News ban

Well, I continue to want to ban the news/politics in my home and car. For the most part, I'm still succeeding. But with all the talk about Jared Fogel, I had to hit up a couple news sites to read the story. I also caught up on a couple other stories and then bailed! So, that disgusting pig. I don't for one second believe he feels bad for anything he's done. He feels bad because he got caught. Period. I feel sad for his family though. Yuck. I hope he's very popular in prison - I don't care that that's a mean though. 


I guess I need to revise this since they said today that the suspect was shot in the back. but my point still stands. Don't commit a crime!! But it's not cool to shoot someone in the back. 
The other bullshit story I glanced at, was about another black young man who was shot and killed in St. Louis. I say it's a bullshit story because he had committed a crime, ran from the police, was armed, and aimed said firearm at the cops. I fail to see what people think that cop should have done? Stand there and just hope the criminal wouldn't shoot him?? 

This was the part of the article that killed me though;

"Another youth down by the hands of police," Dex Dockett, 42, who lives nearby, told a reporter. "What could have been done different to de-escalate rather than escalate? They (police) come in with an us-against-them mentality. You've got to have the right kind of cops to engage in these types of neighborhoods."

Umm, dude, I'm pretty sure it IS us-against-them. Duh. What could have been done differently? How about stop committing crimes? That pissed me off so I immediately changed gears....did you know Jennifer Aniston got married?? And Len Goodman quit on Dancing With The Stars. That's ok, he was too grumpy anyway. More joy please!!

Amazing!!!

My fella's normal inclination is to say "no" to everything. It could be something big or something small. I'm used to it. So, imagine my SURPRISE when I said to him yesterday, "honey, I can get 2 round trip tickets to Washington DC, for $176!!! $88 per person! Round trip! Wanna go for a few days"? and he said, "sure"! What?!?!?!?! I told him I was serious and I wasn't just being wacky. He still said OK. Whoa. I booked the flight and hotel this morning. I'm so excited!! He's never been and it's been about 45 years for me. We'll only actually be there for 3 days but I bet we can cover a lot of ground in that time. Yessssssss!!! Really, it's so uncharacteristic of him to be so spur of moment, let alone say yes right off the bat. Yay!

Nuts!

It seems as though we are experiencing a bumper crop of hickory nuts this year! It is only the middle of August and there are a trillion million nut pieces ALL OVER our roof and deck!!! It's awful!

Those damn squirrels just sit up in the tree, chowing down. Grrrr. Bill said he's worried that it's a sign - you know, they're eating as much as they can now because it's going to be a bad winter. Uh huh.

 Little suckers.

Frustrations...

Government spending, now there's a frustration. Now that I'm a civil servant, I get to see first hand how frivolous government spending is. And I'm just talking about STATE spending! We step over dollars to pick up pennies, every day. It's ridiculous! I know you don't need an example but here are just a few anyway;
Apparently, every new Governor gets to make up his own 'slogan' for the state. Our new Governor picked, "Indiana, a State that works". It even has a logo;

I don't like it. Mainly because our state is always complaining about not having/keeping, high paying/high tech jobs. This logo/slogan makes us look like a manufacturing state. Which is fine. But then shut up about not having any tech jobs! Here's the frivolous spending part...They turned it into a big lighted sign along the top of a building across from the statehouse - at a cost of $50,000.00
I guess the Governor liked it so much, he commissioned TWO more, bigger ones, on the north and south facing walls of a building behind the statehouse. Yeah, we get it, gov. We don't really need 3 of them. And frankly, you didn't ask me if it was okay to spend my money on that! Humph.

Here's another example;
I rented a mini van for a group of 4 employees, traveling to Chicago for a couple days. The agency in charge of spending money for traveling said, no, get them a sedan. So 4 people, 4 laptops, 4 pc of some kind of luggage, were expected to cram into a sedan for a 4 hour drive, in order to save the state $32.00. BUT...another traveler wanted to take the train to Chicago, round trip cost $20. Saving the state the cost for the rental car, fuel costs, parking at the hotel ($63 a day) which totaled close to $300. You guessed it, the state said no to the train. 

Again, I don't appreciate you throwing my money away like that. FRUSTRATING! I have at least a dozen more examples but I know you know what I'm talking about.

knock it off...

Don't talk to people when they're peeing. I hate that. Unless you happen to be a spouse or a kid. Then it's sort of alright. But when you're at work, and we're in the restroom, don't talk to me while I'm peeing. I hate that!!

Maybe it's an invasion of my bubble? It's icky though. Also, stop taking your phones to the bathroom with you! That's gross. Especially if you're a man. I can't even tell you how many times someone has brought me a phone they found in the bathroom. (I'm the keeper of lost things) I guess I can see it if you're a woman, except why are taking your phone with you to pee? You can set it on the counter I suppose. But men, they carry their phones in their shirt pockets or on a clip. And you can't really talk hands free if you're a dude, if you get my meaning. Ewwww.

And while I'm on the subject of work, and I'm talking to those of you who don't, the weekend is my free time. Since my fella retired, every day is the weekend. Granted, he's getting a lot done during the week, and good on him! But he wanted to go somewhere last weekend. I go somewhere every day dude. And sometimes, when my free time gets here, I don't want to do anything and I really don't want to go anywhere! Poor guy. So far I think he's adjusting pretty well to not working...but there are still a couple areas that he's struggles with. 

...a week later

Well, I'm almost to the end of my first week of a self imposed media ban. You know what? I really haven't missed it at all. In the mornings, instead of the news, we listen to music. It's a MUCH nicer way to start the day. Anyway, I don't feel lost or like I don't know what's going on in the world - I don't care :-)  The few shows I've wanted to watch on TV, I've recorded, so when I'm ready I can watch them commercial free. I really thought I would miss it more. Turns out, I'm perfectly happy without the news, commercials, ads, the radio and most TV shows. The only thing I have watched this week that went against my ban, is the presidential candidate debates last night. I just knew it would be entertaining and I couldn't stay away! But when Bill has wanted to watch something, I just go to my craft room. I like it in there. He's been pretty supportive though. I noticed that he has a lot recorded on the DVR though. I guess he's watching those shows during the day when I'm not there. I think I'll keep going, with the ban. I'll just keep reading and crafting instead! 

Geesh!

Well, I had an almost media free weekend. For the most part, it was a lot easier than I thought it would be. I didn't miss the news at all! But I had to stay away from MSN and Yahoo, which was tricky a couple time. Other than that, my self imposed media blackout, went well. I liked it so much...I think I'll keep it up for a few more days. 

Saturday, I putzed around the craft room all morning, listening to the 70's. Saturday afternoon we went for a drive. We didn't have anyplace in mind, just someplace where other people weren't. It was nice. We found a lot of little tiny towns w/one stop light and beautiful old Victorian houses. We listened to Yani and talked a lot. Saturday night, we went to Holcomb Observatory. That turned out to be a bust - the big main telescope is out of commission right now. It was ok though, it was something to do :-)

Sunday, lots more putzing around the craft room and playing with the dogs and a little gardening, with a nap thrown in.

All in all it was a pretty successful weekend. 

Whew! I needed that!

sorrowful

Sometimes I cry because people are so ugly. I cry because the suffering is so unbearable.
How is it possible for human beings to have such disregard for another living creature or being?
How is it possible for a human being to walk over a dying puppy and do nothing???
How is it possible for a human being to FORGET that you left your child in the car??
How is it possible for a human being to think it's fun to hunt and kill a living creature?
How is it possible for a human being NOT to see the fear and anguish in a child's face when you beat them?
OH MY GOD!!! What is wrong with people???
I don't understand.
I was thinking of watching some Disney movies but even they are filled with death! Booooooo.
Sometimes the suffering in the world is just to much to see and read about.
I guess I need a media break in general.

Lays

(revised)
The chips, silly. Geez, what kind of people are you?!?!?
Mwahahahahaha!

Ok, here are the results of unscientific taste test of the 4 new Lays Potato Chip flavors. You know, the ones you get to vote on?

First up, Gyro flavored.
6 10 people gave this flavor a BIG no. Icky. Real icky. 

Next, Reuben flavored.
3 5 people gave this flavor a resounding, eh.
4 6 people gave this flavor a NO.

Then there was Truffle Fries flavor.
8 9 people said, it tastes like sour cream and onion.
3 people said they smell bad.
3 people kind of liked their earthy flavor?

Lastly, Biscuits and Gravy flavored.
6 7 people said, out of all of them, I might eat these.
They kind of taste like sausage.
4 people said, ewww.

Mostly, what we discovered is, potato chips shouldn't come in meat flavors.
That's our expert opinion!

Then there's my husband - he actually sort of liked them all. Duh. His favorite was the Truffle Fries.

July

My fella had a birthday this month. So did our country! The month is almost over and I'm still trying to figure out what happened to May!

We are now officially in the wettest July in the history of Indiana. Well, since they've been keeping track. Our July rainfall average is 4.55 inches. As of today, with at least one more good storm to come, we have 13.13 inches of rain this month. That's a lot of rain! I know that California would kill for even a 1/4 of that. Everything sure is pretty though!

Last week was so busy for me, in the world of the working. All week there were interactions with people to be had and I was exhausted when Friday finally came. As an introvert, I'm a pretty good faker when it comes to being nice to people. But all that niceness and talking takes its toll on me by the end of the week. 

When my mom retired, we were worried about her. We thought for sure she would become a total recluse. Imagine how pleasantly surprised we are, that she's not! As a matter of fact, she's a lot like my brother now!! She talks to everybody!! By the time I got home last Friday, I realized that I'LL be the one who turns into a recluse! I will be perfectly happy to just be home and not have to be around people. Over the winter, sometimes Bill will get cabin fever after just a couple days. Not me boy! So far, I don't think I've ever gotten cabin fever. Really. Yesterday, I din't even get out of my pj's. I did some quilling, I painted a little, I read a little, I played games on the computer and I watched movies. IT WAS AWESOME! Oh, the movies? The Maze Runner - apparently it's a series...I didn't know that. So the ending was dumb. Night At The Museum 3 - has to be the most expensive stupid movie made that year. If you haven't seen it, go ahead and skip it. Transcendence - with Johnny Depp. I actually kind of liked that one. Maleficent  - which was super fun, with all those cool caries and creatures! And the 4th Die Hard. Of course I've seen it already...a few times. But I love Bruce Willis. And 2 episodes of LOST - just because.

Yep, it was a nice quiet day. I needed it!

you need this!

This could be my favorite list so far this year!!!

http://www.msn.com/en-us/foodanddrink/recipes/22-foods-you-can-make-in-a-waffle-iron/ss-AAcVrbv#image=1

uh huh, I'm game!

I love chips!! I wish I could eat them every day. But no. Every once in awhile, I'll buy a bag, eat some, and give the rest to my fella. He'll eat everything anything! 

Right now, Lays is having a 'new flavor' contest. Here are your choices;

Of course, we have to try the biscuits and gravy because the inventor is from my home state. 
Of course we have to try the Reuben, that's my go to deli sandwich and I'm an expert!
Of course we have to try the gyro, who doesn't love gyros!
Yes, we'll even try the truffle fries, because what the hell is that?!?!?!

When you're ready, go here to vote for YOUR fav!!
https://www.dousaflavor.com/

more randomness...

I guess everything could be considered random, in this kind of forum. Anywho...

Her son died by lighting fireworks on his head: Now she wants stricter laws.
Well, for her family this was a tragic, yet completely avoidable accident. But really? Stricter laws? Stop it. We don't need more laws to tell us how to use our own common sense.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/her-son-died-by-lighting-fireworks-on-his-head-now-she-wants-stricter-laws/ar-AAcGx67

How is it that some celebrities are so functional and generous? I know Taylor Swift is big ham, for sure. And lets be honest, she doesn't have the best voice around. This girl is rockin' her life though!

http://www.businessinsider.com/taylor-swift-donates-fifty-thousand-dollars-to-girl-with-cancer-2015-7

You know I love lists! I don't even care if they're made up! The guy who wrote this one is pretty funny though. Some of these cracked me up! It's about how the states rank;

https://www.yahoo.com/travel/the-definitive-and-final-ranking-of-all-50-states-122796477147.html

Also, a couple weeks ago, there was an article about the 50 most violent cities in the world. 20 of them were in Brazil, 11 were in Mexico, 5 in Columbia, 10 in other South American countries. You know the U.S. doesn't like to be left out and coming in at #19, St. Louis - #22 was Detroit, #28 was New Orleans and #40 was Baltimore. Don't go there!

And this one has the 50 funniest town slogans in the U.S. 

https://www.yahoo.com/travel/crazy-capitals-birthplaces-and-americas-50-122784405242.html

I like these, life hacks. I've seen most of them on Pinterest but there are a few of them that are actually pretty good!

http://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/smart-living/59-hacks-that-will-change-your-life/ss-AAboBHY

And last but not least...here in my town, and you may have heard about it, we have this wacky guy who decided to create The First Church of Cannabis. Uh huh...right...Naturally, the local PD said, if your members show up and smoke pot, we're going to arrest them. Duh. Anyway, like we didn't see this coming, the founder of The First Church of Cannabis has filed a religious freedom suit against the state. Another prime example of why attorneys are so despised!

http://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2015/07/08/church-cannabis-files-religious-liberty-lawsuit/29872713/

REALLY random...

In a front yard tree of our neighbor, a pair of red tail hawks made their nest and had babies. It's been really cool to see them all the time. Here's the mama;

One of the babies is just hanging around. I guess that's normal? But we hear it screeching, frequently! And we see it all the time. This morning, as a matter of fact, it was chillin' on top of our bird feeder! It's pretty neat.

See this guy? It's Vince Gill :-) We saw him a couple months ago. He did a fantastic show. He's an excellent story teller and we really enjoyed the show!

This is still my new favorite sign;

And the next time someone tells you there's no "i" in team, show them this...

I should really have this AWESOME door knocker;

I almost bought it...but $100 is a lot for whimsical! I'm still thinking about it though. Does that mean it's going to haunt me? and I should buy it? I don't know.

Notre Dame

No, not the one over there. The university here in Indiana.

Mom and I went, a couple weeks ago. Just to check it out. 1200 acres of perfectly manicured grounds and fabulous old buildings! Not to mention all the history!!
(you can click on the pictures to see them larger, case you forgot)
With a chapel in every dorm, plus the church, over 150 masses are performed every week!

This is the library. 14 stories! That's a whole lot of learnin' there!

Yep, and here it is...their $400 MILLION dollar + football stadium. where they play SIX games every year. What!??!?!

I don't know why I think tree bark is so cool. I just do. This one is extra, super, duper cool!

And see this painting? See the fringe around the painting?

 The artist was kind of a character...look closely at the fringe...

I was a really nice way to spend the day :-)