Beauty

[just bee]

My punishment for creeping around the house in the dark this morning.  I just discovered my second mug of tea has two tea bags in it.

I took tonight off because I had a class scheduled this afternoon.  Got a call yesterday: Class has been moved to this morning.  I usually don't check my messages so it's a good thing I did.

But now I have to face AM commuter traffic.  Also need to figure out how I'll get the dog out for a walk before I have to leave.

I'm watching a renovation show and they're putting in gray cabinets, gray hardwood floors and gray tile.

Ugh.  They just ripped out all the mature landscaping.

Uh-oh.  They're moving in their gray leather sofa.  The homeowner is wearing a gray sweater.  Now she's wearing a gray T-shirt and painting a wall... gray.  The fireplace has been painted.  Gray.  It's a beach house.  The Pacific looks... gray.  Just wait 'til the fog rolls in.

All the local furniture stores are filled with gray furniture.  This -- coming from a person who had closets full of gray sweatshirts and T-shirts: I'm getting really sick of gray.

[geezerette]

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@just bee wrote:

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@geezerette wrote:

Well, ain’t that a smack upside the head and another wake up call.  

Sales tax on all online and catalog/out of state orders now.  I know my state legislators have been screaming about this for some time, but I didn’t know that it must now be official.  Amazon had started collecting sales tax some time ago, but that didn’t really bother me because I don’t normally order much from them.  Zappos also did, and I was getting my fairly expensive shoes there, so I switched to the manufacturer’s site.  But now, my beloved L.L. Bean is charging sales tax too. 🙀  That’s a real kick in the gut.  And I got charged tax from some dinky little place out of state from a catalog order.

Another very good incentive to cut down on buying—everywhere.

Something to “accept” in August...and beyond.  ☹️👎

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@geezerette 

Don't get me started.  Albuquerque's sales tax is almost 8% now.  Tax on alcohol here is astronomical.  They really think that if they tax alcohol people will stop drinking it.  Hey!  Maybe if you raise their taxes again people will stop tossing their booze bottles out the car window!

Every chance we get, voters vote themselves a tax hike.  Proof we're still drinking in this state.

Maybe they can start taxing the meth...

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@just bee 

Oh, ours are 9+%.  And we’re taxed on shipping costs if there are any.  So, even with a sale, it can make quite a difference.  Especially with larger purchases.

We (the voters) seem to vote all taxes down, but lo and behold, usually about a year or two after an election, those that know more than us lowly peons that pay their salaries manage to sneak them into law anyway.

It won’t keep me from buying online because my local brick and mortar choices are nil.  But I think it will help me to maintain a more minimal way of thinking.  Maybe not such a bad thing after all.

[geezerette]

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@just bee wrote:

My punishment for creeping around the house in the dark this morning.  I just discovered my second mug of tea has two tea bags in it.

I took tonight off because I had a class scheduled this afternoon.  Got a call yesterday: Class has been moved to this morning.  I usually don't check my messages so it's a good thing I did.

But now I have to face AM commuter traffic.  Also need to figure out how I'll get the dog out for a walk before I have to leave.

I'm watching a renovation show and they're putting in gray cabinets, gray hardwood floors and gray tile.

Ugh.  They just ripped out all the mature landscaping.

Uh-oh.  They're moving in their gray leather sofa.  The homeowner is wearing a gray sweater.  Now she's wearing a gray T-shirt and painting a wall... gray.  The fireplace has been painted.  Gray.  It's a beach house.  The Pacific looks... gray.  Just wait 'til the fog rolls in.

All the local furniture stores are filled with gray furniture.  This -- coming from a person who had closets full of gray sweatshirts and T-shirts: I'm getting really sick of gray.

---

@just bee 

Gray is the new...everything.

I don’t particularly care for it, except in very limited and muted tones.  I especially don’t want it in my house.  Give me a good cream or beige any day.

Gray was OG’s favorite color.  If he could get any piece of clothing in gray, that’s the one he wanted.  And he looked good in it with his coloring.  I can’t wear it anymore.  I used to have a bunch of gray t-shirts, most with slogans or some embellishment.  Now, gray against my face makes me look like I’m ready for the embalmer.  And I won’t wear any clothing anymore with any sayings or advertising.  I tried some gray pants instead of my usual black to lighten up for summer.  They looked good on the model in the catalog.  Not on me.  I almost returned them but will wear around the house.

I just find the lighter neutrals naturally appealing.  But the warm neutrals.  Must be a throwback to my mother.  All our houses were in warm colors.  I don’t care for the olive greens or harvest golds like she did, but that’s what I grew up around.  A hairdresser I had way back when (when my hair was still all brown) once told me never to wear silver jewelry, always gold, because of my coloring.  I was delighted to hear that because I never liked silver anyway.

Well, as usual, I totally hijacked your post.  Sorry about that.  Good luck with your class—and watch that morning traffic.  It can be a b§tch if you’re not used to it.

[just bee]

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@geezerette wrote:

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@just bee wrote:

My punishment for creeping around the house in the dark this morning.  I just discovered my second mug of tea has two tea bags in it.

I took tonight off because I had a class scheduled this afternoon.  Got a call yesterday: Class has been moved to this morning.  I usually don't check my messages so it's a good thing I did.

But now I have to face AM commuter traffic.  Also need to figure out how I'll get the dog out for a walk before I have to leave.

I'm watching a renovation show and they're putting in gray cabinets, gray hardwood floors and gray tile.

Ugh.  They just ripped out all the mature landscaping.

Uh-oh.  They're moving in their gray leather sofa.  The homeowner is wearing a gray sweater.  Now she's wearing a gray T-shirt and painting a wall... gray.  The fireplace has been painted.  Gray.  It's a beach house.  The Pacific looks... gray.  Just wait 'til the fog rolls in.

All the local furniture stores are filled with gray furniture.  This -- coming from a person who had closets full of gray sweatshirts and T-shirts: I'm getting really sick of gray.

---

@just bee 

Gray is the new...everything.

I don’t particularly care for it, except in very limited and muted tones.  I especially don’t want it in my house.  Give me a good cream or beige any day.

Gray was OG’s favorite color.  If he could get any piece of clothing in gray, that’s the one he wanted.  And he looked good in it with his coloring.  I can’t wear it anymore.  I used to have a bunch of gray t-shirts, most with slogans or some embellishment.  Now, gray against my face makes me look like I’m ready for the embalmer.  And I won’t wear any clothing anymore with any sayings or advertising.  I tried some gray pants instead of my usual black to lighten up for summer.  They looked good on the model in the catalog.  Not on me.  I almost returned them but will wear around the house.

I just find the lighter neutrals naturally appealing.  But the warm neutrals.  Must be a throwback to my mother.  All our houses were in warm colors.  I don’t care for the olive greens or harvest golds like she did, but that’s what I grew up around.  A hairdresser I had way back when (when my hair was still all brown) once told me never to wear silver jewelry, always gold, because of my coloring.  I was delighted to hear that because I never liked silver anyway.

Well, as usual, I totally hijacked your post.  Sorry about that.  Good luck with your class—and watch that morning traffic.  It can be a b§tch if you’re not used to it.

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@geezerette 

Hijacked?  Where?

I left early for the class -- even got the dog out for a walk -- but as soon as I sat down for it my phone rang.  Not only do they want me to work tonight but they need someone for Friday, too.  So now I'm doing laundry so I have something to wear the rest of the week.

And we had exciting plans for today.  We were going to look at garage doors.

Sneaky taxes -- yes.  Voters approved another tax hike for a penguin exhibit at the zoo that went way over budget.  But those fractions of a cent add up over time.

Gray.  I had a lot of gray in my wardrobe.  Lots of sweaters, too.  A lot of that's in landfill today.  Now that my wardrobe is more manageable I think it's safe to say that I don't need much in the way of clothes.  I've decided that I don't want to wear T-shirts -- unless there are long sleeves involved.  I don't really want anyone reading my chest, either.  No more free advertising for organizations or anything else.  I'm trying to avoid certain colors and patterns.  I want to be muted.

I still don't really know what colors are flattering or if I should wear gold or silver.  Life would be easier if I did.  But the house is going to change colors and metals so I may move in the same direction.  Away from reds and pinks to peaches and cream.  Maybe some yellow.

My mother was a big fan of "earth tones."  But then it was the 70s and that's what everyone had.  But she even wanted her bedroom walls brown in the 80s.

I think she just liked anything that reminded her of coffee.

[geezerette]

@

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@just bee wrote:

---

@geezerette wrote:

---

@just bee wrote:

My punishment for creeping around the house in the dark this morning.  I just discovered my second mug of tea has two tea bags in it.

I took tonight off because I had a class scheduled this afternoon.  Got a call yesterday: Class has been moved to this morning.  I usually don't check my messages so it's a good thing I did.

But now I have to face AM commuter traffic.  Also need to figure out how I'll get the dog out for a walk before I have to leave.

I'm watching a renovation show and they're putting in gray cabinets, gray hardwood floors and gray tile.

Ugh.  They just ripped out all the mature landscaping.

Uh-oh.  They're moving in their gray leather sofa.  The homeowner is wearing a gray sweater.  Now she's wearing a gray T-shirt and painting a wall... gray.  The fireplace has been painted.  Gray.  It's a beach house.  The Pacific looks... gray.  Just wait 'til the fog rolls in.

All the local furniture stores are filled with gray furniture.  This -- coming from a person who had closets full of gray sweatshirts and T-shirts: I'm getting really sick of gray.

---

@just bee 

Gray is the new...everything.

I don’t particularly care for it, except in very limited and muted tones.  I especially don’t want it in my house.  Give me a good cream or beige any day.

Gray was OG’s favorite color.  If he could get any piece of clothing in gray, that’s the one he wanted.  And he looked good in it with his coloring.  I can’t wear it anymore.  I used to have a bunch of gray t-shirts, most with slogans or some embellishment.  Now, gray against my face makes me look like I’m ready for the embalmer.  And I won’t wear any clothing anymore with any sayings or advertising.  I tried some gray pants instead of my usual black to lighten up for summer.  They looked good on the model in the catalog.  Not on me.  I almost returned them but will wear around the house.

I just find the lighter neutrals naturally appealing.  But the warm neutrals.  Must be a throwback to my mother.  All our houses were in warm colors.  I don’t care for the olive greens or harvest golds like she did, but that’s what I grew up around.  A hairdresser I had way back when (when my hair was still all brown) once told me never to wear silver jewelry, always gold, because of my coloring.  I was delighted to hear that because I never liked silver anyway.

Well, as usual, I totally hijacked your post.  Sorry about that.  Good luck with your class—and watch that morning traffic.  It can be a b§tch if you’re not used to it.

---

@geezerette 

Hijacked?  Where?

I left early for the class -- even got the dog out for a walk -- but as soon as I sat down for it my phone rang.  Not only do they want me to work tonight but they need someone for Friday, too.  So now I'm doing laundry so I have something to wear the rest of the week.

And we had exciting plans for today.  We were going to look at garage doors.

Sneaky taxes -- yes.  Voters approved another tax hike for a penguin exhibit at the zoo that went way over budget.  But those fractions of a cent add up over time.

Gray.  I had a lot of gray in my wardrobe.  Lots of sweaters, too.  A lot of that's in landfill today.  Now that my wardrobe is more manageable I think it's safe to say that I don't need much in the way of clothes.  I've decided that I don't want to wear T-shirts -- unless there are long sleeves involved.  I don't really want anyone reading my chest, either.  No more free advertising for organizations or anything else.  I'm trying to avoid certain colors and patterns.  I want to be muted.

I still don't really know what colors are flattering or if I should wear gold or silver.  Life would be easier if I did.  But the house is going to change colors and metals so I may move in the same direction.  Away from reds and pinks to peaches and cream.  Maybe some yellow.

My mother was a big fan of "earth tones."  But then it was the 70s and that's what everyone had.  But she even wanted her bedroom walls brown in the 80s.

I think she just liked anything that reminded her of coffee.

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@just bee 

Bummer!  I guess you’re expected to make up the time you took off after the fire.

Too bad you couldn’t have enjoyed it more at the time.

[just bee]

@geezerette 

We're just short-staffed.  I feel obligated to fill in since I had that time off.  Actually, I'm a tad mortified this morning.  A supervisor handed me a couple envelopes that she had locked up in her office.  One was a card with a check and the other was stuffed with cash.  Coworkers had collected money in May.  I can't help think that people are assuming I'm an ingrate for never thanking them.  If I'd known two months ago, I'm sure I would have.

I can't cash this check.  And I don't know who to return the cash to.  And I imagine that would be awkward.  I might just take it and buy more candy for our candy jar at work.

But this situation is awkward.  I remember hearing about a collection and people were thinking of giving us dishes, towels, sheets -- all the things we sent to landfill because we had WAY TOO MUCH IN THE FIRST PLACE.

At the time I assured everyone that we really didn't need a thing.  Just a rental and an adjuster who answered her phone.

How would you handle this?

[geezerette]

@just bee 

Just my opinion and thoughts, you realize...

First and foremost, I think I’d profusely thank everyone for their generosity and explain why you haven’t done so till now (perhaps omitting the reason was because your supervisor failed to give it to you.  After all, you do want to keep your job—don’t you?)  

Then I would also explain that you feel that, despite their generosity, you just can’t keep the money.  Depending on the amount, I would perhaps take a little and use it for something you all could use at work, like your candy suggestion.  Then, if there was enough left, I would ask them for their suggestions as to where to donate the rest to a worthy cause, perhaps something at the hospital.  I’d have a few suggestions in mind.  Let everyone take a vote.

You’re sure to get some pushback from at least some coworkers about that, but I’d do it anyway, or something like it.  I can fully understand your feelings because I’d feel the same way.  It’s overwhelming sometimes when people step up and offer help.  

Of course, you also have to keep in mind not to let them use this as an excuse to take advantage of you at work just because they offered money in your hour of need.  It’s going to be a fine line to walk for a while.

But it’s something to remember when you’re feeling unloved and unappreciated filling in on holidays and vacations. 

❤️

[just bee]

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@geezerette wrote:

@just bee 

Just my opinion and thoughts, you realize...

First and foremost, I think I’d profusely thank everyone for their generosity and explain why you haven’t done so till now (perhaps omitting the reason was because your supervisor failed to give it to you.  After all, you do want to keep your job—don’t you?)  

Then I would also explain that you feel that, despite their generosity, you just can’t keep the money.  Depending on the amount, I would perhaps take a little and use it for something you all could use at work, like your candy suggestion.  Then, if there was enough left, I would ask them for their suggestions as to where to donate the rest to a worthy cause, perhaps something at the hospital.  I’d have a few suggestions in mind.  Let everyone take a vote.

You’re sure to get some pushback from at least some coworkers about that, but I’d do it anyway, or something like it.  I can fully understand your feelings because I’d feel the same way.  It’s overwhelming sometimes when people step up and offer help.  

Of course, you also have to keep in mind not to let them use this as an excuse to take advantage of you at work just because they offered money in your hour of need.  It’s going to be a fine line to walk for a while.

But it’s something to remember when you’re feeling unloved and unappreciated filling in on holidays and vacations. 

❤️

---

@geezerette 

That's the hard part.  I don't want to make her look bad for delaying the gift.  And I have no idea who to thank or who contributed.  We're not talkin' a huge amount here.  When it was handed to me I was told to go have a nice dinner.

But I didn't sleep today and one of the many things going through my head was how to address this.  It occurred to me that I can just set it aside and once the house is rebuilt I can put the money towards something in the yard, like a tree or shrub or some flowering plants for a bee/hummingbird garden.  Something in nature that would benefit the critters.

Then I would always be reminded of their generosity and they would have contributed to something beneficial.

[geezerette]

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@just bee wrote:

---

@geezerette wrote:

@just bee 

Just my opinion and thoughts, you realize...

First and foremost, I think I’d profusely thank everyone for their generosity and explain why you haven’t done so till now (perhaps omitting the reason was because your supervisor failed to give it to you.  After all, you do want to keep your job—don’t you?)  

Then I would also explain that you feel that, despite their generosity, you just can’t keep the money.  Depending on the amount, I would perhaps take a little and use it for something you all could use at work, like your candy suggestion.  Then, if there was enough left, I would ask them for their suggestions as to where to donate the rest to a worthy cause, perhaps something at the hospital.  I’d have a few suggestions in mind.  Let everyone take a vote.

You’re sure to get some pushback from at least some coworkers about that, but I’d do it anyway, or something like it.  I can fully understand your feelings because I’d feel the same way.  It’s overwhelming sometimes when people step up and offer help.  

Of course, you also have to keep in mind not to let them use this as an excuse to take advantage of you at work just because they offered money in your hour of need.  It’s going to be a fine line to walk for a while.

But it’s something to remember when you’re feeling unloved and unappreciated filling in on holidays and vacations. 

❤️

---

@geezerette 

That's the hard part.  I don't want to make her look bad for delaying the gift.  And I have no idea who to thank or who contributed.  We're not talkin' a huge amount here.  When it was handed to me I was told to go have a nice dinner.

But I didn't sleep today and one of the many things going through my head was how to address this.  It occurred to me that I can just set it aside and once the house is rebuilt I can put the money towards something in the yard, like a tree or shrub or some flowering plants for a bee/hummingbird garden.  Something in nature that would benefit the critters.

Then I would always be reminded of their generosity and they would have contributed to something beneficial.

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@just bee 

Oh well, if that’s what we’re talking about my suggestion is definitely irrelevant. 

And I don’t see why you would need to mention anything to anybody.  Unless you’re specifically asked.  Then you just tell the truth—that you didn’t know who contributed and didn’t want to embarrass anyone that didn’t by saying anything.

Your idea for what to do with the money sounds perfect.  You are going to be redoing so many things, so finding something special and meaningful to you would be nice.  Start out by making new memories for your “new” home.  And if anyone ever does bring it up, you have something to tell them about what you did with their donation.

[rnmom]

@just bee -Do you have a conference room where you work? If you do, I would just get a thank you card and address it to your "co-workers" in general, thanking them for their generosity and for thinking of you during your trying time. That way you can hopefully acknowledge the gift givers without being specific to any certain people. Maybe put it by the microwave or refridgerator where everyone will be able to see it. 

I certainly wouldn't worry about giving it back, they thought they were doing something kind and I think that trying to return the money would be kind of like a slap in the face. I like the idea of buying something nice for your new home, that way you can look at it and be reminded of the kindness of your co-workers. 

And chances are, if no one has even mentioned it within the last 2 months while your supervisor was sitting on it, no one will mention it now this late in the game.