Memories

In the past couple of days one of the people on Facebook has been posting old pictures of herself and her friends from her days when she was involved in a magical place called Theatre 300. It was a magical place too, because they took this dreary looking black box set up and transformed it unto the strangest most wonderful things, from country settings for "Oklahoma" to a courtroom for the play "Nuts" to a rather unusual setting for a wonderful play called "Spoon River Anthology". Although I'm sure most of these kids would recall that I yelled and bitched a lot about what they did to my poor floors and walls, I always was amazed at the transformation.
I also was amazed, and to be perfectly honest, very proud of these kids. Not only did they work their tails off learning all their lines and places and such, they also worked their butts off building each and every set and helping to hang the spotlights. All of their hard work and dedication to their craft did not go unnoticed by the "old" guy grumbling about the mess. Since I suffer from severe stage fright I envied them their abilities. They did actually get me (finally) into a play, but I only had one line (thank God) and even that did not go as planned. The first time I had to be sarcastic with the light person because they were too bust watching me and didn't do their job at the right time but also I wasn't loud enough. Before the second time I did the show I had to practice with one of the other actors so that I could properly yell so that the entire audience could hear my one line. Poor me. The person they chose to help me was someone I was incredibly fond of and yelling at them was not something I wanted to do lol
It's funny, but at the time I was the "zookeeper" for this group I knew more about all of these people than I knew about my own children. About the only thing that was true for both groups is that they could come to me with any problem they had and get some sound advice without being criticized. And, I'm pleased to say that some of them did. I hope I gave them good advice and didn't do any damage to their egos. Theatre people do have some big egos :)
Then, of course, there was one very special young lady that I was so smitten with that it almost destroyed my marriage. I was a fool in love, too bad it wasn't returned. She loved me, she said, like a brother. Ther's no fool like an old fool. I recall at a party once someone put on the Hall and Oates song, Maneater and said they were playing it for me. Whenever I hear that song now I still think of that young lady.
Today marks the day that the wonderful leader of that group retires from education. He and his partner will be moving to New York City sometime soon and I wish them the very best of luck. Congratulations on surviving a system that can eat you alive if you're not careful. Congratulations on surviving the pain in the ass you had to deal with as a custodian. And here's a tidbit you probably never knew. Your kids never built a set that I did not crawl over and jump up and down on to ensure that it was safe. I did not want anything bad to happen to any of my "animals". Also, I cried at every play I ever attended die to sheer pride in a job well done.

It's Fun Time

The kids are out of school and, of course, they are bored to death. They hate school and look forward to summer vacation but then Summer comes and there's nothing to occupy their time.
When I was a youngster parents quickly learned to set the kids in front of the television set to kill time. T.V. was still fresh and fun in those days and kids gladly sat there, mesmerized. These days however television is not all it's cracked up to be. Not many kids want to sit there and stare at Maury or Oprah or Tyra or even the multitude of courtroom shows. It's dull and boring, even for most adults I'm sure.
We have lots of technology these days though that are bound to entertain the kids. Playstations, for instance. Lots of games designed to be played on these things! They can be hours of entertainment for anyone, kid or adult. And, of course the cream of the crop there is the ps3.
The Sony PlayStation 3 gives you to the ability play the latest PS3 Games, watch Blu-Ray movies in High-Definition, and more! Built as a true home entertainment system, the PlayStation 3 System not only plays DVDs and CDs, but allows you to access media like photos from your Digital Camera or Memory Card, play music from your iPod or MP3 player, and connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi. Great accessories like the DUALSHOCK3 Wireless Controller and hot games like LittleBIGPlanet make the PS3 System the perfect choice for you.
So much to do, so little time! I have no doubts that one of these devices will keep your child entertained for hours on end. Heck, they may moan and groan even louder when the Summer is over and they have to leave the PS3 world behind and return to school.
So, if you have someone at home that is bored, or perhaps even bedridden then you really should check out the PS3 and see what it can do to brighten up their life.

Things To Ponder

I saw a woman wearing a sweat shirt with 'Guess' on it.
So I said 'Implants?'
She hit me.

How come we choose from just two people to run for president and over fifty for Miss America?

I signed up for an exercise class and was told to wear loose fitting clothing. If I HAD any loose fitting clothing, I wouldn't have signed up in the first place!

Don't argue with an idiot; people watching may not be able to tell the difference.

Computers and Craziness

Since I bought a laptop for this home and the wireless connector so that it can be used, my telephone has been on the fritz.
I've tried filters that Verizon gave me, moving the phone system (It's cordless) and all sorts of things that I could think of. No good. About the only thing I haven't tried (yet) is a sledgehammer, LOL
I just had an old friend drop by to see what's going on because he has been trying to call me for a week and he cannot get my phone to even ring on his end. Bah!
It's all a plot to drive me crazy. technology has a way of doing that, ya know?

Happy, Happy

Lazy Days of Summer

Summer is here. It is hot here in the desert, very, very hot. I like the heat as opposed to the harshness of the Winter. Winter is too painful for people with arthritis. The heat of Summer is better suited for those of us with arthritis or other painful joints.
The problem with Summer is, for me, the beginning of the weather shift. On one hand I am happy that it is getting warmer. On the other hand however I am lazy. I don't want to do anything in this heat but sleep. Just sitting here at the computer is a lot of work at times. I have work to do but I just don't care, I'd rather be lazy lol
I realize that it is just the weather pattern shifting from one exteme to another and it is a phase that will pass. In the meantime I shall force myself to sit here and do my work. I cannot make any money if I don't.

Let's Get Real

In my last blog entry I wrote about the coming of Summer and the heat it is bringing to me here in the desert. (7 degrees outside at the moment, way too hot for most people.
As I sit here writing this I am sweating, a lot. Normal I'm sure with that temperature, right? Well, for those that do not know me let me tell you something. I am roughly five foot nine inches and I weigh 103 pounds on a good day. I cannot help but wonder just how badly most people are sweating on a day like today since so many people are obese or, at the very least, overweight. How do they survive? I live with two females that are somewhat overweight. They are hot, sweaty and cranky on days like today. Since the temperatures are not going to go down anytime soon, like three months, they are going to want to lose some of their excess poundage so that they can be more comfortable. But, where do you go to find the right products?
I found this website called weight loss stories that has evaluated a variety of weight loss products and reviewed them based on certain criteria like proven results and company reputation.
They show you a scale of between 1 and 100 for these criteria which is nice. They also offer a link to the official website of the product so that you can do more research if you wish. Finally, they give you the retail value of the product and then the cheapest price they have found online.
I like sites that do the research for me so that I do not have to spend hours or days finding it myself. Not that I am lazy, but it is too darned hot to sit at the computer that long. Heck, the females in my house don't want to spend very long sitting here basking in the sunshine either.
I shall point them to this website in the evening when things have cooled off some. I'm sure they will appreciate it.
If you live in a hot climate like we do, perhaps you should visit the website yourself. Get rid of some of that excess weight you are carrying around that makes you sweat too much.

Too Hot?

As I write this entry it is a lovely 97 degrees outside. There is a slight breeze coming through an open window but it is not that cool of a breeze. It's okay though, I have been waiting for this lovely weather all Winter.
Unfortunately my computer has not been waiting expectantly for this weather. Yesterday, which was cooler than today, the computer got too hot. The poor fans inside were running long and hard so I finally decided to shut it down and let the processor cool off a little. Imagine my surprise when, a few minutes later, I turned the computer back on and it refused to start! I pulled the plug, took the side panel off and left it wide open for a brief period of time. Poor thing was way too hot.
I am waiting today to see if it overheats again. I have the side panel ajar to let more air flow into the case. I do not want the computer to melt from all that heat!
If this continues I shall have to make some changes here. I am thinking a small fan aimed directly at the processor should do the trick. I imagine I can pick one up at Walmart cheaply enough.
I'll have to do something. It is only the beginning of June, Summer is not even officially here, and I know that the desert is not going to get any cooler in July or August.
I may like the warmth but my computer obviously does not.

Prices Exposed

It is in the eighties again today, getting warmer all the time as Summer tries to make an appearance. Great weather to run around in with nothing more than a tee shirt and some jeans. I love Summer! Time to put away the heavy jackets and coats that you bundled up in all Winter long. Time to wear less and less. But for some folks this is not a good time of year.
Some folks feel more comfortable in heavier clothing. Yes, it makes them look bulkier than they are but that's the point. Too much fattening foods during the holiday season made them not want to show off any part of their body that didn't have to show! They need to lose some weight before the Summer gets into full swing! They need diet pills that work and they need them now!
Summer is, after all, a time for less clothing or at least lighter clothing. It's also a time for shorts and, if you're lucky, some time in a swimming pool. Really hard to hide the flab in a swimming suit! But, help is out there if you know where to look.
People are constantly dieting these days, hoping for a slimmer version of themselves. Diet books, diet plans and diet pills are all over the market. But these things seem to get more costly every year. How to find a diet pill that can help you lose weight and not lose all of your pocketbook is difficult for many people. That's why you need to check out Prices Exposed.
Prices Exposed has reviewed over 200 diet pills and taken the confusion out of the shopping experience by narrowing your search to the elite products in the industry. They have created their list based on the following criteria: Value (the results you achieve for every dollar spent),Safety, Weight Loss Power and Ingredient Quality. All of these things are of utmost importance to a dieter.
Check out the reviews on Prices Exposed. See just how much each of the products reviewed will cost you. Pick the one that seems right for you. Simple as pie.
Take all the information you gather to your physician and discuss it all with them. Not all diet pills are perfect for every body. Your doctor can help you decide if the one you like is actually best for you. Then, buy the diet pills, follow the instructions they give you. Get into some sort of exercise regimen and watch those pounds disappear!
Summer is fast approaching but you still have time to break out the swimming suit and show off a slimmer, trimmer, skinnier you!

Some Days Are Not Worth It

Some days I swear I'd be better off staying in bed. Either my head is fuzzy or my body feels like crap. So much fun to get old. Not!
Today is one of the fuzzy head days. I'm awake, been up for a couple of hours now, but I just don't have the sharpness to my thinking that I should. I woke up several times before actually getting out of bed and was more clear headed then than now. Maybe I should have gotten out of bed then lol
Since I need to be able to think I guess I will try another cup of coffee and a cigarette. May not help, but it certainly won't hurt. If all else fails, I can always go and take a nap. Retirement life allows me that :)

You know, I always did like the expression "shoulda stood in bed"

Insure That Vehicle

While what I am about to write is in regards to New Jersey car insurance many of the things in this article also will be valuable to you no matter what state you live in.
Vehicle insurance is a mandatory thing just about everywhere it is mandatory in the state of New Jersey. But, how much coverage does one need? While maintaining current liability, PIP and uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory for all motorists, there are no specified coverage limits set. This state DOBI (Department of Banking and Insurance) only recommends minimum limits. Is the minimum required by law good enough? Let's look at some insurance myths and find out.

Having no-fault insurance means that I will never be found to be at fault in an accident.
This is not true. No-fault insurance simply means that your insurance company will cover you regardless of who causes an accident that you're involved in. This isn't no fault divorce here, this is vehicle accidents!

If I allow somebody else to drive my car and he or she is involved in an accident, that person will be covered by their own insurance company.

This is not true. The other person's insurance may or may not cover damages in excess of your coverage limits. Also, this accident will go on your record of insurance and very most likely cause your premiums to rise. Look carefully at that last statement! Most likely your premiums will go up even though you were not driving your car at the time of the accident. Makes you think twice about loaning your car to anyone, doesn't it?

I do not have a comprehensive coverage policy, but I'm still covered if I hit a deer or if my car gets stolen.

This is not true. Vandalism, accidents involving animals, fire, theft, hail storms, hurricanes, tornadoes and other similar happenings are not covered by liability or collision insurance. That's what comprehensive insurance coverage is all about.

Whatever type of vehicle you drive, no matter where you live or drive, vehicle insurance that covers everything that might arise is a must. You need to take the time to sit down with an insurance agent and explain what it is that you need and let an expert help you with getting the most for the least amount of your wallet.
You may also want to look at what you truly need in order to be covered outside your state. Does your insurance cover you if say you live in New Jersey but drive to work every day into New York State? Let your agent know where you drive each day as there may be variables there that both of you need to concern yourselves with.
Auto insurance in New Jersey, like in all states, is surrounded by many vehicle insurance myths. Never assume that what you hear others saying is the truth concerning your particular insurance policy. Take the time to read the fine print and talk with your insurance agent in order to discern the truth about your individual situations.

Holidays Missed

Yesterday was Memorial Day. A day of remembering those who lost their lives serving America. Normally though it is simply a day to celebrate that you did not have to go to work, it is often the first day swimming pools are open and it is un-officially the first day of barbecue season.
When I was a working stiff I always knew when the holidays were. I am not a big fan of holidays but I knew when they were and when I would be off of work. Now that I've been retired for a few years, I usually have no clue when a holiday is arriving, nor do I really care.
Every day is pretty much the same, Sunday through Saturday. Just another day! I do remember them if someone mentions them to me and I do know why we are celebrating those days so I suppose that's something.
I hope that whatever you did yesterday you took a moment to recall why you were not at work.