In the last five minutes, I've gotten two unwanted phone calls. The first one for air duct cleaning, which allows me to make a choice. Either screw with the caller or tell them I live in an elven story high-rise. Which of course, cuts the call short.
The second one, from Marriott hotels. I get this call at least once a week saying I "won" a free stay. Ghee whiz, I barely have enough to pay for the new car and car insurance and someone thinks I have money to burn on a hotel room?
Thankfully with the cell phone I got recently, I can block those phone calls. but they still manage to get through. Don't know how but they do.
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Something Positive
For almost three years, I've been without a car and taking the local transit to/from work. I appreciate the fact that there is a transit system in my city and it's there for the local to use as needed. However, after having a car and then going without one, the transit system started to wear on my nerves.
I finally had enough money set aside to buy a "new" car. Or at least a new car to me. It's a Sonic 2013 and it gets me to and from work, I can get groceries without lugging them on the bus and I can get the heck out of town as needed during the warm months.
The one really good thing that's happened to me in the last three months.
I just need to remember not to eat in car or leave any garbage. I want to keep it as clean as long as possible.
I finally had enough money set aside to buy a "new" car. Or at least a new car to me. It's a Sonic 2013 and it gets me to and from work, I can get groceries without lugging them on the bus and I can get the heck out of town as needed during the warm months.
The one really good thing that's happened to me in the last three months.
When will it end?
This will be a disjointed posting since I'm flitting from one thought to the next and wonder how to deal with the big steaming pile of bull that comes from working with stupid people. Excuse me, people who don't care to hear what you have to say or want to hear you.
I've come to the conclusion that the only time I use this blog is when I need to vent.
Certainly it's an outlet for my frustration but it isn't something that can assist with the crap I deal with at work.
At the beginning of the year I was beginning to believe things were settling down at work. No BS from co-workers, no problems with the work I was doing, everything seemed to be going well. When I forgot how well everything was going, I realized the "work" universe hadn't kicked me in the butt lately. I knew things were going to go wrong that karma was going to bite me on the butt.
Recently, I switched job/tasks within the department I work. This was due to my need to change and do something else. I needed to do work that allowed me not to be bored and not worry about answering phones.
Did I mention I hate answering phones at work? Not that I have a problem answering phone calls, I just don't care for people who call asking for items that don't exist or call items by a name that isn't what they want. Not only that, I switched sites over five years ago and didn't receive the required training that I should have. Which makes it difficult to do the job if I don't know what I'm doing.
When I switched jobs a couple months ago, I did have a trainer and received two weeks of training. Which is unusual in itself. The problem is I'm full time and the trainer was part time. I have no idea what I was suppose to be trained on when the trainer hasn't done the job in over the last year. Which compounds the problem of not knowing if I'm being shown everything that I should be.
The kicker is the part timer who was doing a temp on the job for almost two years before I took the job declined to train me. All because this person has a bug up their butt with my name on it and would rather be obnoxious and rude to me than train me.
Three months into the job, I make a mistake that I knew was a boo-boo. Next thing I know, I'm back on the job that bores me to tears. BORING! That doesn't even explain it clearly, I'm not being challenge. Of course it's the big boss who says "we're moving you temporarily back" but doesn't get an end date.
Today, one of the "idiot sticks" does the dumbest things that I can't understand. I ask why and the person causes a scene and I get the 5th degree from management who doesn't want to hear my side of the story.
I don't know who's worse. The coordinators who have staff members attached to the their back sides or the manager who doesn't care and doesn't want to hear anything from you. I swear, if you're not a brown noser for management, you're just a pile of dog shit .
I'm to the point in my work life that I'm too close to retirement to up and change jobs. But the closer I get to retirement, the more stupid I find my co-workers, It doesn't help that the department I work in is a social club and not an actual job for many people. A lot of them, if they worked somewhere else would be out of a job.
I am so frustrated by the stupidity of what I have to deal with on a daily basis, that I really don't know what to do or why I keep putting up with it. The wishful dream I have is to buy the winning lottery ticket and find my peace of mind.
I've come to the conclusion that the only time I use this blog is when I need to vent.
Certainly it's an outlet for my frustration but it isn't something that can assist with the crap I deal with at work.
At the beginning of the year I was beginning to believe things were settling down at work. No BS from co-workers, no problems with the work I was doing, everything seemed to be going well. When I forgot how well everything was going, I realized the "work" universe hadn't kicked me in the butt lately. I knew things were going to go wrong that karma was going to bite me on the butt.
Recently, I switched job/tasks within the department I work. This was due to my need to change and do something else. I needed to do work that allowed me not to be bored and not worry about answering phones.
Did I mention I hate answering phones at work? Not that I have a problem answering phone calls, I just don't care for people who call asking for items that don't exist or call items by a name that isn't what they want. Not only that, I switched sites over five years ago and didn't receive the required training that I should have. Which makes it difficult to do the job if I don't know what I'm doing.
When I switched jobs a couple months ago, I did have a trainer and received two weeks of training. Which is unusual in itself. The problem is I'm full time and the trainer was part time. I have no idea what I was suppose to be trained on when the trainer hasn't done the job in over the last year. Which compounds the problem of not knowing if I'm being shown everything that I should be.
The kicker is the part timer who was doing a temp on the job for almost two years before I took the job declined to train me. All because this person has a bug up their butt with my name on it and would rather be obnoxious and rude to me than train me.
Three months into the job, I make a mistake that I knew was a boo-boo. Next thing I know, I'm back on the job that bores me to tears. BORING! That doesn't even explain it clearly, I'm not being challenge. Of course it's the big boss who says "we're moving you temporarily back" but doesn't get an end date.
Today, one of the "idiot sticks" does the dumbest things that I can't understand. I ask why and the person causes a scene and I get the 5th degree from management who doesn't want to hear my side of the story.
I don't know who's worse. The coordinators who have staff members attached to the their back sides or the manager who doesn't care and doesn't want to hear anything from you. I swear, if you're not a brown noser for management, you're just a pile of dog shit .
I'm to the point in my work life that I'm too close to retirement to up and change jobs. But the closer I get to retirement, the more stupid I find my co-workers, It doesn't help that the department I work in is a social club and not an actual job for many people. A lot of them, if they worked somewhere else would be out of a job.
I am so frustrated by the stupidity of what I have to deal with on a daily basis, that I really don't know what to do or why I keep putting up with it. The wishful dream I have is to buy the winning lottery ticket and find my peace of mind.
Monday, August 27, 2018
Abxious Again
I finally got a phone message this morning about a follow up meeting with work. There's nothing like being anxious about a meeting than waiting for almost two days. And why is it happening on the day off during my vacation week? How do they know that I'm not out of town and unable to return?
This is going to drive me nuts until Wednesday morning. The unknown, sinking stomach effect that's going to give me the squirts tomorrow. I hate having that feeling and I wish I knew how to get rid of it. I am trying to stay positive and hope that nothing extreme happens.
It's bad enough that I've stayed home and not gone anywhere for the last two weeks waiting for a call. But then on the day that I finally decide to go out and do something, the call comes in and a message is left. No, I don't have a cell phone. I'm one of the few people who has refused to opt for one and I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to afford it by the end of the week.
I can only think positively and hope I get an extra three days off. Or that the potential of having three days off cancels part of my vacation. Here's to thinking positively.
Now to go and get groceries while I still can and not burn a hole in my budget.
This is going to drive me nuts until Wednesday morning. The unknown, sinking stomach effect that's going to give me the squirts tomorrow. I hate having that feeling and I wish I knew how to get rid of it. I am trying to stay positive and hope that nothing extreme happens.
It's bad enough that I've stayed home and not gone anywhere for the last two weeks waiting for a call. But then on the day that I finally decide to go out and do something, the call comes in and a message is left. No, I don't have a cell phone. I'm one of the few people who has refused to opt for one and I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to afford it by the end of the week.
I can only think positively and hope I get an extra three days off. Or that the potential of having three days off cancels part of my vacation. Here's to thinking positively.
Now to go and get groceries while I still can and not burn a hole in my budget.
Monday, August 20, 2018
Hurry up and wait
Without going into details about the steaming pile of bull, I'm starting to get bored of the extra time off from work. It is becoming slightly boring and it's difficult to know what to do next when I don't know when I'll be back to work. The only hope is that my "paid vacation" is true and that I will continue to draw a pay from work.
Unfortunately, I don't know when I'll be returning to work. I very much like knowing what I'm doing day to day, as in I'm working tomorrow and the day after and then having a day off. But it doesn't work when you've been off for the better part of three weeks. Don't get me wrong, I love the time off. I don't have to listen to the rumors, complaints, the daily life history of anyone or any other crap that goes on with the social club I work at. Yes, the place I work at isn't work, it's a social club.
I really don't know what to do with myself from one day to the next. I want to go out and do something each day that I'm off. It doesn't work that easily when I'm waiting for a phone call to give a time and place for the follow up HR meeting. I just want it done and over with.
Unfortunately, I don't know when I'll be returning to work. I very much like knowing what I'm doing day to day, as in I'm working tomorrow and the day after and then having a day off. But it doesn't work when you've been off for the better part of three weeks. Don't get me wrong, I love the time off. I don't have to listen to the rumors, complaints, the daily life history of anyone or any other crap that goes on with the social club I work at. Yes, the place I work at isn't work, it's a social club.
I really don't know what to do with myself from one day to the next. I want to go out and do something each day that I'm off. It doesn't work that easily when I'm waiting for a phone call to give a time and place for the follow up HR meeting. I just want it done and over with.
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Steaming Pile of Bull
I fully understand that it doesn't matter what job I may have, regardless of what company employs me, that there is politics that goes along with it. There's always someone who complains, a lazy person that should have been fired and then there's the workers who get run over by the big yellow bus. I'm currently in the process of being thrown under the bus by management and a co-worker who is my opinion a dictator.
Until recently, I was working 12 hour shift where I work two days, off two days and every other weekend. Management decided to switch up the schedule and put it into effect just before the summer months. It included getting rid of the 12 hours shifts and turning them into 8 hour shifts. I believed I would be working Monday to Friday with weekends off. How could things go wrong with that thinking? I was looking forward to having every weekend off.
Before the new schedule went into effect, I knew there would be an issue with submitting summer vacation. I attempted to confirm with management what my schedule would/could look like so I base what I'd like to have off around what I was working. What happened? Management decided playing stupid and not knowing what the schedule looked like was the way to go. What? That's your job to know since you've been planning the changes for a couple months. Red Flag anyone?
Eventually, the department was given 28 days notice about the new schedule. I was told that I would have every Wednesday and every other weekend off. One day off through the week and doing a job that I'm not trained on during the weekends? WTF? Seriously, what was management thinking? For those who went from 12 hour shifts to 8 hour shifts, all of us were bent over and screwed.
Here is where things get slowly f*@ked up. The first three weekends that I was scheduled went off without a hitch. I worked according to what I was scheduled. On the fourth weekend, as I initial the sign-in sheet I notice that I'm not doing the job/duties I had previously done. I get in touch with management to find out and why I'm doing something different from previous weekends. I was told that management "has the right to place staff where needed at any time". I stated that it would have nice to have been given a "heads-up" about the change. I also thought after wards that a follow up conversation would have take place to discuss what happened.
Then the fifth weekend comes along. On the Friday, a co-worker tells me that she and I will be doing what had originally assigned to do. Again, what? How is it that a co-worker is verbally told this and I'm not? I come in for that first shift and the sign-in sheet clearly shows that I was back to job I was originally assigned to do. From there, the proverbially pile of bull starts to hit the fan.
Phone calls are had, management talks with a few people in the department and I'm given a run down on what has been "possible" said. The partial phrase "refusing to do ward trays" comes up and I think who is refusing? Not only that I know exactly who said it. It's a co-worker that gets up into every one's business and dictates what goes on in the department. A busy body who has no business acting like management and needs a severe head slap to remind them focus on doing their own job and not worry about what everyone else is or isn't doing.
{paused for a phone call from work}
The weekend ends with me being righteously pissed off and wanting to thrash something. It leaves me wondering why I'm not closer to retirement age. The next morning I come into work as per my schedule. Four hours later, I'm informed that I'm on paid suspension until a HR meeting is arranged. I leave for a couple days off. I just got the phone call telling me that the meeting is tomorrow. Of course, I'm now fretting about what's going to happen tomorrow. I'm completely worried that I'm going to lose my full time job and pension because of the stupidity of management. I seriously hope not. I only hope that the pile of bull lands on somebody else tomorrow morning.
Until recently, I was working 12 hour shift where I work two days, off two days and every other weekend. Management decided to switch up the schedule and put it into effect just before the summer months. It included getting rid of the 12 hours shifts and turning them into 8 hour shifts. I believed I would be working Monday to Friday with weekends off. How could things go wrong with that thinking? I was looking forward to having every weekend off.
Before the new schedule went into effect, I knew there would be an issue with submitting summer vacation. I attempted to confirm with management what my schedule would/could look like so I base what I'd like to have off around what I was working. What happened? Management decided playing stupid and not knowing what the schedule looked like was the way to go. What? That's your job to know since you've been planning the changes for a couple months. Red Flag anyone?
Eventually, the department was given 28 days notice about the new schedule. I was told that I would have every Wednesday and every other weekend off. One day off through the week and doing a job that I'm not trained on during the weekends? WTF? Seriously, what was management thinking? For those who went from 12 hour shifts to 8 hour shifts, all of us were bent over and screwed.
Here is where things get slowly f*@ked up. The first three weekends that I was scheduled went off without a hitch. I worked according to what I was scheduled. On the fourth weekend, as I initial the sign-in sheet I notice that I'm not doing the job/duties I had previously done. I get in touch with management to find out and why I'm doing something different from previous weekends. I was told that management "has the right to place staff where needed at any time". I stated that it would have nice to have been given a "heads-up" about the change. I also thought after wards that a follow up conversation would have take place to discuss what happened.
Then the fifth weekend comes along. On the Friday, a co-worker tells me that she and I will be doing what had originally assigned to do. Again, what? How is it that a co-worker is verbally told this and I'm not? I come in for that first shift and the sign-in sheet clearly shows that I was back to job I was originally assigned to do. From there, the proverbially pile of bull starts to hit the fan.
Phone calls are had, management talks with a few people in the department and I'm given a run down on what has been "possible" said. The partial phrase "refusing to do ward trays" comes up and I think who is refusing? Not only that I know exactly who said it. It's a co-worker that gets up into every one's business and dictates what goes on in the department. A busy body who has no business acting like management and needs a severe head slap to remind them focus on doing their own job and not worry about what everyone else is or isn't doing.
{paused for a phone call from work}
The weekend ends with me being righteously pissed off and wanting to thrash something. It leaves me wondering why I'm not closer to retirement age. The next morning I come into work as per my schedule. Four hours later, I'm informed that I'm on paid suspension until a HR meeting is arranged. I leave for a couple days off. I just got the phone call telling me that the meeting is tomorrow. Of course, I'm now fretting about what's going to happen tomorrow. I'm completely worried that I'm going to lose my full time job and pension because of the stupidity of management. I seriously hope not. I only hope that the pile of bull lands on somebody else tomorrow morning.
Sunday, April 15, 2018
Crappy Weather Day
Anyone who lives in Southwestern Ontario this weekend knows it's a crappy weekend because of the weather. There's an ice-storm in progress and it's providing a good reason to stay inside.
What's on my mind today? After having a 8 hour suspension from work, I am glad I cancelled the car reservation that I made for this weekend. I don't have the money for it and I wouldn't want to be out driving in this weather.
Unfortunately, I'm still looking at a debt that I'm paying off from two years ago. Between the "special assessment" for the condo that I live in, the car repairs and the already existing on the line of credit, it has been a long road to paying nearly $7000 completely off. This is based on the fact that I don't have a boyfriend/husband or a room-mate to help out with the household expenses.
<PAUSED - due to google search>
Okay, now I'm miffed about what I've just found. Enterprise rent-a-car sucks the big one. I don't know how many times I needed to rent a car for just a day and Enterprise doesn't do it with any deals. I've found a site https://www.priceline.com/ that provides multiple deals that include renting a car for a day - even if it's in the middle of the week. What gives with Enterprise only giving you a deal if you rent for a week or weekend?
Oh well, I've found a new site that does what I'd like. Now back to the piss, poor day that has me doing housework that I don't want to do. I'm finally getting around to doing laundry, light dusting and general housework. Did I mention that I don't like doing it? Point being, I'm doing it now so that I can do what I want when there's nice weather outside. I hope that it isn't too bad for my trip into work tomorrow on the bus.
What's on my mind today? After having a 8 hour suspension from work, I am glad I cancelled the car reservation that I made for this weekend. I don't have the money for it and I wouldn't want to be out driving in this weather.
Right now as it stands, it has been a year and a half since my car broke down and died. Which leaves me few options on how to get out of town. One of them being renting a car. I love the option of being able to rent a car from a local place but it sucks to pay out more money than what it's worth. I definitely don't look like this when it happens.
<PAUSED - due to google search>
Okay, now I'm miffed about what I've just found. Enterprise rent-a-car sucks the big one. I don't know how many times I needed to rent a car for just a day and Enterprise doesn't do it with any deals. I've found a site https://www.priceline.com/ that provides multiple deals that include renting a car for a day - even if it's in the middle of the week. What gives with Enterprise only giving you a deal if you rent for a week or weekend?
Oh well, I've found a new site that does what I'd like. Now back to the piss, poor day that has me doing housework that I don't want to do. I'm finally getting around to doing laundry, light dusting and general housework. Did I mention that I don't like doing it? Point being, I'm doing it now so that I can do what I want when there's nice weather outside. I hope that it isn't too bad for my trip into work tomorrow on the bus.
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
For my co-workers - You know who you are
When good people are punished.
After many years of putting up with BS at work, I've gotten my first day off - un-paid. All because of a co-worker who hasn't got the sense that God gave a little chicken. It doesn't matter at the moment what went wrong or why, it just did.
I'm very aware that I'll never win the Miss Congeniality award based on my work life. However, I've got a decent work ethic. I go to work and get paid to do work. My co-workers, are the laziest people I've seen. They believe it's a social club and not a hospital.
All those lazy, socially inept people seem to think it's okay to crap on those who actually work. The only thing saving them is the union. Seriously, management needs to crack down on the BS that's going on. Showing up late for work, standing around for great length of time and complaining that they are the hardest working people when they haven't done anything in two hours. It bothers me to no end.
Right now I just needed to vent a little bit without saying much. That's something that I'm good at. Talking lots without saying much. Can you tell I that I don't have an English degree?
Oh well, I'm back to work tomorrow and there's going questions. Not that it's anybody's business why I got suspended. Karma is a bitch and it's going to slap somebody in the face some day. I just hope I'm on vacation or retired when it happens.
I'm very aware that I'll never win the Miss Congeniality award based on my work life. However, I've got a decent work ethic. I go to work and get paid to do work. My co-workers, are the laziest people I've seen. They believe it's a social club and not a hospital.
All those lazy, socially inept people seem to think it's okay to crap on those who actually work. The only thing saving them is the union. Seriously, management needs to crack down on the BS that's going on. Showing up late for work, standing around for great length of time and complaining that they are the hardest working people when they haven't done anything in two hours. It bothers me to no end.
Right now I just needed to vent a little bit without saying much. That's something that I'm good at. Talking lots without saying much. Can you tell I that I don't have an English degree?
Oh well, I'm back to work tomorrow and there's going questions. Not that it's anybody's business why I got suspended. Karma is a bitch and it's going to slap somebody in the face some day. I just hope I'm on vacation or retired when it happens.
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Why do I do this?
I must say that I start a blog and then get to posting something stupid. Usually dealing with money or stupid people. Then within two months I slide into doing nothing with it and then finally deleting it because I think "Why did I do this?". Maybe I should start back up again and start telling some of the stupid, weird or odd things that happen in my daily life. That would be a little more interesting to write about. And maybe it will make a little more interesting read.
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Stupid People
I will never claim to be brilliant by any means and I know that there are things in this world that I will never understand. I am aware that there are many people who are smarter than me and can understand things I don't. What I don't understand are people who have at least graduated high school, who don't have the common sense God gave little chickens (Dexter reference if you get it).
Over the years, I've seen friends, co-workers and neighbors come and go from my life. There has been many of them that either engaged me intellectually or have driven me nuts by their stupidity. Why is it that when I want the ones who make me think and use my brain, seem to disappear from my life? Leaving the less stimulating, self centered, OCD, narcissistic twats - why?
How do I find those people who can challenge me on an intellectual level?
We've all had them, stupid people who don't know that they are - stupid.
Over the years, I've seen friends, co-workers and neighbors come and go from my life. There has been many of them that either engaged me intellectually or have driven me nuts by their stupidity. Why is it that when I want the ones who make me think and use my brain, seem to disappear from my life? Leaving the less stimulating, self centered, OCD, narcissistic twats - why?
How do I find those people who can challenge me on an intellectual level?
We've all had them, stupid people who don't know that they are - stupid.
Monday, May 8, 2017
Am I surviving?
It's been some time since I've posted anything. Maybe it's time to actually something about what's going on in my life and about my finances.
After six months of doing nothing with it, the car is still sitting in the parking lot, not moving and not doing anything but rust away. Is still worth the hassle to have it towed to the shop to be fixed? No, it's still a piece of junk that I haven't bothered doing anything with. The worse part of it is that I'm still paying for car insurance every month and the damn thing still isn't drivable.
Guess what's worse? Six months of insurance money flushed down the toilet on a hunk of junk. And I'm no where close to solving what to do with the damn car.
Unfortunately, my Dad still seems to think that it can be fixed, even with my urging him to hear me say "it's not worth it". I knew it last September the car and it wasn't worth the $1700 repair job that he paid for. Only to have it "break-down" two weeks later and cost me $1500 (money, I didn't have to begin with). That was the biggest hint that it wasn't worth it to begin with. That's $3000 that could have gone into a new car.
Eventually, something needs to be done. I hope I get something done about it very soon. I would be thrilled beyond belief to be putting the "extra" money towards the line of credit. If I don't do it soon, I'll be kicking myself for spending money on insurance for a broken car.
After six months of doing nothing with it, the car is still sitting in the parking lot, not moving and not doing anything but rust away. Is still worth the hassle to have it towed to the shop to be fixed? No, it's still a piece of junk that I haven't bothered doing anything with. The worse part of it is that I'm still paying for car insurance every month and the damn thing still isn't drivable.
Guess what's worse? Six months of insurance money flushed down the toilet on a hunk of junk. And I'm no where close to solving what to do with the damn car.
Unfortunately, my Dad still seems to think that it can be fixed, even with my urging him to hear me say "it's not worth it". I knew it last September the car and it wasn't worth the $1700 repair job that he paid for. Only to have it "break-down" two weeks later and cost me $1500 (money, I didn't have to begin with). That was the biggest hint that it wasn't worth it to begin with. That's $3000 that could have gone into a new car.
Eventually, something needs to be done. I hope I get something done about it very soon. I would be thrilled beyond belief to be putting the "extra" money towards the line of credit. If I don't do it soon, I'll be kicking myself for spending money on insurance for a broken car.
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Thinking about a broken car
So far my year has been better than last. No major dings to my finances and debts are being paid. Right now, I'm adjusting to the fact that I don't have a working vehicle. A car that sits in the parking lot and doesn't move because I don't have the money to fix it. And there's definitely no extra money to pay for a new car. As of late I still don't know what I'm going to do with a broken down piece of junk. I'd love to just have it towed away as scrap metal and not worry about it. Which isn't a bad idea since I wouldn't continue paying car insurance for it. However, if I do "buy" another car, I'll need to have the insurance in place for whatever I buy. Here I am between a rock and a hard place about what to do with it.
As for my finances, the line of credit is slowly going down with each pay. It helps that I don't need to buy gas for the car. Not to mention that with the car, I could have easily hopped into it and went shopping whenever I felt like it. So, I'm saving money better. On the other hand it suck when I need to go grocery shopping and need a lot of food and other household items. The local transit was set up for people to go grocery shopping.
I can't complain though, I'm getting use to taking the bus to where I need to go. I actually get to see some of the city that I never get to look at while driving. I do miss having a vehicle to hop into and go where and when I want too. Unfortunately, that's the biggest problem to overcome this year, finding the means to get a new car. It's a long shot to win the lottery, last night's Lotto Max was up to $55 million and nobody won. Next week, it's up to $60 million and I'll play again, hoping that I win enough money to get me out of debt. That's going to be a long shot for anyone but it doesn't hurt to try.
As for my finances, the line of credit is slowly going down with each pay. It helps that I don't need to buy gas for the car. Not to mention that with the car, I could have easily hopped into it and went shopping whenever I felt like it. So, I'm saving money better. On the other hand it suck when I need to go grocery shopping and need a lot of food and other household items. The local transit was set up for people to go grocery shopping.
I can't complain though, I'm getting use to taking the bus to where I need to go. I actually get to see some of the city that I never get to look at while driving. I do miss having a vehicle to hop into and go where and when I want too. Unfortunately, that's the biggest problem to overcome this year, finding the means to get a new car. It's a long shot to win the lottery, last night's Lotto Max was up to $55 million and nobody won. Next week, it's up to $60 million and I'll play again, hoping that I win enough money to get me out of debt. That's going to be a long shot for anyone but it doesn't hurt to try.
Sunday, December 11, 2016
It's getting cold outside
I haven't posted anything in the last month because I've been trying to get ready for the winter hibernation. Or at least my version of hibernation without a viable vehicle for the routine errands that I normally do.
I live in southwestern Ontario and it does snow rather heavily from mid-November to about mid-March. Depending on what Mother Nature decides she wants to do. Fortunately, for most of the month of November there's been little to no snow. That suits me just fine since I'm not really a winter weather type of person. So, I start stocking up on items that I'd like to have in the apartment before it really gets cold out and I don't want to leave the warm comfort of my home.
The big thing that I do is stock up on groceries, mostly getting canned stuff that stores well. That way, I have a base stock that goes well for making hot meals through the winter. The other item that I get is my loose leaf tea. There's nothing like having a hot cup of tea on a cold winters afternoon. However, due to car that I have yet to get rid of or replace, I'm at a disadvantage of getting to and from any local grocery store.
I am lucky enough that I live in a fairly large city that has multiple grocery stores and that there is a local transit system. What I don't like is the fact that I'm at the mercy of the transit schedule and what I'd be able to carry home from the grocery store. Essentially, having a car that works means getting all the groceries you want in one visit. (Can you tell I'm grumpy about owning a broken car that I can't afford to fix?)
On my way to work one day, I had some inspiration from a family of three walking down the sidewalk. It was a couple with their child sitting in a wagon that looked like it could fold up and be collapsible. The search online began that day to find where I could get myself one. It wasn't as easy as it looked. For the most part, it was a seasonal item that I could have gotten from Walmart, Home Depot or Canadian Tire. Ranging in price from $60 to $170, yikes! Well, I finally found one for around $100 that suited my needs and placed the order online.
A week later the item arrived at the building I live in and got delivered - thankfully, I was home to receive it. Of course I was very excite to try the new wagon out and see how well it worked. Off to the grocery store I went with a long list of things I needed and did what I needed to do. I finish off, pack the wagon, and head home. I'm pleased as punch about how big it was. Here's some photos:
It's a good size wagon that's holding a $115.00 Canadian (just under $90.00 in US funds). For me as a single person, that's a lot of groceries. Yes, you're seeing a couple of bags of chips - I usually indulge on one or two goodies for myself. Still it's a lot of groceries to be able to get home on my own without a car.
For anyone who's wanting to see what the name and size of the wagon, here's the close up of it. From what I can remember, Walmart does sell these online and will ship to your local store for pick up.
Right now as it stands, I love my new wagon because I can go grocery shopping without needing extra arms. And I can get as much or as little as I need. However, I've only done a test run prior to any snow fall here in London. So, I don't know how well it's going to work during the winter months. Here's hoping for a few good days with clear sidewalks and good days over the next couple of months.
I live in southwestern Ontario and it does snow rather heavily from mid-November to about mid-March. Depending on what Mother Nature decides she wants to do. Fortunately, for most of the month of November there's been little to no snow. That suits me just fine since I'm not really a winter weather type of person. So, I start stocking up on items that I'd like to have in the apartment before it really gets cold out and I don't want to leave the warm comfort of my home.
The big thing that I do is stock up on groceries, mostly getting canned stuff that stores well. That way, I have a base stock that goes well for making hot meals through the winter. The other item that I get is my loose leaf tea. There's nothing like having a hot cup of tea on a cold winters afternoon. However, due to car that I have yet to get rid of or replace, I'm at a disadvantage of getting to and from any local grocery store.
I am lucky enough that I live in a fairly large city that has multiple grocery stores and that there is a local transit system. What I don't like is the fact that I'm at the mercy of the transit schedule and what I'd be able to carry home from the grocery store. Essentially, having a car that works means getting all the groceries you want in one visit. (Can you tell I'm grumpy about owning a broken car that I can't afford to fix?)
On my way to work one day, I had some inspiration from a family of three walking down the sidewalk. It was a couple with their child sitting in a wagon that looked like it could fold up and be collapsible. The search online began that day to find where I could get myself one. It wasn't as easy as it looked. For the most part, it was a seasonal item that I could have gotten from Walmart, Home Depot or Canadian Tire. Ranging in price from $60 to $170, yikes! Well, I finally found one for around $100 that suited my needs and placed the order online.
A week later the item arrived at the building I live in and got delivered - thankfully, I was home to receive it. Of course I was very excite to try the new wagon out and see how well it worked. Off to the grocery store I went with a long list of things I needed and did what I needed to do. I finish off, pack the wagon, and head home. I'm pleased as punch about how big it was. Here's some photos:
This is what it looks like when it's folded up, ready for storage. I live in a one bedroom apartment and there's not a lot of storage space for any big bulky things. This is why I bought this wagon, it's condense enough to store in the back of the closet or at the end of my small storage area.
Right now as it stands, I love my new wagon because I can go grocery shopping without needing extra arms. And I can get as much or as little as I need. However, I've only done a test run prior to any snow fall here in London. So, I don't know how well it's going to work during the winter months. Here's hoping for a few good days with clear sidewalks and good days over the next couple of months.
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Remembrance Day 2016
I'm one of the few that has November 11th as a day off and I'm very grateful for everything that the Canadian military does for us. Twenty five years ago, I was lucky enough to serve in the military for three years. I was stationed at CFB Trenton for the most of that time. While I was there I lived on base and I got use to arriving and departing airplanes. I wish my contract had been renewed for another three years. All in all, I loved the time I spent in the military and I wouldn't change it for the world.
The two troops were consolidated under one headquarters, forming the St. Thomas and London Squadron of Canada in January 1867. Both troops were again called into active service during the 1870 Fenian invasion, but again neither saw action.
In May 1872, the squadron was expanded with four additional cavalry troops, for a total of six, to become the 1st Regiment of Cavalry, headquartered in St. Thomas. Subunits included:
In February 1905, the regiment moved into the newly built London Armouries at the corner of Dundas and Waterloo Streets, which it used until 1977. By 1913, 'A' Squadron had moved to London from St. Thomas, 'C' Squadron had moved from Mooretown to Courtright, where it was disbanded, and 'D' Squadron had moved from Kingsville to Amherstburg, where it was renamed 'C' Squadron after the disbandment of the Courtright squadron.
This picture is from CFB Cornwallis - basic training. The only time I was legally allowed have a gun. Well, it was a working gun without real bullets.
I didn't time my day very well either. If I had, I would have been at the cenotaph in downtown London for the services on Remembrance Day. However, I did manage to pay my respects by visiting the 1st Hussars museum. http://www.museumsontario.ca/museum/First-Hussars-Museum
I'm probably not suppose to do this but I'm going to copy and paste a portion of the Wikipedia page:
Foundation and organisation
The 1st Hussars traces its roots to the formation of the St. Thomas Troop of Volunteer Militia Cavalry in March 1856 and the First Troop of Volunteer Militia Cavalry of London in July of the same year. In 1863, these units were redesignated the St. Thomas Troop of Cavalry and the London Troop of Cavalry, respectively. Both troops were put on active duty in southwestern Ontario in response to the Fenian raid of 1866, but neither had contact with the invading forces.The two troops were consolidated under one headquarters, forming the St. Thomas and London Squadron of Canada in January 1867. Both troops were again called into active service during the 1870 Fenian invasion, but again neither saw action.
In May 1872, the squadron was expanded with four additional cavalry troops, for a total of six, to become the 1st Regiment of Cavalry, headquartered in St. Thomas. Subunits included:
- No. 1 Troop - St. Thomas.
- No. 2 Troop - London.
- No. 3 Troop - Mooretown, Lambton County.
- No. 4 Troop - Kingsville, Essex County.
- No. 5 Troop - Bayfield, Huron County.
- No. 6 Troop - Unallocated.
In February 1905, the regiment moved into the newly built London Armouries at the corner of Dundas and Waterloo Streets, which it used until 1977. By 1913, 'A' Squadron had moved to London from St. Thomas, 'C' Squadron had moved from Mooretown to Courtright, where it was disbanded, and 'D' Squadron had moved from Kingsville to Amherstburg, where it was renamed 'C' Squadron after the disbandment of the Courtright squadron.
Anyway, it was very interesting tour through the museum. If I am ever asked for something interesting to do, I'll recommend going to this museum.
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
The start of money troubles
I've had a pretty rotten year in 2016. Or I should say, it's been a really crappy year financially. It seems like I've been bleeding money faster than I can make it. It started more or less in 2015, when the board of directors moved forward with the required maintenance for the exterior of the building. The brick work had been needing repair for a few years before it was decided that it needed to be done.It finally got started in early 2015 and completed by fall of 2015. Obviously, a final bill was given to the condo corporation for the work done and the finances had to be looked at. With the amount of money that was needed to pay for such work, there wasn't enough in the reserve fund to pay for it and a special assessment was levied against the 86 owners. The notice went out early in January 2016.
Depending on the number of bedrooms you have, the "special assessment" amount that you pay would be $3600 for a one bedroom or over $5000 for a two bedroom unit. I don't know about you, I don't exactly have 3 to 5 grand lying around to drop at a moments notice. I'm lucky if on a whim, I have enough money to stop at the local coffee shop for that large coffee. Yes, I was very aware in the summer of 2015 that I should have been saving every single penny I could to pay for it but it's hard to save money when you don't know how much you'll be paying in the end.
Back in 2004, I made the decision to purchase a home because I didn't want to spend my money (and my retirement money) renting. I wanted to be secure in my old age. I chose an apartment condo because I knew that I didn't want an actual house where I had to shovel snow, rake leaves, cut grass, pull weeds out of the garden or any other outside chore. Yes, it makes me look lazy. On the other hand, I knew that owning a condo meant paying condo fees for the maintenance of the building I live in.
For many years, the condo fees in the building I live in stayed low and didn't increase as much as they should have. If the board of directors did their job they way they should have, a lot of us wouldn't be broke. If the Board stays diligent, hopefully the Reserve Fund was accurately funded now and in the future. And I wouldn't be in the financial hole that I am.
Humorous thought for the day:
(As seen on a bumper of a passing car): If I wanted a bitch, I'd buy a dog.
Depending on the number of bedrooms you have, the "special assessment" amount that you pay would be $3600 for a one bedroom or over $5000 for a two bedroom unit. I don't know about you, I don't exactly have 3 to 5 grand lying around to drop at a moments notice. I'm lucky if on a whim, I have enough money to stop at the local coffee shop for that large coffee. Yes, I was very aware in the summer of 2015 that I should have been saving every single penny I could to pay for it but it's hard to save money when you don't know how much you'll be paying in the end.
Back in 2004, I made the decision to purchase a home because I didn't want to spend my money (and my retirement money) renting. I wanted to be secure in my old age. I chose an apartment condo because I knew that I didn't want an actual house where I had to shovel snow, rake leaves, cut grass, pull weeds out of the garden or any other outside chore. Yes, it makes me look lazy. On the other hand, I knew that owning a condo meant paying condo fees for the maintenance of the building I live in.
For many years, the condo fees in the building I live in stayed low and didn't increase as much as they should have. If the board of directors did their job they way they should have, a lot of us wouldn't be broke. If the Board stays diligent, hopefully the Reserve Fund was accurately funded now and in the future. And I wouldn't be in the financial hole that I am.
Humorous thought for the day:
(As seen on a bumper of a passing car): If I wanted a bitch, I'd buy a dog.
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
There is no Reasoning - Learning to let go
Over the last few years I've learned a few things about myself. Mostly, there's more people on the planet Earth than just me, that I'm not the center of the universe. I have and will continue to improve my life skills in relation to how I interact and treat other people. The first thing was to remember the manners my mother taught me and use them regardless of the situation. I think I've improved and I've noticed people around me appreciate it when I say "please/thank-you". A small thing to do in daily life that makes things easier in the long run. There's been a few more things that I've worked on, including talking (or interpersonal skills) with the people around me and improving my sense of humor. These two things have taken a little work on my part and I'm working on getting rid of the hermit shell that's I've used to protect my life.
When I originally started this entry, I wanted go on a tear about a co-worker's "attributes" (my polite attempt not to call someone a b*tch). It was turning into an extra long rant about something unimportant to me but not my co-worker. Before long, I realized that I didn't want to sink to the level of a person who doesn't have respect for others. I want to rise above the ignorance and remember why I want to be a better person. I don't want to hold onto grudges, treat people like dirt, treat people with respect and believe that there's something better out there.
What I'd like to finish off with something good. Today I ran into a friend that I haven't seen in a very long time, Lisa M. She's someone I went to public school and Brownies with when we were both younger. It's great to see someone that you haven't seen in a long time.
When I originally started this entry, I wanted go on a tear about a co-worker's "attributes" (my polite attempt not to call someone a b*tch). It was turning into an extra long rant about something unimportant to me but not my co-worker. Before long, I realized that I didn't want to sink to the level of a person who doesn't have respect for others. I want to rise above the ignorance and remember why I want to be a better person. I don't want to hold onto grudges, treat people like dirt, treat people with respect and believe that there's something better out there.
What I'd like to finish off with something good. Today I ran into a friend that I haven't seen in a very long time, Lisa M. She's someone I went to public school and Brownies with when we were both younger. It's great to see someone that you haven't seen in a long time.
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
In the beginning
One day after my 48th birthday, I'm starting a new journey that I hope will be productive and fulfilling. I'm not quite sure what this blog will be tomorrow or next week but I'm hoping that in a year it will be a valuable thing for me to look back at and remember.
In recent months I've had more than my share of "hiccups" that have driven me nuts, and 2016 is far from being over. Not to say the beginning of the year was any better. What I'd like to do is start letting go of the grief, guilty feelings and any other problems that plague my thoughts.
Over the next few weeks and months, I'll be more "grumpy" when I post something that's happened in the last ten months. I think what I need to do in the early stages of this blog is give some history to what has been my life. Hopefully better things will happen in the months to come and I can share them when they happen.
What I can say is, I'd like to work on being a better person. Work on my sense of humor, turn the other cheek and find the good in what I do everyday.
I do apologize if this post seems disjointed or chaotic, my brain in recent weeks has turned to mush. In the next day or two, I may post a "venting" session about recent events.
In recent months I've had more than my share of "hiccups" that have driven me nuts, and 2016 is far from being over. Not to say the beginning of the year was any better. What I'd like to do is start letting go of the grief, guilty feelings and any other problems that plague my thoughts.
Over the next few weeks and months, I'll be more "grumpy" when I post something that's happened in the last ten months. I think what I need to do in the early stages of this blog is give some history to what has been my life. Hopefully better things will happen in the months to come and I can share them when they happen.
What I can say is, I'd like to work on being a better person. Work on my sense of humor, turn the other cheek and find the good in what I do everyday.
I do apologize if this post seems disjointed or chaotic, my brain in recent weeks has turned to mush. In the next day or two, I may post a "venting" session about recent events.
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