Another on my NO CALL and DO NOT REFER lists

What is so wrong with businesses these days? You give a young man an opportunity for a new customer and customer referrals and he blows it. The son of an owner of a janitorial service supposedly had his own carpet cleaning service. Over a larger franchise businesses, we tried to support this young man.
The first appointment was set for 9 AM yesterday. In preparation, I spent Friday night and EARLY Saturday morning in preparations. It had been a long stressful week and interrupting my Sci Fi Friday night routine and an early morning rise was not on the top of my list of weekend activities.
Fifteen minutes prior to appointment time, he called claiming his father lent out the cleaning machine without his prior knowledge. His father had not known he had a cleaning job scheduled.
He asked to reschedule until 4 pm today. I had no issues since it would give me an opportunity to give the house a thorough cleaning. So Saturday was spent polishing, dusting, and vacuuming.

Approaching 4pm, we made final preparations by moving any furnishing that could be moved. At 3:56, he called. Said he JUST got off from work and noticed it was raining and the appointment would have to be postponed again. he was claiming the carpets would not dry until morning. I was so tired and undone, I could not even talk to him. I gave my phone to Hubby. Basically Hubby told him his services will no longer be needed, forever. Now there we were, rooms emptied where carpets needed to be cleaned.
There was no way we could leave everything in its current location until next week or whenever we could schedule another service. This left one option, do it myself. I have my own cleaner for general cleaning, but I had wanted a professional cleaning this one time. So I began, able to complete three rooms before the solution was fully dispensed.
I'll complete the rest sometime this week, maybe one room a night after work. Having a normal full week, I am not looking forward to this but it must be done.

Of course I will not refrain from trying new small businesses. I can not allow disappointment from one to affect another that may provide excellent service. It was so frustrating that this weekend did not go as planned.

Things happen for a reason...

There are times when you are motivated to accomplish a task you may not realized its timing and importance.  A few weeks ago, before the first wave of wintry weather, we decided to try out the gas fireplace.  We should have expected a problem like the many other first time use of items in our new house.  Immediately after Hubby turned on the LP tank, I heard hissing and smelled an odor from the fireplace area.
After several minutes of trying to locate the problem and Hubby lacerating his finger, a professional was the next recourse.  The first one we scheduled didn't appear on two occasions, so he was forever added to our NO CALL list. 
Through the plumbing company my mother uses, we found a guy who was courteous, punctual, and professional.  Last Thursday, he made the repairs and explained the problem.  He has been added to our DO CALL AND REFER list.
We enjoyed the vent-less fireplace so much we depleted a tank by Saturday night and connected the backup tank yesterday.
This morning, minutes after starting my treadmill workout @ 5:47AM, blackness occurred.  There was the only the steady green flash of my blackberry.  Using the display light I was able to locate my emergency lantern and flashlight.  Since morning temps were in the teens, warmth was next on the agenda.  Thank God the fireplace was ready.  It didn't take long before soft heat filled the main areas of the house.
Not knowing how long the outage would be and having an all electric home, I quickly showered and dressed warmly for work.  Later, checking with the power company, the outage was limited to the two streets of my subdivision.  The power was restored approximately an hour after it was lost.  All seemed well.
Waking son to start his morning later than usual, I was prepared to inform him of the outage and the lateness of the morning. Before I could, he asked, "Is the power back on?".  Apparently, he woke, noticed the outage, and then returned to sleep...  We will have to have a "discussion" on this later.
While he was preparing his cereal...lights out AGAIN... Thankfully this time it was after sunrise and clear skies.  A plenitude of sunlight cascaded through the house and along with the fire, there was light and heat.   We finished preparing for the day by use of lanterns.  Just so you know, grooming my lantern can be scary.  Some things, makeup application, would have to wait until proper illumination.

Prior to leaving home, the power had not returned.  We did see two occupied power company pickup trucks at the end of our street and a large work truck on a nearby corner.  Hopefully all will be well when we return home this evening.

Hmmm, I wonder if this has anything to do with the streets of our community not being identified on any online map or GPS system...

HAPPY MONDAY...

Fun Personality Priority Test

I saw this on Personality Test Center site.  My reaction order is below.

Priority Test

We often get in situations when we take decisions without a second thought and this is the right moment to find out what type of person we are.

What would you do first if you were in a situation where:

The baby is crying.
The clothes are hanging outside and it has started to rain.
The water is running from the tap.
The doorbell is ringing.
The phone is ringing.

Think about what you will do first, then second and so on. Scroll down to see the explanation.

Each action reflects the priorities that you have set in your life. Take a look at the following table to see which priority corresponds to which action.

 

Action	Priority
Attend the phone	Career and job
See who is at the door	Friends and relatives
Pick up the clothes	Sex
Attend the baby	Family
Switch the tap off	Wealth

For example if the first thing that you did was to answer the phone then your biggest priority in life would be your career and job. Similarly if the fourth thing that you did was to attend to the baby then your fourth priority would be your family.

-------------------------------
MY REACTION ORDER

Turn off the tap since it would be in front of me and shouldn't be running attended
Pick up the baby, put the cordless phone to my ear, put caller on hold, while I answer the door.
Tell the person at the door to go get the clothes, either they have an umbrella or they're already wet anyway

Doesn't really follow the chart above.  I wonder how I would do on an IQ test or a polygraph, or better yet, serve on a jury?
What is your reaction order?

Thank You, Blogs Her Color

I am so honored to have 'a southern thang' selected as the Blogs Her Color Daily Color of Choice.  It was started as a means of improving my writing skills, but has developed into so much more.  It has been a haven, a means to communicate with so many great people, and a means to express myself in a manner I'd never done before.

Now, to be honored as the Blogs Her Color Daily Color of Choice, has exceptional timing as I start this new year with a goal to communicate more with family and friends deeper than done before.  The gift of love and fellowship is the best we can give one another and blogging is an excellent means to accomplish this goal along with many others.

As a quick look around, here are some of my favorite or most popular posts.

I found the other woman, Vanesa

Brawl at Summer Camp

Journal #1

Should I Get Married?

Prostitution should be legalized UPDATED

Obama signs "South Paw" Executive Order

pro-life...pro-choice...how about prohibition

shaken and stirred

Welcome members of Blogs Her Color. I'm glad you came to visit.
Thanks,
Sista GP

Fair weather reindeer

As many have been bombarded with Christmas songs the past few days, there's been one that has stuck with me, more like bugged me. We sing 'Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer', but have we analyzed what this song means...

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen,
Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen.
But do you recall the most famous reindeer of all?

At first, this establishes a popularity situation of the named eight reindeer as if they were privileged. If the next reindeer was really as famous as stated, why ask if you can recall it?

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer had a very shiny nose and if you ever saw it, you would even say it glows

This statement immediately introduces Rudolph with facial deformity as a significant trait rather than mention a positive character trait as normally done in introductions.

All of the other reindeer used to laugh and call him names. They never let poor Rudolph play in any reindeer games.

The well-known reindeer mentioned in the first statement and any others in their society were bullies. The story also negatively describes Rudolph's financial situation which inclusively degrades him physically, socially, and financially.

Then one foggy Christmas Eve Santa came to say, "Rudolph with your nose so bright, won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"

Where was Santa earlier during Rudolph's abuse. He only appears when he needed Rudolph. What would Santa have done for Rudolph if it was a clear night?

Then all the reindeer loved him and they shouted out with glee

How could this be real love? Moments earlier he was being ridiculed. The named reindeer must not be in a union and their pay depended on working Christmas Eve. Why else would they be shouting with glee?

"Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, you'll go down in history!"

Apparently history is just whatever is documented in a format that is recoverable by future generations. It shouldn't make abuse socially acceptable for all to sing.

H1N1: To Tell or Not to Tell?

There are times in life when you want to just shake someone hard enough to loosen the idiotic thoughts that cause them to do things that many others wouldn't dare do or even say. With all the facts and myths that have been circulating the media, one would need to take basic care of themselves and others around them.

In a household of members, if one was treated for H1N1 there is a possibility that others could take ill, especially young children and their primary caretakers. For some viruses, the contagious period occurs prior to the onset of symptoms. So it is possible for an infected person to transmit a virus, unknowingly.

A situation happened recently that still has me in awe. I wonder what thought patterns can others have that I can't comprehend.

A young mother held a birthday party for her child in her home. One to two months prior, she was treated for H1N1. Since her treatment, others in the household had been ill but not specifically identified as this virus. Knowing others were ill, she had the party with many family members and friends, including many small children. Her reasoning is, by spraying the household with Lysol, it was ok. She nor did any others in the household feel the necessity to inform the adults or parents of any children who planned to attend the party of the health issues in the home so they can make a personal decision whether to attend.

Compounding the issue is that a few days after the party, another member, a child, of that household was diagnosed with H1N1. This mother nor any of the other adults in the home notified everyone who attended the party, so they can be particularly watchful of their kids health.

I just don't understand them. Can anyone validate their reasoning to me?

Camping Preparations

So much has happened within the last week, I had no time to write of the fun we all had Saturday of last weekend at the Cub Scouts Fall Family Festival held at Camp Benjamin Hawkins. The planned event included a day full of skill building activities for the kids followed by some great BBQ, overnight camp out, morning service, and breakfast of pancakes made my local firefighters.
Having never been camping before, we opted to just spend the day with the others and leave after the closing ceremony. It was an excellent decision. I learned so much in one day of the preparations needed for a camp out that would not have been the same as researching on the internet.
I had planned to drive the car that day to save on fuel, but since Hubby had to work, I drove the truck. I am so thankful, because of previous erosion, someone could destroy a B-pipe or muffler in certain areas of the campgrounds. Parking was near the main entrance, so we had to walk to our pack's designated campsite. If I had a compass, I might not have needed to ask how to get there from our current location, appearing less than a mile away. The next lesson was during the long walk, hiking boots would have been better than Nike's, but since all was dry, we hoped we could survive the day in sneakers. 1st walk along the path.
Arriving at the site, several large tents were already set up along with a tent-covered kitchen. I told one of the parents I've seen at the pack meetings that I was not staying the night, this trip was to learn what I need to bring/do at a camp. She began to school me on tents, the good and the bad of tent selection. The main item to remember is the number of poles. The simplest is four, two to crisscross overhead, one over the entrance and one at the rear. Even though there were some elaborate and awe-inspiring tents out there, but the more poles the increased level of difficulty for the install. There was one that had several sections; screened sitting area in front, sleeping area in the middle, and storage area in the back. Another looked liked that USAF balloon that Gilligan (Gilligan's Island) destroyed years ago.
Downhill, the smaller tents were stationed. There were even deck platforms available for them. Son learned how to pitch a tent by helping another kid with his. After his first one, he began to help others. Others from our den arrived and each helped others to unload and setup. I left with another parent to take her car back to the parking area and to walk back with her. 2nd walk along the path. Returning, we found her tent at near completion. Once done, we unpacked their gear. I realized I should have brought chairs for us. Thankfully, my den leader had two and I used her son's chair. Our boys sat in the tent for their meal. The only time they sat.
We were given the morning to setup as the Opening Ceremony was scheduled for 12:30. We ate our packed lunches before we left camp as dinner was being provided for us later.
When it was time, we all hiked to the main activities field which was near the parking area. 3rd walk along the path. After the Presentation of Colors flag ceremony, the Pledge of Allegiance, and announcements, the activities began. Our group started with the Wagon pull. Two-by-two, a pair would pull a covered wagon through a maze of stacked cans in hopes to beat the other pair and not knock over any cans. There was only one pair that missed all cans, doing so by leaving the designated path the pulling their wagon all outside of the gaming area. It was all good fun and they were happy. Next the kids spent time on 3 blown jumpers, a waterless slide, dragon house, and obstacle course. It was then time for some skill activities.
Along the 4th walk along the path, we detoured off to the lasso area. Each kid had as many tries necessary to loop a horn once. Further down the detoured path, we arrived at the rifle range. Being son's first time with a BB gun, I was concerned that he might hit the target page at all, I was wrong. With a target sheet that had each ring exponentially larger than the next inner circle, he hit one in the 10 range, just out side the bullseye, another in the 9 range and a third in the seven range. He received special tokens for his performance. My son the marksman.
Next was archery in the same area. He didn't do so well, arms too weak to pull the tight bows. After a short walk uphill, we were back at camp. There was talk of more activities at main area but because of the lateness, we stayed at camp munching on light snacks until dinner. Having more time than expected we had our den kids complete some achievements that required outside activities. There were some one-on-one competitions like arm-wrestling, and group races. Many kids had gotten bored from running in the woods and joined us.
Dinner consisted of burgers and hot dogs mainly for the kids and additionally smoked pork tenderloins for the adults. It was DELICIOUS. Also there was spicy chili, 5 gallons of hot chocolate, and coffee. For the campfire, plenty of marshmallows, hershey bars, and graham crackers.
After some time at our fire, it was time for the closing ceremony. We made our 5th walk along the path to meet near the lake. After the ceremony we walked the steep hill to our parking area, while the others walked back to camp. The parking area was pitch dark. Another lesson learned. FLASHLIGHT or LANTERN. Luckily there were others ahead of us with illumination. When they reached their vehicle, hmmm what then. It seemed we should be near my truck. I pressed the keyless remote and thankfully, we were within adequate distance. The truck headlights, inner lights and taillights lit. Once made a wrong turn out of there but eventually we made our way.

The day was a great day and I learned a great deal. Now it's time to start checking yard sales, Goodwill and Salvation Army stores for deals on supplies. The next camp out is next spring and WE WILL BE THERE OVERNIGHT!

Goal: Precious Time

Not having much time lately to maintain both blogs as often as I like. I have merged the posts of my a plan in action blog into this one a southern thang.

Same type of goal-oriented posts, just this new location.

Here's a few updates on some of the financial goals:
Currently working on design for 1st internet app
Completed 1st draft of database design of 2nd internet app

NERD:To Be or Not To Be

Listening to The Michael Baisden Show (10.14.2009) after work the other day, the topic was 'Dumb It Down'. It was heartbreaking to hear about kids being tormented for getting good grades. After picking up son, before letting him hear the show, I asked him if anyone bothered him about his grades. He said 'Yes'. With this kid, we had to immediately talk about it. While in preschool, he thought his name was 'Benjamin Is Smart' because he heard the phrase so many times from his teachers. In first grade, he once wore my mother's eyeglasses (with bifocals) to school because students were calling him a nerd and he thought nerds were supposed to wear glasses. I made him feel better by informing him that I, along with my friends, were considered nerds and we all NOW are doing quite well.
He's now in third grade and first term at a new school. He said that along with a few others, he was being ridiculed for receiving A's. It shocked me to know that there are 'B', 'C', and 'D' gangs. Since no 'A' gang, he was feeling isolated. I reminded him of my "nerdiness" and that the President and First Lady are both considered the same. He felt so much better and doesn't plan to "Dumb Down" at all, but plans to "get his". I'm so thankful he has the strength to not let others diminish his goals.

This morning I watched a segment on CBS Sunday Morning about nerds. I tried to remember if I was bothered in school about my grades or being a nerd. I do not recall any specific taunts, so I just checked my grades to see if I could notice a pattern. (My mother kept an album for all my report cards, certificates, and notices of excellence from 1st to 12th grade.) Excluding handwriting (lol), I had A's and B's from 1st to 4th grade. Something happened in 5th grade. I started Reading and Mathematics on 4th grade level with C's. During the 3rd and 4th grading periods, I moved up to 5th levels for both areas having B's in the last grading period. Finishing Reading with a final B average, but not enough for Math, ending with a C average. A note in my record that I could not receive an A or B when I was below average.

The progression continued in the 6th grade. Reading started on proper level with B's then to A's, but also excelled to 7th grade level with A's. Mathematics was on proper level with B's. In 7th grade, I was on 8th grade level in reading with B's and mathematics from B's to A's on proper level.

Looking at the pattern I had to think back for anything that happened to lower my grades in 4th and excellence in 5th grade. I do remember being teased that I didn't wear trendy clothing and I was not popular, but not which year. That could have been the cause. The only significant incident I can remember in the 5th grade was the ONLY fight I've ever had in my life. It started in recess with a "trouble-maker" (MT) began teasing me in a crowd of my classmates. Normally this didn't affect me but the addition of a "friend" joining them must have hurt and weakened my self-control. MT began to laugh and point a finger in my face, a BIG NO-NO! I recall pushing her hand out of my face. It was ON from that point. I lost complete control. I recall seeing my arms swinging can't recall any emotion. Also I recall pushing the PE teacher away and continuing. I have no recollection of how it was stopped.

Not known for getting in trouble, I was given a pass and not even sent to the principal's office. Ironically, MT later wanted to be friends and many others left me alone.
It's sad, but I'm glad it happened. It appears to have shaped what I am today and helps me guide my son through all he has faced and what he may face in the future.

The Big 4-0 and still climbing...

I've heard that some dread reaching the age of 40. For me, it is a milestone. A moment to evaluate where I have been, where I am now, and where I want to be. I haven't completed several tasks that I have set forth to do. Some hindrances have been out of my control, but others have not. I take this moment in life to affirm my commitment to my goals and to myself and to my family. It's understandable that it won't be easy and a huge sacrifice of my already little "me" time, but the rewards of accomplishment will be worth it.

Onto softer conversation, my birthday weekend was great. Starting the day (Oct 2nd) with flowers and a balloon from Hubby when I woke. On-site co-workers from our consulting company took me to lunch. It was odd that it was the first time in the years we've worked there just the four of us had lunch together. It was Mexican.

My birthday coincided on First Friday Macon. An event where business owners in downtown Macon have several events to attract consumers to the area. Since Hubby had to work night shift, I spent the evening there with Mom, son and a girlfriend who also works with me. It was a lovely evening great for outdoor entertainment.


Saturday's plans were for us to have dinner with Mom, sis and niece at Golden Corral's. Dinner was actually a surprise party for me. I had no idea. It was a great feeling NOT being involved something. We arrived BEFORE many of the surprise guests. That was great also having to focus on a few at a time instead of everyone.
I saw first my mom sitting with a family friend which we've regularly shared family events. Once fully entering the room I saw one of the guys I had lunch with the day before sitting next to my girlfriend who hung out with me the night before. Payback will be later.
Within minutes, my brother (from metro Atlanta) and his three sons (7, 5, 1) came in. It was nice seeing my brother, but having my nephews there added a special touch.
Moments later an old friend arrived with her mother and her daughter. Their family used to live behind my mom. We both grew up together and used to be best of friends. They were definitely a surprise, she currently lives in metro Atlanta with her family. I hadn't spoken to her since New Year's and maybe a year since we've seen each other. My sister and niece arrived much later, but before some had to leave.

There were more invited but were unable to attend for prior commitments. It was fine. If all had attended, the room would have been crowded and maybe uncomfortable. The kids enjoyed the space; they had fun running around and playing around and under the tables. A tremendous joy was the cake. My mom had made and decorated it. Mmmm, pound cake birthday cake, yes!

Sunday was supposed to be dinner for just me, Hubby, and son, but I was too tired from working all week and trying to get weekend chores done early, then the Friday and Saturday events. The dinner was not cancelled, just postponed (I'm not crazy!).

Monday was back to normal. Before lunch, the same corruptible girlfriend asked if I wanted to go for Mexican for lunch. Needing to make a run to Home Depot (a long story), I told her I might not make it. Then she remembers that she needed to go also and so she tagged along with another friend of ours. Quickly finishing, we had a quick sitdown lunch at Zaxby's. Arriving back to the office, I noticed folks had been busy. There were posted fliers of me announcing my 40th birthday on two sets of the entrance glass doors, below the elevator button, (upstairs) security doors to the hallway to my office area. I began to wonder how much damage was done to my cubicle. I saw what was done to the guy who turned 40 last month, I began to cringe.

It wasn't as bad as I expected, but really funny. It's nice to be loved.

Help Support Scouting Activities

Did you know you can help me earn my own way in Scouting?
Just click here and place an order on my behalf. There are
new products offered online, like flavored almonds and a
limited edition BSA tote.

You can even donate a gift of popcorn (2 levels) to those serving our country.

70% of your purchase will be returned to me, my unit and
my council. Online purchases help us fund fun, educational
activities and help more kids experience all the things that
make Scouting great.

Thanks for your support,
Benjamin B

Gas me up or Knock me out

Preventive and proactive care is normally a positive event in one's life, but there are times when you say, "I feel worse now than before I knew there was a problem." Last month I had my semi-annual dental visit which was also time for the annual bite-wing x-rays. Nothing unusual, during the visit, until near the end the hygienist mentioned I needed a filling. I glanced at the display screen noticing the highlighted tooth (a left molar). No big deal, I thought, it's been a long time since I needed one.

After some scheduling and rescheduling on their behalf, the procedure was scheduled for this past Thursday at 1:15. All went as planned until they called me a little after 12 asking if I could arrive earlier. Being that I was just finishing my lunch (a salad), they were located within 5 minute drive from my job, and all was slow, I left around 12:30, arriving there shortly after that. Spent a few minutes in the lobby playing BlackJack on BB and glancing at The Young & the Restless while I waited. Still, there was no indication that rest of my day would be dreadful.

I didn't remember until this woman stuck an anesthetic stick in my mouth that they were going to numb me with novocaine injections and it usually takes MANY before the work can begin. Having the previous experience of meds wearing off DURING a root canal, I recalled being told to try to relax as much as possible to let the meds work quickly. The first round injections came and went. I tried, REALLY tried, to "shut up", but doc's assistant continued to ask me several questions and instructing me to adjust my jaw in positions not normally done. During this inquisition, the second round of injections came and went because I still had sensations in lip and tongue. Maybe she thought that by talking, the meds would be "worked" into the proper areas. Not sure how much time had passed, but now The Bold & the Beautiful was on overhead monitor.

Finally when my saliva glands were in overdrive and my speech was so jumbled she could barely understand me, it was time to start. Doc was called in and he began with ANOTHER round of injections. It was a positive that I did not feel anything while doc went about doing his thing with his motorized gadgets, the negative happened later. I left their office just after 2pm.

Having a previously planned appointment canceled, I returned to work with no plans to speak to anyone, but of course Hubby wanted to have a phone conversation. Amid this conversation, I had to end it abruptly. Instead of the numbness decreasing, it began to increase to the other side of my face. This continued for the next hour or so.

Problem: lunch wore off and hunger cravings kicked in. There was no way I could eat my regular afternoon snack: Washington apple. Searching for alternatives in my desk I found some sugar-free thin mints. Breaking one apart, I was able to kill the snacking urge by letting pieces dissolve on my right cheek.

Rest of the day had a plethora of emotions: anger that I felt worse than before the procedure, annoyance to constantly push in my lower lip and check for drool, displeasure in taking Tylenol for the pain in the injection location, and aggravation that I couldn't eat anything until 8pm without fear of biting my tongue. Even then there was a possibility my cheek was still in danger.

Now here it is, three days after the procedure and there are still sensitive areas in my jaw. Next time, there has to be better way: either gas me up or knock me out.

Goal: Cleansers, who knew?

I haven't posted here is a long time because nothing has been technically completed. I was able to clear out a lot of stuff that was being stored in the office, but haven't gotten the room finished like I want.

A few weeks ago we were able to get the shelves up and empty SEVERAL boxes of books that had been packed for years. Some had been packed since the late 90's. Never really gotten around placing them in a "permanent" office. Most are our college textbooks, my computer science and his electrical engineering. It was interesting to find the several books on writing that we both had from our college days. We found a notebook of his writings from before we met that I will work to get published along with stories I've written in the last few years.

The newest books are Microsoft Certification study materials. Of course, those collections are still growing, for example my most recent purchases were on Javascript and AJAX. Of course, when hubby saw it he said, "why did you buy this book, I can teach you all about cleansers?"

To Catch a Thief

This is courtesy of a co-worker...

About a month ago, I set a trap because I was suspicious that someone was going in my desk draw. I have some Nutri-Grain Cereal Bars and (I had) some small packages of Nekot Cookies. First, my nutria-grain bars were missing. Now the bandit has taken my Nekot cookies. I bought some Newton’s Fruit Crisps Snacks that I leave on my desk. But noooooooooo, he/she/it…took my Lance Nekot Cookies with Peanut Butter.

I thought the thief was at least an honest thief. I left a note in the draw which read, “What in the Hell R, U, looking for. The next time, leave me a note that you stopped to steal my cookies. Well, guess what? My note is missing.

The moral of this true story is; I am not mad because if the bandit did not have a sense of humor, my note would still be here.

Thanks for letting me Vent.

I found the other woman, Vanesa

Some have asked me where I have been/what have I been doing since I have slacked on posting here. I have said that I have been busy working, but there is more to this story. For some time, this post has been on my mind, but I haven't had the strength to write it until now. My therapist said in order for me to heal, I have to let this go, for me to stop keeping this inside. Being that this blog has been the best outlet for me, I've finally decided to do this.

I do not remember when it was said, but in a discussion with Hubby one day, I told him that if the day came that I was not enough for him, I would find him someone else. My assumption was that it would never happen. As with my son's training in cub scout, when you make a promise, you must keep it if it is within your ability.

If you have been following me on Twitter, you may have seen my Tweets about Hubby's glucose levels being too high and being placed on short-term disability until his company says that he can drive for them again. He's been home for the past eight weeks. For the first four weeks, he was home with our son. But since school started he's basically been home alone all day. For someone accustomed to being away from home most of the time, I understand he could get lonely. In addition, after I get home from work, review homework, workout, having dinner and my side projects, there's wasn't much of "us" time before I have to do to sleep to start my daily routine all over again.

One day before going household shopping, I gave him a shopping list of items I knew we needed and told him to add what he needed. I didn't review the list until I was in the truck. The last item he wrote, "A woman, white or black". Saying I was shocked would be an understatement, but then I realized what I had promised him and had to honor it. We live about five miles from the nearest shopping centers so I had a little time to develop a strategy so the situation could benefit me also.

Quickly I selected certain qualities:

• Dim: Can't have her challenging me intellectually
• Quiet: Can't have her attempt to out talk me
• Weak: If she steps out of place, I may have to beat her down. I don't have time for that
• Meak: Can't have her challenging me to be the HSIC (head sista in charge)
• Sturdy: with all the housework and yardwork to be done, since she's there, she might as well work, too

Arriving at Fred's, the parking lot looked sparse. There was not much hope for finding a large selection. That idea was confirmed as I perused the store selecting the other items on my list. Surprisingly in the toy section, or may be not surprising, I saw a possible candidate. She just had that "look" I was seeking. For the intelligence test, I asked her had she seen an item that was directly in her line of sight. She just stared as if I had asked her to name Saturn's moons. PERFECT! I explained the situation to her and she came along just as easily as the items in my shopping cart.

I had to also go across the street to get a few groceries from Ingles. She stayed in my truck to give her some more time to think about this and a chance to back out before meeting Hubby. When I returned, she was still there.

Arriving home, I brought in some bags and scoped Hubby's location. Returning with the last of the bags, I presented Vanesa to him as I will present her to you.





He didn't say she had to be LIVING!