Sunday, December 30, 2007

Sold the MG

Bittersweet. I know she's going to a really good home. One that will put her right but sad that I had to sell her. The money will make several payments on my oldest's braces. I guess we all have to make choices. It was fun while it lasted though. Soooo, she's been saved.

The blog isn't going away though. I have toooooo much to rant about. Later though.

Hope everyone had a good holiday. I did. I'm sure there's something about the season that I could rant about....like how it's soooo not a true christian holiday. Jesus wasn't born on the 25th of December and how the Romans moved his birthday to December and combined it with a pagan holiday to make this thing we call Christmas. Cracks me up that the holy rollers are celebrating a pagan holiday. I'm sure there's some irony there. And all the money and greed that goes with this holiday? Is that really Christian-like? I don't think so.

Anyway. As I think of more I'll post it. Gotta go build another bookcase for the living room.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Good Thursday Morning

It's finally cold. Who knows how long it will last. The only good thing about it...well, a couple of things really. Hopefully, it will kill some bugs and hopefully, it will motivate me to go rent the machine to blow some additional insulation into my attic. I'm thinking about just hiring someone to do this for me. I know I could save some money if I did it myself but then when I calculate what my time is worth--well, it's much cheaper for me to hire it out. At least that way I know it will get done. I'll just procrastinate for another year. I'm funny that way.

I came home from work day before yesterday and noticed that the front yard had been raked. It looked nice. My partner told me that the boys had done it with no arguing. They just went right out and took care of it. I asked her if she was certain they were our boys. She was sure so we went out for dinner. Fresh Slices. Very nice place with an awesome deck on the back. Whoever built that did a stellar job. It's fabulous. The food's good too but not good enough to take my loyalties from Molly's. We adore that place. Best margarita in the city. Go check it out.

I'm not looking forward to work today. I'm working part time for a total goober. Most of my career, I've been fortunate enough to work for people who knew more about the job than I did. Not anymore and it's wearing my last nerve thin.

Not much to say today but felt the need to post. I'm headed off to the office. Toodles.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Sunday before Thanksgiving

I attended a work Thanksgiving lunch. We sang a song, read a poem and were given the opportunity to stand up and tell what we are thankful for. OK, so all of that has its place but not at work. For chrissake, we're adults and don't need to sit around a table with 40 of our co-workers singing a song. Nor do we really need to hear what everybody else is thankful for. That's a personal thing, in my oh so humble opinion.

It did make me think though. I have lots to be thankful for. Relatively healthy children. A house. Food. Clothes. A relationship that has traveled some interesting roads but always remained traveling in the same and right direction for almost 20 years now.

As they say, though, there must be balance. SO for everything I'm thankful for, I have something to bitch about. My partner has been diagnosed with early onset dementia. She has no insurance because she can no longer work. She's applied for assistance. Here's the bitch. They consider my income when working on her claim. "They" is the Federal Government but "they" won't recognize our relationship so that I can carry her on my insurance. Is that fucked up or WHAT? She went to Social Security to apply for SSI. She has no income and was questioned about that. She said she lived with someone. They asked, "As husband and wife?" She said, "No, because she's a woman." The clerk just stared at her. I'm thinking the wheels, gears and cogs in her brain just spontaneously stopped turning. OK, so they will take into consideration our relationship and my income when it suits them? THEY get to pick and choose? The government shouldn't get to play it both ways. Fuckers. We've had to hire a lawyer to handle this.

She also has to use the Memphis Health Center. Talk about a bunch of fucked up morons. The doctors rotate in and out. You get a good one and the next time you have to visit, that one is gone. She's been fighting with them over the Aricept program since all of this began. This last time, the social worker kept telling her, "I don't need to hear what you've been told." Say WHAT???? You stupid fat lazy fuckers can't keep your paperwork together and you DON'T NEED TO HEAR WHAT SHE'S BEEN TOLD? They basically told her to shut up and I have to wonder if they treat all of their patients that way or just the ones who have been diagnosed with a mental impairment. There's a letter to Cohen coming.

I keep hearing from the general public that, "We don't want you to marry because we don't want our money going to support your relationship." Stupid freaks, you're supporting our relationship now. She will eventually get public assistance and SSI and she's getting free medical care at your expense. Granted, it's not good care but it's care. I have to laugh at those who tell me they don't want their money supporting our lifestyle. Stupid stupid morons. Tell the government to recognize our relationship and it won't cost you a dime. Until then, I'm going after every penny I can from our stupid, short-sighted government and laughing the entire time.

What this has also shown me is just how uncaring and cruel our public healthcare system is. Perhaps they're underpaid and over worked but that doesn't mean you have to treat the patients without dignity and respect. She didn't ask for this disease. She doesn't deserve to be told to shut up. We deserve caring and competent personnel. She deserves to maintain her dignity because the disease will take it soon enough.

Stupid fuckers. Here's what I wish for. I wish that all the politicians out there had to navigate our public healthcare system. They'd make changes overnight if they had to deal with the Bertha that we had to deal with at the Memphis Health Center on Crump.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Another Pet Peeve

I want to sit down with the brain trusts that designed where the manholes in the streets would be placed. Who was smoking the crack the day that they decided they'd put the manholes IN THE PART OF THE LANE THAT YOU HAVE TO DRIVE ON??? Why not in the middle of the lane where the car could easily pass over without one single wheel hitting the manhole?

And who is the brain trust that decides, "Hey, they just paved the street to make it all nice and smooth so let's go dig a bunch of utility holes in it."

Sets my teeth on edge.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

It's 6:00AM

I'm trying to follow this nonsense about who had the authority to hire and fire the city council's support staff. Here's my question. WHO THE HELL CARES??? Why is the mayor sooo concerned about the council taking control of hiring their own secretary unless he's looking for a place to put some cronies. I can think of an ex cocktail waitress that's looking for a job.

Honest to pete, the city is going to hell in a handbasket and the mayor is worried about hiring a steno clerk. how many murders have we had this year? How many drug busts? How many times has MY TRUCK BEEN BROKEN IN TO? And speaking of that while veering off-topic for a moment. I've put a curse on the sumbitch that keeps breaking into my truck. If you see someone walking the streets with pustules all over their face then you'll know who the thief is.

Back on topic. This is a powerplay pure and simple. Perhaps on both parts but seems to me that the mayor would have more pressing matters on his plate than clerical support. Let's see, there's consolidation, neighborhood blight, rampant crime and an eroding tax base. But let's get all bent out of shape over the council hiring their own employees.

Shit. Rome is burning Nero.

My MG is still for sale.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Pet Peeves

For the last few days, it's been raining right? We can put humans on the moon, build a space station and have humans live there for weeks at a time. We can make bendable solar panels and clothing that will power small electronics BUT WE CAN'T PAINT LINES ON THE STREET THAT YOU CAN SEE IN THE RAIN??????

Saturday, October 6, 2007

A new day

Ok folks, instead of hammering the CA's coverage and endorsement to death and instead of focusing on what areas voted for whom, how about we move forward and decide how we are going to hold this mayor's and the new city council's feet to the fire? What are OUR visions of this city and how are WE going to make those visions a reality?

We need term limits which is apparent now more than ever. Yes, we have fresh faces on the council but only because members were indicted or chose not to run. Not because an incumbent was successfully challenged. And obviously, we need a new mayor. How in the world can you get fresh ideas if you keep electing the same old faces? With limits, I believe the politicians would be more willing to take on controversial topics because they weren't continually running for office. The average voter is lazy and uninformed. They'll vote name recognition because it's easy. Really studying the candidate and the issues takes effort and most of the folks around here can't come up from the bucket of chicken long enough to educate themselves.

We need activism. Refer to my chicken statement as to why we see so little political activism. The citizens of this city MUST get and stay involved. Write the city council. Go to the meetings when you can. As Goldie Hawn said in "Private Benjamin", "I'm going to be watching you LIKE
A
HAWK." You betcha, that's what we must do.

The mayor didn't get this city in the state it's in by himself. We did. We turned a blind eye. We stopped taking part. We closed our mouths. This is OUR fault people and it's up to US to fix it. And we can but we have to move. We have to get up off the couch. We have to pick up the phone or write a letter. We have to do something besides just blink and breathe and bitch.

This is OUR city. It's not Herenton's or Belz's or the gangs. It's ours. The average Joe and Jane blow who want safe streets, good schools and regular garbage pick up. The rest is gravy. We have to make it attractive to live here so that people will move back in. We have to figure that out then TELL the politicians what WE want and not the other way around. They serve us, we don't serve them but most have forgotten that.

It's a new day, ladies and gentlemen. Let's control it.

Monday, September 17, 2007

Ethiopean

Now, I have a second favorite restaurant and it's
Abyssinia Ethiopian RestaurantAbyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant
2600 Poplar Ave # 115Memphis, TN 38112
(901) 321-0082


This wonderful, family owned and run restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Mon-Saturday. Yilma and Sabla (forgive the spelling) greet you warmly if its your first or fiftieth visit. While the buffet is great if you want to sample. Please talk with Sabla and tell her what you generally like, spicy, mild, light, heavy etc. and she will give you a great recommendation. I HIGHLY recommend going and giving yourself time to look at the many artifacts on the walls and around the restaurant. Order a "traditional" meal and practice taking small piece of Ethiopian bread (a sourdough pancake really, made with the world's smallest grain, teff) and pick up your food and pop it in your mouth, but don't touch your fingers to your mouth, that's bad manners! They will usually give you silverware unless they know you :) They used to have wine, but seem to have stopped that recently. Go, enjoy and tell them I sent you! Their menu is online at http://www.memphismenusonline.com/abyssinia.html and they always post 2 or 3 coupons a month. That makes an already inexpensive meal, extra reasonable. Caution: each entree EASILY serves 2!

Don't miss it!

Something a Little Different

As you know, or should, my favorite restaurant in the city is Molly's La Casita. The best margaritas in the city. Actually, the best I've tasted and that's comparing it to the top shelf at Flounder's in Pensacola Beach. We don't get to go as much as we used to because of finances. For medical reasons, my partner can no longer work. That's taken away our play money. We're also tightening up and making major strides towards retiring all debt except for the house so that I can retire comfortably in 8 years.

All that said to say, I've tried other restaurants and will post my thoughts from time to time. Some co-workers and I tried Pearl's Oyster Bar downtown on Main a while back. We went at lunch time. When we arrived, around 11:30, is wasn't very crowded but by the time we left it was packed. Here are my thoughts. For $18 for an entree at lunch, the food better be spectacular and it wasn't. I had the special which was a fish dish and it wasn't all that. There was very little flavor.

The table where we were seated was hot. The sun coming in through the window was brutal and the ceiling fan over our table wasn't on. Looked like someone had broken the pull string and nobody at the restaurant cared enough to fix it. Service was ok. The waitress was very friendly and attentive but food coming out of the kitchen was slow. I know, not the waitress' fault but something could have been communicated and wasn't.

I don't think I'll go back. Certainly not for lunch. Maybe if they run a special on raw oysters. All in all, I'd give it 2 stars on a scale of 5. Just sort of blah about it.

Sunday, September 16, 2007

Effin Biting Flies

The morning started gloriously. It's cool. I'm on the lower deck with a cup of fresh coffee and the laptop. I'm watching the sun come up over the dunes. Can't get much better. Later, I walk down to the beach. The water is calm and clear. No jellies in sight. Is going to be a great day for snorkling and shelling. I take a short dip then go sit to read and what in the hell do you think starts happening?? The wind has shifted and is now coming from the mainland which brings with it.....you guessed it--those nasty little black biting flies. Such fuckers. I deal with it but cuss each and every one that I kill.

Eventually, I go back out into the water and enjoy the gentle waves, my boys, my partner and a neighbor friend from across the street. It's almost perfect except for those little black buzzing fuckers.

Pensacola Beach, Pensacola. It's almost paradise here depending on which way the wind blows.

Kinda like politics in Memphis.

One of the flies was named Willie.

He's a flat bloody spec out there on the sand somewhere.

Life is good.

Friday, September 14, 2007

Calm time

So, we've been here almost a full week. Time seems to slow down here which is nice because life at home has been very hectic lately. For the first time ever I've had tiny little panicky moments over the weekends about going back. Wondering if I can get it all done. Do I know the right answers. That sort of stuff. It passes generally and I manage to do just fine but I've never felt that way before.

Vacation came at just the right moment. I know it's 8 years away but I'm looking forward to retirement and don't really care how broke I'll be. All I know is that right now, things are happening at work that I don't agree with morally, ethically and legally and there's not one damn thing I can do about it. Well, I could quit but I'm not making that choice at the moment.

What I have done is sit down and make a plan to retire my debt with the exception of the house. If I follow my plan then in 4 years and 2 months I'll be debt free with the above exception. At that point, I can flip off the world. Wouldn't but I could. I'll bide my time until I can retire. I'd be cool with a canvas tent and a small air conditioner as long as it's near a body of water.

Anyway, back to vacation. The weather has been great. We have had some rain but I must say that I've enjoyed sitting on the upper deck watching the storm roll in over the gulf. It's amazing to watch the edges and see the rain coming down then to feel the breeze go from warm to cool within seconds. Awesome stuff. And then the sun comes out and it's back down to the surf and sand and sun. Life is good. I could retire to someplace close to here. Or the carribbean or mexican coast. Right now, I just need to plan for my next cold beer and sunshine tomorrow.

Buy my mg.

Saturday, September 8, 2007

Vacation Time!!!!

I save up for this all year. I save my vacation days in anticipation for our annual trip to the gulf coast. It's where I recharge for the next year. Where I relax and scream at my children less. I love the coast. There's something about the sand and wind and rhythm of the water that sooths my soul.

It's worth the 7 hour drive and the sacrifices we make in our lives to be able to afford this. Not just worth it but necessary. It heals the battle wounds of the year. It takes me away from the political turmoil and the venom flying around in the city even if for only a few moments.

We'll be hitting the road in a few minutes. The computer will be shut down, the hot water heater put on vacation and the thermostat reset. Friends are taking care of the cats and the house. The dogs are going with us this year. I'm ready.

I'm still selling the MG.

Monday, September 3, 2007

Keepin' It Real

Life has a funny way of keeping things real. Yesterday, we put out a shameless solicitation for cookies that my son bakes and sells. He does Kendo which is a form of Japanese martial arts and enjoys it. There are tournaments and equipment and travel involved so we told him that he would have to help finance this little endeavor. Our friends and family stepped up to the plate beautifully. I was feeling all glowie inside.

Then today happened and what do I end up spending most of my morning on? Cleaning out the sewer line running from the house. Talk about a real downer. Stinky. Dirty and heavy. I don't ever want to do that again. I will have to but I don't want to.

I'm still selling the MG

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Selling the MG

I've made the painful decision to sell the MG. My oldest has to have braces and at $5000 I need all the spare change I can get. She's a 1965 MKIII Midget but with the 1275 engine. She has a new top, paint, carpet on the inside, new slave cylinder, rebuilt master cylinder, rebuilt clutch. I've always joked that I would drive a car until I saw parts fall off in the road behind me. Well, that happened. The chrome ring around the right headlight fell off. It's time for me to sell her. She's running. She'll need a wheel balance and new tires. The speedometer cable needs replacing but that's an easy job. Messy but easy. I have a ton of spare parts that I can either sell with her or separately. Depends on the offer.

Sad day for me.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Yay Me

The sorting hat says that I belong in Gryffindor!

Said Gryffindor, "We'll teach all those with brave deeds to their name."

Students of Gryffindor are typically brave, daring, and chivalrous.
Famous members include Harry, Ron, Hermione, Albus Dumbledore (head of Hogwarts), and Minerva McGonagall (head of Gryffindor).


Take the most scientific Harry Potter Quiz ever created.

Get Sorted Now!

Sunday, August 12, 2007

My Youngest

The almost 13 year old has been a holy terror for the last two days. What's that saying? "These are the times that try men's souls." Well, let me tell you that these are the times that try a mother's soul. Both mothers. How is it possible for a human to love another human so much and yet have this almost overwhelming urge to strangle said human?

Thankfully, the moment passed. Everyone over here is still living and is intact.

My oldest celebrated his birthday yesterday. And as is custom, I get a little nod for all of the work I did on that day, his birthday, 15 years ago. 72 hours at home. 8 more hours of labor at the hospital and finally a C-section. He was born not breathing and had to be resuscitated. His umbilical cord was tied in a knot and had they asked me I could have told them it was probably braided given how active he was in the womb. Hell, he punted a coffee mug off my belly one Sunday morning while I was in bed reading the Sunday paper. A heavy back-beat would almost always set him off to0. Still does. He likes music to this day especially Celtic and new age. Go figure THAT one.

They're good kids. They have unique personalities and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I moved the MG back out from under the carport with no top on so perhaps we'll get rain in the next few days.

Thursday, August 2, 2007

Beans

The family and I had a perfectly delightful evening with friends the other night. We swam and cooked out hotdogs. We also had potato salad and beans. Now, you're thinking why is this significant. And I'm agreeing except for this little incident. I woke up about 3:00 AM and had an unnatural amount of gas. I could have inflated the Hindenburg. Which I told my partner at 3:00AM. She laughed which caused me to laugh which caused more tiny eruptions. It was bad. I finally had to get up so the rest of the house could sleep.

In some ways it reminded me of congress. They're all full of fetid gas. The only problem is that they won't get up so everyone else can work. They'd rather funk up the halls of congress than let something get done. I'm sick of them.

I still need to put seatbelts in my MG.

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Some Cool Stuff Happening for the Ronald McDonald House

Go and support the House. Have a good time.!!!

Pet Peeve Rant

This is going to be addressed to all of those hoverers out there. You know who you are. People who hang their ass several inches above the toilet so as not to sit on any germs. Well guess what? You leave nasty germs for the rest of us. Nobody wants to sit in your splattered piss. The least you could do is clean up your own mess. I walked into a public bathroom the other day and there was splattered piss all OVER the toilet and the female couldn't even bring herself to clean it up. That's just rude. Reckon she has an outhouse at home? My god. And you can't tell me that she didn't feel it as it splattered up all over her ass. One wonders if she took the time to clean her ass up or did she just pull her underwear back up? AND one now wonders if she was even wearing underwear.

All I'm asking is for you hoverers have a little respect for the rest of us and CLEAN YOUR MESS UP!!

Monday, July 23, 2007

Bathrooms

My partner, children and I are looking at the designs for a second bathroom in this house. We believe the architect has some up with something that will work. It won't be glamorous but it will give us egress to the rear bedroom so that we can call this a true 3 bedroom 2 bath house. We're all sitting around trying to decide from whose ass the money is going to spew forth.

I've been reading all the budgeting sites I can find. We budget to the penny every 2 weeks. We do well considering this household is a single income household. My partner is fairly amazing at not spending money but still, we have expenses. I know the bathroom will increase the value but that's really not the goal. We just need a second bathroom. Two women and two teenagers can get jammed up when we're trying to go somewhere.

So, we're going to do most of the work ourselves. I'll hire a plumber to do the rough in plumbing but everything else I can do. Floors, walls, framing, painting and new electrical AND the finish plumbing. Fairly handy. Only problem is it won't get done quickly which is ok. We've lived this long without a second bath.

Kinda like the MG. 6 years and counting. Hopefully it won't take that long for a bath.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Whew, So That's Over

AC has decided not to run. Thank God that's over. Now we can get down to real business instead of wringing our hands over the will he or won't he and if he does what will happen.

Now, we get to pick a new mayor. I want someone who hasn't held office before. Someone who, so far, hasn't been dirtied by local politics as usual. I want Morris. He's run a large business and some of those talents will be needed for the mayor's office. He can bring s diverse group together for the greater good of the city.

I'm feeling good about it.

Friday, July 13, 2007

Time passes

Wow, it's been some days since I've posted. I have seat belts to put in my MG. Work is crazy. City politics are driving me crazy. How hard is it to just do right? How hard is it to put competent people in the right places? Apparently very given the events of the last few days. Indictments coming down. Politicians changing their pleas. Candidates....are they? Aren't they? He isn't black enough. He's too black. She's too white or just a bitch. Why, in this city, does it always boil down to race? I'm sick of it. How about he's not smart enough or she's plenty smart? How about we all pay taxes and they're too damn high? How about we're not getting good government regardless of our skin color? How about we have children killing children with guns? How about we have children running the streets at all hours? How about where are the parents? That doesn't know from race. It knows from carelessness and callousness. It knows from crime and lack of direct.

How about someone who can fix those or at least start trying?

I have seat belts to install tomorrow.

Mayors, Indictments, Pensions

Anybody reading the news or listening to the radio or watching tv should be aware of what's going on. On Tuesday, City Council says there's nothing they can do about the MLGW board granting a pension to a former CEO who....wait for it....wait for it......QUIT!! He resigned. Turned in a letter of resignation that the Mayor ultimately accepted. He did NOT retire therefore is NOT eligible for a pension or medical benefits and yet, the utility's board, in their infinite wisdom, decided to give that man a pension for life. Decided to grant $70,000 per year for life. Decided to give away the rate payers hard earned money on someone who put the Division at risk. Who lied. Who cheated the rate payers. Who has been indicted and will quite probably be convicted. Is that a proper way to govern the utility?

What a slap in the face to all other employees--honest, hard working, law-abiding employees--who come to work everyday and do their absolute best. They don't lie. They don't break the rules. They don't cheat the rate payers but should they choose to quit, they don't get a pension either. I would encourage every other former employee of MLGW to approach the Board and ask to have their pension granted. It's only fair and right.

Grow a set, Masson, and overturn this decision or are you afraid because it would go against your buddy, your pal, your former boss? We all know where your loyalty lies and it ain't with the Division. You've proven that in how you've handled this debacle.

Saturday, July 7, 2007

I have really great friends

Several years ago I celebrated a birthday and was given a surprise party at my favorite restaurant--Molly's La Casita on Madison. It wasn't a milestone birthday and yet my friends and family got together and gave me a little surprise. They pooled their money and gave me a mobile tool chest from Stanley. I want to thank them again and every time I use it. It's been on e of the best gifts I've ever received. I use it almost daily. I think of them every time I use it. Even though two of them have moved away, it keeps them very close to me and I cherish that.

Even when I'm working on and cussing that damn MG, I'm thinking about and loving my friends for this gift. I have really good friends and they are extremely appreciated. I don't always tell them but hope that I show them. I don't want them to doubt or forget.

You're all the best and you know who you are.

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Not Much Work on the MG Today

I took the day off because everybody in the house is sick except me. Probably food poisoning from eating at a salad bar somewhere between here and Atlanta. I thought about tinkering with the car but didn't. Change a faucet in the tub instead all while running co-cola from the kitchen from whichever patient needed it. Probably going to have to take tomorrow off too since they're all still making multiple trips to the toilet.

I have one seatbelt ready to install but am waiting on the second one so that I only have to raise the ar once. Not only that, I have to find where in the world I bolt these suckers on. It also means I probably have to take the seats and carpet out unless I can see the bolt holes from the bottom of the car. Gawd. Who talked me into this project?

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Sprawl

I've been reading another post on a different website talking about the Walnut Grove interchange. Got me to thinking about road building projects. It irritates me beyond believ that my tax money is going to support the commuter habits of people who CHOSE to move away from the center of the city. Nobody forced them out there. Why should my hard earned dollars be used to support their choice? Let the developers pay for the infrastructure. The city is under a code red or orange for ozone and still, those folks choke up the roadways. Perhaps they should pay a user fee over and above the wheel tax. I live 7 minutes away from where I work and 5 minutes away from anyplace that I might choose to go. The government shouldn't subsidize sprawl. $230 million on a road expansion and we have people in this city that don't have access to healthcare or good education. Something's wrong with that.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

The Quiet

The spouse and boys are gone for a week and man, is it quiet. Deafeningly so. It's like when the power goes out and you suddenly realize how much noise a house makes. Both of the boys' computers are turned off so I don't have the constant buzz of the fan to drown out the noise of the dog under the bed chewing on an old laptop power cord. Freak.

It's so quiet that I can hear myself think and that's a scary thing in and of itself. I'm thinking that I'm tired of the constant day to day struggle to make ends meet. I'm thinking that it's a little unfair to have a partner of almost 20 years diagnosed with something that's going to take her slowly away from me. I'm thinking that it's unfair to have one son who struggles to read the simplest of works while the other son reads everything he can get his hands on. I'm thinking that it's unfair that I can't send a letter to the editor because of where I work but grateful that I can fully support my chosen candidate for mayor because god knows we need a new one. I'm thinking it's unfair that I can't eat carbohydrates like I used to and I'm thinking that it's unfair that I can't make a good margarita at home because I don't have the proper ingredients.

I'm thinking jesus christ in a wicker basket, get up and go put the glass back in the front door. You need to be able to see out just like the dogs want to. Watch for life coming at you. Watch for the mailman. Watch for the Jehovah's Witnesses and be nice to them.

Anyway, the family should arrive in Chapel Hill today. My youngest gets tested all day tomorrow and hopefully we'll get some answers that will help him.....and us. He'll have his Kendo practice tonight. And I must say, he is doing well with it. It may one of a few things that he can excel at.

I'm not feeling the humor today.

The MG still needs to have a vacuum test.

I need to pack my lunch for work.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

HA!! I found the problem with my fuel gauge. There was a loose connection. Plugged the wires back together and now all is well. Except for the possible vacuum leak at the manifold which I've yet to check for. My bad.

Sooo, I'm standing in the kitchen this morning around 6:30 and my almost 15 year old son comes walking in wearing his boxers. He pours a cup of coffee, much like I would, then lifts his right leg and cuts loose the nastiest fart I've heard in days. What's up with that? The male of the species can't pass gas unless they cheek up and expose the pressure valve? Now, my youngest is asleep on the couch snoring. He's 12. I can only imagine what he'll be like in 10 years. Odd to think that in a few months, my oldest will be getting his learner's permit and my youngest will be doing his bar mitzvahs. Which reminds me, I have some planning to do. He wants this huge production however, the bank account says some sandwiches and koolaid. I'm sure we'll find a compromise. With him we almost always do.

Herman Morris for Mayor.

My MG needs a name. Fickle Bitch is already taken.

Friday, June 22, 2007

Time to Talk MG

I had a problem with my headlights so I took my ignition switch out and was playing with the connections. Not my fuel gauge pegs full even though I know it's not and my amphere gauge is showing a 3 discharge when the car is running. Yep, something's wrong, I just can't figure out what.

Crooks and Money

Are you hearing this? Rickey Peete quits the council while under indictment and he gets to keep his pension. I don't know of any other company out there that lets someone who QUITS KEEP THEIR PENSION. Then, to pile on the good news yesterday, we learn that Joseph Lee will get his medical insurance for life. He quit. Am I missing something here? If I quit would I get my medical for life? Would I get to keep my pension? Maybe it makes a difference on the pension thing if you've been indicted and arrested and entered a plea. I don't know. I've got to get my head right about this one.

Damn. The earth is tilting on its axis. The city buffoons pass this pitiful excuse for an ethics policy and who STILL benefits? The crooks. The liars. The thieves. I'm over it.

My ignition switch still isn't working.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Molly's La Casita

That has to be my favorite watering hole in the city. I've been going there for 16 years now I guess. Best margarita in the city. What I really like about it is how well the wait staff knows me and my family and how well I know them. Even when we're all grumpy it's ok which is the way it should be in any family.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Herman Morris for Mayor

Went to the official opening of his campaign headquarters. Was quite active and was good to see a lot of very familiar faces. I'm feeling good about it!

Good Wednesday Morning

And I'm working on this MG.....again. Seems every time I go out to drive it I have to fix something. Fairly indicative of my life at the moment. Right now it's the fuel gauge and ignition switch. The power is wonky. The needle pegs full even though I know it's not and I can't figure out why. Bad switch maybe and the horrible thing is I have no idea how to fix it.

Like this city. The mayor has let this city slide into a lawless chaos but wants US to think that some white devils are out to get him.

Guess what? We sure are but not because of his skin color. We're more concerned about his lack of leadership, integrity and vision. That ain't a color thang baby. It's time for him to go--skin color of the next mayor be damned. I want someone that will lower my taxes or at least not raise them AND spend the money wisely. I want someone that will work to lower the crime rate. I want someone who cares about the status of each and every citizen, not just the rich ones.

Not much to ask for. Not much to ask for a fuel gauge that works either but here we are.

Save this MG.

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Greetings from under the Hood

Lawd, it's early on a Sunday morning. I'm waiting on the paper and working on my second cup of coffee thinking that as soon as it's a decent hour, I'll be out working on Blue. She needs a better name and maybe y'all can help me with that.

Who is Blue? More like, what is Blue? She's my 1965 MG Midget that I'm working desperately on trying to make pretty and road worthy. I'm trying to restore her to her original glory and give her back her dignity. Right now she's a mess and so am I. I'll tell you though, I've learned a lot about myself, cars, my family and friends and the value news lists. I'm a member of a group whose members have proven invaluable to me during this process.

5 years, I've been working on this car. Feeling around blindly, knowing nothing about cars before diving under the hood--which is low and small, by the way. I've learned though. Mostly, I've learned patience which I've carried over to dealings with my children, partner, co-workers and colleagues. That kind of lesson is priceless. Everything ELSE is costing me precious dollars.

So, I'd ask you to go on this journey with me. May be entertaining, may not. Who knows?