The New Adventures of Superman

So, um, Superman called me this morning.

He told me that he recently bought a house.

He told me that he does not go to bars anymore.

He told me that he is going to try to quite smoking and cussing so much.

He told me that there is plenty of room for me in his new house.

He told me that he gave up his daughters for adoption ?! (Okay, so his ex has had custody of them and the new husband wanted to adopt them) But his theory was that this would save him money if some other man was responsible for them ?!

I appreciate the efforts, Superman, but I can't respect a man would who give up his children to save money........

I mean really?!?!?!

Dating Woes

No, this is not a post about me whining and pouting because I have not met that certain someone. Au contraire, mon ami. Lets face it, I do have options. I just choose to be particular. For example, I have several customers on my route who would love to "love" me each and every week. But I have set limitations to my socialization with customers. But still, there is potential there to have long distance relationships. I just choose not to.

So, this week Superman calls me and asks how I have been doing. I remarked that I had been through a depressed spell for quite sometime and was working my way out of it. He suggests we get together some weekend and hang out, as friends. That actually did not sound like a bad idea. I mean, I like the guy in low doses... Just not as a potential mate, too much going on there. But as a social acquaintance, well sure!

So, immediately he begins this onslaught of texts and calling. By the second day, I came up with an excuse as to why we couldn't get together this weekend. See, I thought he seriously meant as friends. Obviously, that was not his intention. You see, ever since I rendered my excuse, he has been texting silly messages and coaxing me to reply. I did, once or twice. But then he asks the fatal question , " Wouldn't you like to call in sick to work from now on and just work on the next 20-30 years?" I asked what this meant and he replied , "That means you should pack all your stuff and move in with me."

Oh Dear!! I think he misunderstood my depression remark. I have not been depressed over our termination of relationship. In fact, I could not get out of that quick enough. I have just been blue. I think he may have got his hopes up that I wanted to date him again... Ummmm nooo!

Top Ten Reasons NOT To Date a SuperHero

10. Wearing your pajamas in public is not acceptable!

9. Repeating your "life stories" umpteen dozen times to hear your own voice is annoying.

8. Complaining about every little detail of your job, even when good things happen to you, is depressing. If your only solution is to skip work that day, then your lack of responsibility is showing. Especially if you do it often...

7. What a difference a month makes. What happened to the articulate guy I was talking to. That first impression did not last long did it. I am so sorry, but I cannot stand to engage in another conversation which consists of more curse words than it does actual words in the dictionary. I am so sorry that F*#K is your favorite word.....Once again, not impressive. In fact, it makes me cringe.

6. When I tell you about my weeks journey and some of the pitfalls I have encountered, I am curious as to how you would have handled it. Your replies as amazing! The fact that you would do everything in your power to be a jerk and infuriate the customer leaves me gasping for air. No wonder my customers love me so. I handle things with grace and tact, throwing in a little charm and a lot of patience. You, on the other hand, would dump the freight in their parking lot, thus damaging it and tell them to go eff themselves... You would then be fired! Ummm, I think my way works soooo much better.

5. OMG..... You have never paid child support?! Way to go , Superman!! Yeah, that is cool that they are garnishing your wages for unpaid support. Once again, your lack of responsibility is shining!!

4. I did not need to know that you had already met the perfect woman and had two children with her. That after seven years, she still remains the perfect woman although she left you. Well, actually, I do appreciate this information because I will never be perfect and you are in so much denial if you continue to say you are over her.

3. I cannot believe we spent an entire weekend getting you made over. Grooming and new suit, WOW, you looked nice! But to tell me that you did it all for your 3 year old daughter is bullshit. I happen to know that 3 year old could care less what their parents are wearing... Hmmm, could it be perhaps that the three year old's mother is the perfect woman? I believe you mentioned that already. So tell me again just who it is that you are trying to impress?

here is where it really blows my mind





2. I cannot believe the greatest story you have to tell, is the time you were on JERRY SPRINGER.... as a guest on stage.





and the number one reason to not date a superhero





Because the story on Jerry Springer WAS based on actual events.





When Superman and I started dating, it looked very promising... He was articulate, and mannered. Very thoughtful and funny. After a month, he confided in me that there were probably some things about him that I would not like. He then proceeded to enlighten me as to several of the items on the above list... I sat there with my jaw hanging open and stated that some of the things he had mentioned would have been nice to know up front. He remarked, "But then you would not have went out with me."



You got that right!! But not to be judgemental, I decided to let things simmer for a week before I made my final decision. I did not want to judge him for his past, if he was trying to rise above it!



The next week he unloaded the rest of the story. His vocabulary went to shit.. Literally.... Every third word was an expletive. His general reaction to everything took on a twisted and harsh outlook. I just couldn't take it anymore... See Ya!!



I am not sure if he started acting this way and revealing those appalling secrets because it was just part of who he is, or if it had anything to do with the fact that the perfect woman had just moved back into the state. Either way, I have gladly decided to move forward without him in my life....

Oh yeah, this ended several weeks ago... Well, the last time we saw each other was in November, when he cleaned out the closet....... figuratively speaking, of course.

Bring on Christmas..... woo hooo!!

Finally a moment to sit down and blog something.. I have had two hundred posts slip through my fingers, but just couldn't find the time to publish them.

What have I been up to? Well, there has been traveling back and forth to visit with Superman...... And a few trips to Birmingham for various purposes... A weekend visit from my Mother who lives 4 hours away, and basic work obligations.. Needless to say, I have barely had time to sit back and relax.

But this weekend is all mine.....

I have plans to do very little. I have not been in this best of Holiday Moods with several things going on in my life right now.... For example, 2 weeks without work and only 4 of those days merit holiday pay. So, I have been a little stressed over financial matters. Normally, I try to purchase gifts for EVERYONE....and I knew that I would not be able to do so this year, so that made me a little sad....I mean, Christmas is my time.....

When my oldest nephews were little, I would literally bring them a large trash bag full of gifts from all over the country.. Back then, I was delivering in 48 states, and while some of the gifts could have been purchased just down the street, there was something exciting about knowing the gifts came from Montana or Connecticut.... At least they thought so!

Well, my holiday spirit finally kicked in when I saw a must have present for the Bri-Baby..... Instantly it was on.... I decided not to worry about the finances and proceed with Christmas as usual.....

Until..........

I mentioned that last weekend my mother came for a visit. Surprisingly , it was a very pleasant visit. We went to Warm Springs, Georgia and did some holiday shopping. I stopped to hit an ATM. After what seemed to be an eternity, it spit out a receipt stating that the transaction had failed... I then moved on to another machine and grabbed my cash..... But the balance showed that the first transaction HAD PROCESSED...... So, my balance was $200 short.

I called the bank and reported my claim. Then I found out that the ATM had actually reported the error and for some reason, the Bank withdrew an additional $200, instead of reimbursing me. Now, I am missing $400......

They quickly found the second error, and replaced the second $200. But did nothing about the original error..... I called back to check on why nothing was being done...I was told I needed to file a claim and they would check into.

What about the error report the original transaction had generated? Oh, yeah. They forgot about that when they corrected their own mistake. But now they wanted a copy of the receipt showing the failed transaction.... I did not keep it, because no money was dispensed....

At this point, the attitude I was receiving almost felt like they thought I was trying to run a scam on them and get some free cash. I just want my money back.... I still have gifts to purchase, and that particular amount was needed....

Well, it took an entire week, but just about 5 minutes ago, I got a call stating the money had been reimbursed.

So, today.... I am going to finish up my shopping and then tomorrow I will bake goodies all day to put into little holiday gift bags and distribute them to my NorthEast customers..

Oh how I love the Holiday Season....

Oh.... and I love my Bossman too! He gave me permission to drive 50 miles out of route to deliver some goodies to one of my favorite customers that did not make the delivery schedule this week....

Rumors....... Confirmed

Last week, while delivering to a customer in Massachusetts, I was enlightened to what seems to have been privileged information.

The customer asked if I had any travel plans for the holidays. I thought he was referring to the Thanksgiving weekend. But instead he was questioning me about the Christmas and New Years time frame. Seeing as how our plant was to be closed for TWO WEEKS, he thought I may have scheduled a nice trip/ vacation. HUH???!!!!

Normally during the holidays, the plant remains open and ships aluminum with the exception of the actual holidays themselves. This year, they are closing the doors.... so to speak.

When I returned home, I questioned the Bossman. He looked at me with a startled expression. Not because my information was inaccurate, but rather because I had already found out through an outside source....

Yes, we will not be shipping any material out for two weeks. He did remark that there would be scrap loads to haul during this time, so we would not suffer too much. But lets do the math, shall we.

2 facilities provide scrap
6 scrap loads per day (combined total)
10 days (excluding the actual paid holidays)

Okay so we have 60 loads of scrap to haul... Doesn't sound too bad, so far.....

But there are 40 drivers...... and I am sure a few of those will elect to be off the entire time, so lets just cut that back to 30 drivers. But still, that leaves 2 loads per driver in a two week period.

One of the hauls pays a flat rate of 98 dollars, unless they send it to the Tennessee facility. Then it pays approx $268.... The second haul pays about $225.

Therefore, I have the potential to earn anywhere from $196 to $536 in a two week period. NOT GOOD..... Yeah, that should cover taxes and insurance and a few pennies in the 401K....

So, you can see, I am kind of in panic mode.... While I would not mind having a long delicious holiday season without work, well, financially, I cannot afford to. Especially because I have not purchased Christmas presents yet, and am planning the big move early next year...hmm, that might have to be delayed until late spring..... Okay, enough trying to figure things out....

Superman thinks I should try to get my loads in early, and then pack a two week bag. That is not a bad idea because I could get in some serious quality time with ALL members of my family, but are they willing to feed me for 2 weeks??

Nothing is set in stone just yet, and the details are very sketchy. Hopefully there is actually more work available, but we do not know just yet. So, I quite possibly could be overreacting. but secretly, I am excited about the possibility of having so much time off, even if I do starve for a few days....

Really, Is It Too Much To Ask For??

Knock Knock

Who's There

Some more freaking issues.......

Could I have a side order of issues to go with that?

You know, this past week when I was visiting my Bro, he made the comment that He and I needed to get some issues, you know, being a smartass because ,basically ,well, neither of us have any devastating issues to dwell on....Or maybe he said he was thankful that we did not have issues..I don't remember his exact words but it involved ISSUES.....

Everybody has them....I guess.....But I don't want your issues. So when I started dating again, one of my deal breakers was that if your issues were larger then life, go seek therapy somewhere else. I reserve the right to counsel only those who I am close to, and am not taking any new patients at this time THANKYOUVERYMUCH !!

Well Surprise surprise surprise....... Superman has a little bit of MAJOR baggage...And actually, I am okay with it, if it is handled properly......



So, for now, I will step back and watch.... I may be disappointed in the long run, but I have dealt with disappointments in the past and am able to move forward with very little ISSUES. No, I am not saying that there is trouble in Paradise.. Um, maybe just a little red flag to be cautious for the next little bit... But the positive side is that he chose to be honest with me instead of hiding this, so I guess that should count for something

Frankly, the purpose of this post was to vent a little.... Is it too much to ask that I meet someone who is in a good place in their life.....I play therapist to a variety of people in my life and don't understand why it is that people seek me out to help them....Yes, I am friendly. Yes, I listen very well. Yes, I can give some good perspective....But back a few years ago when I needed a "friend", where was everybody? Huh? So, I just had to toughen up and move forward. Maybe that is why I have such good perspective, because I had to figure it all out by myself... Who knows....and I really don't mind helping others out with their problems. I am just feeling concerned for the issue at hand which does not even belong to me, nor did I ask for it.....

PSYCHIATRIST

The Doctor Is In

5 cents

Auburn 35.... Tennessee Tech 3.....

Just thought I would put together a quick recap of last weeks Big Adventure...





I was delighted to be invited by my SIL to join her at the Auburn University Homecoming. She was to perform with the Alumni Marching Band and needed someone to help out with the Bri-Baby.... Now, everyone knows how much I love Bri-Baby, so instantly I accept. As an added Bonus, Superman also loves college football and mentioned he would love to make the trip to see the game.





After an extremely long work week, Saturday finally arrives and I meet up with Superman. We set out to find SIL and Bri.





Okay, instead of a long narrative, I will just show the pics ......


We find SIL practicing with the Alumni Band

The Bri-Baby was happy to have the company! And YES, the diet obviously has been working.. How many of you could hide behind a seven year old and virtually disappear. Except of course, my big 80's hair!! hee hee hee. The first 15 minutes of our visit was spent sticking twigs into my hair and turning me into a reindeer... Ahhhh, Christmas is just around the corner!!

Here is a nice shot of the EAGLE....( War Eagle) who makes his flight through the stands during the pre-game festivities.

And have I ever told you how much I loves me a Marching Band.

The stands were actually pretty full later in the day... Um, this was homecoming, so alot of people were there just for that purpose, and well, since you don't play a team that can beat you during Homecoming, well, the game was not as thrilling as say... The Iron Bowl will be! I have got to get tickets to that game..... Hopefully next year!!

After hours of sitting in the blazing out sunshine, the stands began to empty out and we were finally able to find some shade... That is when Bri came alive. (Usually she is typically shy when it comes to strangers, but it did not seem to take too long to warm up to Superman. ) She even asked about him, when she noticed he was missing. Of course, I told Superman that he must have Bri's approval if I were to continue dating him....

Here is SIL sitting with the Alumni Band... She was actually quite a good distance away, but Superman has this awesome camera and I was delighted when he sent me this photo... It seems he was able to capture a few of SIL and well, since it was her moment... he thought she should have some pictures to commemorate it... I did not even know he had done it.. Once again, being so thoughtful, he has earned even more brownie points.

Oh yeah, did I mention the part where I was suppose to make sure Bri got a snack.. And I totally forgot! But of course, Superman remembered, and surprised us with drinks and huge pretzels.

Yeah, I know, I seem to be totally smitten with him and this was suppose to be a post about the Auburn Weekend. Okay, so I am a little distracted right now.... Let's hope the distraction continues.!!

Superman's Legacy

Among other assorted super powers, Superman has a very keen sense of hearing...Or maybe I should be amazed by his incredible memory skills.



During one of our first conversations we were discussing a wide variety of topics including types of favorite movies. Also in this conversation were topics based on what weird things we have or have not done.....Get your mind out of the gutter!!



My list included never having seen the movie ET. Never.



How unAmerican is that? A classic like ET.. Also I have never seen an entire Rocky movie...And I don't normally eat Apple Pie either...But I digress.



After weeks of phone calls and emails, Superman decides it it time we get together and he plans out an entire day of treats for me. Now you must remember the ET conversation took place 3 weeks before the date was planned.



The Big Day arrives and our first adventure includes a trip to the Huntsville Space and Rocket Center. I had never been, and it was quite lovely. I am not one to stare at displays and read all the fine print, but there were several interactive displays that were alot of fun, including climbing a rock wall.....

Yes, I made it to the top...

No, Superman did not!!

and why is there a rock wall at the Space and Rock et Center, anyways? We also enjoyed riding into the sky on the Space Shot, which lead us to a fun filled fabulous trip to Six Flags last week. However, we both forgot to bring cameras...



Afterwards we enjoyed a delicious meal and headed to his place to catch a viewing of.......



You Guessed It....



ET.... The Extra Terrestrial



Superman had to search 4 stores to find this film as it is no longer in high demand. Talk about making an effort... Awwww......



Next, we returned to The Space and Rocket Center to visit the Tunnels of Terror... This was about the cheesiest haunted house I have ever been to, but we had loads of fun scaring the other patrons and socializing with the spooks. We were actually invited to return next year and become a part of the act.....



Finally, we did a little star gazing of our own.... It was a wonderfully thought out first date centered entirely around the theme of Space and Aliens.... I can not believe how thoughtful Superman is....Most guys would have forgotten I even mentioned ET, much less planned an entire day around it!!

Punk'd

Last Thursday, while visiting the Bro and his Family I received a text message.

"Come and Save Me"

It was Bama Boy... Or as I shall dub him...... Superman. (Yes, there is a story behind that, but it is not mine to tell)

So a few minutes later Superman calls and begs me to come out and play. You see, he is sitting at a local bar with some friends and a local barfly has attached herself to his side. Superman is a very sociable type and does not like to be mean. He has given subtle hints and not so subtle hints that she is NOT going home with him, no matter how much cleavage she is showing. She won't take the hint.

"Come and Save ME"

After receiving directions, I head out. Superman calls again. This time he has a game he wants to play. He proceeds to explain the scenario.

" You come in and sit on the opposite side of the bar. Take your time and seduce me with your eyes, I will be drawn to you and surely she will get the idea, that I am not interested in her because apparently she can take no other hints, other than me walking away!"

Okay, I agree to play...... but not according to his terms.

Just before I enter the bar, I sent Superman a text saying that I have NEVER picked a man up in a bar, and that I was not going to start now. " Your on your own, Tiger" hee hee hee

I do as I was told. I sit opposite of his little entourage. I make eye contact with everyone. Everyone makes eye contact with me. A drink is sent over from a complete stranger and another takes a seat beside me. Just then Superman receives my text. He barely manages to stifle a laugh and looks at me with that very playful "oh, so you want play that way" look.

As, I am chatting up a few of the locals, I notice a slight commotion over at Supermans Group. A few laughs... An " I dare You" and so forth. Then he saunters over my way. As he sits down, he eyes are shining and he explains that he was just told that he did not stand a chance with me. His friends had noticed me instantly and made the comment. " She's Cute", as he chides in to agree, the drunk chic is getting a little upset because she is not the center of attention anymore. So with a touch of sarcasm, she makes the fatal bet. " Five Bucks says you can't get her number"

We continue to play strangers for the allotted amount of time stated in the bet. As time is counting down, he whispers "Kiss Me" when she calls time..... I did, he did...... There were shouts and clapping...... There was a visibly upset drunk chic leaving the bar.... and then there were introductions all around.

No one knew.... I mean NO ONE knew that I had already met Superman..... No one knew that we had been talking for a while.....No one knew that we were not complete strangers...

It took me a day or two to realize what exactly had just happened...

During one of conversations, I had mentioned that I would love to play a prank on a group of people, say for instance " The Diner Scene" from When A Man Loves a Woman, with Meg Ryan and Andy Garcia.

I had just about forgotten that I have ever mentioned it, when it dawned on me that....... Superman had just made that happen!!! He is very attentive to things I say, and I will clue you in on more activities......

Ughhhhh....... Time to make the donuts...........

Dating Update....

After culling B#1, out of curiosity, I decided to check out the Bachelors over in Bama, after all, that is where I am going to set up house next year.

So, I entered my Brothers Zip Code and had a sneak peek.. Not too much going on over that but there were a few good looking men and I read their profiles....

Now when someone visits your profile, you are notified in any sort of way, but you do have the option to see who has been viewing you...

I have had 4 men from Bama email me last week.....

One in particular struck my fancy, so I emailed him back... We have exchanged several emails, and have moved forward to phone conversations...

Next week is the Bri-Baby's birthday and the following week iMike is coming to town, so I will be heading over to Bama to see the kin folk..... I have received an invitation to meet for dinner while I am in town.... He also extended the invitation to include any family or friends I cared to bring with me...

See, the whole on-line dating sites are just full of deceptive people and he admitted to being very disappointed in the past. He figured, if I was not who I say I am, at least I would have family with me so I could have a good time, if he decided to cut and run.... ha ha ha...

You gotta love the honesty.....