Prenuptial Agreements Expanded for Wedding Participants

Prenuptial agreements were normally contracts between the couple getting married. Now because of escalating wedding proceeding costs and increasing rate of divorce, wedding participants are now seeking attorneys to develop Prenuptial Agreements for wedding party participants and guests against the engaged couple.

In case the couple divorces, participants now want reimbursements for expenses incurred by being a member of the wedding party, i.e. gowns, shoes, tuxedo rentals, etc.  Along with guests, they are also seeking reimbursements for travel expenses.

Their reasoning is that people spend into several hundreds of dollars in preparation for and attendance to wedding proceedings, but seems wasted when couples divorce within a few years, or less.  More is spent when the event is located in a vacation environment such as a cruise or Caribbean resort.  Many participants coincide their vacation with the wedding proceedings, which could raise their expenses into the thousands of dollars.

The agreements have commonly stated the couple would reimburse participants on a pro-rated scale of 10% reduction per year if the couple divorced before their 10th anniversary.  Estimated expenses had to be submitted along with agreements and actual expenses had to be reported and updated into the agreement within 30 days after the wedding.

The 10-year period was selected figuring if the couple could survive that long, they would have figured out how to continue the marriage longer.

In case of infidelity, the injured spouse would be able to divorce the cheating spouse and be released from the prenuptial agreement, leaving the cheating spouse fully responsible for the indemnification of the prenuptial agreement.

In the case of death, not caused by a spouse, the agreement would be nullified. In case of spousal-incurred death, the surviving spouse would still be responsible for the indemnification of the prenuptial agreement.

Having previously attended a Caribbean wedding and knowing of others that have traveled to attend and participate in weddings that were costly and the coupled divorced within years, I wish I had several of these agreements in place. Oh, well, maybe for the next one.

Ok, this not real, just satire, but what if???

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.

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.

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!

Signs, pics and ads... #2

It must have been a parent who did this.


You can have your slacks hemmed while you're pumping gas. Now that's "green"!


Never let your son clean and vacuum his room unattended. He tries to multi-task. Found napkin, crayons and legos...clogged in vacuum.


HELP WANTED: Spell Checker needed.


Even fish have the Survival of the Fittest Mentality (excluded from fun and game category)

OMG! I was the High School #1 Geek

This post is no way near left field as the last post. It's just informative or even a little humorous.

While attempting to take an evening siesta but constantly being interrupted by underage human beings that have no concern that I was trying to rest, it was the perfect opportunity for my mind to wander. Thoughts drifted to high school, to the classes I had, the groups I participated in, and the "social" events I attended or didn't attend. Then the revelation occurred.
AFTER ALMOST 22 YEARS, I REALIZED I HAD TO BE THE #1 GEEK OF THE SENIOR YEAR.

In my graduation year, we had 3400 students in grades 9-12, more students than a local university. Out of all the students, I could not think of anyone with a senior year "resume" geekier than mine.

Note: Geeks are not nerds, geeks have social lives.

Now you may think that I'm exaggerating. How could someone with such a great blog be such a geek? (you are supposed to be smiling now) But seriously, to prove my point I had to dig out my HS yearbook, Memories book and the photo album of ALL my report cards, and certificates since first grade (MOM made it).

Here are the top 20 highlights:

Mermories book:
20. Yearly calendar highlights NOTED: Japanese teachers visit school, my picture in paper the next day, Momma's surprise party, Beta club convention, Computer Science AP Exam, Calculus AP Exam, received first raise $3.45/hour.

19. Fall Sports page: My announcements for the March of Dimes Youth Board.

18. Winter Sports page: Announcements to Honors/club awards banquets and prom (did not attend)

17. Spring Sports page: stuff from Beta Club convention

16. That Special Someone and Those Special Times to Remember page: BLANK, even though I did find some INTERESTING letters that I had forgotten

15. Homecoming page: Medical records from having upper respiratory infection.

14. Senior Prom page: newspaper clipping with me, fellow student, and Japanese Teachers.

13. Favorite places: Mall, Bowling Alley

12. Spring Break page: receipts from Club dues and AP Exams. results from SAT

From Certificate and awards
11. Graduate w/ Honors

10. Presidential Academic Fitness Award Program participant

9. Who's Who Among American High School Students and several National Merit Awards in Mathematics and Science

8. March of Dimes Youth Board - ok, this was a good thing

7. Beta Club - social club for geeks to get out of class/school

6. Math Bowl Team

5. Mu Alpha Theta - Math Club

4. Golden Eagle Award Nominee - Science

Now, even if I did not have any of the previous items listed above, the following certifies the label #1 High School Geek

3. Class schedule: World Religions, English 12 Honors, Physics I Honors, AP Calculus Honors, Speech/Drama/Performance, AP Computer Math Applications. Only needed English 12, the rest were ELECTIVES

2. Science Bowl Team - Captain

1. Science Club - President (11th grade Vice-President)

Doesn't this qualify at least in the running for the title? or were you a geek more that I?

Do you see what I see? UPDATED

Do you see an image in the tile? Hubby couldn't see it.



Not to influence you, I'll say what I see in comments later.

UPDATE: Better yet, I've outlined what I saw (the head and neck) and included what tacosteven saw (hand, cane, and top hat). Take note: I've never claimed that I can draw.

Signs, pics and ads...fun time

How much smaller was the previous 10 pounder?


So why was the appointment moved to 12:30?


Pic a little fuzzy but if I found a handgun at a recycling center, I would think someone wanted it to disappear.


Again fuzzy, "FREE BEAUTIFUL PUPPIES Mother is a full-blooded golden retriever known to be giving herself to the likes of other dogs around town. Now she has found herself with 10 illegitimate puppies who must go."


Uhmm, isn't it now advertised?



Will we ever have to pay $21.8 per gallon of gas?

Pork vs Beef vs Education

compliments of @tokyosteven on Twitter

OK so the other day we had an office picnic. All kinds of food were provided – hot dogs, hamburgers, sides, desserts and they even roasted a pig! When we were in line, the hot dogs were next to the barbecue. Now, being allergic to poultry and knowing that most hot dogs are made with chicken, I asked the girl (who had helped in preparing all the food, even so far as pulling the barbecue off of the pig) if the hot dogs were 100% beef. She looked a bit dumbfounded. “That’s OK. I was just asking because I’m allergic,” I mentioned.

“Well, I don’t know if they’re 100% beef or not, but I know THAT is!” She pointed over at the barbecue.

Oh really? “No, it’s not,” I said calmly.

“Oh yes it is!” She was starting to get upset.

“I can guarantee you it’s not beef,” I suggested.

“I know for a fact it is!” she shot back.

OK, I figured it was time to let her off the hook. I leaned over and half whispered, “Beef comes from a cow. Pork comes from a pig.”

She blushed and made up some excuse about being tired. Everyone had a good laugh.

A few days later, I saw her again and we rode the elevator together. She saw the to-go cup I was carrying and asked about my lunch. I told her that I had been to a local barbecue restaurant and then added, “I had their 100% beef pork barbecue.”

“Mmm, that sounds nice,” she said complacently.

Some folks never learn. Honestly, I was just trying to bust her chops in the elevator. But in the end, I still don’t know if they’re beef chops or pork chops.

Etiquette for Nov. 5th

I was sent a list for etiquette for Nov. 5th if a particular candidate won the election for President of the United States.

The list was humorous, so I wrote a list for those in case your candidate did not win.

I have posted both lists:
If your candidate wins
1) No crying, hugging or shouting "Thank you, Lord" - at least not in public.
2) No high-fives; at least not unless the area is clear and there are no witnesses.
3) No laughing at the McCain/Palin supporters.
4) No calling in sick on November 5th. They'll get nervous if too many of us don't show up.
5) We're allowed to give each other knowing winks or nods in passing. Just try to keep from grinning too hard.
6) No singing loudly, "We've Come This Far By Faith" (it WILL be acceptable to hum softly).
7) No bringing barbeque ribs or fried chicken for lunch in the company lunchroom for at least a week (no chitterlings AT ALL! This may make us seem too ethnic.)
8) No leaving Kool-aid packages at the water fountain.
9) No Cupid Shuffle during breaks (this could indicate a little too much excitement.)
10) Please no Moving On Up music (we are going to try to remain humble.)* *
11) And number 12. No reciting The Color Purple…”all my life, I had to fight”……

If your candidate did not win
1) No rioting, don't beat up anybody (Roots, 1977)
2) Don't claim foulplay, if you haven't done your own research
3) Don't rely on "Joe's website" for all your information
4) Don't rely on just CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, etc. to supply your knowledge of what's happening in the world
5) Can't watch C-SPAN live? watch recorded sessions online
6) Got XM? listen to C-SPAN Radio
7) Got internet? a boatload of informational resources available
8) Be aware, video clips do not tell the entire story
9) Create your own opinion; don't let others make it for you
10) Continue to be active and watchful of politics in all levels of government

Obama channel, what's McCain's?

As I get caught up on my household duties after slacking for several days, here is a litte something to hold you over...


Hubby discovered the OBAMA channel (73) on DishNetwork the other day. Basically it is a replay of all the messages that have been playing over the past few months.

So I wondered, what would be McCain's channel?

How about Boomerang: (Bush's Policies) Right Back At'cha?

What do you think McCain's channel would be?

Dr. Phil's Test, I'm...44

I received this at work, not sure if this is really a Dr. Phil's test, but it is interesting.

What is your score?


The following is pretty accurate and it only takes a few minutes.
Don't peek, but begin the test as you scroll down and answer.

Answers are for who you are now and not who you were in the past. Have pen or pencil and paper ready.

This is a "real" test given by the Human Relations Dept. at many of the major corporations today. It helps them get better insight concerning their employees and in their prospective employees. It's only 10 Simple questions, so grab a pencil and paper, keeping track of your letter answers to each question.

Ready?
Begin.

1. When do you feel your best...
A) in the morning
B) during the afternoon and early evening
C) late at night

2. You usually walk...
A) fairly fast, with long steps
B) fairly fast, with little steps
C) less fast head up, looking the world in the face
D) less fast, head down
E) very slowly

3. When talking to people you...
A) stand with your arms folded
B) have your hands clasped
C) have one or both your hands on your hips
D) touch or push the person to whom you are talking
E) play with your ear, touch your chin, or smooth your hair

4. When relaxing, you sit with...
A) your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side
B) your legs crossed
C) your legs stretched out or straight
D) one leg curled under you

5. When something really amuses you, you react with...
A) big appreciated laugh
B) a laugh, but not a loud one
C) a quiet chuckle
D) a sheepish smile

6. When you go to a party or social gathering you...
A) make a loud entrance so everyone notices you
B) make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know
C) make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed

7. You're working very hard, concentrating hard, and you're interrupted...
A) welcome the break
B) feel extremely irritated
C) vary between these two extremes

8. Which of the following colors do you like most...
A) Red or orange
B) black
C) yellow or light blue
D) green
E) dark blue or purple
F) white
G) brown or gray

9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before going to sleep you are...
A) stretched out on your back
B) stretched out face down on your stomach
C) on your side, slightly curled
D) with your head on one arm
E) with your head under the covers

10. You often dream that you are...
A) falling
B) fighting or struggling
C) searching for something or somebody
D) flying or floating
E) you usually have dreamless sleep
F) your dreams are always pleasant

POINTS:

1.  (a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6 
2.  (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 7 (d) 2 (e) 1 
3.  (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 5 (d) 7 (e) 6 
4.  (a) 4 (b) 6 (c) 2 (d) 1 
5.  (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 2 
6.  (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 2 
7.  (a) 6 (b) 2 (c) 4 
8.  (a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 5 (d) 4 (e) 3 (f) 2 (g) 1 
9.  (a) 7 (b) 6 (c) 4 (d) 2 (e) 1 
10. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 6 (f) 1 

Now add up the total number of points.

OVER 60 POINT: Others see you as someone they should 'handle with care'. You're seen as vain, self-centered, and who is extremely dominant. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you, but don't always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you.

51 TO 60 POINTS: Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive personality, a natural leader, who's quick to make decisions, though not always the right ones. They see you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try anything once, someone who takes chances and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement you radiate.

41 TO 50 POINTS: Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting, someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding, someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.

31 TO 40 POINTS: Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful & practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expect the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you, realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over if that trust is ever broken.

21 TO 30 POINTS: Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It would really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment, expecting you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then, usually decide against it. They think this reaction is caused partly by your careful nature.

UNDER 21 POINTS: People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions and who doesn't want to get involved with anyone or anything! They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don't exist. Some people think you're boring. Only those who know you well, know that you aren't.

What is your score?