A new project - maybe.

Our house is about 37 years old and has many of the old roll out style of windows used in Florida back then. Although nice, because you can open them when it's raining, they now don't close properly and cold air seeps in and AC seeps out. Thus we have high heating and cooling bills. It is time to replace them. I called Home Depot and after much discussion I signed a contract with them. Last week the project manger was to come and measure so they could order the windows and pull the permits. When I didn't hear from him I called and he said he hadn't received the paper work yet but there was a big meeting the next day and he would call me after that. No word, so I called again. Project manager, due to layoffs, has lost his job. Never fear I was told, new project manger will be out next week and all is well with Home Depot. The job will be done and they will stand behind their work. That 20 year guarantee will be good.

I'm not holding my breath. Guess I'll just get out more blankets.

Didn't your Mother teach you anything?

If you are going to an event where there will be television cameras everywhere and there is a good possibility you will be on camera - for all the nation to see - why in the world would you chew gum? Yes, I'm talking about you, Tipper Gore (although I know you will never see this). Why does anyone chew gum in public? It is really disgusting.

Rose Parade

I just watched the Rose Parade from Pasadena, CA. Once again, the floats were elaborate and magnificent. I think they were more interesting this year than last. Lots more creativity.

But - (there’s always a but)

Interesting fact – the amount of food used on one float could feed a family of four for a year.

In these hard economy times, people are losing their jobs and there are many families of four without enough to eat. Perhaps this kind of excess is unnecessary or at the very least, should be scaled down some. I’m not saying there shouldn’t be a parade but perhaps a different kind of parade.

We need to pull together to get through these tough times but it looks like some just still don’t understand that it will take all of us.

Is there any other country that has as many displays of excess as the United States does?

I’m just saying.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

I will raise a glass and toast to the New Year and the hope that 2009 will be a better year for everyone.

I'm sure we are all glad to see an end to 2008.

Percption is Everything

It was just reported on the news that President Obama and his wife will attend, no less than, ten Inaugural Balls. I support our new president but I think that in these economic times, ten expensive balls is a bit to much. Actually, its a lot to much.

Random Thoughts

Well, the Bucs lost again today. Coach Gruden said he was proud of their effort and they will learn from this loss. Excuse me! Isn't that something you say to Pee-Wee and High School football players? These guys are professionals bringing down the very big bucks. Aren't they suppose to already know how to do it?

Every year when the temperature drops below zero and the snow and ice storms rush across the country everyone is so surprised. Hello! It's winter. This is what happens in winter.

I couldn't find the crowds at the mall last Sunday but they were sure out there today. I finally had to resort to stalking people coming out of the store in order to find a parking place.

The Holliday arrived for us last Tuesday. Our son from North Carolina surprised us with a visit. It was short but very sweet.

Economy

My recovery from falling down is almost complete. It took a whole lot longer than I anticipated but I am not hobbling as much anymore.

I am not a Black Friday shopper so we didn’t get to the stores until last Sunday. How bad is the economy? I was amazed. They are practically giving merchandise away and still no one is buying. I expected crowds and long lines but there was, comparatively, no one in the mall. If big business is having this bad of a time it means small business is out of business. This is very sad. Perhaps this a “correction” for business but I don’t think so. I think we are in real trouble and I don’t know what the answer is. I just hope there are some very smart people out there who do have the answer. Congress keeps banging its head against the wall – they think all they have to do is bail everyone out with tax payer dollars. I think this is just throwing good money after bad.

The company my brother-in-law works for was laying people off last year and he was in danger of losing his job. He went to his employer and ask if he could take a pay cut in order to keep his job. The boss was very impressed and said yes. Others lost their jobs but my brother-in-law kept his and is now making his original salary again.

I know this is not a cure for all of this country’s woes but perhaps if we all give a little things will get better.

When I first entered the work force many years ago, the attitude toward our jobs was, “how much can I do for this job”. Over the years I have seen this change to where workers now ask “how much can this job do for me”. Perhaps we need to concentrate less on “me” and more on “we”.