Appreciation Appreciated

Thanks to our unfortunate employment status and the awesome tutelage, ideas, and advice from many of the wonderful people who's blogs are listed under "Handy Places" to the right there, I have become quite the money-saving monster. As a matter of fact, I have been driving John completely bonkers with my constant coupon clipping, ad matching, and weekly shopping trips in which I manage to bring home bags of things we actually need for mere pennies.

Just last night, we were discussing how John's brand name medications retailed at about $1,200 a month, but with insurance, we were only paying a little over $100 for them. Without insurance, I was afraid we'd have to have him put down. But thanks to generics, some understanding doctors and nurses, and a couple of prescription plans it took me the better part of a day to find, we are now paying just over $100 a month- without insurance.

John: Yes, you certainly have become the Queen of Cheap.

Marly: Why, thank you.

John: I should get you a tiara.

Marly: That wouldn't be very frugal.

John: Don't worry, honey. It would be plastic.

Happy Birthday!

It's my sister's birthday today. So, if you happen to see Nikki, tell her how young she looks.

You couldn't ask for a better present than that, huh, Nik? ;)

Happy Birthday! We love you!

The end of an era...

I appear to be your average, everyday person. The girl next door, if you will. If you were to see me in my usual uniform of jeans, a hooded sweatshirt, and a pair of sneakers, you'd probably think there's some little kid's mom, or perhaps even she's a little old to be a college student. Now, if you were to see me in wearing makeup and a suit, you'd probably think she works in an office somewhere, or maybe she's somebody's boss. And if you were to see me all decked out in my leathers, riding boots, and a helmet, you'd most likely think her husband's a biker, and that would be true. But here's where appearances can be tricky... because most of you would probably gasp in shock as I hopped on my Harley and rode off into the sunset. And I totally get off on that.

A few summers ago, I had the opportunity to speak for my non-profit organization at our local minor-league sports stadium. It's not easy to address a crowd of a few thousand people and ask them to open their hearts for a cause. But I got lucky - it was "Biker Night". So I stood there in my polo and khaki shorts, with my blond curls in a ponytail, and called them "My fellow bikers", and suddenly, I was speaking with friends.

My motorcycle means a lot more to me than simply being a mode of transportation. I own a 2003 Harley Davidson Gold Key Anniversary Edition V-Rod. It is part of my being, and it is part of my marriage.

I didn't start out as a biker - John taught me to love the open road. When we started dating, the first thing he bought me was a set of riding leathers, so I could ride with him in almost any weather. For my 30th birthday, he bought me a Sportster. That is the die-hard biker that is John. And you know it just by looking at him. What you don't see is the immense heart that beats within the biker.

* A few years ago, a friend found himself homeless when his house burned down on Christmas Eve. John and several other bikers quickly organized a ride through frigid temperatures to raise money to help him get back on his feet.

* John had a sport bike that he put up for sale around the time we got married. A kid (early-mid twenties) came to look at it. He fell in love with the bike, but really couldn't afford what John was asking. John sold him the bike for a lot less than he should have, because he wanted to see the kid be able to ride something he loved.

* Not long ago, John heard that a biker-friend of his had been in a serious motorcycle accident, and was in the hospital a few hours away. John didn't think twice. He hopped in his truck and went to him, stopping at a Harley shop to pick up a T-shirt for this injured biker. When he arrived at the hospital, he found a man who was near death - a man that he didn't know. He just happened to have the same (unusual) name as his friend. John gave him the shirt and wished him well. When I asked why he didn't just return the shirt to the store, he said, "I bought the shirt for an injured biker, and that's what that poor guy was."

John is the epitome of the big, burly, biker heart. And it is that heart that is driving this most difficult decision. His pride in being the best man he can be, and taking care of the needs of his family is overshadowing his pride in the mechanical extension of himself - his motorcycle. John owns a 2002 Harley Davidson Softail Deuce which he has customized to perfection.

I look forward to the day when I can explain to JJ what makes a real man. And how I will be so very proud of him if he grows up to be anything like his father.



For Sale:

2003 Harley Davidson Gold Key Anniversary Edition V-Rod
(click for details)




For Sale:

2002 Harley Davidson Softail Deuce - Customized to Perfection
(click for details)



By the way, if anybody would like to help me advertise this in any way, I would really, really, REALLY appreciate it. And if you do, please drop a comment so that I may thank you properly.

Thanks,
M

Cricket Soundtrack

Yet another night of insomnia. I'd blame the time change, but I'm pretty sure I would have been asleep an hour ago three days ago. Whatever. You know what I mean.

And by the way, this is still true.

Code Red!

John is a lot of things personally, but his brother called the other day to wish him a happy February 34th and now I'm afraid John will start reading this blog, so I'm not going to go there today.

Professionally, John is a Land Development Project Manager.

Gimme an "E"!

As I'm sure you've read, yesterday sucked worse than a Hoover... or even a Dirt Devil. It was like a Dyson - constant, unrelenting suction with the super-ability to pull massive tangles of cat and dog hair from the far corners of the room with its awesome vacuum force. But then, late last night, the machine run by angry unemployment gnomes was turned off by the hand of a dear, sweet blog-angel. Her name is Carrie, and she is the creator of Money Saving Methods. She gave me this:



Not only does she help me save (and even make a little) money, but she also thinks I'm funny. And in the mass of disappointment that was yesterday, I really, really needed someone to remind me of the brighter, funny side of life. So, today I am appreciating my new friend Carrie, with her wonderful timing - and excellent taste. ;)

Angry Title

John called New York today. Apparently, he's one of their top two candidates... for possible hire in two to three months.

What the F*#%?

Shortly thereafter, his buddy from the company here returned his call. They love him, but... at this time, they are unable to procure the work that would allow them to hire a man of John's caliber.

It's a beautiful day today.

I don't care.

He's no rocket surgeon either.

Me: Honey, about the date on this check...

John: What did I write?

Me: February 30th.

John: Whatever, the bank isn't going to care if I am off by a couple of days.

Me: You do know that there is never, ever a February 30th right?

John: Sheesh! I'm not a freakin' brain scientist!

Post Number 100!

And y'all are still reading...

Thank You!

Updates all around...

Lunch went the generic "well". Apparently, the other owners of the aforementioned local company thought John was a good fit personality-wise. And they were very impressed with his resume. They didn't even laugh when the dreaded subject of compensation was addressed. It seems that the only thing they didn't like about John was that he does not have the mohawk anymore. Go figure! We should hear more from them soon.

And...

The company in New York called John this afternoon. I know it will shock some of you, but central New York has been experiencing some rather nasty weather. (Again, go figure!) It has gotten bad enough that the remaining interview has still not occurred. Add to that news, the fact that the owner of the company (who was present for John's interview) has experienced a family emergency that has taken him out of town. So, things will progress when they progress. On a more positive note, the woman who contacted John (another of the interviewers) told him that they think very highly of him, and she hopes he won't give up on them.

So he's got that going for him... which is nice. ;)

Hometown Heroes

It recently occurred to John to call a friend of his who is part owner of a (relevant) business here in town. Although he has not worked for them, John has worked with them before, and they like him enough to try to open a spot for him within their company. Given the current market, I'm not sure that they will be able to come through with a position that would allow us to stay here, but...

You know what? I need to censor my pessimistic mouth. It's time to practice my attitude change:

John is having lunch with a potential employer right now!

Regarding NY...

We're still waiting. Their final interview candidate was supposed to meet with them last Tuesday, and John was supposed to hear from them shortly thereafter. Unfortunately, that interview was rescheduled for this week, but I don't know when. John will start calling them again today or tomorrow probably. Hopefully, we'll know something soon. Keep your fingers crossed!

Smell me, baby!

Recently, I found some Herbal Essences shampoo on clearance at our local drug store. It's not the salon stuff I prefer, but we are currently trying to keep unnecessary expenses down, so I purchased it. And although I like it, the fragrance hasn't been making John as happy as the commercials suggest. (The only time he moans and groans in the shower is when I "accidentally" flush the toilet...

What he said: "Honey, you're going to need a weed-whacker to deforest those legs!"
What I heard: "Scald me."

... Really, can you blame me?) So, I just got back from the drug store, where I bought John some "man" shampoo. You know the stuff - it's just like every other shampoo, but costs a little more because it smells... manly. John is really concerned with smell, but that's not a bad thing. If there is one thing all of my girlfriends can agree upon, it's that my John smells gooooood!

Good friends are good for the ego.

I stopped by to see my friend Angi today. Catching up with her is always a treat. She's sweet, and funny, and obviously blind. These exact words came out of her mouth:

"You're so thin! You look like Barbie! Your hair looks great! Did you just have it done?"

I swear, I've gained 10 pounds since I saw her last, and I'm at least two months overdue for a cut and color. Really, it's amazing she's allowed to drive a car. God, I love her!

Blinking is almost as funny as "NO".

As with most mornings at about this time, I am currently curled up in my big red chair, checking my e-mail, and looking to see if any of my friends have posted to their blogs since yesterday. JJ is happily scurrying around the room, playing with various toys, trying to touch things he shouldn't, and occasionally running into the coffee table. Every once in a while, he takes a break to plant himself in front of my chair with his arms up. Knowing that there is only a short window for cuddle-time before JJ must resume his million mile walk of destruction in our family room, I am certain to take full advantage of whatever he will allow me. So, I put my laptop aside, and snuggle with the most adorable kid on the planet. And then I take a moment to thank God for instinctual reflex, because apparently the look I so desperately want to mean, "You are the greatest Mommy ever, and I love you sooooo much!" actually turns out to mean, "I wonder if I can actually TOUCH your eyeball."