Brain Cramps

My mom emailed this to me. I just HAD to share. There were photos with it. I will work on adding them.

(On September 17, 1994, Alabama's Heather Whitestone was selected as Miss America 1995.) Question: If you could live forever, would you and why? Answer: "I would not live forever, because we should not live forever, because if we were supposed to live forever, then we would live forever, but we cannot live forever, which is why I would not live forever," --Miss Alabama in the 1994 Miss USA contest .
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"Whenever I watch TV and see those poor starving kids all over the world, I can't help but cry. I mean I'd love to be skinny like that, but not with all those flies and death and stuff." --Mariah Carey
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"Smoking kills. If you're killed, you've lost a very important part of your life," --Brooke Shields, during an interview to become spokesperson for federal anti-smoking campaign. &nbs p;
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"I've never had major knee surgery on any other part of my body," --Winston Bennett, University of Kentucky basketball forward.
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"Outside of the killings, Washington has one of the lowest crime rates in the country," --Mayor Marion Barry, Washington , DC .
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"That lowdown scoundrel deserves to be kicked to death by a jackass, and I'm just the one to do it," --A congressional candidate in Texas .
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"Half this game is ninety percent mental." --Philadelphia Phillies manager, Danny Ozark
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"It isn't pollution that's harming the environment. It's the impurities in our air and water that are doing it." --Al Gore, Vice President
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"I love California . I practically grew up in Phoenix ." -- Dan Quayle
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"We've got to pause and ask ourselves: How much clean air do we need ?" --Lee Iacocca
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"The word "genius" isn't applicable in football. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein." --Joe Theisman, NFL football quarterback & sports analyst. ````````````````````````````````````````````
"We don't necessarily discriminate. We simply exclude certain types of people." --Colonel Gerald Wellman, ROTC Instrutor.
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"Traditionally, most of Australia 's imports come from overseas." --Keppel Enderbery
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"Your food stamps will be stopped effective March 1992 because we received notice that you passed away. May God bless you. You may reapply if there is a change in your circumstances." --Department of Social Services, Greenville , South Ca rolina
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"If somebody has a bad heart, they can plug this jack in at night as they go to bed and it will monitor their heart throughout the night And the next morning, when they wake up dead, there'll be a record." --Mark S. Fowler, FCC Chairman
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Feeling smarter yet?

Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )

Halloween Project

This evening, Cassi, Daddy, and I worked on a craft project for Halloween. I found the project on crayola.com, making pumpkins out of brown bag lunch bags. At first, it was working great. We were all working together. Then, Cassi decided she wanted to do her own thing. She was cutting paper, that I asked her not to do, TWICE. So, I yelled, and daddy decided he was finished becasue I was getting mad.

In the end, everyone left but me. I finished Cassi's pumpkin. Cassi came back and helped me finish my pumpkin. The pumpkins look cute. Her's is rainbow colored with black eyes, nose, and mouth. My pumpkin is all orange, with red eyes, black nose, and red mouth. My is evil looking.

But, it was fun, in the end.

Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )

Today Was a Resting Day!

Of course, I had so much work to do for school. But, the body said, "I've had enough!" It was a break day. I had one news story that just needed some quotes for finishing. But, I've got 2 news stories to write from the beginning. They are both due on Thursday, but I'm going to have to convince Cliff that Friday they'll be there.

I just needed to sleep. And sleep I did. I got up and got Cassi ready for school. Now, mind you I didn't even get dressed to take her down the street to school. Dropped her off and came back home, only to sleep for 3 more hours on the recliner. Boy did I need it! I must still be shaking off this cold I had last week. Plus, with finally working on the floor at the job, retail drains you mentally and physically.

I did, however, walk down to school to pick up Cassi this afternoon. A good mile walk helped me wake up. We invited Jo and her sister Hayley over for Thursday after school. We'll do a movie and popcorn or something for an hour or 2. Then, we got home and I made pumpkin bread. It's actually the Zucchini Bread recipe noted earlier in a recipe share. I just substituted canned pumpkin for the zucchini. I've done this before with good results. I'm going to try for the first time to make the bread with bananas tomorrow. I froze some bananas when they got over ripe. We'll see how it works. Will let you know after I try it.

I also did one load of laundry, folded a few loads of laundry, and washed one load of dishes. Now, Cassi is looking for the garage remote to play outside. I also need to make din-din for hubby who works tonight.

Then, later, I've got last minute studying to do for an exam tomorrow. AND, we're going to the store to look at ice skating prices for Cassi. We're going to keep her busy in Nov and Dec with skating lessons.

That's it for now. I'll probably add more later as I think of it.

Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )

Work = Good for Weight Loss

Okay. I've decided to add my weight loss blog into this blog. No need to go there anymore. Right now, I'm cooking dinner, in my jammie because I had a LONG day at work. I was on my feet for 8 hours, and sweated the entire time. I ran the self-check cash registers, being in charge of 4 self-checks, along with a regular register. I was continually walking around to all 4 registers.

By doing this, I did ALOT of walking. I just knew I should have used my digiwalker. I must have used at least 2 miles today. After getting home, I went right to the shower and into my jammies.

I know I'll definitely lose more weight because of working on the weekends.

Conclusion, Work = Good for Weight Loss!

Downside, I've got sore feet because they haven't been on concrete like that in years, probably since I worked for the post office in NJ.

Gotta go. Need to check din-din.

Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )

My First Paycheck

I'm now a tax-paying citizen again. I just got my first paycheck from work. Not a bad pull for only working 2 days a week. Luckily, I started working at the beginning of a work period. Plus, they are willing to schedule me for 8-hour shifts.

Today, after finishing my LAST computer training, I went to the floor to shadow. We ended up in the self-check out section of town, which has only been available two days. I immediately went up to the customers to help them check out and answer any questions they had. I was a pro. We got two questions answered today. Both of us didn't know how specific things worked on the new machines. Cool! The woman who is the head cashier (yep, there were two today) liked the fact that I'm a go-getter to be on my own quickly. So, I work again tomorrow morning 8-5. Most likely, I'll be there again. We'll see. I can shadow as well. Whatever they want me to do. I think come tomorrow, instead of shadowing, I'll run the register and ask questions where needed.

Oh, an interesting meeting happened today. A nice, older gentleman came over to where I was doing my computer training, and he was doing the same. Come to find out we have a contact in common. When I made the comment about working just weekends because of school and then mentioned E&Y. He asked me if I knew, "so and so." Which I ABSOLUTELY did. So, he's going to put me in contact with her. I can't wait to catch up with her. I haven't seen her since I was laid off (6 years ago). He named people I used to work with, who he is now working with on business ventures. So, it turned out to be a VERY nice day at work.

Even though it is a warmer night here in dreary Northeast Ohio, I decided to make myself a cup of chai tea. Okay, I actually made a pot. Because the tea comes loose-leaf type, I made a pot. The business that hubby and I run, selling Watkins products, makes an OUTSTANDING chai. We had a customer where we used to live who bought it all the time. She taught me about chai and how to prepare it, etc. Plus, "Good Eats" on Food TV also showed me about tea in general.

So, I'm now on my second cup for the evening. Since walking through the door, I did: laundry, dishes, cooked dinner, made my tea. Now, I've got laundry to fold and laundry to get into the dryer. If I don't I won't have jeans to wear to work tomorrow.

Oh, when I went to see Jason, hubby and I stopped into the Lane Bryant outlet store. I tried on jeans, as I have been too concerned about wearing jeans and my looks since having Cassi. Yes, folks, it has been almost 7 years since I was REALLY able to wear jeans. Now, I've got two pairs. Our camper friends, Bob and Betty, well, Betty said that I look thinner with the jeans. Well, I am losing weight still too. Of course I would look GREAT. But, the compliment helped. And, with all this walking I'm doing at school, DEFINITELY helps. So, I am off to the basement to get the laundry in the dryer.

With that, I'm going to close for the night. I might do an email before I go to bed. When I go to bed, I've got a movie to watch and laundry to fold on the bed.

Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )

My Week - School

Okay. This week has been VERY rough. At school, we got our first newspaper published. As part of my Capstone class, which is COM426, we produce a newspaper every two weeks, after the initial four to get things rolling. We just had the first issue published, but we already have to have our news stories ready for the next deadline, which just happens to be next Wednesday. That's okay. I've got a few story leads, plus my feature/column I'm writing. For this upcoming issue, I'm writing a feature/column about older-Americans going back to school. Then, I'm interviewing some people at the Cleveland Marshall Law School about the upcoming renovations/construction to their building. Then, I took over the job of doing an interview about the new PC repair shop. Quite an impressive amount of stories that have to be completed by Wednesday. But, I can handle it!

Oh, if you want to see my stories online, our newspaper also has the stories being posted. The Web site address is: http://www.csuohio.edu/clevelandstater. This week, I will have the paper edition of my news stories available for viewing on my eportfolio site. Not only did I have 2 of the 3 stories I wrote in the print edition, I also formatted page 4, finished page 2, and helped with page 3. AND, I got a half page advertisement that landed on page 8. Then, I went to the State of the University address by President Schwartz and took photos. Busy week for the newspaper girl. Then, once the paper was printed, I was tasked to walk about campus, delivering copies where needed. I had 5 places to go. AND, after working all day Thursday with Rob to put in a new front door (another story), I got my exercising in with carrying 100 newspapers to five locations, of which I was able to find four!

I'm REALLY trying to get back to my creative writing, but it appears I have writer's block again. Also, it might be from the newspaper writing I've been doing. I'm writing, but a different type of writing.

So, my motto is, what news stories can I come up with for the next edition. Low and behold, here, in the goold ole' state of OH, they have a holiday coming up on 10/21 that's called Sweetest Day. I never heard of it before coming to Ohio. Someone said to me it was just a holiday created for American Greetings to sell more cards. Ohio, and Cleveland especially, just happens to be home to American Greetings.

For our edition, coming out on October 20, I am doing a funny column about love and the internet. As most of you have read, I met hubby through the internet. The short-short version: 1. We met just after Valentine's day in 1997, 2. We dated for 3 weeks, 3. We got married on 3/14/1997, 4. We've now been married for almost 10 years (2007 will be the 10-year anniversary).

So, part of my research is looking for anyone who has gotten married after meeting their significant other through the net. I WOULD LOVE to interview you for my story. I might also submit my story to the Plain Dealer (in Cleveland) and my local papers out here in Lorain County. Would be neat to see it published professionally.

Now, with all this going on this week, we also finished watching "Mona Lisa Smile" in the Gender in Communication class. We have a paper due on Monday. It's not your typical, "looks like an English paper"-type paper. Specifically, it is to answer 3 questions, dealing with the issues we are looking at in class. In this case, about the women's movements. For the next paper, we're watching "He Said, She Said." So, I've got Netflix all ready for the movies to rent and watch at home. For each paper, they are extra credit, allowing me up to 5 extra credit points for my final grade. With over 10 movies to watch over the semester (maybe), I could get a pretty good grade. Plus, next Wednesday, we've got our first exam (of three). And who said I'm not in classes full-time. Even though I'm only in two classes, I work like I'm in three.

Plus, an idea came to me. With the knowledge that I've got nine classes left, I'll be in classes full-time for the last three semesters of college. This will allow me to graduate in Spring 2008. WHOO! HOO! Right now, my GPA is 3.57, which I'm hoping to get up to a 3.75. I'm going to apply this week to see if I'm eligible for the Honors Program. Worst they can say is I'm not qualified enough. Because I'm a transfer student, I have to be at least a Junior-level student. Okay, according to the college, I'm a Senior. I initially qualify. We'll take it from there. Will let you know if I am accepted. This would mean free tuition and books. We can only hope. It also typically means free room and board, but I don't need the room part. Board would be good because I could get lunch while I'm at school.

Okay. That's it for now about school. I've got other stuff I want to talk about too. I'm supposed to be watching my movie because I've got work tomorrow morning. But, oh well.

Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )

The Cranky Clevelander

Issue 3, September 18, 2006

Okay, here goes. I've got some training-related gripes this week. And, as you can tell, Monday is now the day for my issues.

1. Web-based training versus hands-on training. Okay, this REALLY gripes my ass. I'm in this training class because it is REQUIRED to allow me to do what I have to do for working. But, when you go to the training on the computer, things that you are supposed to do as part of the process get bypassed. Well, we'll just forget steps 1-20 because you've already done them, or you already know how to do them. How does this DAMNED computer know I know these steps, just because I passed the earlier trainings does not mean I KNOW how to do these steps. Not once did I see a complete process from start to end. I know I won't have a problem when I do it LIVE, but I want to see a complete process from start to end.

2. Web-based training SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS. Okay, this is a second problem with certain web-based trainings. They are too old. The trainings are more than 2 years old. When a video says one thing about a process and the web-based training says another, which way is correct? Get your trainings on the same page! Plus, with each of the web-based trainings, make sure you have TRUE subject matter experts to review the assessments. Because these assessments require the test-taker to make 100%, any missed questions are repeated with other questions CLOSE TO the original question. But, make sure the answers for the original questions are CORRECT. I was asked a question, which I knew the answer and knew I was correct. The WBT says that I am wrong, but asks me a follow-up question. The question is basically the same as the first, which I get right. There is NO REASON to have trainings like this. No wonder why turnaround is so bad. Get the training RIGHT the first time. If it's WRONG, spend the money to get it RIGHT. Maybe you'll keep the employees who want to stay. With all the profit that is being made, SPEND some of the money to make the training correct. AND, when trainings are updated, update everything that needs to be updated.

3. Being sick. Short and to the point, if you are sick, stay home! I don't care if you lose money or time from school. When you are sick, you are sharing you sicky bugs with everyone you come in contact with, especially when you have to share computers. For some reason, sicky bugs zero in on me and decide to become GIANT mutant bugs that want to zap the life out of me. STAY HOME! I will because I am a caring, not-wanting-to-share-my-bugs adult.

4. Unpaid Internships: What the HELL is the problem with companies? For some people who want to get into your industry, an unpaid internship is completely out of the question. Especially for those people who are 35, going to college because of need to get a better degree, but also have a family, a home, and bills. Internships should be based on past experience, along with school experience. Then, a monetary amount should be considered. Example: not naming names: A woman, who is 35 years old, is in college for her Bachelor's Degree in English, but also has over 10 years experience in the working world, specifically working for a Big 4 Professional Services firm. This example person should be able to get an internship with pay based on the past experience and the fact that said person also has an Associate's Degree in Communications.

Okay, that's enough for gripes for this week. Had some good ones come up on me yesterday, which allowed me to go where this issue needed to go. It feels very therapeutic.

With gripes galore,
The Cranky Clevelander
(AKA Cathy 8^ )

Product Endorsement: Dove Intense Frizz Control

As most of you know, I've got a 6-year-old daughter. Before I had her, my hair grew and GREW and GREW! I typically had to get my hair cut every four weeks. Not anymore. Since having her, my hair hasn't been growing longer, it has been growing OUT!

As I've jokingly told people, "it's my FRO!"

Over this past summer, I came across an AWESOME product, Dove Intense Frizz Control. I put it on whether my hair is wet or dry. It helps keep my hair un-FRO looking. It's all because my hair is so thick.

As my girlfriend, Jacci's, daughter has told me, "I thought there was some black in you." Hilarious. Just hilarious because Jacci is black, and we think of her and her family as our extended family. Cassi's hair is equally as thick, but, haven't needed to use this stuff on her hair yet.

If you've got the FRO-looking hair, poofy and big, like it doesn't want to grow long, but out, try this. I don't think you will be disappointed.

With that, gotta go.

Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )

Eye of GOD!

Thought I would share the forward my mom sent me today. I just couldn't believe the photo when I opened it. Here is the text from the email:


Dear All: This photo is a very rare one, taken by NASA. This kind of event occurs once in 3000 years. This photo has done miracles in many lives. Make a wish ... you have looked at the eye of God. Surely you will see the changes in your life within a day. Whether you believe it or not, don't keep this mail with you. Pass this at least to 7 persons. This is a picture NASA took with the Hubbell telescope. Called "The Eye of God." During the next 60 seconds, Stop whatever you are doing, and take this opportunity.

(Literally it is only One minute!) Just send this to people and see what happens.


Whether or not the photo is true, it is an amazine graphic. Of course, I haven't looked it up on snopes.com yet, not tried to find it on NASA's Web site. But, after I upload, I'll look into it.

So,

Without further interruption,

Here,

Is,

The,

Picture:

Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )

FYI...The REAL information on this photo per www.snopes.com.

The above-displayed image is a real photograph of the Helix Nebula, although it's technically not a single photograph but rather a composite image formed from several photographs taken by NASA's orbiting Hubble Space Telescope and a land-based telescope at the Kitt Peak National Observatory near Tucson, Arizona. This image was NASA's "Astronomy Picture of the Day" for 10 May 2003.

The Helix Nebula does not naturally appear with the colors shown above, however; the tinting of the image is artificial. The picture's "Eye of God" appellation is a title coined by an admirer of the photo due to the nebula's resemblance to a human eye, not something designated by NASA, and the nebula is also visible all the time, not merely "once in 3000 years." Last updated: 5 July 2006

Great News from my Transfer Advisor!

And hubby didn't think I should come to school today. I had my meeting with my transfer advisor. It has been 11 months since I met with him last. At the last time, we were waiting on confirmation of foreign language taken in high school. Even though my Spanish I was not on my high school transcript, Spanish II and Spanish III were. That was all he needed to validate those two classes.

Ok, so that means I have 2 less classes I have to take.

Next, I have been .7 (point 7) credits short in transferring in my math class. At the first meeting, I was told I would need to take one math class. I started to take it and withdrew because the class really SUCKED. I was going to petition for the credits. At today's meeting, I was told all credits that had partials (5.3) would get rounded up to the next credit. So, I now have 6 credits required for gen ed in Math.

Ok, so that means I have 3 less classes I have to take.

WHOO! HOO!

This means if I buckle down hard for the next three (3) semesters, I can graduate in Spring 2008. I will have to take full-time classes for the last 3 semesters. But, if everyone helps me out, I can graduate in Spring 08 instead of Fall 08. That's 7 months ahead of schedule for a job. So, if I wanted to, I could take classes this summer and be done in Fall 07, but I think that would be too much to take 3 classes on a shorter 12-week schedule. But, my goal is to get a job in my degree for the summer.

So, I'm still trying for the 3.75 GPA this semester. That will DEFINITELY help me toward scholarships. Maybe I'll stop at Campus 411 (information desk) to ask about upcoming scholarship opportunities.

So, in conclusion, I will have my Bachelor's Degree in English, along with a certificate for Professional Writing as I have been doing both at the same time.

Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )

Missed Communications?

How do you try to tell your spouse/significant other how important it is for you to get the best possible grades in your classes? Even if it means being at school during your off-days?

My goal this semester is 2 A's. I'm taking 2 classes this semester: Gender in Communication and Lab Newspaper I. If I can get the A's, I believe my GPA will shoot up from 3.57 to 3.75. I want to get as high as possible.

Plus, for this first printing of the newspaper, I had to sell ad space. Luckily, the contact I worked with, for Today's Bride Magazine, they are purchasing half page ad space for 2 editions. My minimum ad space goal was 2 editions, whether it be with one customer or two. But, I also have another contact who will get back in touch with me over the next week or so to determine if she is advertising in the paper too. So, maybe I'll get extra brownie points for it.

I'm continuing to look at opportunities for scholarships. I'm also going to make sure I apply for the school-based scholarships this spring for next week.

An interesting tid-bit. I'm scheduled to meet with my transfer advisor tomorrow. When I went to make the appointment, the girls at the desk told me that I am considered a Senior this year. Wow! I didn't realize that. I figured since I've still got 2 years left of actual study, I would considered a Junior. But, must be because I have the Associate's Degree.

So, I've completed two of my news stories. The third story, which was my final from my Media Writing class back in spring will make three. Because they had no one for the print edition for the "Perspectives" page, he decided to put my story there. Also, I mentioned to my advisor how I had the "hang up" call from hubby. He told me I needed to go because he didn't want to see me get divorced, but I was getting ready anyway. But, I told him not to worry because hubby's got too much invested in me and that come March, we'll be married 10 years. Then, I told him how we met through the net. Here's the short of it: we met through the net and got married after 3 weeks. He thinks this story would be a great news column for the next edition. I'm very excited because I may get to be a main person who writes the columns for the paper.

For those of you who know newspaper columnists, I'm taking after Dick Feagler. He's a news columnist for The Plain Dealer and has an English Degree. My role model!

Okay. I'm going to go for now. I've got some reading to do for Gender class. We get to watch Mona Lisa Smile in class Friday and possibly a test next week.

Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )

I just learned something about Blogger.com.

Back in July, I created a post based on someone else's post, talking about how this guy got fired because of HIS blog. One of the comments on my post was this:

"The guide for most blogs is that if there is anything that you don't want everyone - and I mean EVERYONE - to read and react to, then you shouldn't put it into a blog. Just as a note, some employers also do Google searches of potential employees searching for stuff, so it is more than just badmouthing your employer."

While researching their beta blogger site, as they are coming up with upgrades to the site, I was reading about the new sites. To upgrade to a new blogger site, you need to have a Google account. Also, as I was skimming through the "terms and policies" piece, there were links galore to Google Web pages. It appears that Google owns Blogger.

So, if you're wondering WHY when you do a search on Google your name, and it comes up for your Blogger site, this is why. Google must catalog the blog sites to the search engine, allowing for potential employers to find you.

As I've said before, don't openly badmouth past, current, or future employers.

Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )

The Cranky Clevelander
Issue 2, September 11, 2006

In issue 2, I'll be talking about a few things. I've been keeping a list, which has actually gotten quite large. So, I'll keep the griping down to two or three items. Remember, these are MY gripes. If you don't like them, fine! If you do like them, fine!

First off, most of you know that I am now working part-time on the weekends. This main issue raises multiple gripes. 1. Yes, I know I HAVE to work. But, with going to school, there should be something out there to help me be able to pay bills, live, etc., that would allow me to not have to work. 2. I had orientation this past weekend. Because I have done training like the woman who lead the training, I knew what she was doing. Basically, orientation SUCKED! I was so bored. Becasue of the fact I was in business, I have a business frame of mind. There were so many times that this one participant continued asking the same questions. The trainer should have said to her, table the questions until the end of class. We can discuss them one-on-one. Also, there were a few times when the trainer wasn't able to answer the questions that the students asked. But, I did. Like travel time and mileage. My past, with my traveling, etc., I knew what she was talking about. My store is a main training site. So, my training was at home base. I didn't qualify for travel and mileage. NO PROB. But, for those coming for orientation from other stores, they had no concept of the differences and the time they would earn for the time it took them to travel to the story. Example: It typically takes you 15 minutes to get from your house to work at your regular store, but it took you a half hour to get from home to orientation. You would get paid for the 15 minute difference in time for travel. That's very no nonsense. She couldn't explain it how I just explained it. The same for mileage. 3. Discounts. Yes, I will be working in a retail establishment, to remain nameless. When I was hired, there was no mention of discount. But, everyone I told about the job all said, "Oh, so you'll be able to get a discount!" Which is what I thought. Someone at orientation asked about our discount. "There is no discount. Because if we gave you a discount, you would bring in everyone you know to get your discount. So, no one gets it." What a JIP! I'm so turned off. That was a point that should have been brought out in the interview. Everyone assumes that you get a discount when you work at a retail establishment. WRONG!

So, the bottom line is, I'm not happy working at this job. If a better job becomes available, I'll probably take it. If the job is in retail, it should have a discount.

#2 Cell phones and driving! Okay, this is a good one. For those of you unfamiliar with this area, I live about a half hour west of downtown Cleveland, OH. To get there, you have to travel over the highway to get there. Last week, I was coming home from school. I think it was Wednesday. As I was getting off the off-ramp, there was this young-looking, female driver in front of me. You can clearly see that she is on the phone. I come to find out that she is fumbling with her phone because, right there on the off-ramp, she slams on her brakes, she drives into the burm on both sides of the road. She is basically not watching the road, but is more concerned with the phone. As I come up behind her at the end of the off-ramp, we're getting onto a 4-lane road. I pushed the petal down and roared my car past her. I can't believe people can be so insensitive to other drivers. Also, this driver was VERY dangerous. I agree that cell phones should not be used when driving. I know that I do use my cell phone when I am driving. But, when I do, I am overly sensitive about it and react. I am making sure that my cell phone doesn't get in the way of my driving. If it ever does, I tell the person I'm talking to that I'm driving and I've got to get off.

Finally, PEOPLE BE SENSITIVE TO OTHERS! You could kill yourself and others.

Okay, that's it for now. I've got more, but will keep them until next week. Remember, if you've got a gripe you want to share, just let me know.

Signing off,
Cathy
The Cranky Clevelander

The Anti-Blogger

Yep, folks. I've been the anti-blogger for the past week. It has been VERY crazy for me. I'm still working on finishing my 5 news stories for my Lab News class. I've got 1 done, 1 almost, 1 tonight (piano and violin concert). Then, I've got 2 to do and finish. My goal is to get them done by Thursday. The one I've got finished and the one tonight are going into the first published edition of the paper. The others, plus the 2 for the published edition will all go out onto the newspaper's Web site.

So, I've been very anti-, but have been commenting on my blog friend's sites.

A sad day for me yesterday. Our first kitten has gone to his new home. Rob's friend from work came over with her kids yesterday. The first thing they saw was "Popeye" who will now be renamed by them. This was the orange kitten. They wanted him immediately. Luckily, I had a litter pan, which made it easier for her to get him started in his new home. They, of course, had to stop on the way home for litter and food. But, since we'll be visiting their house, we'll still get to see him as he grows up. So, not a complete loss. As we visit, I'll keep updating with more photos.

So, my dilemna, I've got mom and fluffy girl to adopt out. I'm trying to get them adopted this week. But, if they don't get adopted, I'll end up having to take them to a shelter. We are keeping the two, boy and girl, who appear to be the runts of the litter. We'll take them to get fixed and shots, etc. In the end, we'll end up with three cats, one adult and two kittens (who won't be kittens for long). If ANYONE knows of anyone wanting a kitten or adult, both females, they are up for adoption. The kitten IS litter trained. (psst. Marie, try to talk mom and dad into taking mom!)

Okay. I've got The Cranky Clevelander to post. It's late, but that's okay. It's my news blog anyway!

Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )

The Cranky Clevelander

Issue 1, September 3, 2006

Yes, this issue is being brought to you on MONDAY, September 4, 2006. I just got this idea from my adopted little sister, Vegas Princess. So, this is my opening issue. I just wanted to thank Princess for this idea. She called her Gripes of the Week. I like the Cranky Clevelander, myself.

So, as time and activities will allow, I will be posting my gripes every Sunday for your enjoyment. Agreed, I will not experience all of the Gripes that Cleveland has to offer. By all means, if you have a gripe, please share with the crowd. Also, if you are in another town, I may decide to add: Gripes from Other Cities in the issues. I will take your suggestion into consideration and add it to the next issue.

Until Sunday, I'll have my GripePad out, taking notes!

Cathy
8^ (
(good icon for being cranky)

Zucchini Bread - Recipe Share

This recipe comes strait from Grandma Rizor's files (Rob's grandma).

Ingredients:

3 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup oil
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups zucchini - grated (do not peel)
3 cups flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 TBS cinnamon
1/2 cup nuts (optional and whatever you want to add)

Directions:

1. Blend together the eggs, sugar, vanilla, and oil.
2. Add to the mixture the sour cream.
3. Then, add the zucchini.
4. Finally, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Add the nuts, optional choice.

Bake the mixture in 2 loaf pans for 1 hour and 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Again, this recipe makes 2 (two) 9x5x3 breads. Based on the stove you are using, I would suggest to check the breads after an hour to determine if they are done, so as to not over cook them. Use the "toothpick" in the bread to determine if they are done. You can know if the toothpick comes out clean.

Good luck!

Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )

TODAY!

Today is going to be a day from crazy's-ville. I've got lots to do and little time to do it in. Here's my list:

1. fold laundry (done)
2. wash laundy (done, but needs to be folded. Yep, more laundry!)
3. take dishes out of dish washer (done)
4. put dirty dishes in dish washer (done and started)
(hmm! Now, where have I seen this list before?)

5. Bake some zucchini breads for home and work (done and sent to work)
6. Stuff the peppers and get them in the oven for 45 minutes. (done and sent to work)

I promised that this evening, the gang would get stuffed peppers for dinner, along with zucchini bread. I told Rob he would have to take it with when he goes to work because I'm not driving down there again at 10pm. Oh, we figured out the traffic issues: a. air show, b. Taste of Cleveland, c. drinkers, d. all of the above. Since it's a holiday weekend, that's where we figured the traffice came from. So, no driving downtown this evening.

7. Do homework (working on it)
8. Fit a nap into here somewhere (of course, done at noon)
9. (needs its own number), do research for my 4-5 news stories that need to be done this week. I want them as completed as possible as I will be getting my InDesign Page to format with news stories. (working on it)

Our first issue has to be completed, written, photos, and formatted by 9/20. The newspaper hits the streets on 9/22. I'll add the stories that go into the newspaper on my creative writing blog, but the scanned version of the newspaper will live on my eportfolio Web site. (gotta remember to try to keep using AP Style writing EVERYWHERE.)

With this, I've got some emails to do, look at job prospects (for spring and summer internships), determine who I want to work for and write up some emails to query the contacts.

Wish me luck,
Cathy
8^ )

KLUTZ!

Okay, everyone can laugh at me. I know Rob will yell and scream. Last night, before going to bed, I had to "use it." So, I went. The toilet roll became empty, and I prepared to replace the roll. Do-do me, I was standing in front of the toilet, while flushing and trying to put the roll on the holder. All of a sudden, the holder fell out of my hand and into the toilet, WHILE IT WAS FLUSHING. So, I tried desperately to get the holder out of the toilet.

Nope! It's now stuck in the toilet. I think the best way to get it out will be to rip the toilet off the floor (after emptying it of water) and snake the thing back out. To do this, though, I will need to pick up a new sealer ring to put under the toilet to seal it to the floor. Yucky stuff!

Note to self: ALWAYS shut the lid when trying to multi-task in the bathroom!

8^ (

Just an hour later, at 9:37 am, Rob has come home, heard me rant as I am already dressed and ready to head to Lowe's, and snakes the toilet to get the holder out. Plus, he is also already in bed.

What a MAN! Because the darned thing was plastic, it didn't get very far in the snake of the back end of the toilet. But, luckily, because he was so tired, he didn't yell at me.

But, he did bring the adoration of all his co-workers because I cooked. They want the recipe from me. Well, the recipe for the alfredo sauce lives here on my blog. Here is the link to that specific blog story:

http://cathyasmom.blogspot.com/2006/08/receipe-share-have-you-ever-wanted-to.html

The Freeway SUCKS!

I Gotta REMEMBER, Saturday night on the freeway coming out of downtown Cleveland is just like coming home on Friday afternoons.

Just got home from doing my wifely duties. Rob is working this evening. For dinner, I cooked Chicken Alfredo. I offered to make enough to bring to work. But, the nice co-worker who has been stealing food out of fridge is on the clock this evening. So, I offered to bring it to him. For his dinner, to share with his girlfriends, I made the chicken alfredo and banana pudding.

So, got to his work about 10:15pm. Of course, as usual, when I drop him off stuff, he typically isn't downstairs immediately when I arrive. The timing thing. As I stop to wait, who happens to drive past but the hospital's police. So, I get nervous that Rob's not out quickly enough.

He couldn't believe how much stuff was in the bag. When I had a Tupperware business, they gave us these HUGE bags to carry our supplies to parties. I still have a few of those bags and used one to carry all his stuff. He called and told me that someone asked him what was in the bag. He told them it was his dinner. I brought extra stuff in the bag for him to give to his friend, Roz.

Okay. I'm good this evening. But, coming home was a BEAR! I can't believe how many people were downtown. So, when Rob called, I asked him if there was a Browns game this evening. He wasn't sure, but guessed all the traffic was from the bars and stuff downtown, and an area called "The Flats." An area just outside of downtown Cleveland, on the west side of downtown, that has bars up and down on each side of the Cuyahoga River. Gosh, I haven't been down there in ages!

So, as Marie would say, I'm being suburban. Ever since we started this Watkins business, I really enjoy cooking and baking. Tomorrow night, I'm sending with him stuffed peppers. I've got the "stuffed" part finished. I made it the other night, 1 pound ground beef, 1 pound bulk sausage, 1 can tomato sauce, and all kinds of Italian seasonings, along with 2 cups uncooked rice that I pre-cooked in a rice cooker. I just needed to pick up more peppers, which we did today while out riding around.

With that, it's about 11:30pm on the East Coast (oh, yeah, I'm actually in Ohio, not on the East Coast like I used to). I'm watching a little TV and will be going to bed soon.

I can't believe how cold it is here this evening. Not really cold enough for the heater yet, YEAH! But, cold enough to close the windows. I know we'll have our Indian Summer soon, but, hope it's later than sooner. That's all I need is to have Cassi get sick.

Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )