Here's your sign....

Please read the excerpt below from EW.com posted on CNN....

"...if Viacom can't reach a deal by midnight Wednesday that would keep Comedy Central, MTV, and its 18 other networks on Time Warner Cable systems, according to a report in The New York Times."

There was a scrolling message going across the bottom of those channels saying if you are a Time Warner Cable subscriber you will lose this channel, blah blah blah... how many people called in asking if we were removing these channels? Do you subscribe to Time Warner? No? D'uh..ugh... people must have started drinking early today....Everyone have a safe and fun New Years, we're actually going out tonight and we're staying over in the Bay Area.... Woooo!

Friday Night

Since I've moved up to BFE, I haven't really had a "late night", meaning I usually end up crashing at a friends house (thank you Jackie!) or my moms. Well, the other day, my close friend Jason, sends us a message that he wants to go out on Friday night for drinks in Campbell. I contemplate it considering that Jason lives in Boston and my other best friend, Melanie was going to be there (She lives outside of Reno). I decide to go as Jeremy had to go to Tahoe to help his uncle set up their washer/dryer (I know, what a good nephew). I had to stop over at my friend Jackies house before I headed out as Santa had a couple of things to drop off. I tried to get her to go, but alas, she had no sitter. :(
I drive over to Campbell around 8:45. Years ago, the night didn't start for us until about 10:30/11, and looking back on it, hell, we should have met up at 9! When I got there, I had rock star parking and our friends, Maggie and Brian had scored a little nook with a couch and loveseat (Our own VIP room, if you will!), yeah....people were jealous...we had the spot...
Now Maggie, is a fabulous woman. She has a take charge, no sh** kind of attitude which I love. It turns out that later in the evening when a couple of us had left for a few minutes, some guys asked her if the chairs we were using were taken. She told them yes, but yet, they had the audacity to ask the waitress who then, not knowing, took them and gave them to the guys who knew they were the chairs we were using. Maggie, walks up to the guys and basically says, did those chairs magically appear out of nowhere, cause I know you know we were using them, and the guys says, "what? you want them back?" and she says, "yes I do".. Go Maggie...She won't think twice about throwing down with a guy...*mental note* take Maggie with me if I ever have a fight, she's got my back. I love you Maggie.
The rest of the night was wonderful! It was a reunion of old friends who used to spend weekends at the Brit, looking for the beer wench or beer necklace guy, complaining about the lack of intelligent men or women we could never find, making new drinking friends on the back patio. We're all a bit older and wiser now, but the good times never change with friends. I love you guys. I couldn't ask for better friends. All I could have asked for was my house to be closer, because it took me over an hour to get home! And being the trooper that I am, I went to bed at 2:30, woke up at 5:30, went to work, and went to a friends house on Saturday night! (Chas, that dinner was yummo!!!) :) Pics will be up soon!

Please refrain from using cell phones...

If there's one place I would like to have a bit of privacy, it's the bathroom. Seriously, I do not wish to have a conversation with someone who is in the midst of tinkling or anything else. On the same token, I do not wish to be in a bathroom stall hearing someone else on a cell phone. Why do some people think it's socially acceptable to do this? It isn't... really, it isn't. It's one thing to have a conversation with a friend you walk in the bathroom with, it's a whole other thing when you're on the phone with them and you hear flushing...ew. So the next time you're chatting on the phone about what's for dinner or sharing some gossip and you walk into a bathroom, can you please tell them, can I call you later? :)

Company Party

Sat. night was our annual company holiday party. I ended up winning a $100 GC for spafinder.com, which turns out to be a website for all these different spas I can use this GC on... go me! w00t! It was fun, I'll post pics as soon as I find my card reader thingy... we stayed until the music started and then it got too "promish" for me and Mr. T and we took off.
I've been presented with the opportunity to transfer to a full time position with my company and I'm thinking about pursuing it. Times right now are tough and as much as I would LOVE to start my own business, it just doesn't seem economically feasible. Perhaps if the economy picks up next year, I will go for it, but for now, I will have to wait it out...

Ideas?

Ok, so there is this little Japanese place by my house that has really, really good sushi considering it's in the Central Valley. The owners are really nice and are always chatting with you. They have cute rolls named for things in our area like the UOP roll, the ITT roll, the Harlan roll (that's one of our streets) and so on...I asked Susan why don't they add a John Deere roll... so she told me, come up with an idea and we'll try it out... so I ask you friends... (Carol, oh great sushi master)...ideas? I think I'd rather call it the JD Roll...avocado with yellowfin? I'm a big fan of sushi with cream cheese in it (I know, it's probably not the greatest thing, but hey, it's good stuff!). So, if you have any suggestions for a JD roll, that would be fabulous!
The other day at work, I think I was seriously PMSing, it seemed like every last customer was getting on my nerves. They decided to throw in some billing calls in our queue, and I get a call from a lady who is yelling at me for turning off her services, she states she just paid the bill in cash... I look at her account, yes ma'am I see there was a payment made on the account for $200, however, I do show that a check for $200 was posted to the account last Friday and it was returned, thus causing you to be $200 short still. She then proceeds to tell me how it's our fault and she never had this problem with our competitor... Let me think about this...

Nov Bill....$300
Check ($200)
Balance$100
Dec Bill...$200
Balance...$300
Cash Payment...($200)
Balance...$100
Check returned...$200
NSF Fee...$25
Balance...$325

So you're telling me that when you were with our competitor, you never bounced a check? Then she tells me that she knows the check didn't clear, hence the cash payment, I'm trying to tell her that we bill one month in advance and she still owes us from November... not to mention I looked at her billing cycles and NSFs on her account, I'm surprised she's allowed to write checks with us! I ended up transferring her to billing, so they could tell her in childlike terms...That day I felt just downtrodden and down with customers, it reminded me of that episode of Family Guy when they have a clip of Darth Vader working at the DMV and he goes home to complain to his wife...I felt like Darth that day...sigh...I'll go apply for a loan to build a death star...I'd post a clip if I could, but youtube has no Family Guy clips...boo...

Black Friday Saddness

Black Friday, 34 year old Jdimytai Damour was unlocking the doors of a Long Island Wal-Mart and mobs of people rushed into the store, crushing him and ultimately killing him. It makes me so sad to see a life taken away merely so people can get their adrenaline rush to buy deeply discounted items that they will probably use once or regift. Black Friday used to mean retailers were seeing a profit, now it is known as a sporting event, a day where companies slash prices and consumers will do anything to get their hands on it, even if it means taking a life. This is why I do not go out on Black Friday, I know there won't be a huge crowd where I go, but to think that someone died on a day that was to celebrate (what used to be) great shopping is not worth it to me in my book. I will not go out shopping on Black Friday in memory of Jdimytai Damour.
What makes me more pissed off is now 2 people are suing Wal-Mart for being injured in the mad rush....they chose to go out there and wait with the huge crowd. Hell, perhaps they were involved in the mad stampede that killed Jdimytai, who was just doing his job.

I've been dreading this week all year... I have to cook Thanksgiving Day dinner....again.. why can't we just escape to Hawaii, one year... and tell people, hey, no can do, we're in Hawaii...That would save me from complaining. I have to cut 3 loaves of bread into cubes and toast them. I have to peel potatoes, I have to make the brine for the turkey...I have to clean up the house...wahhhhh...but I make a hell of a turkey and stuffing to boot...

Yowza....

That's what she said...and that's all I have to say about that....;-)

Where do I start... I just talked to a friend of mine who said that lawmakers plan to triple the states car registration fees. Ok, seriously, in a time where people can hardly afford the roof over their heads, you're going to make the car tags nearly impossible to afford? What is your logic behind this? Fix the state budget, that's right. I think this is the logic... help me out....you can't afford your tags, so you say screw it and drive around with expired tags. You get a ticket from the cops for expired tags, which means you now have a fine, on top of the tags and a late fee. You still can't afford it and you get pulled over again and now you get your car impounded because your license is suspended and you have to pay an exorbitant amount of money to get it out...if you can.., then the state gets its money and the city and tow company and impound lot gets paid...
And I hate you auto makers... flying in on your corporate jets to plead your case to Congress about how you need money...please... if you're using corporate jets, you sure as hell don't need money, let alone MY money...if you do get a bailout, you better let me use that jet... and pay for my hotel beeyotches...

Once again I am dumbfounded by people. I am amazed at how much common sense people can lack. Of course, you know this stems from a call I received today from someone who needed my help because they didn't have a picture, which turns out, was due to the fact they didn't pay their bill....so I've got the customer on the phone telling me, "Well, I paid it with a check and I have a receipt." I tell her,"That's great, I'm sure you realize that I can't see it, so you will need to go to the service location, show them the receipt and they will turn on the services for you." She is now silent and says, "Do you know what an inconvenience that is for me?" So I tell her, "Ma'am I'm sure you did pay your bill, however, in order for us to turn on your services, we will need to see something that says you paid it. Once you get this all squared away, I'm sure it won't happen again." I don't understand people. Seriously, we need to see some sort of proof...you know why? Because that lady called back and paid the bill with a check by phone...she never paid the bill to begin with...ugh!

Turkey Day is fast approaching and I am anxiously awaiting family to come install the double oven and warming drawer I purchased...I have to cook for 15 people, thankfully, we got the new garage fridge, so I'll be using that. I bitch about cooking Thanksgiving day dinner, but I love it. I'll admit it. I pretend I'm in kitchen stadium when I'm prepping and cooking....I'm such a weirdo I know....please install my double oven...I really would like to use it...I have to make cookies for that holiday after Thanksgiving....Damn, I just gave away your presents.

Moment

I'm at the store today, picking up my happy pills and I happen to pass this item. The first thing that I hear in my head is Maury saying..."You ARE NOT the babys daddy!" Who knew they sold this at the store? Does this mean the end of Maury? No more testing 15 men on national tv, now that you can do it in the privacy of your own home... but then you wouldn't be able to go on Maury...and let everyone know that you have no idea who the baby daddy is, but you're 1000% sure it's him....;-)

My favorite albums

So just about everyday, I've been going for a walk around my block and I find myself listening to the same songs, which is great, but it made me want to compile a list of my favorite albums.

1. Bob Marley; Legend... I don't care who you are, you can sing along with any of the tracks on here. Anytime I hear Bob Marley, I get happy and instantly relaxed, no pot needed...but it's an option...
   
2. Nirvana; Smells Like Teen Spirit... One of my best friends in High School (Michelle Allen) got me this album for my 16th birthday and it was my introduction to the grunge scene..I listened to whole album every day for like 3 months straight (Including the "hidden" track) and loved it.
3. Pearl Jam; 10... Every song that Eddie Vedder puts out on this album is incredible.. and his voice....
4. Weezer; Weezer aka "Blue Album"...The first time I put on Weezer, I loved it...from "My Name is Jonas" to "Only in Dreams", I can sing along with every song with emotion. :)
5. Dave Matthews Band; Crash...I was introduced to DMB by a dear dear friend of mine & Melanie, thank you for that. I love DMB. I associate many a memory with DMB & you, hanging out with you on the random weekends at the Woods, the Brit & PollyEsters, the concerts we went to at Shoreline (Maggie rocks for pushing the car out of the mud!) There's so many songs I love from DMB, but I would have to say this is my favorite album...

By the way, my friend Jackies' daughter, Kayla, got straight A's and is being recommended for Valedictorian...w00t!!! You go girl! We're all proud of you girly!!!

Wish List, 8

I got an email from Amex the other day regarding their semi annual wish list. They had a teaser webpage up with some items listed. Here are some the items they previewed...

• 42 Inch Sharp Aquos 1080p TV $700

• Dell Studio 15 Laptop $499

and my personal wish...

• Dinner with Gordon Ramsay at the LondonNYC...$2500...hint hint Jer... that would make a fabulous birthday/Christmas present...For $2500, I better have hotel, airfare and be able to take someone with me!

I recall them doing this promotion last year, but unfortunately, I was too late and the item I wanted was gone..then again.. it's called a wishlist for a reason... I'm sure I won't get anything... there are thousands of people like me clicking on the button, hoping to score that TV or whatever else may be deeply discounted.

Onto local hillbilly news...so I guess all the "red*" people out here temporarily got their wish and passed prop 8. Nothing annoys me than close minded people who are using religion to hide behind this prop. There is NOTHING written in this Prop about religion! "Yes on 8, protect traditional marriage". 50% of marriages end in divorce! Back in the 50's Jer and I would not have been considered a "traditional marriage" and that's scary. It upsets me that people are so ignorant. I was very surprised that my neighbor, who has a grandchild whom is half African American had posted a Yes on 8 sign on her house too! I finally printed out a No on 8 sign and posted it in my window. I felt like I had to make a statement. I was tired of seeing all those horrid yellow signs in my neighborhood. I still see them when I go walking and I'm tempted to take a sharpie with me and putting a big X on them... hee hee....

*red meaning "republican" versus "redneck" although you can substitute it...LOL

You suck... Household Bank...

Last month, I received a bill from Household back for my annual fee of $40. I never use my credit card (it has a low limit) and I have other cards that I use (Amex, LOVE IT!). I set it up on my credit unions bill pay site to pay on the due date. It was taken out of my bank account on the due date and I though all was well in the world. Turns out that the HB posted to my credit card the next day, so I got charged with a $30 late charge. Me being the nice person that I am, I thought I would email and see if I can get the charge removed. I've never used the card, I pay only my annual fee and it was 24 hours late. Not a month late, not in collections status, just a day late. They replied back saying they they can't do that. I replied back, pleading my case, saying please escalate to a supervisor if need be. They still refused to remove it. So I called them and told them I want to close my account. They wanted to ask me why, I told them, "It's a matter of principle, you folks won't waive the late charge, so I want to close both my accounts." I work in customer service and normally, you can waive charges, but what do I get to hear? "Oh I'm sorry to hear you are closing your account, would like to keep one of the cards open for an emergency?" Um... HELL No...I do not wish to keep one of your crappy cards if you can't even waive the damn late fee... I have 2 Amex cards which would cover me just fine. Go to credit card hell Household Bank. I am sure there are plenty of people out there who are seriously delinquent whom probably try to pull some scam to get their late fees waived and you do it for them... Here I am, 24 hours late, no fault of my own... you can't waive $30 for me...everyone I know will hear about this Household Bank... YOU SUCK!!!

My first post

Ok, so it seems everyone is hopping on the Blogger train and blogging over here. Perhaps I am the person who is the last to catch onto anything... so here I am blogging here now... I hope you stick around and read about my blog, I swear, sometimes I'm funny...