We have moved so often, but it never seems to be easy. We are moving for the 19th time, this time to Fort Monroe, Virginia.
First, my husband called the Great Lakes transportation office and requested a move date. They told him to fill out an online form and we’d hear from them. He filled it out and we got a computer generated response that said the earliest we could move was 12 business days from the date of the application. Bob called them to explain this was a short-notice assignment and the woman (with attitude) told him that he may have to report to work but wait for his furniture.
He asked to talk to her supervisor and she said to “Please hold, major.” He corrected her and said “I’m a major general.” I could hear her gulp from across the room. She put him on hold and no one came back on the line. I think they were running in a panic trying to find someone brave to take the call. A similar thing happened to me when I worked at Wisconsin State Fair as a receptionist as a teen and I ticked off a caller. He wanted my supervisor, so I covered the mouthpiece and told my co-worker to pretend she was my supervisor. She got on the phone and he told her that he had heard our conversation and to get the real supervisor. I was reprimanded.
Bob hung up after being on hold for about 5 minutes without a reply. When he called back, he was notified that the move date he requested had been approved. It’s funny how things can work out.
The movers come on Monday and we are hauling bags of things to Goodwill and sorting out things to stay in Wisconsin and what to pack in luggage for the trip to Virginia.
I am also having flashbacks of some of our unusual moves. Like the one from New York where the moving van was covered in graffiti and they finished packing that truck just after midnight. As it drove off towards the city, we thought we had seen our stuff for the last time. Then there was the mover in Kansas who crapped in our toilet and clogged it, but just closed the lid and let us find it hours after they had left. Oh, and the move from El Paso which I did myself where the mover arrived drunk and passed out in our basement atop a moving blanket. He was fired, so then I worried he’d come back seeking retribution.
I also remember our move from Germany where the movers were from the former East (the wall had come down just a few years earlier) and they stole all our NFL stuff and jeans. But at least I haven’t had an experience like my friend Jan, whose wedding dress was packed with her husband’s weights, which rusted all over it.
The movers come on Monday. The toilet plunger is at the ready.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
The Cruise
We got on the ship and the first thing they did was steer us to a food buffet. The buffet had a number of stations, with Asian food, Italian food, fried food, and a couple of salad bars. My pants were already too tight, so I went to the salad bar.
As I was proceeding through the food line, I noticed that the ship had a lot of elderly passengers. They were all too excited to be eating and were quite pushy. While in the salad line, I was hit by a wheelchair. It practically took out my Achilles tendon. I turned to the old man who was pushing the old woman and told him to back off. I never saw them again on the ship, they were probably afraid I was a member of some unfriendly gang.
Our room was cozy. That’s another way of saying very small. But it was adequate.
At dinner the first night, we made friends with a Canadian couple and we ended up sitting with them every night for dinner and hanging out at the Piano Bar after dinner with them. They were a lot of fun.
The first day, we were at sea. So, we sat in the sun for awhile and then hit the gym. It was packed. There were a lot of out of shape people on treadmills walking slower than turtles crawl. I think they were trying to convince themselves that they were getting in shape after gorging themselves on the ship’s food. There were two men who worked at the gym, they wore very tight black shirts, were in their 20’s and in good shape. All they were interested in was selling some type of products that worked with your metabolism, which they would measure for $35. They did not seem to notice people dropping weights, using machines incorrectly and not wiping down the equipment after use. I had a hard time working out due to the injury I suffered after the wheel chair strike.
We went to Puerto Vallarta on our first stop. We were with our new friends from Canada, Jim and Sharon. We stopped at a place on the beach and had Coronas and it was wonderful sitting in the sun, at the shore watching the Pelicans. Then a vendor came by and we bought some stuff from him. Word spread among the vendors on the beach that a table of buying suckers had arrived and they flocked like seagulls around us. “Chiclets?” “Blankets?” “Silver?” “Windchimes?” It was overwhelming. We went to another area much further down the beach and had a few moments of peace before being inundated yet again.
The next day was Mazaitlan. Jim and Sharon were on an excursion, so Bob and I were on our own. It was a fun day walking on the beach and trying to avoid the vendors. They all used the same phrases that at first made us laugh, “Can I have a Mexican minute Senora?” “Almost free, Senor.” It got to the point where we could finish their sentence. We stopped at an open air restaurant/bar that played loud beach music. This place was elevated above the beach and the vendors were not allowed to come in. So they stood below us shouting up. There was one man who did a trick for money. But it was a stupid trick that only drunks could like. He had a boat paddle with three painted silver rocks on it and he would hold it up.
The last stop was Cabo San Lucas. This was our favorite city because it was really modern, with nicer buildings and restaurants. There were a bunch of Pelicans there as well and I got carried away taking pictures. They are so cool looking, I wanted to pet one but Bob told me not to even try or we’d see it on “When Animals Attack.”
The last two days were at sea returning to San Diego. By now, Bob and I had nicknamed the pushy people who lived at the buffet the Piranhas. They would use blocking strategies as you would approach the buffet. It made us laugh at how worried they were that the food would run out. The gym was empty, those who started with good intentions had decided to just hang out at the buffet. So that was great for us. The gym had glass that looked out to sea and the whales were migrating, so it was just beautiful to work out.
Then, too quickly it was over. We said goodbye to our new friends, and while disembarking, had to fight the Piranhas one last time. I started to laugh hysterically and one of the men on the ship said he had enjoyed my laugh throughout the cruise and asked me for one more laugh. I complied.
As I was proceeding through the food line, I noticed that the ship had a lot of elderly passengers. They were all too excited to be eating and were quite pushy. While in the salad line, I was hit by a wheelchair. It practically took out my Achilles tendon. I turned to the old man who was pushing the old woman and told him to back off. I never saw them again on the ship, they were probably afraid I was a member of some unfriendly gang.
Our room was cozy. That’s another way of saying very small. But it was adequate.
At dinner the first night, we made friends with a Canadian couple and we ended up sitting with them every night for dinner and hanging out at the Piano Bar after dinner with them. They were a lot of fun.
The first day, we were at sea. So, we sat in the sun for awhile and then hit the gym. It was packed. There were a lot of out of shape people on treadmills walking slower than turtles crawl. I think they were trying to convince themselves that they were getting in shape after gorging themselves on the ship’s food. There were two men who worked at the gym, they wore very tight black shirts, were in their 20’s and in good shape. All they were interested in was selling some type of products that worked with your metabolism, which they would measure for $35. They did not seem to notice people dropping weights, using machines incorrectly and not wiping down the equipment after use. I had a hard time working out due to the injury I suffered after the wheel chair strike.
We went to Puerto Vallarta on our first stop. We were with our new friends from Canada, Jim and Sharon. We stopped at a place on the beach and had Coronas and it was wonderful sitting in the sun, at the shore watching the Pelicans. Then a vendor came by and we bought some stuff from him. Word spread among the vendors on the beach that a table of buying suckers had arrived and they flocked like seagulls around us. “Chiclets?” “Blankets?” “Silver?” “Windchimes?” It was overwhelming. We went to another area much further down the beach and had a few moments of peace before being inundated yet again.
The next day was Mazaitlan. Jim and Sharon were on an excursion, so Bob and I were on our own. It was a fun day walking on the beach and trying to avoid the vendors. They all used the same phrases that at first made us laugh, “Can I have a Mexican minute Senora?” “Almost free, Senor.” It got to the point where we could finish their sentence. We stopped at an open air restaurant/bar that played loud beach music. This place was elevated above the beach and the vendors were not allowed to come in. So they stood below us shouting up. There was one man who did a trick for money. But it was a stupid trick that only drunks could like. He had a boat paddle with three painted silver rocks on it and he would hold it up.
The last stop was Cabo San Lucas. This was our favorite city because it was really modern, with nicer buildings and restaurants. There were a bunch of Pelicans there as well and I got carried away taking pictures. They are so cool looking, I wanted to pet one but Bob told me not to even try or we’d see it on “When Animals Attack.”
The last two days were at sea returning to San Diego. By now, Bob and I had nicknamed the pushy people who lived at the buffet the Piranhas. They would use blocking strategies as you would approach the buffet. It made us laugh at how worried they were that the food would run out. The gym was empty, those who started with good intentions had decided to just hang out at the buffet. So that was great for us. The gym had glass that looked out to sea and the whales were migrating, so it was just beautiful to work out.
Then, too quickly it was over. We said goodbye to our new friends, and while disembarking, had to fight the Piranhas one last time. I started to laugh hysterically and one of the men on the ship said he had enjoyed my laugh throughout the cruise and asked me for one more laugh. I complied.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
The Snow Thrower
When Bob returned from Afghanistan, the first thing we did is go out and buy a snow thrower. They used to be called snow blowers, but I think the name was changed after that joke about the snowman being happy to see the snow blower.
He was like a kid setting it up and excited for the first snow to fall where he could use it. An hour after setting it up, we had a cord of firewood delivered. Bob moved both cars out of the garage so the rather simple man who sells this wood would not do any damage to our vehicles. The wood man backed his pickup full of wood into our garage for unloading. He swung his door open and whack--hit the brand new snow thrower. The simple man's girlfriend (who I originally thought was his son) said, "Gee, looks like we just bought a snowblower." (she apparently is not aware they are now called snow throwers.) Bob's jaw clenched, but we just let it go.
The first snow he used it on was not enough to satisfy him, so he did our walk and driveway and then the street in front of our house and cleared all around the mailbox. In the two weeks we've had the snow thrower, it has snowed all the time. Bob has kept our driveway clear and also did our neighbors' house three times while they were gone. He ripped up one extension cord that lit our outdoor Christmas decorations when he ran over it. The next extension cord he replaced that one with is missing and I fear the same happened to it. The snow banks are so high that the Christmas decorations are buried where all I can see is the star that topped the tree. I guess that will all be found in the spring.
When we came home from our visit to New Hampshire, Bob said that he hoped there was snow. And there was, before he unpacked his suitcase, he was out there clearing the driveway. Last night we had another inch and he's out there again with his new toy. Bob's brother suggested that we clear a spot on the lake and make a skating rink. I know it's only a matter of time until I see Bob out there, guess I need to dig out my skates.
He was like a kid setting it up and excited for the first snow to fall where he could use it. An hour after setting it up, we had a cord of firewood delivered. Bob moved both cars out of the garage so the rather simple man who sells this wood would not do any damage to our vehicles. The wood man backed his pickup full of wood into our garage for unloading. He swung his door open and whack--hit the brand new snow thrower. The simple man's girlfriend (who I originally thought was his son) said, "Gee, looks like we just bought a snowblower." (she apparently is not aware they are now called snow throwers.) Bob's jaw clenched, but we just let it go.
The first snow he used it on was not enough to satisfy him, so he did our walk and driveway and then the street in front of our house and cleared all around the mailbox. In the two weeks we've had the snow thrower, it has snowed all the time. Bob has kept our driveway clear and also did our neighbors' house three times while they were gone. He ripped up one extension cord that lit our outdoor Christmas decorations when he ran over it. The next extension cord he replaced that one with is missing and I fear the same happened to it. The snow banks are so high that the Christmas decorations are buried where all I can see is the star that topped the tree. I guess that will all be found in the spring.
When we came home from our visit to New Hampshire, Bob said that he hoped there was snow. And there was, before he unpacked his suitcase, he was out there clearing the driveway. Last night we had another inch and he's out there again with his new toy. Bob's brother suggested that we clear a spot on the lake and make a skating rink. I know it's only a matter of time until I see Bob out there, guess I need to dig out my skates.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Irritated with the Airlines
The airlines have gone so cheap that flying is like being in a cattle car.
First, they eliminated the checking of bags without a cost. Passengers are trying to avoid the baggage fees by packing all their belongings for a trip into carry on bags. So, you see them with a roll-on bag expanded as far as it can go. Then there are those who use backpacks and stuff them so full that it is like another body attached to them. As one passenger turned, he almost took the head off of another passenger with his overstuffed backpack. There are women with purses the size of a 50 pound bag of dog food. I watched one man board the plane with a backpack strapped to his back, overstuffed roll-on and a shopping bag.
This makes the boarding process takes much longer and there just isn’t room for all the carry ons. By the time half the plane is boarded, all overheads are full. So, the passengers that come on later, open the compartments, study them, and then attempt to jam their carry ons in.
The unloading of the plane also takes longer as these people strap themselves down with man-purses, bags, and packs in order to exit. I also suspect some of them are wearing three layers of clothes and have their extra shoes in their pockets.
The next irritation is that the airlines are trying to make more money by selling aisle seats and window seats for an additional $15. So, a couple traveling together gets middle seats about 10 rows apart. We were able to get on a waiting list for seats together and got the very last row of the plane. This row is the one next to the toilets and the kitchen area (that is puzzling, toilets next to kitchens). So, we are trying to doze with the toilets that flush with that lovely powerful suction sound.
If you want to sit in an exit row, you have to pay an additional $15. I have never felt too secure that those sitting in exit rows would ever really try to help anyone but themselves, but now that I know the seat is sold to the highest bidder, I am assured of this.
There are no more free snacks on the planes unless you are in first class. I sure do miss that bag of 10 peanuts. You are allowed to bring your own food on the plane, which results in a greasy smell aboard the plane.
If you are a frequent flier with 25,000 miles you would think it would give you a free ticket. That’s how it used to be. You can still get a free flight, but you will have to spend the night in an airport somewhere or fly on a red eye. And if you don’t book it at least 90 days in advance, you pay a $100 fee. And the miles expire. One more irritation from the airlines.
We are about to fly again tomorrow and then have another trip planned next week. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the nightmare.
First, they eliminated the checking of bags without a cost. Passengers are trying to avoid the baggage fees by packing all their belongings for a trip into carry on bags. So, you see them with a roll-on bag expanded as far as it can go. Then there are those who use backpacks and stuff them so full that it is like another body attached to them. As one passenger turned, he almost took the head off of another passenger with his overstuffed backpack. There are women with purses the size of a 50 pound bag of dog food. I watched one man board the plane with a backpack strapped to his back, overstuffed roll-on and a shopping bag.
This makes the boarding process takes much longer and there just isn’t room for all the carry ons. By the time half the plane is boarded, all overheads are full. So, the passengers that come on later, open the compartments, study them, and then attempt to jam their carry ons in.
The unloading of the plane also takes longer as these people strap themselves down with man-purses, bags, and packs in order to exit. I also suspect some of them are wearing three layers of clothes and have their extra shoes in their pockets.
The next irritation is that the airlines are trying to make more money by selling aisle seats and window seats for an additional $15. So, a couple traveling together gets middle seats about 10 rows apart. We were able to get on a waiting list for seats together and got the very last row of the plane. This row is the one next to the toilets and the kitchen area (that is puzzling, toilets next to kitchens). So, we are trying to doze with the toilets that flush with that lovely powerful suction sound.
If you want to sit in an exit row, you have to pay an additional $15. I have never felt too secure that those sitting in exit rows would ever really try to help anyone but themselves, but now that I know the seat is sold to the highest bidder, I am assured of this.
There are no more free snacks on the planes unless you are in first class. I sure do miss that bag of 10 peanuts. You are allowed to bring your own food on the plane, which results in a greasy smell aboard the plane.
If you are a frequent flier with 25,000 miles you would think it would give you a free ticket. That’s how it used to be. You can still get a free flight, but you will have to spend the night in an airport somewhere or fly on a red eye. And if you don’t book it at least 90 days in advance, you pay a $100 fee. And the miles expire. One more irritation from the airlines.
We are about to fly again tomorrow and then have another trip planned next week. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the nightmare.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
