It wasn't my fault, Your Honor!

Can I sue the city for not losing weight?

As the temperature is dropping, I'm both eagerly and anxiously awaiting the final things that have to be done to get the spa and heater for the pool working. The first thing that had to happen was the completion of the pool and installation of all equipment. Check. Next, we had to have the fence installed. Check. Next, the city has to come out to do a final inspection, and once that's done, I have to call Entergy to have them upgrade our gas meter so that the heater has enough juice to do it's job. Back up - I missed a "check".

Well, yesterday and today, I have been hoping to come home and see that pink inspection paper from DPW. (I know it's gonna be pink because they've already done two inspections on pool location and pool rough in, and they were pink, and I'm just sharp that way.) Nothing yesterday, but as I pull into the driveway today (on T.S., because it's been nice and cool - but I think I mentioned that already), I see the pink form folded into the door handle. Hooray!!! I grabbed it and skipped merrily to the back to tell Ray. I'm not sure exactly what I said, but I teased him about us failing the inspection - ha, ha, ha.

Later, as I was about to go mow, the yard, I decided to actually read the thing, and the joke is on me, because it was marked, "REJECTED & RESCHEDULE". (Imagine the air being sucked out of an old worn out balloon here.)

According to the sheet, the gates must be self closing - which I find interesting because both of my neighbors have had their inspections, and neither has self closing gates. In fact, one neighbor has the IDENTICAL fence/gate set up that we do - we used the same company! I called the fence guy, and he told me that he'd never had a problem, but that the steel framed gates on our fence can't easily be made to be self closing, and to do some sort of work around would add a lot to the price. Great. He also told me that, a few months ago, he was actually doing the final work on the neighbor's fence when the inspector came by, and the guy saw that there were locks on the gates, and was ok with the inspection. Does that seem arbitary and capricious (that's for you, Beth) to you that mine won't get approved, but the neighbor's was approved while the fence guy WAS STILL WORKING ON IT???

OK, so I went to the DPW website a minute ago, and there is a section on swimming pool fences, and it does say that all gates must be self closing and self latching (and some other stuff). Then it says that other protective devices may be used as long as they provide at least the same protection as the device you substitute for.

Let's hope that a padlock is a sufficient substitute for a self closing/latching gate. If not, it will be way too cold to swim much longer this year, and I won't be able to use the pool for its intended purpose - swim laps and lose weight (forget about the fact that I ate lunch at the Little Village yesterday and Serop's today - that's beside the point). Anyway, if they don't accept my substitute, I guess I'll be suing for the bodily harm they are causing me! I think I have a shot at winning, too. (I just hope they pick a lot of large (Christians) people for the jury!

Milestone Ride

Last Wednesday, Baton Rouge had a power outage in the downtown area. I had ridden T.S. to work that day, and was leaving a little early after having returned from visiting in Alexandria all day. As I fought through traffic downtown, I kept thinking that as soon as I got across Government, the traffic would be better, as the lights would surely be on. Wrong. I got past Government and on to Nicholson past the Pastime, and still no lights. But I was certain that as soon as I got to LSU, the power would be on, because the campus has to be on a different grid, right? Wrong again!

Did I mention that on the way to work that morning, I was having to travel on the Reserve Fuel tank? I'd never ridden far on that part of the tank, but theoretically, there was a gallon of gas left, and I should have been able to travel at least 40 miles before running out of gas completely. Do I even have to say "wrong" again? As I passed not one, but two, gas stations going down Nicholson (I was still thinking that everything would be ok at LSU and beyond), the traffic really started bogging down. I was in my new rain jacket, helmet and leather gloves, and I was wondering where that promised cool front was. So after passing through the North gates of campus, and going about 2 blocks in about 20 minutes, T.S. sputtered and died. Even though I'd been sitting there for that long, I was still slightly in disbelief. I (fairly calmly) pushed the Start button again, and it almost got going, but then died. I thought, "Maybe it's flooded." So I 'duck-walked' it over to the side, hoping that people would think that I was just taking a break from the traffic (don't ask me why, but I was embarassed, and this was more on my mind than the thought that I was out of gas). After sitting for a minute, I tried again. Nothing doin'.

Very luckily for me, I was right next the Married Student Housing (a.k.a., Student Visa Village), so I was able to pull into a parking space in a lot. I called Ray and told him not to come down Nicholson because it was FUBAR. I told him that I'd walk up Nicholson to South Stadium and down past the Vet School to River Road. He said he thought that was way too far for me to walk, and that he'd get there well before I did. He was right - and wrong. It was close to 100 degrees, and I was fully dressed (black pants, shirt, jacket, rain jacket), and having to carry my helmet, purse and packet of papers from the bike. (I didn't want to leave ANYTHING with the bike, as I was not sure if it would be there when I returned.) As I started huffing it towards Alex Box, I realized that this was going to be a bit of a walk. Once I rounded the corner, I knew I was in trouble. I was carrying my jacket, but I stopped to fold it up into the pouch it came with, and stuffed it into my (heavy as hell) helmet. I started off again, sweat pouring into my eyes, sounding like an asthmatic, and the phone rings. It's Ray telling me how bad the traffic on River Road was. I was still worried that he'd get there before me, so I kept going, but by this point, the inserts in my riding boots had slid down, and I was in extreme pain. Do you realize how long that stretch of road is??? FINALLY, I made it. The traffic was moving as slow or slower than on Nicholson. I probably waited another 20 minutes before Ray got there. I didn't care - I was so happy to see him creeping around the bend!

Anyway, we went back much later, and T.S. was still there (thank goodness!). I refilled the gas, and it started up like nothing had ever happened. So, yes, that was a horrible experience, but I know that I was actually lucky, and that it could have been much worse. I could have been in the middle of nowhere, or it could have been raining, or Ray could have been AWOL. But, I've learned my lesson. As soon as the main tank runs out, I am heading straight to the gas station - I don't ever want to do that again!

How much should a taco weigh?

Everyday, I get an email from the Baton Rouge Business Report, which provides a link to their "Daily Report" webpage. When I clicked on it yesterday, this is what I saw:







Taco Bell buys site, plans new Sherwood store
Taco Bell has purchased a 1.2-acre tract at 2313 Sherwood Forest Blvd. for $772,000 and plans to open a new prototype restaurant on the site. A Denny's restaurant used to be on the land at the corner of Sherwood Forest and Interstate 12. John Lee, who handles local real estate for Taco Bell, says the new location will replace the existing store at 2698 Sherwood Forest. "We want to get out of that old building and get into something new and vibrant," Lee says. The new Taco Bell is set to open in late November/early December.

So, depending on how well you know me, you're either thinking, "So what?" or you've already rushed out to the Hallmark store to buy me a sympathy card.

OK, here's a clue:






"Welcome to Taco Bell. May I take your order?"

Or how about this one:
"Would you care for any Cinnamon Crispas with your order?"

Yes, that's me in my vintage circa 1985 Taco Bell uniform. My very first job - wow! It's hard to believe that it was over 20 years ago. Damn, I'm old! I still remember that day. My friend, Nicole, and I were on the hunt for our first job. I mean, we'd both had plenty of babysitting jobs, but we were looking for something where you actually had to pay FICA. So we're cruising South Sherwood Forest Blvd in my dad's powder blue Buick Skylark Wagon (a very sweet ride), and we see that G. D. Ritzy's has been converted to a Taco Bell, and the opening date is soon. So we went in to be "interviewed," and I can honestly remember being nervous. Is that crazy or what? I mean who in their right mind would be nervous about talking to a Taco Bell manager about getting a job? But anyway, I was. Luckily, Nicole batted her eyelashes a few times, and since we were a package deal, we got the jobs. So here I was, about to be a Junior in high school and I had my first job. As with the MANY new jobs I've had, I was pretty much a basket case at first - I had to pin my hair up (that lasted 2 days); what if I can't figure out the register?; what if they make me TALK to people???? But, of course, within a very short period of time, Nicole and I owned that place. We were the Taco Bell goddesses. Something wrong with the register? Go get Susan - she'll fix it. I could do everything - register, food line, drive through, clean up, cook meat and beans (that's for you Beth - get the visual), and even fry. That was a true accomplishment because they usually only had one guy per shift that could fry, but I made one of the guys teach me. We got so many of our friends jobs there - it was like our own little Brat Pack.

That was a great place (in retro). So what if you came home smelling like grease and beans every day? Where else can you learn how to take a 40 pound block of cheese and cut it up into small enough pieces to fit into the shredder? (Piano wire, by the way. Of course I never had the strength to do it the right way, so I'd prop my foot up against it while I pulled the wire through. Yes, the same docksider that I'd been slipping and sliding around the floor for the entire shift. True fact.) Where else can you 'stick it to the man' by overstuffing his burrito with sour cream to the point that it will barely fold? That was also the place that I got my first experience being around lots of people of a different race that my own. I definitely count that as one of the bonuses of working there - it broadened my horizons and let me see a different side to life other than my WonderBread world. I guess that's where I picked up my ear for Hip Hop, and my fly dancing skills! And I will say this: I never put any bodily fluids in anyone's food, and I never saw a roach. I guess that stuff happens, but working there didn't make me fear eating there.

So anyway, they're closing down my old stomping grounds. I haven't eaten there in forever, but I guess I should go by and give it a send off before it's gone for good. Maybe I'll track down Nicole and we can eat lunch there together.

Oh? How much should a taco weigh? If memory serves correctly, I believe it should weigh between 3 and 31/2 ounces.

Pictures from Labor Day

I finally got the pictures from Labor Day sent to me. And it is only because I'm so very self confident that I am putting a picture of myself in the pool out here. Actually, I'm not sure if I'm more concerned about me in my bathing suit, or about the goggles. Probably the goggles. Poor Lauren - she must be really concerned when she sees me in these. I really had no idea how scary they are until I saw the pictures! But, since I had them on in every shot, I had no choice. Besides, I don't think it's right to put other people's pictures in their swimsuits out here and not step up and put my own out here as well.

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Ray was playing chef. Here's a shot of him and his famous chickens that we didn't get to eat that day. They were good the next day with a little extra cooking!

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Dad bought this little boat for Lauren. I had the squirting fish from our Christmas stockings. I think the fish was more interesting to her at this point. Also, the fish later doubled as a fire extinguisher when the grill kept flaming up too big.

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Paul, Brittany and Lauren enjoyed the water. As you can see, Lauren is already starting to take after me with the "road rage" look she's throwing the camera as she cruises by, driving one-handed no less.

Aunt Susan Rides Again!

I've got the coolest nephew ever! There's no blood relation, but he's got to get some of his coolness from me - good old Aunt Susan! Yes, I'm talking about my friend Beth's son, Bradley. Beth and her husband (Rick) packed up the kids and moved them out to Las Vegas this year, and I really miss them all a lot. So, the other morning I went to the mailbox and there was a package from them. I opened it up, and it was this awesome Harley-Davidson t-shirt from Vegas. The note from Beth said that Bradley picked it out himself, and that they hoped to see a picture of me in it on the blog soon (but no pressure - yeah, right!). So, I hope this entry lives up to their expectations. (No, your PC isn't messed up - the camera I took this with didn't have sound. It was a free camera...what do you expect???)

Thanks, Bradley. Love you and miss you lots!

Labor Day Weekend

We had a really nice Labor Day weekend. Friday evening we went to the Clubhouse of the UCP Golf/Swim/Tennis Club for dinner. We're not members of the club (since we don't Golf/Swim/Tennis), but the clubhouse is open to the public. I've been trying to get Ray to go there for a meal, but he has resisted for almost a year. I guess he was in a weakened state Friday night, so he gave in. It was pretty good. They have a decent menu. Ray got the special - Catfish, fries, cole slaw and hush puppies. I got the burger and fries. I really liked his a lot, so we traded. I let him keep the slaw, though. He has agreed to go back again.
Saturday was spent in preparation for Sunday. We took some pool water to the Pool Store and had them analyze it. Then we bought the necessary chemicals to get the water in tip top shape. Lunch was at Arby's, then we went to Best Buy for a cheap phone that can be used outside. With the rebate and my Best Buy Reward certificate, it's going to end up costing me $3.68. The sound isn't the best, but I figure that if it gets wet and ruined, I won't be out much. Next stop - Wal-Mart. That one almost did me in. I had planned to stop quickly at Sam's and Lowe's afterwards, but I couldn't manage after spending so long in Wal-Mart. We got home and got the pool treatment going. Acid first and then wait four hours. I got Ray to cook a couple of burgers on the grill (I told him it would be good practice for Sunday), and man, they were good. Watched a little football, did the second step of pool prep (2 lbs of "Shock" in the skimmers), and went to bed.
Sunday, we got up, treated the pool with step 3 - "Hardness Plus" - which adds calcium to the water, and ate breakfast - leftover Arby's. Yummy. Next we prepared several variations of burgers and some chicken for later. Then I made this really good, rich banana pudding and some green beans. While Ray went to the health club, I straightened up the house (not too much) and gave the pool a last skimming. Then Dad, Sylvia and Christina showed up. Dad brought lots of pool toys, which I wasn't super thrilled about. (As I told him, "I don't have this pool for playing and entertaining. I have it for fitness swimming.") But I'll have to admit, we did have fun with the stuff he brought - as usual. Next, Paul, Brittany and Lauren showed up. Eventually, we all made it into the pool, and everybody had fun. Lauren looked so cute in her little swimsuit. Dad had bought her a little floating boat, so she "rode" around in that. She liked the waterfall from the spa to the pool a lot. (If Dad will send me his pictures, I'll post a few. Although, I'm not sure if he'll send them, because I threatened to ban him from being invited if he took another one of me in my swimsuit. I got in trouble with Ray for that one!)
Ray cooked the burgers and we ate (a bit later than planned - timing and propane mishaps), but everything was good.
Best part of the day - they all left. No, just kidding. The best part was that after eating all of that food, I must have had enough physical activity, because I hadn't gained any weight the next morning.
Yesterday was supposed to be spent moving dirt around in the back yard, but that didn't happen. Instead, I ate breakfast (hamburger, of course), swam my 33 laps, floated around in the pool with Ray (using the swim noodles Dad had brought over) and then took at long nap. When I woke up, it was time to eat again - yippee! Then I watched a movie, swam another set of laps (to make up for missing Saturday and Sunday), and watched TV. Later, I ate a piece of chicken from some that got partially cooked Sunday. With a little more cooking applied, it was good. Then it was off to bed for me! All in all - a very nice weekend.

Sorry this was probably boring, but this is my life right now - working, swimming, eating and sleeping. I'll try to have some more exciting adventures for next time. Would you rather hear about how my back is peeling from my sunburn.....Yeah, probably not.