Is Bush President of the H.O.A.?
So we went to the annual Home Owners Association meeting for our neighborhood last night. What a joke.
We had some questions, but Jeff was cut off by the president saying that this was a meeting to elect new officers only, not for questions or concens. If we have a question or concern we can contact the property management and it could be included in next months agenda. I'm guessing if the concerns include the actual board members, it won't be included.
We live in a nice quiet neighborhood with huge oak trees, pretty homes and block parties for every occasion (we go to some). However, some of the neighbors don't get along, and some of the neighbors included are on the board, so there are always police in our neighborhood settling disputes.
The latest one was one neighbor had her car in her driveway, but part of it was blocking the sidewalk that cuts through the middle. Well, the neighbor that doesn't like her called the police and had her ticketed for obstructing a county maintained walkway, that this sidewalk was owned by Orange County and we need to have it clear for wheelchairs, in a private neighborhood! And now this person wants to have the police patrol the neighborhood making sure the sidewalks aren't blocked, but her truck is always blocking the sidewalk. It also says you can't park in the streets, so where are you to put an extra car if you have company if they can't park in your driveway and block the sidewalk? I spoke with one of the officers when they are on patrol, they are sick of our neighborhood.
We also had a neighbor place security cameras in their backyard, pointed at another house. So, to protect their privacy from the security cameras, the other neighbor attached an extension on their fence with a vine growing on it. They are in violation and are being sued.
Sounds like how Bush would run the H.O.A. if he were in charge. Piss everyone off and do things for the benefit of you. Forget everyone else and what's best for them.
I like my neighborhood, but it's out of control and I want to move. What sucks is we could sell our home and make a pretty nice profit since the value has more than doubled from when we bought it two years ago, but we wouldn't be able to afford to buy another home as nice as the one we have now. We're trapped!
Un FREAKIN Real
I can't believe that driving in central Florida has become a suicide mission everyday. Today I was almost hit head on when turning left on a green arrow, and on the opposite side, a car passed another one, ran his red light an d almost hit me. And I wasn't even the first car to go through the green turn arrow! What's worse, is that this happens everyday. When Jeff and I get home, we discuss the idiots on the road. The latest trend is stopping on I-4 and driving 20 in a 45 mph, and in the left lane. OIY! I'm sick to death of driving. Too many cars! It's sad when it takes you 45 minutes to go 7 miles.
On another note, Jeff's parents came over for dinner last night so that we could see them before they leave this morning for NC, then Iowa. They're on an Iowa mission, all I have to say to Iowa in, WATCH OUT!
It's been cold here the last few nights. So nippy that George has taken shelter under the covers instead of on top like usual and Larry will take shelter with him. On any other night, George will sleep with Jeff and Larry sleeps with me, and yes, all of this on a full size bed. We manage.
How Sad Are We?
When Jef and I have afree moment on the weekends, we like to crl up on the couch and watch the Food Network.
Both of us can't stand Rachel Ray and Sandra Lee. Sandra Lee has some great ideas, but is just creepy and I liked Rachal Ray several years ago, but she is now way over exposed and has gotten annoying and she's run out of things to make, so she will just remake a PB&J sandwich and then be called a genius and get paid six figures for it. Plus she's sloppy. I hate sloppy.
Any way, we were sitting on the could watching Sandra Lee and her "cocktail time" segment. Jeff asked me who I'd rather get drunk with, or who would be the funnest person drunk. Without a doubt I answered Sandra Lee and he agreed. I said Sandra seems like the person who would make the best drinks and get all crazy and let loose after she beat her already high tolerance. Rachal Ray would just be a loud drunk. I hate loud drunks. I really hate loud women drunks.
I also think Sandra Lee would kick Rachal Ray's ass in a cage match. You can tell she fights dirty.
A Great Day For Dog Owners!
I called the city of Apopka to put to rest the rumors of a dog park. No rumor, it's true! We will have a new dog park for George! No more driving 25-30 miles each way for George to have his dog park fix.
They will have grand opening celebrations and I'm pulling for George to be the first dog.
King Kong George
George has mastered the Kong.
If you have a dog, you would know that the Kong is one of the best toys ever invented. It can keep you dog busy for hours. Larry appreciates the Kong as well, because it keeps George out of his business for hours, too.
Most people will stuff the Kong with peanut butter, but Jeff and I found that to be a little nasty when you come home from work to find the Kong covered in peanut butter and drool, so we buy treats to stuff it with. Treats that are odd shaped so it's next to impossible to get out.
Usually the dog will lick and lick at the larger opening to get out what's inside. George has learned that if he stands the Kong up, picks it up with his mouth and then throws it on the floor, the treats will shimmy out. Last night it took him about 45 minutes for one treat. 45 minutes of George tossing the Kong all over the house.
With George busy with the Kong, Larry can sleep and Jeff and I can relax. Ahhh, silence is golden.
You Go Girl!
WooHoo! Hillary has made her announcement!
I'm so excited, but I am a little torn between her and Edwards, but I'm leaning more towards my girl. The country needs a Clinton back in office.
I love the little emails you get from her campaign. They are always personalized with your name (and its correct spelling!). She has a strong start and I believe she could be the first woman predident.
Go on www.hillaryclinton.com!
The Good Wife
Jeff was offered a bigger office about a month ago, but between moving his parents and Otronicon, it was next to impossible to get across the hall.
So on Saturday I volunteered to move him. He had to go in anyway for the event, so I followed him and went to work. I moved his two bookcases full of video and beta tapes from the last 10 years, file cabinets, a lifetime of clip books, files, press and media kits, and if you know Jeff, a zillion yellow sticky notes. Not to mention all his photos, trinkets and toys. I even emailed the I.T. department to transfer his computer and phone.
It took about 4 hours, but I completed the task AND even cleaned his old office for the next person who moves in. I'm happy knowing it's done, so is his boss.
My reward was dinner at 310. We both ordered the blackened salmon and peppercorn crusted ribeye. Mmmmmmm.
Four Years As A Stanford!
Today is our 4 year wedding anniversary, and 8 years together as a couple! Woo Hoo!We will celebrate tonight with pizza in bed (it's becoming a tradition).
I think my favorite thing in the world is being Mrs. Stanford aka The Wife. I also love my boys, Larry and George Lucas, but most of all my Jeff.
I love you, Honey Bunny!
Until November!
Paul, Karen, Ailsa and the fetus flew home to England Saturday. We have such a nice time and were thrilled the Kennedy's came all that way for a visit.
Grandpa Bud and Grandma Sharon came over Friday night to babysit so we could have one last adult night out with dinner at 310 on Park Avenue.
We find out on the 19th what Paul and Karen will be having, I can't wait!
Jeff and I will be visiting them in November, keeping England safe and solving the world's beer problems.
Fun Fun Fun
We are having a wonderful time with Paul, Karen and Ailsa. On Friday they made a trip to see Liz and meet BeBe and that night we just grilled some steak and caught up. Saturday the boys played some golf and spent quality time at the clubhouse solving the worlds beer problem while Karen, Jeff's mom and I baked cookies. We ended Saturday evening with a tough game of Trivia Pursuit.
Sunday we had brunch with Meg and Brian and for dinner Karen treated us to a homemade TexMex feast! And on Monday we did Sea World.
Ailsa was fond of the whales and I think Paul dug the walrus'. We were also able to do the Dolphin Nursery. We got to pet the dolphins, feed them and make them do tricks. We ended the evening with pizza and more trivia.
I had to return to work on Tuesday, so Jeff spent the day with them on Park Ave. for a little shopping and I met up with them for lunch and on Tuesday night we got Grandpa Bud to babysit Ailsa and we played trivia at this little pub with Meg and Brian.
Now they are off to St. Pete for a day or two to visit some of Paul's family. Jeff is back in the office catching up and Larry and George Lucas are probably wondering where their new 18 month old friend is. They will return on Friday and we will have another grown up night out before their leave us on Saturday.
We are having such a nice time, we wish we all lived a little closer.
Sign The Petition
All Florida drivers, go on licensetochoose.org to get a Right to Choose license plate approved. Remember, Florida passed the Choose Life plate in 1999. Now it's our turn. Tell everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a New Year!
We ended 2006 with packing up Jeff's parents house. It went as expected. His mom found every reason under the sun not to pack something and his dad insisted on moving every piece of 2 ton furniture on his own. We packed 25 years of stuff along with 25 years of stuff that should have been thrown out. I'm not kidding! 6 boxes of Tupperware, 6 cases of wrapping paper, 9 bags of bows, 3 deep fryers, 4 juices, 5 irons and just about a gazillion other items all in storage. Needless to say, it's done and they closed the other day.
New Years, we just celebrated at 310 with good food, wine and a champagne toast at midnight.
Right now the Kennedy's are here from England along with their daughter, Ailsa! By the way, I think she is by far the sweetest little tot I have ever been around. We are just enjoying their company and looking foward to a nice visit.
