Monday, August 31, 2009

Speed Limits and Obnoxious People

Did you ever notice that during the summer months, people seem to forget how to read the speed limit signs in little, residential neighborhoods? I know I have noticed it on my street and I can't just blame other peoples' kids.

I was cutting the grass this morning when suddenly I got buzzed by a jerk speeding down the road. I was standing at the edge of my property getting ready to cut another stripe in my lawn. And yes I did look both ways continually as I approached the endge of the property. I turned around in time to catch the make, model and color the truck after I felt the strong breeze blow by my legs. By the way, the speed limit on my street is a mere 25 mph. Sure enough this asshole came screaming by again - guessing he was doing about 45 going into the curve - and I yelled at him to slow down. Guess what...it was an older guy, not an obnoxious kid driving! This time I caught the license plate and I recognized it. I'll have a civilized chat with this doorknob later. He doesn't even live in the neighborhood.

Not too long after that, I feel another car coming down the road. Yes feel, as in thump...thump...thump...of a car radio with way too much bass. I look to my left (mind you I'm wearing ear buds so I can listen to my music without disturbing my neighbors), and here comes this little black car with the windows shaking and some slouched down tool driving. Unbelievable. The stupidity and ignorance never stops.

I always wished I could get a paintball gun and shoot at these idiots as they fly down my street, endangering people and property. There are a lot of folks who go for walks at all hours of the day and evening and it's getting dangerous on these little residential streets. The same goes for the stereo-blasters of the universe. I'd like to tag their damn cars with the same paintball gun. Maybe a few pink dots on their vehicles will let them know that their speeding and radio blasting is not appreciated by the general public. If I want to hear rap music, I'll ask you!!

Spike strips would work well for the speeders. As they fly by breaking the space/time continuum, the spike strips would pop out and shred their tires. Do you think they'd get the hint then? You're right, probably not. All the laws in the world won't stop these morons. Especially when the laws are not enforced.

The local cops where I live aren't that much better either. There are a few who speed up and down the roads like they own them. Hell, one of the idiots almost ran me over while I was walking my dog one day! The son-of-a-bitch was driving towards me, yet he was so busy yakking on his cell phone that he didn't care to steer his vehicle to the left a little. We were walking right on the edge of the road so as not to be in the way, and facing traffic. At the last minute, I had to grab my dog and jump in the ditch on the side of the road. Yes I did flip the asshole off...did he notice...NO. He was still having a great time gabbing on the phone like a teenage girl. Un-freakin-believable.

You watch, I will probably get hassled because I am writing this. The paintball guns and spike strips are things I WISH I could do. At no time do I say "I will" or "I have". Please. With my luck, something bad would happen to me if I tried it such as the paintballs exploding in my face or the spike strips bouncing back and embedding themselves into my calves. That's the kind of luck I have. I can think about stuff all I want to, but I know better than to act upon it. For the most part. Happy motoring!

As this is being written, yet another yutz is speeding by in a white Ford Continental with spinners, tinted windows and the radio blaring the loud bass. It's sad when you can hear the cars before you see them. Inconsiderate morons!

Saturday, August 29, 2009

No Trespassing - Violators Will Be Shot

Please tell me...why do I bother putting up No Trespassing signs on my property? Either people are really stupid, can't read or are just testing my hand/eye coordination. I don't get it. I own a small house on a small piece of land, and have had to post signs at the end of my driveway, on my front door and on the neighbor's property (which I maintain because they are elderly). Yet some idiots still feel the sudden urge to pull into my driveway, sit there for a minute looking around and then back out and go away. Either that or they feel the need to come walking up into my yard and ring the doorbell (where the 2nd huge freakin yellow sign is). The best ones are the folks who walk on up into the yard when I'm outside cutting grass or planting shrubs...these morons are the best. When I'm outside I'm always armed - usually a .45mm strapped to my thigh in my tactical thigh holster or a .38 in my shoulder holster. It depends on the season. These morons come walking up, past the signs and start asking me (usually) "is this house for sale" or "do you live here"? WTF? Are you trying to get shot and/or piss me off?

Does anyone else out there have this same problem? I've even gone so far as to call the local police because one particular jackass, who came to cut the grass for the guy across the street, pulled into my driveway, drove over my grass and into my neighbor's yard to use his driveway to exit. Mind you they are cutting the grass for the dude ACROSS the street. They killed my grass, rutted my yard and pissed me off. I told them once before, nicely, to stay off my property. This second time I wasn't so nice. I went outside and told them if they didn't get the f*ck off the property, they were going to be sorry. Yes the neighbor's house has No Trespassing signs all over the place too. I've now had to put up the neighbor's gates to block access to and from his driveway. Also since some other idiot backed into it, messing it up, I had to use my tie-down straps and some Fire Line Do Not Cross tape I happened to have to keep the gates up. What the hell is wrong with people? Are they just NOT getting the message that we want to be left alone?

Back to the police part. I called them, reported the damage and said if these assholes ever came on my property again, I'd handle it my way. The police went out and looked and called me back. They said there was nothing they could do unless I called when they were there and then they'd be cited for trespassing. Ooooh yea, that'll scare them! In other words, they are useless as teats on a boar hog. I will handle it myself, as usual.

I, personally, respect those signs. If someone has them posted, it means they don't want your stupid ass on the property. Duh. Some folks, like me, just don't want to be bothered when they are home. I like my privacy, peace and tranquility and if you're not invited and pull up in my driveway, don't be surprised when I answer the door with a gun strapped to my hip. Even my friends know, and my husband too, let me know if you are coming over or if you are coming home at an odd time. Otherwise, you stand a very good chance of getting hurt. I don't play anymore. Trespassers will be shot...survivors shot again!

Friday, August 28, 2009

How To Stay Sane

I know I'm not the only person out there with issues, but I need to share - not gripe! By nature I am an anal-retentive, obsessive-compulsive perfectionist who is always trying to help others, even if it means I have to sacrifice something for myself. It's the way I was raised. (Thanks Mom!).

Mom raised me to be open to new experiences, practice the Golden Rule (do unto others), give without expecting anything in return - pretty much be a decent human being and be a joy to the world, not a burden. Well I have been giving a lot lately, mostly to help my friends and family but also to stay busy so I can ignore my issues. I'm not one to feel sorry for myself and I refuse to be a victim.

Let me explain briefly - my parents have been unwell lately on and off, they have been wishing that I'd come to visit them (they live about 800 miles away), one of my best friends has progressive MS and my neighbor and friend/mentor who is in her 70's is having health issues. For the past month I have been researching and learning about the internet, blogging, web pages, programming (a little), book publishing and it's a bit overwhelming. I was "let go" from my job in a few months ago and decided I didn't want to work in an office anymore. So the stress from embarking on a life-long dream is taking it's toll too. I always wanted to be a professional writer and I am working like hell to make that happen. Just a little bit of stress in my life, wouldn't you say?

Aside from that, as you can tell, I am always trying to take care of everyone else. Two of my friends (who are boyfriend and girlfriend) are going through seriously tough times right now as well. I have been where they are now and it's a very scary thing to be at rock bottom looking up and praying you see the light. I feel deeply for them and understand the fear, uncertainty and hopelessness they are feeling. Like I said, everyone is going through tough times right now.

As I see it, I have two choices. I can sit around all day and cry, bitch, piss and moan, yell, scream, blow snot bubbles, hold my breath, stomp my feet and be a drain on all those who are around me OR I can choose - read that again - CHOOSE to be positive. Trust me, it's not easy, but I choose to be positive. In life, I have usually chosen the road that is most difficult. Trust me, it is difficult to be positive in light of all that's going on in my life and in the world today. But I am doing it.

In order to keep my sanity, I pray (no it will not kill you to do that), stick to an exercise routine in order to get rid of my pent up frustration and anger, I write (you're reading it now) and talk to friends and my parents frequently. I also volunteer my time as a District Chief and firefighter. I attend (mostly free) classes to further my education and training in the fire service, thereby keeping my mind busy. I also read, spend lots of time with my 4-legged kids of which I have seven, and spend time with my husband. Gardening, landscaping and planting trees and shrubs helps get rid of frustrations too. You ought to see my yard!

You see you really have two choices in your life. You can either be a victim of circumstance (which is what most people do) or you can be strong willed, determined and brave and choose to be positive. Get a hobby, read a book, exercise, do something physical (be nice!) to get rid of the anger and frustration you are feeling (don't deny it) and become someone who is a joy to be around instead of a drag. It's a choice and it's yours to make.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

This Chaps My A$$

I learned something today that seriously distresses me. People with jobs have to submit to drug screening at regular intervals (or random intervals). So do people who are applying for jobs, and if they fail, they either lose the current job or lose the opportunity to have valid employment. I understand that and I have no problem with that. To this day, I have never failed a drug test and am very proud of that.

The fact that distresses me is people who are receiving public assistance do NOT have to pass a drug test! First of all, let me clarify that not ALL people receiving assistance are deadbeats, lazy, incompetent morons. There is a percentage of people who legitimately need help to get through the rough times in life. I've been there, I know. It was a very, very long time ago and it was for a short time only. But I'm speaking of the people who decide to make this a "lifestyle" and think it's a right owed to them to be able to sit on their asses all day long, doing drugs, being a drag on society and sucking the funds out of the system that could be used by legitimate families. You know the ones. They sit around whining and complaining about how "the system" screwed them, they have no education of which to speak and they don't even try to find a job. They scream poverty at every step, yet drive luxury or tricked out cars. Does this make sense to you?

It's time to speak up and let our lawmakers hear our outrage at this blatant abuse of the system. I had no idea this situation had been going on for years and years. It's insane! There is no incentive to grow up, take responsibility for your circumstances, get a job, get an education and take care of your family. There needs to be some structure or a checks and balances system to keep this from recurring for the next 100 years.

I, for one, have written letters, e-mails and made phone calls to our local lawmakers and congressmen to let them know that I do not approve of this blatant abuse of the system. There are so many families that desperately need help now and to see others taking advantage and getting away with it really chaps my ass!