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Post by staytuned on Dec 20, 2021 14:01:54 GMT
Hard to believe it's only 6 more days til Christmas. Looks like we're going to have a rare wet, green Christmas instead of a white one, which is fine with me. Tomorrow is officially first day of winter and shortest day of the year, so we'll start adding a minute or two to daylight after that. Hey, it's something to look forward to the next 3+ months. Hope everyone has an awesome day, week and Christmas!
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Post by staytuned on Dec 20, 2021 18:29:16 GMT
I swear management at our apartment complex just keeps going downhill. We're on week 4 that company was supposed to come out "any day now" to cut back the badly neglected branches and limbs that are already hitting our building and allowing the tree rats to invade and chew up our balcony (and we're not the only ones who have complained).
Apparently, you have to be clairvoyant and know when something's going to break down because it will take at least 3 weeks to get anything fixed or replaced. Our oven went out over a week ago and I left email request for maintenance to look at to repair or replace. No reply. Left phone message yesterday and so far, no reply. Will see how long this takes. It would be nice to have a working oven to prepare Christmas Eve dinner so now have to figure out a "plan B" meal I can crockpot and/or microwave.
I get it in the scheme of life, these are no big deals, it's more of a vent how we're paying a lot more in rent and also having to pay all utilities and getting a lot less for it. Not looking forward to when winter really hits because plowing and shoveling/salting walkways has also fallen to the wayside. Used to be everything was cleaned up before I left for work at 7am. Now, we're lucky if the walkway gets shoveled by the time I got home at 5pm and sometimes not at all for a few days.
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kritter
Mod Squad
When we lose sight of how we treat animals, we tend to lose sight of our humanity
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Post by kritter on Dec 20, 2021 18:47:10 GMT
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val2525
Chaos Manager
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Post by val2525 on Dec 20, 2021 19:03:13 GMT
staytuned, is moving when your lease is up an option? You might also look at the lease and state tenant law, to see what options you have for withholding rent until critical items are fixed. Although I'm not sure if the oven would be considered critical or not. But it's worth a look.
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Post by staytuned on Dec 20, 2021 19:40:15 GMT
staytuned , is moving when your lease is up an option? You might also look at the lease and state tenant law, to see what options you have for withholding rent until critical items are fixed. Although I'm not sure if the oven would be considered critical or not. But it's worth a look. Local SIL was supposed to get a condo or apartment at least 5 years ago and MIL was to move in with her, then DH & I would move into MIL's house. Thanks to SIL's dawdling, that still hasn't happened so here we still are. Unfortunately, it's cheapest around (even though it's not cheap) and only a mile from MIL's, plus we renewed lease in September so we're kinda stuck here. Can't withhold rent or we'd be locked out and evicted.
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Post by 57roses on Dec 20, 2021 19:50:29 GMT
staytuned, Sorry you're dealing with not having a stove/oven. In Arizona if A/C breaks down the landlord is legally obligated to adress the problem within 24 /48 hrs (don't remember which). You may want to check with your state to see if there are any similar renter laws that can help get repairs done in a timely fashion.
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Post by jesmelric on Dec 20, 2021 19:52:51 GMT
Hello everyone. It's so hard to believe we are so close to Christmas! I start my prep early and it still creeps up lol. DH enjoyed the office Christmas party this year because 1. They went back to having bbque catered and 2. He won a $100 Visa gift card at the raffle. They give out a ton of prizes from tools to liquor to camping and car care type stuff (mostly guys work there lol). So he was really pleased with his gift, I told him it's like getting the book of life savers for your class gift exchange, back in the day lol.
We had a nice visit with mom Saturday I bought her a small thermos of coffee and a couple of warm cookies which she really enjoyed. Apparently they get coffee some days but not every day. I have a small collection of vintage glass insert thermoses and they really hold the heat. We had to leave a few minutes early because some storms moved in but we'll both see her on Christmas Eve and DH is picking her up Christmas day for dinner and a visit.
Staytuned that is so frustrating! My sister is experiencing this right now. These apartments she lives in have been very nice and always quiet for years. Oldest DD had her first apartment there 15 years ago. The owner died a couple of years ago and earlier this year his widow sold to an investment company. Now she's having the same issues as you, maintenance takes forever, etc. In fact the washroom only has 4 washers and one has been broken since the spring. She's very frustrated as well. And everything else around here is not good, or way more expensive. These were sort of a hidden gem, but I guess those days are over
I got all my yard work done this morning, and I am glad about that. Of course I'll be stiff tomorrow but I still have plenty of cleaning, etc to do so I'm glad its out of the way. My morning glories and heirloom roses are in full bloom. In December. Crazy.
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Post by chapeaunoir on Dec 20, 2021 20:56:54 GMT
Had the booster in one arm and the flu shot in the other yesterday, and man, I feel horrible today.
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Post by staytuned on Dec 20, 2021 21:28:21 GMT
Had the booster in one arm and the flu shot in the other yesterday, and man, I feel horrible today.
Didn't someone else on the board get both shots same day and feel lousy? I remember she said she didn't know which shot made her feel so bad or if it was a combination of both. Hope it's only a 24 hour thing, Chap, and you're literally up and running asap.
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val2525
Chaos Manager
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Post by val2525 on Dec 21, 2021 1:19:02 GMT
((((chap))))) My side effects were worst on the booster but fortunately went away in about 24 hours except the fatigue, that stuck around for almost a week.
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Post by treetop on Dec 21, 2021 2:05:52 GMT
Hope you feel better soon, Chap. I had the chills for a couple days after the booster, then felt a little nauseous after I ate for a few days. Definitely worse than the two vac shots, but still not too horrible.
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Post by labbypaws on Dec 21, 2021 5:30:08 GMT
Chap I hope you feel better soon. A few friends were knocked down 3 days.
BTW my Runkeeper is working again. I deleted it and reinstalled it after resetting the network.
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Post by chapeaunoir on Dec 21, 2021 6:50:42 GMT
I slept a lot of the day, and packing 5 sales for Posh felt like the 13th labor of Hercules, not to mention taking them to the post office, though it was good to get out. I think it was probably the booster, though who knows, they may have worked synergistically. I had been going to get the two shots separately, but when the person who checked me in asked if I wanted a flu shot, too, I just said "sure" (it would save me having to remember to get it later). I'm hoping I feel better in a couple of days - I sort of expected this so cleared the decks for today, might have to do it for tomorrow, too. The DH felt nothing.
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Post by staytuned on Dec 21, 2021 14:02:42 GMT
It's officially the first day of winter and shortest day of the year. My glimmer of hope is knowing we'll be adding a minute or two of daylight after today.
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val2525
Chaos Manager
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Post by val2525 on Dec 21, 2021 16:36:14 GMT
My Walmart delivery person apparently could not find my apartment depsite me adding the building number, the floor, and the gate code to my order. He gave up and reported to WM that the order was undeliverable and they canceled it on me. Arrgghhh. But it actually works out better, I'll reorder with a pickup at the store that I'll be near tomorrow when I pickup my mail. I'm still reordering the cat litter for delivery though. Those things are heavy and I'm too lazy to lug them upstairs
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Post by staytuned on Dec 21, 2021 17:07:27 GMT
SMH to WM un-delivery but glad it will work out for you, Val.
I went out to go over to the office with a written request if the office was locked and nobody answered (which is the norm now) and one of the maintenance guys was across the driveway so I asked him if they got my request. He didn't but the other truck with other 2 guys happened to come by so he waved them over and the newest guy couldn't remember which apartment he fixed an oven so the other guy went up with me and tried it and it didn't come on. He said he'd be over after lunch to replace the igniter. Next time something goes phooey, I'll just leave a note on maintenance truck and bypass the office altogether. Spent 11 days waiting with no response and 5 minutes talking to maintenance guys to get action that will take him maybe 5 minutes to fix. Sheesh. Just happy I'll have my oven working again and can go with "plan A" for Christmas Eve dinner.
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val2525
Chaos Manager
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Post by val2525 on Dec 21, 2021 17:39:15 GMT
I'm fixing a cornish hen in the air fryer for Christmas day. I haven't decided on the sides yet but they'll be microwaved or roasted in the air fryer.
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Post by staytuned on Dec 21, 2021 19:32:21 GMT
Whoo HOOOOOOOOOOO My oven works again!
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val2525
Chaos Manager
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Post by val2525 on Dec 21, 2021 22:02:35 GMT
Yay!
Hmmn. Maybe you should talk with the maintenence guys about the tree trimming too.
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Post by labbypaws on Dec 22, 2021 3:18:18 GMT
click on image.
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Post by chapeaunoir on Dec 22, 2021 8:12:08 GMT
^^^^
I'm feeling some better today but the lymph nodes under my right arm (where I got the shot) have swollen to a big lump and it's hard to lift my arm. So strange - I didn't have this last time. The DH said the Israelis (who are ahead of the rest of most of the world on this) are looking to 4th shots (2nd boosters) due to the firestorm of Omicron. Ugh - I don't want any more shots.
We had a second dry day - dark and cold, but DRY. The roads filled up with people and dogs roaming, bikes, skateboards, scooters, etc. Who cares if it's 38 degrees with a damp that goes right to the bone, it's NOT RAINING! Let's sit outside and have coffee! The rains are back, though, and will turn to snow around Christmas. This could prove a problem for us because we live in a very hilly area with winding roads and the temps might drop into the teens. If it snows...ugh...it'll be hard to get down to the family Christmas 30 miles south of us. We've had to bail before when we had a foot of snow and couldn't get out of our road, even with me at the wheel, and I'm the snow driver in the house (I totally impressed the two cute younger guys who have the houses at the top of our road by getting our old station wagon out of our heavily snow drifted road by driving backwards with no chains lol. The little triumphs that spice up life. But it wasn't up an 8% grade.
Christmas gifts all purchased, just need to be wrapped. My Christmas gift to myself arrived Apollo Hand Grinder
It has to be a Christmas gift as the things are about $300, but to get an electric coffee grinder of comparable quality is over $1K, and you have wiring to burn out and can't get at the gears to overhaul like you can this one. I've gone through two electric coffee grinders in the last 12 years. The only thing to give out on this unit is me - it's built like a brick.
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Post by blissfullymiserable on Dec 22, 2021 15:01:44 GMT
Things are weird with my dad and step mom, things are always weird with them but they're getting weirder. My dad stopped by to drop something off several weeks ago and we had a nice chat but other than that I've only seen them a few times since the spring. My step mom and I don't get along and I'm really just tired of trying with her so I've been keeping to myself but wondering if we'll get together or do anything for Christmas (get together means go out to eat pizza at a place we all like). So a few days ago I get a Christmas card from them in the mail that just said love Dad and xxxx. Nothing inside it. Okay? I couldn't care less that the card is empty. Just befudddled. Yes I know, most people would say well pick up the dumb phone and call them but as we all know, family's can be complicated and things are getting more complicated as years pass. Although we're not close, I love my dad and feel like we're good, we'd be better if it wasn't for her. My sweet grandma has repeatedly but quietly been hurt by her many times over the years too. I asked Cliff for advice and he said to ask them if they want to get together and go out to eat in a few weeks so I guess I'll initiate that with my dad today. I admire those who have normal families and don't have deal with this kind of crap. When they were out of the country I was getting po box mail for them. They came back and moved in with some friends about 30 minutes away so I gave them their po box key back. Shortly after, she requested that I keep getting their mail for them since I'm closer. Their PO box is not at the post office that I go to everyday, it's about 10 minutes one way and it's not an area that I'm regularly near so after months of doing it, I got tired of it and informed them that the holiday's were coming, I'd be busy and I needed a break. Her reply was oh okay, we're over that way for church every Sunday so we'll pick it up then. UGH. SMH! Sorry for the rant
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Post by staytuned on Dec 22, 2021 16:27:28 GMT
Sorry you have to deal with that, bliss. I know of not one family that's "normal". I guess you have to look at the positives of still having a Dad and Grandma. As much as I still miss Mom and Dad, I'm glad I no longer have to put up with "It". DH's family sure isn't normal, either. All I can offer is to put your foot down before step mom tries taking advantage of you. There's a big difference doing someone a favor and having them take advantage of you like the P.O. box example.
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Post by Desire on Dec 22, 2021 18:14:15 GMT
I admire those who have normal families and don't have deal with this kind of crap. No such things as "normal" families. What may seem normal to one, might seem outlandish to others. As far as the Christmas Holiday is concerned, it's only once a year. I try to just go with the flow, as much as some things might annoy me. Life is short, loved ones will not always be with us. And when they are gone, they are gone, all you have is the memories. Try to make them the best you can. JMO
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val2525
Chaos Manager
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Post by val2525 on Dec 22, 2021 18:28:58 GMT
"Normal" and "family" are highly overrated. Give them a call and see if they'd like to get together for New Years Day, if you're feeling guilty about Christmas. But the way I look at it for both family and friends - communications go both ways. Nothing is stopping your dad from calling you. One of my dad's wives (he had several), no one really liked, but he still called me and I called him. I just tried to call when I knew Jeanne wouldn't be home
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Post by blissfullymiserable on Dec 22, 2021 18:52:52 GMT
Believe me, I am using the term normal very loosely. To me normal is sort of a family where there are no step moms, step dads, step sibling, etc. Outside of that anything goes. All of those additions complicate things, or at least they have for me.
So my dad texted and asked if I was okay not exchanging gifts. It’s weird but I’m good with it. Actually prefer it. So, I asked him to let me know if they want to get together for a dinner out. No reply.
I think my step mom has issues and the root of them have nothing to do with me or anyone else and my poor dad is stuck in the middle. They’ve made some very poor choices over the last 5 years and kind of got themselves in a bad spot, Covid just made it worse. I do feel bad for them.
Merry Christmas everyone 💕
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val2525
Chaos Manager
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Post by val2525 on Dec 22, 2021 19:31:22 GMT
It is now 1:30. My office closed for the holidays 30 minutes ago and we don't open again until Monday. Woo hoo! I'm still working over the holiday though, but at least it will be on my schedule and I don't have to bother checking for client emails, messages or texts for the next 4.5 days. I always get so much more done (and done much faster) when I don't have to stop for emails and texts. Even better, all clients cooperated and had payroll in on time, submitted bonus amounts on time, and got me their gross sales on time so I could file the sales tax reports yesterday (yesterday was quite busy). I'm glad I gave everyone a deadline because one client payroll I had to do 4 times yesterday before they were happy with the bonuses. Last year, our largest client decided to give us their Christmas bonus numbers 10 minutes before we were due to close on Wednesday, THEN had multiple revisions to the payroll I think I ran it 3 times, and they had 25-30 employees. Needless to say I didn't get off at noon last year. Thank goodness that client went to another accounting firm early this year. We don't miss them. The apartment complex is having the patio decorating contest tonight at 6:00, where the apt staff drives around in the golf carts, looks at all the patios, and announces winners tomorrow. They're giving out HEB gift cards, $100-first place, $75-second place, and $50-third place. I'm headed out for a lunch date and then to run errands and might not be home until after 6:00. Which means I get to turn on my lights before I leave (at like 2:00 pm LOL). I went nuts with the lights out there (looks quite festive if I may say so), and even finally got one of the light projectors to work so that it shines big moving red & green dots on the ground in front of my building. I'm on the second floor so I was trying to figure out how to angle the light so it didn't blind anyone driving towards the building through the parking lot. A piece of strategically placed foil finally solved that problem, without affecting the lights on the ground. So yeah, I don't want to disqualify myself by not making it home in time to turn on the lights. I'd rather look stupid, something I actually do quite well
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Post by blissfullymiserable on Dec 22, 2021 20:07:19 GMT
I hope that you're one of the winners Val, be sure to update us.
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Post by jesmelric on Dec 22, 2021 20:55:20 GMT
Sorry you have to deal with that, bliss. I know of not one family that's "normal". I guess you have to look at the positives of still having a Dad and Grandma. As much as I still miss Mom and Dad, I'm glad I no longer have to put up with "It". DH's family sure isn't normal, either. All I can offer is to put your foot down before step mom tries taking advantage of you. There's a big difference doing someone a favor and having them take advantage of you like the P.O. box example. It took me a while to learn this lol. When I was a kid I really thought that our family was the only dysfunctional one and every one else had a "normal" family. In fact I think that is part of the attraction I had to my first husband, I thought his family was "normal" and I wanted to be a part of that. After being married 5 years (from 17 to 22) I figured out they simply had a different kind of dysfunction and it also wasn't as obvious but it was definitely there. My dad moved to NC in 1986 when I was pregnant with oldest DD and we have not seen him since although we used to write and then email and now FB message. He has hearing issues so not many calls any more. He got remarried when I was 12 and in came a step daughter and they had a daughter when I was 16 and it just feels more like they are his family now. In the early (aka poor) years after he left he never made any effort to come back to visit us so when times got better we returned that favor.
Chap I'm glad you are feeling better! When DH and I got flu shots in Sept they offered to do his booster then but I decided to wait 2 weeks in between just to be safe. I'm glad I did, even though there's no way to know for sure if it would have caused more of a reaction. His reaction to the booster was super mild and he's never had a reaction to the flu shot. It's interesting what you said in the covid thread about pneumonia and the atmosphere there. DD in Portland had pneumonia a few years ago at Christmas, after she had the flu. She told me she was having a "relapse of the flu". I said there's no such thing, it's pneumonia. She didn't believe me but I got all panicky worried and she promised to go to urgent care and sure enough it was pneumonia. (I made her take a picture of the urgent care room and send it to me so I was sure she really went lol).
Well I wanted to tell everyone Merry Christmas today because I probably won't be back here till after Christmas. Tomorrow I have a lot of prep to do for the buffet, although it's just a few people. Mild weather is great, we will be outside for the most part. And we have to meet with this attorney tomorrow. I'm super irritated about it. 2 years ago we had our wills done. We found out years after DH's mom passed that in TX if you die without a will and have children outside the marriage the state presumes your estate goes to your children and not your spouse. Youngest DD is a wild card and if I cork off first I don't want DH to have any problems so we needed to have it done. So I asked the attorney at that time about having my name put on the deed when the house was paid off. Due to credit issues when we bought the house in 1999 I was not on the loan, therefore not on the deed. She said if we paid $150 extra that day, she'd handle it for us when the day came, I told her we were about 2 years out of having it paid. So we paid it last month (yay! Too bad taxes and insurance are way higher than the payment) and I contacted her after I got the paperwork from the bank. She responded about setting up an appointment but it was very irritating that she say she'd get back to me in "a couple of days" and a week later I'd email, Just Checking In. Finally she said 10 am this morning. But she never showed up. Called and the answering service had her call us back, I'm so sorry, Paralegal, calendar issue, blah blah. So we wasted 45 minutes sitting there doing nothing, she wasn't even in the city, she was in Galveston. I was pretty irritated. She never should have offered 2 years ago if she didn't want to do it. She even tried to say: well I was trying to accommodate you because the office is closed till after the new year, I never should have done that. Like it was our fault!! She wanted us to come in tomorrow but I told her in all honesty I have a lot to do and can't spare the time to sit there waiting for you to show up. Isn't it just a few signatures? Our house is right down the road from your office, can't you just stop by the house? So she is supposed to come by at 11:30 tomorrow morning. We shall see if that happens. I'm sorry, I probably won't leave her a bad review, but I will never recommend her to anyone else. She really made me feel like our issue didn't matter to her AT ALL, even though we had already paid her for it.
So after that long winded paragraph I want to say Happy Holidays to everyone and I hope everybody has a Very Merry Christmas and a ton of Post Christmas Sales!!
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Post by staytuned on Dec 22, 2021 21:21:32 GMT
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