Time flies WAY too fast. Cant believe it's been so long since I posted a blog. Ah, well ... kids were on spring break and I was world traveling. Canada DOES count as world travel, right? I am thinking of moving to Canada because I am growing more and more "un-fond" of my current country of residence.
Two weeks ago I was at Bell-Square with my kids and my iPhone was stolen. You would THINK that if someone found my phone at a "mall" in Bellevue that it would be turned in. Well, as it turns out there are low-lifes in Bellevue too. Actually its the "Bellevue Collection," its no longer Bell-Square and it certainly isnt a mall! Gracious no ... Yeah, whatever ... all it collected FROM me was my iPhone.
I sat on a bench directly above the guest services area -- ya know, in the center of the MALL by the clock. I dished out some cash to the kids and set my phone down next to me. I proceeded to be a pin-head and leave the phone sitting there. We walked to Auntie Annes for a pretzel and WHAM ... some jerkoff had picked up my phone and turned it off.
I reported it immediately ... but of course, nothing could be done. Bell-Square has video surveillance but for some STUPID reason, their cameras are mounted IN the ceiling and all that they could pick up was a picture of the pole NEXT to the bench where I was sitting.
I also immediately went to AT&T and the Apple store. AT&T was very helpful and shut down the ability to use the sim card in the iPhone ... and they gave me a new sim card to use. What WASNT helpful was that they informed me that I had to wait until May 20th before I could purchase another iPhone without "penalty." They tried to lighten the blow by allowing me to upgrade to the 4G thirty days early -- which means I can actually upgrade on the 20th of this month. It ends up saving me $400 ... so I guess I will PAINFULLY wait another 9 days.
In the meantime, I am suffering with my daughters old Pantech Matrix. It likes to turn off without cause and I can't seem to figure out how to send text messages or retrieve voice mail.
I've almost hurled the thing about a dozen times. I was brought back down to earth by someone telling me he didnt have a cel phone at all ... so I guess I should suck it up.
Once again, I am reminded of a few things. I am reminded that I shouldnt keep all of my information on a "device." My Mac was stolen a little over a year ago and ALL of my pictures, the startings of three books and all of my personal information were on it ... LOST forever. I vowed not to let that happen again. Well, Dorkwad here did it again. All of my passwords, pictures and contacts were on my iPhone. Yes, I back it up (on my MAC!) but it doesnt protect me from the asshole that stole it. He (she?) already tried to get into my bank account -- jokes on them I closed that account over six months ago -- and Lord only knows what ELSE they've tried to get into.
Unfortunately, it reminds me that there are bad people out there. I used to believe that people were generally "good" but those feelings are fading ... and fast. While my iPhone being stolen isnt cause for anarchy, it is just another thorn in my side.
It reminds me that I need to be thankful for what I DO have.
I seriously have the best two kids on the planet ... and NOTHING that is taken away from me could take THEM away from me. I have a place to live, a cute doggie and ... a pretty darn great family.
While I am still contemplating moving Canada ... because they are just so darn friendly up there, eh ... wherever I am ... I will always have WHAT I GOT!

GAS PRICES!!! What the HECK is up with the freaking United States of America??? Oil companies have been #1 in profits for how many years??? FOREVER??? I am sick and tired of the United states letting oil companies get away with gouging its citizens. The price of gas has gone up a ridiculous amount ... and for what reason? The conflict in Libya? WHAT THE F@%?!

Libya isnt even one of the top 15 countries that supplies oil to the United States. In fact, CANADA is our number one supplier, EH?? Mexico is the #2 supplier, Que??? WHAT ON EARTH is our problem? Why does our government let these oil companies blast their prices out of this world because of trouble in Libya? It happens every time ANY of our oil suppliers experiences conflict. I'll tell you why ... because our government makes money from it. The people dont ... the government does. "Land of the free" my ass. It's total bullshit. Land of the rich and getting richer and the poor getting poorer. In a time where oil companies should be GIVING away gas, they turn around and instead screw us over. I'M SICK OF IT!!!! WHY dont any news sources discuss and REALLY make an issue about the oil companies? Why hasnt ANYONE mentioned the FACT that we get barely ANY oil from Libya and there is NO excuse for the price hike at the pumps ... and for those homeowners that use oil for their heat source.

Another day, another blog .... Yesterday several things came to mind to write about. I hate to seem that I am ranting in most of my blogs, but I am hopefully provoking thought. Of course, I am not trying to irritate anyone or make enemies ... I just need to state my peace ... piece? I suppose both apply!
Last week, I went to the WorkSource office (as directed by the unemployment office.) WorkSource is another topic that I will discuss -- which I think is absolutely fabulous -- Really! It is an awesome resource with wonderful, helpful people. But this blog is about a "policy" that Worksource has that I dont necessarily agree with.
When you walk in to WorkSource, the entire office is plastered with signs saying "no personal fragrances" They go on to give examples; no cologne, Perfume, Hair spray and I believe even deodorant. Now, I know people are allergic --- I know I know I know! And I must say there are a LOT of individuals that bathe in the stuff. They wear enough for all of us to rub up against them and get a full weeks supply of scent of our own. BUT -- come on!
It's another personal liberty taken away. Just last night on the news they were discussing the very same issue. I cant remember which office was thinking of "banning" fragrance, but the concensus was similar. One woman felt it was "micro-mananging." It's like when the airlines removed peanuts from the "snacks" they handed out because "some" of the passengers were, or may have been, allergic to nuts.
It's tough because we cant ask all people that are allergic to something to live in a bubble, but it just isnt right to limit non-allergic people because of them! At Medina Elementary they have all sorts of "peanut free" "gluten free" etc .... rooms! I was concerned at first thinking, geez ... I cant make my kids a peanut butter and jelly sandwich because some other kid is allergic?? Turns out they certainly allow you to send your kids to school with those things to eat ... but they have peanut free, Gluten free, apple free, etc etc ... tables where the allergic kids can eat. My son didnt eat his Nutella and Banana sandwich there.
It just so happens that the day I went to WorkSource I spritzed a little perfume on. When I arrived and saw all of the signs I immediately became uncomfortable! I knew that I didn't reek, but my nose was overly sensitive. I was trying to smell out everyone else in the place. Is that ME that smells? Or is it the chick in front of me? Oh ... it's her for sure ... I wonder if the gal at the front desk that signs everyone in will THINK its me ... What will she do? Will she tell me to leave?
You know, while I may not agree with their policy, I certainly WOULD have (and will when I go back) adhere to it. IF they have such a policy, they should let you know when you are told to go. You are sent a packet of instructions advising you when to attend a mandatory meeting, what forms to fill out and what other procedures are. I think if they are serious about helping people get jobs, they should first make people feel as comfortable as possible ... especially on first meeting. If Fragrance is banned here, the packet should include statement about the fragrance free policy.
As for the policy itself, I believe its silly. Not everyone that uses fragrance abuses fragrance. I do believe it is just one more thing to be "taken away" from us. It's our right to wear it. Perhaps it will one day, however, create jobs. "Perfume Police." They can hire individuals to sniff out fragrance wearers and issue citations. It'll be like one of those cartoons when they grab the guy (or gal) race them to a shower and scrub them down!!! Hello, people that smoke cigarettes usually reek right after going out for a smoke ... are you gonna bust them too?
That makes me sneeze just as much as the dude wearing a gallon of old spice.
The point is, when are we going to stop picking at our freedom? I question our countries "land of the free" status more and more. If we drive, we have to wear a seatbelt (yet even school busses DONT have seatbelts??) If we ride, we have to wear a helmet, we cant use our cell-phones while we drive, we cant smoke anywhere, and now we cant wear perfume.
My mother accused me of wanting anarchy. PLEASE! I just want to smell pretty. I will write more on our freedoms being taken away. Right now, I think I will write a letter to WorkSource and the unemployment office asking them to PLEASE inform people of their non-perfume policy PRIOR to the in-your-face-on-the-spot contact. Most of us can adjust to change (is that a redundant comment?) If I have to give up one more freedom ... I'll get over it. I'm just not going to like it at first.

Happy Saturday! I just dropped my kids off for a day of snowboading ... and wish I could be there too! Alas, I shall take the kid-free opportunity to write my blog. Today? I speak my mind about "doping." My feelings are mixed on this subject, although apparently strong enough to feel the need to write about it. Sports stars do drugs. Perhaps not ALL of them take steroids or "enhancers" but ... many of them do. I would like to believe that Derek Jeter is steroid free. I also would like to believe the same of Ken Griffey Jr., Steve Nash and a few others.
Alberto Contador was busted AFTER he "won" the Tour de France. Bonds was busted, McGwire was busted, A-rods admitted it, Clemmens was a total under oath liar and was busted (he was also a womanizing pin-head but an AWESOME entertaining ball-player who loved the game) ... and Lance Armstrong has been busted. We all know that there are Thousands of Basketball players, track legends, swimmers, skiers, and of course football players that are doping!
WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL??? Yes, I know its WRONG. It is illegal. So is doing cocaine and driving drunk. Sports figures also rarely get busted for snorting coke or drunk driving. IF the sports world wants to BAN steroids the "Proper way," they should enforce it COMPLETELY.
This spontaneous testing is stupid and pointless. It is not fair to all participants. It is not fair for the guys and gals that DONT dope and it isnt fair for those that DO. What's the point of having a three week race and cummulative "winner" in Tour de France when the poor saps going to be stripped of the title months later for taking cough medicine that had a "no-no" drug in it? The other poor sap that didnt dope, didnt win or get to experience the thrill of victory, because the idiot that DID win after doping stole his opportunity ... after the fact! (?!?!) Every cyclist should be tested prior to and throughout the event. YANK EM if any drugs are found, period. It is absolutely ridiculous to bring back test results months after the official end of the race to say the winner was on drugs and therefore should be stripped of the title. Everyone loses that way.
ENFORCEMENT. TEST EVERY DAMN player, every participant, every season, every race, every off-season, all the time! That costs too much money? Take it from their salaries! They make millions of dollars ... and they SHOULD be willing to spend some of those Franklins to "PROVE" they are clean, just as awesome and WORTH the millions they make.
IF they are serious about eliminating steroid use then there should be strict diets ... and NO pharmaceuticals should be taken for a cough, cancer or a pulled muscle without first "okaying" it with the board. For that matter, everything that is ingested should be approved. Wasnt it actually supposedly some funky chocolate dessert that Contador ate that had the secret drug in it? Give me a freaking break. As in, if that was really what it was ... they're seriously going to punish the dude????? And the levels were so minuscule. On the other hand, if he really is dumb enough to use that as an excuse when he may really have purposely taken something, then he needs to be banned indefinitely. Someone that dumb shouldn't be allowed on a bicycle.
Athletes shouldn't dope. Athletes shouldn't feel the NEED to dope. I am sure there are PLENTY of athletes that don't and are presumably doing well. At a personal level, I know an individual that was once on the Italian race team. He was instructed by his doctors and team coach to dope. "Sugar water" my ass. 35 years ago! He still rides today but mostly runs. He is in his sixties and takes "grand master" in the majority of races he enters. He hasnt "doped" for nearly four decades and he is stronger and faster than most of the guys 20-30 years younger than him. He doesnt NEED to dope. And neither do any of those athletes!
Unfortunately many athletes still do it. If they are insecure enough to believe that they have to enhance themselves, it's sad ... but it is really none of my business. Those that continue to dope are poisoning their own bodies. If they are just doing it to follow doctors (coaches and sponsors) "orders" then they are weaklings. They need to grow a pair and tell them to shove off. Prove to them you're capable of greatness all by yourself. Rarely do steroids (at least physcially) hurt anyone but the person taking the drug. A rare case? The Psycho wrestler that murdered his family and then himself. It wasnt just the steroids that set that rocket off, however. That said ... If it's illegal and the officials want to control it ... then do it ... and don't do it half-ass! IF you can't test EVERYONE then quit your bitching and just let 'em play. People go to see baseball games because they love the game. They watch every minute of the Tour de France because they are enthusiasts. Sure, they have heroes ... but I doubt very much they're wondering if their hero just juiced up before the first pitch or the firing of the gun.
Millions of people will be glued to their televisions tomorrow watching the Steelers and the Packers play the mother of all football games, the holy Super Bowl. If it were discovered weeks from now (or months) that half of the players on the winning team were on steroids ... would they take away their trophy? I don't think so.

Ah, here I sit once again! I thought today I would start off by sharing some quick funny car stories. I've always enjoyed cars and driving. When I was 13, I decided it'd be fun to drive my moms car down the driveway with my best friend. We hopped in my mom's Toyota Celica hatchback, I turned over the ignition and carefully backed up to the turn-around spot. Once headed in the right direction, I put it into drive and headed down the steep twisty drive. Got halfway down and was headed into the second turn when I was met head-on with my mom and step dad! Oooops! I threw the thing in reverse and floored it! I flew backwards up the driveway. I crested the top and SLAM!! I blew over a boulder and wedged the back drivers side wheel in-between it and an evergreen. My friend was horrified. She thought I'd be in trouble for the rest of my life! Didnt actually get in trouble ... at all! Of course, my step dad was less thrilled than my mother. I think my mom was more amused at my predicament and knew that MY knowing what I did was stupid was punishment enough.
My next car adventure happened after I had to move to the Eastside. We lived in hoity toity Medina in a community of 8 homes that sat on the Overlake Golf course. We owned the second to last home in the drive. Our next door neighbors, "Fred and DeeDee," were probably in their late 50's and owned a lovely 1979 Monte Carlo. The ones that used to look a Cadillac. Anyway, Fred and DeeDee were going out of town for a few days and asked if I would like to "house-sit." I believe they offered me $10 a day to take care of the house for them. They were a really nice couple and were trying to make me feel special! Of course I jumped on the opportunity. So, after they left, I went into their house to have a look around. Now, the thought hadn't occurred to me to take their car when they were asking me to watch the house. It was when I saw the gleaming keys dangling from the hook on the kitchen wall that I thought it'd be a good idea to take the car out for a spin. I didnt take it the first day, or even the second. But the third day was just too much for me. I simply had to tame the beast. I called one of my friends, Betty, and asked if she'd like to go visit another friend of mine in my OLD neighborhood. She jumped at the chance for a little joy ride.
I want to be given credit for this bold idea. I was driving from Bellevue to Burien, at the age of 15, in my neighbors car. That's 21+ miles one-way solo (with another unlicensed friend.) Life was grand. So, off we headed. We drove to Sam's house in Burien. We hung out there for just a short while and then headed back to Bellevue. No "issues" of any sort there or back. Betty and I pulled back into the driveway, drove past the first 6 houses in the community, headed down and around the corner toward my house and Fred and DeeDees ...
And there were Fred and DeeDee. My face must have turned completely white in a half a second. WHAT the HECK were they doing home??? They were supposed to be gone until the next day!!! Oh Geez ... what do I say, what do I do?? I pulled the car up. Both Fred and DeeDee standing there. DeeDee with a cigarette in one hand, ash hanging ...
"What're you doing with the car?" Fred says to me. My brilliant instant reply ...
"There were prowlers so we took the car to Bettys house!"
They paid me for watching their house and I believe actually had me watch it again for them after that. Not another word was mentioned about my "saving their car from prowlers." Until, that is, the day that I got married on the front lawn ... some 10 years later. Of course Fred and DeeDee were invited to the wedding. DeeDee came up ... again, cigarette in hand. I think she'd also had a couple glasses of white wine. She gave me a gigantic hug, smiled and loudly laughed ...
"DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN YOU STOLE OUR CAR?"
Good times ....

Alrighty then ... The job search continues. Does anyone want to hire someone intelligent, good-looking, funny, talented, sophisticated, efficient ...? Apparently not. No, it seems that the majority of people looking to hire are only interested in whether or not I have a degree and/or can pass a credit check. Excuse me? What the hell does my credit rating have to do with my abilities?
Why is a 24 year old with a Bachelors degree and a credit score of 800 more qualified than I am? Why arent you even INTERESTED in speaking with me unless I have a degree?
Because you're a bunch of pretentious bastards, that's why. Seriously folks, I am more intelligent and suited for the position regardless of whether or not I have a freaking 400 credit score ... or lack a degree. So, you equal opportunity employers ... not truly equal opportunity are you? I suppose if I were too poor (or distracted) 20 years ago to finish college, its some sort of sign that I am not dedicated, motivated or innovative? Screw that!!
I have been passed over for positions, most recently to manage a consignment shop on a part time basis. I have owned a clothing store, worked retail, purchased and sold a LOT of furniture, sold a LOT to consignment shops, and purchased a LOT from consignment shops. I have also studied accounting (received straight A's thank you very much) and have actually WORKED and had EXPERIENCE in bookkeeping, accounts receivable and collections. I might add.
But, that's okay, you're "going in a different direction." You'd rather hire someone with a better credit rating than mine and/or someone twenty years younger.
I guarantee I will work hard and perform better than any one else you would ever dream of hiring. I sound like an ad for a sexual enhancement drug.
My Uncle died at the age of 67 -- with shit credit. You know why? He didn't have any. He always paid cash and didn't use credit cards. Purchased his cars outright (like me) and lived in a VERY modest apartment. Never owned a home.
He had a genius IQ. He was in the Navy, went to Yale and graduated head of his class. He spoke fluent Japanese and Chinese. The CIA and Secret forces tried in vain to recruit him .... What'd he do? He played Banjo and worked at freaking Rite-Aid for over 30 years.
What's my point?
Oh yeah ... I am pissed that I cant get a job. I am angry that I have all of this talent, charisma and "charm" and no one is willing to graciously accept it. I am upset that most retailers are in the opinion that an individual with a bachelors degree would make a better manager or assistant manager. What sort of bachelors degree are we talking about? I didn't know that ass-kissing was an actual field of study. Ass-kissing is an art, you know. PERSONAL relations IS AN ART ... but it is an art that is not learned in a class room, it is human experience. You can not get a degree in it. Love, compassion and an honest commitment to wanting to make others feel good is something you are born with. It is something that grows within you. Am I smart and focused enough to prepare spreadsheets, meet goals and exceed profit forecasts? Absolutely. I am at the same time a human being with a natural ability to and desire to make people happy.
I have the Chinese symbol for benevolence tattooed on my left ankle. Above it is a banjo and the words "Uncle Gene." I believe in true human kindness. I believe that the right job will come along. I might even work for Rite Aid.

After reading another blog about missed opportunities in regards to family relationships, I would like to write about my Granny. My Granny was my mom's mom. I never met my mom's dad because he passed away several years before I was born. My Granny, however, was very present in my life. Although she too died very early on, I was fortunate enough to spend 19 years of my life with her. She lived with us for nearly half of my life, before my mother re-married and my Granny moved out.

My Granny was a very elegant, well-dressed working woman. And, I dont mean a call girl. She left her family when she was 13 and was the first of 9 children to graduate from high school. After meeting her husband in a saloon (he was a card dealer and she was a bar maid) they settled in the seattle area and of course got respectable jobs. He for Boeing, building bombers and she for Sears, first in the photo department and then moving into human resources.

My mom and dad built the house we lived in with her in mind. There was a full mother-in-law apartment where she lived. It came in handy when my mom and dad divorced because my sister and I would spend a lot of time visiting with her. Again, she worked full time, so she was not our care-taker ... but she was close by when she wasnt working!

She used to dress so beautifully. Always had her face made up and always in heels. Not only was she a great female role-model "looks wise" but she was also hysterically funny. I often give her credit for teaching me how to swear and drive. In the car, she would frequently yell out "bastard!" or "shit head!" Then she'd turn to me, smile and either laugh or say ... "you didnt hear that!" Granny was something to be cherished, indeed.

We lived in separate residences for a few years, but in my last six months of high school, I had moved in with her. I was previously commuting to high school but after getting into a BAD auto accident, I no longer had a car. She lived in a mobile home close to the school and she made the offer for me to be with her. It was small and ... she smoked ... but I enjoyed living with her. Sure, I complained at the time, but I really do have fond memories. I had my own little space in the laundry room. She would make me toast and cocoa every morning while I took my shower. It would always be sitting there on the bathroom counter when I got out. It drove me nuts! I would always tell her not to make it ... but she always did. I often think back and tear up ... as I am doing now, thinking about how much I took her for granted and I wished I would have thanked her for all of those cups of cocoa and uneaten toast. She died the day after mothers day 25 + years ago and I think about her often. We are alike in so many ways and I wish my kids could have known her. I wish she could see what beautiful children I have brought in to the world and that her driving lessons are being carried on thru me to my children ....