the Woman's Financial Conference

I woke up around 4.started getting ready and was out the door by 6:20. The Moon was in the western sky and was just as beautiful as the night before. It was still dark when I got to Telka’s house but an hour later as we made our way through the Merritt parkway the sun was rising in the sky which made the surrounding trees look beautiful.

On the way to the convention Telka and I talked about club stuff and about Ted. The club stuff is Telka is interested in taking five girls and go on trip (that’s usually done through schools) and use it as community service. She is in the process of getting mrore information on and will send it to us via email. There are some international trips as well as one here in the states. It is something I am very interested in doing.

We got to the convention center a little after 7. We registered and got a “good bag” with things inside it including a book “The Power to Prosper” from the keynote speaker Michelle Singletary. We went to the various tables that were there to sponsor the conference and get information if we needed. There was a continental breakfast and then opening of the conference by the CEO of YWCA Hartford Region Debra Udall. She gave the history of, the programs available and encouraged all of us to join the YWCA.

After the welcome Denise Napier gave some remarks and thanked those involved and encouraged all members to be empowered. Then Michelle Singletary spoke. She was funny and enlightening and down to earth. At some points she spoke very quickly and I kept thinking Mom would not be able to hear very well.

After the opening of the conference it was the first break time for the morning and this time fruit and yogurt and power bars. I was very proud of myself for just having coffee and yogurt. The first set of work shops began at 11 I had .Making Debt and Credit Work for You
Understanding debt and the implications of your credit history can be overwhelming. This workshop will provide valuable information about credit history, different types of debt and how to borrow wisely. You will learn about options for starter credit and credit reestablishment. Information will be provided about different type of loans, loan structures, fixed and variable rates, credit cards and revolving credit. It was led by a non profit organization that helps clients with budgeting and other things that get them to better work with credit.

Telka had Getting Started in Investing
Learn the rules of the game, what to expect, and how to pick the right investments for your goals. Investment terminology and getting started in investing can be intimidating. This workshop will equip you with the terminology and empower you with the tools necessary to get started.

Around 12 we had another break. We compared notes but I couldn’t help but feel I didn’t get enough info. I wrote some notes and was given a handout about credit card laws.

The second set of workshops started around 12:45. I had The Basics of Money Management
Learn about how it all comes together. This workshop focuses on basic money management skills, setting goals, developing a spending plan, reducing expenses and debt reduction. Real examples will engage you and empower you to manage your household’s resources and achieve your financial goals. We were done by 1:45 pm I had to wait for Telka.

Telka had Protecting Your Assets
Learn how to protect your auto and property from the unexpected; from a hurricane to your dog biting a neighbor. .Auto, homeowners and personal liability insurance will be covered in detail. This workshop will answer questions such as: How much insurance is enough and how can you keep costs down? Do I need renter’s insurance? Does a higher deductible on my auto insurance make sense? How much liability insurance do I really need? What will happen to my rates if I file a claim?

After the conference we talked about coming back next year and bringing others with us. It will be the 10th year for this event ad I think it would be very good.

On the way home we talked about work, politics and various other things. I think it was nearly 3:15 when I got home. I wasn’t sure if Mom would be home from Torrington from the Father Whitson Dedication wing. I am not entirely sure what it was about. She didn’t get home until 5:30.

I spent the time eating a little bit as I didn’t eat much at the conference and I was watching the NCIS marathon. I ended up falling asleep (something I did a few times today)

I had toast, green peas, ice cream, and a couple of cheese slices. I really shouldn’t have had that because all day my arms hurt and ached. I was carrying around 2 bags and my pocketbook. I didn’t eat anything today that had salt or anything else.

Mom went to church and I continued to watch ncis and when she came home we talked a little bit about going to the credit union. She seems to think I should do something else. I didn’t want to get into it with her about it. She had dinner and I wasn’t hungry anymore.

Now there is about 2 hours left of today I might empty some more emails. The mailbox for my sbcglobal.net account is still not cooperating.

Should I be worried?

As many of you who have been following my blog might know I talked about doing my taxes and completing them by April 13, 2010. The state taxes were mailed on the 15th. On line there was a message it would be six or seven weeks before I would get the state taxes. As it is the 19th right now I am wondering if I need to be worried. I have been checking my account ever other day (don’t want to be anal about it) and there has not been anything. One of the thoughts I briefly entertained was maybe I will be audited?

Work went by quickly. I was able to get all the daily mail done and made progress with the readdress mail. Despite the fact I found a pile or two of Authorizations on my desk. OT was pretty funny. Joanie and I got really silly over a joke we told each other.

Mom was home and in her pajamas when I got home. She had been at a meeting for few hours today and had only been home a short time. She put the eggplant she prepared last night in the oven for our dinner. While we waited for the eggplant to cook she worked on the nominating speeches she will be giving tomorrow at the convention at city hall. As I am writing this she is continuing to work on them. She had to make some calls regarding an issue for one of her boards. It didn’t sound good but I am sure it will be resolved.

Tomorrow is pay day and bill paying day. I will be giving mom the money for the car repair from last month. She will be happy about that. While I am working Mom will be having lunch with the Knitwits and then getting ready for the convention. We decided that we would be going in separate cars as she didn’t want to go to Stonebridge after the convention. I don’t think I want to be staying all that long either as it is NCIS marathon night with USA and ION.

I finally made an appointment to get my hair done for Saturday. I wanted it for 3 pm but I got a call back on my phone asking if it would be better at 3:30. We played telephone tag.

I moved around some emails and I was going to stay up and do it but I am starting to get tired again so I think I will just head on to bed.

The Democratic Convention

Tonight is the Municipal Democratic Convention. It is my first one and it will be held at City Hall. Nominations and confirmation of our current slate which includes Kerri Rowland for Mayor will take place. This is my first one I believe.

It has been raining since 10 of 8. It had been very gray out this morning. It is supposed to rain for the next three days. It will be good for the flowers and grass and for the farming industry here in CT. Yes I realize that the farming industry in CT is very small but it still will help.

I had a very strange email today:


Hello,The following person would like to join the Kates_Diary group:Email address: hot_4_art Comment from user:no

Well I checked it out and I didn't accept that person. I didn't know who it was and I don't want anyone to cause problems. I hope I will not be sorry for this.

i got a couple of emails from Ray today...she was explaining the reason for the edited thread. It has to do with one fan club being referenced over another. I told her this "competitive fan club" bs has got to stop...

I shared those emails with Rhonda who seems to think that (and I tend to agree with her) that the Euro club feels they are superior and are putting Stripe in a difficult position. She reminded me Kevin wanted them to get to wrok and that I felt it wouldn't work. I haven't heard from her since I sent them to her maybe tomorrow.

I am so aggravated with myself and a forum on delphi I visited. I missed the "disclaimer" about being "if you are sensitive to"...The first part I read was about venting and expressing opinions. Well I had posted a comment about how they treated someone who was venting about the Commercial with Betty white and how she calls her animals Babies?

I was basically told I should have read the entire front page before jumping in. I mean how goddamned rude and obnoxious is that? I admitted I missed that part and I told them that I shouldn't have intruded. I also commented on how people dress up their animals and I find it retarded and the owner said I was offensive. Offensive? I think I had to edit my posts four different ways before posting. I also did post and I think someone may have read it.

I thought I was going crazy. Someone suggested I just leave instead of trying to change many people. I can tell you right now most of the people on that are incredibly stupid and assinine.
What owning a forum means you can say what ever the hell you like but no one else can? BS.

Well enough of that...on to the Convention

Mom and I left around 6:30 and headed to City Hall to find a spot close nough so that MOm wouldn't be hurting. We parked behind the apartment house across the street and walked to City Hall.

Many People were standing outside including CT Speake of the House Rep Jim Amann. He would be nominating Alan Jepson as City Clerk later on in the evening.

There was some business votes taken then presentation of the colors by the Boy Scouts and the guests marched in. All the normal stuff down at a local convention. Nomination speeches were given by a number of people for each of the major candidates. Mom was placed in the Constable position for the fourth..hehehe.. The Costal Chordsman provided entertainment.

We were home by 9:30.

Now that it is nearly midnight I am going to bed.