1/30/2014
Today after I finish the last dregs of my coffee, I'm taking myself to the dentist for a root canal. Ever had one of those? Unfortunately, I've had several and they are one of my least favorite procedures, but necessary.
I was a child in the 50's when a visit to the dentist was very scary. I suppose there must have been child dentists even back then, but if they were, my parents never took me to one of them. No, instead I climbed up into the dental chair, which was not nearly as comfortable (maybe comfortable isn't the right word, but you know what I mean) as they are today.
Also, ALL and I do mean ALL instruments of torture, drills and other kinds of equipment literally dangled in front of your face, while you tried to get comfortable and get your heart rate down to something close to normal. Then there was the white porcelain sink thing with water swishing around inside. Instead of the tidy little sucker devices of today, back then you rinsed your mouth into the little sink.
Also, unlike today, in addition to the devices hanging over your head, there was a small tray that held all the little tools necessary to scrape, poke and eventually clean your teeth. Nothing was hidden, everything was spread out right in front of you. Even before the dentist and/or his assistant even touched my teeth, my dread and fear mounted with every passing second. To say that I developed a fear of dentists, is an understatement.
As a teenager, one dentist told my mother that I had too many teeth in my mouth which was causing crowding. Were braces considered? I doubt it, because at my next appointment two of my teeth were pulled out. It certainly fixed the overcrowding problem, but by today's standards, seems a bit drastic.
As a teenager I went to a dentist ONCE who apparently didn't want his patients to bite him (though they certainly should have), he put something like a bit in my mouth and then stretched some kind of rubber device over the bit. This was frightening beyond words and after I told my Mother about the rubber thingy, we managed to find a new dentist!
When I had children of my own, and remembering well how fearful it can be to go to a dentist (at least for me), I found a children's dentist. The boys loved going to see him, brightly colored walls, no instruments in sight, smaller chairs and a toy after each visit. Luckily for them, the boys grew up without a dentist phobia, and even when it was time for braces, the visits were just not a big deal to them. I can't recommend enough how starting a child off with a children's dentist gives the child a much different view toward dental care as adults.
Even though today's appointment will be a bit lengthy and a shot and a drill will be involved, my dentist is very kind and patient, which is important to a fraidy (I don't think that's spelled right) cat like myself.
I have an interesting story about how I got my name. It seems that when my Mom was pregnant with me, her dentist had a lovely assistant named Patti. Mom thought this woman was extremely nice with a good personality. Here's the kicker: "Patti" was having an affair with the dentist, who was married! Many years later as a teenager Mom took me back to that same dentist, who was still practicing, and his assistant was "Patti", only then she was his wife! I have no idea how Mom came up with my middle name of Jo, but when I was recently in the south, EVERYBODY called me by my full name, which initially caught me off guard, but after I got used to it, kind of liked it!
P
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Serendipity
1/29/2014
The definition of serendipity is a fortuitous happenstance (don't you just love that word?) or pleasant surprise. Yesterday I had a serendipity moment and it made my day and also gave me a great deal of joy.
Jeff and I had a business appointment yesterday. When we entered the office, I noticed immediately the name of someone that I was absolutely sure I used to work for. How often is that likely? After yesterday, maybe I should consider buying a lottery ticket - who knows I might even win!
Luckily for me, my former boss, who I worked with for a number of years, happened to be in the office and we had time to catch up on things - both the good and bad. I cannot adequately put into words how wonderful it was for me to see this man again after all these years. Seeing him brought back memories from a long time ago. When I originally was hired, it was two attorneys and yours truly. Our office was in a townhouse and on snow days or other days that schools were closed, the attorneys were kind enough to let me bring the boys to work. If my memory serves me correct, there was always some kind of cookies or crackers to snack on during the day. When the boys were in the office, and they were finished "snacking", all that was left was crumbs!
I also remember that one of the boys decided that our spare office supplies needed to be organized! I have never thought that most men/boys were particularly good at organization, but one of the boys did really try and while not exactly to my liking, left it alone. On snow days, the boys shoveled the sidewalk and played outside (at that time the boys were 8 and 6).
Nothing stays the same forever. We eventually grew out of space in the townhouse, moved into an office building, added lawyers and other secretaries. I worked with this man for several more years before I decided it was time for me to move on.
After leaving, I was hired as a legal secretary working in the labor and benefits department, until I "retired" a few days ago. While my working career has come to a stop after 46 years, I can truly say that I have worked with some and for amazing people and formed friendships along the way.
I was told by Mrs. Orr, my business teacher, in high school ('67), that if I was going to be a secretary I had to be the best damn (pretty sure she used a different word) secretary out there. I have never forgotten those words and have always tried to live up to that advice. I believe that Mrs. Orr, who set me on my future path, would be proud of what I have accomplished over the years.
I may be a lot older than I was in 1967, but this girl can still type. Shorthand not so much!
Thank you so much my friend for the time we spent together yesterday. It brought back a lot of really happy memories for me and perhaps for you too.
P
The definition of serendipity is a fortuitous happenstance (don't you just love that word?) or pleasant surprise. Yesterday I had a serendipity moment and it made my day and also gave me a great deal of joy.
Jeff and I had a business appointment yesterday. When we entered the office, I noticed immediately the name of someone that I was absolutely sure I used to work for. How often is that likely? After yesterday, maybe I should consider buying a lottery ticket - who knows I might even win!
Luckily for me, my former boss, who I worked with for a number of years, happened to be in the office and we had time to catch up on things - both the good and bad. I cannot adequately put into words how wonderful it was for me to see this man again after all these years. Seeing him brought back memories from a long time ago. When I originally was hired, it was two attorneys and yours truly. Our office was in a townhouse and on snow days or other days that schools were closed, the attorneys were kind enough to let me bring the boys to work. If my memory serves me correct, there was always some kind of cookies or crackers to snack on during the day. When the boys were in the office, and they were finished "snacking", all that was left was crumbs!
I also remember that one of the boys decided that our spare office supplies needed to be organized! I have never thought that most men/boys were particularly good at organization, but one of the boys did really try and while not exactly to my liking, left it alone. On snow days, the boys shoveled the sidewalk and played outside (at that time the boys were 8 and 6).
Nothing stays the same forever. We eventually grew out of space in the townhouse, moved into an office building, added lawyers and other secretaries. I worked with this man for several more years before I decided it was time for me to move on.
After leaving, I was hired as a legal secretary working in the labor and benefits department, until I "retired" a few days ago. While my working career has come to a stop after 46 years, I can truly say that I have worked with some and for amazing people and formed friendships along the way.
I was told by Mrs. Orr, my business teacher, in high school ('67), that if I was going to be a secretary I had to be the best damn (pretty sure she used a different word) secretary out there. I have never forgotten those words and have always tried to live up to that advice. I believe that Mrs. Orr, who set me on my future path, would be proud of what I have accomplished over the years.
I may be a lot older than I was in 1967, but this girl can still type. Shorthand not so much!
Thank you so much my friend for the time we spent together yesterday. It brought back a lot of really happy memories for me and perhaps for you too.
P
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Killings at Columbia Mall
1/28/2014
A few days ago, a young man, with two guns in his backpack , entered a local mall and killed two people before killing himself. This was a tragic event but unfortunately these kind of shootings seem to be occurring more frequently.
I remember well where I was when John F. Kennedy was assassinated, but my memory isn't so clear about the death of his brother. But what I do remember about my teen years, is that random killings of innocent people was not the norm and so I spent those years cocooned against these types of tragedies.
Somewhere along the way to becoming an older woman, my daily newspaper seems to have more and more articles about random killings of innocent people. Sometimes the shooter takes his own life afterwards, but not always.
Yesterday's paper said that the police had identified the shooter but not his motive. I suppose the police are just doing what they are trained to do - investigate shootings and/or murders. I can't help wonder how knowing what this young man's motive was, could be of any help to the police or the families. It certainly won't ease the suffering of the families or help the number of employees and shoppers who hid in stores until the police arrived.
I suspect, but clearly don't know, but this young man might have been suffering from some kind of mental illness. It's the only reason I can come up with for his actions on Saturday. We'll never know.
What I do know is that the age of innocence or ignorance of what's happening in our country, is over and that's a shame. The young children growing up today will, unfortunately, be exposed to more events as those that occurred on Saturday.
P
A few days ago, a young man, with two guns in his backpack , entered a local mall and killed two people before killing himself. This was a tragic event but unfortunately these kind of shootings seem to be occurring more frequently.
I remember well where I was when John F. Kennedy was assassinated, but my memory isn't so clear about the death of his brother. But what I do remember about my teen years, is that random killings of innocent people was not the norm and so I spent those years cocooned against these types of tragedies.
Somewhere along the way to becoming an older woman, my daily newspaper seems to have more and more articles about random killings of innocent people. Sometimes the shooter takes his own life afterwards, but not always.
Yesterday's paper said that the police had identified the shooter but not his motive. I suppose the police are just doing what they are trained to do - investigate shootings and/or murders. I can't help wonder how knowing what this young man's motive was, could be of any help to the police or the families. It certainly won't ease the suffering of the families or help the number of employees and shoppers who hid in stores until the police arrived.
I suspect, but clearly don't know, but this young man might have been suffering from some kind of mental illness. It's the only reason I can come up with for his actions on Saturday. We'll never know.
What I do know is that the age of innocence or ignorance of what's happening in our country, is over and that's a shame. The young children growing up today will, unfortunately, be exposed to more events as those that occurred on Saturday.
P
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Grammy Awards
1/26/2014
This is one of those rare Sundays where I don't have to circle all of our favorite Sunday shows and then spend a good deal of time trying to juggle those shows into non-conflicting time slots! Sounds easy doesn't it? Trust me, it's not. I work very hard (truly) to get the Sunday night line-up just right so we don't miss any of our favorite shows. Jeff and I have thought for years that some of the best television is on Sunday night.
Generally, there is a football game that goes long which causes a domino effect on all the shows starting with 60 minutes and ending with our last show for the night The Mentalist. You may laugh but I sit with a magic marker, my remote and a carefully plan out of what we're going to watch and when. The amount of maneuvering that is required for Sunday nights is not for the faint of heart.
So what's going to muck up my television tonight - the Grammy Awards. I know this is a big deal for actors and musicians and it's likely that thousands or perhaps millions of viewers will tune in for the 3 1/2 hour show. I'm one of the few folks that won't be watching. I'll make sure that my Tivo is set to record something - anything - but an awards show.
My hands down favorite for best drama series is Downton Abbey. Also my favorite for lead actor and actress are Hugh Bonneville and Michelle Dockery from Downton Abbey. You think I like that show? Absolutely. I love the costumes and Maggie Smith the matriarch of the family is a delight to watch week after week. She has a sharp tongue and a no nonsense approach to life, which is truly refreshing. I know as I sit here that I am not expecting Downton Abbey to win in every nominated category, or perhaps even more realistically any category, if I were able to vote, they would be my hands down winner.
One of Jeff's favorite shows is NCIS and their stunt coordinator is up for a Grammy. Unfortunately, no Grammy nod for any of the cast, including our hands down favorite Mark Harmon.
Tomorrow's Style section of the paper will list all the winners and a few pictures of actresses. Likewise, People this Friday will have several pages devoted to who wore what, who talked too long, and other such newsworthy tidbits.
Wrapping this up for today. I've got television shows that I need to record for the week!
P
This is one of those rare Sundays where I don't have to circle all of our favorite Sunday shows and then spend a good deal of time trying to juggle those shows into non-conflicting time slots! Sounds easy doesn't it? Trust me, it's not. I work very hard (truly) to get the Sunday night line-up just right so we don't miss any of our favorite shows. Jeff and I have thought for years that some of the best television is on Sunday night.
Generally, there is a football game that goes long which causes a domino effect on all the shows starting with 60 minutes and ending with our last show for the night The Mentalist. You may laugh but I sit with a magic marker, my remote and a carefully plan out of what we're going to watch and when. The amount of maneuvering that is required for Sunday nights is not for the faint of heart.
So what's going to muck up my television tonight - the Grammy Awards. I know this is a big deal for actors and musicians and it's likely that thousands or perhaps millions of viewers will tune in for the 3 1/2 hour show. I'm one of the few folks that won't be watching. I'll make sure that my Tivo is set to record something - anything - but an awards show.
My hands down favorite for best drama series is Downton Abbey. Also my favorite for lead actor and actress are Hugh Bonneville and Michelle Dockery from Downton Abbey. You think I like that show? Absolutely. I love the costumes and Maggie Smith the matriarch of the family is a delight to watch week after week. She has a sharp tongue and a no nonsense approach to life, which is truly refreshing. I know as I sit here that I am not expecting Downton Abbey to win in every nominated category, or perhaps even more realistically any category, if I were able to vote, they would be my hands down winner.
One of Jeff's favorite shows is NCIS and their stunt coordinator is up for a Grammy. Unfortunately, no Grammy nod for any of the cast, including our hands down favorite Mark Harmon.
Tomorrow's Style section of the paper will list all the winners and a few pictures of actresses. Likewise, People this Friday will have several pages devoted to who wore what, who talked too long, and other such newsworthy tidbits.
Wrapping this up for today. I've got television shows that I need to record for the week!
P
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Justice?
1/25/2014
As I write my blog this morning, my blood is literally boiling over the sentence handed down to the mother who left her 8 month old son in her car for seven hours in July with a temperature of nearly 90 degrees. The baby died. That same morning she remembered to drop off her young daughter and older child to their schools. Unfortunately, she failed to remember the baby.
Her sentence? Completion of 18 months of supervised probation and a year on unsupervised probation. That's it? Apparently this case has been about accountability rather than punishment. I know that the mother will have to live with herself and her actions that day for the remainder of her life. And I do sympathize for the pain she has and will continue to endure.
When Benjamin was born and his car seat was installed in the back of my car, I never left my car without looking in the backseat. I did this even when I knew he wasn't in my car, but I was compelled to check anyway.
We have to have a license to drive a car, fly a plane or shoot a gun. But anybody can become a parent. Fortunately, the number of good parents far outweigh those that aren't. Trouble is that the news seldom puts the focus on good people, and that's a shame.
I find it very hard to read stories in the newspaper about children who have been mistreated or died at the hands of an adult. I'm not talking about errors in parental judgment, because we humans do make mistakes. And I understand that. What I'm angry about is when someone willing inflicts pain and/or death upon a child, because that I don't understand.
Sorry for the downer blog - just something I felt strongly that I needed to write.
P
As I write my blog this morning, my blood is literally boiling over the sentence handed down to the mother who left her 8 month old son in her car for seven hours in July with a temperature of nearly 90 degrees. The baby died. That same morning she remembered to drop off her young daughter and older child to their schools. Unfortunately, she failed to remember the baby.
Her sentence? Completion of 18 months of supervised probation and a year on unsupervised probation. That's it? Apparently this case has been about accountability rather than punishment. I know that the mother will have to live with herself and her actions that day for the remainder of her life. And I do sympathize for the pain she has and will continue to endure.
When Benjamin was born and his car seat was installed in the back of my car, I never left my car without looking in the backseat. I did this even when I knew he wasn't in my car, but I was compelled to check anyway.
We have to have a license to drive a car, fly a plane or shoot a gun. But anybody can become a parent. Fortunately, the number of good parents far outweigh those that aren't. Trouble is that the news seldom puts the focus on good people, and that's a shame.
I find it very hard to read stories in the newspaper about children who have been mistreated or died at the hands of an adult. I'm not talking about errors in parental judgment, because we humans do make mistakes. And I understand that. What I'm angry about is when someone willing inflicts pain and/or death upon a child, because that I don't understand.
Sorry for the downer blog - just something I felt strongly that I needed to write.
P
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Lab Work
1/23/2014
Today's rant? Missing lab work. Last week, per doctor's order, I took myself off to a local lab for some testing. Let me start my annoyance with trying to grab a ticket for the parking lot arm to lift. First, I have short arms and there was no way that I was going to be able to reach the ticket. So, luckily there was nobody behind me, because I had to put the car in park, unbuckle the seat belt, physically get out of the car to get the stupid ticket. Then I did all those steps in reverse and went on my way to find a parking spot, which is not always easy.
Once inside the lab, I actually only waited a few minutes which in itself was a shock to my system. I had come prepared with a puzzle book and a pen filled with ink so I could make good use of my down time by trying to keep my mind sharp - or - at the very least look up the answers in the back of the book!
It took mere minutes to draw some blood and to send me on my way. I was delighted that it had been relatively easy, because I am still filled with anxiety over most everything that is not my norm. Once in the lobby, I saw the machine where you were to pay for parking. It was at that exact moment that I realized I only had $1.00 in my wallet! Talk about planning. Luckily, my short time at the lab only cost me a dollar for parking. Still I find it ridiculous to have to pay for parking. I unfolded my lone dollar and tried to press out the wrinkles and managed to get the machine to take my dollar and spit out a receipt.
Next challenge was getting out of the parking lot. Back to the gate where you are supposed to deposit the ticket in a slot to allow the arm to lift. Trouble was twofold: I couldn't seem to find the ticket slot and then realized once again that I wasn't close enough to the ticket box to actually insert the ticket! At this point my irritation was beginning to mount. The guard kept trying to talk to me through a closed window. Guess what? I didn't hear anything he was saying. He finally threw up his arms, actually left his little shack and grabbed my ticket from me, put it in the slot and the arm lifted. I know he wasn't thinking anything nice about the (insert your favorite adjective here) lady who couldn't figure out how to leave a parking lot.
But wait it gets better. My doctor called me the next day to tell me that she hadn't received the results and would I please check on the status. I called the local lab and was referred to some sort of central testing result office (I suspect there is a more technical name, but I don't know what it is). I explained to the probably bored person on the phone that I was looking for my test results. We went through the familiar dance: date of birth, date of test, address, what kind of test, name of doctor, etc. I was put on hold for practically forever when said bored person came back and said that there was no test results for me. I simply wasn't in the database. How I asked could that be possible? Best they could come up was a patient whose birthday was July 17th, mine is December 17th and her name was also Patti. Was that me they wanted to know? Again, insert your favorite descriptive word here that adequately sums up how aggravated I was getting. They also said that the July birthday person had the same doctor as mine. Probable? Not likely. My doctor is in Baltimore and what are the chances of two people with the same first name seeing the same doctor in Baltimore.
Their suggestion was that I called back to the lab here in town to check with them, because they had no records of my having any testing done and perhaps I could just go and have the test done again. Are you serious? You know and I know that if I have a second set of testing done, I'm betting money I'd get to pay for the second lab work, even though this was clearly the lab's screw up.
Today, I called the central testing whatever they call themselves and recited chapter and verse who I was and why I was calling. I did reach a very sympathetic person who did take down all the data that was necessary to find me and she came up empty. So where did my lab work results go? I did ask this person for her name and she promised to call me later today or first thing tomorrow.
If, after her investigating I still can't be found, it will be easier to have the labs done at Hopkins, since I have a doctor's appointment there on Monday. Dealing with the local lab and the lack of results will likely make my head spin off - and you do have to pick your battles.
Lesson learned? Future lab work - going to Baltimore to have it down at Hopkins, where I know the chances of my results being lost are slim.
P
Today's rant? Missing lab work. Last week, per doctor's order, I took myself off to a local lab for some testing. Let me start my annoyance with trying to grab a ticket for the parking lot arm to lift. First, I have short arms and there was no way that I was going to be able to reach the ticket. So, luckily there was nobody behind me, because I had to put the car in park, unbuckle the seat belt, physically get out of the car to get the stupid ticket. Then I did all those steps in reverse and went on my way to find a parking spot, which is not always easy.
Once inside the lab, I actually only waited a few minutes which in itself was a shock to my system. I had come prepared with a puzzle book and a pen filled with ink so I could make good use of my down time by trying to keep my mind sharp - or - at the very least look up the answers in the back of the book!
It took mere minutes to draw some blood and to send me on my way. I was delighted that it had been relatively easy, because I am still filled with anxiety over most everything that is not my norm. Once in the lobby, I saw the machine where you were to pay for parking. It was at that exact moment that I realized I only had $1.00 in my wallet! Talk about planning. Luckily, my short time at the lab only cost me a dollar for parking. Still I find it ridiculous to have to pay for parking. I unfolded my lone dollar and tried to press out the wrinkles and managed to get the machine to take my dollar and spit out a receipt.
Next challenge was getting out of the parking lot. Back to the gate where you are supposed to deposit the ticket in a slot to allow the arm to lift. Trouble was twofold: I couldn't seem to find the ticket slot and then realized once again that I wasn't close enough to the ticket box to actually insert the ticket! At this point my irritation was beginning to mount. The guard kept trying to talk to me through a closed window. Guess what? I didn't hear anything he was saying. He finally threw up his arms, actually left his little shack and grabbed my ticket from me, put it in the slot and the arm lifted. I know he wasn't thinking anything nice about the (insert your favorite adjective here) lady who couldn't figure out how to leave a parking lot.
But wait it gets better. My doctor called me the next day to tell me that she hadn't received the results and would I please check on the status. I called the local lab and was referred to some sort of central testing result office (I suspect there is a more technical name, but I don't know what it is). I explained to the probably bored person on the phone that I was looking for my test results. We went through the familiar dance: date of birth, date of test, address, what kind of test, name of doctor, etc. I was put on hold for practically forever when said bored person came back and said that there was no test results for me. I simply wasn't in the database. How I asked could that be possible? Best they could come up was a patient whose birthday was July 17th, mine is December 17th and her name was also Patti. Was that me they wanted to know? Again, insert your favorite descriptive word here that adequately sums up how aggravated I was getting. They also said that the July birthday person had the same doctor as mine. Probable? Not likely. My doctor is in Baltimore and what are the chances of two people with the same first name seeing the same doctor in Baltimore.
Their suggestion was that I called back to the lab here in town to check with them, because they had no records of my having any testing done and perhaps I could just go and have the test done again. Are you serious? You know and I know that if I have a second set of testing done, I'm betting money I'd get to pay for the second lab work, even though this was clearly the lab's screw up.
Today, I called the central testing whatever they call themselves and recited chapter and verse who I was and why I was calling. I did reach a very sympathetic person who did take down all the data that was necessary to find me and she came up empty. So where did my lab work results go? I did ask this person for her name and she promised to call me later today or first thing tomorrow.
If, after her investigating I still can't be found, it will be easier to have the labs done at Hopkins, since I have a doctor's appointment there on Monday. Dealing with the local lab and the lack of results will likely make my head spin off - and you do have to pick your battles.
Lesson learned? Future lab work - going to Baltimore to have it down at Hopkins, where I know the chances of my results being lost are slim.
P
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Greedy And/Or Just Plain Stupid?
1/22/2014
Once again we have a Governor in the news. What is it with Governors all of a sudden? This time though traffic was not involved. Nope, this time we had a Governor and his wife who accepted "gifts" from a businessman in exchange for special treatment from the state government for his business. I don't think the actions of the Governor pass the "stink" test and even I know that there is generally a price to be paid for things that you receive.
There is an old saying that the rich just get richer, and it's certainly true. We "regular" folk just don't have a rich fairy tale person who is willing to shell out money and/or gifts for us. No, regular people go to work every day and if they want a vacation, a bigger diamond, a house or a new car, they save up their money and/or use their OWN credit card to make those purchases. What a novel idea - paying for your stuff - by yourself.
According to the newspaper, the First Lady lamented that she and the Governor were broke and had large credit card debt. Feeling sorry for her? Not so much.
The First Lady went shopping in New York and with someone else footing the bill, bought Oscar de la Renta clothes ($11,000), something from Louis Vuitton ($5,685) and spent a mere $2,604 at Bergdorf Goodman. These items must be forfeited along with a Giorgio Armani jacket and two matching dresses, two sets of golf clubs and a silver Rolex.
It's hard to feel sorry for two people who own not one but two beach houses they purchased for $2 million and the $1 million home at the Wintergreen resort bought together with the Governor's sisters, and their $835,000 home near Richmond.
I find it difficult to have sympathy for the very rich who have connections (lots of them) that can be and are financially beneficial to them. When does owning so much become too much? Since I won't ever be in that position, I don't have an answer.
While the Governor's story was on the front page of the paper, above the fold, there was a different story in another section of the paper. That story was about families who had no place to stay during the storm. One family stood outside a resource center for over an hour in freezing temperatures to try and get placed somewhere in the shelter system. After their long wait, an official came out to tell them that the center wouldn't be open due to weather and suggested that people call the 24 emergency shelter hotline. One family with seven children were given cots in an activity room at D.C. General Hospital. At the very least these two families were out of the cold at least for one night.
At Motel 6's lowest rate of $39.99 per night times 365 days, the total comes to $14,596.35. Now if you add up the goodies listed above that total comes to $19,289.00. Even though I'm pretty bad with math, even I know that $19,289.00 would buy a lot of nights out of the cold and weather.
I have no sympathy for the Governor and the awkward position he finds himself in. I just can't understand how powerful people become so stupid, or is it that they truly believe they won't be caught?
P
Once again we have a Governor in the news. What is it with Governors all of a sudden? This time though traffic was not involved. Nope, this time we had a Governor and his wife who accepted "gifts" from a businessman in exchange for special treatment from the state government for his business. I don't think the actions of the Governor pass the "stink" test and even I know that there is generally a price to be paid for things that you receive.
There is an old saying that the rich just get richer, and it's certainly true. We "regular" folk just don't have a rich fairy tale person who is willing to shell out money and/or gifts for us. No, regular people go to work every day and if they want a vacation, a bigger diamond, a house or a new car, they save up their money and/or use their OWN credit card to make those purchases. What a novel idea - paying for your stuff - by yourself.
According to the newspaper, the First Lady lamented that she and the Governor were broke and had large credit card debt. Feeling sorry for her? Not so much.
The First Lady went shopping in New York and with someone else footing the bill, bought Oscar de la Renta clothes ($11,000), something from Louis Vuitton ($5,685) and spent a mere $2,604 at Bergdorf Goodman. These items must be forfeited along with a Giorgio Armani jacket and two matching dresses, two sets of golf clubs and a silver Rolex.
It's hard to feel sorry for two people who own not one but two beach houses they purchased for $2 million and the $1 million home at the Wintergreen resort bought together with the Governor's sisters, and their $835,000 home near Richmond.
I find it difficult to have sympathy for the very rich who have connections (lots of them) that can be and are financially beneficial to them. When does owning so much become too much? Since I won't ever be in that position, I don't have an answer.
While the Governor's story was on the front page of the paper, above the fold, there was a different story in another section of the paper. That story was about families who had no place to stay during the storm. One family stood outside a resource center for over an hour in freezing temperatures to try and get placed somewhere in the shelter system. After their long wait, an official came out to tell them that the center wouldn't be open due to weather and suggested that people call the 24 emergency shelter hotline. One family with seven children were given cots in an activity room at D.C. General Hospital. At the very least these two families were out of the cold at least for one night.
At Motel 6's lowest rate of $39.99 per night times 365 days, the total comes to $14,596.35. Now if you add up the goodies listed above that total comes to $19,289.00. Even though I'm pretty bad with math, even I know that $19,289.00 would buy a lot of nights out of the cold and weather.
I have no sympathy for the Governor and the awkward position he finds himself in. I just can't understand how powerful people become so stupid, or is it that they truly believe they won't be caught?
P
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