CRAZED MIND: June 2009

Taxes for Child Support

I am not sure if I have mentioned that Dear Hubby and I both have been married twice before to other spouses. I know that is not here or there to most. But due to previous marriages DH has to pay child support. That makes it much harder on us to be able to afford the things we need at our home.

Image by Sean Durham via Flickr

Now child support is not a bad thing, not at all. DH and I both feel it is important to pay this and help out where it is most needed. But there is a time and a place to have some of the payments stopped. DH's first family is now all grown and having children and lives of their own. Yet he is paying a outstanding child support on that family. The child support is not so bad as the amazing amount of interest our state tacks on to it. He will be paying this til the day he dies. HONEST!

DH also has a second family out of state and pays child support there too. His child there is almost grown and that support will be finished in a few more years. We do see an end in sight there. Now he pays every week out of his paycheck. Half of all his wages goes to child support before we pay taxes, health insurance, retirement or any other withholding. So why do we also have to lose any and all of our tax returns too? Yes, we never see a tax return. It is divided up among the two ex wives. I feel we should have some form of tax relief there.

Last year I did finally find out that I can file an injured spouse form and should receive something back of my own. But this year I have to say that the ex wives must have been quite surprised. You see when our tax return goes to them we do receive a letter telling us as to what the tax debt amount was. This year the tax relief that the ex wives split among themselves was a whole whopping $1.00. Yeah, the each received a check of 50 cents each.

I know that sounds awful of me. But for one time I am not losing a massive amount of money.

Going on a Road Trip

This next week Dear Hubby and I are going on our first vacation alone!
We are so excited.
We are planning a road trip for 4 to 6 days.
And we are not telling anyone where we are going.

Image via Wikipedia

JUST AWAY!

So that means we could end up anywhere at all.
We could drive north where it is much much cooler.
Get out of this Texas heat.
Heck, we could find cheap hotels in Niagara Falls and pretend we are on our honeymoon!

Or we could stay in the south since we already acclimated to the heat.
I know I adored the time I spent in Louisiana before.
If we could get a New Orleans accommodation then we would be able to stroll the French Quarter.
Sightseeing all that has been rebuilt in that town would be quite interesting.

Or we could just stay here in our own great state of Texas and tour the hill country.
I have family and friends all over the area.
Also it would not be hard to find a hotel in and around the many big cities we have.

I just know that we are excited and can not wait to start our adventure!

Update

I have added a few more details to
Momma is Mad
if your interested!

A Hiking We Will Go

My girlfriend Julie is going to come see me this week. Hopefully arriving Sunday night or Monday morning at the latest. She is braving the lack of a/c here at my home so we can go hiking. Yeah, Hiking! You see Julie is made of tougher stuff than I am and she is helping me expand my horizons. Or at least keep trying to take off some of this excess weight.

Image via Wikipedia

What is neat is that my Sierra club card toting friend can always help me learn how to be better at going Green. You know, saving our earth anyway you can by recycling and reusing. Now being a frugal lady myself that is something I am all for. She is planning on bringing her Ecobins Binocular with her for us to use at the lake. The binoculars are eco-friendly. The carrying case and strap that are part of the Ecobins binoculars are made from a fully biodegradable fiber. I remember learning about biodegradable products when I was in Jr. High school. Yeah, Yeah, back in the olden days. I felt then the strong pull to do what we can to save where we lived. And at that time I vowed to always try and be a conservative person.

I think it is great that Julie can share these earth friendly Ecobins Binoculars with me. She has told me all about the lenses and casing being eco-friendly. And knowing my adorable lil hippy of a girlfriend I know these will be a great assest to our hike. I am sure looking at all the birds around the lake will keep my mind off of the heat!

Meshing Dreamland

Image by Bousure via Flickr

I woke early this morning from a fitful dream sleep. You know where life is still muddled in your brain. Not sure why feelings are swirling around you, yet still caught up in them.

I suffer as it is with my mental illness. So when I get in this panic ed breathless mode it is hard for me to let it go. Have you felt that? Where it seems what ever you do your heart is still racing, your chest pained for air and your mind chaotic in thought.

Yeah, you lay there a minute to let your self calm down. Realize it was from those messed up dreams. Wonder where the dreams come from. Then you start telling yourself to do the normal day to day things and this will slip away. But you still have that slight pained chest as you push up and try to slip back into life.

My Brother's Get Away

My brother travels with the snowbirds. Honest and this is how he makes his living. Don't know what a snowbird is??? Well that is the term for the RV lifestyle that travels from the north to the south to get away from the harsh winters. And this summer my brother has set up in his home away from home to work repairing the a/c units in these RVs.

Image via Wikipedia

When I asked him where he was going this year he had a few places in mind. You see there are RV parks all over this country. One of them is a RV park NC where they have a beautiful lake, tall lush trees and even cabin rental for those without a traveling home. Since I have family in the Carolina's this would be a great place to set up camp, so to speak.

I know the NC RV parks have many extras to draw in summer settlers. Some things that I would enjoy are the bingo hall, the dance pavilion (oh how I love to dance), the game room and a pool and sauna. I know that I use to look at the RV lifestyle as one where you escaped civilization to be a vagabond. But I know now that it is a way to actually re bond with your family and look at this beautiful world while you still can.

The RV Park North Carolina was not the one my brother chose. I wish it was. Maybe I could have joined him for a lil break. But instead he is in beautiful Ruidoso New Mexico. Hey, Juls you loved it there for vacation didn't you? Well maybe he will go to North Carolina next year.

Momma is Mad

I am pretty upset today.
And I just have to have somewhere to YELL about it for a lil while.

Since this is my blog then I guess I can yell here all I wish.

Image via Wikipedia

Last night College Girl was robbed at the convince store she WORKED at.

First she is ok! Really, she did not get hurt. Whew, Thank God for that.
But a guy did come in and when paying for his gas reached over and took money from the till.
CG reacted quickly and actually grabbed his arm as he was doing this.
He was shocked I am sure and he took off out the door.
CG reacted instinctively, hollered loudly (Dear Hubby was also there at work at the time) and followed the robber at a dead run out the door.
He had his car on the other side of the gas pumps, RUNNING OF COURSE.
She actually stopped herself from getting in the car!
But she did get the license plate number of the car.

Image via Wikipedia

When she went back in to the store, DH was right there calling the police already.
She told him the license plate number.

Of course they called the store manager, police and alerted the companies main offices.
All of the police reports were filed.
And the car was found not to far away (thanks to the plate number CG took) empty but was being finger printed.

Now I am thankful she is ok.
I am proud that she took action and got the plate number.
I am glad DH was there to comfort her after the fact.
But do you want to know why she needed comfort?

No, not the robbery which should have been it.
No!
No! Not that!

Because the company she WORKED at FIRED HER!

Yes, she is now without a job.
Due to trying to stop this man who took their money.

So do you wanna YELL with me yet?

*added note:

The company policy is not to follow a robber out of the store. This way they can not hurt you.

I can see why they have a policy in effect. But blanket policies are not good in all situations.

One: she would not have been able to get the tag numbers from inside the store since the car was on the far side of the gas pumps.

Two: he did not show any weapon....did a snatch and grab

Three: the police said they would be arresting the guy as soon as the warrant is signed...yes from her information they know who it is.

Four: she was never told what to do in a robbery.

More added now:
the store has a list by the register that says
what to do in a robbery
1. do what they demand
2 and down is all wiped off! you can't read any more

well he did not demand a dang thing!

Second, was someone wrote in the blank space to
"get the uzi from under the counter"

Well hello, she did not use the UZI either!

Credit Is as Credit Does

I was talking to Dear Hubby about credit repair last night. Yeah, I know, not exciting conversation. But it can be very necessary to talk about. I am sure that in this trying economy we are not the only ones looking to improve credit at this time.

I know that there are many credit repair services out there. And trying to figure out all of the credit repair information can be quite mind boggling. Especially if you have a bad head for numbers like I do. This is something I would much rather hand over to someone else to help me with then to muddle my way through it. I am sure your the same way about some of the things you tackle.

One of the biggest things we have done is teach College Girl how important it is to keep clean credit . When you hit college it seems that the credit card companies are ready to help you move into your dorm if you want to accept one of their cards. Thankfully she has managed to be pretty cautious there.

How are you handling the problems of too little money at a time when there is way too much credit?

It's Time to Bake the Goodies

We have been making all kinds of goodies for Mary's Antique Store lately.

I would love to have a shop like above.

Of course, Nessa, would be my head cook.

Oh my she can make some calorie goodness!

But today we have cheated a little.

It is hot at home without any a/c on.

So I went to a local bake sale to help our senior citzens center.

This would help them out and keep our home not so hot.

And still have home made goodies.

Ok, Ok, I took a short cut?

Shoot me!

It Takes a Village

I had a friend call me last week for some advice. You know that when your friends ask for advice you sit back and take a deep breath. Taking the time to hear what they are seeking and making sure you formulate your ideas before you talk. I am glad I did just that this time.

Image via Wikipedia

They wanted to know if I could help them find a drug rehabilitation for a friend of theirs. Oh this is a sticky situation was my first thought. Now I know that drug Treatment is very important. And that as friends we are often called on to help others when they do not perceive a problem. But is very hard to tell a friend that they need to find help.

Well I asked some questions about the situation that this friend was in. And I tried to draw from my own knowledge of seeking help for other type of problems. Most of all I passed on how I had been helped through my medical group to find a good place to go so I could quit with problems that I had unknowing had for most of my life.

I do know that residential drug rehab is the best way to go when trying to stop a habit of this nature. Because your needing to change your environment as well as your thought process. By being away from family, friends and especially bad influences the info you receive is processed faster. Also you have to take the time to think for yourself.

I really hope that I was able to help my friend with the lil bit of knowledge that I had. I especially hope that they were able to guide their friend to help. I know that it takes a village to raise a child. But it takes the same village to support one another too.

Comes A Horseman

Image by *MizzEl* via Flickr

I adore reading. And I am lucky enough to have friends like Nessa who will share their books with me. Sad to say, I am not reading fast enough these days. So my to be read pile is stacking up on me. My bedside table looks like the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

I have recently read a book that Nessa awarded me. It is an interesting thriller that is from a Christian writer named, Robert Liparulo. He is new to me but I see he has written 3 thrillers so far and 4 young adult books. Comes a Horseman was extra special due to an autograph name plate. It made me feel extra special to have that lil jewel.

Happy B-Day Dad!

Today is my father in law's birthday! I just wanted to share his special card from me and College Girl.

They are Here

Have you moved lately? I did about 4 years ago. I am a very very organized person. And I make all kinds of plans when I move. Down to blue prints as to where all the furniture will go in the new home. But what was so nice last time was that I did not have to do it all.

Our satellite TV service is with Direct TV and they did all of our move for me. I just picked up the boxes and remotes and took them with us. A service man came and put up a new dish on the house and then set up everything for me. Whew! I loved it.

Have you ever used Directv? I had cable before and I would never want to switch back. I am so happy with the service I get. So much so that now there is a receiver in every bedroom along with the living room. We do not watch much TV in our bedroom but Dear Hubby plays a lot of games on the TV. Yeah they have games like Scrabble and Skip-BO.

Direct TV in Texas is pretty popular. We know of many of our friends and neighbors who have hooked up to satellite. Of course we are out in the boondocks. And TV reception is non-existent without some sort of help from a cable or satellite company.

Hot Hot Savings

I am melting!

Image by faeryboots via Flickr

No, not from exercise and inches coming off.
But from the horrid heat that I am enduring right now.

Oh the price we pay to save on bills.
Maybe this will have a positive effect and I will lose more weight (and inches).
You know there are others who pay for saunas.
Mine is here free of charge, just by sitting in my living room!

I do have a few things to share with all my "bloggy" friends.
First (and foremost) go and visit my mom, aka Granny M, at her new blog.
I think she will have some interesting view points for the rest of us.
Good Horse Sense from an Ol' Nag is the perfect title for Granny M's blog.

I also have some savings to share with you too.

Ulla Popken has clothes for sizes 12 and up.
Yes, us plus size or full figure can go and shop to our hearts content.
Use the coupon code of DIANE20 for 20% off your total.
That is good until September 30, 2009.
Sign up with your email to receive special offers and
get 10% off!
And right now they have where you can enter to win a $500 Shopping Spree!!

Oh and on the plus size note, you can find just the right swimsuit now.

Image via Wikipedia

Pop over to Swimsuitsjustforus to get your fitting done.
Plus size swimwear made to fit your body.
Don't forget they also have Flat Rate Shipping ~ $6.95 Per Order!

And last but not least you can join in on the buy 1 get 1 free sale at Waldenfarms.
They specialize in goodies without any calories, fat, sugars, glutens or carbs.
Walden Farms irresistibly sweet calorie free specialties are prepared with real fruit extracts, concentrated natural flavors, rich cocoa and other natural ingredients, all sweetened with Splenda. Our savory specialties are made with hundreds of freshly ground herbs and spices, concentrated natural flavors and the finest aged imported and domestic vinegars.
Now that is a diet deal for me!

Well I hope that you like my super savings that I found.
And I will think cool thoughts while you go and visit my mom's blog.

Smelling like Money

Image by massdistraction via Flickr

We have been playing around with different ideas on how to make a lil more money.
Currently we have a lil fudge and cookie project that we sell at Mary's Antique Store.
And Granny M and Nessa both have booths there of the "antiques" that they have acquired.

Now we are considering candle making too. I know they are always inviting when I visit someones home. I really like cinnamon scent the best. But I hear that leather is a really big seller in this area. We have found where we can purchase mason jars wholesale. That would look good with our lil country town theme. I think with Granny M and her cookie ideas we should have Sugar Cookie candles. That would smell really good. And of course be her signature scent.

Nessa has that country home decor going on over there. Don't you thing that Hot Apple Pie would be fantastic for her? Of course we could do a large variety of scents. I know that candles sell well. And having a place to get quality jars sure will make a difference for our lil enterprise.

Cool Visions

Yesterday College Girl and I went on a fantasy trip to Asia. But as hot as we are here in Texas we have decided that we need a bit cooler atmosphere. So we thought that we would go for an Alaska Travel instead. It would be so wonderful to have nice cool temperatures for a change. It would be wonderful to have temperatures of 46 compared to 96.

I also think it is wonderful that there are so many men there compared to women. So what a good place to be pampered. Travel Alaska actually would let us see some amazing sights. They have cruises to see whales and other sea life. You also can do dog sled trips too!

What I would like is to see the Northern Lights. Denali Park has wildlife viewing, ATV trips and the Northern Lights Theater. How amazing that would be. But most of all I really would love to be cooled off.

My Mom's New Blog

Image via Wikipedia

FORGIVE ME....MY FEED BURNER MESSED UP AND IT BLOCKED ALL OF MY BLOGS FROM GOING TO MY FOLLOWERS. SO YOU ARE NOW HAVING ALL OF MY LATEST BLOGS AT ONE TIME.....OOOPPS!

Today is the birth of my mothers blog.

JUST GOOD HORSE SENSE

FROM AN OL' NAG

I hope that you will be willing to pop over and tell her a proper bloggy hello.

I know that y'all all know her. She has her etsy shop on my side bar. And of course her advice has been in my column many times. You know her as Grandma. Well I will have to change her name to Granny M. That is what she has chosen as her new handle. All of this is very new to her. And she is convinced that she can not do this. But Nessa and I know she can. It will just be another learning curve for her.

Well, enough from me. Go see Granny M at Just Good Horse Sense from an Ol' Nag. Make sure you become a follower. She will be one that you will want to read.

OH FOR ALL YOU BARGAIN SHOPPERS
Go to my mom's Etsy shop at Grandma's Homemade Corner
She now has FREE SHIPPING on everything.
And nothing is over $20.00 either.
How is that for a SPECIAL?

Dreaming with my College Girl

Speaking of dream vacations, College Girl just informed me that her idea of beautiful would be an Asian vacation. Especially Indonesia!
Wow, I did not know this.

Image via Wikipedia

When asked why she told me some interesting facts.
Like there are 17,500 islands that make up Indonesia.
And Indonesia takes up an area with 2 oceans and 3 seas.
That is pretty interesting!

Each of Indonesia’s inhabited islands has its own style of dress, type of architecture and even different dialects. College Girl says she would love to see the many beaches that they have to offer. Not counting the mountains too!

She said that the hotels there have a sauna, massage, jacuzzi and fitness center. So we could keep up with our exercise. If we were there I am sure lazing on the beach would be first priority.

Accor Hotels City Super Sale does have savings up to 60% if you book on-line between June 23 - 29 for stays between July 10 and September 30, 2009. I am sure we can do that soon.

Well it is fun to dream and wish.
It is like a mini vacation with my College Girl just to plan such amazing getaways.

The Idea of a Resort

Image by James Willamor via Flickr

Towers on the Grove is at North Myrtle Beach in South Carolina
and I want to go there this summer.

I have cousins that live in South Carolina. And they have often been to a Myrtle Beach Resort.

I have heard about how beautiful the beach is. And all of the entertainment that is now located there. They have done helicopter tours of the area. Oh, that would be so cool. I love to fly and thing being in a helicopter would be so interesting.

The Oceanfront Myrtle Beach Resort also has packages where you can stay with them and get tickets to concerts, theater and even knights jousting. Have you been to a resort before? What did you like the best?

Image by teepoole via Flickr

I do not think I will get to go to any of the Myrtle Beach Resorts. But if I can visit my cousins then maybe, just maybe I can book a special for me and Dear Hubby. That would be so romantic.

Dr. Time

Image via Wikipedia

I had to take Dear Hubby to the doctor today.
His back has been trying to go out on him for several weeks now.
That we are use to.
You know the hunchback look.

But that was topped with another infection on his leg.
You may remember that DH battled MRSA about a year ago.
This looks the same.
So we tend to get pretty nervous about that.

Last time he ended up in the hospital on IV antibiotics.
We are hoping we do not have to go that far again.

You see DH's vacation time is coming up again.
The last vacation time he had was spent in the hospital with the MRSA.
We was hoping to do a 3 day car trip instead.

So cross your fingers and send DH some prayers.
We would appreciate them.

Pages

Taxes for Child Support

Going on a Road Trip

Update

A Hiking We Will Go

Meshing Dreamland

My Brother's Get Away

Momma is Mad

Credit Is as Credit Does

It's Time to Bake the Goodies

It Takes a Village

Comes A Horseman

Happy B-Day Dad!

They are Here

Hot Hot Savings

Smelling like Money

Cool Visions

My Mom's New Blog

Dreaming with my College Girl

The Idea of a Resort

Dr. Time

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