The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Oct 10, 2015 19:32:26 GMT -5
They can go on the stove and in the oven. So think of anything you brown then bake. This is generally true... I would recommend READING the packaging because sometimes the knob on top of the lid isn't all that heat resistant. I almost purchased an enameled iron dutch oven that had a knob that was only good in the oven up to 250 F. (what a joke!)
Thankfully, I avoided that one and purchase one that's good in the oven up to 400F (or something like that). I haven't put the dutch oven in the oven yet but should I need to I can.
I use the dutch oven on the stove top - it's wonderful for making jelly/jam - it heats evenly (and retains heat) and it's wide enough so I can quickly cook stuff to the proper consistency. I use it to make chili and soup. I don't have any stainless steel pots in this size so it's not competing with another pot that I have. (I've got an All Clad 8 quart stock pot that is worth every penny I paid for it.)
I bought a "Kenmore" branded one - when Sears was shutting down a store - I paid about $40 for it - it's 5.5 quarts and made in China. I managed to nick the enamel on one of the handles - so it's now got a "flea bite" Doesn't effect how it cooks - so I say I've now got a Customized Dutch Oven. I have some smaller Le Creuset covered casseroles and I've never managed to chip them - but they where MUCH more expensive. I was looking at the Martha Stewart brand of enameled iron Dutch ovens - but the "Kenmore" was $20 less....
Both the Le Creuset and the "Kenmore" interiors have gotten a bit discolored. Again nothing "icky" or damaging... they just been used.
If you think you have a use for the pot - and it's a color you like - I'd say go for it. $40 is a reasonable price (provided the pot handle won't melt in a hot oven... )
ADDED: I'm still using some 70's "spice of life" corningware covered casseroles in the oven (instead of a dutch oven). I make a mean coq au vin and a mighty fine pot roast on the stove top and in the oven in that old glassware. I should probably switch over to the enameled iron pot...
Cheap easy fix - go to the hardware store and buy metal knobs (like cabinet knobs) of course make sure they're metal (stainless steel is popular right now). Yea, you'll need a hotmit to lift the handle but you should be using one anyway with screaming hot cast iron. Most of the ones I've seen have the plastic knob that is screwed in from the bottom. Easy to swap out.
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Oct 10, 2015 17:41:48 GMT -5
It's not the neighbors, it's the space. I do understand why the OP wants to buy this land. It's probably the same reason we did. We live at the end of a dead end road, and our side yard is a forest. We own the property all the way to the road - about 100 yards away. No one can build there, and on this side of the house we have NOTHING in our way. Our window dressings are the fall colors right now. Since the land was purchased, it has probably increased in value about 400% in 12 years as there is no place else to build. The adjacent property to this land is up for sale, and it's going for over $1 million because this is a wanted development and there is really no place else to build houses. Even if that land sells, it won't have an impact upon our enjoyment of the house but it has given us the idea that if we sell this property and move out altogether, we'd have enough to be able to afford a house overlooking Puget Sound. The only thing I regret right now is that we didn't buy the land on the other side of us. They wanted too much for that property, it was sold and a house was built. Their kitchen looks directly into our master bathroom, so we can never open the shades. Previously, we had forested land there too. Our neighbors are not noisy, it's an elderly couple. There are 4 houses at the end of this road and everyone pretty much looks out for everyone else. There is no animosity. Ok, I understand what you are saying. You are looking at it as an investment.
My comment about nasty neighbors came from the first answer to the OP:
Life is too short to have nasty neighbors. Plant a veggie garden. And the OP liked this comment, so I thought that was why they were trying to buy the land.
From the point of view of an investment, I know OP is retired and at this moment does not have the money on hand. She's been free of debt for three years so far. That's a wonderful thing, I believe. Being debt free is worth much more than a thousand investments, in my book. It gives you real freedom. Go back to debt for what? To speculate? You are already retired, correct? You are ok financially, I believe. I wouldn't even bother in that case. Enjoy your life and your money. Take a nice trip somewhere you want to go if you can afford it.
Hmmm...makes me wonder if I'm that neighbor? In all seriousness, I'm glad you've had good luck with neighbors. At our last house we had two neighbors who were less than satisfactory. 1. One thought our back lot was his personal dumping ground. His kid took an ax to some of my fruit trees and he tried denying it until another neighbor (and friend who told us who did it) came over and told him he saw the kid doing it and told him to stop it. After that we had all kinds of stuff appearing in the back lot. There was only two ways to access that area of our property - you guessed it - the bad neighbor's property or the friends lot. It had to always be done at night because the friend was in his garden almost the whole day. 2. Another neighbor who set up their gutters and pool overflow/pump to drain onto our property. Then tried to claim they had no idea the landscape people must have done it... Our current house is on an acre (last was over 2). Fortunately we have much better neighbors here.
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Oct 10, 2015 13:52:20 GMT -5
Here is some inspiration Ok, did you hear that low moan coming from Illinois? God now I want pot roast for dinner! That browned fat looks umptous!
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Oct 10, 2015 13:43:22 GMT -5
Thank you so much for posting this! I learned something new!!! I did some research on the soap you mentioned, and based on prices for comparable products on Amazon $10 a bar isn't out of line. I have psoriasis and have tried so many different things to get it in check. Right now a home remedy of glycerin, tea tree oil, and coconut oil is the only thing that provides some relief. I'll get one of these bars to see what it does for me. If nothing else it will be good for my normal skin. You are very welcome! I'm here to spread the word on the wonders of using a product without harmful chemicals . Check the percentage of Laurel Berry Oil in the soap you find - the more LBO the better for your skin it is. A high percentage is around 30% - my skin is oily so I will make myself some with a percentage around 5 and it should be plenty moisturizing without needing to go higher. I have noticed that I used to get skin breakouts (weird little red spots that the doc couldn't define) since chemo...and I haven't had any for about the last 6 months. Is is because I switched from chemical-laden bath products? I believe so, but I can't make any kind of medical claims so I just keep using my soap figuring that whatever I am doing is working for me. Let us know how the soap you find works out you; I have a friend whose sister has psoriasis and she has already claimed a bar so eventually I will have some feedback that way too. I might suggest trying jojoba oil instead of coconut - it's the closest oil to sebum, which is produced in your body to moisturize/protect you skin and might be more beneficial than coconut oil which can be drying. I know you can get a little bottle at Trader Joe's for $8/9? something like that. Not too expensive if it helps. Ok, one more question - one of the reasons I initially choose coconut oil is that it's solid at room temp. When I mix this with the other stuff I get a nice creamy lotion that I've got some control when using a food service applicator to put on my scalp. I need some viscosity in the mixture or it's too runny and I can't control how quickly it comes out the applicator. If I switch to jojoba oil do you have any suggestions as to what I could use to get it a little thicker?
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Oct 10, 2015 13:39:42 GMT -5
Thank you so much for posting this! I learned something new!!! I did some research on the soap you mentioned, and based on prices for comparable products on Amazon $10 a bar isn't out of line. I have psoriasis and have tried so many different things to get it in check. Right now a home remedy of glycerin, tea tree oil, and coconut oil is the only thing that provides some relief. I'll get one of these bars to see what it does for me. If nothing else it will be good for my normal skin. Not to derail... but have you tried Exederm . OTC at walgreens. It is the only thing that has worked on my mange. I also gave some to a coworker... she randomly texted me out of the blue to tell me that it worked for her as well. Sorry for the derail, but seriously give this stuff a try. I'll give it a whirl. My psoriasis is worst on my scalp which is why it's so difficult to treat. Add to that thick wavy hair and getting the product to where it's needed is a joy.
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Oct 10, 2015 13:02:26 GMT -5
That's been requested, Phoenix. Moonbeam said she'd think about it. It's a difficult game to set up properly. Hey, that's ok if it isn't set up properly. Half of us don't know what we're doing but we sure get a kick out of trying and screwing around with those who think they know what they are doing We don't need a stinking game to do that, just saying...
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Oct 10, 2015 12:59:55 GMT -5
I'd have to divorce DH. Then I could live very cheaply indeed. I would want to keep internet but could easily ditch TV. DH can't live without TV, or pinball machines, or roller coaster trips, or... But then I'd have to pay someone to give me foot rubs. I think I've mentioned DH gives amazing foot rubs. Nah, it's probably cheaper to stay married. In all seriousness, while I truly respect minimalists, I appreciate my comforts too much to give them up if I can honestly afford them.
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Oct 10, 2015 11:34:57 GMT -5
Dear Universe,
Chinatown delivers to my area?!? Are you kidding me - I've been working here for 4+ years now and never knew that!!!
(so glad my younger, hipper staff - offered to coordinate the lunch order - Dim Sum it is).
We are rocking through the work!!! The piles on my desk are to manageable levels, the coffee cake was delicious and the music rocks.
It's a good day.
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Oct 10, 2015 11:21:57 GMT -5
Oh yes, our cash flow would easily cover the payments. If we financed it at 10 years it would be $560/mo, 15 years $404/mo, 20 years about $327/mo. I'm thinking 20 years and doubling or tripling the payment and then paying the balance in 2019 when DH has to start taking RMDs. What does bother me a bit is that we may be torn between taking a trip vs aggressively paying off the loan - and after DH's cancer issues I feel life is too short to put off travel. But it is also too short to risk nasty neighbors.... If you cash flow can cover it, then set it and forget it. I was paying down our current home on a 10 year plan until the kitchen cropped up. You know what - I'm going to enjoy the fruits of my labors a bit and you should as well. You can't take it with you. Not telling you to go nuts, but I sense you're as conservative as we are.
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Oct 10, 2015 11:12:09 GMT -5
www.myrecipes.com/recipe/roasted-red-pepper-soup-2This is very close to what I do, except I use balsamic vinegar instead of white wine vinegar. A squirt of siricha if you want it spicy or a dollap of sour cream or greek yogurt if you want it creamy. Damn, I think I know what my birthday present will be. Why can't you have two or three birthday presents. You work damn hard and you earned it. Umm, you haven't seen my taj mahal kitchen remodel thread have you? Yea...that's a BIG happy birthday, happy anniversary, merry x-mas, happy Hanukah, you get it... We're not going nuts, but it's gonna cost a lot more than I originally thought for it to be nice. Since this is (hopefully) the last time we'll do a kitchen I want it to be solid and last. We went under contract last week. Since I'm working crazy hours this month (it's actually our busiest of the year) we can't finalize finishes and design until after earnings release. We're meeting with the designer on the 24th to finalize the design. I'm trying to get excited about it...
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Oct 10, 2015 9:57:25 GMT -5
Can your cash flows cover the payments? If yes then go for it.
Life is too short to have nasty neighbors. Plant a veggie garden.
You're welcome!!
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Oct 10, 2015 9:36:04 GMT -5
The recipe was from the CD that was included: I roasted the peppers & skinned them, I think it was 1/2 & 1/2 and maybe some chicken stock. So from what I remember, there wasn't anything that caused the WOW factor. I may try your version.
QVC has been running a lot of free shipping and 5 or 6 payments, that's what I opted for. Why use my money when I can use theirs? www.myrecipes.com/recipe/roasted-red-pepper-soup-2This is very close to what I do, except I use balsamic vinegar instead of white wine vinegar. A squirt of siricha if you want it spicy or a dollap of sour cream or greek yogurt if you want it creamy. Damn, I think I know what my birthday present will be.
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Oct 10, 2015 9:31:40 GMT -5
Technically, the IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) for unenrolled preparers is a voluntary program. Indeed, one who does not complete the program is still permitted to prepare tax returns for remuneration. Unenrolled preparers must be aware, however, that not completing the "voluntary" AFSP can have very negative affects on their practice. Beginning on 1-1-16, unenrolled preparers who have not competed the AFSP will no longer be allowed even limited representation before the IRS. Those who complete the program by 12-31-15 will continue to have the same limited representation rights available now. Needless to say, losing the current limited practice rights could be devastating. Most of the information put out by the IRS about the AFSP highlights that completion is voluntary, being on its public list of AFSP tax preparers, getting a certificate to display, and being good for marketing. The losing of limited representation rights is added almost as an afterthought. I suspect that was done intentionally, in an effort to lay low after the RTRP debacle. The AFSP requirements are not onerous at all. They involve taking 18 hours of specific-course CPE, and passing a 100 question test. Tax ref - thanks for posting this. I've been in big 6 4 or corporate tax my whole career so didn't even know about this. I always had POA. How is the AFSP different from an EA? Do you by any chance know? I have my MST and as an officer of the corporation don't even need a POA anymore. I've played around with getting an EA status should I ever go into private practice - but in all honesty don't ever see that happening. Are you in private practice? Do you enjoy it - if you don't mind my asking?
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Oct 10, 2015 9:25:32 GMT -5
*Sob* can't do regular dairy.
wvugurl26 - feel your pain. One of DD's BFF's parents have a kitchen that is the. total. bomb. We hang together a decent amount.
A main sink and two prep sinks. 1 inch granite. Water faucet over the 8!!! burner cooktop with what I have to presume are professional grade BTU's (I think it was a wolf) flat top on the side. Sub Zero industrial size fridge...
Well you get the picture. Every Superbowl they throw a huge bash and we're invited. It's painfully obvious they (she) don't know how to run a kitchen so I always pitch in and help. It's like a dream - I've got mini sandwiches going on the flat top with grilled onions bacon and shrooms, two different kinds of chile and queso sauce on the burners (and there's still space open!!!) and hot apps running in the double oven.
I adore cooking for a crowd. It took about three or four get togethers for them to really believe that DH and I love to be in the kitchen (unless the game is actually on - then he's gone). It's fantastic - usually at least 6-8 women with wine glasses gathered around the huge freaking island, kids popping in and out sometimes asking for a special (grilled cheese with bacon or mushrooms or onions). Controlled chaos.
I can't wait to get our kitchen done. I've missed having our parties.
Blonde Granny - I may go the QVC route as like you, that's the best bundled deal I've seen so far. On the red pepper soup - did it have any acid in it? If you want one that really pops add some sour cream or greek yogurt and balsamic vinegar. I love roasted red pepper soup!
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Oct 9, 2015 13:58:35 GMT -5
(BTW - I trust but verify. My train friend has expensive tastes. Her kitchen remodel was not complete without a Viking cooktop and a sub zero fridge)
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Oct 9, 2015 13:56:09 GMT -5
Ok ladies - spill!
I know they are extremely well made which is something I'll pay a premium for hands down.
Can they really incorporate green leafy veggies into a smoothy so it completely blended in?
What do you use yours for?
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Oct 9, 2015 12:55:18 GMT -5
debthaven - I don't know how lucrative this is, but if it's decent coin can you check with your friend to see how much work there was on average to see if the retainer was a fair arrangement? As far as farming the work out, as a business person I can say that as long as the person I contract with owns the final product and ensures the level of quality I don't really care how it gets done. There is absolutely nothing wrong with you farming out, then doing a final quality check and signing off on the product. What you compensate your friend who helps you is up to you.
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Oct 9, 2015 12:49:14 GMT -5
Ok, I went to the website and I think you may be getting caught up in the mechanics of the programming. Do you have an unemployment office near you where you can go to speak to a real person? labor.mo.gov/DES/Claims/eligibility_webBased on my reading (and I'm no expert) you should be eligible to count your Q2-15 earnings. Good luck.
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Oct 9, 2015 12:22:25 GMT -5
Hello All !! ... Today in the mail I received 2 pounds of Laurel Berry Oil, an oil I've been anxiously awaiting to purchase. Laurel Berry oil is mixed with olive oil and together they make Aleppo soap, which is the first documented bar of soap ever. History and tradition on this soap go back 13 centuries! The properties of the olive and laurel berry oils are supposed to be amazing for your skin. Mild and moisturizing, it's a great soap for those with skin conditions like eczma and psoriasis. There are lots of people who attest to effectiveness of it; I'm going to have to wait until it cures for 6-9 months to find our for myself! The oil, from a reputable source, is not cheap. I paid $50 for two pounds, which means my bars of soap will have to sell for around $10 each if I plan to continue to make this soap. I haven't put it all into my calculator yet so I'll have a better idea of pricing after I do that. So that's my introduction - feel free to ask questions or make comments. I don't mind sharing recipes or the costs of things with everyone, there's a lot of good information on the internet - I guess I was just super lucky to have a mentor to steer me in the right direction so I'm good with passing on my knowledge to anyone who wants it! Thanks for letting me share my passion. Thank you so much for posting this! I learned something new!!! I did some research on the soap you mentioned, and based on prices for comparable products on Amazon $10 a bar isn't out of line. I have psoriasis and have tried so many different things to get it in check. Right now a home remedy of glycerin, tea tree oil, and coconut oil is the only thing that provides some relief. I'll get one of these bars to see what it does for me. If nothing else it will be good for my normal skin.
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Oct 9, 2015 11:26:17 GMT -5
Hickle,
Can you give us more information? My DH has gotten UI (in IL) four times and the date he filed had nothing to do with the benefits to which he was entitled.
On the face of it, this doesn't sound right. BUT it is a different state.
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Oct 9, 2015 10:48:08 GMT -5
I'm with lexxy703, it doesn't matter as long as you tap! (I'm so excited to see more activity on this - thanks for keeping it going!)
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Oct 9, 2015 10:28:17 GMT -5
Ok peeps, need some help here.
We've always done fruit smoothies with a stick blender. I want to start putting some greens in as well and don't like juicers because I feel like they're messy and there's waste.
I'm told this puppy can grind up raw veggies into a drinkable smoothie that's tasty if you add the right things. Hot soups, frozen fruit sorbets etc.
Anyone have one? Yea, I know they're pricey but I've been saving my allowance and can treat myself if it's as awesome as one of my train buddies says.
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Oct 9, 2015 9:49:56 GMT -5
Have I said before I love my staff?
Between the extra support we've given the outside units, me being out sick two days, and another staff being out a day we are kinda in the weeds.
I've got 80 state returns to get in the mail by 10/15. We're in a quarter end close, and two of us are not operating at full capacity. About 2/3's of the returns are prepared, I've got most of those reviewed (with 20 more returns to review being done today).
Oh yea, we're also in the middle of a quarter end close.
My senior came to me and told me he was already planning on coming in both days this weekend. I reminded him the marathon is on Sunday. You really don't want to be in downtown Chicago during the marathon unless you want to be (and we don't).
I asked my other staff if they could come in on Saturday to get us caught up and they all readily and positively agreed. Even my intern is coming in (they're the only one who will get paid - I'll give the others comp time).
They'll get lunch on me and I'll bring in some yummy coffee cakes from a local bakery. Don't know what else I can do, but man do I appreciate them.
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Oct 9, 2015 8:56:37 GMT -5
Meow = yes
Woof = yes
Litter also.
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Oct 9, 2015 8:47:07 GMT -5
The Martian is incredible btw. I'll probably have it finished tonight.
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Oct 9, 2015 8:45:56 GMT -5
ZaireinHD - good to see you, we've missed you buddy! Yes. My wedding. We were very clear about adults only. Well one cousin decided that rule didn't apply to him and he brought his two, small kids who screamed and cried during the whole mass/exchanging of the vows. Didn't even have the decency to take them out to try to calm them down. It was so bad even my grandmother got mad at him. Then there was the last minute drama/scramble at the dinner reception because nothing on the menu was apparently something the kids would eat. Yea - I'll admit that it really pissed me off to pay adult plate prices for a hot dog and grilled cheese. We had it videotaped for my grandfather who was in the hospital. He had to watch it with sound off because you couldn't hear anything over the kids' crying. What is your favorite personal care item? (I'm still in love with oil of olay shea butter body wash after using it for a year!)
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Oct 9, 2015 8:37:37 GMT -5
My condolences for your loss. I am glad you did have some time together, though.
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Oct 9, 2015 8:33:50 GMT -5
You mean are my limbs vibrating, am I having trouble keeping focus, and did I toss and turn most of the night? Yea... I won't even go into what is going on in my gut. There's a reason I put off going on these meds until there's really no choice. BUT I'm not wheezing anymore and can take a deep breath. That's a relief. It's been building up so gradually I didn't really notice how tight I was. Plus I'm being more (sorry to get gross) productive, so the bad stuff is getting out of my system. I forgot to ask - 3 freaking months with bronchitis?!? How the hell did you manage? I'm going on about two weeks now and am so done. I get home, take a hot shower and crawl into bed. Thanks for asking! Can you eat yogurt? It really helps with the stomach issues. Sorry that you have to take the steroid meds, but I know sometimes there are no other options. Yea. That's part of my normal prednisone/antibiotic routine. I eat yogurt anyway. I make a big batch of veggie soup (which I haven't had a chance to do yet ) to knosh on in between meals so I'm not driven nuts by phantom hunger pains. Breakfast every morning is a fresh fruit smoothie with bananas, strawberries and blueberries, a 8oz greek yogurt, and some milk to thin it till it's drinkable. Lucky for me I had DH get a bunch of fresh fruit and prep it for me last weekend or I'd be deep in the weeds. We were going to have smoothies for dinner one night but I just went straight to bed and DH and DD scrounged. It worked out.
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Oct 9, 2015 8:24:08 GMT -5
It's interesting how my views have changed over time.
When I first started business travel I was terrified of spending too much. Would order water and no apps for dinner etc. Didn't call home because long distance was so expensive (cell phones were rare - remember the calling cards?).
Then I started to audit various expense reports when I admimisterd the relocation program. AND when I started hosting corporate dinners and found out what other were spending it blew my mind.
We had one event where I hosted 8 people including myself at an Italian restaurant. We shared 3 apps, ordered moderate dinners, and split two bottles of win. I think it was about $400 including tip. Not too bad for Chicago Metro area but I was worried I was going to get flack for the wine.
THEN I heard about one of the other groups where the bar tab alone was over $100 pp. I guess it's not hard to do when you're doing top shelf shots, but I still can't wrap my mind around it to this day.
Yea.
Now I don't feel as bad if I want a glass of wine with dinner or order something other than the cheapest item on the menu. I eat and drink comparably (not really - DH and I are great cooks) to how I eat at home.
Some people think the "taxpayers" shouldn't pay for alcohol etc. Ummm, no - it's my company paying, of which only 50% is deductible anyways.
I still can't bring myself to order some of the lavish meals I hear about from some of my counterparts. Yea, you're enduring a "hardship" for the company but I don't spend other people's money any differently than I spend my own.
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Oct 9, 2015 0:01:49 GMT -5
It is midnight. I get up in 5 hours and I'm wired for sound.
Ugg.
|
|