Spending Money

Word Count: 1715 and beginning Ch 3:) Happy dance!

Currently reading: Moving into Mom's Self-help volumes...the first one is on depression! The Book of Hope: How Women can overcome Depression. Written in the late 1970's, this should be interesting...

I've also begun rewarding myself. If I attain my goal of 16oo+ words, I do some cross-stitch at night. Found a bunch of quilt blocks the MIL started but never finished. Maybe after I get them embroidered, I can give them to Jackie, since she quilts and I don't...K's baby quilt is an embarassing tribute to that:)

Finished Jackie Oh! last night. Boy, does it paint a different picture of the former First Lady than the one I formed 20 or so years ago! Kind of makes you wonder if the Internet and all the 'info on demand' press had existed back then, would Bill Clinton have done things a little more discreetly?

One of the points brought up was Jackie O's spending habits, and the fact JFK yelled at her constantly about the way she spent money. This brought up an interesting mirror point to my own life...my hubby is always on my case about how I spend his money.

First of all, I don't spend it on myself, outside of the occassional book, CD, or needed clothing (when my jeans are wearing out, my coat is no longer keeping me warm, the 2 new sweaters or shirts I add each year, or new shoes when holes appear, or a heel is no longer repairable.), and of course, food and cleaning supplies.

No, what I have the audacity to write checks for are medical bills (imagine that!). His magazine subscriptions. And the utilities.

When he had his heart surgery, I put us on a strict budget and attempted to pay $1500 in medical debt in 4 months, and I nearly succeeded, had he not ended up in the hospital 2 more times. So I sucked it up and tried again the following summer. But by then there was a new baby in the house, and diapers and supplimental formula was expensive, although we did qualify for WIC, which greatly helped in the formula department!

Usually, our entire tax refund goes for delinquent medical bills. For whatever reason, last year, he decided to spend it on other things, and let me get my hair cut; he paid for my website; paid for my trip to the writer's conference; and paid for my Gold subscription to classsmates.com. Bills? What bills? Oh, the ones that are still sitting, waiting to be paid? I've got them stacked from the least expense (I've paid all the ones under $20 already) to the greatest (over $600), and have been attempting to pay at least 2 per week. And since I'm now getting into the $50 ones, and my hubby's employment season is coming to a close, I'm lucky if I pay one a month, due to squirreling away as much as we can into the savings account, because he only has six unemployment checks left, and can't refile until March.

What sparked the discussion? I finally cut the tags off of last year's birthday gift, a black turtleneck given to me by my sister. And he was astounded when I revealed she had sent me a $200 gift certificate, and only spent $30 of it on myself. The rest went for gifts for the kids, because money was tight, and I just could not justify being that selfish.

And then he recalled he had bought me new tennis shoes last January, and I didn't put them on my feet until August. And when he took me ring shopping back when we were newly engaged, I drooled over the $500 ring, but knowing we only had $2000 for the next couple of weeks to live on, I refused to let him buy it, settling for the $200 ring instead.

What would I do if we would happen to win the lottery? First and foremost, pay off the entire stack of bills on my desk; pay up the rent in advance for at least the next year; buy 2 brand new cars; pay up the insurance in advance, and buy new household furniture. Then after I donated heavily to a few choice charities, I'd make some improvements to this house; buy my children and husband some much-needed clothing; and take us all to the dentist. Then I'd take my older two to the eye doctor and get us some new eyes. After that was done, and both kids had ample amounts in their savings accounts, and Jamie's kids had what they needed, then I would take myself on a shopping spree at Barnes and Noble, Edie Bauer, and BMG. And oh yes...new computer, a year's supply of ink for the printer, and plenty of paper. Hire a publicist (just kidding...or then again, maybe not!) and have my work professionally edited. Get one of those iPod for books or whatever they're called.

And since I'm fantasizing here, lets go one further...I'll buy him that house up in Morgan County, since he hates this town so much, and he can stay up there and I'll stay down here. The kids can shuttle back and forth if they want, and I won't have to listen to him gripe about my marketing efforts, since I'll be the one who purchased the winning ticket, ha ha:)

Oh, and I'll also pay for my own education...but then again, if we win big, then there will be no guilt to stay home and write all day, will there? And as I don't feel guilty in the first place, it's a non-issue. I've got 2 more years after this one before the baby enters school full-time.

But I'm remaining optimistic: My books will be in stores, and I'll be bringing in something to help with the bills:)

And maybe I'll take my next royalty check and actually spend it on myself for a change...

Good Weekend:)

Word Count: 1369 on Head of the Class. Life has interfered today, and I'm tired. I'm at a good stopping point; the baby doesn't have school tomorrow, due to Election Day, and it's going to only be 45 degrees. I don't have to be out in the cold, except to vote and drive the kids to school and swim practice, so it should be a better writing day. And no, I really don't like the title, but it was better than Romancing the Teacher...maybe when I get up the nerve to post an excerpt, we'll have another contest:)

Signs things are going well:

1) Averaging 1600 words per day, in order to complete a 50,000 word ms in 30 days...hope the muse stays with me like she did last month!

2) Spend $200 on groceries and hubby doesn't bat an eye, because about $50 of it is things he wanted:)

3) Accidentally send the cell phone through the washer, and aside from a few not-so-teasing comments, the thing dried out and still works...

4) Dragged hubby to his family gathering, and a good time was had by all;

5) MIL was in good humor when we visited;

6) The time changed, and hubby is finally back on Indpls time, and didn't have to leave until 4 am, instead of 3...Yes, Kelly, we're on the same time now! Woo hoo!

7) The aformentioned story is going so well, I dreamed I outlined it; therefore, I now know where the hell I'm going with it, instead of just two people doing the mattress mambo at every opportunity...a storyline is starting to develope!

8) And finally, the baby stayed dry 2 mornings in a row! There will be no bed-stripping or ungodly amounts of laundry today:)

I am frustrated with my AOL account...every time I set it so my website and books are listed in my Write Mail, I get another notice to 'take the tour' or to 'start using' the 'new and improved AOL mail'...got news for you...I've been using it now for 5 months! Stop causing me to reset my signature! It's annoying!

The weather is starting to get frigid...today it's going to peak at 52 at noon, and drop 20 degrees; tomorrow through Thursday the highs will be only in the 40's. I'm about to move to Australia...AJ says it's getting hot down there! Anyone with me? Or should I just move to Florida temporarily, and update a friend's website? They've not updated since September, and have had 2 birthdays since the ones posted!

Happy belated b-day, Bev:)

Signs the Baby's Growing Up...

Word Count: 1690 on WIP, tentatively titled Head of the Class. AJ's read the first 2 pages, and I might post an excerpt later this week.

Update on the cell phone: We dried the battery/SIM card with a cool blow-dryer, and it works:) No yelling was heard...

1) When he no longer needs you to accomany him to the bathroom.
2) When you hear the toilet flush and he announces proudly he went.
3) You take him to a family gathering and after a few minutes, he is happily running around with the other children.
4) At the Parent-Teacher conference, the teacher acknowledges he's one of the most improved in the class, and is not the discipline problem you warned her about...
5) You take him shopping for clothes and he insists on a specific character on his underwear because his BF wears them too...
6) The reason you're shopping for clothes is because his jeans, which were fitting 'just slightly loose' last winter are now rising above his ankles.
7) He can sit quietly and be engrossed in SpongeBob SquarePants while you're at the computer, completely lost in the world of your imagination as it flows from your fingertips.
8) His grandparents spend time with him and comment, "He is really getting enjoyable! This is the best visit we've had with him!" instead of wiping their foreheads as they are going out the front door, thankful he's not returning home with them, as his energy level was off the charts!
9) He can fasten his own seatbelt.
10) He dresses himself, even his shoes (velcro fastenings, but it's a start, and they're on the right feet!)

Happy Sunday...seems to be a day for random thoughts. Wish I could have been included in the discussion between Anny, AJ, and Kelly...it sounded fascinating! And yes, sometimes I'm remiss about flogging other peoples' blogs...but I eventually remember, and post them here in the message!

Want to know what discussion I'm referring to? Visit http://www.amarindajones.blogspot.com/ . Anny's discussing her clausterphobia and how it ties in with her choice of dwellings on http://www.annycook.blogspot.com/ and I've already mentioned Kelly's insightful quote yesterday...oh what the hell...go check it out http://www.kkirch.blogspot.com/ . Jackie's having computer probs...must have been that strange comment on her blog the other day. And Bronwyn's asking who you'd like to meet, past and/or present, http://www.bronwyngreenblog.blogspot.com/ . Brynn's not posted since Friday.

Okay. Gotta go drink my coffee and get ready for church.

Short Post...

5:30-Word Count: 1377 on EC and end of Ch. 1.
Laundry: 7 loads finished

Doing regular Saturday Stuff myself...
1) Laundry Goddess: Washing hubby's week's worth of dirty jeans, shirts, and sox. Changing sheets on bed where youngest son had accident.

2)Weekly grocery shopping: Always fun to plan menus and try to keep hubby from having heart attack at the check-out...and remembering to buy personal items...

3) Going to hardware store and buying supplies to 'winterize' the home. Hopefully, they will actually be used, instead of sitting on the shelf for 10 years!

4) Writing intermittedely, trying to maintain my word count goal! Not easy on the weekends...

5) Cleaning the house, proving to hubby that I really do make an effort during the week, and that with 3 active kids, it is sometimes not as easy to maintain!

May not post tomorrow, so check out my fellow author's blogs, especially http://www.kkirch.blogspot.com/, as Kelly always has a witty, clever, or just plain 'out-there' quote on Sundays...and today, http://www.amarindajones.blogspot.com/ has another tantalizing excerpt from Anny's new book, Cherished Destinies, due out next week. As I finished Traveller's Refuge, it's neat to continue her Mystic Valley saga, and watch the other characters come to life! And if anyone can speak both French and Spanish, please pop over to Jackie's blog and translate the comment left on it? http://www.jackierogers.blogspot.com/ and pay no attention to the Daniels' woman who doesn't know her languages...obviously she didn't get enough sleep before her fingers started typing!

You Just Never Know...

Note to self: Interesting title: Love is not a Public Health Issue..

Word Count: 1755 on EC; 458 on series.

Somehow, I've ended up on Dan Kennedy's Marketing tips, and yesterday's was about going the extra mile for the customers, and that reminded me of when I worked at the country club. You just never know who is about to cross your path.

Take, for instance, the family who always came up to The Porch (casual dining area) on Sundays. In this area, members could order from the menu or do the Sunday Buffet. Most of them chose the buffet, because they were about to hit the links and didn't want to wear a jacket and tie in the formal Dining Room. This particular family had two boys, and the younger one wanted chicken fingers and fries. I got to know the family by name, and the younger boy always had a smile for me, especially if I happened to spot him walking in the door. I'd go ahead and send his order to the kitchen, and get their drinks ready and waiting before they arrived at the table. No one else liked to wait on them, because they never tipped, but we were paid $5 an hour back then, and a lot of members assumed the tips were included in the service charge on the bill. No, it wasn't; any tips we received was what was left on the table. And several of the wait staff was 'selective' about which members they catered to. I wasn't like that.

Anyway, after being my normal, friendly self for about a year, the father decided to become more active on the club's board of directors, and as he handed me the bill, he apologized for not tipping me in the past year. I cheerfully accepted his apology, and waved as they left the area. I opened up the case and he'd written on the bill a $50 tip in the 'Service Charge' box. I promptly ran after him and thanked him, and then explained I wouldn't get it. He looked shocked, and pulled out his wallet. I started to protest, and he handed me a $50 bill and said he was going to talk to the board.

For whatever reason, I had never bothered to look up this man's name in the member book. A lot of members had me sign their names and numbers for them, and this was allowed. This man always signed his own bills, and was kind and courteous to everyone. Well, a few days later, I was informed I'd been requested to work a private party for the local hospital. I'd never worked this particular fundraiser before, and since it fell on a night I usually didn't work, I was going to refuse, since I was in my final year at Ball State, and was about to start studying for finals.

My boss took me aside and told me, "Dr. S specifically asked for you. He knows you're in school, and it's a night you're usually off, so I'm putting you in the smaller room, and you'll be able to leave around 9 pm."

My eyes must have widened as I repeated, "Dr. S?" And when my boss nodded, I went to the book. Here, for the past year, I had been joking with (and teasingly withholding food from...long story!) the CEO of the local hospital. I worked the party, and as I was passing a group of people he was with, he called me over, introduced me to everyone, and said proudly, "Molly takes great care of our family every Sunday. Sit in her section, and you won't be disappointed."

I laughed and said, "Unless I disagree with your choice of dessert!" I smiled and moved on. Later, when my boss told me I could go ahead and leave, I sought out Dr. S and thanked him for requesting me. He smiled and said, "Oh that's right...you have an early class in the morning, don't you? Get one of those centerpieces and take it back to the dorm with you."

I did, and two days later, when I showed up for my regular shift, I discovered I was the only one who got to take one of the elaborate floral centerpieces home. He'd also left another generous tip for me in an envelope (all the wait staff received the same amount.)

Another time, I became a favorite of a certain group of golfers. They had their own special gathering every Friday night from May until September, and weather permitting, they ate on the patio. If it rained, they were moved indoors to another private room. Before the 1988 World Series Playoffs, my beloved Chicago Cubs were vying for the pennant, and I was seriously hoping they would win the division and ultimately head to the World Series. One gentleman overheard me talking about the previous night's game, and mentioned he'd played baseball.

"Oh really? Which team?" I asked, fully expecting some AAA team, or some obscure team I'd never heard of.

"Brookylyn Dodgers."

"Oh. I'm not a Dodgers fan. I like the Cubs, the Reds, and the Pirates." And I walked on.

This gentleman became another favorite of mine, and I soon got to know his wife, and what they ate and drank every Friday. Not until three years later, after I ended my employment, did I find out that Carl Erskin was a very famous name in the baseball world, and when my mother found out I had been on a first-name basis with him and never kept his signature, or even the note he'd written me, she was furious!

In my defense, my note had been destroyed 'accidentally' by the idiot I was dating at the time. He had gotten into my private papers and destroyed pictures, notes, and other items I had been saving, including the paper doily with a bunch of handwritten 'coins' some kids had drawn me one night, because they hadn't any cash, and wanted to act 'grown up'!

Fortunately, I'd placed my autographs of Sandi Patti and the Gaithers in my album...he didn't destroy those!

So as I'm promoting my books, I take special care to be cheerful and upbeat to anyone I'm speaking to about my work. You just never know who they might be related to, or grow up to be, or even who they know!

And speaking of which, my three best friends from college haven't bought mybook yet, because they 'have the originals' I asked them to read several years ago!

Halloween Recap

New Word Count: 1720 on the new wip, 0 on #8.

Forgot to post earlier:
Currently reading: Jackie Oh by Kitty Kelly (I go from the Nixon era back to Kennedy...)
Just finished: Traveller's Refuge by Anny Cook (e-book) Excellent!
Officially joined the NaNoWriMo (National Novel in a Month), so will be posting word counts again. My goal is 1500 a day, or if I miss any days due to hubby, 2500...wish me luck! I'm working on 2 wips...an EC story AJ knows about, and #8 in my series...

Sorry Brynne...copied your title:)

We had one of the best Halloweens last night. The weather was perfect; we didn't have to wear jackets; no wind; no rain. W caught on to the phrase after a few houses, and he actively knocked on doors and piped "Trick or Tweet" when people answered the call:) My older ones went with their friends, and I sent them off with reservations (we've only been here a year, and my son's made some friends this week that I've not met yet, hence the caution!), just told them to 'use their brains' and reminded them that I would not be bailing them out of jail for stupid pranks, and, oh yes, is ruining your choice college chance really worth it?

"Oh Mom...you know I'm smarter than that!"

"Just doing my job as a parent."

And it paid off. Both teens had a great time, collecting candy from the various businesses, and my daughter even came back and took the baby around again to other blocks when my feet gave out!

And best of all (and this is a little selfish...) with everyone gone the first 90 minutes, there was no one to hand out candy at our house, so we still have some left!!!! Yes, mom's going to be in chocolate heaven the next several days. Especially since I 'buried' that last bag of $100 Grand bars at the bottom:)

The teens are already plotting next year's route, since they enjoyed being in town so much. Last year, we hastily threw on the costumes, bundled up in coats, and did a 2-block radius, since we had just moved into the house. Came home, handed out candy, and unloaded the last of the belongings!

"Mom...if we're still here next year, you have got to go over to Hart Street...the car dealership was handing out handfuls of candy!"

Just don't tell my hubby the kids want to stay (or at least come back!) another year?

Humorous Work Stories

As I commented on Kelly's Place yesterday, my parents told work-related stories during and lingering over the dinner table. It was my favorite time of the day, so here are a couple that are high on the memory bank.

MOM:
Occupation: High School nurse.

One day, a kid came into the health center, looking rather embarassed.

"Can I talk to you in private, Mrs. Mac?"

"Sure." Mom led him into the inner office. "What seems to be the problem?"

He looked around nervously, put his hand on his crotch, and whispered, "My Gentiles hurt!"

Mom managed to keep her composure, and calmly told him to go into the boys' bathroom (she had 2 rooms...one for each gender...the girls' room had about 11 beds, the boys' only 3!) and to drop his pants, and she'd be in to check on him. When he left the room, she closed the door and doubled over with laughter!


DAD:
Occupation: Utilities Mgr at Frito-Lay

I really don't remember any stories, but when the plant opened, they held a special Open House, and the visitors were given paper hats to wear. Dad brought home the official ball caps for us to wear, and I soon discovered the power of looking official and acting like you belonged.

The Visitor's line through the plant stretched around the perimeter, so people could watch the chips being sorted and bagged. For some reason, I was told to return to the lobby (I don't remember why), and instead of fighting my way back through the line, I ducked under the rope and took the shortest route across the room! Nobody questioned me; I had my official ball cap and was rapidly walking toward the exit! When I was finished with my errand, the devil got a hold of me and I repeated the act...again, no questions! Not even when I briefly paused beside one of the packers to get a closer look!

Hubby:
Occupation: Operating Engineer (the guy everyone yells at March-November because his machine is blocking the lane you think you need to be in, or has torn up the lane! He's actually improving the road to make you safer as you drive! Don't yell at him or try to run him off the road...News Flash...your car is no match for that paver! Ask the drunk who hit it when the HyperFix was in progress...)

Anyway, he was working on a pipeline, and in order to clear the pipe of debris, they shoot a steel ball, called a pig, through it. Well, one day, they were applying pressure, and the pig didn't appear out the other end as scheduled. More water pressure was sent. Finally, 2 superintendents, a state man, and one of the guys on the crew went to investigate. Just as they reached the exit pipe, and stood, scratching their heads, wondering if they were going to have to start disconnecting the pipe in order to find the blockage, the pig broke through. Water spurted; one guy fell down; two ran into each other and fell down; the others scattered! D said it looked like a scene from the Keystone Cops, and of course, this was back in the early 90's, when camera phones were yet to be invented...and no video cameras on site!

Me:
Occupation: At the time, I was working at a country club in central Indiana. This is one of my all-time favorite stories, and I've been told it shows my people skills with teens...

I was popular with the younger kids, mainly because I was good at fixing milkshakes and took the time to ask them about school, friends, etc. I was also good at remembering details, such as which kid liked a lot of cherries in their kiddie coctails, and who liked Sprite instead of Coke, or even on child, who preferred chicken fingers over the Sunday Buffet.

One day, one of the girls was having trouble deciding which ice cream/sherbert to order with her fruit plate, so I told her I'd surprise her. This girl was on the shy side, and her face always lit up when she saw me.

Anyway, one day, I was working a private party and all the girls were seated at the same table. Some of the more popular girls came to me complaining.

"Molly, we don't want to sit with (shy girl)! She's weird!"

"You all go to the same school, don't you?" (Nods) "Well, your mothers like each other, and you only have to put up with her for an hour during dinner. Surely you can be polite for an hour?"

Grumbling, they agreed, and returned to the table.

I took their order and every single girl ordered the fruit plate (I should stress these were 13 and 14 year olds!), and I saved my girl's order for last. The others specified the ice cream they wanted, and when I got to Shy Girl, I simply winked and asked, "Your usual?" She nodded, smiling brightly, and I returned to the kitchen.

When it was time to serve, I again saved hers for last. And when I placed it in front of her, there were gasps from the others. "Why does she get all that? You didn't tell us we could do that!"

I simply put my arm on her shoulder and calmly stated she was one of my special friends, who was polite to others, and therefore received special treatment. If they wanted to join my select group, they could show me their manners as well.

The surprise? I had used the tiny scoop and dished up smaller scoops of various flavors, saving Rainbow Sherbert to put on the top.

And during the rest of the party, I noticed a distinct change in the other girls' attitudes!

Who says you can't make a difference in a lowly job?