KUA

KUA

3/18/12

StarTrek DSO Event

We'll start with the long overdue blog about the DSO event last weekend.

It was a beautiful day to be running around Downtown Detroit in our Star Trek uniforms. Odd thing is, absolutely no one thought it was unusual to see a bunch of uniformed Trekkies walking the streets.

Once we were in Orchestra Hall, our mission was to work the audience as they entered the lobby.

For an hour we "worked" the audience.

I happened to have brought Single Son's phaser and communicator. I totally forgot about bringing his tri-corder. And since they were TOS (the original series) and I was wearing the TOS uniform,  they were my props for the day.

Until our Captain "stole" it from me (he did return it later) and got into a shooting match with one of those nasty Klingons. And nasty is an understatement. This certain Klingon has managed to get kicked out of more functions (he even got US all kicked out of a bowling alley once) but he damn near got hit by a man he managed to piss off by asking "how much you taking for that wench on your arm". Can't take a Klingon anywhere.

The show was sold out, so there were few tickets for the Trekkies. We did manage to get half a dozen tickets for the main floor. I wasn't lucky enough to pull one of those. But security finally found us seats way up in the second balcony. Nosebleed city is about it, too. Literally the last row of the highest balcony ...  but the show was awesome, even from my seat. They played the themes from about every Sci-fi film or show ever made. The Conductor was a hoot. He even had a short medley of tunes that one lucky concert goer, if guessed right, won a Star Wars light saber. He got  'em all, too!!

Afterwards, we got to meet with Mr. Takei. We weren't allowed to take individual photos, or even an autograph. But that's fine. My understanding was he was pressed for time and had his plane to catch.

Here's the pics ... enjoy!!



Friday's show attended by Star Wars folks ...


Those nasty Klingons ... with our Captain in the middle


Ship's Doctor, P, Me, Single Son, D and Captain


Klingon's ... The Trekkie was a vocalist and acted on a few of the Trek episodes. Her name totally escapes me! Sweet Gal!!


Main Floor Orchestra Hall.


Captain and the Lady


Single Son's girlfriend (I really do need a nickname for her!)


Our Group photo with Mr Takei!

3/7/12

Two blogs in two days ... WOW!

I know, riiiight. Two blogs in two days. What gives? I dunno. Really. But I'll try to keep it up (maybe not this speed, but not once a month either).

Went out to lunch with Mom today. Girls day out. We had a good time.

I think Mom thought I was a little off my rocker when I was telling her about the big upcoming weekend at the DSO and meeting George Takei (he's agreed to a meet and greet and photo session). And when I told her there would be about a hundred of us running around in either Star Trek or Star Wars costume, "fighting" with our fake laser guns and swords in a crowd of concert-goers ... well, let's just say that she now knows I'm certifiable. All she said was "it's so nice you and your friends get to play like that".

She was telling me that her accountant is suggesting they give me the house, that selling it will end up with large negative profits and much higher taxes. That they'd do better with the write off than continuing to own it. The only problem is, I don't think I could keep up with insurance, property taxes or other miscellaneous expenses that would arise. I'd need one hell of a paying job (or a room-mate willing to pay half the expenses) to make this work. Forget that I want to move, that this neighborhood has been going downhill for years now .. and that in all honesty, I prefer to be a tenant, and not a home owner.

So, we'll see what happens with this.

*****

After we ate and were back in her van I handed over the cash that I owed Mom. You know, that 28% I'd set aside for her. She told me to keep it - that I showed I was going to pay her back and that's all she needed was to know I was good on paying her back - not that she would accept repayment.

So, there's an extra bit of cash in my hands now. Not that I have any plans on spending it any time soon, LOL, I don't. I hate spending money ... I'll go weeks contemplating a purchase (do I really need this or not) and then I end up not being able to justify the purchase. A far cry from the days when any amount of change would burn a hole in my pocket.

Although, there IS that sewing machine that my mind keeps wandering back to!

*****

We went to a little discount store near the restaurant. Family Dollar. Mom thought it was a dollar store and was rather shocked when she found out that they aren't!! She discovered some rather cute pictures and had a hard time talking herself out of buying them. To the point she was actually arguing aloud with herself. And she calls me certifiable? Running around in my Star Trek TOS uniform ... here she's arguing with herself. It was a hoot, actually. And no, she didn't buy the pictures.

Somehow we got talking about decorating. I told her I'm falling head over heels for Mid Century Modern (MCM) decor. A far cry from the Early American I grew up in, or the casual country my home is currently decorated in. Mom said she has boxes of MCM "crap" in storage in her basement (from early on in their marriage), and I'm welcome to everything I want. Ruh roh!! That could spell trouble. LOL. She will, however, continue to store it until I'm ready for it. Yay!!

I just think she's relieved that someone wants that stuff. That it won't end up in the trash, as Brother Deere is threatening to do with all of their possessions once they pass away. Yes, he's made it known to Mom that he will hold the biggest "junk sale" that town has ever seen. It's up to me to save the family heirlooms!!

I did ask if I could take her extra sewing machine. It's lighter than her "good" sewing machine, so she is still using it. Drats. And taking the good one is out of the question for now ... especially with the Wrecking Crew still being here. So, I guess I take some of that money she refused to take, and go buy the craft sewing machine I keep thinking about.

And, Mom says she'll see it when she believes it about the wrecking crew moving out. I tend to agree, but dammit, they gotta GO.

*****

And, no, I'm not gonna blog about the Wrecking Crew again today. Mood is still good ... and I'm not gonna spoil it!!


3/6/12

Feeling good ...

You'll be pleased to know that Married Son has paid me in full for all past due paychecks. In cash. Yay!!

First off, I took 28% right off the top and put it aside for Mom (money I owed her for getting through a payless month - yes, an entire month without pay!)

And of course, I went shopping. LOL. I bought the much needed groceries. I have to say, I've been really into couponing lately. Add shopping the sales fliers and 10/$10 (11th item free at Meijer's) and I managed to buy a week's worth of groceries for just under $25. I'd have bought more, but my cupboards only fit a week's worth of food!! LOL.

I needed to buy a new pair of black pants for the upcoming STARFLEET event at the DSO this weekend. My only other pair of black pants are two sizes too big ... and if I sneeze they fall around my ankles. Not something I want George Takei to witness. Soooo, twenty bucks for a pair of black jeans and I will not have to worry about traumatizing Mr Takei (or my fellow Nerds).

I also stumbled on clearance shirts for two bucks each. Got two of 'em.

Left the store having spent about five bucks under the sixty bucks I had budgeted for the trip!

Being poor sure has it's advantages. I can honestly say I know how to squeeze the most out of my money ... or as Gigi used to say "pinch a penny so hard that Lincoln cries".

And with all that I did manage to buy, I still have sixty percent of the money in my wallet. I'm sure it'll last me for months, lol.

WTHeck is it with me putting everything into "percentages"?

*****

Those new black jeans are "feel good" pants. For the first time in ... oh, I don't know how long ... I'm able to get into a size 20 jeans!! Standing up, they're only a tad snug ... and I confess, I look damned good in them. Of course, in a seated position, breathing is out of the question. A small price to pay!! Who needs to breath anyway?

And when you consider that not three years ago I was wearing a size 28, well, dammit, I'm proud of myself.

Anyone need a tent? I still have my size 28s in the back of my closet. Just a little modification and they'd protect two campers with room to spare.

*****

What's funny about that above comment about modification ... I'm seriously thinking of cutting them up and making stuff out of them ... tote bags, purses, whatever. All I need is a sewing machine!

And thanks to Pinterest, I've found a lot of nifty patterns for all sorts of projects. Good thing, I estimate when I get to sorting all my clothes, I'll have literally a truck full of things I can no longer wear!

My mom has an extra sewing machine I'm hoping I can get her to part with. If not, there's a "craft" sewing machine up at Meijer's for about fifty bucks. I'm just waiting for it to go on sale ... or for mPerks (their online customer appreciation site) to offer a discount coupon on general craft merchandise.

My next big shopping trip is going to be to the Sears Clothing Outlet in Serling Heights, MI. A facebook friend of mine just recently went there and spent under seventy-five bucks for almost $600 worth of clothing. But that won't happen until I clear all of my fat clothes out of my closets, dressers and storage.

And believe it or not, I'm actually looking forward to spending a day looking through the racks at Sears Clothing.

*****

I'm in such a good mood, and since having changed from my new black pants into my comfy (baggy) night shirt so that I can breath again ... I'm NOT going to blog about the recent antics of the female part of the Wrecking Crew. Nope, not today ... she's not going to spoil this mood!!



3/2/12

Happy March ...

Can't believe it's March already!! I'd say I'm ready for spring, but we haven't had enough of a winter here to complain about. Not that I'd complain, I love winter - REAL winters. I tire of the snow, but what we've had has melted so fast it's not bitch-worthy.

What is bitch-worthy is the freaking Wrecking Crew ... and Single Son. I'm so ticked I could spit nails!! For the last week I've been trying to get to the pharmacy to get my refills before I run out of my meds. Pharmacy closes at 7 pm. Single Son is rarely home before 6:45pm. Too late to even try to get to the Pharmacy.

DIL knows this ... and knows how important these meds are for my health. Every evening this week she sees that I am watching out the front window to see if Single Son is home yet and asks me "whatcha looking for?" and I say every time "a ride to the pharmacy" ... but has she ONCE said to me "Hey Mom, I know you need your meds. I'm home and not doing anything of any importance, may I take you to the Pharmacy" ... Hell NO!! Instead she goes to her parents house to hide out until it's Grandson's bedtime. She did say last night to me "I'd take you on Sunday but I have a birthday party we need to go to". Wow. That's awful big of her. NOT.

So ... tomorrow I get to take Single Son to work so I can use his van to get done the things I need to do ... like get meds and a much needed hair cut. I'd grocery shop, but I seem to have cobwebs in my wallet again this week.

Single Son is on my list 'cause of his whole mentality lately. Started with the gf's "arrival" and has escalated as the weeks pass. Okay, I know he's 32 and probably tired of living in Mom's basement ... but he has to realize that especially until I have a working car again that I NEED him to be available to me from time to time and not necessarily at HIS convenience either. Instead, he laughs and says "Relax Mom. Take a deep breath". Deep breathing is NOT going to get me up to the store. Or get my meds. Forget just getting out of the house for a break, that ain't gonna happen!!

He needs to fix what he broke. That being MY CAR!! I need it back for so many reasons.

*****

Not a whole lot else going on 'round here. Can't do a lot if you can't even get out of the house.

I wish the old mall up the street was still open (and not the abandoned ghost town it is now), at least I'd be able to walk to a store for food and such. And probably have a second job working retail. Ah well, those days are long gone.

*****

About my only excitement these days is Pinterest. So many craft projects (if I had money for supplies that is), and decorating ideas (post-empty nest), and recipes (yum), and so many other things to look forward to doing when I'm able to do them.

I guess the good thing about this whole PINning everything that I would like to do (or see, or buy, or make) is that it's actually motivating me to pack up all my unwanted and unused crap for a huge yard sale once the wrecking crew (and Single Son) are outta here. And I do mean huge. I've only partially gone through two rooms (my bedroom and the kitchen) and have three large boxes of crap already. How does one get so many sets of dishes is beyond me (three FULL sets, four if you include the ones I want to keep but had to store in the dishwasher because there's no room anywhere else for them). Problem is, I've had to STOP packing things up for now, no room to store any more boxes of "yard sale crap".

Oh, and Amy, I know your love for crockpot cooking ... I've pinned a whole bunch of crockpot recipes for you (see recipes - crockpot) ... well not exactly entirely for you ... I'm gonna be crockpotting too, once I get a bigger crockpot!!  ... lol.


2/18/12

Got that sinking feeling ...

Literally.

My kitchen sink faucet sprung a major leak. One minute it was fine, the next it was showering me while giving me a foot bath.

Not exactly what I had wanted!!

Single Son had fixed the kitchen sink at his gf's sister's house last week. He felt up to the challenge (now remember he'd just been hit by a car last week). After an hour and a half of fighting with the pipes to release the faucet - and a sore back and aching hip later - it finally came off!!

It probably would have been easier had Brother Deere not monkeyed up the original plumbing job when he remodeled my kitchen some ten years ago. A real Rube Goldberg job from what Single Son experienced tonight!

I forgot how many swear words my son knows!! Granted he's 32, not like I'm hearing those words out of oh ... say Grandson's mouth. But still ... he'd have made a sailor blush for the entire time he was laying (mostly) in the cupboard.

And we're not done yet. In the process of removing the stupid faucet he damaged some connector or the other, so I have to run up to Home Depot tomorrow while he's at work to get new connectors (better replace them both, right?).

*****

Single Son ended up feeling a lot of pain the day or two after his accident. He still went to work, but I guess the pain was so bad he ended up going back to his doctors office for a pain shot. With no designated driver either. He said the drive back was scary, being stoned on pain shots and all. I called him an idiot ... the very type of person he loves to bust when he's working his cop job.

His gf was so mad at him that she's insisting she go with him to the next doctor's appointment. He won't say no to her, she's the type that will bitch and bitch about it for months to come (you go, girl).

*****

Speaking of Single Son and the gf. They were turned down for a loan for a mobile home near her sister's place (something about not enough recent credit activity). Now it's on to apartment hunting. Not sure when he'll be moving for sure, but I'm sure he'll tell me as he's headed out the door to his new place. Yeah, he's like that ... "See you later, Mom. Here's my new address".

*****

Yeah!! I finally get a paycheck next week. He owes me three weeks of pay. So as to not have more taxes taken out with the larger checks, he'll be taking three weeks to repay me. Believe me, when you make as little as I do, every extra dollar helps!!

*****

I just realized I haven't blogged anything StarFleet in about two months. Gotta fix that. Maybe next month, since there's not a lot happening that I could even blog about. Oh ... there's one thing ... we're planning on a trip to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) Hall for a Star Trek vs. Star Wars concert. We are required to wear our uniforms (per the DSO). We do get free entry to the concert, free parking ... and invitations to meet George Takei (Sulu on the Original Series!) ... to say we're geeked is an understatement. I love George!! We have such an interest in this event that the four Michigan chapters of StarFleet will all be coming - in uniform. Human, Klingon and I hear a Romulan or two even!! And we'll all greet the concert-goers as they enter the Hall.

Gawd, I'm such a geek!!!


2/10/12

Knock Knock ...

Ya, it's me ... appearing at your doorstep. I know, amazing right?

Been running the same for the most part. With a few exceptions.

Single Son has been staying away for three or four days a week lately. Weekends, really. Yup ... he's got a gf. I really shouldn't be surprised, they've known each other for more than ten years while she was married to one of his closest friends (yes, they're still friends). Now they're dating. I guess the soon to be ex has actually given them his blessing ... or more like a "good luck, you're going to need it". He comes home from her house last week telling me he's going to get my car back on the road soon (only fair since it died under his using it). And that he's looking to buy a house near her. A nice little foreclosure he found, a steal of a deal. She called him the other day (many times a day, but that's a different story) ... I was nearby and noticed that her name as it appears in his cell phone directory has her first name and HIS last name (not her last name). Great ... what a way to find out they've got plans to marry. Shouldn't her divorce go through first? Oy!!

*****

One step closer to the empty nest? We'll see ...

*****

Married Son's plans are still to divorce DIL. He had a minor setback with the company, but it looks like that won't push back his plans for getting the Wrecking Crew out of the house by much.

In the meantime, half of the week is only me and the Wrecking Crew here. And believe it or not, DIL and I haven't choked each other yet. Actually, she's being pretty reasonable - doing her chores without me even having to ask, driving me where I need to go (Single Son, of course has the only vehicle between us when he's gone) and has on occasion even said to me "Mom, come eat, I made more than enough for all of us".

Maybe she's on to Married Son's plans? I doubt it ... besides, she keeps making comments to Married Son about "you can have this kid when we divorce", "when we divorce you better make sure I have a working vehicle", or "don't worry about alimony after we divorce" (considering she can't get it until after 11 years of marriage here in Michigan anyway) ... but it makes me wonder what her motivation for "playing nice" is all about.

*****

So, Married Son's small business setback? Remember I said he had bought two trucks and hired a driver? Well, the company OTE contracts through, ASE was supposed to have done the interviewing, back ground checks and everything else (after all, drivers contract through ASE). Well, their Human Resources department failed miserably. "S" should not have been hired. He LIED on his application. A major lie, too. One that if he had told the truth about he never would have been hired as a driver. But he was. Now we are STUCK with an extra truck (ASE froze that asset for 45 days while this is all being sorted out), which means that OTE is stuck with truck payment, insurance payment and charges for storage. Not to mention all the money we're losing by it being idle. At least ASE will unfreeze it soon, and actually will take over our payments (of course, then it becomes their truck, but at least they're working to keep Son driving and keeping us from going under). In the meantime, it's meant payless paydays for me. I'll get paid for the lost paydays eventually ... but this sucks. All because some arse lied big time on his application ... and ASE didn't catch it in their back ground check!! Son is taking on expedite contracts like a madman trying to make up the difference. Looks like it's working, too ... he's had runs literally every day for the last two weeks (not an idle day yet). The books are finally coming out of the red!

*****

Life goes on ...

*****

But, I've been in a funk lately. A lot of it has to do with OTE and the problems we've had. Doesn't help that my checks are way behind and I've had to borrow money from my mom for the basics, like food and meds, again Grrrrrrr. I've really been napping a lot more lately because of the funk ... hey I guess it beats over eating, right? So ... yesterday I was napping in the afternoon. Single Son woke me up when he got home from work ... I'm about to panic, thinking I had slept for far too long when he explains to me he's home early. Whew ... half asleep still, I notice he's walking a bit funny and asked if he fell off the Fed Ex truck (again). "No, Mom. I was at the clinic, that's why I'm home early. I got hit by a car today." "Oh no, are you okay? How's the truck? Or did the accident happen with the van?" "No Mom, I was delivering a package to a Fed Ex customer and while trying to cross the street a car hit ME."

What pisses me off, the driver of the car never even slowed down to see if he was okay. And of course, he was laying on the ground and unable to get a license plate number to hand over to the police (and it happened within the village he's a cop for). He's fine ... only slight bruising. Nothing broken.

His Guardian Angel works overtime! Either that or his Guardian Angel is somewhat a practical joker, and possibly a tad sadistic. We aren't sure.

*****

About the only time I hear from the Alien is when she needs something. Usually money for gas to get to the Knight in Rusty Armor's parents house. No ... let him figure out how to get money to go socialize with his family. Heaven knows they won't give him a penny.

Or she calls to ask really stupid questions. I'm not upset, at least she's calling. We do end up talking to each other for a bit. Nice to catch up with what's going on in her life from time to time.

And no, they won't be moving in once Single Son and the entire Wrecking Crew move out. I've got plans to turn the spare rooms into rooms for ME ... an office and a craft room. Ahhhh, being able to use my whole house just for me ... there's no way in hell that she'll ruin that!!

And the first person that suspects I may bend has my permission to crack me a good one upside the head!!


1/19/12

Pizza Balls


Description:
Using simple ingredients, this easy dish is delish!!

Ingredients:
1 pkg ready to bake biscuits
Pizza or spaghetti sauce to use as a dipping sauce.
Whatever your favorite pizza toppings are. I used cheese, pepperoni, and bacon.


Directions:
Canned biscuits, mozzarella cheese, garlic, and diced pepperoni all rolled into a ball and put in a greased muffin pan! Bake for 15 minutes at 375. Add whatever other ingredients you'd like! Dip in sauce!