What About Me?

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A Small Town Country Boy Trying To Survive In Todays World

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Exercise For People Over 50

Begin by standing on a comfortable surface, where you have plenty of room at each side.

With a 5-lb potato bag in each hand, extend your arms straight out from your sides and hold them there as long as you can. Try to reach a full minute, and then relax.

Each day you'll find that you can hold this position for just a bit longer. After a couple of weeks, move up to 10-lb potato bags.

Then try 50-lb potato bags and then eventually try to get to where you can lift a 100-lb potato bag in each hand and hold your arms straight for more than a full minute. (I’m at this level.)

After you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each bag.

I think I need to start this...

It is what it is

Rod

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

The Problem Is...

Why is it that every time I sit here and try to write a post all that comes to mind is the bad? I have started and deleted a lot of writings. I just seem to get going and then it turns to the dark side.
Well how about a little news then.
I never did get called for work. No big surprise to me first of all because of the job they were talking to me about and now guess what...they are starting to lay people off again.
We are now down to 2 vehicles had to let them have the car back so now we have zero in car payments and the insurance dropped nicely also.
Looks like we are moving. The bank just does not seem to want to work at all with us so hey they can have it back. We found a smaller place near here with a big yard for our dogs and they are real easy going on if we want to put in a garden and some more flower beds. Did not even hesitate when we asked if we could put in a fence to separate the front yard from the back.
Nice thing is that there is no hurry on the move so we can do it a little at a time and put the stuff away before we take more over so that will be nice. Going to have to thin out a bunch of stuff. We have been bad about keeping things that we really do not need.
Well that is enough for now just wanted to give you a little update.

It is what it is

Rod

Friday, May 22, 2009

Interesting

The next time you are washing your hands and complain because the water temperature isn't just how you like it, think about how things used to be. Here are some facts about the 1500s:

Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May, and still smelled pretty good by June. However, they were starting to smell, so brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor. Hence the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting married.

Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children. Last of all the babies. By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it. Hence the saying, Don't throw the baby out with the Bath water..

Houses had thatched roofs-thick straw-piled high, with no wood underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the cats and other small animals (mice, bugs) lived in the roof. When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof. Hence the saying It's raining cats and dogs.

There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house. This posed a real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings could mess up your nice clean bed. Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top afforded some protection. That's how canopy beds came into existence.

The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt. Hence the saying, Dirt poor. The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery in the winter when wet, so they spread thresh (straw) on floor to help keep their footing. As the winter wore on, they added more thresh until, when you opened the door, it would all start slipping outside. A piece of wood was placed in the entrance way. Hence the saying a thresh hold.

In those old days, they cooked in the kitchen with a big kettle that always hung over the fire. Every day they lit the fire and added things to the pot. They ate mostly vegetables and did not get much meat.. They would eat the stew for dinner, leaving leftovers in the pot to get cold overnight and then start over the next day. Sometimes stew had food in it that had been there for quite a while. Hence the rhyme, Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old..

Sometimes they could obtain pork, which made them feel quite special. When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off. It was a sign of wealth that a man could, bring home the bacon. They would cut off a little to share with guests and would all sit around and chew the fat..

Those with money had plates made of pewter. Food with high acid content caused some of the lead to leach onto the food, causing lead poisoning death. This happened most often with tomatoes, so for the next 400 years or so, tomatoes were considered poisonous.

Bread was divided according to status. Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or the upper crust.

Lead cups were used to drink ale or whiskey. The combination would sometimes knock a person out for a couple of days. Someone walking along the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial. They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather around and eat and drink and wait and see if they would wake up. Hence the custom of holding a wake.

England is old and small and the local folks started running out of places to bury people. So they would dig up coffins and would take the bones to a bone-house, and reuse the grave. When reopening these coffins, 1 out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside and they realized they had been burying people alive. So they would tie a string on the wrist of the corpse, lead it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie it to a bell. Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night (the graveyard shift.) to listen for the bell; thus, someone could be, saved by the bell or was considered a ...dead ringer..

I do not know if these are true or not but they are real interesting

It is what it is

Rod

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Nothing Much

Sorry about not posting just have not had much to say is all.
But you can be mad at me. We went for a little drive wandering around the mountains near here and I forgot to take the camera. So you will just have to take my word on it that it was beautiful.
I love the woods at this time of year everything fresh and new. Grass is all green and a nice breeze blowing.
Did not see any wild life running about but maybe next time.

It is what it is

Rod

Monday, May 18, 2009

Still Waiting

So here it is Monday evening and guess what..No call from my "interveiw"
Maybe I am over qualified? But I bet the excuse would be that they do not believe I am the right person for the job.
Well I for one am not going to lose any sleep over it.

It is what it is

Rod

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Sunday Funnies

LIFE AFTER DEATH:
'DO YOU BELIEVE IN LIFE AFTER DEATH?' THE BOSS ASKED ONE OF HIS EMPLOYEES
'YES, SIR,' THE NEW EMPLOYEE REPLIED.
'WELL, THEN, THAT MAKES EVERYTHING JUST FINE,' THE BOSS WENT ON.
'AFTER YOU LEFT EARLY YESTERDAY TO GO TO YOUR GRANDMOTHER'S FUNERAL,
SHE STOPPED IN TO SEE YOU!

PALM SUNDAY:
IT WAS PALM SUNDAY AND, BECAUSE OF A SORE THROAT, FIVE-YEAR-OLD JOHNNY STAYED HOME FROM CHURCH WITH A SITTER. WHEN THE FAMILY RETURNED HOME,
THEY WERE CARRYING SEVERAL PALM BRANCHES. THE BOY ASKED WHAT THEY WERE FOR. 'PEOPLE HELD THEM OVER JESUS ' HEAD AS HE WALKED BY.'
'WOULDN'T YOU KNOW IT,' THE BOY FUMED, 'THE ONE SUNDAY I DON'T GO, HE SHOWS UP!'

CHILDREN'S SERMON:
ONE EASTER SUNDAY MORNING AS THE MINISTER WAS PREACHING THE CHILDREN'S
SERMON, HE REACHED INTO HIS BAG OF PROPS AND PULLED OUT AN EGG. HE POINTED AT THE EGG AND ASKED THE CHILDREN, 'WHAT'S IN HERE?' 'I KNOW!'
A LITTLE BOY EXCLAIMED. 'PANTYHOSE!! '

SUPPORT A FAMILY:
THE PROSPECTIVE FATHER-IN-LAW ASKED, 'YOUNG MAN, CAN YOU SUPPORT A FAMILY?'
THE SURPRISED GROOM-TO-BE REPLIED, 'WELL, NO. I WAS JUST PLANNING TO
SUPPORT YOUR DAUGHTER. THE REST OF YOU WILL HAVE TO FEND FOR YOURSELVES.'

FIRST TIME USHERS! :
A LITTLE BOY IN CHURCH FOR THE FIRST TIME WATCHED AS THE USHERS PASSED
AROUND THE OFFERING PLATES.
WHEN THEY CAME NEAR HIS PEW, THE BOY SAID LOUDLY, 'DON'T PAY FOR ME
DADDY I'M UNDER FIVE.'

PRAYERS:
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER ASKED, 'NOW, JOHNNY, TELL ME, DO YOU SAY
PRAYERS BEFORE EATING ?' 'NO SIR,' HE REPLIED, 'WE DON'T HAVE TO, MY
MOM IS A GOOD COOK!'

CLIMB THE WALLS:
'OH, I SURE AM HAPPY TO SEE YOU,' THE LITTLE BOY SAID TO HIS GRANDMOTHER ON HIS MOTHER'S SIDE. 'NOW MAYBE DAD DY WILL DO THE TRICK HE HAS BEEN PROMISING US.'
THE GRANDMOTHER WAS CURIOUS.. 'WHAT TRICK IS THAT?' SHE ASKED..
'I HEARD HIM TELL MOMMY THAT HE WOULD CLIMB THE WALLS IF YOU CAME TO
VISIT,' THE LITTLE BOY ANSWERED.

THE MOOD RING:
MY HUSBAND BOUGHT ME A MOOD RING THE OTHER DAY. WHEN I'M IN A GOOD
MOOD IT TURNS GREEN. WHEN I'M IN A BAD MOOD, IT LEAVES A RED MARK ON
HIS FOREHEAD

THE WATER PISTOL:
WHEN MY THREE-YEAR-OLD SON OPENED THE BIRTHDAY GIFT FROM HIS
GRANDMOTHER, HE DISCOVERED A WATER PISTOL.. HE SQUEALED WITH DELIGHT
AND HEADED FOR THE NEAREST SINK.
I WAS NOT SO PLEASED. I TURNED TO MOM AND SAID, 'I'M SURPRISED AT YOU.
DON'T YOU REMEMBER HOW WE USED TO DRIVE YOU CRAZY WITH WATER GUNS?'
MOM SMILED AND THEN REPLIED..... 'I REMEMBER!!'


A new teacher was trying to make use of her psychology courses. She started her class by saying, 'Everyone who thinks they're stupid, stand up!'
After a few seconds, Little Davie stood up. The teacher said, 'Do you think you're stupid, Little Davie ?'
'No, ma'am, but I hate to see you standing there all by yourself!'


Little Davie watched, fascinated, as his mother smoothed cold cream on her face.
'Why do you do that, mommy?' he asked.
'To make myself beautiful,' said his mother, who then began removing the cream with a tissue.
'What's the matter?' asked Little Davie . 'Giving up?'

GRANDMA'S AGE :

LITTLE JOHNNY ASKED HIS GRANDMA HOW OLD SHE WAS.
GRANDMA ANSWERED, '39 AND HOLDING.'
JOHNNY THOUGHT FOR A MOMENT, AND THEN SAID, 'AND HOW OLD WOULD YOU BE
IF YOU LET GO?'

It is what it is

Rod

Friday, May 15, 2009

They Interveiwed Me

Yes I did not stutter they interviewed me.
It was not your normal interview but they did have a few interesting questions.
My favorite was and what experience do you have that will benefit us...You have got to be kidding I worked there for 16+ years. But I answered them anyway.
Well lets see I can do all management positions here and all the scheduling on top of my working knowledge that I have of the machines and oh yes I can drive lift truck also...What did they expect.
So they then ask me what jobs I felt I could do on the floor. Physical labor type, So I told them my concerns and the big boss said that he noticed that I was concerned about certain jobs being to physical.
Well of course I am concerned I am not a young pup anymore and I have been in management for the last 14 years. Did he think he could do all the jobs out there?
So I told him that I was not one to blow smoke up anyone butt and I sure as hell was not going to kiss any ones either. He said that yes he had heard that about me. So my reply was and so now you know why I am where I am then.
What do you mean by that he asked. So I told him straight out that there was some people that worked there that did not like to hear the truth and just wanted someone to be a yes man and not ask any questions about certain decisions just give me a yes sir and kiss my butt.
So I was told that they would get back with me....hmmm have not heard anything yet...maybe they are still looking for a butt kisser.

It is what it is

Rod

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Got A Call Today

From my old job.
Seems that they want me to come up and have a chat with them. I am sure it will not be about my old job and would really be surprised if it was a better job. So I guess I will just have to wait and see what it is.
Nothing certain because when they called my son back they told him what it was. But I have to go and talk to them.
I will keep you updated as to what happens tomorrow.

It is what it is

Rod

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

I Was Told Off Today

By Pixie the pug.
Seems as she feels I have not been playing with her enough and she wanted to let me know.
I walked into the living room earlier and she jumped down from her perch on top of the sofa and proceeded to start yiping and barking at me with all the little turns and tag wags saying hey dad remember me.
So we had a 10 minute hand fight and now she is content and back on her perch snoring! She either thought I needed to calm down or she needed the exercise I do not know for sure but she had fun while it lasted.

It is what it is

Rod

Friday, May 8, 2009

Memorable Old Phrases

Do you remember any of these?

1. A Bone to Pick (someone who wants to discuss a disagreement)
2. An Axe to Grind (Someone who has a hidden motive. This phrase is said to have originated from Benjamin Franklin who told a story about a devious man who asked how a grinding wheel worked. He ended up walking away with his axe sharpened free of charge)
3. One bad apple spoils the whole barrel (one corrupt person can cause all the others to go bad if you don't remove the bad one)
4. At sea (lost or not understanding something)
5. Bad Egg (Someone who was not a good person)
6. Barking at a knot (meaning that your efforts were as useless as a dog barking at a knot.)
7. Barking up the wrong tree (talking about something that was completely the wrong issue with the wrong person)
8. Bee in your bonnet (To have an idea that won't let loose )
9. Been through the mill (had a rough time of it)
10.Between hay and grass (Not a child or an adult)
11. Blinky (Between sweet and sour as in milk)
12. Calaboose (a jail)
13. Catawampus (Something that sits crooked such as a piece of furniture sitting at an angle)
14. Dicker (To barter or trade)
15. Feather in Your Cap (to accomplish a goal. This came from years ago in wartime when warriors might receive a feather they would put in their cap for defeating an enemy)
16. Hold your horses (Be patient!)
17. Hoosegow ( a jail)
18. I reckon (I suppose)
19. Jawing/Jawboning (Talking or arguing)
20. Kit and caboodle (The whole thing)
21. Madder than an wet hen (really angry)
22. Needs taken down a notch or two (like notches in a belt usually a young person who thinks too highly of himself and needs a lesson)
23.No Spring Chicken (Not young anymore)
24.Persnickety (overly particular or snobbish)
25.Pert-near (short for pretty near)
26.Pretty is as pretty does (your actions are more important than your looks)
27.Red up (clean the house)
28.Scalawag (a rascal or unprincipled person)
29.Scarce as hen's teeth (something difficult to obtain)
30.Skedaddle (Get out of here quickly)
31. Sparking (courting)
32.Straight From the Horse's Mouth (privileged information from the one concerned)
33.Stringing around, gallivanting around, or piddling (Not doing anything of value)
34.Sunday go to meetin' dress (The best dress you had)
35.We wash up real fine (is another goodie)
36.Tie the Knot (to get married)
37.Too many irons in the fire (to be involved in too many things)
38.Tuckered out (tired and all worn out)
39. Under the weather (not feeling well - this term came from going below deck on ships due to sea sickness thus you go below or under the weather)
40.Wearing your 'best bib and tucker' (Being all dressed up)
41. You ain't the only duck in the pond (It's not all about you)

It is what it is

Rod

Thursday, May 7, 2009

You Are Important

Sometimes we just need to be reminded!

A well-known speaker started off his seminar by: holding up a $20.00 bill In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this $20 bill?"

Hands started going up.

He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this.

He proceeded to crumple up the $20 dollar bill.

He then asked, "Who still wants it?"

Still the hands were up in the air.

Well, he replied, "What if I do this?"

And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe.

He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. "Now, who still wants it?"

Still the hands went into the air.

My friends, we have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20.

Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless.

But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value.

Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who DO LOVE you.

The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who we know, but by WHO WE ARE and WHOSE WE ARE.

You are special Don't EVER forget it."

Count your blessings, not your problems.

"And remember: amateurs built the ark ....professionals built the Titanic.

It is what it is

Rod

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Spam Anyone?

For some reason lately I have been getting a unbelievable amount of spam on one of my e-mail accounts. So I noticed that a lot of them had a disclaimer saying I could unsubscribe from them. Never realized I had subscribed to them to begin with but hey if I can stop them great.

So I started to unsubscribe from them and guess what. They started coming at even greater amounts then they had at first. So I kept at it and started reading all the small print they put on the unsubscribe page.

Seems that it takes them from 24 hours to get this 30 days to take you off their list. What a crock they sure as hell did not take that long to put me on the list to begin with. One place even sent me 20 more mails all the same on the same day I unsubscribed!

It just goes to show you first it was junk mail then our favorite telemarketer calls and now spam. Don't theses people have something better to do? Obviously they must work as they keep sending them.

Now if we could just figure out where they get our e-mail accounts from to begin with maybe we would have a chance to stop them.

It is what it is

Rod

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Need To Laugh?

CARDIOLOGIST'S FUNERAL


A cardiologist died and was given an elaborate funeral.

A huge heart covered in flowers stood behind the casket during the service.

Following the eulogy, the heart opened, and the casket rolled inside. The heart then closed, sealing the doctor in the beautiful heart forever.

At that point, one of the mourners burst into laughter. When all eyes stared at him, he said, "I'm sorry, I was just thinking of my own funeral.........I'm a gynecologist."

The proctologist fainted

It is what it is

Rod

Friday, May 1, 2009

Peace And Quite

Ahh here that???
We shut off our land line today and I had never realized how much it was stressing me to be getting all those calls even though I did not answer them.

Got a call from the bank yesterday that I did answer. Asked the nice gentleman on the phone why he was calling. So he asked me what I meant so I said that the last lady I had talked to had said that she was turning me into the foreclosure department so why was he wasting his and my time.

But he said maybe there is something we can do. So i asked him if he was another so called specialist to which he responded yes. Ok then can you lower my payments to a level that I can afford at this time? No he said you are at the lowest we can go.

Well then you are wasting both of our time then. He asked how long we planned on staying in the house. I responded with I will be here until you kick me out. He did not seem to happy about that but they are the ones that don't want to help.

So I figure we have 4 maybe 5 months before we have to move.

It is what it is

Rod