The Big Purge

Hey, I'm back from the dead!  I know it's been awhile since I've posted, but I've been living some really great adventures full force so that I could return to Blogland and tell you all about them! Have I got some great Bug Juice stories for you!  They will need to wait...for now!

I live in Chicago; my house is in St. Louis; and, unrelated to this story, my heart will always be in Southern California. We, the Mister and I, have decided to sell our house of 18 years so that we can (1) stop paying taxes in two states; (2) get rid of stuff that we have had since the '70's - which has almost come full-circle and can be stylish nowadays; and (3) move forward with our lives.

This coming weekend we will make the five-hour drive to the house to begin picking away at the last 35 years (or more) of our lives.  As we examine our booty from the past, we will decide to sell, donate, or throw away.  Keeping will only be allowed after a command performance on my part which will entail throwing myself to the ground, wailing uncontrollably and/or inducing hypnosis upon the Mister making him believe we need to hang on to something..."these ARE the Droids you are looking for..." The kids have already been put on notice to put sticky notes with their names on any items they would like. Sorry girls, you don't get the china and silver just yet!

I'll bring the camera so I can take pictures of all that I really, really want to keep, but know in my heart that I can't.  After I recuperate from the emotional stress of the Big Purge, I will post again...a new woman...with a butt-load of room into which new stuff can go!

Thanks for stopping by!  Enjoy the rest of your week! 

Friday Fragments - BRRRRRRRRR!!!!

Hi and welcome to Mrs4444's Friday post where we can share events, or present ideas for world peace, or comment on the mundane activities of our past week. Regardless, Friday Fragments is just that; fragments which are pieces of a whole post, but not as long.

We had three snow days this week in St. Louis. The snow couldn't have come at a worse time for our schools. We are in the middle of registration for next year, Parent Teacher Conferences, field trips, etc. HOWEVER, it sure has been nice sleeping in a little, flipping a coin to see who shovels the driveway, and the decision of whether to have french toast or waffles for breakfast!

My van, which has been deceased for three weeks, my have a "miracle" operation and live once more! After towing it to two separate places, it was delivered to the car hospital for diagnosis. She's had a good life during the past eight years. Trips to Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Chicago and Austin were some of the best family outings we had. If it wasn't for club volleyball, we may never had seen such interesting places. Aside from the jammed driver side window (stuck in the closed position) and turn signals that must be manually turned off after every turn, we have wonderful memories of getting to and from in warmth, coolness and with all of our friends.

Time to prepare taxes. This is such a depressing subject, I won't say any more, except that I wish you all as large of a return as is possible!

Just a little more shoveling to do before the next storm hits us on Sunday.

GO PACK!!!!

Please click on the Friday Fragment logo to see what fascinating fragments others have to offer!

Fighting City Hall

Ahhhh, I love to hear about the joys of fighting “City Hall!” Need I say more? How many times have we attempted to right a wrong, complain about bad service (or no service) or make suggestions for improvement?

Well, I doubt if “City Hall” really wants to hear how they can improve. They believe that they are already a well-oiled machine and need no improvement in any area!

Here are a few comments, complaints and/or sarcastic remarks about some of the things that bother me:

1. Let’s double property taxes to give owners the illusion that they live in a classy neighborhood. It doesn’t matter whether or not they can afford it.

2. Eminent Domain keeps the neighborhood looking spiffy, and paves the way for new revenue for elected officials.

3. First-time offenders for minor infractions should have the book thrown at them. Examples must be set to keep order in society.


4. Elected (and appointed) officials shall determine recess of sessions if they are not getting their way. Sessions shall resume when the outcome is more to their liking.

5. Health insurance companies know best when it comes to coverage. They provide for exams to obtain a diagnosis, but then deny claims for treatment. (Some pay for an eye exam, but not for the glasses that are prescribed.)

6. Many attorneys know to what we are entitled, even if we don’t. They can acquire money for us (and themselves) for anyone’s mistake, regardless of the circumstances.


7. Individuals in the media tell us that it is our right to know the intimate details of victims and their circumstances, no matter how shocking the deed, or how upsetting it is to the victim. Get a life! Much of what is reported is none of our business! For instance, giving the public the address and details of a horrendous accident, murder or police standoff, is just asking for crowds to show up to watch.

8. School officials enjoy their power to render consequences to students who have made mistakes or bad choices, with no regard to the character of the student. It says in the School Code that “if you do this, then this will happen.” In a court of law, arguments, evidence and witness testimony are heard before a verdict is rendered. I guess that someone somewhere has determined that children are too young to learn about “the system” outside of school. (This is a favorite gripe of mine.)



9. Why must we desire to look like the individuals on TV, movies and magazines? We must purchase products or services that remove our wrinkles, cellulite and veins. We must also purchase enhancement products that promise to improve our sex life. Why do they keep shoving these ads for sexual intimacy down our throats while our children are nearby watching? Duh!

I am now stepping down from my soapbox…… thanks for allowing me to get a few things off my boobalicious chest!

These are some things that may or may not be possible to improve or change. If we don’t voice our concerns (in a gentle, loving way) change will never come about. I think it is important to make those with authority aware of injustices or unfair practices. They just might spend some time thinking about a better way of doing things….or maybe not.