With less than 36 hours until the big day, I am looking forward to it all coming to an end. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas...watching the kids as they tear open presents, enjoying a day of family and food and remembering the reason for the season...that's all good.
What I am anxiously waiting to end is the Christmas shopping season. I have worked retail during the holidays in the past, but working it more regularly this year has me counting down the hours until that moment the stores finally lock their doors and close up for Christmas day.
Most customers have been pleasant, sharing their stories and wishing me a "Merry Christmas" as they grab their bags full of presents and head home. But it's the other few that I am not going to miss.
The Cheapster:
-customer: "I need gift boxes please."
-me: "I am so sorry, we are out of boxes."
-customer: "Really?" (then a big, breathy sigh and rolling of the eyes)
Hey, how many retail stores offer boxes anymore in the first place, and what did you expect waiting until December 22 to do your shoppping. And I made the mistake of politely suggesting the Dollar Tree (just down the walkway from our store) to buy boxes. I got everything from smirky looks of disbelief (yep, I'm lying) to comments such as "I really didn't want to have to pay for them." Yes, someone really said that.
Hey, I am all for saving money, but come on.
Impatient Line Waiter:
Since Black Friday, the lines have been long at times. But "people watching" during this time of year can be quite interesting. You can definitely tell the difference between those who expected crowds of shoppers and those who think they are "above" having to wait their turn.
The next customer in line walks up to my counter and sheepishly places her shopping bag in front of me and says, "I am so sorry, but I have a ton of glass ornaments." I appreciate her humbleness and offer a comforting reply, "No problem, glad you found what you were looking for." (FYI, there were about 100 ornaments!) Of course, you know that this customer is going to take a while to check out, since every ornament has to be scanned and then individually wrapped in paper and packaged carefully. I don't mind, I would expect the same service. But unfortunately, the customer behind her was not appreicative of this woman who is obviously trimming her entire tree with new ornaments. She proceeded to huff a big sigh (heard by many around her) and stommped off to another line, like a little kid not getting her way.
The "Reluctant Gifters":
Even considering the current economy, most people will gladly buy a gift for family and friends. In fact, one customer bought about 20 small gifts for her co-workers...candles, ornaments, gloves....I was impressed with her generosity.
But you can tell the ones who wished the tradition of gift giving never started.
The first clue: the item is haphazardly placed, sometimes literally thrown on the counter. Then as I neatly, yet quickly fold a clothing item I am told, "don't worry about it, just put it in the bag." Are they in a hurry (this places them in the previous category) or are they that disgruntled about having to shop for someone else?
Clue #2 (goes hand-in-hand with Clue #1): They will usually ask for boxes and be annoyed when I tell them we don't have any. This means they have to take more time and spend more money to go buy boxes at another store.....ooooh dear, the horror.
Clue #3: No small talk or even eye contact. They obviously don't want to be shopping and are not going to try in any way, shape or form to make it pleasant. They usually leave with a half-hearted "Thank You" or "Goodbye".
Ok, enough of the customer bashing. I am sure I could write about many other experiences I have had recently, but I don't want to dwell on the negative. In fact, my goal in writing this was to add some humor and lightness to the holiday shopping season...at least for me anyway.
As I prepare to go to work for my last day before Christmas, I am actually hoping that there will be plenty of last minute shoppers to make my shift "dash away, dash away, dash away all!"
A Very Merry Christmas and Happy, Healthy New Year to Everyone !!!!
Friday, December 23, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
10 years ago.....
It's been 10 years since that dreadful day. We all talk about where we were when it happened, when we found out or what we did the rest of that day. It's amazing how we can remember with great detail a day that was filled with such chaos, trajedy and heartbreak.
I remember waking up and noticing that is was a beautiful fall day. I got Lauren and Rachel ready for school and we left the house around 8:10am. We drove to Muhlenberg Elementary, where I dropped off Lauren who had just started third grade. Rachel and I then drove to Jackson Elementary where she got on the bus to go to Lincoln Kindergarten Center. I know now that I arrived at home at almost the exact minute that the first plane hit. However, at the time, I had no clue what terrible event had just happened.
I proceeded to turn on the tv, went to the kitchen and made breakfast. I sat in the dining room for quite some time while reading the morning paper. I do remember hearing some news reports interrupting whatever show had been on the tv and thinking "oh boy, another plane crash." I walked by the television without glancing at it, turned it off and went upstairs to take a shower. An hour later, at 11:15, I left the house to pick up Rachel from school.
When I got in the car, the radio was on and tuned to WYSP, Philadelphia. I was surprised to hear Howard Stern still broadcasting his show, which is usually over by 10:30. During my 5 block trip to Rachel's school, I was slightly confused what Howard Stern was upset about now....so I turned off the radio. I parked the car about a block from the school, walked up the street and waited for her bus to arrive. Now thinking back, I wonder why none of the other parents waiting for their children were not talking more actively about what had happened in the last 2 1/2 hours. Did they not know either? Were they just in awe and not able to talk about it? Or was I in my own world and just not paying attention.
Rachel's bus arrives and we proceed to walk back to my car. We drove a few blocks away to Hamilton Mall, heading to the Main Post Office at 5th and Hamilton to pick up a package. As we approach the area, there are roadblocks cutting off the street. I stopped the car and looked around. What I saw will be engraved in my memory forever. U.S. Army vehicles lined Hamilton Street; police in riot gear, running down the street, carrying what looked to me to be very large and serious looking guns. There was no one walking, shopping or sitting on benches. An eerie silence fell over the usual bustling Hamilton Street. My first thought was that some criminal was on the loose downtown and there was a search underway. I figured out later that the Federal Courthouse had been locked down due to the events that were still unbeknownst to me.
I turned the car around and quickly drive to my brother's house a few blocks away from downtown. As I pulled up next to his house, he is coming out his back door, with a look of disbelief on his face. He quickly says, "Can you believe what happened?" Thinking back to what I saw on Hamilton Mall, I begin to get scared and reply, "What !? What is going on?" He looks at me, puzzled and says, "You mean you don't know?" Okay, so now I am no longer feeling scared, but instead sort of stupid for being so out of the loop, because now I start to realize that something big has happened. My brother motions to go inside his house and we proceed to stare at the television, our mouths just hanging open, saying nothing.
It's at this point that I finally find out about the events that were to change life in the United States forever. I stood watching television for a few more minutes before getting in my car and driving home. Upon arriving home, I find a message on my answering machine. It was from the secretary where I work. The Hartford was closing for the rest of the day and I didn't need to go in to work later for my evening shift. What? Did I hear that right? The Hartford rarely even closes for 2 feet of snow. This must be something serious going on. And so it was. The rest of day spent glued to the television, talking with neighbors and even though I now knew what happend, I still didn't really know or understand. And guess I never will.
I remember waking up and noticing that is was a beautiful fall day. I got Lauren and Rachel ready for school and we left the house around 8:10am. We drove to Muhlenberg Elementary, where I dropped off Lauren who had just started third grade. Rachel and I then drove to Jackson Elementary where she got on the bus to go to Lincoln Kindergarten Center. I know now that I arrived at home at almost the exact minute that the first plane hit. However, at the time, I had no clue what terrible event had just happened.
I proceeded to turn on the tv, went to the kitchen and made breakfast. I sat in the dining room for quite some time while reading the morning paper. I do remember hearing some news reports interrupting whatever show had been on the tv and thinking "oh boy, another plane crash." I walked by the television without glancing at it, turned it off and went upstairs to take a shower. An hour later, at 11:15, I left the house to pick up Rachel from school.
When I got in the car, the radio was on and tuned to WYSP, Philadelphia. I was surprised to hear Howard Stern still broadcasting his show, which is usually over by 10:30. During my 5 block trip to Rachel's school, I was slightly confused what Howard Stern was upset about now....so I turned off the radio. I parked the car about a block from the school, walked up the street and waited for her bus to arrive. Now thinking back, I wonder why none of the other parents waiting for their children were not talking more actively about what had happened in the last 2 1/2 hours. Did they not know either? Were they just in awe and not able to talk about it? Or was I in my own world and just not paying attention.
Rachel's bus arrives and we proceed to walk back to my car. We drove a few blocks away to Hamilton Mall, heading to the Main Post Office at 5th and Hamilton to pick up a package. As we approach the area, there are roadblocks cutting off the street. I stopped the car and looked around. What I saw will be engraved in my memory forever. U.S. Army vehicles lined Hamilton Street; police in riot gear, running down the street, carrying what looked to me to be very large and serious looking guns. There was no one walking, shopping or sitting on benches. An eerie silence fell over the usual bustling Hamilton Street. My first thought was that some criminal was on the loose downtown and there was a search underway. I figured out later that the Federal Courthouse had been locked down due to the events that were still unbeknownst to me.
I turned the car around and quickly drive to my brother's house a few blocks away from downtown. As I pulled up next to his house, he is coming out his back door, with a look of disbelief on his face. He quickly says, "Can you believe what happened?" Thinking back to what I saw on Hamilton Mall, I begin to get scared and reply, "What !? What is going on?" He looks at me, puzzled and says, "You mean you don't know?" Okay, so now I am no longer feeling scared, but instead sort of stupid for being so out of the loop, because now I start to realize that something big has happened. My brother motions to go inside his house and we proceed to stare at the television, our mouths just hanging open, saying nothing.
It's at this point that I finally find out about the events that were to change life in the United States forever. I stood watching television for a few more minutes before getting in my car and driving home. Upon arriving home, I find a message on my answering machine. It was from the secretary where I work. The Hartford was closing for the rest of the day and I didn't need to go in to work later for my evening shift. What? Did I hear that right? The Hartford rarely even closes for 2 feet of snow. This must be something serious going on. And so it was. The rest of day spent glued to the television, talking with neighbors and even though I now knew what happend, I still didn't really know or understand. And guess I never will.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Back to School.....finally
First day of school, September 6....yeah right. The kids did go off to school that day, but the high school only has students go for a half day on the first day....they were home by 11 am. Of course, I had much anticipation for day two. A full day of the house to myself. It didn't happen ! Cringing at the sound of the phone ringing at 5:20 am, I knew what I was about to hear. "This is Superintendent of Schools, Thomas Seidenberger. The East Penn School District will be CLOSED today." Noooooo, it can't be so. Is the rain really causing that much of a problem? Flooded roads....really? Sigh...... Ok, so let's get through this day and tomorrow....nope, didn't happen the next day either. That same annoying ring at 5:30am giving the same disappointing message.
Remnants of what was now Tropical Storm Lee were still dumping inches and inches of rain on our already saturated land. Is there such a thing as a "stop-the-rain dance"? If I knew there was, I would have for sure been out on my front lawn doing the moves.
Don't get me wrong, I love my children, very much. But this summer has been a loooong one. Even the kids were excited to get back to school and back into a "normal" routine.
Aaaaahhhh, official day 2 of school and the first full day has finally happened. I don't think I have ever seen so much enthusiasm to get up at 5:30 am to go to school. In fact, I didn't have to wake Rachel !! She actually woke me just before 6am and said "Mom, do you know what time it is?" Hey that's my line !
Is this a sign of good things to come this school year ? Let's hope the motivation keeps rolling right along. I could get used to this. 180 school days until summer vacation.
Remnants of what was now Tropical Storm Lee were still dumping inches and inches of rain on our already saturated land. Is there such a thing as a "stop-the-rain dance"? If I knew there was, I would have for sure been out on my front lawn doing the moves.
Don't get me wrong, I love my children, very much. But this summer has been a loooong one. Even the kids were excited to get back to school and back into a "normal" routine.
Aaaaahhhh, official day 2 of school and the first full day has finally happened. I don't think I have ever seen so much enthusiasm to get up at 5:30 am to go to school. In fact, I didn't have to wake Rachel !! She actually woke me just before 6am and said "Mom, do you know what time it is?" Hey that's my line !
Is this a sign of good things to come this school year ? Let's hope the motivation keeps rolling right along. I could get used to this. 180 school days until summer vacation.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Empty Nest
Ten days have passed since she is gone. The first few days were really strange, not having her here. Now that we are starting to feel as if things are getting back to "normal", we are wondering, what was normal like...what really is normal now? From the day she arrived in the USA, it was like she was meant to be part of our family. The past 10 months flew by so fast....yes, she was here 10 months ! It seems like just last week that we were cleaning Rachel's room, making space for Jessi.
Hosting an exchange student was an experience I am so glad we were able to be a part of. Teaching her and showing her things that we, as lifetime US citizens, seem to take for granted, was the best part. Not that life is that much different from her homeland of Germany, but all the little things we don't even think about...until you have to explain it to someone else.
Slang. Not always a universal language. I am emabarrassed to say, but if you read my very first blog, you know that "fart" is a part of our daily household language. So, as you can imagine, it was the first slang word Jessi learned. We also learned that there is a German word for that bodily function....poopsen (sorry Jessi, if I spelled it wrong). But that is pretty much as far as it goes in German. Here is the US, we have many choices: "cut the cheese", "let one rip", "pass gas", "break wind" and the list could go on and on. During her stay here, she learned that the English language has a large variety of words that can mean one thing.
One conversation we had was how many words could be used to describe the part of the body we sit on. Have you ever thought about it? No, of course not, it's just natural for us to know the meaning when we hear it....but when forced to think about it, it was hysterical: butt, rump or rumpus, tookus (spelling?), booty, tush...can you tell we live in a house full of teenagers...? And I am sure she learned a lot more slang while attending Emmaus High School than I care to know about.
Ok, so now you're thinking that we sent this young lady back to Germany with a brain full of horrid, slang words. Well, ok, maybe....but we also think we showed her the history and beauty that is Pennsylvania and Eastern USA. Our first big trip was to the Jersey Shore....hey, MTV airs in Germany too...so shopping in the famous "Shore Store" was a must ! It was a beautiful September day and it was one of my favorite trips to the beach that I will log in my memory. Trips to Philly, NYC, Washington DC, Bushkill Falls, Shankweilers Drive-In (the oldest drive-in movie theater in the USA) and Iron Pigs Baseball are all "up there" on the list of great times spent with Jessi.
As I sit here wondering "what is she doing today?", I now know what her parents must have felt 10 months ago. It's hard to let go of a child, even though you know they are just a mere 4,500 miles away. I just didn't think I would be experiencing "empty nest syndrome" quite yet....but I guess the consolation is a new extended family--and a reason to visit Germany !!!
Hosting an exchange student was an experience I am so glad we were able to be a part of. Teaching her and showing her things that we, as lifetime US citizens, seem to take for granted, was the best part. Not that life is that much different from her homeland of Germany, but all the little things we don't even think about...until you have to explain it to someone else.
Slang. Not always a universal language. I am emabarrassed to say, but if you read my very first blog, you know that "fart" is a part of our daily household language. So, as you can imagine, it was the first slang word Jessi learned. We also learned that there is a German word for that bodily function....poopsen (sorry Jessi, if I spelled it wrong). But that is pretty much as far as it goes in German. Here is the US, we have many choices: "cut the cheese", "let one rip", "pass gas", "break wind" and the list could go on and on. During her stay here, she learned that the English language has a large variety of words that can mean one thing.
One conversation we had was how many words could be used to describe the part of the body we sit on. Have you ever thought about it? No, of course not, it's just natural for us to know the meaning when we hear it....but when forced to think about it, it was hysterical: butt, rump or rumpus, tookus (spelling?), booty, tush...can you tell we live in a house full of teenagers...? And I am sure she learned a lot more slang while attending Emmaus High School than I care to know about.
Ok, so now you're thinking that we sent this young lady back to Germany with a brain full of horrid, slang words. Well, ok, maybe....but we also think we showed her the history and beauty that is Pennsylvania and Eastern USA. Our first big trip was to the Jersey Shore....hey, MTV airs in Germany too...so shopping in the famous "Shore Store" was a must ! It was a beautiful September day and it was one of my favorite trips to the beach that I will log in my memory. Trips to Philly, NYC, Washington DC, Bushkill Falls, Shankweilers Drive-In (the oldest drive-in movie theater in the USA) and Iron Pigs Baseball are all "up there" on the list of great times spent with Jessi.
As I sit here wondering "what is she doing today?", I now know what her parents must have felt 10 months ago. It's hard to let go of a child, even though you know they are just a mere 4,500 miles away. I just didn't think I would be experiencing "empty nest syndrome" quite yet....but I guess the consolation is a new extended family--and a reason to visit Germany !!!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Way to go Ray !
It's noon and my cell phone beeps that I have a text. Who would be texting me? Rachel? What is she doing with her phone out at school...this had better be important. It reads: "mom, you will be soooo proud of me."
Hmmmm, what could it be? She wasn't late for homeroom, managed to hand in all her homework on time today....? Oh, maybe a good test score, that must be it. But why would she take the risk of getting caught with her cell phone out during school, just to tell me that? Oh well, it gives me something to look forward to.
Three o'clock arrives and she is home....I am dying to know what happened today. Here goes: Rachel was in bio class and the period was almost over. A group of students with special needs (including her sister) was walking in the hall on their way to the cafeteria. Some smart aleck kid in the bio class starts making goofy noises and laughing at the kids in the hall. A few others (part of his posse') start chiming in. After a minute of this, Rachel has had it....OH BOY--LOOK OUT !
She stands up and proceeds to use some language not appropriate for a young lady of 14, telling these clowns to SHUT UP ! Of course, thinking they are doing nothing wrong and that Rachel is going to be in big trouble, they tell her to shut up and sit down. " I will not", she replies. "How would you like it if someone were laughing at you?........blah, blah, blah............blah, blah, blah..........."
The remaining parts of the 10 minute lecture are a blur...keep in mind, this is a 14 year old female telling a story, with barely a breath taken between sentences. But I get the idea that she really let them have it.
So what was the teacher doing during all this, I ask. I am told that her jaw was hanging open as she proceeded to sit down at her desk and quietly listen, letting Rachel go to town. When Rachel finally finishes and sits down, the teacher stands up and starts applauding, along with some other students in the class. By this time, the bell is ringing, class is over and students get up to leave. "Rachel, come here" says the teacher. Rachel humbly goes up to her desk, expecting to be sent to see the principal. But it didn't happen ! Instead, her teacher gives her a thumbs up and says "I don't know if I would have been able to stand up and do that. Way to go!"
Rachel leaves class, feeling a great sense of pride for having stood up for her sister and her classmates. I too, am proud that Rachel was brave enough to do what she did today. I just wonder if what she did will inspire others to take a stand and do the same someday.
In my eyes, my Ray is a very special kid too !! Way to go Ray !
Hmmmm, what could it be? She wasn't late for homeroom, managed to hand in all her homework on time today....? Oh, maybe a good test score, that must be it. But why would she take the risk of getting caught with her cell phone out during school, just to tell me that? Oh well, it gives me something to look forward to.
Three o'clock arrives and she is home....I am dying to know what happened today. Here goes: Rachel was in bio class and the period was almost over. A group of students with special needs (including her sister) was walking in the hall on their way to the cafeteria. Some smart aleck kid in the bio class starts making goofy noises and laughing at the kids in the hall. A few others (part of his posse') start chiming in. After a minute of this, Rachel has had it....OH BOY--LOOK OUT !
She stands up and proceeds to use some language not appropriate for a young lady of 14, telling these clowns to SHUT UP ! Of course, thinking they are doing nothing wrong and that Rachel is going to be in big trouble, they tell her to shut up and sit down. " I will not", she replies. "How would you like it if someone were laughing at you?........blah, blah, blah............blah, blah, blah..........."
The remaining parts of the 10 minute lecture are a blur...keep in mind, this is a 14 year old female telling a story, with barely a breath taken between sentences. But I get the idea that she really let them have it.
So what was the teacher doing during all this, I ask. I am told that her jaw was hanging open as she proceeded to sit down at her desk and quietly listen, letting Rachel go to town. When Rachel finally finishes and sits down, the teacher stands up and starts applauding, along with some other students in the class. By this time, the bell is ringing, class is over and students get up to leave. "Rachel, come here" says the teacher. Rachel humbly goes up to her desk, expecting to be sent to see the principal. But it didn't happen ! Instead, her teacher gives her a thumbs up and says "I don't know if I would have been able to stand up and do that. Way to go!"
Rachel leaves class, feeling a great sense of pride for having stood up for her sister and her classmates. I too, am proud that Rachel was brave enough to do what she did today. I just wonder if what she did will inspire others to take a stand and do the same someday.
In my eyes, my Ray is a very special kid too !! Way to go Ray !
Friday, March 18, 2011
Mystery in Alburtis
It's been a week. A week of wonder, mystery and sadness. A week ago today, a mother and her disabled daughter were murdered in their home....just blocks from our house. It was a magnificant shock, since the most serious crime in our quiet little borough seemed to be a stolen bicycle or vandalism (paint) on the baseball field shed. A member of borough council was interviewed by the media and said he cannot remember anything like this in over 40 years, if at all. It has also been reported that the police are confident this was an isolated incident and residents should not be too concerned.
Ok, so I admit, I am not too worried that there is some random murderer out there. But I still just cannot admit that there are people that would do such a thing regardless of the randomness or not. Who deserves such a death? Certainly not these two women.
The updates on the crime have now disappeared from the media. This could be a good thing, because for the first few days I was glued to my laptop, constantly checking mcall.com or wfmz.com for more information. I was hoping to read that someone had been caught and arrested and we could all breathe a sigh of relief. But now, a week later, nothing.
I have driven past the home where the women lived several times in the past week. A few days ago, the yellow police crime tape was gone and is replaced by bouquets of flowers along the driveway. A sign that this is not something forgotten by the neighbors and those who knew these women.
So now what do you do? Go back to your normal routine? I guess there is nothing else to do but wait patiently and hope that whoever did this was careless enough to leave some evidence. They certainly were careless enough to take a life. I just can't imagine the guilt (or not) the murderer must have. I was uptight and nervous the day I cut school on senior skip day....a minor thing compared to what has happened in our quaint little town.
Ok, so I admit, I am not too worried that there is some random murderer out there. But I still just cannot admit that there are people that would do such a thing regardless of the randomness or not. Who deserves such a death? Certainly not these two women.
The updates on the crime have now disappeared from the media. This could be a good thing, because for the first few days I was glued to my laptop, constantly checking mcall.com or wfmz.com for more information. I was hoping to read that someone had been caught and arrested and we could all breathe a sigh of relief. But now, a week later, nothing.
I have driven past the home where the women lived several times in the past week. A few days ago, the yellow police crime tape was gone and is replaced by bouquets of flowers along the driveway. A sign that this is not something forgotten by the neighbors and those who knew these women.
So now what do you do? Go back to your normal routine? I guess there is nothing else to do but wait patiently and hope that whoever did this was careless enough to leave some evidence. They certainly were careless enough to take a life. I just can't imagine the guilt (or not) the murderer must have. I was uptight and nervous the day I cut school on senior skip day....a minor thing compared to what has happened in our quaint little town.
Friday, February 25, 2011
In Hot Water.......
Hot water....a foreign term to me. In fact, I haven't been in hot water for a very long time....until recently. Thanks to CKC Plumbing, I am, at last, in hot water once again.
Flash back to about 2 years ago: It was winter and the hot water did not seem to last as long as it used to. The knob in the shower would get turned all the way to hot almost immediately upon stepping into the shower. We attributed it to the fact that the water heater was now about 12 years old and it was winter. So, when spring came around and the hot water did not return along with the warm air, we called our home warranty company. Well, well, what do you know-- one of the heating elements was shot, so it was replaced. Yay, we will have hot water. But it didn't happen; at least not like I hoped. So again, the conclusion that the water heater is way beyond it's usual life span became a disappointing reality. And so we waited. For what? For the water heater to just plain old quit. But it didn't. The usual timing of showers in between washing clothes and dishes became routine.
Fast forward to about 8 months ago: Another call to the plumber. His conclusion--"you have a house full of girls who use a lot of hot water and wash a lot of clothes and dishes, so of course it won't last long." Uh, excuse me, using a lot of hot water? What hot water? Again, back to the routine of scheduling time in the shower between what is now 5 females in the house.
Back to the present: Gary had heard enough complaining about how we had to rush through the shower without getting out with icicles hanging from our noses. And yet, another call to the home warranty company. This time, they sent the right guy. He discovers that the tube that runs down to the bottom of the water tank (which is very important because is draws the water up to the top and throughout the house--without it, the only water getting pulled into the pipes was the cold stuff sitting near the top) ...is gone. Yes, gone, deteriorated, corroded, no more, not there, kaput.
Another flash back, to about 3 -4 years ago: We started noticing this white, powdery substance combined with small pieces of plastic, coming out of the kitchen faucet. It was horribly annoying as it was clogging the screen of the faucet and had to be cleaned out every few days. At first, we were just annoyed, but then a mild sense of panic set in....wondering what in the world this is and where is it coming from. Then, one day, it dissappeared. So, life goes on. Now we know what it was---the very important tube had been slowly corroding and fizzling away.
Yesterday: I am back in hot water. Really, really, really HOT water. In fact, I don't think I even touched the knob or had to turn it up, up and up until it would not turn anymore. I finished shampooing, etc, without rushing, and then stood there. What do I do now? Hmmmmmm, how about just continue to stand here. So I did. And stood some more, and more and more. It was actually disapponting to finally get out of the shower with hot water still available; I felt like I was cheating myself of something.
So now, as steam pours up from the kitchen sink while washing dishes, one of the kids is in the shower and the washing machine is running-- all at the same time !! -- I think "thank you" to the guy at CKC Plumbing, who finally got us all back in hot water !
Flash back to about 2 years ago: It was winter and the hot water did not seem to last as long as it used to. The knob in the shower would get turned all the way to hot almost immediately upon stepping into the shower. We attributed it to the fact that the water heater was now about 12 years old and it was winter. So, when spring came around and the hot water did not return along with the warm air, we called our home warranty company. Well, well, what do you know-- one of the heating elements was shot, so it was replaced. Yay, we will have hot water. But it didn't happen; at least not like I hoped. So again, the conclusion that the water heater is way beyond it's usual life span became a disappointing reality. And so we waited. For what? For the water heater to just plain old quit. But it didn't. The usual timing of showers in between washing clothes and dishes became routine.
Fast forward to about 8 months ago: Another call to the plumber. His conclusion--"you have a house full of girls who use a lot of hot water and wash a lot of clothes and dishes, so of course it won't last long." Uh, excuse me, using a lot of hot water? What hot water? Again, back to the routine of scheduling time in the shower between what is now 5 females in the house.
Back to the present: Gary had heard enough complaining about how we had to rush through the shower without getting out with icicles hanging from our noses. And yet, another call to the home warranty company. This time, they sent the right guy. He discovers that the tube that runs down to the bottom of the water tank (which is very important because is draws the water up to the top and throughout the house--without it, the only water getting pulled into the pipes was the cold stuff sitting near the top) ...is gone. Yes, gone, deteriorated, corroded, no more, not there, kaput.
Another flash back, to about 3 -4 years ago: We started noticing this white, powdery substance combined with small pieces of plastic, coming out of the kitchen faucet. It was horribly annoying as it was clogging the screen of the faucet and had to be cleaned out every few days. At first, we were just annoyed, but then a mild sense of panic set in....wondering what in the world this is and where is it coming from. Then, one day, it dissappeared. So, life goes on. Now we know what it was---the very important tube had been slowly corroding and fizzling away.
Yesterday: I am back in hot water. Really, really, really HOT water. In fact, I don't think I even touched the knob or had to turn it up, up and up until it would not turn anymore. I finished shampooing, etc, without rushing, and then stood there. What do I do now? Hmmmmmm, how about just continue to stand here. So I did. And stood some more, and more and more. It was actually disapponting to finally get out of the shower with hot water still available; I felt like I was cheating myself of something.
So now, as steam pours up from the kitchen sink while washing dishes, one of the kids is in the shower and the washing machine is running-- all at the same time !! -- I think "thank you" to the guy at CKC Plumbing, who finally got us all back in hot water !
Monday, February 21, 2011
Our Man Chef
For those of you who know us, you know that Gary loves to cook. No, I take that back. He doesn't just love to cook, he lives to cook. He doesn't let a day go by that he isn't creating something special for our family. His laptop is permanetely connected to some food page giving him new ideas, which, of course, he adjusts to his own tastes. I don't think he has ever followed a recipe as written. (which is why he can't stand to bake...it's too precise and doesn't allow for experimentation)
Sometimes, we get wrinkled noses from the kids, with their forks carefully picking out the onions or other strange looking ingredients and setting them aside on the edge of the plate. But mostly we hear oooohs and aaaaahs. Today was an oooooh and aaaaah day. The odor permeating through the house was enough to bring everyone to the kitchen without having to yell "TIME TO EAT !!".
So, are you wondering what we had for dinner tonight...? I bet you are, we all do every day. He happened to catch a video on-line today, which was showing different ways to make stromboli and calzone. So, off to Wegmans for the dough (he didn't make his own today---time restrictions) and other assorted ingredients. There wasn't an unclean plate at the table.....which is always a great measurement for success !
We will definitely be having stromboli again....in fact, probably tomorrow and the next day and the next day.
He made enough to feed a small village! But that is nothing unusual. You see, Gary doesn't know how to cook "small". Everything he does is always of the GRAND type. And when we clean up, are diligently searching for containers to store the leftovers and overflow the shelves in the frige. But that's ok; Jessi has already announced she is going to take some to school for lunch tomorrow and I most likely will be having that as well.
I suggested the next time we have stromboli that everyone can make their own individual one and add whatever they want. We have done that many times with pizza and it always makes for a fun time.
So now as I sit here, my middle feeling like it is about to explode, I reluctantly realize that it's time for clean up. Sigh......the bad part of Gary's meals. He may be our man-chef, but can also be known as The Messy Chef. But I guess the good ones always are.
Sometimes, we get wrinkled noses from the kids, with their forks carefully picking out the onions or other strange looking ingredients and setting them aside on the edge of the plate. But mostly we hear oooohs and aaaaahs. Today was an oooooh and aaaaah day. The odor permeating through the house was enough to bring everyone to the kitchen without having to yell "TIME TO EAT !!".
So, are you wondering what we had for dinner tonight...? I bet you are, we all do every day. He happened to catch a video on-line today, which was showing different ways to make stromboli and calzone. So, off to Wegmans for the dough (he didn't make his own today---time restrictions) and other assorted ingredients. There wasn't an unclean plate at the table.....which is always a great measurement for success !
We will definitely be having stromboli again....in fact, probably tomorrow and the next day and the next day.
He made enough to feed a small village! But that is nothing unusual. You see, Gary doesn't know how to cook "small". Everything he does is always of the GRAND type. And when we clean up, are diligently searching for containers to store the leftovers and overflow the shelves in the frige. But that's ok; Jessi has already announced she is going to take some to school for lunch tomorrow and I most likely will be having that as well.
I suggested the next time we have stromboli that everyone can make their own individual one and add whatever they want. We have done that many times with pizza and it always makes for a fun time.
So now as I sit here, my middle feeling like it is about to explode, I reluctantly realize that it's time for clean up. Sigh......the bad part of Gary's meals. He may be our man-chef, but can also be known as The Messy Chef. But I guess the good ones always are.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Who Farted?
Well, here it is....my first attempt at a blog. I often think of moments I would love to share; the thoughts of exactly what I would say running through my head as I shower, drive the car, walk through the grocery store and on and on. So now, I will begin doing what I have thought of doing for a long time.
And now I will answer the question I am sure you are all wondering----why "Who Farted?". Ha Ha Ha, you apparantly have not spent time in our house, our car or especially at the dinner table. It's a phrase heard on a daily, and sometimes, hourly basis. Need I say more?
The most amazing thing though, is that this question is usually answered by the guilty party without pause. I guess I should feel proud of my honest bunch, but it seems to me they are more proud of what they have done. That's the part I am not so proud of.
We have tried to instill a rule of "not at the dinner table", but to no avail. I will have to talk to Mother Nature about cooperating on that one. But I am thankful for the automatic windows and moon roof in the car which allow for quick ventillation.
Hopefully, our family presents a much prettier picture the next time....considering there are 4 girls between the ages of 12 and 17 in the house. Yes, girls do fart too. And sometimes, better than any boy or man I have known.
And now I will answer the question I am sure you are all wondering----why "Who Farted?". Ha Ha Ha, you apparantly have not spent time in our house, our car or especially at the dinner table. It's a phrase heard on a daily, and sometimes, hourly basis. Need I say more?
The most amazing thing though, is that this question is usually answered by the guilty party without pause. I guess I should feel proud of my honest bunch, but it seems to me they are more proud of what they have done. That's the part I am not so proud of.
We have tried to instill a rule of "not at the dinner table", but to no avail. I will have to talk to Mother Nature about cooperating on that one. But I am thankful for the automatic windows and moon roof in the car which allow for quick ventillation.
Hopefully, our family presents a much prettier picture the next time....considering there are 4 girls between the ages of 12 and 17 in the house. Yes, girls do fart too. And sometimes, better than any boy or man I have known.
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