Sunday, January 16, 2011

SO FAR IN 2011...

Hello there, Blogging Buddies!!

Well, the holidays are (finally!) behind us and I have already been working to remove those extra pounds. Sigh. Why does that happen?!? Fortunately, the extras have been kind enough to begin going away and there weren't that many so I am happy with my efforts. I will keep it up as long as I continue to see results... even small ones.

I have been going to Physical Therapy for the past five weeks and have one more week to go. Once I got back to walking in the mornings and began doing stretches/moves/exercises that address my lower back situation, there has definitely been improvement. I remain optimistic about the situation and have decided I am simply going to have to live with the back I have. (I don't think they are doing back transplants yet.) So... it's okay.

We have been in the house here for 20 months and there are a few things I have decided I don't want to live with any longer. (These are the words that strike terror into the heart of the spousal-unit!) However... none of them are major or terribly expensive... so he has decided to be part of the solution. :) There are a few "home improvement" projects in the near future to while away the remaining winter hours. I will keep you posted as we go along.

The "tax organizers" have arrived... one from my CPA and one from the aunt's CPA. It's that time again. Oh goody. I have begun compiling the "Important Tax Information Enclosed" envelopes that begin arriving this time of year. Could we really start thinking about a "flat tax?" Please? It would make everyone's life SO much easier!! Oh... I forgot... what will we do with all of those IRS government employees?!?!? Never mind. It will never happen. Sigh.

Oh... and I want to tell you about a Customer Service experience that was a GOOD one. One of my aunt's friends, who recently moved to Florida, sent my aunt a big box of oranges from a local (Florida) provider. We opened them up and they were just awful. Seriously awful. There was absolutely no juice to them. They were a mess. So... I fired off a letter advising them of the lack of quality along with my opinion that their customer (my aunt's friend) would not be pleased to know this. I suggested they owed her a refund at the very least. It was only a short time later that a second box of oranges arrived at my aunt's house. While they still weren't stellar, they were certainly usable. I have used a few for smoothies and they are peeling them for my aunt to eat since they are edible. :) Now that I have confirmed the improvement, I will be sending the provider another letter letting them know of my appreciation. That was a nice experience. Too bad it isn't the norm!!

So that is what has taken place thus far this year with us. We will see what remains. There is lots of time!

Finally, a quick moment to remember my friend, Donna Hull, who left this world on January 14, 2010. I hope her family is doing well and is adjusting to their new world without her. She remains in my heart and they remain in my thoughts.

Love you, Donna!!

Until next post...