Spend Where It Counts

I’ve mentioned previously about my beloved dog, Henry, an 8 pound poodle Maltese mix. He is such an adorable dog. When I first got him, around five months ago, I decided that I needed to be creative when I could not spend lots of money on doggie things. Owning a pet can be quite expensive, so I’ve looked for ways that I can save money or not spend any and all and still provide the stuff Henry needs. When I adopted him from the shelter, they gave me a leash that does not require a collar. I thought we needed to buy him a collar and leash set, but it actually works better to use the leash they gave me.

Henry on his pillow bed.

Right away I knew he would need a bed, but I couldn’t afford one yet, so I used a cardboard box with a couple of layers of towels for padding. He loved it! After couple of months I decided that he needed something bigger, but I still didn’t want to spend $15-$20 on a dog bed. I was at Walmart one day and found they had sleeping pillows on sale for $2.50. It was just the right size and he thinks it’s heaven.

Certainly, I do spend money on Henry when it’s necessary. He eats a high quality dog food and I have him groomed every couple months. I like to save money on things that I can be creative with.

Tools for Life’s Little Struggles

My husband received a package in the mail a couple of weeks ago. I thought it was strange that he was trying to open it with a dinner knife. Then the other day he was trying to open a package for some item he bought at the store. It was one of those clear plastic packages that are nearly impossible to open. He was trying to use a steak knife on it. And then it dawned on me… There has to be a better way to deal with these difficult boxes and packages. So for Christmas he’s probably going to receive a utility knife. I think he’ll find it easier to open packages and boxes. I’ll make sure it’s in his Christmas stocking so he can use it to open all of the other gifts.

Legalities and Such

San Diego was my home for about 20 years before I moved to Scottsdale to be with Norm when we got married. I miss San Diego and the friends I left behind. A few weeks ago I was catching up with one of my San Diego friends via the Internet. She had been looking for a new job for couple of years and finally found one late last year. She really likes her employer and the work she does for her clients as a caregiver.

As a caregiver, my friend has become close to one of her clients and they’ve even gone out to eat as families together at the client’s invitation. There’s a new HR person at the office and this person has laid down some rules at work. Now my friend has learned that she is not allowed to have her children around clients. Of course she doesn’t bring her children to work, but feels fine socializing after work hours or on nonwork days with her client and her family. The new HR person says this is strictly forbidden.

My friend is concerned that she might lose her job over something she does on her days off. I suggested she talk to an attorney. I’ve scoured the Internet and sent her an e-mail recently saying click here for San Diego employment attorney. Hopefully, she will get some great advice on what to do. Personally I don’t think an employer can tell you what you cannot do on your time off. But, I’m not an attorney so, I don’t want to give erroneous advice.

Are Watches Retro?

Lately I’ve noticed that people look at their cell phones to note the time. Remember when people used to wear watches? It seems to me that looking at your wristwatch is a lot quicker than pulling your cell phone out of your pocket or purse just to note the time.

With all the bling that you see on cell phone cases, I still think there’s nothing better than a beautiful wristwatch, such as a Bulova watch, to adorn your wrist. Maybe it’s retro or maybe it’s just classic, it’s certainly more practical.

ADA Bathroom Fail

Last week I was out for dinner with my husband. There was a handicap accessible restroom in the building, although it was not part of the restaurant we were at. This restroom was for visitors to the shopping center. It was a single stall restroom for male or female use. It was roomy and had grab bars near the toilet and a wheelchair accessible sink. The only problem was the mirror positioned above the sink. As you can see from my photo the mirror is too high for a person seated in a wheelchair to see their face, let alone any other part of their body. I wonder who the genius is who thought this would actually be a wheelchair accessible height for the mirror?and look at those

supposedly handicap accessible bathroom

And just look at position of the soap dispenser and paper towels. Out of reach for many of us shorter wheelchair users. I guess architects and designers think that those of us in wheelchairs don’t need paper towels, soap or a quick view of our hair and makeup when we use the public restroom.