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Home > Archive: June, 2006
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Archive for June, 2006
June 30th, 2006 at 05:54 pm
DD1 is working the office today, so I am enjoying a day off!! Typicaly, Fridays are slower for us, but today is pretty busy so far.
Funny~but having our office in my home means just moving to a different desk to be 'off'. DD1 is actually just sitting about 10 ft away from me as she works...but I am 'off' none-the-less and can come and go without worry.
I have to run to town this afternoon to deposit DHs paycheck.
No big plans. Just trying to stay cool.
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June 30th, 2006 at 12:55 am
The clouds have thundered all afternoon and finally opened up and it's raining!!
Is there any smell better in the world than the first 10 minutes of rain on a hot day?? Ok...maybe a freshly bathed baby and puppy breath....but I mean after that????
Glorious, wonderful rain.
No wonder Bing was singin...
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June 30th, 2006 at 12:45 am
I have to brag on my DD1 and DS...I have some preliminary numbers for June for their business....and those kids are finishing up their best month ever!! I thought it would happen next month, but low and behold...it is this month (now they just have to beat that next month!!)
My ear is sore tonight, I was on the darn phone most of the day today...and we sold 7 new customers...two of them, commercial businesses.
I am one proud momma. I know that this business will provide them both with a stable future...They made huge financial sacrifices this first couple of years to get it up and running....I loaned them as much as I could and then some...and we are seeing the fruits of it all...and how sweet that fruit is tasting this afternoon on this new knowledge.
Party dancin here!!!
Oh yeah, oh yeah, they did it, they did it!
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June 29th, 2006 at 09:00 pm
The Kiplingers magazine finally came today! (Thanks Retire@50 for the great lead!)
I also received a Walmart Sample- Shower to Shower shimmer effects.
DH got one of those sample pens with his business name and address...he will LOVE that.
And NO BILLS. (Cant complain there!)
The phones are still busy today- this has been a GREAT MONTH for us. We beat June 2005's total by almost 50% ...and if the momentum holds, July will be our biggest month yet!!
The sun is back today and it is getting super hot out there...which means hot in here this afternoon...
At least we have fans and an AC to sit in front of....Poor DS, hes out in the field crawling under homes with all the creepy things and doesnt even have AC in his truck to recoup between jobs...Something we will fix by next summer.
Off to read Kiplingers!
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June 29th, 2006 at 04:02 pm
I went shopping yesterday afternoon with DD3 to get some last minute things for her camping trip today. (She is going with a school friend/ family for 10 days)
While at Walmart, I purchased quite a few essentials for near free (2 boxes pantiliners $.84, tums .44,deodorant .64, bandages .50 box.) I also picked up aquafresh and advil pm for rebates.
At Safeway, they were having a sale on pepsi and coke and on a few of the boxes (7up, rootbeer, etc) there was a dollar off this pack coupon... so I bought 3- 12 packs for $4.50!!
I am sure stocking up on things for free or near free! DH wanted to know why all the stuff...and when the cashier was done, he was impressed. OK, impressed might be a slight exaggeration...My DH does not get as enthused as some of the other DHs on this site....but he was glad the cashier was finally done so that he could buy the dog food. lol
It looks like another cloudy, humid day here today.
Still no sign of Goliath....he is probably a she and is off procreating her army as I type...
Have a good one!
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June 29th, 2006 at 03:44 pm
Please remember to send your good thoughts to Fern today for her surgery!!!
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June 28th, 2006 at 06:57 pm
This is a news flash that I just stumbled across:
FROM 4 PM PDT THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH THIS EVENING
* A VERY MOIST AIRMASS IS IN PLACE OVER THE REGION. A DISTURBANCE COMING UP FROM THE SOUTH WILL ALLOW THUNDERSTORMS TO INCREASE IN COVERAGE AND INTENSITY LATER THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH THIS EVENING. VERY HEAVY RAIN IS POSSIBLE WITH STORMS WHICH MAY LEAD TO FLASH FLOODING.
The rain dance worked!!!
What does this have to do with money??? Well, me thinks the AC can go off for a little while tonight!!!And if nothing else...it means a little more sanity!!!
The flash flood thing is a little less exciting but that would be in the mountain regions...which is NOT us.
WOO-HOO
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June 28th, 2006 at 05:36 pm
Little sucker strategically moved during the night...
But that's ok, I am ready for him...
Wearing shoes all day today, have a broom and a heavy duty fly swatter with me at all times...found a can of raid... and my eyes are always on the lookout. (then again, so is every nerve in my body, hense the reason I keep jumping when the fan blows my hair)...
And I always send Grace into the room before me... (kidding, sort of)
Can you believe NO ONE in my family was willing to find him for me???? Perhaps it was my description of him...or how fast he moves....or perhaps, arachnaphobia is hereditary....
Goliath will not see sunset...HEAR THAT GOLIATH??? I AM RECLAIMING MY SPACE!!!Come out, come out wherever you are...just make sure I can see you (please)
In the meantime, feet safely tucked up...and sitting a good foot back from my desk....*shiver*
At least I am not so focused on the heat today.
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June 28th, 2006 at 03:59 am
Makes perfect since that someone paralyzed by arachnophobia would work for a pest control company doesn't it?
Sure, if you could see my 'office' that I work in, we have all these posters of bugs...and of course the one RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME...is the 8 legged creatures...No wonder I have nightmares...
But that is not the worst part...no...not even close.
You know the addage...that the cobblers family goes barefoot because the cobbler doesnt 'bring his work home'...or however that saying goes...
Well, I have scheduled a bug spray here several times and each time, there was a reason why it couldnt happen...
So today, I am cleaning up and pick a towel up and whoa.....
This thing was at least TWO INCHES in diameter...kinda hairly looking...I think it even had a "MOM" tattoo...and its name must have been Goliath...
and it ran super fast....right under my work desk (hense the reason my feet are currently tucked up high right now)...
I seriously have the woobie-jeebies...just thinking about it...
and we have no appointments for at least a week....*shiver*...
I guess tomorrow I am off to buy raid...Look out Goliath, youve met your match...this is war!
But for tonight...I will tip toe out of the office, so G. doesnt come after me...
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June 28th, 2006 at 03:38 am
I cooked up a batch of boneless/skinless chicken breasts (1.79 lb)a couple of days ago and we have had chicken ceasar salads a couple of times, chicken burritoes a couple of times and tomorrow we will have chicken, potatoes and veggies...all compliments of the microwave since the chicken was ready and waiting in the fridge!!
Today was another scorcher...although it supposedly only got to 99. (umm, I dont think there is alot of difference when it is 95 or above...it is just HOT)
This evening, however, there is a wonderful breeze of about 10 mph.
The rest of the week...low 90s.
Also, another busy day for bug calls. (a good thing!)
I did squeeze a little site perusal today...Funny, I look forward to reading all your posts each day...and really miss it when I dont have time to keep up!!
Not much else is going on, right now life is pretty much: survive the HEAT and answer phones all day.
Stay cool!
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June 27th, 2006 at 01:15 am
Gads.
I think every bug west of the Rockies invaded southern Oregon homes this weekend...which resulted in every homeowner calling us today...which has resulted in our first ever, fully booked out week....Yep, we are booked until a week from Friday!! woo-hoo!!!!
This morning I predicted alot of calls...but I had NO IDEA of the onslaught we were in for...there was about an hour of quiet time around noon...but otherwise, we were ringin off the hooks!!
Doin the happy dance here...for 1. all the business...and 2. the work day is over I aint pickin the phone up not no way, not no how until 8am tomorrow!
Put a fork in me, Im done!!!
Again, is it winter yet?
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June 27th, 2006 at 12:04 am
I just love old sheets...I dont care what color, if there is a small hole, I could care less the thread count...or if the sheet has had a second life as a drop cloth while painting....
Why my fondness for old sheets you might wonder?
Well....I live in a open/ tri-level house...and I spent a good part of my day covering every window and doorway with every old sheet I could find...so my airconditioning is only having to cool about 900 sq ft, instead of 2000. (those sheets really do make a difference..especially if youre not too hung up on making an interior fashion statement. Then again, isnt that sort of an eclectic look or maybe an 'extreme shabby' look...(honestly, I dont care so long as its a little cooler in here! lol)
The house is almost livable having done this...if you consider 80-85 degrees livable...which I do, since before today the house averaged 95+....downstairs...
Is winter almost here???
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June 26th, 2006 at 03:49 pm
C'mon my friends, wish harder for a break in this weather!!!
I woke up with a bad sore throat...it is 7:38am and already HOT in my house....egads. And I KNOW the business phones are going to be BUSY today...(bugs would much rather be in an air conditioned home too!!)
We had a great time at the bbq yesterday...although after about 20 minutes, the guys all called it quits on the wood cutting (it was too, too hot) and, instead, opted to drink as much cold beer as possible!!
I met some new people, which I am a borderline phobic about when put in a group of people I do not know....But I pushed myself to keep asking the other ladies about themselves...and eventually we were all enjoying ourselves and talking pretty candidly.
Today I will try to get some housework done, answer those phones and mainly, stay as cool as possible. I am cooking up a big batch of chicken which will be used for some cool salads the next couple of days...(did I say ugh yet)
Have a good one!
Edited to add that I just looked at the forecast...tomorrow we should be in the high 90s and then low 90s the rest of the week...I hope we can feel the difference!!!
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June 25th, 2006 at 04:28 pm
Sunday- and 107 to look forward to today (NOT).
DH and I have alread unloaded a truckload of wood (up at 6am to beat the heat)...Well, I helped as much as I could, those logs were heavy and poor DH had to do the lions share. But he appreciated what I was able to do.
This afternoon we are going to a 'working' BBQ. The guys are all bringing chainsaws and cutting up some wood for a friend. Then we will BBQ- I am bringing the bean layer dip thingy. These friends live right on the river...so I am looking forward to it!
DH, who never gets too excited about my shopping trips, seemed pleased with the 'finds' from yesterday. He is eager to use the 'golf clubs' and 'tools' that I got for GS (2).
Stay cool!
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June 25th, 2006 at 12:48 am
It is 101 today (105 expected tomorrow)
My mom and I went garage selling today and boy, I had no idea!!
I confess, I haven't been to a yard sale in at least 10-15 years...and then it was only once or twice.
Here is how we did:
Adorable cradle to paint for Katlyns doll (christmas gift) $4
Big bag of near new shirts for colton, plus a vest-coat $1
Bag of clothes for Kaitlyn (3 whole outfits, 2 pr jammies), plastic dinosaur plate for Colton, baby blanket for cradle and shirt for Lexi $2.25
Big box of CUTE christmas decorations to use on my craft fair projects $2.50 and they through in 3 childrens books for free!
2 beautiful, new sets of christmas bath towels (towels, hand trowels and washrags) $5 for both.
Little tykes golf set for the yard... .50 cents!
little tykes tool box with all tools... 50 cents
Pair of new girls pants and pretty shirt for Lexi $1
My mom scored big time on a Oscar Blender with original book $2.50
wow---I am HOOKED. I am amazed at the deals that are out there!!
Thanks for all of your posts that helped to nudge me into this new hobby!!!
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June 24th, 2006 at 02:51 am
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June 23rd, 2006 at 10:55 pm
Is there any sweeter sound in the whole world than when they learn to say 'wuv ou' and then do so out of the blue? I am in gramma heaven.
I received the coupon train in the mail today. Great timing..as I am in need of a MAJOR shop. So my Friday night will be sorting through coupons, perusing the sale ads and making a shopping list...sigh...when did it get to this being the highlight of my Friday night??? lol
Coupon train will go back in the mail MONDAY.
No big money news here...and I don't think that is a bad thing. There is great peace of mind in having a predictable financial life.
DH did make a little overtime, but it will have to go back into the clothing fund since Ms. DD3 has drained it this summer.
This weekend will be all about wood for DH...and so I am going to help and also try to squeeze in some crafting time.
On Sunday, we have been invited to a bbq with a caveat...all the men have to bring their chainsaws and help cut up this friends wood...us women-folk will tend to the cooking and supplying the drinks...
I have been asked to bring that mexican layer dip (you know the refried beans, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, etc..etc..) So I need to get any of those supplies onto the list that I dont already have. These particular friends have a pretty home right on the river...so it will be a fun afternoon.
I dont know if you all have noticed, but DH and I rarely do things with friends together...it is usually with family or he goes with his friends riding or me out to lunch or dinner with mine...So it will be nice to do a 'couple= friends' outing.
The business phones were fairly busy today... Thats a good thing...we have some big bills due right now...yikes.
Have a good one!
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June 23rd, 2006 at 06:56 pm
The citation arrived from NY today. Appears the person who was driving the vehicle had NO ID and NO INSURANCE..Just gave a name, a bogus NY address and a DOB. Two out of three matched my DHs so they are saying we have to pay $825 or prove it wasnt DH.
So, we have collected work records and I will submit proof that we were insured on that date and whatever else I can find. (Cell phone records, cc records, etc.)
So much for INNOCENT until PROVEN guilty...
In this case, we are GUILTY until we prove DH is innocent...
GEEZE.
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June 22nd, 2006 at 05:47 pm
7:30am- meet SIL to pick up GD (9 mo)and babysit for the day...
8:00am...get home, play with GD
8:15am.. put GD in jump-up and watch her bounce gleefully
8:17am...'waaah'...me thinks GD wants breakfast...make some rice cereal, find dutch-apple baby food in diaperbag...mix some into cereal...
8:18am...OK Kaitlyn...grammas coming....
8:19am...sit on floor by jump up and start feeding..(mental note...next time, we need a feeding chair of somesort)..up down up down....OOPS...got some of that in your ear, sorry kaitlyn...(Kaitlyn is smiling now)
8:25...Kaitlyn back to bouncing happily...
8:26 Kaitlyn is asking for her bottle now...'waaaah'......
8:28...hold on sweety, grammas making it...
8:30...snuggle up on couch, kaitlyn happy again...
8:32...kaitlyn wants to lay on Grace...Grace has nudged in next to us and has her head on Kaitlyns legs...(Grace does this often)...
9:32...Shhh...Kaitlyn is napping...Grace is napping, all's quiet..
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June 22nd, 2006 at 05:43 am
Seriously....I am confessing my naiveness here....but I have been watching that counter on the home page...
U.S. Personal Revolving Credit Debt: $750,170,768,554.45
Its not growing...every time I open a new page, it has reset to 750,170,75something...
Has anyone else noticed this? Am I admitting I am slower than slow...
Are you all ROFL at this??
Am I just too darn bored...
did I just state the very simple obvious???
Is it another April Fools joke?
Or, are we Americans at a debt standstill?? (OK, that one Im just throwing in for fun.)
C'mon, I know at least ONE other blogger has wondered???
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June 21st, 2006 at 06:45 pm
So what did Ms. Mail-lady bring today:
$20 rewards check from using my rewards CC for everyday (budgeted) purchases.
Sample of Tsyon premium Chicken Breast. (Foil pouch 7 oz)
Head and Shoulders 'Ocean Lift" shampoo sample from Walmart.
Walmart Samples are alway nice. They are big enough to get at least a couple of uses. I am now in the habit of visiting their site for free samples weekly...and am having fun trying things out and enjoying a 'free' experience (yeah, does a load of laundry constitute an 'experience'...I dunno, but you know what I mean.)
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June 21st, 2006 at 06:25 am
DD3, nana and I stopped at WalMart on the way to the movie.
I needed one of those jumbo mega-bags of dog food (for the 4 adult labs) *cough, cough...back strain... Some lunch supplies for DH, DD3 got the rest of her summer clothes (4 tops, 2 pair shorts) and some new undies and socks...and whats up with teenage girls wanting BOXER SHORTS??? One pair of boxer shorts...sigh...
$98 dollars. cough again.
Filled the tank with gas... $34...ugh...
Then, we had about an hour to kill...so we went to a little mexi diner...One of those not-fast food, but not quite restaurant places...great food...Nana and I split the 'Jr Big Burrito' and were both stuffed if that tells you how big these things are! $11.75 for the three of us...
Then $10.50 for the movie...The Lake House. Reviews weren't so good, but we enjoyed it. I probably enjoyed it just because going to a movie is so rare. (Candy from walmart somehow made its way into my purse to snack on during the show...oops, howd that happen? )
An expensive but fun afternoon. (appx $155!!!!) But I am DONE with DD3s summer clothes shopping (She is going on a camping trip with a school friend for 9 days next week and needed enough clothes to get through most of that time.)
Tomorrow...a NO SPEND DAY FOR SURE! Rather, I will be hitting the wood yard for a day of splitting...let's see, did I pick up Ben-Gay....aicheewawa
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June 20th, 2006 at 04:18 pm
**disclaimer: I am not for or against moms working outside the home. I am pro-whatever works for you and your family. This is my story...and the names have not been changed to protect anyone.
As most of you know, I work from home. I used to work long, long hours at a pretty stressful job. (Paid well, but at what cost to my family?)
I wanted to try something new...I wanted to be home with DD3 (13 at the time) and I wanted to be here for my mom and dad.
And in all honesty, I didn't like the person Id become. I was not a very nice person at home...the house was NEVER clean, I was cranky, I didn't have time to spend with those I loved.
At materialistic sacrifice (I dont think thats a bad thing) we adjusted and now I have been home for over a year.
And here is what Ive noticed:
* We eat out as a TREAT rather than a routine.
* I can cook
* DD3s grades have come up
* DH and I can now say we are "happily married"
* I have spent less than $50 on clothes for myself this past year. (and have not bought pantyhose once!!!)
* DD3 is able to be involved because someone is here to taxi her as needed.
* I spend lots of QUALITY time with my g-kids.
* the family stress level is so much lower.
* bugdeting is fun
* water softener does make whites whiter
* grandbabies kisses are pure gold
and the list just goes on.
The (initial) downside of not having money is a thing of the past...My family has adjusted and we live well (which means we are happy, NOT that we spend whatever we want)
And last night, on the way to DD3s Color Guard practice...DD3 said "mom, I wouldnt get to do all of this if you were still working would I"...and I said probably not..and she said "I am really glad your home mom, thanks"....and thats really, all I need.
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June 20th, 2006 at 02:56 pm
I need to set up a new line item in the budget, get $70 into it asap and make a weekly deposit to it...I will label it "High School Expenses" YIKES.
It has been a while since I have had a teen in a HS activity.
Day ONE: $70 for the uniform!!!
So I will be massaging the budget today to see how/where I can come up with this new money.
Practice= 2X per week. I live 13 miles outside of town, so I am working on a plan with DD1 & DD2 that will save alot on gas!
DD3 is also working (volunteering) at the library 2X per week in the little town that is 7 miles from home. (other direction) Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Tonight is our first Girls Night Out. DD1,2 &3, nana, me and a couple of friends are going to see the Lake House. Should be fun!
Looks like a great sunny day. Perfect for all the laundry!
Have a good one!
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June 19th, 2006 at 11:25 pm
I received two $10 GCs to Linens n Things today. Those will go into the Christmas stash .
I have received the items I odered thru QVC and Ebay last week, so I need to send in the shipping cost rebates to Insiders Club.
Doing all of these little projects is like a fun, part-time job. It is certainly not going to make me rich, but it is definately worth the effort. I figure I spend and hour or two a week...and so far Ive made over $200 in cash and GCs. Money I would not have had otherwise.
I am piling more stuff up for the dump run this week. I tend to collect 'containers'that stuff comes in, just incase I need it for something someday...and I have decided that most need to go. I cant declutter and not change my thought process....It just hurts the brain when you first start. (DD1 aka Budgetmomma, if your reading this, please stop laughing now).
Bbq chicken for dinner tonight....
and that won't be until DH comes home from golfing...
and then DD3 has to go to her first Colorguard meeting (her first extra-curricular for High School)
So a busy night.
Have a good one!
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June 19th, 2006 at 05:31 pm
We took the 'dads' out to dinner last night...except for DD1 and her DH...'cause DD1 is sick
We went to mexican and enjoyed some great food and some margarita's. Everyone shared the bill...so it came to about $20 per person. More than we normally like to spend...but oh so much fun...and it was for Fathers Day. (The dads all loved it!)
Then we came here and nana had made strawberry pie on chocolate crusts! Yum!
Fun, fun, fun!
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June 19th, 2006 at 04:48 pm
The flowers my friend sent me for my b-day had their final hoorah this weekend.
But the basket that they came in has found a new life and inspired me to get cracking on my craft fair projects.
I took the handled basket and added a dollar store wreath to it...and then a few embellishments that are left over from last year and here is what I came up with.
Now mind you, this is 'rough'. In it's final form, there sill be more color and some little lights and everything will be arranged better...but I wanted to share a successful story on a little recycled basket!
Here goes:
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June 18th, 2006 at 02:10 am
I invited nana to go shopping today. She loves to get out and go, and my dad is just not able to go much anymore. So when I get a free day, I try to take nana along.
We went to the department store that is changing to Macy's in a couple of months and has everything on clearance. Nana got a couple of great deals for Christmas (since DD1 is a member of the site, I can't divulge everything...but nana did good!!)
I bought my DIL a really pretty silver bracelet for Christmas. It was normally $18...clearanced down to $2.34 She loves silver jewelry so I think she will really like this!
That was all I bought today. I used to drop at least $100 each time I went to this store...and when there was a sale, look out! But anymore, I am pretty focused and frugal. (nana spent about $65 today...all great deals)
I can tell you about nana's new moo-moo...Nana loves to wear these...and the brighter, the better. {shaking my head smiling} So we were in the lengerie dept and way across the room I notice this super bright, hawaiian moo-moo that stands out like no other..."Look Nana, there is a great moo-moo for you" (tongue in cheek...or so I think.)
So, off we go to the register...moo-moo in tow...and $10.07 later, she is the proud owner of it. lol
When I get old I want to wear purple...no ...bright moo-moos. LOL---sorry, but it was too cute.
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June 17th, 2006 at 02:23 pm
Is it safe to get out of bed?
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June 17th, 2006 at 04:59 am
Ok...I SERIOUSLY could not make this stuff up...I swear as I sit here this TRULY happened today...
(Have you read all my posts?? DH finally over leg infection scare, Neighbor kids showing up at the crack of dawn, DHs 'ticket' in NY, cranky GS, Grace eating my dinner...Its been such a day...
But in the mail today, DH got a letter from the Veterans Administration...
Seems some VA employee took home an electronic file, unauthorized mind you....and then....that file was STOLEN!!
What did the file have? Only the name, address, social secuirty number, and other ID on (a LOT of)military personnel.
But dont worry, it goes on to say...there was no financial information in the file...ummm, like.. 'they' have all they need already....
Then it goes on to tell the 'possible implications' of having this information stolen...you know IDENTITY THEFT type stuff...
And theres no way this and the NY thing are connected because the NY thing happened 4 years ago.
I swear, I absolutely could not have scripted a more frustrating day....
and now this.
sigh.
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