for my hubby's Christmas pot luck at his work.
The basket cake I made for Christmas and it was the last cake I did within the realms of my cake decorating class. I loved this one!!
The "Hello Kitty" cake I made for my sweet daughter in love, Beth. It was her birthday in January and her favorite thing is Hello Kitty. She was really thrilled with the cake and I had fun making it for her.
I will be having surgery on March 2nd to correct my "trigger finger". I will then, after a 2 week recovery period be able to complete the final 2 courses of my cake decorating class. I can hardly wait. I have been looking forward to working with fondant since day one. You can make absolutely anything when using fondant. Ooohhhh!!! It is going to be so exciting!!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Okay, so I am a little behind...
Well...leave it to me to go six weeks without blogging a single word. I have so anxiously been awaiting the new year as last year really didn't bring much joy to me. There was some, but on a scale the bad far out weighed the good. So far, 2010 hasn't really been too kind either. Let's see...I got a speeding ticket in October on the way back from a trip to Washington, then one month later I received a ticket for talking on my cell phone for about 10 seconds while driving. The sum total of these 2 tickets is just about $500.00 with having the driving school for the speeding ticket. The driving school, I believe is about 200.00 dollars. That brings the total to about $700.00. Happy New year to me.
A couple of weeks ago my brother in law had to come and stay with us again for a few weeks while waiting for his housing to get straightened out. Then a few days ago, his adult son showed up needing a place to stay for a short bit for the same reason. Jeff and I live in a very small apartment and it is nowhere near big enough to accommodate four adults. I don't mean to sound negative about this, but they are not the easiest people to share a home with. It completely changes the dynamic of our home and I for one, will be very grateful when it is over. This is the second time my brother in law has lived with us in the last 6 months and the third time for my nephew in the last year. I say grow up and get your acts together. They are not children, they are 51 and 30 respectively. I think that Jeff and I are going to have to take a stance on the moving in department and say no more. Enough is enough. I would think that as I am shopping, paying for, preparing, serving and cleaning up after the meal that maybe a small thank you might be in order. They don't even have the common courtesy to say thank you or enough respect to offer to clean up their own messes. I work forty hours a week and they are laying on my couch. Uuuuggghhhh!! I repeat, "Enough is enough!!"
Work has been an absolute bear of late as well. I am giving my all to a shop that I don't have to. My boss while seemingly grateful for all the extra's I provide for her has now changed her mind and deemed me disloyal on more than one occasion. It is such a frustrating situation to be in. This too is something I am going to have to remedy. I can not continue in this fashion for much longer. As much as I love what I do, as consistent as I am, with the way I carry myself in a responsible manner the way I was taught to do, and with putting everyone else first all the time, something is going to give. I am definitely in need of some change with regard to my professional life.
Well...I guess you can see now why I haven't been blogging. I honestly am just in a bad place where there is no joy at work and no relief at home. Maybe the next time I blog, it can be in a better frame of mind. Until then...
A couple of weeks ago my brother in law had to come and stay with us again for a few weeks while waiting for his housing to get straightened out. Then a few days ago, his adult son showed up needing a place to stay for a short bit for the same reason. Jeff and I live in a very small apartment and it is nowhere near big enough to accommodate four adults. I don't mean to sound negative about this, but they are not the easiest people to share a home with. It completely changes the dynamic of our home and I for one, will be very grateful when it is over. This is the second time my brother in law has lived with us in the last 6 months and the third time for my nephew in the last year. I say grow up and get your acts together. They are not children, they are 51 and 30 respectively. I think that Jeff and I are going to have to take a stance on the moving in department and say no more. Enough is enough. I would think that as I am shopping, paying for, preparing, serving and cleaning up after the meal that maybe a small thank you might be in order. They don't even have the common courtesy to say thank you or enough respect to offer to clean up their own messes. I work forty hours a week and they are laying on my couch. Uuuuggghhhh!! I repeat, "Enough is enough!!"
Work has been an absolute bear of late as well. I am giving my all to a shop that I don't have to. My boss while seemingly grateful for all the extra's I provide for her has now changed her mind and deemed me disloyal on more than one occasion. It is such a frustrating situation to be in. This too is something I am going to have to remedy. I can not continue in this fashion for much longer. As much as I love what I do, as consistent as I am, with the way I carry myself in a responsible manner the way I was taught to do, and with putting everyone else first all the time, something is going to give. I am definitely in need of some change with regard to my professional life.
Well...I guess you can see now why I haven't been blogging. I honestly am just in a bad place where there is no joy at work and no relief at home. Maybe the next time I blog, it can be in a better frame of mind. Until then...
Friday, December 18, 2009
Christmas Schmistmas!!
I am having the hardest time getting into the Christmas spirit this year. I have my decorations up, the tree is beautiful, but it just feels so non-plussed. I think it is all the commercialization of the whole thing. Or is it that it is hard to live up to Christmas past? I just remember being so excited waiting for Christmas as a child and into adulthood as well. I simply can not muster up that enthusiasm anymore. It is quite possible that Christmas is just for the young.
I believe that Jesus is the reason for the season. I am quite happy to celebrate the birth of our King. I just don't know about the rest. Maybe because I don't have little children anymore. Wait...that can't be it, I have Grace and Joe. Don't get me wrong, I am grateful. I just can't seem to find the unbridled joy that it used to bring me. Maybe it is because the stores start the season back in August and I am just plum sick of it already.
I also think that I have so many suffering around me this year. So many losses, so many death's. That takes it's toll on the joy we feel. I am sincerely hoping that something will remedy my "Scrooge-like" attitude. Wish me luck in this!!
I believe that Jesus is the reason for the season. I am quite happy to celebrate the birth of our King. I just don't know about the rest. Maybe because I don't have little children anymore. Wait...that can't be it, I have Grace and Joe. Don't get me wrong, I am grateful. I just can't seem to find the unbridled joy that it used to bring me. Maybe it is because the stores start the season back in August and I am just plum sick of it already.
I also think that I have so many suffering around me this year. So many losses, so many death's. That takes it's toll on the joy we feel. I am sincerely hoping that something will remedy my "Scrooge-like" attitude. Wish me luck in this!!
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