Alex's Prom

Today was Alex's junior ring ceremony and prom. I cannot believe that she going to be a senior and 18 in June. We had a really good time getting ready for the day. Just thought I would share some pics of how beautiful she is! Congratulations Fern Creek class of 2010!

Stupid Refrigerator

So a couple of weeks ago our refrigerator goes out. It's only five years old but it has been acting up for about a year now. We decide to go shopping for a new fridge and this means that we have to visit every place in Louisville that sells appliances. Our current fridge is white but I have always wanted stainless steel applicances. I figure if we have to buy one, we might as well get what we want. But this is going to cause a problem because then the new fridge won't match any of the other appliances. So we simply must buy an entire package. I have myself completely talked into this since you can save so much money buying all of them together. I get to thinking that we are also going to need to change out the kitchen sink because it is also white and not in very good condition. So then everything in the whole kitchen will match. But there is a problem because I have also always wanted an undermount sink. Well you can't just go and do that without having a new counter top. Did I mention that if I'm going to have to get a new counter top, it is going to be granite? Did you know that you really shouldn't put granite over old unlevel cabinets? Needless to say, I got up the next day and made a pot of coffee. I then decided to rip out the whole kitchen. Jim said if we are going that far, we might as well pop holes in the top of the walls and drop some new insulation down them. So we do just as we had planned and within about 8 hours, we are standing in an empty room. Great! Off to Home Depot we go. Long story short, cabinets would take 4-5 weeks and then they would send a granite guy out to measure and counter tops would be an additional 4-6 weeks. I don't think so. Did I tell you that I work at the speed of Extreme Makeover? Needless to say, the following morning I found a place that had the cabinets that I wanted in stock. They also had a granite guy that could be out in five days to install the granite on site. We worked our butts off and put the whole kitchen together ourselves in less than 7 days. It turned out beautiful. I love my new kitchen!

The Economy

I know that a lot of people have seriously been affected by todays economy. Some have lost their jobs and even their homes. I am having a major problem with the news media that keeps beating it in the ground. Every time you turn on the tv its doom and gloom. Using words like "recession" and "depression" and "catastrophe" and such are not making it any better either. An equal amount of people have not lost anything and are terrified to spend a dime of their money just because of what they are hearing on tv. If you had no money in the stock market, (me), and you haven't lost your job, (me), and you never bought a house that you couldn't actually afford, (me), then your life has pretty much coasted along. Thing were getting a little tight when gas went up to $4 a gallon but thats because it made us realize how much money we actually wasted. For the most part, Americans will spend money on what they want to spend money on. I just wish the media would take a more positive spin and quit placing fear and doubt into the minds of Americans. This "disease", if you will, is spreading like wildfire through our nation. I know that a sure collapse of our financial institutions would have incurred had we not "bailed out" our banks and automobile industries. But I am worried about what all this is teaching our kids. This new economic bailout plan will put into place a bank that deals only with forclosures. It will offer much lower interst rates for those who cannot make their payments. To me, this sends a clear message. If you don't or can't pay your bills, the government will give you a lower interest rate so that you can. If you have paid all your mortgage payments on time, congratulations - you can keep your higher interest rate. We are showing our kids that if you are corrupt and take ridiculous amounts of money in the form of salary or bonuses from your company, then you have arrived. Forget about the little people below you that are busting butt to keep their head above water. We will give you trillions of dollars to keep doing whatever you want, all in the name of "restructurizing". We will actually give you the money and not even ask you to account for it. All of this and yet my tax returns have to be scrutinized down to the last dime for accuracy. Something is wrong here and nobody is saying anything. Just seems so backwards to me. To reward bad behavior. Just needed to vent...feel better now.

Winter Blah

It is one thing to not like cold weather...it is another thing to be stuck in the house 24/7 because of an ice storm. This picture gives me a "warm fuzzy" feeling. I'm so ready for spring. I am so thankful that we at least have power. I know there are a lot of people out there that are staying with family (God bless your souls) and a lot staying in hotels spending money they don't have. I guess it all comes down to perspective. Before you know it we will all be complaining about how hot it is outside! Bring it on!

Clients...

I was thinking about different clients today. I am truly blessed to have mostly normal people who come to see me....but there are a few that are out there. Last year the crazy roller lady graced me with her presence. (If you missed this, check old blog) I have a new crazy now...actually I did her years ago and she has since returned. I won't mention names but let's just say the first time I did her I though she was going to slit my throat with my own razor. Thank God for the normal clients. Sarah, a teacher at Seneca...Bob and Olivia, who is now a big college student in Chicago...Wendy and her 2 girls...Ms. Molly, good golly...Cheryl & Amanda, she is a hoot...Susan, Olivia and Katie, so sweet...Tina who is so faithful...Rachel and Dave, I miss you guys...Penny and Marie, girls who can kick butt...Stacy, one of my confidants...Wess, Fern Creek rocks...Vicki and Heather, my wonderful nurses...Kurt, America is safe because of you...Sarah, come back cause your hair looks aweful...Katherine, who finishes my sentences...These are just to name a few...Love you guys!

Thoughts for the week...

I still hate taxes...but my part is done. It is absolutely freezing outside and if I had a job, I would move to Florida. I'm madly in love with my husband today. So thankful the kids aren't sick anymore. Really hoping we get another stimulus check, it will definitely stimulate my checking account. I made homemade meatball subs for lunch today...the heartburn is probably going to kill me. I had church from my dining room table today...did I mention that my church rocks? Saw the movie Bride Wars...it's okay. Ready to open the pool so I can get some color...just waiting on the weather. Lg&E bill arrived yesterday...$320...I'm not even warm. The hose at the shampoo bowl at work got away from me Thursday...Let's just say I had to put my clothes in the dryer. Am thinking about taking a full 2 week vacation this year...the salon would probably blow up. Contemplating the value of a true friend. Thanking God we only had 2 children...they are so expensive. Wondering when my mother in law is getting engaged...and if my brother and sister in law will ever speak to us again. Thanking God for a peaceful year last year and another one to come. Just some random thoughts...

Ugh!

It's tax time...again...if anyone cares I will be drowning at the dining room table in a sea of unreadable and unmemorable receipts. Corporate taxes SUCK!