what are you doing right now?

[soupandstew]

Dec 18, 2023 16:57:30 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Dec 18, 2023 15:18:40 GMT -5 raeoflyte said:

For all the hassle the pet sitting has been, it's a neat glimpse into other people's lives. Only 1 person's home has been company ready when I came over for the meet and greet. Even the super fancy house I stayed at for a week had boxes of extra stuff around.

I think we're too hard on ourselves. Admittedly I don't really know how to stop that for myself either, but I'm definitely thinking on it.

My cleaners tell me that my house is cleaner than many of the super sized houses they clean.  

I have never kept a company ready house.  I think that exists for about 10 minutes

Mine's ready for company, if they like white wine and ignore the dust bunnies.  No one will catch anything from the toilet or die of food poisoning so we're good here I guess.  If my house isn't up to someone's standards, there's a 2-way street in front of my house and I'll show them the way to it.

[TheOtherMe]

Dec 18, 2023 16:47:51 GMT -5 busymom said:

Ugh!  We just got our first "brag-fest" newsletter in one of our Christmas cards.  I think I'll look at it later.  

So far, the only one of those I have received is from my own sister.

She used to have me edit them because her grammar is so bad.  She now says spell check takes care of that.  No, it doesn't and her grammar has not improved.

Something I have been oblivious is sending photo cards of your family to distant family members and not identifying who the people are.  My half sister said she doesn't know my sister's children or grandchildren and the pictures are meaningless to her.  The letter doesn't help if you don't already know who the people are

[TheOtherMe]

Dec 18, 2023 16:57:42 GMT -5 soupandstew said:

Dec 18, 2023 16:47:51 GMT -5 busymom said:

Ugh!  We just got our first "brag-fest" newsletter in one of our Christmas cards.  I think I'll look at it later.  

Oh, like the one where they tell you they will have to cut short their vacation in the south of France to make their child's graduation (with honors, of course) and by the way, said child is getting a full ride to an Ivy League school.  And they are going to be so stressed because they must move out of their $2 million mansion for 6 months while it's completely upgraded into a $4 million mansion?  It's so hard to find good contractors these days, you know 

No one in my circle can brag about that kind of money because none of them have it.  

[soupandstew]

Dec 18, 2023 17:05:37 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Dec 18, 2023 16:57:42 GMT -5 soupandstew said:

Oh, like the one where they tell you they will have to cut short their vacation in the south of France to make their child's graduation (with honors, of course) and by the way, said child is getting a full ride to an Ivy League school.  And they are going to be so stressed because they must move out of their $2 million mansion for 6 months while it's completely upgraded into a $4 million mansion?  It's so hard to find good contractors these days, you know 

No one in my circle can brag about that kind of money because none of them have it.  

I don't think my friends have the money either, just the debt which will probably catch up with them someday

[busymom]

Dec 18, 2023 16:57:42 GMT -5 soupandstew said:

Dec 18, 2023 16:47:51 GMT -5 busymom said:

Ugh!  We just got our first "brag-fest" newsletter in one of our Christmas cards.  I think I'll look at it later.  

Oh, like the one where they tell you they will have to cut short their vacation in the south of France to make their child's graduation (with honors, of course) and by the way, said child is getting a full ride to an Ivy League school.  And they are going to be so stressed because they must move out of their $2 million mansion for 6 months while it's completely upgraded into a $4 million mansion?  It's so hard to find good contractors these days, you know 

       You've got it.  Traveling all over the world, bragging about their newest expensive vehicle purchase.  I couldn't even get past the first few paragraphs without putting it down.  Us annoying peasants, you know...  

[busymom]

Don't misunderstand me.  I like it when people succeed.  But, I don't need a play-by-play of every expensive thing they've done over the last year.  If you want, say "we finally made it to France".  I'm cool with that.  Not a complete list of every city, every beach, every hotel, etc. you spent your money on in the last year.  And yes, in past years they've mentioned expensive remodels on their house.  

[chiver78]

Dec 18, 2023 17:00:16 GMT -5 soupandstew said:

Dec 18, 2023 16:57:30 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

My cleaners tell me that my house is cleaner than many of the super sized houses they clean.  

I have never kept a company ready house.  I think that exists for about 10 minutes

Mine's ready for company, if they like white wine and ignore the dust bunnies.  No one will catch anything from the toilet or die of food poisoning so we're good here I guess.  If my house isn't up to someone's standards, there's a 2-way street in front of my house and I'll show them the way to it.

this is where I'm at these days, knowing that I can sweep twice a day and create a stuffed golden retriever from what I sweep up.     

but let me tell you, I lived in an active listing for over a year in my old condo. it was showroom ready at a moment's notice. that was absolutely miserable, and I actually almost fired my agent after his wife (who was handling the listing for him) gave me shit about turning down a showing one day. the arrangement was that they didn't even need to ask, they could show any time, any day of the week except Wednesdays. I was on the board of trustees, the meetings were Wednesday nights. and, I needed to do laundry occasionally. so I would wash whatever in the morning before I left for work, and would lay out whatever on racks if it needed to air-dry. this particular Wednesday, I had a rack in the spare bedroom with a bunch of delicates. um, no. they can come see the place any of the other 6 days of the week that the house is completely available.     I literally kept a "go bag" and when I left on Friday morning to go to work, I'd be gone for the weekend til Sunday night. I played volleyball twice a week and bar trivia to cover the other three nights. 

[NoNamePerson]

Dec 18, 2023 16:57:42 GMT -5 soupandstew said:

Dec 18, 2023 16:47:51 GMT -5 busymom said:

Ugh!  We just got our first "brag-fest" newsletter in one of our Christmas cards.  I think I'll look at it later.  

Oh, like the one where they tell you they will have to cut short their vacation in the south of France to make their child's graduation (with honors, of course) and by the way, said child is getting a full ride to an Ivy League school.  And they are going to be so stressed because they must move out of their $2 million mansion for 6 months while it's completely upgraded into a $4 million mansion?  It's so hard to find good contractors these days, you know 

 I had a little different experience with Christmas letters.  My EXSIL sent them to me and son after I divorced her brother. Over the years she would ask my son for my address. One year son told me Aunt Barbara asked him why I moved around so much.

Me: and your answer was ??

Son: I told her you were running from the law. 

End of Christmas letters. 

[raeoflyte]

I would like to write a Christmas letter, not for anyone else, but for me as a summary of the year to keep with my photo albums. I never quite get to it, but maybe eventually.

I only get actual.letters from a couple people. I got a 4 page letter this year that I very briefly skimmed and decided I just didn't have the spoons this year. But I love how much they love their kids and want to share about them. The people I get letters from aren't bragging.

I think the photo card blurb is picking up in popularity. I wanted to write personal notes to people when I seny my cards, but definitely need to start earlier for that.

[weltz]

Dec 18, 2023 17:05:37 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Dec 18, 2023 16:57:42 GMT -5 soupandstew said:

Oh, like the one where they tell you they will have to cut short their vacation in the south of France to make their child's graduation (with honors, of course) and by the way, said child is getting a full ride to an Ivy League school.  And they are going to be so stressed because they must move out of their $2 million mansion for 6 months while it's completely upgraded into a $4 million mansion?  It's so hard to find good contractors these days, you know 

No one in my circle can brag about that kind of money because none of them have it.  

My sister has it.  She also raised her kids to be a doctor and a lawyer. Talk about a brag-fest!

[raeoflyte]

I was really hoping my neediest pet sitting client was going to make other plans but no dice. I haven't even started for her yet, but she's already a lot. Hoping everything goes smooth and the next 2 weeks flies by.

[lurkyloo]

Ugh.  I’m thinking a little more clearly this week than last but I just kept rambling instead of making the succinct points I wanted to in that meeting.

[lurkyloo]

Dec 18, 2023 17:34:44 GMT -5 raeoflyte said:

I was really hoping my neediest pet sitting client was going to make other plans but no dice. I haven't even started for her yet, but she's already a lot. Hoping everything goes smooth and the next 2 weeks flies by.

Raise your rates effective 1/1/24 in case of repeat business 

[raeoflyte]

Dec 18, 2023 18:22:45 GMT -5 lurkyloo said:

Dec 18, 2023 17:34:44 GMT -5 raeoflyte said:

I was really hoping my neediest pet sitting client was going to make other plans but no dice. I haven't even started for her yet, but she's already a lot. Hoping everything goes smooth and the next 2 weeks flies by.

Raise your rates effective 1/1/24 in case of repeat business 

Raise my rates, no dogs, ideally cats that only need 1x a day or cats that needs 2x a day with meds- that I'll charge more for.

I'd continue to offer dog walking, but that has been the hardest to find clients for.

Or drop the pet sitting entirely.

[wvugurl26]

The letter that used to accompany the Christmas card from my best friend was a real laugh. Her DH wrote it. I'm sure his family believed it. As that marriage continues to detoriate, no more Christmas letters. I think staying in that half done unhealthy relationship is worse than just ending it but it's not my life to live. Now God just needs to guide her DH and all will be well. Sure that's what he needs, divine guidance. She's suffered a lot so if religion is bringing her comfort fine but it won't magically transform her DH from being a first class douche canoe.

Other than that we don't receive any Christmas letters.

[soupandstew]

Supper is done and we are "beet" up.  Sauteed chicken tenders, beet greens and roasted beet.  So good.  

I'm going to work on the book again tomorrow, and it's a night off from cooking for me because we have the wine dinner.

I got an unexpected Christmas card from a former fellow parishioner, an incredible photographer.  We bought and framed one of her first photos back in the day when she was not sure about her talent-it now has pride of place in our entryway.  She's moved to Nebraska and still brings her artist eye to nature, seeing what others may miss.  The card made my day. 

[TheOtherMe]

I have enjoyed the letters over the years and I have enjoyed watching my friend's children grow up and go out on their own.  I wish I could get my sister to understand that you are raising your children to be independent adults.  One of my best friends from my working days said they felt really bad that both of their children chose to go out of state for college.  Then they realized they had done a good job of raising them because they were confident enough to spread their wings and go.

[jerseygirl]

Good news - jerseyguy out of hospital and in nearby rehab

Bad news - basement has 2” of water from the excessive rain. Sump pump not working? Need another?
Bad news- home phones not working. Couldn’t fix with customer service so technician coming tomorrow afternoon

[NoNamePerson]

Dec 18, 2023 21:37:14 GMT -5 jerseygirl said:

Good news - jerseyguy out of hospital and in nearby rehab

Bad news - basement has 2” of water from the excessive rain. Sump pump not working? Need another?
Bad news- home phones not working. Couldn’t fix with customer service so technician coming tomorrow afternoon

Yeah about jerseyguy good news!   May his rehab go smoothly and work small miracles!!

[giramomma]

Dec 18, 2023 17:00:16 GMT -5 soupandstew said:

Dec 18, 2023 16:57:30 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

My cleaners tell me that my house is cleaner than many of the super sized houses they clean.  

I have never kept a company ready house.  I think that exists for about 10 minutes

Mine's ready for company, if they like white wine and ignore the dust bunnies.  No one will catch anything from the toilet or die of food poisoning so we're good here I guess.  If my house isn't up to someone's standards, there's a 2-way street in front of my house and I'll show them the way to it.

Thank you. I needed to hear that. 

[NastyWoman]

Dec 18, 2023 21:58:20 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

Dec 18, 2023 21:37:14 GMT -5 jerseygirl said:

Good news - jerseyguy out of hospital and in nearby rehab

Bad news - basement has 2” of water from the excessive rain. Sump pump not working? Need another?
Bad news- home phones not working. Couldn’t fix with customer service so technician coming tomorrow afternoon

Yeah about jerseyguy good news!   May his rehab go smoothly and work small miracles!!

[taz157]

Dec 18, 2023 21:58:20 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

Dec 18, 2023 21:37:14 GMT -5 jerseygirl said:

Good news - jerseyguy out of hospital and in nearby rehab

Bad news - basement has 2” of water from the excessive rain. Sump pump not working? Need another?
Bad news- home phones not working. Couldn’t fix with customer service so technician coming tomorrow afternoon

Yeah about jerseyguy good news!   May his rehab go smoothly and work small miracles!!

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

I swear to goodness I made a Costco order on Black Friday. I figured out yesterday that it was never delivered. 
Heck if it actually exists in my account though. 
Good thing I finally realized it. Miss Grandbaby's Christmas present was part of it. 




Watching a cheesey Christmas movie and cleaning up emails. 

[giramomma]

Dec 18, 2023 18:21:56 GMT -5 lurkyloo said:

Ugh.  I’m thinking a little more clearly this week than last but I just kept rambling instead of making the succinct points I wanted to in that meeting.

I bumbled around a bit in my meeting today. 

Also answered one of their questions with a question. 

Next time, I won't schedule a cold call for 9 am on a Monday.

[minnesotapaintlady]

Got most of the Christmas stockings stuff bought while Carrot was at a meeting and got my potatoes put together for the pot luck.  Just have to get up at 5am to throw them in the oven.   I'm a little annoyed my Etsy order hasn't shipped yet.  I knew when I ordered it that it might not make it by Christmas, but you'd think in 6 days they'd at least have started it on it's way.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

I still need to wash one more load of peed on clothes.  2 of my Dale merino sweaters were included, and both washed up well on the hand wash cycle.  There is nothing left to pee on now, I need to get rid of the box, to remove any temptation.  

[Artemis Windsong]

Dec 18, 2023 22:12:55 GMT -5 giramomma said:

Dec 18, 2023 17:00:16 GMT -5 soupandstew said:

Mine's ready for company, if they like white wine and ignore the dust bunnies.  No one will catch anything from the toilet or die of food poisoning so we're good here I guess.  If my house isn't up to someone's standards, there's a 2-way street in front of my house and I'll show them the way to it.

Thank you. I needed to hear that. 

I seldom have people in.  I'd rather go out.  Over the years I have had damages, items stolen or hidden, just plain judgy people wanting to redecorate since their relative is a decorator. I could add more but won't since most people have had those experiences.

[countrygirl2]

I have been to the grocer and DD and I have things we like to eat. We also stopped at Burger King, its a new one and burgers were not very hot. I told them but they didn't offer different ones, just they would tell the cooks, that's ok, they were done.

Got home, took our pills. It was a late start, after sleeping so much yesterday I went to bed super late last night, sigh.

I am raising a half dozen of Rhodes rolls, DD and I like those things, I don't have a muffin tin here so can't bake more, I need to pick one up tomorrow, along with a heating pad, epsom salts and Vaseline bath beads for DD. My lower ribs on the outsides are really hurting me, wish I had picked up a heating pad this evening, but it was cold and raining out so came on home.

Cleaned her bathtub, sink, and commode and my sink and countertop. I have mopping and vaccuming to do tomorrow. Have not done much cleaning since being here. It's not bad but needs done.

Right now I'm breaking green beans, going to fix a kettle of them with bacon, water, and salt and let them cook down. LOVE fresh green beans cooked this way. Got mac salad and potato salad for DD and sushi, also have shrimp for her, she loves all that stuff.

So we are in warm and comfy, its 7 here so the evening is still young. I intend to eat some rolls tonight. I don't care if they are mainly air. I like them with butter and later some beans. Going to read later tonight a book called Standing at the Gate. And after apocalypse saga.

I'm kind of down tonight, miss hubs a lot, miss my kitties too. I just wish he would come too. I don't understand why he thinks he can't, its winter, he doesn't have all the houses to care for now and we could bring the cats. I don't know, he is hard to deal with. I would want to be with what family I have.

[andi9899]

Just finished putting together a care package of ornaments. I have a friend who has been displaying some signs of depression. She went to the ER recently as a result of expired medication. I'm not a doctor, but I thought the reason we don't take expired medication was because it is less effective, not that they would react with other regularly used medications. Again, I'm not a doctor, so what do I know.

Anyway, she called me Saturday and asked to come over. Cool, I'm down to chill at home. She made some comments about how she worries too much about what other people think about her. We talked about that. She said meet me was a blessing and she has been hugging me lately and telling me she loves me. I'm worried that she may do something to herself. I've heard that people do that before they end things.

She was talking about how her family doesn't really celebrate holidays and she needs a Christmas tree but doesn't have the money. I have an old one that I was going to throw away, so I said she could have it. There's nothing wrong with it, I just bought a bigger one. She said she tried to find ornaments at the dollar tree, but didn't find any. I have a ridiculous amount of ornaments, so I put a decent amount of them together too. I'll take them over tomorrow. I hope she's ok.

[Opti]

Dec 18, 2023 21:37:14 GMT -5 jerseygirl said:

Good news - jerseyguy out of hospital and in nearby rehab

Bad news - basement has 2” of water from the excessive rain. Sump pump not working? Need another?
Bad news- home phones not working. Couldn’t fix with customer service so technician coming tomorrow afternoon

Glad he is out and in rehab.

Sorry about the water. My shared basement storage is in a similar state although management does not have sump pumps. Today I decided to take pics so I could attach them to work orders. 7ish AM I think there was a hose placed in the basement, but over the outside staircase railing and dumped into a spot by a tree. I think we got more like 4 inches of rain in under 24 hours than the predicted 3 or less. Made a 1 minute video even as I am generally pissed and angry when not sleeping and having to change my work arrival time because I am car less and how the walk to the bus stop floods, I was not a happy camper.

So hopefully this holiday weekend, I only get Monday off, I will download the pics from my phone and get how bad it is and has been documented.