SarahB sent me a cd of her favorite Jerry Herman songs and I've been listening to it the last few days. The song that stands out above them all is Angela Lansbury singing "It's Today" from Mame. It's such a great, happy song celebrating the awesomeness of today. It doesn't have to be a holiday or a birthday to celebrate; just celebrate because IT IS TODAY!
A pirated vid from the '83 revival:
Original Broadway Cast Recording:
There's a "thank you" you can give life,
If you live life all the way.
Pull the stops out,
Hold the roof down,
Fellows watch out,
It's today.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Bea Arthur night at JR's
When I'm hanging with Torrey, it's usually ladies choice, so he chose JR's. Every Monday night JR's blasts show tunes from various plasma flat screens positioned throughout the two-story bar. Monday night was Bea Arthur night in honor of her passing. Interspersed with the regular show tunes were clips featuring the ever-recgonizable and talented Arthur. We were there long enough for two renditions of The Golden Girls theme, one duet between Arthur and Lucille Ball singing "Bossom Buddies" from Mame, several talk show appearances and five other show tunes.
I made my own video just to capture the mood in JR's. Nothing like a bunch of queens singing along to show tunes to honor one of their favorite performers.
A better quality (video and performance-wise) of Bea Arthur singing "Bosom Buddies" with Angela Lansbury.
And because Sam (CT Sam) and I vowed to move to Florida in our twilight years, here's the theme song from The Golden Girls.
I made my own video just to capture the mood in JR's. Nothing like a bunch of queens singing along to show tunes to honor one of their favorite performers.
A better quality (video and performance-wise) of Bea Arthur singing "Bosom Buddies" with Angela Lansbury.
And because Sam (CT Sam) and I vowed to move to Florida in our twilight years, here's the theme song from The Golden Girls.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
The Border For Dummies - National Post article
The Border for DummiesNational Post editorial board
National Post Published: Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Can someone please tell us how U. S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano got her job? She appears to be about as knowledgeable about border issues as a late-night radio call-in yahoo.
In an interview broadcast Monday on the CBC, Ms. Napolitano attempted to justify her call for stricter border security on the premise that "suspected or known terrorists" have entered the U. S. across the Canadian border, including the perpetrators of the 9/11 attack.
All the 9/11 terrorists, of course, entered the United States directly from overseas. The notion that some arrived via Canada is a myth that briefly popped up in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, and was then quickly debunked.
Informed of her error, Ms. Napolitano blustered: "I can't talk to that. I can talk about the future. And here's the future. The future is we have borders."
Just what does that mean, exactly?
Just a few weeks ago, Ms. Napolitano equated Canada's border to Mexico's, suggesting they deserved the same treatment. Mexico is engulfed in a drug war that left more than 5,000 dead last year, and which is spawning a spillover kidnapping epidemic in Arizona. So many Mexicans enter the United States illegally that a multi-billion-dollar barrier has been built from Texas to California to keep them out.
In Canada, on the other hand, the main problem is congestion resulting from cross-border trade. Not quite the same thing, is it?
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Root, Root, Root for the Home Team!
Let's start with this:
Despite the cheering of their fans, the Phillies were never able to muster up enough awesomeness to catch the Nats. They got real close before the Presidents Race in the 5th inning, but weren't able to take that momentum into a lead. The score at this point is 3-2.
Quick sidebar to discuss the Presidents Race. Teddy NEVER wins! NEVER!!! Tonight wasn't any different. Abe was declared the winner, but after reviewing tapes of the race, Thomas was declared the winner by a nose. He tripped (or did Abe trip him???) and his nose hit the tape before Abe crossed the line.
Although, I would like to say that I'm a little disappointed that my man Lastings Milledge has betrayed me. I was a big supporter of him as #44, but he's scrapped that now and sporting #85. Alright then, I'm buying Christian Guzman's jersey Lastings. What do you think of that?! Actually, I'll probably get a Milledge jersey too. It's just such a cool name and he's one of the Nats better (in my opinion) players.
Can't wait for more games!
My first game of the season was a good one! Minerva and I missed all the beginning stuff - the National Anthem, the throwing of the pitch, and the first three runs scored by the Nats. When we got to our seats (directly behind the left field foul pole) I figured the Phillies would catch up pretty fast. I mean, they did win the World Series after all.
Despite the cheering of their fans, the Phillies were never able to muster up enough awesomeness to catch the Nats. They got real close before the Presidents Race in the 5th inning, but weren't able to take that momentum into a lead. The score at this point is 3-2.Quick sidebar to discuss the Presidents Race. Teddy NEVER wins! NEVER!!! Tonight wasn't any different. Abe was declared the winner, but after reviewing tapes of the race, Thomas was declared the winner by a nose. He tripped (or did Abe trip him???) and his nose hit the tape before Abe crossed the line. Back to the game. In the 7th and 8th innings, the Nats really hit their stride. Many of the players were making good contact with bat and ball, and we got a couple of homers out of the deal. Screech came up to our section to hang for a bit. It was good times!
Although, I would like to say that I'm a little disappointed that my man Lastings Milledge has betrayed me. I was a big supporter of him as #44, but he's scrapped that now and sporting #85. Alright then, I'm buying Christian Guzman's jersey Lastings. What do you think of that?! Actually, I'll probably get a Milledge jersey too. It's just such a cool name and he's one of the Nats better (in my opinion) players.
Can't wait for more games!Baseball Season Opens Today (For Me)
The Washington Nationals kicked off their season Monday afternoon at 3:00. All my baseball buddies were working so I didn't go. Last night's game was cancelled and I was doing taxes anyway. But game on tonight!
Nats season opener 4/2008
They're playing the Phillies so I don't hold much hope for a win. But it's baseball and I love hitting up a live game and just relaxing with no worries for three hours. The world just seems to slow down a bit. I'll also be keeping my eyes on the Presidents race. Here's hoping Teddy can end his losing streak...
Nats season opener 4/2008In Under the Wire
Nothing like the government breathing down your neck to really motivate you. In at 10:20 and out at 12:56, I officially became one of THOSE people. I'd like to say never again, but why make a promise I probably can't keep?
I still haven't decided what's a more hostile line to be in - the post office at 10:00pm on April 15th with people begrudgingly handing money over to the IRS, or opera fanatics waiting 5 hours for $20 orchestra tickets (reg price $80-300) for a sold out Renee Fleming performance. I suppose I'm beginning to make standing in line into an art form. This experience doesn't rank very high on the list. A smelly post office and the man behind me constantly encroaching on my space made for a less than enjoyable experience. Plus my departing gift was only a receipt and not a ticket stub to a game or concert. Oh well, score one for the IRS.
I'm sure you can put two and two together. If not, then you must not know what day it is.
I still haven't decided what's a more hostile line to be in - the post office at 10:00pm on April 15th with people begrudgingly handing money over to the IRS, or opera fanatics waiting 5 hours for $20 orchestra tickets (reg price $80-300) for a sold out Renee Fleming performance. I suppose I'm beginning to make standing in line into an art form. This experience doesn't rank very high on the list. A smelly post office and the man behind me constantly encroaching on my space made for a less than enjoyable experience. Plus my departing gift was only a receipt and not a ticket stub to a game or concert. Oh well, score one for the IRS.Picture above - the crowd at 11:55 at the Massachussetts Ave Post Office. Picture above right - a line of postal trucks waiting to take the last minute tax forms to their final destination.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Double Epiphany
So I talked to my mom the other day about my breakthrough in fitted sheet folding. Well, she one-up'd me. My epiphany only went so far as folding two seperate corners into each other. My mom's had all the corners coming into one. I was mesmerized by this further discovery.Here's a how-to video in case you haven't been enlightened on the art of fitted sheet folding. Go forth and conquer your laundry!
My mom apologized for failing me in the fitted sheet department and said I probably didn't remember "hospital corners." "Hospital corners?! NO!" I exclaimed. Expect a definition soon because I'm super intrigued...
Photo credit: http://shoeshe.wordpress.com/2008/06/16/help/
A Little Saturday Afternoon Philosophizing
"Mountains should be climbed with as little effort as possible and without desire. The reality of your own nature should determine the speed. If you become restless, speed up. If you become winded, slow down. You climb the mountain in an equilibrium between restlessness and exhaustion. Then, when you're no longer thinking ahead, each footstep isn't just a means to an end but a unique event in itself. This leaf has jagged edges. This rocks looks loose. From this place the snow is less visible, even though closer. These are things you should notice anyway. To live only for some future goal is shallow. It's the sides of the mountain which sustain life, not the top. Here's where things grow."But of course, without the top you can't have any sides. It's the top that defines the sides. So on we go...we have a long way...no hurry...just one step after the next...with a little Chauteauqua for entertainment. ...Mental reflection is so much more interesting than TV it's a shame more people don't switch over to it. They probably think what they hear is unimportant but it never is." - Robert M. Pirsig, ZEN and the ART of MOTORCYLCE MAINTENANCE
When you're riding (or passenging on) a motorcycle, sometimes you've got nothing to do but entertain your thoughts. When you're on a motorcycle for a really long time, sometimes those entertained thoughts get really deep. That's this book in a nutshell. I was a little weary at first, but it sucked me in. Because I've definitely been there and have entertained those thoughts...
Image of Robert M. Pirsig courtesy of http://www.insidesuccessradio.com/
Friday, April 3, 2009
Epiphany
After 25 years, I have finally learned how to adequately fold a fitted sheet so that it doesn't look like a clumped up pile of mess. I did it twice today.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Urban Dare: BECAUSE WE CAN - Not Revisited
Last year, Mel and I participated in Urban Dare, "the adventure race that's part photo hunt, part trivia, and part DARES." We decided that since we did a lot of things just because we could, we would be team BECAUSE WE CAN. We surprised ourselves by finishing in 17th place out of just over 100 teams with a time hovering above two hours. It was one of the best times we had and a great way to learn and see the city.
I am sad to report that we will not be participating in the Dare this year. Mel will be in Arizona that weekend and I'm traveling to Boston for a Renee Fleming recital (not a total loss:). I strongly suggest checking their website to see if a Dare is coming to a city near you. I guarantee you'll have a great time. In the meantime, I'll see if I can talk my mom in doing Urban Dare: Las Vegas in October...
Check out the Urban Dare Blog for pictures and results from prior Dares.
I just learned how to hyperlink so my apologies for getting a little hyperlink happy in my posts.
I am sad to report that we will not be participating in the Dare this year. Mel will be in Arizona that weekend and I'm traveling to Boston for a Renee Fleming recital (not a total loss:). I strongly suggest checking their website to see if a Dare is coming to a city near you. I guarantee you'll have a great time. In the meantime, I'll see if I can talk my mom in doing Urban Dare: Las Vegas in October...
Check out the Urban Dare Blog for pictures and results from prior Dares.
I just learned how to hyperlink so my apologies for getting a little hyperlink happy in my posts.
On second thought...
So I had a chat with Better Judgement yesterday and Reasoning eventually joined in on the conversation. I drafted an email probably in the heat of the moment, but Better Judgement told me to sit on it. After sharing my thoughts in bible study and a good nights rest I decided not to send this email:
It's unfortunate that you've been cold all winter long - I suppose some people are just predispositioned to be colder than others...
I'm not going to throw around trite apologies that I don't mean, but I will say that I did not intend for my stance to come off as "take it or leave it" as you put it. I mentioned in my previous email that I'm willing to compromise, and I think I've excercised that by running the heat on Monday until I went to bed, and again last night (Tuesday) when it ran until I turned it off before bed. I also said that if there's a concensus, I'll romp around in shorts and lighter t-shirts so that I will be comfortable if the heat must continue to run. I'm a little disappointed that you are not also making a concerted effort to compromise just because you assume that I've presented a "take it or leave it" stance. Again, and in case you missed it the first time, I'M WILLING TO COMPROMISE.
"The change" was implemented when you were gone, yes. But that's also b/c there was a change in the weather - kind of makes sense in my rationale. Unfortunately, you happened to have been away, but you're here now, so let's be open to discussion instead of cutting it off just b/c you were not present when we started leaving the heat off. And for the record, I don't think it was really a "decision" rather than just a natural reaction to the closer balance of inside/outside temps.
Run the numbers if you want. That's not that big of a deal to me. The deal is that the heater isn't necessary (from my stance) anymore.
Let's not get deffensive. Let's not be irrational. Let's be open to compromise. Again, I'm pretty go w/ the flow, but I can't be expected to compromise if you're unrelenting in your stance.
Better Judgement told me not to send that email. Instead, I took the high road and sent this one:
I just want to make sure that you understand that a "change" was not purposely implemented when you were gone or that it was a decision made behind your back. Rather it was more a natural reaction over the past couple of weeks to the closer balance of the inside/outside temps and the heat not being necessary to those of us who were here.
That being said, with time to consider the situation I have realized that I was a bit insensitive to your needs and desire to feel comfortable in the house. For that, I offer a sincere apology. In our discussion on Monday evening and subsequent emails, I had not meant to present a "take it or leave it" stance - that was never my intentions. I truly am willing to compromise on this issue. Shoot, if you're cold, run the heat for a bit in the evening. Let it take the chill out of the air. Our windows aren't positioned the best to catch the sun's warming rays, so yeah, it can be a little cool in here.
I don't want to write this email out like I'm giving you permission to run the heat - that's not the tone I intend. I'm just stating that I've realized that we all do have a right to feel comfortable in the house, and if you're cold and need to run the heat in order to reach a level of comfort, I won't let that bother me.
So again, I truly am sorry for not taking into account your need to feel comfortable in this house. I offer the peace pipe. :)
I'm also including a response my aunt sent me on my previous post. She sure has a way of getting to the humor in stuff:
Here we are in utah. our heat was at 68. never more all winter and now that the day temp is 60 it is off totally. As when you grew up the living room has blankies available for me or kids. I agree with you there. Also point in fact, an overly warm house is not healthy. On the other hand if you go visit your cuz Chris, you will encounter the heat on still at probably 80 plus, He is a little snake. That being said, this seems to be getting a little out of control, the old question is will all this matter in 5 years. Maybe in the ozone, but not in you life or #5 or #2 probably. Maybe a better argument is Who ate the last of the chocolate!?!?! I know you can be the better non argumentative person and start wearing your shorts and tanktop. Then you and Better Judgement can sit down to tea with The Better Person and Good Behavior. Love ya lots, Auntie
Now that this situation is hopefully all taken care of, Better Judgement, Reasoning, Better Person, Good Behavior and I are going to sit down to that chocolate. And I will have the last piece.
It's unfortunate that you've been cold all winter long - I suppose some people are just predispositioned to be colder than others...
I'm not going to throw around trite apologies that I don't mean, but I will say that I did not intend for my stance to come off as "take it or leave it" as you put it. I mentioned in my previous email that I'm willing to compromise, and I think I've excercised that by running the heat on Monday until I went to bed, and again last night (Tuesday) when it ran until I turned it off before bed. I also said that if there's a concensus, I'll romp around in shorts and lighter t-shirts so that I will be comfortable if the heat must continue to run. I'm a little disappointed that you are not also making a concerted effort to compromise just because you assume that I've presented a "take it or leave it" stance. Again, and in case you missed it the first time, I'M WILLING TO COMPROMISE.
"The change" was implemented when you were gone, yes. But that's also b/c there was a change in the weather - kind of makes sense in my rationale. Unfortunately, you happened to have been away, but you're here now, so let's be open to discussion instead of cutting it off just b/c you were not present when we started leaving the heat off. And for the record, I don't think it was really a "decision" rather than just a natural reaction to the closer balance of inside/outside temps.
Run the numbers if you want. That's not that big of a deal to me. The deal is that the heater isn't necessary (from my stance) anymore.
Let's not get deffensive. Let's not be irrational. Let's be open to compromise. Again, I'm pretty go w/ the flow, but I can't be expected to compromise if you're unrelenting in your stance.
Better Judgement told me not to send that email. Instead, I took the high road and sent this one:
I just want to make sure that you understand that a "change" was not purposely implemented when you were gone or that it was a decision made behind your back. Rather it was more a natural reaction over the past couple of weeks to the closer balance of the inside/outside temps and the heat not being necessary to those of us who were here.
That being said, with time to consider the situation I have realized that I was a bit insensitive to your needs and desire to feel comfortable in the house. For that, I offer a sincere apology. In our discussion on Monday evening and subsequent emails, I had not meant to present a "take it or leave it" stance - that was never my intentions. I truly am willing to compromise on this issue. Shoot, if you're cold, run the heat for a bit in the evening. Let it take the chill out of the air. Our windows aren't positioned the best to catch the sun's warming rays, so yeah, it can be a little cool in here.
I don't want to write this email out like I'm giving you permission to run the heat - that's not the tone I intend. I'm just stating that I've realized that we all do have a right to feel comfortable in the house, and if you're cold and need to run the heat in order to reach a level of comfort, I won't let that bother me.
So again, I truly am sorry for not taking into account your need to feel comfortable in this house. I offer the peace pipe. :)
I'm also including a response my aunt sent me on my previous post. She sure has a way of getting to the humor in stuff:
Here we are in utah. our heat was at 68. never more all winter and now that the day temp is 60 it is off totally. As when you grew up the living room has blankies available for me or kids. I agree with you there. Also point in fact, an overly warm house is not healthy. On the other hand if you go visit your cuz Chris, you will encounter the heat on still at probably 80 plus, He is a little snake. That being said, this seems to be getting a little out of control, the old question is will all this matter in 5 years. Maybe in the ozone, but not in you life or #5 or #2 probably. Maybe a better argument is Who ate the last of the chocolate!?!?! I know you can be the better non argumentative person and start wearing your shorts and tanktop. Then you and Better Judgement can sit down to tea with The Better Person and Good Behavior. Love ya lots, Auntie
Now that this situation is hopefully all taken care of, Better Judgement, Reasoning, Better Person, Good Behavior and I are going to sit down to that chocolate. And I will have the last piece.
Let's Go Fly a Kite
If you'll recall, Mel and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at last year's Cherry Blossom Kite Festival. This year's kite festival was last weekend and was a bust of sorts since it was dreary and rainy all day. Instead of having a pity party over the washed up festival, we decided to have our own: The 1st Annual 317 1/2 unofficial Cherry Blossom Kite Festival Spectacle and Picnic.So if you're in DC, come on down to the Mall on Saturday with your kite and a picnic. It's sure to be a high flying good time!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
It's getting hot in here...
...and it's not because of the heater!
Because I feel like being passive aggressive and airing our dirty laundry for the world wide web to see, I'm posting an email chain. Better Judgement tells me I ought not to, but Better Judgement also tells me I shouldn't smack the girl. So if Better Judgement is making me chose, I'll refrain from smacking her.
And really, you all are going to get bored w/ this, but I need an outlet to vent. I'll probably take this down in a day or two anyways...Better Judgement will probably get the best of me.
Email #1 (her typing errors went untouched and aside from mine, names are not included)
Hi ladies,
Per a discussion Chelsea and I had last night about the heater, I just to check in about what all of you thought:
Chelsea has expressed quite strongly that she does not want to run the heater any more. I think it's a good idea to focus on conserving energy (for cost as well as environmental reasons!); however, I do not think it's reasonable to not run the heater when it is in the mid-40s outside (check out the weather online: highs in the low 60s, lows in the low-40s). When we're not home, I think we should leave the heater off, and in the evenings, I think it's fine to turn it down.
But until it becomes nicer outside, I think it's perfectly reasonable to set the thermostat at an appropriate level (previously we had settled on 70; we can talk about whether it makes sense to change this). I do not think it is reasonable to demand that I huddle under a down blanket, with an extra sweatshirt, especially when I pay nearly $900 a month.
True, running the heater does increase our utilities some. Of course, so does running the air conditioner in the summer. (And to be honest, I usually find our house far too cold in the summer...so I pay a premium during those months to live with you all who like the house colder). Finally, I can run the numbers, but I will assure you that running the heater adds only marginally to our monthly utility cost- $20 per month per person at most. You can tell me if I'm wrong, but I would venture that each one of us easily spends that on a single dinner or two out in a given month.
-5th Roommate
Email #2
Obviously we know where I stand on this.
The temperature outside is warming up, and the house no longer seems (at least to me) to be cold. Perhaps there are evenings when there is a little chill in the air, but that warrants a sweater, not the heater - at least, that's how we did it when I grew up.
The lows are listed to represent when the temperature is at its lowest, generally in the middle of the night. I've never woken up cold, not even during the winter months. If anyone is still cold during the night, I'd suggest an extra blanket. I've already put away my flannel sheets and folded up my extra quilt so if anyone is cold and needs an extra quilt, I've got one.
I don't think that when you came upstairs the other night that 2nd Roommate and I were implying that you should "huddle under a down blanket." That suggestion was meant for when you're sleeping if you're still cold. The sweater suggestion is legitimate. I find the amount you pay in rent to be irrelevant to this argument unless you're implying that since you pay more your say should count as more...???
I don't want to seem difficult and come off as stubborn and unrelenting. I am willing to compromise and I feel like I'm pretty go-with-the-flow in most regards, but if it's just one person who is feeling the chill, I don't find it necessary to run the heat in the entire house. Turn a space heater on, or use one of the throws if you're in the living room, etc. Perhaps I'm blessed w/ more body fat and don't get as cold as others, but that's where I stand. If others are still cold and insist upon running the heat, then I suppose I'll start wearing shorts around the house so we can run the heater... But it's upper 50's to low 60's out. That's pretty darn good weather.
And since you brought up the air conditioner, I can withstand the heat and don't need it icebox cold in the house. I'm w/ you on that one.
Chelsea
Email #3
5th Roommate,
I don't want you to think we are bullying up on you but I would have to agree with Chelsea on the heater. The heater was off all last week and the house was fine. I think I was cold maybe one of the evenings but I just put an extra sweatshirt and wool socks on and I was fine. Maybe you could just try for a while putting an extra layer or putting a throw blanket over your lap. If you are still unreasonably cold then we could reaccess the situation with the heater. I would like to cut back on costs and conserve on energy as much as possible. Even if it is only a difference in $20 a month I could use that money toward buying groceries. Honestly I find it pretty rediculous to be paying close to $800 to share a bedroom. The cost of utilities are out of control.
I also have fleese sheets that I dont use as well as an extra down blanket it you would like to borrow them.
2nd Roommate
Email #4
I will get back to you on this, once I'm home and can run the numbers as to exactly how much extra we're paying in utilities because of the gas. I will affirm my point however: that we ALL agreed that 70 was a reasonable place to set the thermostat. I think that's a reasonable point to operate on until we ALL decide that it should be changed.
Sorry.
As far as an extra fleece and sweater- when you talked to me, Chelsea, I WAS wearing a sweater...I feel like it's unreasonable to bundle up to all levels in the house. I have been cold all winter, even running my space heater.
I'm not saying that because I pay $900 a month my 'say' should count more. What I'm saying is that I think we are ALL paying in to have a house and experience that we can live with. I don't think it's fair because a few of you have decided that you like the house colder that you make me change something that we had already agreed upon. I think it's particularly egregious because you simply used the time I was out of town to implement it, and then inform me when I return that I had better live with it.
2nd Roommate, as far as spending an extra $20 on groceries....I recognize that finances are tight for all of us right now. But I have always believed these things are about budgeting. We all are spending money, every month: whether that be on eating out, more expensive groceries, money to put toward summer trips, clothes, or etc. I can venture to say that $20 per month is a drop in the budget bucket for anyone making more than $20,000 per year.
Part of living in a house means sharing utility expenses. I wasn't here last week, so I didn't use any of the utilities. Does that mean that I should only pay 3/4 of the utility bill next month? No, of course not, because being part of a house means sharing the expense of shared usage...some of us are here more during the day, some of use more or less lights, water, heating, etc. I would hope that in the end of the day it all evens out, or at the very minimum is no longer an issue for us.
(On the note of electricity: If we want to conserve energy, I suggest we turn out the lights we're not using I am constantly (and by constantly, I mean at least 5-7 times every day), turning out unneeded hall lights to the upstairs, from the downstairs entryway, etc.)
Finally, I would say that I would have been willing to work with you on this. But the way the change was implemented ('take it or leave it") was inconsiderate, compels me to stick by my position until we ALL agree on a better compromise.
Sorry.
(That was from 5th Roommate)
End email chain
(I haven't drafted my response yet. Better Judgement tells me to sleep on it. And I've got bible study tonight so maybe I could pray to God to warm her internal temperature...and maybe her heart too...)
Back me up on this Mom! It's upper 50's to lower 60's during the day and dips to the 40's at night. Is that cold??? I mean really? Does that warrant the heater being ran at 70 degrees? Am I being unreasonable? And Mom, what do you have on the couch in case we get cold? It's a blanket, am I right? What do you set your thermostat at? And don't you turn it way down or totally off at night when we're all sleeping under our covers? If you were in my position, wouldn't you have it off by now? It's April! Spring sprung two weeks ago. The temperature of the house right now at 5:00pm on a cloudy day is 68 degrees. Isn't that comfortable? Mom, one last question, what was the temperature outside when you stopped running the heater? Yeah different climates and locations and all, but it's all relative.
If 5th Roommate thinks she's cold here, I'd like to see if she could survive a Flagstaff winter at Charlotte's house. Thermostat was set at 50 during the night and never went above 68. And we're talking real winters with snow and everything.
Now that that's off my chest, I'm going to have a chat w/ Better Judgement.
Because I feel like being passive aggressive and airing our dirty laundry for the world wide web to see, I'm posting an email chain. Better Judgement tells me I ought not to, but Better Judgement also tells me I shouldn't smack the girl. So if Better Judgement is making me chose, I'll refrain from smacking her.
And really, you all are going to get bored w/ this, but I need an outlet to vent. I'll probably take this down in a day or two anyways...Better Judgement will probably get the best of me.
Email #1 (her typing errors went untouched and aside from mine, names are not included)
Hi ladies,
Per a discussion Chelsea and I had last night about the heater, I just to check in about what all of you thought:
Chelsea has expressed quite strongly that she does not want to run the heater any more. I think it's a good idea to focus on conserving energy (for cost as well as environmental reasons!); however, I do not think it's reasonable to not run the heater when it is in the mid-40s outside (check out the weather online: highs in the low 60s, lows in the low-40s). When we're not home, I think we should leave the heater off, and in the evenings, I think it's fine to turn it down.
But until it becomes nicer outside, I think it's perfectly reasonable to set the thermostat at an appropriate level (previously we had settled on 70; we can talk about whether it makes sense to change this). I do not think it is reasonable to demand that I huddle under a down blanket, with an extra sweatshirt, especially when I pay nearly $900 a month.
True, running the heater does increase our utilities some. Of course, so does running the air conditioner in the summer. (And to be honest, I usually find our house far too cold in the summer...so I pay a premium during those months to live with you all who like the house colder). Finally, I can run the numbers, but I will assure you that running the heater adds only marginally to our monthly utility cost- $20 per month per person at most. You can tell me if I'm wrong, but I would venture that each one of us easily spends that on a single dinner or two out in a given month.
-5th Roommate
Email #2
Obviously we know where I stand on this.
The temperature outside is warming up, and the house no longer seems (at least to me) to be cold. Perhaps there are evenings when there is a little chill in the air, but that warrants a sweater, not the heater - at least, that's how we did it when I grew up.
The lows are listed to represent when the temperature is at its lowest, generally in the middle of the night. I've never woken up cold, not even during the winter months. If anyone is still cold during the night, I'd suggest an extra blanket. I've already put away my flannel sheets and folded up my extra quilt so if anyone is cold and needs an extra quilt, I've got one.
I don't think that when you came upstairs the other night that 2nd Roommate and I were implying that you should "huddle under a down blanket." That suggestion was meant for when you're sleeping if you're still cold. The sweater suggestion is legitimate. I find the amount you pay in rent to be irrelevant to this argument unless you're implying that since you pay more your say should count as more...???
I don't want to seem difficult and come off as stubborn and unrelenting. I am willing to compromise and I feel like I'm pretty go-with-the-flow in most regards, but if it's just one person who is feeling the chill, I don't find it necessary to run the heat in the entire house. Turn a space heater on, or use one of the throws if you're in the living room, etc. Perhaps I'm blessed w/ more body fat and don't get as cold as others, but that's where I stand. If others are still cold and insist upon running the heat, then I suppose I'll start wearing shorts around the house so we can run the heater... But it's upper 50's to low 60's out. That's pretty darn good weather.
And since you brought up the air conditioner, I can withstand the heat and don't need it icebox cold in the house. I'm w/ you on that one.
Chelsea
Email #3
5th Roommate,
I don't want you to think we are bullying up on you but I would have to agree with Chelsea on the heater. The heater was off all last week and the house was fine. I think I was cold maybe one of the evenings but I just put an extra sweatshirt and wool socks on and I was fine. Maybe you could just try for a while putting an extra layer or putting a throw blanket over your lap. If you are still unreasonably cold then we could reaccess the situation with the heater. I would like to cut back on costs and conserve on energy as much as possible. Even if it is only a difference in $20 a month I could use that money toward buying groceries. Honestly I find it pretty rediculous to be paying close to $800 to share a bedroom. The cost of utilities are out of control.
I also have fleese sheets that I dont use as well as an extra down blanket it you would like to borrow them.
2nd Roommate
Email #4
I will get back to you on this, once I'm home and can run the numbers as to exactly how much extra we're paying in utilities because of the gas. I will affirm my point however: that we ALL agreed that 70 was a reasonable place to set the thermostat. I think that's a reasonable point to operate on until we ALL decide that it should be changed.
Sorry.
As far as an extra fleece and sweater- when you talked to me, Chelsea, I WAS wearing a sweater...I feel like it's unreasonable to bundle up to all levels in the house. I have been cold all winter, even running my space heater.
I'm not saying that because I pay $900 a month my 'say' should count more. What I'm saying is that I think we are ALL paying in to have a house and experience that we can live with. I don't think it's fair because a few of you have decided that you like the house colder that you make me change something that we had already agreed upon. I think it's particularly egregious because you simply used the time I was out of town to implement it, and then inform me when I return that I had better live with it.
2nd Roommate, as far as spending an extra $20 on groceries....I recognize that finances are tight for all of us right now. But I have always believed these things are about budgeting. We all are spending money, every month: whether that be on eating out, more expensive groceries, money to put toward summer trips, clothes, or etc. I can venture to say that $20 per month is a drop in the budget bucket for anyone making more than $20,000 per year.
Part of living in a house means sharing utility expenses. I wasn't here last week, so I didn't use any of the utilities. Does that mean that I should only pay 3/4 of the utility bill next month? No, of course not, because being part of a house means sharing the expense of shared usage...some of us are here more during the day, some of use more or less lights, water, heating, etc. I would hope that in the end of the day it all evens out, or at the very minimum is no longer an issue for us.
(On the note of electricity: If we want to conserve energy, I suggest we turn out the lights we're not using I am constantly (and by constantly, I mean at least 5-7 times every day), turning out unneeded hall lights to the upstairs, from the downstairs entryway, etc.)
Finally, I would say that I would have been willing to work with you on this. But the way the change was implemented ('take it or leave it") was inconsiderate, compels me to stick by my position until we ALL agree on a better compromise.
Sorry.
(That was from 5th Roommate)
End email chain
(I haven't drafted my response yet. Better Judgement tells me to sleep on it. And I've got bible study tonight so maybe I could pray to God to warm her internal temperature...and maybe her heart too...)
Back me up on this Mom! It's upper 50's to lower 60's during the day and dips to the 40's at night. Is that cold??? I mean really? Does that warrant the heater being ran at 70 degrees? Am I being unreasonable? And Mom, what do you have on the couch in case we get cold? It's a blanket, am I right? What do you set your thermostat at? And don't you turn it way down or totally off at night when we're all sleeping under our covers? If you were in my position, wouldn't you have it off by now? It's April! Spring sprung two weeks ago. The temperature of the house right now at 5:00pm on a cloudy day is 68 degrees. Isn't that comfortable? Mom, one last question, what was the temperature outside when you stopped running the heater? Yeah different climates and locations and all, but it's all relative.
If 5th Roommate thinks she's cold here, I'd like to see if she could survive a Flagstaff winter at Charlotte's house. Thermostat was set at 50 during the night and never went above 68. And we're talking real winters with snow and everything.
Now that that's off my chest, I'm going to have a chat w/ Better Judgement.
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