We started the night with dessert from Haagen Daz. It's their birthday today, so they were giving away free scoops of ice cream from 4-8pm. We were very happy! Even got coupons for our next visit.
Then we went to Arby's, because Jeff wanted to get the $1 deals. "It hasn't gotten to Hawaii yet" is what we were told. Left there.
We went to Genki's since I had the $10 gift certificates. To follow the gift certificates to a "t" we sat at the bar and not at a table and each took our own stack of plates. At the end, we requested our individual receipts, so we could each pay separately. Then the "memorable" experience begins. At the register, Kavin gives the employee, AMBER, his bill with his $10 gift certificate and $1 to cover it.
The gift certificate is dated 03/10/2010. About half way down, it says "Expires 03/19/12-One certificate per table, per receipt, per visit."
She barely glances at the gift certificate and says that it's expired and practically flings it back at me. NOT!!! When I point out to her that she's not looking at the expiration date, she turns to the side and asks another worker why they put the date there while looking at a different version of a gift certificate. DOES IT EVEN MATTER? The whole point is that it's not expired and now she is just looking like a A**. So since she already is looking stupid by being wrong, she decides she's going to pick on something else, like we can only use one, since it's limited to one per table. I tell her that we didn't even sit at a table, and we each had our own plates and receipts. To make a long story short, I was not going to give in, since this blond chick was just plain rude and wrong. Another employee comes over and tells her that we have our own receipts, so how come she wasn't taking it. Yeah, why? If we were all one table, then doesn't that mean that everyone else sitting in there is on my table, and we should all have one bill? And to top it off, she tried to rip us off by not giving one of us our change. When I asked for it, she threw the dollar bill at me. Sista needs to learn some customer service skills!
The number one reason to go to Kuru Kuru Sushi instead of Genki...the customer service that is tops over Genki!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
MY LIVING WILL
Another Maxine one thanks to Aunty Nona...
Last night, my kids and I were sitting in the living room and I said to them, 'I never want to live in a vegetative state, dependent on some machine and fluids from a bottle. If that ever happens, just pull the plug.'
They got up, unplugged the Computer, and threw out my wine.
They are SO on my shit list ...
Last night, my kids and I were sitting in the living room and I said to them, 'I never want to live in a vegetative state, dependent on some machine and fluids from a bottle. If that ever happens, just pull the plug.'
They got up, unplugged the Computer, and threw out my wine.
They are SO on my shit list ...
Monday, May 10, 2010
Just A Mom...
Found this in my email from a friend. I think it says it all for those who walk in these shoes and those who don't understand the magnitude of those shoes. Gotta love it! Thanks Tracy.
JUST A MOM?
A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk 's office,
was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.
She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.
'What I mean is, ' explained the recorder,
'do you have a job or are you just a ...?'
'Of course I have a job,' snapped the woman.
'I'm a Mom...'
'We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation,
'housewife' covers it,'
Said the recorder emphatically.
I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall..
The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised,
efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like,
'Official Interrogator' or 'Town Registrar.'
'What is your occupation?' she probed.
What made me say it? I do not know.
The words simply popped out.
'I'm a Research Associate in the field of
Child Development and Human Relations.'
The clerk paused, ball -point pen frozen in m midair and
looked up as though she had not heard right.
I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words.
Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written,
in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.
'Might I ask,' said the clerk with new interest,
'just what you do in your field?'
Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice,
I heard myself reply,
'I have a continuing program of research,
(what mother doesn't)
In the laboratory and in the field,
(normally I would have said indoors and out...)
I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family)
and already have four credits (all daughters).
Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities,
(any mother care to disagree?)
and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers
and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.'
There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she
completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.
As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career,
I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.
Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,
(a 6 month old baby) in the child development program,
testing out a new vocal pattern.
I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!
And I had gone on the official records as someone more
distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mom.'
Motherhood!
What a glorious career!
Especially when there's a title on the door.
Does this make grandmothers
'Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations'
And great grandmothers
'Executive Senior Research Associates?'
I think so!!!
I also think it makes Aunts
Associate Research Assistants.'
May your troubles be less,
Your blessing be more,
And nothing but happiness come through your door!
What are you?
***Note from my brother:
JUST A MOM?
A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk 's office,
was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.
She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.
'What I mean is, ' explained the recorder,
'do you have a job or are you just a ...?'
'Of course I have a job,' snapped the woman.
'I'm a Mom...'
'We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation,
'housewife' covers it,'
Said the recorder emphatically.
I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall..
The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised,
efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like,
'Official Interrogator' or 'Town Registrar.'
'What is your occupation?' she probed.
What made me say it? I do not know.
The words simply popped out.
'I'm a Research Associate in the field of
Child Development and Human Relations.'
The clerk paused, ball -point pen frozen in m midair and
looked up as though she had not heard right.
I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words.
Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written,
in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.
'Might I ask,' said the clerk with new interest,
'just what you do in your field?'
Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice,
I heard myself reply,
'I have a continuing program of research,
(what mother doesn't)
In the laboratory and in the field,
(normally I would have said indoors and out...)
I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family)
and already have four credits (all daughters).
Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities,
(any mother care to disagree?)
and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers
and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.'
There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she
completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.
As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career,
I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.
Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,
(a 6 month old baby) in the child development program,
testing out a new vocal pattern.
I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!
And I had gone on the official records as someone more
distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mom.'
Motherhood!
What a glorious career!
Especially when there's a title on the door.
Does this make grandmothers
'Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations'
And great grandmothers
'Executive Senior Research Associates?'
I think so!!!
I also think it makes Aunts
Associate Research Assistants.'
May your troubles be less,
Your blessing be more,
And nothing but happiness come through your door!
What are you?
***Note from my brother:
Leonard Letoto
At the rate we're going, if Aunties are "Associate Research Assistants," then Kyle helped me earn the title "Adjunct Professor."
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Can't add or subtract? Stay home!
I was done grocery shopping at 6:30 this morning. The lady in front of me couldn't do math. Talk about major irritating. I thought I was avoiding the stress by going early. Now Jeff's birthday dinner is worth way more than the dollars it cost!
Cashier: Your balance is $61.80.
Lady: I gave you $50.
Cashier: Your total is $111.80 and I took off the gift card, so your balance is $61.80.
Lady hands cashier a $50 bill.
Cashier: Your balance is $61.80, so this isn't enough.
Lady: But I already gave you the card.
Cashier: And I already subtracted that. See? (pointing to the register screen)
Lady: But what happened to my card?
Cashier: I already took it off, and you still owe $61.80. Your total is $111.80.
Lady: Then give me the card back.
Me: Your total is $111.80. 50 plus 50 only equals 100. 100 is less than 111.80, so you need to give her more money or put your things back.
Lady: But I already gave her $100.
Me: And you still owe her $11.80, so you need to give her more money!
Gee whiz! If you can't add, don't go shopping at 6:00 in the morning!!!! Those of us who can add (and subtract), go that early for a reason...to avoid the ignorants! Now I know why I don't work in retail anymore, but how do I avoid them? For those of you who have to deal with customers like this every day...thank you!!!
Cashier: Your balance is $61.80.
Lady: I gave you $50.
Cashier: Your total is $111.80 and I took off the gift card, so your balance is $61.80.
Lady hands cashier a $50 bill.
Cashier: Your balance is $61.80, so this isn't enough.
Lady: But I already gave you the card.
Cashier: And I already subtracted that. See? (pointing to the register screen)
Lady: But what happened to my card?
Cashier: I already took it off, and you still owe $61.80. Your total is $111.80.
Lady: Then give me the card back.
Me: Your total is $111.80. 50 plus 50 only equals 100. 100 is less than 111.80, so you need to give her more money or put your things back.
Lady: But I already gave her $100.
Me: And you still owe her $11.80, so you need to give her more money!
Gee whiz! If you can't add, don't go shopping at 6:00 in the morning!!!! Those of us who can add (and subtract), go that early for a reason...to avoid the ignorants! Now I know why I don't work in retail anymore, but how do I avoid them? For those of you who have to deal with customers like this every day...thank you!!!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
The Truth about Consequences
I was going through my purse and emptying out all the extra paper that I accumulate over the week. As I was tossing some of it away that I don't think I'll need, I stopped to flip through this bulletin that was in our church's Sunday bulletin. It is found in the September 09 Bulletin published by Focus on the Family. I found it quite ironic and timely that this particular article was in there. I'll explain at the end.
The Truth About Consequences
by Dr. Bill Maier
Do you have a grip on reality? Here's a quiz to find out.
Bob drives his bright red sports car 90 miles per hour on the interstate and is pulled over by a state trooper. The trooper gives Bob a:
-friendly greeting
-cookie
-speeding ticket
Susan prefers sleeping late to showing up at work on time. After arriving at the office two to three hours late for two weeks in a row, Susan's boss tells her to:
-get to bed a little earlier
-take some vacation time to rest up
-look for another job
As a result of their choices, Bob and Susan will both experience unpleasant consequences. We can only hope they'll learn from their experiences, prompting Bob to become a safer driver and Susan to become a more responsible employee.
Training for the real world
The effective use of consequences can be a powerful parenting tool. When our children break a rule or fail to act responsibly, we can implement a consequence or allow the natural outcome of their behavior to take effect. Over time, these results act as a teacher, helping our kids to learn how things operate in the real world. Unfortunately, far too many parents short-circuit this process, either failing to implement appropriate consequences or bailing their kids out — shielding them from the slightest discomfort. These parents believe they express love by sparing their children from consequences; in reality, they are setting up their kids for frustration and failure later in life.
The book of Proverbs reminds us that God designed the world to function in specific ways. Our actions have ramifications, and more often than not, we reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). Our kids benefit when they learn that life is made up of these cause-and-effect relationships — even though the effects they experience may sometimes be unpleasant. If a toddler touches a hot stove, he gets burned — that is a natural consequence. When a child's actions do not lead to an obvious result, however, a parent can still employ a consequence that is logically connected to the behavior. For example, a child is instructed to put away his toy train and doesn't follow through; a logical consequence would be that he is not allowed to play with his train the next day.
What it looks like
Consequences can be both positive and negative. Parents can use positive consequences when they want to encourage a good behavior and negative consequences when they want to discourage a bad behavior. In order for consequences to work, they need to be immediate. Kids have short attention spans. You can increase the immediacy of a consequence by using tokens or a point system. Immediately award your child points or tokens for positive behavior and deduct them for negative behavior. These can then be cashed in for special privileges or inexpensive rewards at a later time.
You'll also need to be consistent with consequences, or your child will quickly learn that you don't mean what you say. That's why it's crucial to follow through with a promised outcome even when you're tired.
Finally, consequences need to be powerful. If a positive or negative consequence doesn't matter to your child, it won't change her behavior. For example, earning points toward a new outfit for her doll may be a powerful motivator for a 7-year-old girl, but she may not care about that a year from now.
As you learn to use consequences effectively — instead of nagging, yelling or making threats — you'll find that interactions with your kids will improve. Your children will clearly understand what's expected of them, and you'll feel more confident in your role as a parent. Of course, you should always administer consequences in the context of a warm, supportive relationship.
Dr. Dobson's book The New Dare to Discipline includes step-by-step instructions on how to utilize consequences in your parenting and set up a point or token system. By the way, if you chose the third answer for both questions on the quiz, congratulations — you understand the reality of consequences. Now you can use that precious wisdom to help your kids mature into responsible adults who make good choices — and who keep their jobs and avoid speeding tickets.
So, having grown up with consequences and knowing that our actions would produce consequences whether good or bad, we have chosen to use consequences as a part of our parenting. As I'm sure many responsible parents would agree, consequences mean nothing or are not effective when both parents are not in agreement or when others interfere with the carrying out of consequences.
The twist in our situation is that our kid was a foster kid. Thus, our consequences meant nothing when the child continued to be disobedient and lie, and those outside of our family sympathized with his disobedient actions and lies. Unfortunately, telling a child that he is not really lying when he is, does not teach him responsibility for his actions and words. And telling a child that you'll pray for him when you do nothing to find out the reality of the situation, doesn't help to teach him to solve his problems and learn to respect parental authority. One of the unfortunate keys in this case was that we know the people in the Christian community that did nothing to help him learn that he was wrong by being disobedient & lying. It saddens me to know that we are raising children in a much different world from the standards, morals, and values that we hold high.
If you're wondering the outcome of this situation, he is no longer living with us, since he does not like our "lifestyle" aka rules and consequences, and he is no longer "comfortable" aka got caught lying and was grounded. Those who make the decisions and are supposed to support foster parents, decided that it was better to let him feel "comfortable" and get away with his wrong doings. And he continues on with his life as if he did nothing wrong, since he was rewarded instead of learning through consequences.
The Truth About Consequences
by Dr. Bill Maier
Do you have a grip on reality? Here's a quiz to find out.
Bob drives his bright red sports car 90 miles per hour on the interstate and is pulled over by a state trooper. The trooper gives Bob a:
-friendly greeting
-cookie
-speeding ticket
Susan prefers sleeping late to showing up at work on time. After arriving at the office two to three hours late for two weeks in a row, Susan's boss tells her to:
-get to bed a little earlier
-take some vacation time to rest up
-look for another job
As a result of their choices, Bob and Susan will both experience unpleasant consequences. We can only hope they'll learn from their experiences, prompting Bob to become a safer driver and Susan to become a more responsible employee.
Training for the real world
The effective use of consequences can be a powerful parenting tool. When our children break a rule or fail to act responsibly, we can implement a consequence or allow the natural outcome of their behavior to take effect. Over time, these results act as a teacher, helping our kids to learn how things operate in the real world. Unfortunately, far too many parents short-circuit this process, either failing to implement appropriate consequences or bailing their kids out — shielding them from the slightest discomfort. These parents believe they express love by sparing their children from consequences; in reality, they are setting up their kids for frustration and failure later in life.
The book of Proverbs reminds us that God designed the world to function in specific ways. Our actions have ramifications, and more often than not, we reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). Our kids benefit when they learn that life is made up of these cause-and-effect relationships — even though the effects they experience may sometimes be unpleasant. If a toddler touches a hot stove, he gets burned — that is a natural consequence. When a child's actions do not lead to an obvious result, however, a parent can still employ a consequence that is logically connected to the behavior. For example, a child is instructed to put away his toy train and doesn't follow through; a logical consequence would be that he is not allowed to play with his train the next day.
What it looks like
Consequences can be both positive and negative. Parents can use positive consequences when they want to encourage a good behavior and negative consequences when they want to discourage a bad behavior. In order for consequences to work, they need to be immediate. Kids have short attention spans. You can increase the immediacy of a consequence by using tokens or a point system. Immediately award your child points or tokens for positive behavior and deduct them for negative behavior. These can then be cashed in for special privileges or inexpensive rewards at a later time.
You'll also need to be consistent with consequences, or your child will quickly learn that you don't mean what you say. That's why it's crucial to follow through with a promised outcome even when you're tired.
Finally, consequences need to be powerful. If a positive or negative consequence doesn't matter to your child, it won't change her behavior. For example, earning points toward a new outfit for her doll may be a powerful motivator for a 7-year-old girl, but she may not care about that a year from now.
As you learn to use consequences effectively — instead of nagging, yelling or making threats — you'll find that interactions with your kids will improve. Your children will clearly understand what's expected of them, and you'll feel more confident in your role as a parent. Of course, you should always administer consequences in the context of a warm, supportive relationship.
Dr. Dobson's book The New Dare to Discipline includes step-by-step instructions on how to utilize consequences in your parenting and set up a point or token system. By the way, if you chose the third answer for both questions on the quiz, congratulations — you understand the reality of consequences. Now you can use that precious wisdom to help your kids mature into responsible adults who make good choices — and who keep their jobs and avoid speeding tickets.
So, having grown up with consequences and knowing that our actions would produce consequences whether good or bad, we have chosen to use consequences as a part of our parenting. As I'm sure many responsible parents would agree, consequences mean nothing or are not effective when both parents are not in agreement or when others interfere with the carrying out of consequences.
The twist in our situation is that our kid was a foster kid. Thus, our consequences meant nothing when the child continued to be disobedient and lie, and those outside of our family sympathized with his disobedient actions and lies. Unfortunately, telling a child that he is not really lying when he is, does not teach him responsibility for his actions and words. And telling a child that you'll pray for him when you do nothing to find out the reality of the situation, doesn't help to teach him to solve his problems and learn to respect parental authority. One of the unfortunate keys in this case was that we know the people in the Christian community that did nothing to help him learn that he was wrong by being disobedient & lying. It saddens me to know that we are raising children in a much different world from the standards, morals, and values that we hold high.
If you're wondering the outcome of this situation, he is no longer living with us, since he does not like our "lifestyle" aka rules and consequences, and he is no longer "comfortable" aka got caught lying and was grounded. Those who make the decisions and are supposed to support foster parents, decided that it was better to let him feel "comfortable" and get away with his wrong doings. And he continues on with his life as if he did nothing wrong, since he was rewarded instead of learning through consequences.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
CASH FOR CLUNKERS
Here's another from Aunty Nona (forwarded from Kaleo, I think), and it was just too funny and true not to share. If I tagged you, it's because I know you have a sense of humor that will get a kick out of this one, not because I'm thinking of you at the end (ROFL!).
IF MY BODY WERE A CAR...
If my body were a car, this is the time I would be thinking about trading it in for a newer model. I've got bumps and dents and scratches in my finish, and my paint job is getting a little dull. But that's not the worst of it. My headlights are out of focus, and it's especially hard to see things up close.
My traction is not as graceful as it once was. I slip and slide and skid and bump into things even in the best of weather.
My whitewalls are stained with varicose veins. It takes me hours to reach my maximum speed. My fuel rate burns inefficiently.
But here's the worst of it --
Almost every time I sneeze, cough or laugh, either my radiator leaks or my exhaust backfires.
CASH FOR CLUNKERS..........I QUALIFY - How about You?
IF MY BODY WERE A CAR...
If my body were a car, this is the time I would be thinking about trading it in for a newer model. I've got bumps and dents and scratches in my finish, and my paint job is getting a little dull. But that's not the worst of it. My headlights are out of focus, and it's especially hard to see things up close.
My traction is not as graceful as it once was. I slip and slide and skid and bump into things even in the best of weather.
My whitewalls are stained with varicose veins. It takes me hours to reach my maximum speed. My fuel rate burns inefficiently.
But here's the worst of it --
Almost every time I sneeze, cough or laugh, either my radiator leaks or my exhaust backfires.
CASH FOR CLUNKERS..........I QUALIFY - How about You?
Monday, July 6, 2009
Perplexing Questions
I got this from a friend and thought it was worth sharing (Thanks Aunty Nona!). Have you ever read Maxine? That is where it came from.
Why do you have to "put your two cents in"... but it's only a "penny for your thoughts"? Where's that extra penny going?
Can you cry under water?
How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered?
Once you're in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the clothes you were buried in for eternity?
Why does a round pizza come in a square box?
What disease did cured ham actually have?
How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?
Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up like every two hours?
Why are you IN a movie, but you're ON TV?
If you have sex with a prostitute against her will, is it considered rape or shoplifting?
Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?
Why do doctors leave the room while you change?
They're going to see you naked anyway.
Why is "bra" singular and "panties" plural?
Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?
If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a stupid song about him?
Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane ?
If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can't he fix a hole in a boat?
Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours?
They're both dogs!
If Wile E. Coyote had enough money to buy all that ACME crap, why didn't he just buy dinner?
If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?
If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?
Do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?
Why did you just try singing the two songs above?
Why do they call it an asteroid when it's outside the hemisphere, but call it a hemorrhoid when it's in your butt?
Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?
Do you ever wonder why you gave me your e-mail address in the first place?
Why do you have to "put your two cents in"... but it's only a "penny for your thoughts"? Where's that extra penny going?
Can you cry under water?
How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered?
Once you're in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the clothes you were buried in for eternity?
Why does a round pizza come in a square box?
What disease did cured ham actually have?
How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?
Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up like every two hours?
Why are you IN a movie, but you're ON TV?
If you have sex with a prostitute against her will, is it considered rape or shoplifting?
Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?
Why do doctors leave the room while you change?
They're going to see you naked anyway.
Why is "bra" singular and "panties" plural?
Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?
If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a stupid song about him?
Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane ?
If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can't he fix a hole in a boat?
Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours?
They're both dogs!
If Wile E. Coyote had enough money to buy all that ACME crap, why didn't he just buy dinner?
If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?
If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?
Do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?
Why did you just try singing the two songs above?
Why do they call it an asteroid when it's outside the hemisphere, but call it a hemorrhoid when it's in your butt?
Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?
Do you ever wonder why you gave me your e-mail address in the first place?
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