While pickin' cotton at the office this morning before lunch, I got a phone call from the daycare:
Me: This is Margaret.
Caregiver: I'm just calling to let you know that P has injured one of her friends.
Me: What happened?
C: She cut a little boy on the forehead with a pair of scissors.
Me: Is he ok, do I need to pick her up?
C: He's fine, but will need a tetanus shot, his parents have been called. No, she's fine now.
Me: I'm on my way.
I drive like a bat out of H-E-double hockey sticks (points for anyone who knows who said that), from my office on another base and get to the daycare in 12 minutes. The slicee had a band aid on his forehead above the left eyebrow. I talk to P to 'investigate' the situation:
Me: What did you do with the scissors?
P: I cut C on his forehead.
Me: Why did you do that?
P: Because he wrote on my paper, and I told him to stop, but he wouldn't listen.
Me: You should have told the teacher, not cut him.
P: He also wrote on my shirt, look. *showing me about an 8" ink mark across the front of her sweatshirt (do I need to add that the sweatshirt was $35?)*
Me: Oh, I see...
Do I punish or not punish? That is the question.
When I picked her up this afternoon, the caregiver told me that P was genuinly concerned about C's forehead right after it happened, and even helped to bandage the dot. I kid you not, the 'cut' was as big as this *. I felt a little better that P didn't try to perform a labotomy on him. I was more concerned with what P did to him than his parents were. Even though they both work on the same base as the daycare, they were in no real hurry to check on him, and didn't get to the center until it was time for him to go home (I'm thinking they believed that in some way he deserved it).
Of the 12 kids in P's class, she is the 4th oldest, but she is the 2nd smallest and C is the 2nd biggest kid in class. As with most kids that are bigger than others in class, he's a mini-bully. He didn't learn last week when P pinched him so hard his hand was bruised (he kept scratching her on her arm and running).
Maybe he's now learned his lesson...NOT, because when I picked her up this afternoon, he was having an altercation with another child.
That's were big bullies come from. Little bullies that don't understand stop, even with a pair of scissors upside the head!!!!
Posted by Margaret
10:02 PM
|
Since you twisted my virtual arm...here's the story:
To curb blackmarketing, gas, coffee, cigarettes, hard liquor are all rationed to DoD folks here in Germany. For gas, everyone with a car registered in the system is basically allowed 400 liters of gas per car per month. **sidebar: on the economy, gas is roughly €1.20 ($1.64) a liter, which comes out to roughly $6.20 a gallon. You think you pay a lot for gas????**
When I travel, I usually fill up Bruce on base, but buy a book of gas coupons in case I need them. Since I ignored the recommended speed limit of 130kph (80mph) most of the way to Heidelberg Sunday morning, after class, I needed to get gas (I forgot to ask Grayse where the station on base is located) at the gas station off base on the way to the autobahn. Armed with my book of 100 liters worth of gas coupons, I proceeded to fill up Bruce. I tried to put 30 liters in the tank, bot only 28 fit. I went inside to pay the Gas Guy:
Me: Guten Tag, I've got gas on pump zwei (2). *using my ghetto Gerglish (German + English)*
GG: Coupons or cash?
Me:Coupons. *handing him the coupons*
GG: Thank you. (as in bye)
Me: I only put in 28 liters, but gave you 30 liters in coupons.
GG: (forgetting that he speaks REAL good English): Was? (What?)
Me: I want my change. You owe me cash for zwei liters.
GG: Was? (now he really speaks no English)
Me: My mooooolah. (getting irate)
GG: You get candy bar. **instead of giving me my change, he wanted to give me one €.80 candy bar.*
Me: You owe me €2.40. I'm taking drei (3)!
GG: No, only 1! (NOW, he speaks English again!)
Me: I don't want candy! I'll take something else. *casing around the store*
Me: I'll take these, and we'll call it even. *returning to the counter with 2 cans of Red Bull*
GG: No, you can have 1. (they were €1.20 each)
Me: Was? (now I don't speak English)
GG: You speak English!
Me: OK. *walking to my car with both cans. *
He was yelling something behind me, and I'm sure it wasn't being saying 'Thank you, oh wonderful customer!' For about 10km, I was checking the rear view mirror to make sure the Polizei wasn't behind me.
**If I lost you during the dialog (as best as I can remember it), it was like going to the store, spending $28, giving the cashier $30, and the cashier saying 'thanks, have a good day', and not giving you your $2.**
Remember, you did pinky swear not to rat me out, plus I didn't tell you that it was the gas station closest to Patton Barracks in Heidelberg AND Satute of Limitations up.
That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.
***************************************
When P finds a food that she likes, she REALLY likes it and tries to eat it when she can:
P: Mommy, we need more lellow things from the commissary. (yes, it's lellow)
Me: What yellow things.
P: The ones with the white stuff in it.
Me: (totally confused) What are you talking about?
P: The things like a bus.
Me: Show me.
P: I'll get the box for you.
*She comes back with the empty box for twinkies. She LOVES twinkies. *
Posted by Margaret
6:00 PM
|
For K@: For the DoD folks here, we have AFRTS (Armed Forces Radio and Television Service) that broadcasts the top TV shows from the previous season. If a show is really popular, we get episodes from the second season the same week they are broadcast in the US. Since we are 6 hours ahead of the east coast, the shows are always shown after they are broadcast in the US.
****************************************************
This past weekend was basically boring, except for a couple of events:
I had class in Heidleberg, and with Grayse’s directions, and help from my new boyfriend Mapquest, I was able to find where the class was held. My instructor suggested that I allow 2 hours driving time. I actually got there in 45 minutes, but that may have something to do with the no speed limit thing.
On Sunday, I had a slight altercation with a German gas station attendant in Heidelberg that involved gas coupons, 2 liters of gas, 2 cans of Red Bull, and me checking the rearview mirror for about 10km to make sure he didn’t call the Polizei on me. If anyone asks, it was just a tiny misunderstanding. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. If you want details, you have to pinky promise not to turn me in.
Posted by Margaret
10:17 PM
|
Mary, I used some horsey sauce on a roast beef sandwich from Subway. It was ok, but not great.
It's one thing to be nice and not hurt their feelings, but it's a whole different thing when you KNOW they can't sing, and you continue to encourage that nonsense.
***************************************************
Here in Germany, we get American Idol the day after it's broadcasted in the US. Last night's show covered the auditions in St. Louis.
Last night, I watched for one reason and one reason only:
To make sure the 'aspiring' singers from Crazy Crew I didn't actually believed it when they were told by family members that they can sing. Now that I think about it, none of them can really sing.
Judging from those who auditioned, but were laughed at by the judges, I feel this MUST be said:
Stop telling your friends/family that they can sing, when it's clear that they can't carry a tune in a bucket! It is not funny, and you should be flogged!
I am more than happy to report that no one from Crazy Crew I showed up and showed out, further embarrassing the family.
On a good note, there was one person I recognized....Osborne Smith II (son of Baseball Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith of the Cardinals). Ozzie and my dad have been friends for years and I've known him since he was just a kid.
GOOD LUCK OZ!!
Posted by Margaret
7:38 AM
|
As you may know, Monday was my birthday. A few weeks ago Mary and I were talking about little things I miss about the States, and I mentioned Arby's Horsey. Last week, Mary said she sent me a box for my birthday. Today, I got the package~yes, it's late but you have to deduct a few days because the dogs at customs have to sniff the packages and pretent there are hydrants inside, so technically it arrived on time~and guess what was inside????? LOTS OF ARBY'S HORSEY SAUCE and Burt's Bees stuff:
Mary thank you, thank you, thank you for the package! Now if someone would send me an Arby's Roast Beef sandwich... Nevermind, I'll use some on a schnitzel.
*****************************************************
Today was the first day of class for this term. I'm taking an advanced database class. It sounds to me like the instructor speaks Klingon. I am also taking a computer class about 45 minutes away, in Grayse's neck of the woods, (Heidelberg) on the weekends. It's going to be a LONG 8 weeks.
*****************************************************
Thursday, 20 January is Kajuana's birthday!
Posted by Margaret
8:26 PM
|
Happy Birthday, Tracie!!!
***************************************
A few months ago, a co-worker suggested that I go here to see if someone, somewhere owed me money. I checked, and someone did!!
When I initially enlisted in the Army in '94, I lived in Denver and it seems that I had a bank account there that I had forgotten about once I moved to Germany. I emailed and requested the claim forms. I proved that I actually lived there (my military orders sending me there), had the claim form notorized and mailed it to them back to Colorado.
Well today, I received the check in the mail!! The letter that came with the check says:
I am glad we were able to assist you and hope you will help us find others so we can reunite them with their property too.
So, in doing my civic duty, I encourage you to go here and see if you 'lost' some money. I've also checked for some of my family, and they have a total of 17 accounts belonging to them. Don't worry, I don't charge a finder's fee.
************************************
This evening, P and I went to the German grocery store to get lotion. P spotted empty glass bottles on the shelf and wanted to buy them.
Me: What are you going to do with the bottles?
P: I'm going to give them to the cow man, and he will put cow pee-pee in them, and it will turn into milk.
Our neighbor owns dairy cattle, and on occasion, we watch when it is time to milk them and P plays with the calves. She seems to think that when the 'cow man' puts the milking machine on the cow's udders, the cow pees in the machine, and the collection jars miraculously turns the pee into milk.
So, Thursday evening we will be forced to investigate this 'miracle', because P swears she's right.
Posted by Margaret
8:11 PM
|
Thank you to everyone who called, emailed, and commented wishing me a happy birthday! P told me today can not be my birthday because there is no party and we have no balloons.
**********************************************
My migraine finally subsided about 9am and P came home at 10, so the timing was good. I didn't want to be crashed on the couch when she got home, because she takes it as an invitation to change clothes 4348133 times, each time showing me a new outfit.
**********************************************
Saturday we went to IKEA to find a desk for P's computer. Once we got to the warehouse to pick up the box, I realized that I no longer had my purse with me. After checking the cart, and my jacket pocket for my debit card (which was in my pocket), I just figured it was gone, and I'd never see my favorite Coach bag and wallet again. I didn't panic although my ID card was in my purse, and it's a hassle to replace (sworn statements and police report to be filed).
Just as I said it was no real problem and I'd go to the police when we got back to base, in perfect English over the store intercom, I hear 'Will Margaret ******* please report to customer service' (I have ONLY heard German spoken over the IKEA intercom). Someone had found my purse and turned it in to the store. This was the 4th time I can remember losing my purse in public, and the ONLY time it was returned to me intact. Maybe this means that IKEA should be exempt from my budget, and I can shop there when I want.
**********************************************
To all those who live near Political Land...my apologies. You still have 2 days to get out of town and away from the festivities. I know traffic is TERRIBLE on a normal work day, but in a couple of days, break out the tennis shoes.
Posted by Margaret
8:49 PM
|
First things first...a moment of silence for the St. Louis Rams...there, it's done.
***************************************
I've had a terrible migraine all day. It's been so long since I've had one (I've had only 1 since P was born), that I've forgotton how debilitating they actually are. While I was in the Army, after many tests, it was revealed that my migraines occurr because I am allergic to larger quantities of food preservatives, namely monosodium galutamate (MSG). I usually take Imitrex injections when the migraine starts, but this morning I noticed that all my injections have expired. It took me about 3 hours to remember all that I have eaten since yesterday. Then I remembered that P and I went to a friend's house to have dinner, and she made steaks, and used Meat Tenderizer as a seasoning, which is 100% MSG.
So far today, I've drank about 1 1/2 gallons of water, with the hopes of diluting the MSG. So far, so good. The migraine is still here, just not as intense. The longest I've had one is 56 hours, and I've only had this one for about 13 hours, so I've got plenty of time before I really start worrying.
***************************************
P is at D's house tonight, and she called me about 10 minutes ago and asked me if I can clean her room for her before she comes home tomorrow morning because she 'forgot' to clean it before she left today. I guess it's good that she remembered, isn't it????
Posted by Margaret
9:16 PM
|
I never make New Year's resolutions. I don't make them because I KNOW I won't keep them. Also, I choose not to lie to myself.
Since I don't make resolutions, I have a sort of non-resolution. My non-resolution is that I need to make a budget and stick to it for at least 6 months.
(This is probably the only time I will EVER post about the place that pays my bills other than I pick cotton for Uncle LeRoy because I don't want to get dooced.)
I am a Budget Analyst. My accounts total tens of millions of dollars, handed down from Political Land to be spent as it's needed. I successfully budget these funds, but I have no luck with my own teeny income!!
I am such an impromptu shopper. Rarely do I look at price tags or calculate what I've spent. As long as my 'bills' (honestly, I have NO bills~just monthly living expenses) are paid, I don't worry about anything else. I do invest in my retirement and P has her college funds and savings bonds, so I won't be totally busted in my old age, and P won't have to wear clear heels through college.
I do have a goal in mind, but I need the motivation to actually work towards it. I could post how much I have saved on a regular basis, but someone might find me and follow me to the ATM multiple times, because there is only a $300 daily withdrawal limit.
I have to figure out a way to do this, because I really waste too much money on a monthly basis. I should admit that this is not really a good time to start, considering I just bought P a computer (another impromptu purchase), and she still needs a desk and chair for her room. Also, her birthday is next month, so it's time to spend!!!
*****************************************************
On another note, my birthday is Monday, and I have ABSOLUTELY no plans. NONE!! Maybe I'll wash and vaccuum the car, Bruce really needs to be cleaned.
Posted by Margaret
8:56 PM
|
Nothing says how your day will potentially turn out like waking 1 hour 41 minutes late! My day usually starts at 5am. But because P refuses to sleep on her own 350 thread count sheets in her room, she sleeps in my bed. Last night while going to sleep, she decided to listen to a CD in the cd player/radio/alarm clock. I didn't realize that she chose Mickey Mouse to help her sleep, so I didn't know to switch the player back to alarm clock mode. I woke at 6:41 with P asking what was for breakfast.
That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it.
After calling my supervisor to let her know we woke late~~she said 'take your time' (and we did)~~it was time to start our day.
Once we were dressed, P decided she couldn't wait until 8:15 to eat breakfast at day care, so she NEEDED to eat at home. Then she took 15 minutes to find a toy to take for nap time. And another 10 minutes deciding which coat to wear. And another 5 minutes to decide if she wanted the Pixter or the Video Now in the car for the ride.
While dropping P at daycare, I ws coerced into reading a book, doing an art project, and sitting at the breakfast table during breakfast.
All in all, my 1 hour 41 minutes late turned into 2 hours 30 minutes late by the time I made it to the office. The supervisor didn't care. To ease my own guilt, I didn't leave the office until 6:00.
********************************************
Uncle LeRoy has requested my presence at a conference held here. Good side...it's a free trip to the Bavarian Alps (maybe I'll pack my snowboard). Bad side...being away from P for 3 days~straight. 3. Days. I've never been away from her for more than 2 days, when she went to the Alps with some friends, and they ventured into Austria, while I was at a class.
The conference will be a great opportunity to meet people in my career field that help make decisions about the federal budget (maybe I'll meet someone that will help me get my dream job with the State Department). I need to let them know if I'll go to the conference by next week. I'll think about it.
Posted by Margaret
7:59 PM
|
For the last 18 months, I've said that we won't venture back to the States for a visit until one of my family members visits us. My sister was here last January, but her visit really doesn't count because I paid for her ticket to get here. I may have to contact my travel agent soon because one of my brothers is coming to visit!!! I. Can. Not. Believe. It.
My oldest brother, H, sent me an email today telling me his job is sending him to Paris to work for 3 weeks, and he will arrive at Charles DeGalle International Airport in Paris Sunday morning. He's my oldest brother, and we aren't very close. The last time I saw him was in 1998. Before that, the last time I can remember seeing him is when I was 14.
H is the oldest of the 3 of us by our mom and dad. Our parents were divorced when H was about 4, and my mom's parental rights were severed in either 1973 or 1974 and my dad was awarded full custody of the 3 of us (very rare at the time). My dad married the Hawking She-Devil in 1975 (whole 'nother post).
Being the oldest child, my dad was harder on H than any of us. When H was about 15 (and I was 12) he and my dad got into a HUGE fight, and H left home and never came back. He went to live with our mother. The next time I saw him was when I was 14, and it was at a funeral for my mother's youngest son (I only saw him once) at the time. He drowned on Christmas day, and my other brother M and I went to the funeral with a cousin. There, we saw H and I met 2 of my younger sisters. It was that day that I saw my mother for what I can remember as being the first time since I was a toddler (I didn't see her again until I was 18, and have only seen here 2 times in the last 15 years).
Once H left home, he didn't come around. So, basically, we all grew up and are all doing our own thing. The M recently moved to Dallas, where H lives and they see each other regularly. It will be good to see H, and he will get to meet P for the first time. The last weekend in January, either he will make the 4 hour drive to us, or we will go to Paris to see him~which P would LOVE to do, since she 'needs' to see the Apple Tower again.
****************************************************
Last week, P and I had a discussion about Sponge Bob and Crabby Patties. P told me that we needed to go to the commissary to get some Crabby Patties for dinner. I told her Crabby Patties really didn't exist, but she said she saw them at the commissary the last time we were there.
After P's gymnastics class today, I told her that we needed to get milk from the commissary. Once again, she said she saw a box of Crabby Patties there, and wanted to get them for dinner.
Once we got there, she was determined to find the 'Crabby Patties'.
P: We need to find the Crabby Patties so we can have some for dinner.
Me: There are no Crabby Patties.
P: I saw them. I'll find them, they are with the cold stuff.
Me: I'm going to get milk, you can look for them.
P: (yelling loudly) I found them, here are the Crabby Patties! (there were too many people laughing at her to count)
This is what she was talking about. She was convinced that they were Crabby Patties because 'burgers don't come in a box like that'.
Posted by Margaret
8:30 PM
|
I made an honest effort to just vegetate today, and do NOTHING, but that was not in the stars.
Currently, they are offering a $150 rebate on the computer. I will order it tonight, and if Time Tard mails it right back out, I'll have it in time for P's birthday. UPDATE: I ordered the computer from Gateway through UPROMISE, and they will add $$$ to P's college fund. This is a good thing, because by the time P is ready for college, I'll REALLY be broke and she'll have to go to Nay-Nay's Bump and Grind/Curl (the only cosmetology school with a stripper pole in the middle of the floor~so she can use her clear heels).
This evening, P and I, along with a friend of hers went to the theater (NOT the movie theater) to see a production of Annie. I must say it was the best play I've seen performed by local actors. P had a GREAT time. She told me that when she gets 4, she is going to get on stage and sing. I told her she can, as long as it doesn't involve wearing clear heels.
****************************************
I decided to P a Gateway computer. Yesterday I called Gateway to ask about the computer I'm interested in, and was told by Ryan, the nice rep, that Gateway no longer ships their 'goods' to military locations overseas. Last year, I successfully ordered the laptop from them, and received it here about 14 days later.
So, that means I have to put my ghetto shipping plan in place. I'll have to order it, have it shipped to Time Tard in Alexandria, then she'll ship it to me. The ghetto plan will add extra $$$ to the price of the computer for a couple of reasons:
Posted by Margaret
10:52 PM
|
For the record, yes, I am still sick and P is healthy as a horse (what does that mean?). I can not remember EVER being sick twice in the same season. THANKS, P!!!
****************************************************
Since I took the day off last Monday, I finally took my final for the Relational Database class I took last term. I received my grade for the class today...I got an A!! I'm happy, considering basically every class went like this:
Instructor: Jfar ieorieakafe roew relational database. Vveiri euroiejro
Me: DUH?!?!?!?
I: Kajre dfaeroer. database. Larjoeroi
Me: WTF?!?!?!?!?
AND I spent the second half of the term playing games on my laptop during class.
I registered for school next term, which starts the week of 17 January (my birthday!!!). I am taking 2 classes, one of which is the advanced part of the class I took last term. Oh, boy, this could be beddy interesting!! At least the instructor likes me, and laughs at my jokes in class. Maybe I'll take some DVDs and headphones to class (to help me concentrate, of course!!).
I am also taking a class about e-commerce and security...sounds like a cake walk! This class meets 4 weekends, and is in Grayse's neck of the woods, the city of Heidelberg, about 45 minutes from me. The only good thing is that P will be with D for two of the 4 weekends so that means...FREE BABYSITTER!!!
After this term (which is over on 11 March 05) I'll have 9 classes remaining to complete for my degree.
Too bad I don't have a social life, or I would have to go out and celebrate.
****************************************************
While helping P put lotion on her legs after she took a bath, I noticed that the toe nails on both her big toes were gnarled.
Me: Hey, what happened?
P: I took them off.
Me: Did you pull them off?
P: No.
Me: How did they come off?
P: I just bite them off.
Me: Where, at Daddy's house? (I've never seen her bite her toe nails)
P: No, at gymnastics, when Daddy took me.
I need to add that P's gymnastics class is held in an open gym, where parents are able to observe the class through the 1 way mirror.
I hope those who witnessed my precious Princess biting her toe nails in public understand that what P does while in D's care is ALL HIS FAULT!!
****************************************************
GO RAMS!!!
Posted by Margaret
9:01 PM
|
Although I am a tad under the weather (thanks to P), I felt it was my duty to report to the place that pays my bills and buys P DVDs. On the way to work at 0 dark thirty, I stopped by the store and bought some water and orange juice, but I REALLY wanted some hot apple cider. I survived work, keeping my germs to myself inside my semi-cubicle.
After work, I stopped to get the mail, and guess what?? Mary sent us a package!!! Boy, oh, boy, did she hook us up! She sent us apple candy canes, instant apple cider, some Bath and Body Works Stuff, and a purse for P, complete with earings, and lip gloss. Since the Uncle LeRoy might be reading this, I can't tell you that she sent a bottle of brown goodness, whose name begins with Hen and ends in Nessy (a BIG one and a little one ~travel size!).
Also, she sent some scratch off lottery tickets, and can you believe 2 of the tickets are winners?? One ticket is worth $2, and the other is worth $25.
For record keeping purposes, and proof, this is the $25 ticket (the middle row of Os is the winner): 
As P said...THANKS, MARY!!!
Posted by Margaret
7:13 PM
|
Although I feel a little guilty saying so, P being gone this past weekend turned out to be a good thing. I was able to do a few things around the house without my little 'helper'. I did ALL the laundry, took down the half Christmas tree, re-arranged the living room and did a little spring cleaning.
Against: Her birthday is in February, and I think it would be a great birthday present for her. I know she will eventually have her own, so, I don't have a problem getting her one now.
On another note, in the spirit of holiday giving, P has shared her germs from last week with me. When she came home Sunday afternoon, she declared herself 'All better', but by Sunday bedtime, her germs made a successful transition to me. So, here I sit, with a box of tissue, glass of orange juice, and a box of cold and sinus medicine.
Who authorized Froot of the Loom and Hanes to begin manufacturing bikinis for babies?? There should be a law against this!! Maybe I'll write them a nice letter for an explanation for this.
After my mini vacations of 4 1/2 days, it's back to pickin' cotton tomorrow.
**********************************************
Now on to the next 'situation': I think P needs her own computer, but when I ran this idea by a few people, the majority said she does not.
I made a for and against list about the computer:
For:
**********************************************
***********************************************
A few days before Christmas, P informed me that her size 2 panties were 'hurting her belly', which translates to them being to small. So I was off to the store to get her some size 4 underthings. I could not believe it, but the only size 4 I could find in the store were BIKINIS!!! Due to my addiction to have too much of everything, I bought her 20 pair (can you EVER have enough underwear??).
P wasn't happy when she put on the first pair, because they did not 'touch her button'. Thank goodness I bought a few packs of size 4 BRIEFS when they were on sale a few months ago.
********************************
Posted by Margaret
7:07 PM
|
How do I know it's going to be a LONG night??
As I always do when I'm bored, I guess I'll go shopping online~~for P's computer.
Posted by Margaret
9:11 PM
|
