Games People Play

Okay, I'll play. I was tagged by Alexa. I never liked tag, but only because I could never run fast enough. This kind of tag I'm very willing to play.

Rules: “The first player of this game starts with the topic “five weird habits of yourself,” and people who get tagged need to write an entry about their five weird habits as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose the next five people to be tagged and link to their web journals. Don’t forget to leave a comment in their blog or journal that says “You are tagged” (assuming they take comments) and tell them to read yours.”

ME??? WEIRD????

1. I sometimes make my kids play "Make Me Laugh" when they have friends over. I always win.

2. Many of my friends are people I've never met

3. I have two siblings that I've never met. I grew up as an only child.

4. Sometimes I say some really big, naughty words when I stub my toe or step on a Lego in the middle of the night. Have no fear, I always keep count and always confess each one! Actually, I don't think this is too weird. I'm guessing anyone with an imprint of a plastic toy in the bottom of their foot would sing a mighty tune, also.

5. I prefer to sleep in the recliner rather than in the bed. No other reason than it's just more comfortable on my back.

Okay, now, if I knew how to put your link on the blog I would, but I don't, so I'm just going to ask that anyone who wants to play tag with me to let me know here and I'll go and read what you've written on your blog. Now, that was a LONG sentence!!!

Happy New Year!!

YMCA----Christian Association???????

After reading, and suggesting, about how Alexa should use her Christmas money, I have to tell you about the fiasco that is brewing with the money I received for Christmas.

I received $200 total from an aunt and two sets of grandparents for Christmas. I thought it would be wonderful to get a family membership to the YMCA, where we could all enjoy the facilities and have some family fun getting in and/or staying in shape. This money came to me in the form of personal checks, except for $50 cash.

On December 23rd, I went to the YMCA and purchased the membership. They charged me $50 joining fee (which I paid in cash), and $150 for a quarterly payment, which would pay for Jan., Feb., and March. They quickly handed me a stack of papers and sent me on my way.

Just as I returned home, I read in the newspaper that, beginning Dec. 23rd, the joining fee was 1/2 off. So, the next day, I went back to the YMCA and let them know that they forgot to only charge me half the joining fee. The young man at the desk could do nothing(which didn't surprise me as he acted as dumb as he looked--Little-Long-Haired-Punk-Boy that he was) they were closing for Christmas in a few hours, and I'd have to wait until Tuesday (two days after Christmas) to get my money refunded. Okay, fine. I thought that fair, as it was Christmas Eve.

So, Christmas Day comes and goes and Hubby and I were looking at all of the YMCA information and see that it is only $38/month for a family membership if paid by automatic bank draft. Remember I paid $150 for three months. That's a pretty big difference to me. The difference could almost pay for another month's membership. Usually paying in "bulk" there is a discount, not a price mark-up.

Tuesday morning rolls around and I now need to talk to Loreen ( supposedly the woman in charge) about the joining fee AND the problem with them jipping me out of $36 because I paid for three months at once. Her first comment was, "Didn't they give you the papers that explains the prices?" Okay, she won on that point, but couldn't win when I told her that nothing was explained to me. I simply went inside, said that I had some Christmas money I wanted to spend, and they signed me up and took my money. Never any mention that it would cost me so much more to pay quarterly instead of monthly. She agreed that I should have been told, said she would take care of it, and I was transferred to the front desk to set up the family orientation so we could start using the facilities. HMMMMM, they couldn't get us in for an orientation until January 3rd. This would have been all fine and good, BUT, upon registration, they had insisted on charging me for the remainder of December. EVEN THOUGH I had told them that I didn't want the membership to start until January. Once again, Loreen agreed that I should be reimbursed the December fee as there was no way the family could even step foot into the gym before having an orientation. Finally, she just said to come in and she would reimburse all of my money and we could start the process clean and fresh, with no confusions. Okay! Great!!! This is the answer I was looking for!

I go in, like she said, to the YMCA, expecting to speak to Loreen, get my money back, and sign up for a new membership (with only a $25 joining fee and only monthly payments.) LOREEN IS NOT THERE. SHE'LL BE BACK TOMORROW. GEESHHHHHH!!!!! You've got to be kidding me. "So, whose in charge here?"
"That would be Mark. He's in his office."
Okay, then, here we go again. Mark knows of the situation, but is not authorized to give any reimbursments. That's Loreen's department and he can't help me. OKAY! You know, I'm a calm person and pretty reasonable. I said that I'd be back tomorrow. He did one step better and PROMISED that Loreen would call me at 9am sharp tomorrow morning. Guess who hadn't called at 9:45am???? You guess it. So, I called her. "Oh, yes, Lisa. I was just getting ready to call you." I bet you were. "If you'd come in today after 2:30pm, I'll be here to get everything straightened out for you." WONDERFUL. Music to my ears.

I was trying to get the house organized for my nephew's birthday party, so I sent Hubby to the Y to get our money. Should I have been surprised that the phone rang and the call was Hubby, FROM THE YMCA????

"They said you picked up the money yesterday."
"WHAT?"
"They said that Little-Long-Haired-Punk-Boy says he gave you your check and cash yesterday on your way out."
"Well, he's lying."
"That's what I thought."
"Let me talk to Loreen or Mark."

Very long story ending soon. The Little-Long-Haired-Punk-Turd stole my money. He pocketed the $50 cash and trashed my check. No other explanation. He lied about giving me the money, said he shredded my receipt because it had my personal information on it, and thinks he can get away with this. What a little creep. If I knew his last name, I'd call the kid and give him a piece of my mind. But, I don't, so I just have to vent here.

Well, they believed me and did reimburse my $50 cash. I stopped payment on the check, just in case he was brave enough to try and cash it, being an employee for the YMCA.

I guess we won't be using the Y to get into shape this year. BUT, things are looking up, because we received a "Dance, Dance, Revolution Extreme" for Christmas. This will whip anyone into shape in a matter of minutes! I guess every cloud has a silver lining.

Now, go read Alexa's blog and see that she had a WONDERFUL expericnce spending her money gift. This is how it should be!

Chubby Baby Hands

I didn't have to wonder very long who it was that ran down the battery on my camera.

Feast of St. Stephen

On this day, the Feast of St. Stephen, a saint who has been known for many miracles, my family and I have dedicated a spiritual bouquet for Hector's daughter. Since we don't know her name, the top of the card simply says, "St. Stephen, Pray for her." Each person made a flower with their name on it, then said a prayer. After their prayer, they then put the flower into the "flower pot" inside of the card. This is for your family, Hector.

We're still covering you in prayer.

Blessings!

Away In A Manger

Away in a Manger is the song we sung as we put baby Jesus in his place. Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Here are the gifts that my family offered Him for His special day:
Philip-To have a better attitude
Kaitlyn-To think before I speak
Kristyn-To go to Confession once a month
Karyn-To be kind by not talking back
Paul-A guitar (hahahahahahaha...........I LOVE this!!)
Kathryn-stated, "I'm not talking to you."
Hubby-to not be so quick to grouch when that seems like the thing to do.
Me-make an extra Mass each week, and take along everyone in the family that is able.

Our gifts to Him who loves us unconditionally.