I am a happy camper for sure. Today we got the new coat rack hung up, and the coats put on it. I had a appointment scheduled for Barneys to come out and move the car, and that they did. So now it is safely in the garage, and are yard is now up to legal standards. I am happy about it. The carpets were cleaned on sat, and they look good. I put down rugs to protect them from having to be cleaned again. When the sebring was put in the garage, we found out a bunch of the bolts came loose and fell off the door, so we went to True Value, and picked up the bolts for it. They are really nice there. I was going to put them on today, but it got really cold out and flurried a little. We also folded six loads of laundry today, and got it all put away. I packed up some more boxes as well. So all in all, today was productive, and I think it was a good day. Oh, and we changed the furnace filter. I almost forgot the best part of today!! Justin had an interview with TPI!! I am so excited, it went very well and we will find out in the next few weeks if we gets it!!

Yard Sales and Flea Markets

Nothing feels better then finding that perfect item to complete your collection or give that final look to a rooms decor. When searching for a particular item you will need to do a little research into where you will want to bargain hunt. Your local paper should have listings of yard sales weekly, although some papers only list addresses, detailed listings are ideal. Once you find your listings take a highlighter and mark ones that have either the item you are looking for or similar items. To help with this try to group like things together. If you are looking for toddler toys, and they list toddler clothes, there is a high chance they will have what you are looking for. Yard sales vary, but with a entire town to discover, you have a greater chance of finding what you need. Depending on the size of the town you plan to bargain hunt in, it may take you only a few hours to up to several. Yard sales can begin as early as 5am, and be open as late as eight or nine at night. So you will want to prioritize your list based on three things, the items for sale, the hours open, and location. Once you have a few sales you have decided you must hit, then look through your list and see what the hours are for each, the earlier you hit a yard sale the better you are at getting what you want. Also keep in mind that hitting the end of a yard sale isn't a bad thing at all, usually that's when the seller is eager to get rid of left over merchandise at lower prices. Often if you buy some thing they will even give away items. This can be great if you are just out and about to discover a new treasure. Now if you have a variety of sales to hit that are open for longer hours, then try to divide up your shopping area into sections, and make a loop out of your trip. If you save on gas that's a extra couple of dollars you can spend on something fun. Flea markets usually run in two different types. There is the type that is like a yard sale, and you can often find a variety of bargains, but you never really know what you will find. The other type is more of a location where vender's come together and sell products they got cheaply at whole sale price. These kinds you will find quality items but at a decent price. Once again, unless it has some sort of theme, you never really know what you will find. Some flea markets do charge a entrance fee, which usually isn't much. Depending on how nice the place is that the flea market is located really helps you determine what price range of items you are looking for, and the reason behind that is booth rent. Some places many only charge a tiny rent, while others can be outrageous. So you have to keep in mind that the vendor is trying to earn back that rent, and make a profit. Outdoor markets are usually on the less expensive side, while indoor markets are more of a high end. So when choosing a market to shop, review your budget, and shop wisely. Whether you chose a day at local yard sales, or a trip to a quaint flea market, I can almost guarantee you will find something you just can't live without.

The Tear Drop

I received an email, one of those forwarded things. Well, I expected it to be something dumb, but this time I came across a very special email. The Tear Drop is a monument dedicated to the tragic event 911. It was made and installed by the Russians. Its current location is near the statue of liberty. At the base the names of all the people lost in 911 are inscribed, very similar the the Vietnam Memorial wall. It is beautiful and a amazing statement against terrorism. I plan to visit there in my lifetime.


Gift from the people of Russia ......."
Monument to the struggle against world
terrorism, artist Zurab Tesereteii"

Thanks Mom

Thanks mom for always reminding me what a failure I am. I came to you today for your advice and help to get me on the road to a better career path. But instead you threw back in my face how I wouldn't be able to handle the careers I suggested and how I did nothing but screw up my past. You reminded me that I never finished cosmetology school, but yet when I mentioned finishing it up you gave me a nasty reply of why would I do that? SO I guess I don't understand why you want me to be a failure. I left your house crying today, because I know that's all you see me as, just one major fuck up. I am trying so hard to fix things in my life so it is the way I want it to be. Whats wrong with wanting something better? Whats wrong with being willing to work for it? I wanted to take some college courses and maybe earn a certification or something that will help me find a better job that will give me the life I want. I know when I left I said hurtful things, but you hurt me, alot, so I hope they hurt you too. I thought you would be proud that I came to you, that I wanted to do something better. I didn't realize I would be so wrong. I am sorry I am such a failure.