Beastly

Today, I decided to go to Brandon AMC and see the movie Beastly. I really debated with myself about seeing it, but I’m glad I did. In a way, even though there was a witch involved, it was about redemption and how people change. I didn’t recognize anyone in the movie except Peter Krause, Neil Patrick Harris and Mary-Kate Olson (she played the witch). The story revolves around a good-looking young man who has no use for ugly or unattractive people. He humiliates the witch who casts a spell on him and makes him hideous. He has one year to find someone who will love him in spite of his appearance. If he doesn’t, he’ll stay that way forever. You’ll have to see the movie to find out what happens.

Safety First

A friend forwarded the following e-mail:

On Wednesday, I approached my truck from the passenger side to place my computer bag (aka my man purse) in the front passenger seat. As I reached to open the door I noticed there was a hole right under my door handle.  My first thought was, "someone has shot my truck!"  I began to think about it and inspect it a little closer and the "light" slowly began to come on.

I phoned my friend who owns a body shop and asked if he had any vehicles with damage to the doors that looked like a bullet hole."Yes, I see it all the time.  Thieves have a punch and place it right under the door handle, knock a hole through, reach in and unlock it, just as if they have a key. No alarms, broken glass or anything.

I then placed a call to my insurance agent and explained it to him I was puzzled that they left my GPS and all other belongings.  Here is where it gets scary!

"Oh no, he said, they want the break-in to be so subtle that you don't even realize it. They look at your GPS to see where "home" is. Now they know what you drive, go to your home, and If your vehicle isn't there they assume you aren't and break in your home."

He says they will even leave a purse or wallet and only take one or two credit cards. By the time you realize there has been a theft, they may have already had a couple days or more to use them. I didn't realize my situation for two full days! They even give you the courtesy of re-locking your doors for you.

Periodically walk around your car, daily if you are in a shopping center or other parking area.

Well, I’ve taken another step closer to doing my income taxes. I’ve got the paperwork ready to enter in TurboTax. I am not looking forward to seeing how much money I will owe.

This evening, one of my neighbors was grilling some steaks or hamburgers and I decided it had been too long since I’d had a good steak. Karen and I decided to go to Outback. My cousin Richard was already on his way to the Sugar Shack in Zephyrhills for fish. Outback was swamped so we went to Cowboy Steakhouse at the corner of Rte 60 and Rte 39 in Plant City. They have great food. In a way, I’m kind of glad Outback was busy. I brought half of mt meal home with me.

Well, it’s getting late. Time to hit the hay and read a little before going to sleep.

Until next time…