Sniffles
Tired of the sniffles? No problem! Just take this snake oil medicine and I guarantee all the sniffles will be gone!! Yeah, right...if only it were that easy. I have been blowing my nose all this time and it's not only the sniffles, it's also being stuck next to the mini-kitchen at work...I have to smell the cooking, soap, burnt coffee smells and also the great unwashed, along with the strong colognes and perfumes everyone wears...URGH.
Oh well.
I have been so totally NUTS at work...like I said before, my job responsibilities have increased... and now they will increase some more. The chief accountant at Pfizer is transferring to Kraft, and her last day is April 15th...I will be going back and forth to Chesterfield at least once/twice a week now...and we have to meet with her on April 4th.
Let's see...what fun, what joy... Meeting with assistant accountant, HR director, top gun on Wednesday about Oracle, then an All-Hands meeting on Thursday... I gotta be nuts.
At least the swaps are a great way to relax...did two swap cards last night.
The next time I blog here, it might be a rant. Thank goodness I'm leaving at 2:00 p.m. today for an eye exam and probably new glasses.
Oh boy...what now?
Sometimes at work, I wish they would ease up a bit - I keep trying to keep the time reports down to a manageable level, and yet, they come up with more work...just now, I spent about 90 minutes on accounts payable...and as soon as I'm done, and closed the door to the accountant's office, wouldn't you guess? Yep, a guy comes up with more signed invoices for me to process...URGH.Now I got more time reports...and the pile just keeps growing. Reminds me of the Mickey Mouse and the hat...where he thinks if he makes the broom do all his work, he can get some rest...and then falls asleep, while the broom keeps on filling the well... well, the well is FULL here and more just keeps coming, coming, and I'm ready to grind my teeth.I can't wait to leave for the day and get back to my worktable again.Also, it's been six years since I finished my chemo, and you would think I'd be over all that by now...but NO... my stomach got nauseous, my mouth had the taste of the chemo chemicals, and I couldn't eat very much... just fixed dinner, then put some away for Reb and froze the rest of it. It means three months of that, from March to May, where I'm gonna be having those moments...yeah, great for weight loss, but not so great in other areas... I remember going to the nursing home just before Gpa passed away last May, and someone had surgical tape on - I could smell it and it made me so NAUSEOUS... I just ran outside and it took so long for my stomach to calm down...UGH. I was just glad Gma didn't make a fuss of that at that time - maybe she understood more than I thought she did... I do miss her a lot. Not a day doesn't go by without me thinking of Grandmother - there are so many memories of her - the quilts she made, the necklace I made for her, the quilting guild membership pins, all the pictures, so many things from her... *sigh*I sure miss the farm.As for the cats - I do wish they would all JUST CALM DOWN and stop hissing, slapping and fighting each other!!! I had to take PeeWee to the vet Monday because she wasn't acting her usual self - being so cranky, still overweight, and sleeping a lot... she had to have some blood drawn, and it made me so lightheaded watching the vet work the blood out of PW's leg...Just got an email from Dad - the vet just called. PeeWee's blood work looks good - no problems there at all. Will prescribe meds for arthritis. Thank goodness. So now Ill be giving pills to PW orally...what fun. Urgh.However, back to the subject - when I got PW home from the vet, all the cats just scooted away. PW just STALKED out of the carrier, went to get some water and then laid down in the doorway of the blue room. All the other cats stayed out of her way for the rest of the night - thank goodness. It does seem that they're still not getting close to her for a while longer...good. Now if they would just do the same thing for each other, too.Sometimes I wish I didn't have to work every day - there are times when I'd rather be home, not stuck at my desk. Since I got promoted last week (4th time since I started working for WGI), I've had increased responsibilities and while it's nice to have more money, the money still doesn't justify the amount of work I do daily at this time. Where is the justice in all this???Come on. *smh*I just got more time reports *groan* and I still have to go get the mail. I'm ready to throw it all away in the trash and do a PeeWee stalk.Can't wait to go home.
Late!!
Wow... it's been 14 days since I last posted in my blog...tsk tsk.Let's see...where should I start? I know on the 9th I left for KC with Reb ... for the MAAD basketball tournament.Ok - let's go from there.The morning of the 9th was bright, sunny and a bit cloudy...of course. It started raining soon afterwards. Mom came over at around 930 am to go over instructions for taking care of the cats - not much to do about that and also the mail and newspaper deliveries.Reb and I left for KC at around 1230 pm - got some lunch on the way... Rally's.I drove on to Pearce in Wentzville - it has been renamed the Wentzville Parkway. Got gas there, then Reb took over the driving herself. Heh...she had fun driving Gift. We did stop at the Apple Wagon antique mall, and we had a great time walking around and looking at the stuff... I got several old postcards to scan, and a pair of cat pepper/salt shakers for the table. Reb was able to score quite a few Cal Ripken baseball cards, which we will mount later on.On to Kansas City, and we met up with Karole at the Holiday Inn across from Worlds of Fun. My goddaughter found me, and leaped into my arms with joy. We saw many of our friends, and we had a great time talking, talking and talking while we waited for Larry to get out of the coach/player meeting.Of course, we stayed at their home the whole weekend... it was nice having some quiet time, as it was a VERY BUSY weekend. We caught up with our Nebraska friends, Doug and Lynda, and also Jody and Tim... we also got to know Arlin and Jan a bit better, too.Also, I was surprised at how one of the kids I remember from when Leon played on the Lincoln team during the early 90's, had grown up and now playing on the Omaha women's team. It has been ages since I've seen her, and had a great time visiting with her!Reb also got to hang with Tim Y, and chat with him. We found Leon and William in KC, also and talked with them for quite a while. Sheila C was at the tournament, and it was great seeing her, as I do miss not having her in St. Louis, just until next summer when she moves back.Gift was one of the biggest attractions during the tournament, as she was quite the looker there.So many friends, so many people we know...it would be impossible to list all of them here right now.GKCAD won the men's tournament, just two points over Omaha. Good game!!! Minnepaul came back into action, and won the women's tournament. Back home on Sunday, tired out. We did stop in Boonville, for the Russell Stover outlet store, to get some candy for our parents and my work. Then on to Reb's parents' home and talk with them for a while and kick around some ideas for next year. Home sweet home, and the cats were happy to have us home when we finally arrived at around 830 pm.All that week, I was kept busy catching up with paperwork and various jobs at work, and doing some things at home - we were quite overdue for some work there. Last weekend, we caught up with shopping for things we sorely needed for home - and also a new TV for the basement. Then to Kirkwood Community Center for the St. Patrick's Day party and socialized with friends - we found Chrys and Rob there with the boys, and hung around with them for a bit. William S. also announced that the Deaf Advocate would be back into publication, and introduced me as the returning Editor. We also handed out papers for address and email/newsletter preferences. Chrys, Rob, Reb and I discussed going to the Cards game in August, and it was agreed that I would go ahead and mail in the form, and they would pay me back.Sunday - URGH. Softball practice - boy, was I freakin' sore!!! It has been AGES since I did any fielding and I did try my best, just gonna be a while before I can do anything like that!!!Then Reb and I went to the Sports Authority, where I got a pair of Nike X Training shoes for exercise and we got cleats for softball. I'd rather be able to get some footing instead of slipping and twisting my ankle, thank you very much. On to Schnucks, and food shopping. Home sweet home and a hot bath. Boy, did I need the bath. UGH.This week is progressing in fits and starts - Monday I had to take PeeWee to the vet, and get a face mask for her ... boy, was she UPSET. She had to have blood drawn for a test, and it took a while to get it from her leg. At least she's OK now. I also did the freakin' ironing...four weeks' worth!!!! I just did the body of the shirts, not the sleeves. Period.Yesterday, I was able to go back to making the cards for swaps - got one ATC swap done. Working on the next swap now.Now it's up to me to keep up to date!!!
Finally Got Some Free Time!!
Whew - it has been busy all the way through. Well, what did I expect?
I'm gonna be outta town starting tomorrow afternoon...and won't be back until Sunday...thank goodness. I need the break sooooo bad.
Let's see...a recap?
Last Friday night - I don't think I did anything...?
Saturday, I felt legarthic because of cramps. As it was, we didn't go anywhere Saturday except to the store for food and back. Reb cooked a delicious stir-fry chicken dish in her trusty wok. I sure love it when she cooks! We did watch "Revenge of the Pink Panther" - funny movie!
Sunday - I still felt the same way, so Reb drove instead of me. We had errands to run - and we got them done...a bit late. I wanted to stop by and visit with my mother for a bit to make sure everything was fine and for Reb to visit with Beans - that's Mom's new kitty...*heh*
Monday - work. Time to hit the red button. Go berserk. Get all the work done.
Monday night - two swaps done.
Tuesday - work. More of the same thing.
Tuesday night - two swaps done.
Wednesday - work, work and more work. Now all done, can relax on vacation...but of course, when I come back, my desk is gonna be buried again. *sigh*
That's life, eh?
Remembring 1999...YIKES!!
I was going through some old pictures and found this one...and I went YIKES!!
This is rather impossible to believe that I could have been this ... err... LARGE.
Im glad Im not this big anymore, but I still have a long way to go...urgh.
Chocolate, anyone? Gimme some.
Last Time with Toy
Well...yesterday I had the call that I could take the title over to the body shop and pick my stuff and license plates from Toy.
When I got there, and was able to see Toy in broad daylight, it was still a shock to see how much damage it had suffered in the accident on December 14, 2005.
It's been 2 months, 14 days since I last saw it... and I had tears in my eyes, knowing that the accident did not have to happen. I had planned to keep it for two more years, saving money for a new car and have some money left over.
It has the letters written on it - TL = Total Loss.
After the paperwork is complete, it will be salvaged for parts and then crushed into a block for melting.
When I got out of Gift, and started walking around Toy, I kicked on this and was surprised to see this...Toy has lost another part of itself.
Coming up from behind Toy, I saw the hood ... still amazed how high it was crushed to.
Looked inside the engine compartment, I could see the slight bend in the engine. It doesn't show up in the picture. The only way it will show up in a photograph is when the men are given permission to saw the hood off. As it is, it cannot be opened by hand anymore.
Also surprised how the hood was crushed so far over the fender - the tank holding the windshield wiper fluid is smashed under the hood.
Resumed walking around Toy - looked at the front. I am still amazed how the part that holds the hood open just snapped off and flew over the car during the accident. The grille was broken off during the accident and never recovered.
Around the other side now, a different view.
Finally cleaned out the trunk and interior - amazing how it all fits inside such a small part of Gift's trunk compartment.
A photo op of Toy on the way out, and Gift on the way in.
Gift and Toy nose to nose - Gift seems to be thanking Toy for keeping me safe and promising to do the same.
Gift and Toy together for the first and last time.
Hello, Gift.
Goodbye, Toy.
1997 Toyota Corolla
Total Loss December 14, 2005
Owned by P. J. Owoc 1997-2002.
Owned by M. I. Owoc 2002-2006.
Now at this time...
I have really been struggling with my weight - I seem to be either stuck at the same weight or gaining/losing the same five pounds.
I am so down in the dumps about this - I really need to do something.
I want to go back to Curves!
Also, the whole situation with the Toy is getting me down too...although I did find out that I can sign over the title today...PAH! PAH!
Then home to find that damn personal property declaration form...and send it off today ASAP.
Where's my money???
I think I'm almost finished with PT, though. My shoulders are a lot better, and the pain is almost all gone now. I will be glad to see the last of the electrodes!!
The cats are all fine - just wish they would stop fighting here and there ... *sigh* At least those are becoming less and less and of shorter duration. Soon it will be time to give them a bath...we just have to figure out how to do this. Who goes first, who goes last? Where do we put them all so they won't sneak off and hide somewhere? Will we have enough towels? Who's gonna wash all the freaking towels (I know the answer to this! ME!!)??
Can't wait for our break next week...going to Kansas City, MO for MAAD!!!
Heh!
Last Weekend
We had a great weekend - Friday Reb and I were just too tired, so we called work for a day off - I worked on swap cards and she was on the computer working on her forum. We also had to do some quick shopping for the house, and then had dinner at Longhorn. Back home to watch The Pink Panther (with Peter Sellers) and get to bed early.But Saturday was something BIGGER. We went to the Mardi Gras in downtown St. Louis!!It's in the Soulard area, and each year it gets bigger and better...although more and more crowded!!!
I sure do look goofy, don't I?
We took Lynne and her two sons, and met up with Chrys and Rob with their boys at the parking lot. Even after leaving early and getting there early, we could'nt see the parade at all. Just tooooo many people. Many of them drunk already, and getting even drunker.
We did get some great beads, though, and added to our collection of throw beads which I plan on putting into a "curtain" sometime soon.
Then we went to McDonald's for a while to chat - the boys were pretty tired out and we all left to go home.
On the way, Reb and I stopped at Banadana's BBQ - delicious BBQ beef. Tried their fried corn for the first time, interesting texture and flavor. Then on to home sweet home... and watched the A Shot In The Dark (with Peter Sellers). Bedtime early again - worn out. ROFL!!!
Sunday - decided to take it easy. We worked at home and lounged about a bit. Reb cooked chicken stir fry in her wok, always a delicious meal. Then back to the Pink Panther movies...The Pink Panther Strikes Again. Heh.
Why not?
Trial To Start May 1st
Wright enters plea of not guilty
Woman accused in slaying to go on trial starting May 1JON WALKERjwalker@argusleader.comMarch 1, 2006, 2:55 amDaphne Wright pleaded not guilty Tuesday to start the courtroom phase in a Sioux Falls murder that has stunned the deaf community across the nation.Wright, 42, indicated through sign language to Circuit Judge Joseph Neiles that she understands that she could face the death penalty if a jury concludes that she killed Darlene VanderGiesen.Tuesday's hearing was a reading of three charges: murder, murder while committing a felony and kidnapping.Her trial tentatively is scheduled to begin May 1, said Jason Adams, assistant public defender who represented Wright in court.Wearing short, cropped hair and inmate stripes, Wright sat expressionless behind glass in a holding room next to the first-floor courtroom, with almost a dozen other defendants facing charges in other crimes.When Neiles called her name, she stood and came to the window with Adams.An interpreter from Communication Service for the Deaf stood near Neiles and signed his questions to Wright. A second CSD interpreter, standing between Wright and Adams, began answering for her.Neiles said he needed an indication from Wright herself.Wright lifted her handcuffed fists to her waist, each time responding with the first two fingers of her right hand forming an affirmative "V."Her interpreter said "yes, your honor" to each question about her rights and finally that Wright understood the penalty for conviction would be life in prison or death.VanderGiesen, 42, was killed sometime in early February. Parts of her dismembered body were found in the Sioux Falls landfill.After her arrest, Wright said she was upset because she thought VanderGiesen was trying to ruin her relationship with her girlfriend, Sallie Collins, a police affidavit said.Dave Nelson, Minnehaha County state's attorney since 1989, said after court that he could not remember prosecuting another such high-profile case in which the defendant is deaf.Asked when he would decide whether to seek the death penalty against Wright, Nelson said, "Some other time."Watching in court were at least four members of the Sioux Falls deaf community."We want the truth to come out to keep the deaf community safe," said Cheryl Brimmer, 60.Brandi Rarus, director of marketing support for CSD, said the case "has all the parts" to pique national interest, including the possibility of a love triangle and that "a deaf person murdered another deaf person.""It's right out of a book," Rarus said. "It doesn't happen to deaf people. It doesn't happen to people you know. All of us know we're not immune to such violence. But when it happens, it's still a shock."Rarus said her agency would be running updates on its Internet CSD-TV signal at www.csd.tv and in its monthly newspaper, Signews, which can be read online at www.signews.org.She questioned Nelson in the lobby about the conduct of the trial.He told her the legal process does not make a point either to include or exclude eligible jurors who are deaf, blind, old or young.Rarus said the trial is "a good opportunity to educate the deaf community on how the system works."~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
02/28/2006
Trial Date Set for Daphne WrightDaphne Wright will stand trial for the kidnapping and murder of Darlene VanderGiesen on May 1st.The 42-year-old deaf woman faces two counts of first degree murder and one count of kidnapping. Police believe she killed VanderGiesen on February 1st, then dismembered and disposed of her body. Wright rolled her eyes as a sign language interpreter relayed the judge's reading of the murder charges. She's pleaded not guilty on all counts. Nearly thirty people filled the courtoom to watch the arraignment hearing Tuesday morning. If convicted, Wright could be sentenced to life in prison or the death penalty. http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail5440.cfm?ID=0,46362~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Suspected scene of gory killing can sway home salesNESTOR RAMOSnramos@argusleader.comMarch 1, 2006, 2:55 amThere's a nice little place for sale on the corner of South Phillips Avenue and East 26th Street - newly restored, two blocks from McKennan Park, three bedrooms and hardwood floors.It even received some free advertising three weeks ago when every local media outlet was camped out across the street, their cameras trained on the house next door, which was surrounded by police.That's where the woman charged with murdering Darlene VanderGiesen lived.And though police are not confirming that VanderGiesen was dismembered in the home, they found chainsaw oil, fresh paint and pieces of human tissue that belonged to VanderGiesen in the basement.Experts agree that if that house on South Phillips really is a murder scene, it is going to lose as much as 35 percent of its value. It is not currently for sale.It seems unlikely though that other homes in the immediate vicinity - such as the one for sale next door - will be harder to sell.Thomas Garry, the agent selling the property, said that if a buyer knows "all of the intimate details" regarding the home next door, it might cause them not to buy the house he's selling.Otherwise, he didn't expect the situation to be a problem.The house already has been on the market for some time, Garry said, because of an initial listing price that was too high and a busy intersection that scared off some potential buyers.The price has been reduced since, and Garry said there has been no decline in showings since the house - and Garry's for-sale sign - inadvertently popped up on television.Randy Bell is a California economist who specializes in damage economics, specifically how much value a property might lose as a result of a given situation.Known as real estate's "master of disaster," Bell worked on sales of homes affected by the Nicole Brown Simpson and JonBenet Ramsey murders.There will be a segment of the buying population that will not even buy a nearby home under any circumstances, Bell said, but that segment will be small enough that there still will be people who will buy the property, and a large enough segment that will buy it at full value.As an example, Bell cited a house two doors down from where Ramsey lived. It sold at full value shortly after her death, he said.Mary Pope-Handy, a California real estate agent who has a Web site about sales of haunted and otherwise "stigmatized" properties, said the home on 26th and Phillips only would be devalued if the house next door acquired some sort of twisted notoriety."I guess the question is, 'Are you going to have people driving by?' " Pope-Handy said.Absent any gawkers, Pope-Handy said, it's not likely to be a problem for the neighbors.South Dakota law requires sellers to disclose murders or suicides in the home for sale, not nearby."I would say it just depends on how much onlooker traffic the neighborhood gets," said Blanche Evans, editor of Realty Times, a national magazine for Realtors. "Otherwise, it won't matter."Evans said the more notorious, more compelling and more publicized the crime, the more likely it is that nearby homes will devalue.Merle DeBoer owned the house more than two decades ago."I've been out of there since '84, and I'm glad I am," he said, because he expects having the most high-profile crime scene in Sioux Falls next door will make it hard to sell.The owners of the home could not be reached for this story.Craig Opland, who owns another nearby home, said he is not concerned about any potential problems with selling his house. He has no plans of selling in the near future, and said that he hoped the memories of the incident on his street would fade over time.And if he were thinking of buying a home so close to the house that has gotten so much attention?"It all depends on the person," Opland said. "It wouldn't bother me."
