On this day in the MMP

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
181

You really have no idea how special you are, do you? I used to work for the government. I heard from all sorts of folks. I’m not going share sad stories, but I can tell you with some authority that folks like you and DH are pretty rare statistically. If not, why do we have such a horrible stray cat issue?

Yeah, well, happy fucking birthday to me from the DMV. I’ll bet they won’t let me keep that 33 year old picture either. Yeah, it was a bad picture but I had really nice hair and no wrinkles back then.

I just checked and I don’t have to renew or have a driving test until 2027 because I had to give up my perfectly valid DL (because who carries a laminated paper drivers license that doesn’t have a bar code and expects anyone younger than 40 to even know what it is?) under protest and they extended my license to make me shut up and take my new holographic license with the old pic and go away.

I used to be an over-achiever so took all sort of extra credit classes to get out of high school early, so graduated at 16 with the intention of going to the local community college and then moving on. That plan got thwarted because Dad refused to sign for me to get a driver’s license and there was no internet back in the 1970’s so college was out. I got bored and joined the USAF because they had the GI bill and I could go to college on them. Dad was willing to sign the enlistment paperwork so off I went three days after I turned 17. With no DL.

After tech training and all, I ended up at Davis-Monthan AFB and bought my first motorcycle from a departing airman. I took uniformed myself down to the local DMV to get my bike registered and my DL only to be told that I was old enough to sign up to die for my country (and drink in the Airman’s Club) but not old enough to get a DL so I could drive myself to my work station.

Being the mature young lady I was, I broke down in tears, sobbing about being getting a dishonorable and sent home in shame just because I couldn’t run the seven miles to my work station in the dark if the bombs started falling.

Someone in a suit asked me to go into their office and looked my paperwork over, then said he needed me to be able to protect the country and signed off on everything so all I had to do was fix my face and get my picture taken.

No driving test.

I went back to the base and showed them my shiny new paperwork and they gave me my base endorsement without a driving test because my license was so new.

I got sent to Okinawa and applied for a DL just before Okinawa was given back. I got that one with no driving test because the roads were still all the same as I was used to.

I was in Okinawa when the roads got changed and everyone was suddenly driving on the other side of the road overnight (that was really interesting) but my license was grandfathered in because I was there first…so no driving test.

I was discharged and went back to California where I couldn’t remember which side of the road I should be using and got my civilian DL with no driving test because I had just been discharged from the military and only needed to pay the fee and get a pic to get a brand new DL with a motorcycle endorsement.

No driving test for the renewals in Calif and when I met hubs and we moved to AZ, AZ thought my license was good enough that I didn’t need to take a driving test. That was the laminated license I really wanted to keep.

So, anyways, it is a point of pride to me that I have always had a valid DL, but have never taken a driving test just because I had nice tits and blond hair.

182

Neither my tits or my hair have ever been that good. Even at 17.

183

I was going to post a link to Oglaf’s Fountain of Girl but something terrible seems to have happened to his website.

But yeah, I had it all back in the day.

I didn’t floozy my way into getting my DL or promotions and raises, sex was for fun, not profit. I did shake my boobs at a bunch of idiots, though.

I once had a fun afternoon with a college professor and ended up getting into a screaming fight with him on campus because he gave me an A for the class and I knew I should have only gotten a B because I was really bad at the subject.

Some floozies have principles and shit, ya know?

184

I also think a similar floral something-or-other would be easiest to get in on time.
People often give gifts that they wouldn’t mind getting themselves.

I snerked. Should pearl-clutching ensue?

Adding my voice to the chorus. I am so very sorry. It hurts, it does.

Gibbs has the face if a Very Good Dog, and no doubt had a lovely life with you.

Allie: “If I keep swatting at that one, who knows what she’ll drag home next!”

I thought you were talking about farts for a minute there …

Is Adam your son? You’re getting your son a litter box?

{ goes on to explain an unholy amount of drama }

Jesus, that is … a lot to deal with!

Links, plz?

Nah, I’m with JtheC on this one. Lots of people would look the other way, or worse.

We got a bunch of the fluffy stuff today - there was maybe an inch on cold, shaded surfaces, but the roads were pretty clear, although certainly wet.

Having one of those fancy “Oui!” yogurts and being howled at by an increasingly spoiled cat. He’s gotten used to meowing pitifully at me when I get home, until I feel bad that he’s been left alone while I was working and is now somewhat ignored while I surf the dope (he gets scritches, though!) so eventually I feel sorry for him & his plaintive mewls and toss him treats to skitter after.

Spoiled little stinker. He’s lucky he’s so damn handsome and (mostly) lovable.

185

Good Mornin’ Y’all! Up and caffeinatin’. YAWN 'Tis 39 Amurrkin out and clear with a predicted high of 61 and N.O.S. for the day. I shall betake myself over to the church house to deal with candles and such. Then it’s back home for sloth and general overall uselessness the rest of the day. Sup shall be majik intartoobz pizza and sallit.

sari that’s a whole lot of drama to deal with. I hope the estate stuff gets under control soonest and everyone calms down. Hope the roof/leak problem is a minor one.

Nellie you got a good DIL in that one for sure.

JtC A DL in Jawja is good for eight years. Mine is due to be renewed in July 2024. Nuttin’ wrong with flauntin’ it if ya got it, IMO.

shoe Monkey has you well-trained.

Now I need more caffeine and to feed rumbly tummy. Then I suppose I must purtify and don attire appropriate for bein’ amongst the great unwashed. Then again, I am only goin’ one place where no one else is likely to be so I can probably get away with sweatpants, tshirt, sneaks, and hoodie.

Happy Firday Y’all!

186

Of all the strange dreams - we were selling my childhood home. The young woman who bought it didn’t care that it was messy, and she listened to my stories of growing up there. Not a bad dream, but my folks sold that house in 1979. No clue why it invaded my sleeping brain.

Several coughing fits overnight have continued to this morning. I am beyond tired of it. Stoopit plague.

I plan to run the carpet steamer in the basement. If I feel up to it, I’ll bring Roxy over tomorrow. That’s as far as my plans go.

Happy Firday!

187

Bumba I’m sorry about Gibbs. They sure leave holes in our hearts.

Nettie I’m so happy Tiny and Little Miss are going to a foster home. I think the myth that black cats are unlucky is past it’s selling date so hopefully they will find homes ASAP.

188

Another snow day here. I’m not driving all the way to the shop in that slop. Plus the sheriff issued a “don’t drive unless you have to” warning. I gonna couch/book today. Perhaps some day drinkin.

189

Made a quick run to Food Lion because we were running thru tissues at an alarming pace. Our stash is renewed, so whew! Guess that leaves me no more excuses to avoid cleaning the basement carpet. So I’ve got that going for me…

190

Yay for the foster home for Tiny and Little Miss seanette! I’m glad that you gave them temporary shelter and cared enough to find a place for them.

You reminded me that I will need to renew my DL soon JtC. It’s strange to me that AZ doesn’t require renewal until 65. Here in TN, one issued before age 21 is good until you hit the magic age, then the second until you are 25. After that, we renew every five years, with the by mail option available every other renewal. Like you, I’ve been licensed for a lot of years but never took a test. I got my first one in Indiana, where, if you had passed driver’s ed, you weren’t required to take one. Colorado just asked for the surrender of the IN one, same when I moved back to IN and on to TN.

The !@#$ bone spur in my left foot woke me up in the middle of the night, so I took half a pain pill. I slept until 0715! :open_mouth: (for reference, my work day alarm is set for 0200) I’m hoping that it doesn’t become an issue that has to be dealt with before I’m medicare eligible.

Stay safe and healthy y’all!

191

Morning all. Up at 7am with a loud knocking and ripping sound, like a regiment of squirrels were practicing close order drill on my roof. Turned out the neighbor across my back yard is getting a new roof and they started nice and early this morning (39F outside, hope they brought lots of hot drinks). Anyway, that got the day started. Pill taken and paper retrieved, but nothing much else on the agenda, did get all the clothes hung up last night and did some sweeping, so I guess I could continue some general cleaning, but not excited about it.

VanGo, sounds like a smart thing to do. Better safe than sorry and I’ve ended up in a few ditches in my life driving in bad weather.

Seanette, echoing many of the others, it’s a good and noble thing you have done and maybe those two will have a shot at a good life.

JtC, interesting Driver’s License saga. Ali-bama requires a new license every 4 years, I’m good until June 2025 (and yes, I had to peek). Haven’t had a driving test since my first one at age 17 (learner’s permit).

As for the 401K, you know your status better than we, you could ask a financial consultant for advice, if there is one you trust, they’ll probably want to invest it in something else, but let that be your call.

nellie, having DIL wanting you to stay longer says as much about you as it does her; no luck, just good people.

Sari, so sorry you are having all these family issues; at least the niece’s are staying in contact with you. Good luck in January getting things settled.

quietly, it’s a marvelous thing, have leave to burn, isn’t it?

OK, need to break my fast and thinking about doing the gym stuff I skipped yesterday today and then go swimming this afternoon. Or not.

Take care all.

192

Good morning everyone.

It’s currently 28 degrees and cloudy, with an expected high of 40 by 3:00 pm. At 4:00 pm temps drop back down into the 30s and start their descent into the high 20s.

Bumba, I saw about Gibbs in the book of faces and expressed my sorrow for you. I am truly sorry, he was an adorable dog.

sari, that is a lot of drama! I hope things can be sorted for the estate without going beyond the nastiness pervading the situation. We both know the longer the niece fiddle farts around, the worse it will get. You’re right about trying to start lining things up. Also, I’m sorry to read that Barky and Humpy, and by extension, their dog owner, are back.

I’m glad you’ve found a foster home for the kitties, nettie.

JtC, this is how my state handles it: You’ll need to renew at a driver licensing office if you:

  • Are 70+ years old
  • Need to pass the vision screening
  • Need a new photo taken
  • Renewed online on your last expiration
    and
    A standard license costs $9 per year to renew. You may renew for 6 ($54) or 8 years ($72). Calculate your fees based on:
  • Your endorsements.
  • Whether you’re upgrading to an enhanced card.
  • Whether you’re renewing late.
  • Whether you choose the 6- or 8-year renewal option.

I renewed online last year for eight years. That means I will have to renew when I’m 66.

I had to go to the office yesterday. The idea was the director would be there, but she never showed because she had a Dr appointment up north and still hadn’t arrived at the office by the time I left at 3:00 pm. My commute home took me over two hours because of an accident on the southbound side (I was heading north), and construction that ENDED at 3:00 pm. It took me an hour to advance 15 miles up the freeway. Thursdays are always horrible commute days. From now on, I’m sticking to my Monday the first week, and Monday, and Wednesday the second-week schedule for in-office days.

One more work day (Monday), then I’m on use or lose leave. I am sure I will be checking my email because I am still trying to get a contract completed for the removal and disposal of old furniture at the Wenatchee office.

I got my official written notification of the reorganization and my title and job series change. :face_with_raised_eyebrow: My supervisor will be the Deputy Director (the position I didn’t get). The Director and I had a very long discussion about the whole thing, and yesterday we had a meeting with SD, DD, myself, and the MPA where we discussed changes. The DD claims he’s going to let things go the way they are, but I don’t fully believe him. His actions have proven otherwise. He says he’s easy to get along with, blah, blah, blah, and talked about his expertise. Finally, I let him know that I was one of the competitors for the job he currently holds. I am also eminently qualified for both his job and my current position and I had been the acting director on many occasions, etc. In other words, you’re not talking to a newbie here.

I wasted precious productive time rage-cleaning various cubes in the office because others are not. I took multiple loads of crap that I had emptied off of horizontal surfaces, as well as out of various drawers, to the dumpster. I didn’t save any of it. Bunches of used pens, yellowed tablets and pads, dried stamp pads, and other crap. There were some other people in the office yesterday, and NOT ONE helped. The director mandated this office clean-up, but no one but me and, a couple of times, the MPA, have done anything. The PDs and their staff are supposed to clean too. It’s all so stupid! Again, someone at a much lower grade was trying to explain why he shouldn’t clean because of what he does. He got a raised eyebrow from me, and I then pointed out that I am eight grades higher than him, a member of management, and I am cleaning, as well as the fact this is a team effort, no one is special or exempt. He turned bright red and left. He didn’t clean, but his PD will tell him the same.

There are a lot of self-important, entitled people where I work. They need to get over themselves.

I hope everyone stays safe, healthy and happy. Take care care.

193

(((((Bumba))))) I am so very sorry for your loss…you gave Gibbs the best life, no dog could have wished for more.

194

In MD, licenses can be renewed for up to 8 years. A couple of years back, FCD and I both went in to get the RealID licenses so we’re good for a while. I’m not sure when mine expires, tho it will be on my birthday one of these years.

I finished with the basement - not all done, but I’m done. I cleaned the area rug by the fireplace, since the little droolmeister got it kinda grubby. I cleaned the obvious spots that SIL couldn’t be bothered with cleaning. (Yeah, yeah, he was sick, but he’s also a slob.) And I pulled the futon mattress to the floor and cleaned it - not because SIL slept on it, but because a certain little snot monster managed to wipe is nose all over it. I left a tower fan oscillating down there - I’ll move it later. Maybe. If I feel like it.

Taz peed on the rug right next to his littler box. OK, fine, I forgot to scoop yesterday, but he didn’t have to be a jerk about it!

After I rest a bit, I’m going to make a big pot of soup, and maybe some chickie-n-dumplins to share with the inlaws. FCD is taking them to Baltimore today and he can swing by here to get the food on his way taking them home.

I’m tired of being sick - have I mentioned that? Sick sucks.

195

I’M FREEZING!

Holy cow, was I kidnapped in the middle of the night and moved to Siberia?

We had record breaking heat last week. It was 84 degrees one day.

196

Sigh, I suppose I should go shovel the thing at the end of the driveway. Before it turns into a giant ice cube.

197

Shorthanded both night and day. But things were still heaved.

but you’re back!

sari, sorry you have so much drama.

198

Yup. Sorry about that. Hubby came down with something last night and is coughing up a storm. If I will be 24 hours behind him, as is my habit, I should be starting soon. :frowning: So I moved tomorrow’s hair cut to after Christmas, so I don’t spread any germs there.

{{{Bumba}}} Gibbs was quite the cutie.

Last night was the department Christmas dinner, so I got home rather late. Unfortunately, I coudn’t fall asleep fast, and then got woke up by hubby. Today was spectacularly unproductive for me, so I might work on some training stuff tomorrow. Today it just wasn’t happening.

My dad had to renew his driver’s license recently, and he figured out he would probably have to make an appointment. He started to figure that out, but first decided to check the waiting time at the DMV. As the waiting time was only 10 minutes, he decided to just drive down there - it was faster than trying to figure out how to make an appointment.

I did a driver’s test when I first got my license, a written test when I moved to New Jersey, and just an eye test when I converted my license to a Swiss license. Swiss license doesn’t have an expiration date. which makes it fun when trying to fill out forms which want a driver’s license number.

We got more snow and I bought the fixins for chili. Might finally baptize the cast iron pan we got for making cornbread.

199

Got a pot of chicken and veggies that will soon have noodles added to it, plus a pot of veggie-beef soup starting to simmer. So the inlaws will eat this weekend.

I had it in my head that today was Saturday and I was pissed that our local NPR station wasn’t carrying Wait Wait… oops! Retirement can be disorienting.

200

It’s snowing (more? again?) with more forecast for the entire next week except for Sunday.

I was bitching about the lack of snow and the dismal possibility of a non-white Christmas.

I am bitching no more!

Monkey, on the other hand …