How did I allow this to happen?

How did I allow this to happen? My computer dominates my life!

Like everyone else, my life is being dominated by my computer. I wake up and brew my coffee, turn on the puter to check my email then read my local Newspaper online, check the weather, check Facebook, ignore Twitter and then read some blogs or create a new entry for my own blogs, one for my old classmate friends and one for my personal life. Before you know it 4 hours have passed!

While I’m defragging my puter, I’ll go do a load of laundry or make the bed and then back on the computer into my graphic sites. I started out with one site and now I’m a member to several. I’m partial to my first site I started with to learn how to make animations and graphics to enhance my blogs and make them more interesting to the reader and myself.

I was in my closet looking for something and down below was my old Singer Sewing Machine that I had converted into a portable years ago when I scaled down to a condo which has no room and storage space for anything. Well, this old gal of a Singer is made of cast iron and quite heavy to lift. It brought back many memories of when that machine was never on the floor of a closet but in a room and opened everyday and housed in a beautiful piece of mahogany furniture. I've had this machine since I was 16 years old.

Wow, it dawned on me that the pleasure of sewing and creating a beautiful garment reminded me that not everything is made up of click of a mouse and pixels! My life years ago was boxes filled with fabric, zippers and patterns that I used to love to change the sleeves to one pattern and add a different collar to another. I was quite good at it. My clothes did not look homemade. The savings was amazing, then the cost of fabric went up just like everything else and all your hard work and time was not worth the effort. A lot easier to pick a cute outfit off of a rack in an adorable boutique and unique department store like Filene's Basement in Boston!  But being only 5'2", alterations were always necessary whenever I purchased from the stores.

I’m thinking of browsing threw a fabric store for an interesting pattern and perhaps try and create something nice for myself. Wow, do I even remember how to thread the thing? LOL While I was in high school, I made a new outfit every week. Yes, I did get an “A” in Sewing. My Italian mother was proud. When you come from a very large family……..hand me downs are awful……….being a good seamstress made me look like I came from a rich family! LOL  All my girlfriends and I made our own clothes so it was also fun to sew together too and mingle ideas for a new creation.

I have such a bad back that I fear trying to lift this heavy cast iron sewing machine from the closet floor. I don’t want to pull my back out. I wish I had the space I used to have, I would just walk over to the machine whenever any mending needed to be done or alterations to a newly purchased outfit. Then when that Singer was converted to a portable, I became one of those women that paid a tailor to hem a pair of slacks! I don’t like the idea of having the machine sitting on top of my dining room table………..heaven forbid my house should look untidy and things out of place! LOL

Thank you, Veterans!

http://www.ladyszoo.com/GodBless.html

CLICK ON THE ABOVE LINK....IT IS BEAUTIFUL!

Too much communication or not enough!

Do you realize that most of us spend a good portion of our days chatting in either Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Online Dating Sites or Blogging for the most part and on certain sites with people we have never met before? People have to realize that you should not leave too much personal information about yourself on these sites and make sure you go to your "Settings" first and adjust that first. I just experienced a nasty person that left an unpleasant semi nude photo in the "Comment" section. What a sleeze! We have too many sickos in this world. I was embarrassed for my followers that saw it. I deleted it ASAP. I also went back into my settings and selected more protection. There should be ONE State for all the Sickos to live in so they can torment each other and leave the sane people alone!

A friend of mine enjoys LinkedIn for networking and found it very helpful with finding jobs and increasing the growth of their current companies.

It sure can be exhilarating, at least at first to connect with long lost friends on Facebook which is the upside but the downside is the weak ties and realizing the distinction between true long time friends and acquaintances is becoming a connection we never knew before. We care about these people in a different way. And who are these people anyway? All our electronic relationships sometimes are quite refreshing and entertaining yet some or most are still strangers.

I read an article in a magazine recently that with all this new computer socializing, we are all heading for a massive Friender-Bender! Ya think? Will we need insurance for this “Friender-Bender”? LOL Well, in my opinion, it certainly has kept me company on many lonely evenings that I could not sleep. I think all these Scientists just find topics to study and analyze and criticize and what do they know anyway??????? They are human just like we are….the computer world certainly helped them in their field…so why can’t we have our field for a playground providing it is a healthy playground with no ill intent and definitely no cyber-bulling which can be frightening and deadly for the younger kids on computers. Some people just take it a step too far and forget about personal responsibility for their actions.

What happened to the old fashion way of communicating with others over a cup of coffee at your local coffee shop or walking down the street and stopping to chat with a neighbor or the local shopkeeper? I guess we are all in a hurry these days……driving here and there, multi-tasking, rushing doing errands…not taking the time to stop and smell the roses! We have all inflicted way too much stress on ourselves. The simpler life of years ago was better in so many ways. Your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers were truly sincere. Now, just turn on the News to get depressed with the horrifying stories and sometime all you have to do is look around your own office to notice the backstabber............sad..........real sad.

I’d like to find something nice to say everyday about any topic. And, today…I’d like to say I hope people find happiness and do what they love doing best in their work field…heck, you are there 8 hours per day or longer…….it certainly helps if you love your job! So, love the job more than loving the bigger paycheck! And, only believe half of what people tell you. The old days of a handshake to seal a deal is over!

Enjoy your weekend!

Happy Halloween!

So, what is in your mailbox?

Beware of what is in your mailbox!

I’m extremely upset that I had to write not one but two letters to two different magazines that I did not subscribe to. I made a total of five (5) phone calls regarding “Why am I receiving your magazine if I have not requested it”. I checked with my family and friends and they confirmed that they did not send it to me as a gift. It also has been plastered all over the News about people receiving magazines that they did not order.

So, this rollercoaster ride exhausted a great deal of my time which is valuable as I certainly could have been doing something else. I requested on three occasions for this magazine to stop being delivered to my home since I did NOT order it. One lady from the company told me that it is already paid for so why not continue to receive it until February! I replied...NO, I don't want anything I did not order. She also stated that the person who paid for it will get a check in the amount of $2.50 for the balance of this subscription.

Guess who got a check in the mail last Saturday for $2.50. Me! Which leads me to believe that someone has access to some of my information. I don't plan on cashing this check.

I composed a letter and sent it out "Certified" demanding an explanation for all of this. I was quite surprised and would expect a high degree of judgment and integrity from a well known magazine that was filling up my mailbox every month. Then it started again with a different magazine! Yikes! futta, futta....what gives?

I requested that this situation be investigated, an apology be tendered and some guarantee and something in writing showing me who is taking my money for subscriptions to their magazine. I thoroughly went through all my credit card statements and bank statements and see nothing out of the norm.????? Then I thought perhaps researching online has some hidden little things that can be overlooked with a check mark?????

I also kindly asked for them to acknowledge receipt of my letters and a detailed explanation of this entire mess. Or I threatened to have them plastered all over the Channel Five News. I’m very angry. What are people thinking?

I want all monies owed back to me and also for the cost of postage for both these certified letters, the paper, ink and envelope and my valuable time to write the damn letter sent to resolve these issues the imbeciles on the phone was unable to handle the matter over the phone.

If anyone has experienced something similar to the above with magazines, please let me know and how did you resolve your issues. Thanks

Looking Back!

Before computers, I always maintained a Journal. I came across the Journal I had put away after I said my goodbye to my deceased husband.

In those days, I was writing to him personally on a daily basis and not just the events of the day like a teenager would write in her “Dear Diary”. The Bereavement Group I was a member of suggested to do this as a form of therapy to help survive the bereavement process. A lot has changed since 2001.

On one page, I wrote: “Outside the weather is still hot here in South Florida but inside the bills are higher and listening to the News every night on TV, it seems like all around us the world is getting crazier! Scary!” The cost of living is so much higher and more difficult to handle everyday maintenance and household bills.

“I’ve made some changes in the house too…..a few needed repairs, some of which I attempted to do myself to save the cost of labor. The shower head no longer leaks. The noisy toilet is also fixed. It is not easy without you.” Decided to take up some Work Shop Lessons in Home Depot. Well, my friend, Laurie and I only went to one workshop so far! LOL

I have had three dates since you passed away 8 years ago. By choice, I prefer to no longer accept a date. No one can shine your shoes. Yet, I won’t lie, it is very lonely in the evenings with the clicker in your hand. Yes, I’m on the computer more these days than ever.

I miss ballroom dancing. I miss laughing so hard until my stomach hurts with your quick wit and sense of humor.

I enjoy the company of my girlfriends which many are also Widows! Becoming uncoupled and the interdependence suddenly appear as individual flaws. From the beginning, we Widows and Widowers share the same emotional crisis. We equally are bereft, confused, lost and brokenhearted. It seems that…………..that part does not change, as much as we try to create a new life for ourselves. Being older has a lot to do with it I’m sure. Oh my, I received my “Medicare” card in the mail and I was delighted to see it. Thought I’d never say those words! The cost of medical coverage is outrageous! I still miss my family in New England!

I stopped smoking and gained some weight! The smoking part, I know would make you happy as we both attempted to quit that disgusting bad habit countless times in the past……gaining weight, I know would disappoint you, as you always noticed if I put on so much as one pound! LOL

Time to put the handwritten Journal away again in the big “Time Capsule”. I seemed to have grown a long way since then but I still miss you!
Oh, the tangled web we weave here on the World Wide Web! How wonderful it is to have my Internet Friends to listen when I’m worried, cheer me up when I’m down, encourage me when I’m scared and console me when I’m defeated and to keep me company in the middle of the night when I can't sleep. Thank you!

Patrick Swayze dies at age 57!

Patrick Swayze, the hunky actor who danced his way into viewers' hearts with "Dirty Dancing" and then broke them with "Ghost," died today after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 57.

Patrick Swayze passed away after facing the challenges of his illness for the last 20 months.

Mona Lisa Puzzle

CLICK ON THE ARROW. IT TOOK ME 13.12 TO COMPLETE
THE PUZZLE. LET ME KNOW HOW WELL YOU DO!

Single again in your 60s!

Single again in your 60s!

Wow, I’ve said it before, the bars/lounges has lost its glitter. It’s not the same glamorous atmosphere it used to be.

I realized last night that my other widowed friends and I are doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome. I think if we continue to go to bars expecting to meet men, maybe we need to stop and think this over more.

Perhaps joining a bowling league or taking golf lessons would create different results! LOL

It has been proven before….we have to get out of our comfort zone because what we are doing is not working. We need to try new activities that will put us in a different environment that will offer new opportunities!

I think we are all burned out on the online dating thing too. What a dilemma! We are not ready for BINGO just yet. LOL

There is no insurance policy in life and no guarantee that we will make all the best decisions as we get older because we were not prepared to be widowed at such a young age. We are not a bunch of shy ladies so taking on a new adventure and exploring new avenues would be interesting. I’ll have to bring this topic up again soon……maybe tonight at yet another Singles Dance………….Ugh! I almost dread going. Well, the “People Watching” is very entertaining especially after the second drink! LOL

I’m sure men feel the same way too. So, what do you older single folks do for entertainment and please don't tell me Crossword Puzzles! LOL

We Remember!

Losing a Good Friend to Cancer.

Losing a good friend to Cancer is so sad. I just lost a very dear girlfriend and saying good-bye for the last time was very hard. I just want to say a very special Tribute to my friend, may God bless you and take good care of you-----Shirley Costanza! It will be a long journey for your loved ones to learn how to live without you. The pain is unbearable, I know. I pray for everyone who loves you.

Good friendships, is something you always want to keep forever because they are so special and make you feel special too. Even though life circumstances change, we lose touch for periods of time here and there, yet remain friends, as if a day did not go by at all. People move, change jobs, marriages begin, marriages end, new relationships begin, raising children and life takes on different twists and turns but if you have a healthy relationship to begin with, you will remains friends forever and we did just that!

Yet, ever wonder why sometimes we hold onto unhealthy friendships when we should learn to say good-bye to a bad friend that drains you of every ounce of energy you have. Why do we do that? Is it we do not want to hurt their feelings?

Great friendships may be few and far between, I've been blessed and lucky to cultivate a handful of good friends. However, nothing is forever with the roller coaster ride down life's highway. Things are constantly changing and nothing is guaranteed, neither is friendship. I will miss you Shirley!

What happened to Customer Service?

Customer service is supposed to involve a series of activities and I was always under the impression it was originally designed to enhance the level of customer satisfaction – that is, the feeling that a product or their service has met the customer's expectation.

I have to argue the fact that the quality and level of customer service has decreased big time in recent years, and that this can be attributed to a lack of support or understanding at the executive and middle management levels of a corporation. I personally believe that providing a high level of customer service is the only way to grow your business in these times. But hey folks, the decline also started when they send people out to the customer's home and they can't speak "English".....that would be problem number one! This is a big issue with me. This is my country and I feel like the foreigner!

So, our major companies that have survived the economical crisis still need to listen up and pay attention to put their level of Customer Service back on track. I was one very annoyed and disappointed customer and I certainly made that known to the Company and I also demanded restitution for my inconvenience and my blood pressure rising!

During 1962, I applied for my first credit card after graduating high school and was thrilled. This credit card was one of the most difficult to obtain many years ago. Their reputation of standing behind their products was impeccable so I remained a loyal customer for 47 years until my very last purchase .......I'm livid, not because of their products but because of their “Customer Service”.

When expecting delivery of my new appliances, I never anticipated such a change of events from a reputable company that I have done business with for years. Years ago, they were always absolutely fundamental in ensuring my major purchases to arrive on time and in excellent condition.

However, this recent delivery and installation started the trickling effects of a disaster starting with the dryer "ON" button not working which required a second delivery. Then they could not fit it in the closet that houses my appliances. All it needed was for them to be pushed back one more inch. I guess the first set of delivery guys (who could not speak English) created the onset of events. The second set of delivery men (who also could not speak English) annoyed me even more. They forgot to hook up the water hose. The Steam Feature dryer requires a water hose.……..geeze! Talk about imbeciles! I paid for new vents and brackets but these guys loved using masking tape instead! Mind you, the new vents and brackets were mandatory to buy.

After many calls I had to place for complaints.......now the appliance is dancing like crazy and the noise is terrible. I guess a “Level” is no longer used?????.......Finally, I got through to Customer Service after a handwritten letter and also a written email sent with furry banging on my keyboard.

Their third trip back to my house, I demanded a gentleman that had to be born and raised and educated in the United States and could speak perfect "English". Finally, my request was provided. This gentleman took care of all the issues and I now can do laundry! I think they sent the Professor of Technology…………I was extremely impressed and finally a satisfied customer but my nerves were rattled prior to this.

That was a long two weeks! Hey, I was starting to run out of clean bloomers! LOL

Well, if anyone is searching for the perfect washer/dryer. I do have to admit that Kenmore Elite Front Loader is an amazing piece of technology. They have three computers inside. A Steam Feature that you will love. Saves on a lot of clothes not going to the "Cleaners".

Also, saves on less ironing. Uses less electricity. Gosh, I hate to iron. For people with allergies, this Steam Feature and Sanitizing system is excellent. The best part for me is that I no longer have to bend down to remove clothes from the dryer, etc. I have a bad back. They are pricey but worth it.

FYI: The tech (the educated one who speaks English) that services many stores said I made an excellent choice, as the Kenmore is even better than the LG, Bosch, etc. The product is also made in the good old U.S. of A! I originally wanted to purchase the LG. So, I at least made the right choice. Actually, the price factor made that choice for me and the 20% off and additional discounts for purchasing a color they wanted to get rid of because they had too many of.