WTF

Where is the owner

On Saturday I had an appointment with the man who lives here. I got there precisely at 1. (yes it was on Labor Day weekend.) I called before I left but there was no answer. When I go to the house, there was no door bell to ring. Music was playing loudly and the screen door was locked. I knocked several times on the window, then left.
Yesterday, the office made another appointment with him. I called him and confirmed that I would meet up with him today, Thursday, at 5. As I pulled up to the house, I saw 2 police cars in front of the house. After I parked and exited the car, a third car pulled up. I asked if it was OK for me to go to the house as I had an appointment. I was told to hold back...

Ominous.

I waited.
One of the officers then asked why I was there. I explained I was there to meet with the man for a car accident to sign some papers. They were more interested.
I said he didn't answer the door on Saturday but I spoke to him yesterday at which time he assured me he would be home.
The police sergeant asked me to wait, they might want me to be a witness. HUH? WTF? Witness to WHAT?
The 3 officers walked around the house. Then they came back to the front door. They asked me about the taxi. Yes, I said, it was there on Saturday, too.
That is all I know, and I'm sticking to it! I gave them my personal business card and they let me go. Sayonara!

As far as the shooting early Saturday morning, the news says that the couple was NOT randomly shot. Wow. Shocker. Again, what were they doing out at 3:45 am? But here's the weird part. The news says the 2 were passengers. Huh? Who was driving? More questions than answers at this time.
It was a very deadly weekend. On Talahi Island, (which is in Chatham County heading toward Tybee Island) a 14 year old killed his dad and his mum helped to cover it up. Damn.
Also, on River Street at 1 in the morning, a guy was shot and died while trying to get away. What is going on here? 4 murders on a 3 day weekend. Makes you think. Might be safer to move to Baghdad..

A little excitement

Another shooting in the 'hood

11 last night, walking the dogs, a helicopter came flying overhead. Spotlight on, scanning around 37th street, it was there for a good 15 minutes. I stood on the porch with the dogs for a bit and watched but couldn't tell what was happening. Then I walked into the kitchen and saw the copter's searchlight was in my backyard. That got my attention. I ran to the front of the house and watched the copter circle around again and again. Finally it went back to 37th street. I don't know what was happening and nothing was mentioned on the news or online news...

This morning at 7:30 I left to go to Starbucks. I couldn't go all the way up Jefferson due to this roadblock. While up at SB, I saw a detective. I asked and sure enough, there was a shooting this morning. However, he had no clue what was happening last night.

Had my physical yesterday. Talked to my doctor about the Rachel incident last week. The doctor said Rachel was drugged as her daughter had an incident that was quite similar.. (as in losing control of her bowels, not remembering most likely roofies).
 "The three most commonly used drugs for date rape are alcohol and two prescription-strength sleep aids. The two prescription drugs are GHB, also known as gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, and benzodiazepines (such as flunitrazepam, also known as Rohypnol or "roofies")."

Still no money for me

Got a letter in the mail yesterday from my bank. Letter states Sun Trust said at the time the check was deposited in my account, there was insufficient funds to cover the check. My bank will try to send it through the system and just maybe by next week the funds will be there. Meanwhile, I'm still broke, Rachel is still bitching she doesn't have any new shoes for the new school year. Boo Hoo..

Life just sucks for me

So I went to my bank this morning to see if I could get a bit more of an explanation about why they won't let me have access to any of my paycheck. They said that because I don't have a spare 900 bucks sitting around, they will not allow me to have access to any of the funds right now. My goddam car insurance bill is due to be automatically withdrawn from my checking account on 9/2. They aren't going to credit my account until 9/4. Wow. Screwed again...

On Wednesday I had my English lit class. Funny, like deja vu, I remember taking English lit years ago... But, they are making me take it again. WTF? What a waste of my time. The teacher gives out the syllabus and I see my LEAST favorite author- evil bitch named Flannery O'Connor from Savannah. I had to read some crap she wrote and I HATED every word of it. When we had to make our introductions, I noted how much I despised FO'c. Guess what? My teacher loves her and did her master's thesis on the bitch. This will go well..

Teacher asked us to write a 3 paragraph paper on one of three topics. I picked the American Dream...
The American Dream was alive and well until about the year 2009. Millions of immigrants from around the world flocked to this country for a chance to own their own home, make a decent living and give their children a better standard of living.

Now, this is no longer the case. More Americans than ever are relinquishing their citizenship. Less Mexicans are crossing the border to the United States. What has happened to the dream?

The dream is shattered because the country is devastated from years of fighting wars, corruption in banks and financial institutions undermining the economy and incompetent leadership in all government agencies from the presidency to the local city manager. It will take a mighty leader with determination to turn this around. I don't believe it will happen in my lifetime. 

I can INVENT new ways to get screwed

Well, finally got paid yesterday for my bill that I submitted on 8/15. As normal, I deposited the check into my account. I got access to 10% of the funds yesterday and got $25 in gas for myself, $20 in gas for Rachel, $60 for Rachel for school clothes. Then. I checked my checking account this afternoon expecting to see a nice fat figure in my account. What I see it squat and this notification:

"Deposit Holds mean a check has already been credited to your account, but the funds are not available for your immediate use.

• To avoid overdrawing your account and incurring overdraft fees, please do not make withdrawals or write checks against these funds.
• You can find your current Available Balance on the Account Summary and Account Activity page.
• We may delay funds availability further or reduce the amount of funds currently available as we continue to verify your deposit. "

The money is being put on HOLD for 14 DAYS. This is the explanation I got when I called:

Wells Fargo says "many factors enter into the decision to put a hold on this check when no hold has been placed on previous checks deposited to this account. Wells Fargo may have been notified that the item has a high probability of not being paid at the maker bank. " This is why the bank has put a hold on this check. This is a direct quote from my WF rep.
See, I found a new way to get screwed!

A real Sh*tty day

What is this?

Yesterday afternoon, Rachel arrived home at 1:30 pm. Yes, she had been out all night. She came home without her car or shoes. She lost her new keys and her shoes and has NO idea where they are.

This morning, Rachel came home at 5:15 am. YES, AM. She rang the doorbell. Yes, Bill had given her a new house key and I gave her the last car key. Why did she ring the doorbell when she had a key? Good question! Her reply- I didn't want to wake up everyone. Huh? Ringing the door bell, waking up the dogs, who now bark at the door, making me get up out of bed to open the door, shut off the alarm then re-set the alarm. Makes more sense than Rachel opening the door, shutting off the alarm and re-setting the alarm. Dogs won't bark if the alarm is shut off in a few seconds. Hmmm. Then, Bill gets up and walks the dogs at 6:30. I feed the dogs when he returns and he says, Rachel needs to clean the sh*t off the door frame. Check it out. Seriously. GROSS. Then, I wait for Malcolm to open next door. I watch his video.
Rachel arrived just after 2 am. Proceeded to sleep in her car until 5. Then, stumbles to the back of her car where it appears she slipped to the ground and took a loose bowel movement. It was behind her car, all runny looking. Then, she wandered to the porch. That's what is on my door frame. Rachel denies it all. But the video and (dna) evidence do not lie.

Still have no money, this sucks

I submitted a bill on Wednesday for my pay from the lawyers' office in Florida. I was told a rush would be put on it. I waited by the mailbox on Friday, nothing. Saturday, nothing. So I sent an e-mail to the person that hired me. He says that if I have a bank that has a local branch in Florida, maybe they could direct deposit the money. I void a check, scan it and send it.
This morning I get an e-mail... Couldn't process my invoice because my zip code wasn't on it. What kind of s**t is that? I'm pissed. When was I going to be told about the missing zip code? Did you ever hear of www.usps.com? I use it whenever I need a zip code. Looky here. I entered the street address and Shazam! the USPS gives me the complete zip!

You entered:

314 W 35TH STREET
SAVANNAH GA

Here's the full address, using standard abbreviations and formatting...

314 W 35TH ST

SAVANNAH GA 31401-8009

 

Forgot to mention this the other day, Bill heard a gun shot around 4am. Bill was talking to our insomniac neighbor later the same day while walking Chip. Neighbor said he was on his second floor porch at 4 when he observed a guy walking down our street, lifting up door handles on cars. Neighbor ( I'm not mentioning names to protect the innocent...) slipped downstairs and shot his pistol into the ground. A-hole took off screaming like a little baby! 

busy busy

Hiyah looking rough

Hiyah was looking a little rough yesterday. His clothes were filthy. Wonder if the old lady threw him out or something?

What a week. I've been fighting to get Rachel enrolled in school and myself, too. Financial aid has been a bitch. The guidance counselor at Islands HS won't do a thing for Rachel. It is frustrating. She kept telling me that Rachel needed to apply back in June. Kept looking in folder after folder on her desktop to PROVE to me that the deadline is June... Couldn't find it though. And she would NOT sign the papers for Rachel to do Accel.. What an ass. Then Rachel said she would take on line school, but the counselor is dragging her feet to fill out her part of the process for that, too...

It took all week but I was finally able to get my financial aid set. That means I can start school next Wednesday and my books will be paid for with my aid..(loan)

Finally, they say God protects fools. Well, it is best not to depend on that because he might be busy when you need him... Point is, I told Rachel to put air in her tire. Told her to go to an Enmark gas station about a mile from the house. Gave her my frigging GAUGE...After 5 days of her not filling the tire, I made her follow me to the station this afternoon, since I had a low tire, too. MY GOD, one tire of Rachel's had 10 lbs and one had 12 lbs! There was a vicious storm yesterday that she was driving to Tybee Island with 2 low tires.. Wow. What an idiot.

New Job

Well, I have been busy this week signing people up for an attorney's office. Everyone I have met with, I've been able to sign. I only had one person that was a bit difficult but I talked him through the contract and he signed.
Now...the big question is PAY. When... While talking to my contact at the law firm, he mentioned that WE don't get paid if the clients fail to go to the chiropractor. That wasn't stated to me when I signed on. Though I let the clients know it is in their best interest to go and get treated, I can't make them. So, when I sent an e-mail to the brother of the attorney asking about payday, he said he would talk to me this weekend. I'm getting a little antsy as this is Sunday and it is almost 3 PM and I haven't heard from him... I have an appointment with a client tonight at 6 and then I am off all day tomorrow. I better hear something...

Yesterday at 6:30pm, about a mile from the house, a 5 year old child was shot. Hmmm. What the hell could a 5 year old have done? The news just says it was life-threatening injuries and he was transported via private car. This doesn't sound good. Then when you go on the newspaper's website to read about it, this is one comment:

"This article was originally posted at 12:41 am. It was "updated" at 8:04 am but there is no change in the text. No, the only change here is that the Savannah Morning News censor did not like the tone of the comments and scrubbed the site clean. This newspaper doesn't like the fact that there are regular commentators who post opinions that are more on target than their own editorials or raise points that turn up as features a few days later. I can't tell you how many times one of my ideas has been lifted by SMN columnists, sometimes verbatim. But then the SMN censor does not hesitate to delete my edgier comments or those that might use a censored b*d w#rd.
On present form, the SMN is scared to death to speak its mind or to accurately reflect the opinions of the community it serves. It roundly fails to hold local elected officials accountable. It totally fails to understand the public's sentiment toward government abuses such as T-SPLOST. And it continues to take a wait-n-see attitude toward how our taxes are spent or wasted.
By scrubbing comments clean this newspaper engages in a violation of the constitutional right to free speech. The very rules that govern this site are an encroachment upon that same constitutional right. And if this is the town's only major newspaper, then the result of such practices is deadly to a free society." Midtown Mojo

My Side note *T-Splost= asking us to pay an EXTRA 1% sales tax for a bunch of transportation stuff- like making a bike path on one of the islands that no one seems to want, like removing an overpass that the people don't seem to be too interested in having removed...Thankfully people saw through it and like me voted it down...

Now for some good news, Rachel got a call from The Crab Shack. I'm going to drive her out there for an interview. Wish her LUCK! You can check out the place at
www.thecrabshack.com
I love the place. Hope I can get a discount!

Busy Week

Man living in the gutter

Dirty South Records new business adventure

Well, I finally heard back from the law firm in Florida that is opening up an office here. I had a phone interview back in June and was told I would be a great candidate for the investigator position. Then, I heard nothing. Finally, last week, I got a call out of the blue and a personal interview. Now I have the job- but it isn't a regular 9-5 with bennies... It is under the table, meeting with people that have been in car accidents and signing them up for the attorney.
On Friday, the first client they gave me, wouldn't answer the phone.  But, later in the day,  I signed up a family so I made $100+ for about an hour of work. Then, they gave me 2 more clients to call. I met up with one girl, she was 24 years old with 6 kids, ages 4 months to 9 years! She showed up with no ID, a push up bra and a tank top with her left breast pushed right out and up! She signed the paperwork and agreed to meet with me again at noon time on Saturday with her ID and the accident report. She no-showed. Another appointment on Saturday at 9 am was also a no-show. So, that was a disappointment. We will see what happens on Monday.

I was so happy when Dirty South Records was closed down. About 2 weeks ago it opened back up. See the card above. These flyers were put on cars in my neighborhood. It is the same A-hole with the white Crown Vic that owns this business. Why is he open again? I don't understand why the city closed him down and let him open up under a new name but the same old BS and now GOLD TEETH! Whoppee! And who is going to go to a place like this? The same clientele as went to Dirty South Records. All Bad.

The picture on the left is a man who stays in the gutter at 35th and Montgomery. I don't get it. He sits there day and night. Bizarre. He does leave at various times of the day and night, but most of the time he is right there.

Heard a song on the radio this morning that describes quite a few people around here (Hiyah comes to mind...)
 What's the use of getting sober
When you're gonna get drunk again
 I went out last night about half past one
Thought I'd whoop it up a little and have some fun
I got me a half pint about half past two
Mmm, mmm, the way I was feeling you know what I wanna do
Got me a pint about half past four
Felt so good, went out and got me some more
Got me a quart about half past five
Boy, that was so nice didn't know if I was dead or alive 
What's the use of getting sober
When you're gonna get drunk again!

What can I say?

Last Friday at 2 AM, I was woken up by a phone call from a crying Rachel. She was at party that was busted by the police. If I didn't come pick her up, she was going to jail. Boo-hoo.. What a baby. By the time the cruiser brought her to me on Montgomery and Waters Ave (I couldn't find the address on Tom-Tom) it was almost 3:30. What a miserable morning for me.
I asked the police AGAIN if they had contacted my neighbor about getting the video of the boys that ransacked my car. Promises, promises...Still, nothing.
I have sent out more applications for jobs. Rachel has put out more applications for jobs. It just sucks. Anybody that believes the recession is over, I'll kick 'em in the cahones...Maybe I'll concede the recession is over, but the DEPRESSION is NOT! There are no jobs out there. The only way to get a job is to be standing at the door when someone else leaves or is fired.

I went back to Savannah Tech again today. They had not processed my change of program so I met with another adviser. She is a practicing attorney in Savannah and in charge of the paralegal program. We talked for a good while. She advised me to stick with the paralegal program. She assured me she will make sure I will be full time for 3 semesters to take full advantage of the VA training. OK! I still have to take some English class which I can't understand since I've had 3 English classes...Anyways and I have to take an intro to Computers class. AND that one is ONLINE! Really? Since I had Intro to Technology, Computers in the Medical Office and Computers in the Law Office, I'm sure to get another A in that one. This first semester should be a breeze!

Wednesday

The Crab Shack

A Snack at the Shack

What a day. It was 100 degrees again today. I took Rachel out to the Crab Shack on Tybee Island (it was only 91 degrees there!) to speak to the manager about a job. She had put in her application but kept getting a told that the manager wasn't there to talk to. So, I said let's just drive out there and pretend we just stopped by for a bite. Then ask if the manager is there. Just before we drove there, Rachel called and was told again, the woman wasn't there. 20 minutes later we arrived and an employee pointed her out to Rachel.... So, we asked to speak to her and the the woman came over with ATTITUDE. No job there...

Earlier today, I went to Savannah Tech and spoke with the Career Services Councilor. I told her I need direction, what should I really be working toward? She recommended that I take a semester of accounting- JUST the computer stuff- Excel, payroll. Then next semester, switch over to paralegal for 2 more semesters and graduate with the degree in paralegal studies. I'll get at least one semester of externship, so that should help more with the job search. Also, in a couple of weeks, I can sign up for work study, too. That will help!

The never ending job search

This job searching is getting old. There is always someone out there trying to scam or get over on the legitimate job searcher like myself. In Sunday's paper was an ad for new car sales people. Apply on Mon/Tues 9-5. I went to Chatham Parkway Toyota yesterday, appropriately dressed with resumes and references in my nice leather portfolio. After a minute or so of small talk, he drops the bomb... I need to come up with over $600+ to buy books and to pay for this dude to teach me how to sell new cars. Are you F'n Serious?

Rachel's job search isn't going so well. She applied to one of my favorite places, The Crab Shack on Tybee Island. She did not have her SS card, only a copy..So they told her to get the card and come back. I gave her the letter from SS stating the card has been applied for. The manager said that was sufficient. Now, the person in charge of hiring is either not there or too busy to speak to her. That blows.

Life sucks

So, last week, some little bastards went into my car. I had inadvertently left it unlocked after taking Rachel to Savannah Tech. After the phone rang like 30 times at the non-emergency police number, I drive it to the police station. They were pissed that I had "MOVED" the car. Now we can't fingerprint it..Yeah, that was going to happen. Then I told them my neighbor likely had it on video. Later in the day, sure enough, I watched the video. 4 little black kids, including one that looked about 6 years old, were walking IN the street and lifting up door handles at 1 in the morning. They went in the Subaru and tossed things around and found NOTHING they wanted. Really. Do they have parents? What is a little kid doing out a 1 AM?
Here's where it gets even better. I told the police about the video. I'm still waiting for them to pick up the video... The detective at the station told me, well, no one took a report so we don't know what to do about it as no crime was reported. HELL I went to the station. But that isn't good enough. The crime prevention officer, where the hell is he? Someone needs to check out the video and find these little bastards and smack their low-life parents, too.
This morning, I went to Islands High School for Rachel to get her paperwork signed so that she can enroll at Savannah Tech. The office has been closed since the end of June. Unbelievable, only one person can work on this paperwork and she is out until August 13th!!!! WTF? The Board of Education isn't allowed to do anything either. This is stupid.

I'm still trying to find a job. I have sent my resume out to probably a thousand places. I have applied to McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy's, Arby's. WTF? I have applied to dealerships to sell cars- one place you had to agree to pay $50 for drug testing. I don't have $50 to pay for drug testing. Hell, I don't have $50 to pay for drugs!!!!!
Obama and this administration are saying the recession is over. You know what? Before he was elected I had a great job, paid all my bills on time and had a little money in my retirement. Here it is mid-2012 and I've been underemployed or unemployed since January 2010, have bill collectors calling on average 15 times a day, and have pissed through my retirement money with a whopping $250 left in it! Right now, I'm unemployed. THIS SUCKS.

And then at 3 AM, Rachel called to tell me she locked her keys in the car AGAIN... Does it ever get any better?

Craziness in Savannah

WTF

Movie Set next to Paula Deens

I just don't know

Let's start off with first thing this morning. I had a hard time sleeping last night so I woke up later than my normal 6:30. When I finally got up and out the door for my coffee is was nearly 8. Anyways, I went to open the car door and noticed the Subaru's driver door was slightly ajar. Damn. I look inside and everything is tossed about, glove box and console are open and everything is on the floor. I walked over to the passenger side and that door is slightly ajar as well and the cover is knocked off the back section. What the hell did they expect to find? There was 26 whole fucking cents in the little change drawer that was taken. WOW... This is the second time this has happened and still no one has stolen my Metallica CD's. They have no taste... I called the NON-emergency number for the Police and after about 100 rings,no one answered.

So, I drove the car to the Bull Street police sub-station about 1/2 a mile away. They were just starting to go to work. They would not do a report since I had moved the car. What a crock. Now I'm waiting for David's crabs owner, Malcolm to open up so that we can check his video. IF, and I repeat IF, there is anything there, then the police will do a report.

Yesterday morning I went to Congress Street where they have been doing a little filming for the movie, CBGB. I saw that pitiful VW on Barnard Street. The only thing of value there was one "moon" wheel cover. Then I walked over to see the other props that were there. No actors today. I spoke with a guy that sells tour tickets. He told me a tourist had tried to put letters/postcards in the prop mailbox the other day. Then I spoke with another person who said they would be filming next to the Goodwill on Broughton Street later this week. I'm keeping my eyes open for that.

Finally, this guy in the picture above... He is walking around the historic district yelling and holding this sign. Something about the country is being judged, REPENT NOW! Whatever...Have a great day....

My version of Rants and Raves

Why is he standing in the road?

Movie set

Why is this so har

I see this for the most part, only in Savannah. Adults standing/walking in the street. I don't get it. This man is in the street of a busy intersection. The police don't seem to care. Cars were beeping horns and a tractor trailer, too. Had no effect. Just like the chicken (why did he cross the road?), once he finally meandered over to the other side of the street, he stood looking longingly at the side he just left. Then, again once the light turned Green, he walked into the intersection again.
Another thing I don't get is putting shoes away.Bill leaves his sneakers/sandals at such an angle that when one walks from the kitchen to the back door or to toss trash, it is easy to trip over his big shoes. Why can't they be put under the bench?

Then, Rachel has left these sandals in the bathroom for more than a week. I tripped over them in the middle of the bathroom floor. I put them here beside the sink and have asked her at least 5 times to pick them up.. Nothing..

Finally, I was uptown on Friday afternoon and saw they were still shooting some scenes for the movie CBGB. It was a night club in NYC. Part of the movie is being filmed here but Savannah is not "per se" in the movie. It is being shot here because it is cheaper than NYC...

Rachel's shoes

Hot and quiet

Hiyah works!

First thing this morning and look! It's Hiyah, actually working. Better get the work done now when it is only 71 degrees because it is going to be a scorcher today.

This morning I went uptown to SB and then to the Board of Education (or in Rachel's case- Bored of Education..ha ha). I had to get the format for Rachel to write her essay about her community service. Unbelievably, she has not been promoted to 12th grade because she did not turn in her community service hours and the essay. Now, the schools are closed until July 23rd but the essay has to be graded by her English Teacher, so I'm not sure what will happen...I'm working on getting Rachel into Savannah Tech for the fall semester which starts on August 22. If she completes the fall and spring semesters at Sav Tech, she can go to Georgia Southern University next fall. They will accept all the classes from Sav Tech as they have some new partnership agreement with them.  It will cost me almost nothing to send her there compared to the nearly one grand in fees that GSU wants...

While driving back this morning, I saw the film crew at one of the squares. I applied for a job at the soon to be opened Nissan dealership, then came back home, checked e-mails, worked on Rachel's application for Sav Tech, and when I was sufficiently bored decided to go back uptown to watch the filming. Dang, I couldn't remember which square and after 40 minutes of walking in almost 100 degrees,  I was hot, sweaty and ready to go back home to the air conditioning!

Friday night

At 11 last night when I was walking the dogs, my neighbor said there was not one, but TWO transvestite hookers working Jefferson Street. These are black men, one wearing a white miniskirt and the other wearing short shorts. Both have wigs and platform shoes, too. I can't understand why these things are still alive. In the last couple of years, TWO transvestites have been shot and killed in less that a half mile from here.

What's really funny is that several months ago, I was talking to my neighbor Herbert, who thought the tranny was a girl (albeit an ugly girl). I told him, no, that is definitely a dude. Then a few days later, the hooker asked him for a light. Herbert said to me, DAMN, that was a MAN, he had an Adam's apple! It was funny as hell. Now that Herbert knows it is a dude, he is all gung-ho to rid the neighborhood of the things. He called the police three times on the "boys" last night.

This afternoon, Rachel asked me to wash her American Eagle bag she uses as an overnight bag that had been sitting in her trunk for who knows how long. OMG! it smelled like urine. Then she said that the rugs in the car smelled like hell since "people" have spilled so much crap on them. Nice. I know that the other day when she locked her keys in the car and I unlocked it for her, it reeked. I don't know why she doesn't take care of her car. She was so proud of the car when she got it, now I can't believe that anyone would voluntarily go in it!

File this under...

what happened?

File this one under- WTF.
Yesterday, after picking up Rachel and dealing with the whole key debacle, at her request I picked up a pack of smokes for her. (She promised to pay me back for them but as yet I am UN-reimbursed.) Rachel was in the shower when I came in so I put the box on the table on her placemat (that's her chair at the table in the photo). Then, she got out of the shower and went upstairs. Meanwhile, Bill came in the back door and grabbed the leash and took Chip for a walk, going out the front door.
Minutes later, Rachel walked into the kitchen where I was making dinner and asked where the cigarettes were. I told her they were on the table. She said they were not. We both looked at the table, and the cigs were NOT where I had left them. I told her maybe she grabbed them when she walked upstairs and accidentally dropped them in the laundry with her clothes. She checked and the cigs were not there. Bill came back from the walk and I asked him if he moved them. "NO, I saw them," he said but that was that. We looked around and then I noticed that the yellow paper (see the photo) on the little cupboard looked askew. It is the paperwork from Islands High School and Rachel's report card is under it. When I picked it up, her cigarettes...WERE UNDERNEATH!
WTF? How? Who moved them? I believe it is Rachel's father, Joshua, showing her he is displeased. Can't prove it of course.

The key and the Car

Put this under the "further adventures of the car". Last night, Rachel used her GOOD car key (ignition key) to open the trunk. I had 2 spare keys made for her months ago because the ignition key is close to being broken and it is over 60 bucks to get a key made for her ignition...I keep one in my wallet so we can get in the car when she locks it in there and the other is for her to use for the doors and trunk. Well, now the ignition key is bent and she says it won't start the car. She needed a ride to work at 11 and when I picked her up just after 3 we went to the locksmith who straightened the key as best he could. I brought her back to her car and it still wouldn't start. I had her give me the key. True, it wouldn't turn over but I looked at the steering wheel as I had noticed the wheels were turned quite sharply and decided to turn it before inserting the key again. Aha! the car started right up... Wow!

The 4th of July, updated Rachel & the phone

 After I spent 15 minutes on the phone again with Verizon trying to get the phone number that Rachel's friend called her from, it was not possible to retrieve the number. For some unknown reason, the call came in as Rachel's phone calling Rachel's phone (?). Yup, that is what Verizon said.
So I called Rachel back on the number she called from, (Harry somebody's) phone. Rachel answers it, "Why am I the only one that is not drunk?" I say, hmmm, maybe you are the designated driver? No, oh, ahem... Oh you will never guess what happened she says. And, no I wouldn't have guessed. The girl in the car with Rachel's phone called someone else that was with Rachel. She locked her keys in HER car and saw Rachel's phone in the back seat. When her brother brings her the spare key, she will bring the phone back to Rachel. OH Happy Days!

Rachel and her friends are just alike. Earlier yesterday, Rachel walked over to her car across the street, got something and then promptly locked the keys in it... I was sitting in my rental waiting to take her to work. I do have a spare key in my wallet. So, again, Rachel and her friends, like peas in a pod...

Hiyah is still alive and drunk

 OH, forgot to put this in here the other day. Hiyah was out there, hard at work sweeping the sidewalks. Then right after I snap this pic, he stands against the wall and pees. Really. Not even in the alley or anything. What a pig.

Rachel and THE PHONE

Do you believe this? Rachel calls from a friend's phone. She left her phone in someone else's car. The girl has a NEW phone number. No one knows the number. The girl has left Tybee Island. Rachel now has no phone.
She asked me to check Verizon and see the phone number that called her around 2 pm today. Would you believe this? Verizon says the number comes up as her own! That is strange. Rachel is now phone-less and out of contact. The life of a 17 year old has crashed. How sad : - ((

interesting week

baby bird

On Thursday, Rachel went to work mid-day and then came home to go to sleep at 2. She screamed something is alive in her fireplace! You could hear something in there behind the cover.

after, looking sassy!

Before, looking skunky

When Bill came home, he opened up the cover and saw 2 baby birds clinging to the sides of the chimney. They didn't have many feathers and eyes were not open. Part of a nest was on the floor of the fireplace. He picked them up with this towel and put them outside. They clung to the towel like superglue. In the morning, they were still there. I had thought the parents would show up and take them away or at least feed them. I tried giving them bread soaked in milk, but they wouldn't eat. I eventually put them in a nice box with leaves and put them in the shade. Sadly, when we came back from dinner, they were dead.
The big thing this week is I had my hair cut off. I'm sick of coloring it. So, I had my stylist give me a style that will let the grey eventually be the dominate color. The long hair is gone for a while but after the colored hair is completely gone, the long hair will be back. When I told Rachel I was getting my hair cut off, she was shocked.

Lazy Sunday

Louise taking a much needed nap

 Louise is beating me at Solitaire

Unhappy Chip, can't sit in Bill's Lazy Boy Chair

It is is quiet out there today. Louise was taking her nap and then I left the couch to finish laundry. When I came back, she had her paws on the I Pad. She seems to be thinking very intently about her next move.

Since I had Bill's chair cleaned, Chip is no longer allowed to sit in the Lazy Boy. He is not thrilled. Look at that face. He is staring at the chair.

This afternoon, Rachel breezed in and asked for some cash. Which I don't have. Not even one dollar. So, I went into the Wells Fargo website and showed her, she had 2 bucks, I had one and she had 1.76 in her savings. She asked me to transfer the savings to her checking so she could get a gallon of gas to go to Tybee Island with her friends. Half an hour later, she calls me. Why can't she get $20 out of the ATM? WTF? Did she NOT see what we had in our checking accounts? Is she smoking too much p*t? Who knows. I told her better luck tomorrow...

Parking problem

Burnt recycling container

What's the matter with my parking?

This recycle container down the street had a fire. Now, why would something flammable be in there? There is a long list of what can and cannot be put in the container. Glass, aluminum, newspaper and plastic go in. Trash, garbage and fire do not.

Saw this genius parking job on my way to coffee this morning. It has 2 busted rear tires and I think a busted rear axle. It is half on the sidewalk and half out in the busy section of Montgomery Street. When I went by later in the day, it was gone. I'm sure it wasn't driven...

Luck

OMG! Who knew? I got off the phone with my mechanic and nearly died. He said it wasn't a clutch cable on the Subaru, it was the clutch and the throw-out bearing, too. WTF? He could sell it to me for cost $800 but the labor was a killer. Dave is such a good guy, he told me to check to see if it had any warranty left or if Subaru had any recalls. I called Chatham Parkway Subaru but they were in a "meeting." So, I dug through my files and ... FOUND IT!

My warranty is 5 years - 100,000 miles (and covers rental) with a $100 deductible. It expires on, get this JULY 20, 2012! Talk about LUCK. I had thought it was 5 years or 60,000 miles and since I have 67,000 figured it was long gone. Well, at least I'll have my wheels back soon, with a nice new clutch.

I will say though, as I was reading through some posts on line, the newer Subaru s are running into problems with clutches... In over 30+ years of driving stick shift including 5 Subaru s, I have only replaced one clutch.  Forums show 2005+ are running into problems. I'm not liking the sound of this.

Bad day

Damn. This is bad.

This was not exactly a good day for anyone. I drove by the 37th St. Connector and saw this. Turns out it was a double fatality.

I never heard back from the attorney about the job so I guess that is that.

Then this afternoon, the clutch went to the floor. Damn it all. Now it is at the mechanic's shop and I'm out $$... Crap.

MMM, Not so good.

 Every wonder what would happen if you took one of those microwavable mac 'n cheese containers, put it in the microwave.... and FORGET to put water in it?  Well, wonder no more. The girl wonder, Rachel, must have smoked a little too much. The house reeks of burnt macaroni. Nice.

Saturday

Had a final in Legal Research and Writing today. What a fiasco. We were told originally we were to turn in our legal paper and then we would take the final. Then...
He decided to have a review for the final at 1:15. After half an hour, I was more confused than when I walked in the door. Then, he told us to study in a group for another half hour and then work on our brief again for half an hour. WTF? My brief is on my laptop AT HOME. I was working on it right up to the minute I ran out the door to get to class! It turns out, he didn't have the final done. While we were "studying" in class, he was making up the final!  Much as I tried to study for it, I know I only got about a C. I talked to another girl as she and I were leaving at the same time, she isn't even sure she made a C. AND... we are allowed to use note cards.... Nothing printed, it has to be in our own writing. But whatever you study, just seems like you never "get" what is on his test. One class, we spent an hour on the verbs LIE and LAY. Yes, we had a test on it, too. No, it is not English class, it is LEGAL research and writing.

Started cleaning the apartment next door. It was $300+  for the carpet cleaning. In 13 months, they had NEVER vacuumed the carpets. The pic on the left, that is from ONE room. I filled the vacuum bucket up 5 times. By the time I did the last room, my vacuum cleaner was burning up. The filters were all clogged. I hate those people.

I told Rachel if she cleans all the windows, I'll give her $20. Better than just giving her money for nothing. She can do the insides of all the windows and the outside of the ones in the kitchen and front since it has both front and back porches (and is on the second floor). Bill will need to fix the back porch step and hopefully paint the place. Meanwhile, I still have tons of cleaning to do before I sleep, and tons of cleaning before I sleep.....

JUST ONE ROOM

Grime

Monday morning

I saw Captain Heron, of the SCMPD, our former captain of Bull Street. I had wondered what happened to him. Said he moved over to Internal Affairs. It must have burned him to hear that one of the officers in Bull Street was "not arresting family."

This afternoon we are off to Georgia Southern University for a tour. Rachel wants to go there, but we really don't have the money for her to live off campus. As a dual enrollee, she wouldn't have to live on campus. Oh well...

We plan on meeting Lila (Allie) this afternoon when we are done to pick up that Bob Mackie gown Peg sent down. I'm sure she will look great in it. I'm planning on taking some pics of her in it.

Friday Trash Talking

On Thursday after 4, I could see the excessive trash next door had not been picked up. I called the city before closing time. I got the sanitation supervisor on the phone. He called up a truck and the driver said they picked up the trash already. I told the supervisor, that is not true, I am looking at it. So, the truck came out.
When I saw the truck arrive, I went out the back gate to "talk trash." Oh yeah, I said that is all from 310 W. 35th street. They wouldn't touch it until the supervisor arrived. He took one look and then he took pictures. Said $250 would be added to the water bill. Nice.

City Workers picking up the piles

Broken step

Louise destroyed the bunny

This morning, I saw the last tenant from upstairs. I told him I had not gotten the keys. Also, the trash on the front porch needed to be removed and I informed him of the $250 charge to remove the trash. I told him that would be coming out of the security deposit. Then, he told me the water was shut off. I asked him, weren't you staying behind to finish cleaning? Must be hard without water... All he could do was agree.

Later, I checked the alley again to see how much more trash the guy had put outside. The recycle bin was full of garbage. Great. That won't be emptied. Then I noticed one of the back steps was broken. The girls downstairs told me they had been throwing things, including the furniture down the stairs. OK, I'm charging them to fix the stair, too.

This afternoon, I went out for less than a hour. When I came back, Louise was very animated, bouncing around. Chip was acting strange, with his head down. When I walked into the living room, I saw...the reason. The bunny was Dead...I know it was Louise. The bitch. Now there is no more funny bunny...