1. I have compiled a list of all of you political candidates who have left multiple recorded voice mail messages requesting my vote, and swear that I will vote against you all just out of spite. Especially you, Lawrence A. Cooper, who has called me so many times (and many so early that I was still asleep) that I have lost count. I only wish that I was a dead Democrat, because then I could vote against you multiple times.
2. After a certain age, getting drunk and acting like an ass at every single gathering you attend is not very becoming. Face it - college was over 20 years ago - so it is about time to grow the hell up.
3.
4. If you must continue your cell phone conversation in the stall in a public restroom, please do not get irritated with those of us that disrupt your conversation when we flush.
5. When you get a large cash or unrestricted stock bonus from your company, quit your complaining about how "the company" was unfair to take out taxes. The company does not tax you - the government does. And if you are that unhappy with the 'only $5,000' you got - I will be happy to relieve you of the burden.
Man, do I sound grouchy, or what? I think I've just been pushed to the limit in the last week or two. Hopefully, this venting will help.
Showing posts with label Current Events. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Current Events. Show all posts
Monday, November 3, 2008
Thursday, October 9, 2008
TiFaux Alert
My friend and honorary cousin via my real cousin, Faith Salie, will be the guest expert featured on tomorrow's Oprah show. The show is about how to handle life's stickiest situations. Faith is a regular contributor to O magazine. She is both brilliant and funny, so I'm betting that it will be a great show. Please watch if you get a chance.
I also found out today that my bestest (and newly retired) work buddy Glenda and her family will be attending a taping of Oprah next week. I hate that they missed Faith by a week, but I am crossing my fingers that the show they are attending will be one of those Oprah's Favorite Things shows where everyone in the audience gets a ton of free stuff, like a refrigerator with a built in TV, a pair of $500 cashmere socks, and a washing machine that criticizes you like my mother does if you wash the dark clothes with the colors.
I also found out today that my bestest (and newly retired) work buddy Glenda and her family will be attending a taping of Oprah next week. I hate that they missed Faith by a week, but I am crossing my fingers that the show they are attending will be one of those Oprah's Favorite Things shows where everyone in the audience gets a ton of free stuff, like a refrigerator with a built in TV, a pair of $500 cashmere socks, and a washing machine that criticizes you like my mother does if you wash the dark clothes with the colors.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Memorial Day Remembrance
Every September, at the start of the school year, my father would give me a little talk about the importance of an education.
Part of the talk would always be where he reminded me that as a citizen of the United States of America, I was entitled to receive a free education. He would explain how not all children around the world had this same opportunity, and how little girls in particular were sometimes denied an education simply because of their sex. Finally, he would let me know that while I would pay nothing for my education, many others had paid dearly over the years for this freedom that I enjoyed. He wanted me to be ever mindful of those that paid the ultimate price for me, and how I should never take my education or other freedoms for granted or do anything that would disrespect the lives lost in protecting our freedom.
Each Memorial Day, I think about Dad's yearly reminder, and I give thanks that so many young men and women have given their all to protect our rights, and to help others around the world have the opportunity to grow up with the same right to an education and freedoms that I enjoyed. My great-uncles who served in the Navy and Infantry during WWII, a number of coworkers and neighbors that served in Korea and Vietnam, some friends from high school that served in the first Gulf War and the husbands and sons of friends that currently serve in Iraq and Afghanistan today.
But while so many I know have returned home safely, not all have been so lucky. My friend and coworker Courtney lost her dear son Antoine on April 10, 2004 when his tent was hit by a mortar round at Balad Air Field in Iraq. Antoine was only 20 years old. He left behind a wife and a one year old daughter. Courtney has often said that he just wanted to help people, and make a difference in this world. I believe that he did, and on this day, I honor him.
Thank you Airman Antoine Holt for giving your all so that others might enjoy freedom.
John 15:13 - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Part of the talk would always be where he reminded me that as a citizen of the United States of America, I was entitled to receive a free education. He would explain how not all children around the world had this same opportunity, and how little girls in particular were sometimes denied an education simply because of their sex. Finally, he would let me know that while I would pay nothing for my education, many others had paid dearly over the years for this freedom that I enjoyed. He wanted me to be ever mindful of those that paid the ultimate price for me, and how I should never take my education or other freedoms for granted or do anything that would disrespect the lives lost in protecting our freedom.
Each Memorial Day, I think about Dad's yearly reminder, and I give thanks that so many young men and women have given their all to protect our rights, and to help others around the world have the opportunity to grow up with the same right to an education and freedoms that I enjoyed. My great-uncles who served in the Navy and Infantry during WWII, a number of coworkers and neighbors that served in Korea and Vietnam, some friends from high school that served in the first Gulf War and the husbands and sons of friends that currently serve in Iraq and Afghanistan today.
But while so many I know have returned home safely, not all have been so lucky. My friend and coworker Courtney lost her dear son Antoine on April 10, 2004 when his tent was hit by a mortar round at Balad Air Field in Iraq. Antoine was only 20 years old. He left behind a wife and a one year old daughter. Courtney has often said that he just wanted to help people, and make a difference in this world. I believe that he did, and on this day, I honor him.
Thank you Airman Antoine Holt for giving your all so that others might enjoy freedom.
John 15:13 - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Only 10 minutes left
You know if your phone rings at 4:57 a.m., it is rarely a good thing.
Well, this morning my phone rang at 4:57 a.m.
It was my neighbor Kirk, calling to warn me that according to our local news affiliates, a tornado was a'coming. It was scheduled to hit our city at 5:07 a.m., so I had 10 minutes. Since we have already had some pretty bad tornadoes that hit the nearby downtown Atlanta area earlier this year, I took the call pretty seriously.
So - what to do in those 10 minutes?
Well, I got up out of bed. This was especially painful since I couldn't fall asleep last night and therefore I was up cleaning the house until 3:30 a.m. So great, my clean house is going to get blown away, and no one will ever believe that it really had been clean at least once.
First thing out of bed, I decided that I better go to the restroom, cause you wouldn't want that urge to strike just as the tornado did, as who wants to be swept away like Dorothy while sitting on the turlet? After that, I threw on some jeans and a sweater over my nightgown, grabbed a pair of socks that I don't like (and therefore don't mind ruining) and my Crocs, pocketed my cash, credit cards, cell phone, camera and car keys, and moved to the middle of the house, and away from the windows.
And then I started thinking about what else I might want to save in the event that the house blew away in the next 8 minutes. So, I went back and got my passport (so I wouldn't have to go through the drama of replacing it) and my grandmother's engagement ring. After that, I figured that Mom had copies of all the old family photos that I cherish, and everything else is easily replaceable with insurance money. So, with 6 minutes left, I went back to the middle of the house, and away from the windows.
Then I got thirsty. Luckily, the kitchen is close to the middle of the house. So I made a Diet Coke. Don't worry - I put it in a plastic cup. Then I went back to the middle of the house, and away from the windows.
As I waited it out, I debated calling my parents and/or my brother. But then I figured that if the storm was within 4 minutes of hitting my house, it had already passed their houses and they were all probably safe and sound and asleep. And would be mad if I woke them up at 5:03 a.m. on a weekend.
At 3 minutes til, I had to use the bathroom again. But I decided to hold it (although, the chances were high that if the storm really hit my house, it wouldn't matter anyway.)
With 2 minutes left, the curiosity in my soul got the better of me and I had to know what was happening, so I moved away from the middle of the house, and toward the big front windows.
I have two tall trees in my front yard. One is alive and well, the other is dead and has an appointment with a tree cutting service for the week after next. So of course, the healthy tree is bent over the power lines, looking as if it will snap in half at any moment and dropping small branches all over the place. Meanwhile, dead tree is standing firm.
At 1 minute til, the wind started howling, the hail started coming down and everything (except dead tree - still firm) began leaning to the left at a 45 degree angle. So I quickly moved back to the middle of the house, and away from the windows, with my Diet Coke in a plastic cup and very full and heavy pockets. (It is nice to know that the knee will work when it really needs to.)
After that, it all passed pretty quickly. I was fortunate enough that the only impact seems to be a few small tree branches scattered on the street, lots of little leaf clusters in the driveway, and a good, thorough watering of the new azaleas we planted this past week.
Of course, now I'm wide awake again.
Well, this morning my phone rang at 4:57 a.m.
It was my neighbor Kirk, calling to warn me that according to our local news affiliates, a tornado was a'coming. It was scheduled to hit our city at 5:07 a.m., so I had 10 minutes. Since we have already had some pretty bad tornadoes that hit the nearby downtown Atlanta area earlier this year, I took the call pretty seriously.
So - what to do in those 10 minutes?
Well, I got up out of bed. This was especially painful since I couldn't fall asleep last night and therefore I was up cleaning the house until 3:30 a.m. So great, my clean house is going to get blown away, and no one will ever believe that it really had been clean at least once.
First thing out of bed, I decided that I better go to the restroom, cause you wouldn't want that urge to strike just as the tornado did, as who wants to be swept away like Dorothy while sitting on the turlet? After that, I threw on some jeans and a sweater over my nightgown, grabbed a pair of socks that I don't like (and therefore don't mind ruining) and my Crocs, pocketed my cash, credit cards, cell phone, camera and car keys, and moved to the middle of the house, and away from the windows.
And then I started thinking about what else I might want to save in the event that the house blew away in the next 8 minutes. So, I went back and got my passport (so I wouldn't have to go through the drama of replacing it) and my grandmother's engagement ring. After that, I figured that Mom had copies of all the old family photos that I cherish, and everything else is easily replaceable with insurance money. So, with 6 minutes left, I went back to the middle of the house, and away from the windows.
Then I got thirsty. Luckily, the kitchen is close to the middle of the house. So I made a Diet Coke. Don't worry - I put it in a plastic cup. Then I went back to the middle of the house, and away from the windows.
As I waited it out, I debated calling my parents and/or my brother. But then I figured that if the storm was within 4 minutes of hitting my house, it had already passed their houses and they were all probably safe and sound and asleep. And would be mad if I woke them up at 5:03 a.m. on a weekend.
At 3 minutes til, I had to use the bathroom again. But I decided to hold it (although, the chances were high that if the storm really hit my house, it wouldn't matter anyway.)
With 2 minutes left, the curiosity in my soul got the better of me and I had to know what was happening, so I moved away from the middle of the house, and toward the big front windows.
I have two tall trees in my front yard. One is alive and well, the other is dead and has an appointment with a tree cutting service for the week after next. So of course, the healthy tree is bent over the power lines, looking as if it will snap in half at any moment and dropping small branches all over the place. Meanwhile, dead tree is standing firm.
At 1 minute til, the wind started howling, the hail started coming down and everything (except dead tree - still firm) began leaning to the left at a 45 degree angle. So I quickly moved back to the middle of the house, and away from the windows, with my Diet Coke in a plastic cup and very full and heavy pockets. (It is nice to know that the knee will work when it really needs to.)
After that, it all passed pretty quickly. I was fortunate enough that the only impact seems to be a few small tree branches scattered on the street, lots of little leaf clusters in the driveway, and a good, thorough watering of the new azaleas we planted this past week.
Of course, now I'm wide awake again.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
$64,000 Question
So - my company has been in the news a lot the past week, and a lot of friends have emailed concerned as to what that means for me. And the answer is.....
I have no idea.
In fact, I probably won't for at least a year or two. Because the merger itself probably won't close until late in the year, and then it will probably take another year to 18 months to blend the technology, administration and other operational functions.
Overall, it looks like a pretty good thing for the company as a whole. But while we have been promised no frontline layoffs or job cuts, I'm not frontline. I have the type of job that you don't really need to duplicate elsewhere in the company, especially not if you plan on saving money where you can.
My main hope is that when all is said and done that
1. My job will still be needed
2. My job will still reside in Atlanta
3. I will be deemed the best person for that job
4. If not 3., then the person who does my job better in Minneapolis decides they don't want to move to Atlanta and I win by default.
Or, I could move to a frontline job. Which, while typically a lower paying thing, might work out OK anyway, as at least then I could be paid for the massive amounts of OT I put in, not have to take work home with me at the end of the day, and maybe be able to work a schedule that would make going back to school a little bit easier.
So, a lot to think about and consider. And a long time to consider it as well.
Oh, and in the midst of everything, we got a new airplane last month. It was our first new aircraft in about 6 years - a Boeing 777-200 LR. It is the longest range aircraft out there, can fly halfway around the world. It also has those cool sleeper seats - can't wait until I can take a trip on one.
Here I am with the new 777, posing with some guy - he said he was the President of the company or something like that.
Seriously, that is the President and Chief Financial Officer Ed Bastain. I met him a while back at a company event through my Dad (who apparently knows or has 2 degrees of separation between himself and the rest of the world). Mr. B's current Admin Assistant was my Dad's Admin Assistant about 15 years ago before Dad retired. (Another interesting tidbit of my Dad's history - his very first secretary at Delta had been Dwight D Eisenhower's secretary during WWII.)
Maybe they will be less apt to cut me if I put a copy of this photo on my desk.
??????????
I have no idea.
In fact, I probably won't for at least a year or two. Because the merger itself probably won't close until late in the year, and then it will probably take another year to 18 months to blend the technology, administration and other operational functions.
Overall, it looks like a pretty good thing for the company as a whole. But while we have been promised no frontline layoffs or job cuts, I'm not frontline. I have the type of job that you don't really need to duplicate elsewhere in the company, especially not if you plan on saving money where you can.
My main hope is that when all is said and done that
1. My job will still be needed
2. My job will still reside in Atlanta
3. I will be deemed the best person for that job
4. If not 3., then the person who does my job better in Minneapolis decides they don't want to move to Atlanta and I win by default.
Or, I could move to a frontline job. Which, while typically a lower paying thing, might work out OK anyway, as at least then I could be paid for the massive amounts of OT I put in, not have to take work home with me at the end of the day, and maybe be able to work a schedule that would make going back to school a little bit easier.
So, a lot to think about and consider. And a long time to consider it as well.
Oh, and in the midst of everything, we got a new airplane last month. It was our first new aircraft in about 6 years - a Boeing 777-200 LR. It is the longest range aircraft out there, can fly halfway around the world. It also has those cool sleeper seats - can't wait until I can take a trip on one.
Here I am with the new 777, posing with some guy - he said he was the President of the company or something like that.
Seriously, that is the President and Chief Financial Officer Ed Bastain. I met him a while back at a company event through my Dad (who apparently knows or has 2 degrees of separation between himself and the rest of the world). Mr. B's current Admin Assistant was my Dad's Admin Assistant about 15 years ago before Dad retired. (Another interesting tidbit of my Dad's history - his very first secretary at Delta had been Dwight D Eisenhower's secretary during WWII.)
Maybe they will be less apt to cut me if I put a copy of this photo on my desk.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Not to be unkind...
but is it really major world news that Martha Stewart's dog died today?
http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/TV/04/16/marthastewarts.dog.ap/index.html
I mean, when I looked at CNN earlier, it was the third story down, beaten only by the Pope's visit to the US and a guilty verdict in a beheading case.
Although, thankfully (?) it was thought to be more important than the story about the pot smoking toddler.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/TV/04/16/marthastewarts.dog.ap/index.html
I mean, when I looked at CNN earlier, it was the third story down, beaten only by the Pope's visit to the US and a guilty verdict in a beheading case.
Although, thankfully (?) it was thought to be more important than the story about the pot smoking toddler.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Heeeeeeerrrrrrreeeeeesssss Tony!
You remember back in the olden days, when Johnny Carson would need to take a night off to tend to something, like a divorce or something, The Tonight Show would have a guest host? Well, tonight my blog is being hosted by one of my oldest and dearest friends, Tony Mc. He's like a combination of David Letterman and Joan Rivers without all the plastic surgery. Well, other than the JLo shelf booty he had installed a few years back.
So ladies and gentlemen, here's my week according to Tony.....
"Guest blogger speaking for Joni.
She had an okay week. Getting up and going to work sucks. If it weren't for the fact that she enjoys life, she would kill a few co-workers. Not a few maybe just one. But as you all know Joni's too pretty for jail. The last thing she wants is a girlfriend on the inside plus there is no tivo in the big house.
Joni caught up or watched her fav. reality shows on tivo. American Idol, some fashion/modeling/cooking competition show, and a show or 2 that has a celebrity or multiple celebrity trainwrecks. She considers herself to be in much better shape than the celeb trainwrecks but then again who doesn't. Cause no one want to end up like Jeff Conaway... EVER!!!
Joni will be celebrating Easter by sleeping in, then joining the family for dinner at her parents house. It will be pleasant. Thankfully Joni will have her niece and nephew there to amuse her.
Joni hopes that we all are doing well and have a great Easter. And remember to wipe and stay off the pipe cause she's chilling!!"
March 23, 2008 11:41 AM
Thank you Tony - Amazingly, that was fairly accurate, although FYI - the Celeb Rehab program is over , and I have no desire to watch aging musicians spread STDs to strippers or Z-Listers lose weight. But nevertheless, you are a worthy substitute. I promise that when I decide to retire from my blog, I won't give this gig to some pointy-chinned loser instead of you.
Love to all and Happy Zombie Jesus Day. (tm Tony Mc.)
So ladies and gentlemen, here's my week according to Tony.....
"Guest blogger speaking for Joni.
She had an okay week. Getting up and going to work sucks. If it weren't for the fact that she enjoys life, she would kill a few co-workers. Not a few maybe just one. But as you all know Joni's too pretty for jail. The last thing she wants is a girlfriend on the inside plus there is no tivo in the big house.
Joni caught up or watched her fav. reality shows on tivo. American Idol, some fashion/modeling/cooking competition show, and a show or 2 that has a celebrity or multiple celebrity trainwrecks. She considers herself to be in much better shape than the celeb trainwrecks but then again who doesn't. Cause no one want to end up like Jeff Conaway... EVER!!!
Joni will be celebrating Easter by sleeping in, then joining the family for dinner at her parents house. It will be pleasant. Thankfully Joni will have her niece and nephew there to amuse her.
Joni hopes that we all are doing well and have a great Easter. And remember to wipe and stay off the pipe cause she's chilling!!"
March 23, 2008 11:41 AM
Thank you Tony - Amazingly, that was fairly accurate, although FYI - the Celeb Rehab program is over , and I have no desire to watch aging musicians spread STDs to strippers or Z-Listers lose weight. But nevertheless, you are a worthy substitute. I promise that when I decide to retire from my blog, I won't give this gig to some pointy-chinned loser instead of you.
Love to all and Happy Zombie Jesus Day. (tm Tony Mc.)
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Good Intentions
I keep meaning to blog. Really, I do.
I have a lot I want to say. But lately, I just don't seem to have the energy to sit here and type out a complete thought.
Hopefully, things will get better for me soon.
Stay tuned.
I have a lot I want to say. But lately, I just don't seem to have the energy to sit here and type out a complete thought.
Hopefully, things will get better for me soon.
Stay tuned.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Is time moving backwards???
Last week, it was Paula Abdul and Tom Petty at the Super Bowl. (1989)
This week, I've got Tina Turner singing "You Better Be Good To Me," The Time singing "Jungle Love," and Herbie Hancock winning Album of the Year at the Grammys. (1983)
If REO Speedwagon, Styx and Hall & Oates (1980) show up at the Academy Awards, I'm gonna move back home with my parents.
This week, I've got Tina Turner singing "You Better Be Good To Me," The Time singing "Jungle Love," and Herbie Hancock winning Album of the Year at the Grammys. (1983)
If REO Speedwagon, Styx and Hall & Oates (1980) show up at the Academy Awards, I'm gonna move back home with my parents.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Thank God Its Over.....
at least for now.
The lead up to Super Tuesday has driven me nuts. I've been receiving an average of 5 calls a day (some recorded, some with real people) supporting various presidential candidates.
I was home sick following a medical procedure Friday before last, and I received 7 calls within 2 hours. Really! I know I can be prone exaggeration for comedic effect, but trust me, this quit being funny after then 3rd call.
My caller ID, which holds the last 30 calls, no longer holds the number of anyone I actually know. But I have 7 calls from Hillary Clinton (seriously - check out the caller ID!)
The lead up to Super Tuesday has driven me nuts. I've been receiving an average of 5 calls a day (some recorded, some with real people) supporting various presidential candidates.
I was home sick following a medical procedure Friday before last, and I received 7 calls within 2 hours. Really! I know I can be prone exaggeration for comedic effect, but trust me, this quit being funny after then 3rd call.
My caller ID, which holds the last 30 calls, no longer holds the number of anyone I actually know. But I have 7 calls from Hillary Clinton (seriously - check out the caller ID!)
I hadn't bothered to even listen to my messages for the last few days, so tonight I decided to listen to them before I deleted. My two most favorites were from Hillary and a supporter of Huckabee.
On the Hillary one, she was giving her spiel via recording, telling me what her plans are in a nice, friendly tone, and then suddenly her voice changes, the tone turns sharp and she goes, "So GET OUT and vote." I swear, the GET OUT was so loud and harsh, it sounded like she was trying to expel an evil entity from an old home in Amityville. I almost dropped the phone and ran out to see if I could vote again.
The Huckabee one was a little frightening as well. The caller sounded so old, that I think she may have made calls for Warren G.Harding campaign back in 1920. I could only understand every other word, but I think she may have said something about being pro-life unless you were an illegal or gay, and then something about guns.
Thankfully, only one person never called, never woke me up, never interrupted my dinner. And he's receiving my vote.
President Colbert. That sounds nice.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Save me Al Gore!
This Global Warming is killing me.
So for the second time in less than a week, it snowed here in Atlanta.
So for the second time in less than a week, it snowed here in Atlanta.
Not tons of it, but more than we had the other day.
Tonight, the temperatures are supposed to go down into the teens, so what we have will probably freeze over during the night and I will definitely be stuck come tomorrow morning.
I was fine with that, until I realized that I'm out of Diet Coke. Truthfully, I've been trying to cut out drinking so many of them and have done pretty well since the first of the year. But the more that I thought about spending two days without one, I just couldn't take it, so I broke down, drove over to the gas station/convenience store down the road and got one before the roads got bad.
Took this shot of my house on the way back.
Now I'm ready to curl up and settle in for a while. I've got my Diet Coke, my blanket and a couple of left over Vicodin, which should be helpful as the cold is making my knee hurt again. I've also got the first season of Dexter and the second season of Life on Mars on my TiFaux, along with a couple of movies, so I think I'm set.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Wheeeeeee!!!! It's Snowing
Before anyone makes fun of me, please understand that I live in Atlanta, and it never really snows here. So when we get flurries of any kind, and they actually start sticking, it is a big ole "Run to Publix and Buy Milk and Bread" kind of deal for everyone.
As an added bonus, we got sent home from work an hour early. Because when it only snows once every four years, and usually no more than an inch or two, our state doesn't really invest in all the road cleaning gear associated with real heavy snow. So traffic can get pretty messy really quick.
You can't really see the snow in this last one, but I thought it was a pretty shot.
As an added bonus, we got sent home from work an hour early. Because when it only snows once every four years, and usually no more than an inch or two, our state doesn't really invest in all the road cleaning gear associated with real heavy snow. So traffic can get pretty messy really quick.
You can't really see the snow in this last one, but I thought it was a pretty shot.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Is this wrong??
Boy stabs brother in fight over TV
Is there something wrong with me that when I read this headline, all I could think was “Wonder what show he wanted to watch?”
Is there something wrong with me that when I read this headline, all I could think was “Wonder what show he wanted to watch?”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
