Deep Thoughts

These two consumed my life for a while (3 years to be exact). They still do but in a different way now.

Nothing had more of an impact on how I feel about losing my Nana than seeing the pictures with the kids. This one in particular because the three of us spent so much time together. Nana and Hailey spent a lot of time in that chair. Hailey would "read" to Nana and Nana would look at the pictures and ask her what everything was. All the kids adored her. Didn't we all? 

This is just a sample of the great grand children. I have been going back and forth with a cousin from Maine trying to keep track of this family. She had: 

11 grandchildren 14 great grand children and 11 great great grandchildren!  

Bernice A. Woodman

May 27, 1917 Kingston, Nova Scotia, Canada

October 5, 2014 Ramona, California, USA

AKA Nana
AKA Bunny
AKA Auntie Bernice
AKA Honey Bunny
AKA Mum

Nana 2014

I went through her stuff today. It was difficult. I have attempted it a few times in the past 18 months. I tried this morning and walked away from it. I went to see her and brought a few of her favorite shirts. I called my dad. Then I came back home and started in on it again. I've packed what I feel I can part with. It's ready to go out into the world and be part of someone else's life. I stored some stuff in my closet that I cannot part with yet. Chris, Casie or Hailey might have to deal with it someday, lol.

She will most likely be moving soon (again). She's... we've been very happy with her stay at Ramona Senior Manor. Tough part is the money is running out and she needs to be moved to a place that will take MediCal. She's been approved now we just have to wait for a bed. This will not be an easy move since the care won't be as good.

TIMELINE:
Feb 5, 2013 Nana most likely suffered a stroke. She spent 4 days in Pomerado Hospital.
Feb 8, 2013 Nana was moved to a Skilled Nursing Facility in Escondido and stayed for about a month. They tried to get he to walk again and feed herself.
March 4, 2013 Nana moved to Grace Manor in Poway.
May 10, 2013 Nana moved to Ramona Senior Manor.
June 2013 Nana was put on hospice care.

It's difficult to go and see her now. I used to go almost every day. Since January when life got busy again I was lucky to see her once a week. Now I force myself to go. She's lost a lot of weight and she sleeps most of the time. I know she is well taken care of. The move to another facility will put her at least 30 mins away. She never wanted to live like this. I sometimes wish and I tell her in my mind that it's ok to go now. She's done her job here and she can leave us. I just don't want her to be anywhere else living just an existence. I fear the worst for her care and I know she will go down hill fast. I don't want her to go like that. If she could just go now peacefully and happy since she is so cared for and loved by the people she has been around for more than a year. Maybe I'm being selfish but I know she didn't want to live like this.

Nana

Sometime in the night on August 5th Nana fell to the floor in her living room. She spent the night there. She didn't have her alert pendant on. Luckily someone was scheduled to check in on her in the morning and bring her medication. The staff worked quickly to get her cleaned up and dressed and assessed there were no injuries. Dad was called and brought up to speed on what was going on. She was later brought down to lunch where she admitted to not knowing what to do and not knowing how to eat. Obviously her night on the floor left her disoriented. Dad had e-mailed all of us to let us know what was going on. He got a call a couple of hours later and they let him know she was very confused and they had moved her to the 2nd floor to keep a better eye on her.

Later that afternoon (Mon) Darryl and I went down to see for ourselves how she was doing. She was very confused and her mobility had been limited to a wheel chair. We checked on her apartment and saw the room she would be staying in. We brought her into the dining room on the 2nd floor where I urged her to sit with 3 other ladies. Introductions were made and she made a meal decision and we left.

Dad went down to see her on Tuesday. He got to see how she was getting along and we later met for dinner to discuss Nana and how we all felt. Chris and the kids joined us. We ate at Bite of Boston, a new place that has whole belly fried clams. I think we were all kind of in a state of shock coming to terms with Nana getting slower and possibly having to stay on the 2nd floor.

The 2nd floor is an assisted living situation and most of the residents have a genuine fear of having to live there. It's not quite a hospital room environment but it smells like one. There are caregivers there that assist with everything including getting out of bed in the morning, getting dressed, going to the bathroom, getting you to activities and meals and getting you ready for bed. The fear stems from giving up their independence. If you are strong enough mentally and physically you can basically go about your day but if you really have a need to get where you are going you are pretty much stationed on the 2nd floor and can't go anywhere else unless someone can take you.

Wednesday Hailey and I went and had lunch with Nana which meant she got to eat in the dining room on the first floor. Her friends were glad to see her and were genuinely concerned since she was traveling by wheel chair. She was doing a little better but still having trouble finding most words to have a steady conversation.

It was decided on Tuesday the 14th that Nana would be staying on the 2nd floor. She would stay in the apartment she was in but move to the other room because it was bigger. There is a chance that sometime in the future she could have a roommate. This is very upsetting to her. They would be sharing a bathroom and kitchenette area. The people at Redwood are working with us and are very understanding of Nana's needs and will not place anyone there if they can help it. I had lunch with Nana on Wednesday and I did some measuring to see how things would fit. I sat with her for about an hour and just listened to her talk. I felt compelled to record her at one point and did so for about 30 mins. I think there were several topics strung together throughout. Dad spent a lot of time packing and moving things Thursday. We were all there on Friday to assist with the big move. Her bed a dresser and all of her lamps, desk, TV, chair and viewer were brought up. Dad unpacked the kitchen and I did all of her clothes and desk stuff. Darryl did the running back and forth making sure we had everything she needed. I made some bold, less is more decisions, hoping that out of sight would mean out of mind. Just keeping everything for clothing that she is used to having around. So far so good.

Eric, Yolanda and the kids came down on Saturday and were able to visit with her for a bit. (Which she is still talking about) They were able to give us insight as to how she felt the move went. Of course she was upset. Enough said. (except to say that I had winter and summer clothing mixed together, how dare I?)

Eric, Yolanda, Dad and the kids stopped in again on Tuesday on their way back from Mexico. Nana was trying to walk again. The walker had been brought up!

Hailey and I went to see her on Wednesday for lunch. She was walking with her walker, but very slowly. The slowest ever. We made it to the 1st floor for lunch and she got to visit with some friends she hand't seen in a while. We had a good visit. We also got to see a lady steal food from the cafeteria. She was told she couldn't take food at lunch since it's a buffet and you can eat as much as you want. She wrapped up her muffin and blueberry pie and stowed it in her walker anyway and high tailed it out of there. Well, as fast as you can go on a four wheeled walker with a folding seat.

Today I went to pack the remaining things from her kitchen and living room that need to be moved back to Dads. Not much left to move but Darryl and Ken are going to move it all with the box truck tomorrow. I was able to have lunch with her today and reassure her that some other things were getting taken care of. She did get pretty upset today when I told her she couldn't have her computer chair back. (It does't have arms and it wobbles because we had to take the wheels off) She even teared up at one point. So hard to give up your independence and be told what you can and can't do.

For the most part I think she's getting better and will have a pretty good time on the 2nd floor. She has a lot less to worry about and she's getting to all of her activities on time. She was walking much better today and I told her she seemed faster. Someone else told her they thought she was standing up straighter.

Now you are up to speed regarding Nana.

Today was a good day. Got up around 7am after a semi-restless night's sleep. There was a small earth quake at 3:28am and I couldn't get back to sleep until after 4:30. Went for a hike to Cedar Creek with Darryl, Scott and Mike as well as Molly and Bandit. Dino didn't get to go. He just had a bath and there's a baby on the way. We went to work after that.


We stopped in to see Nanni on the way down to Bonita. She had her evaluation for a Board and Care on Monday and should be moving there on Wednesday. She seemed tired and had trouble talking (she has a cold), but she seemed to be doing well.

Today marks the first Monday we didn't have to go to Poway to check on the store. It felt eerily weird. There was no second box of things to bring from Bonita.

I was going through some old ramblings from October and thought I'd share them here. I do mean rambling. This has been quite the roller coaster ride trying to decide if we should close the Poway store and be able to maintain business as usual. Please keep that in mind while you read the rest of this.

It's called Death of a Friend

I should have gone for a run this morning, but every move I make feels like I’m gasping for breath.

I started running again in October 2009. 20 years after I stopped. I felt I needed to do something about my waistline and my peace of mind. Things have been failing for a while and I felt if I could just have control of one thing. It would make my body and mind feel better.

I started Jazzercise in August of 2010. Not my thing and totally out of character for me. Brenda, my neighbor is a good friend and talked me into it. It’s a good workout.

This has been one of the most stressful things I have gone through in my life. I have had anxiety before, but nothing compares to the dread and feeling of not knowing what comes next…

Dream’s dying is like a part of you being ripped from your body. Reading someone else's positive quotes is a jolt. It wakes you up and then throws you down on the pavement, helping you to remember that everything around you is falling apart. Like you’re being flushed down a toilet and there’s no way of grasping at the sides to save yourself.

You feel like the world and everyone in it is out to get you. Like everyone wants you to fail. Every little thing is magnified, from the smallest bill to the largest. They are all LARGE at the moment.

There are moments when everything feels like it’s going to be ok. It’s the moments when you forget what turmoil you are truly in. You feel happy and carefree for a while, and then reality sets in. There’s work to be done, a deadline to meet, a phone call to answer.

You try to be nice, but people are people. They just can’t seem to get out of their own way. Why can’t I get past the fact that no one reads, no one comprehends, no one wants to do it themselves. They want to be told what to do. I’m not a salesman. I’m just a person that loves what I do and wants them to love it too. Why can’t you listen to me when I’m talking? You asked me, I’m answering you and you’re also answering yourself. Why did you call me?

I love waking up when I want. I still wake up earlier than most people. I love morning. I love getting a workout over at the beginning of a day. It sets you up for the rest of the day. You’re awake and alive! It just feels good. I don’t want someone to tell me I have to get up and be somewhere at a certain time. That takes the magic away, seeing the sun rise, seeing the sun set on your own time, that’s priceless. Spending time with the ones you love, being able to reach out and touch them whenever you want, that’s priceless.

Telling friends and family you may have failed. GUT WRENCHING! You’ve tried everything, put off stuff, cut back, and sacrificed, to no avail. The economy has drained everything. You feel like you may was well be taking your last breaths.

It feels like majority in this case does not rule. We are the innocent bystanders in this terrible accident that we may or may not have helped to create, but are nonetheless the victims.

I am in my 40’s and looking for a job. Is this the way things are supposed to go? Shouldn’t I be looking forward to retirement? Not looking at where I might be able to get money to pay my next mortgage? We did the right thing. We paid our debt down, only had one open credit card, and didn’t keep a lot open to chance. Is that why we survived longer then some?

It’s easy to point a finger. Blame someone else for your problems. Is this really our fault? Did we keep interest rates low? Did we keep 0% financing on the table too long and offer it to too many? Did we fix the numbers when things were starting to look bleak? Hindsight is 20/20, but those of us in the expendable cash industry saw this coming two years before the government would let anyone else see it. The banks should have been punished, not given a bail out. They should have been held accountable for throwing not only this country, but the world into financial turmoil. Lending money to people who are high risk is their fault. They were supposed to be the educated ones. They were supposed to keep us safe from ourselves.

We did the right thing and now we are screwed. Who’s going to bail us out? We are! We don’t want your hand out! We want a hand up though. Give me a hand; help me up while I’m down here drowning in your cesspool of lies and corruption. We don’t want to drown in your filth. We want to be able to rise up and swim over it into our own new world. Free of your greed and hatred toward those that can do things the right way. Get out of my way! We want to live again! We want to live again!

Sad Day x 2

Today Darryl, Brian and I cleared out the Poway store. We took all the merchandise out and spread it to El Cajon and Bonita. It only took an hour and a half to pack it up. It took 3 hours after that to sort it all out. We are going to get creative at Bonita with the back wall. Look out South Bay you are going to have some killer air soft and tactical gear. El Cajon got a bunch of new stuff too and the guys (Zach and Curtis) were working hard to rearrange things up front and organize the gear a little better. It was weird to pull into the parking lot at Poway at the end of the day and see the store so empty.

The fixtures and pictures at Poway will be taken down tonight. Art and Joe will be doing the heavy lifting. The pictures will be put up at El Cajon and if you would like any, Brian and I are sorting them out, so let us know.

When we got home we had a call from Jen, Darryl's sister. There was a meeting with the care staff where Nanni is and things are not improving. Nanni will need full time long term care. Uncle Billy will be flying out on Monday. This is such a sad time right now. It is hard for all of us to come to terms with how Nanni is doing and what she needs.


Nanni is on the left, Nana on the right
This is from Thanksgiving.

Nana talked to Uncle Jim today and he suggested she talk to the nurses on the 2nd floor (Skilled Nursing/Assisted Living) There might be a meeting tomorrow to discuss her doing exercising or other things she can do to keep her going. Updates later...

Sad Day

12/29/10

Today is a sad day. We will be closing one of our stores this weekend. We tried to stick it out through this recession. Which by no means is over no matter what media and economists say. Just because the bank bail out worked for the government doesn’t mean it worked for the people of this country. Just because the numbers “look good” doesn’t mean things are good. A great number and growing number of people are still out of work. I would like to know why they think “90,000 people back to work every month in the private sector” is so significant. Maybe because they like to throw numbers around and make them sound important.

We have three stores and a park where people play paintball. For over 2 years now the park has been holding everything together. It can no longer withstand the amount of debt the three stores pile onto it. It has been a tough decision. It effects more than us. It affects our employees and their families. Some of these guys have been with us for so long they are like part of our family. We know they have seen it coming. They are the ones working the sales and seeing what little is coming in.

So today we had to tell Brian that his last day at Poway is Friday. We of course discussed keeping him on at one of the other stores and giving him jobs at the field when they are available. It’s just not enough. He was our biggest concern when deciding all of this. He’s one of our best employees. He’s very reliable and we rely on him a lot. He took on a lot of responsibility at the store and took much of the burden of running it off our shoulders. We waited so long to tell him so it wouldn’t ruin his Christmas. We were also hoping for a miracle that never came.

Why do people claim they want good service, but continue to shop for the best price and turn away from the best service? We actually offer better prices and better service than they can find elsewhere as well as other incentives to buying our products. We’ve used all social media possible to make sure they know this, but people still think they are getting a better deal at box stores. Then they whine about having to pay us to fix their problem marker or install accessories because the box store has no actual knowledge of the product they sold them. At least they sought us out and we get to educate another person on quality and performance. Hopefully they stick with us and can afford to continue playing.

We’ve lost many players to the economy. They themselves losing jobs and having to cut back. Entertainment is the first thing to go when you are trying to save money. I know this first hand. We haven’t taken a real vacation in over 6 years. That was our entertainment. Whatever time off we could get was spent traveling. The most traveling we do now is to Yosemite once a year and this year it might not happen. Keeping our house would be sweet victory through this economic downturn. We’re not big spenders as it is. We never went for extravagance. Maybe that’s why we lasted so long. It’s almost like we can see the light at the end of the tunnel, if we can just make it a little further, things will be ok.

What's it going to take?

Every other month or so we have to sit on the phone and give feedback to manufacturer/distributor's in the industry. We tell them again and again what works and what doesn't and what we think needs to improve. We've been dead on with predicting what's going to happen when things aren't ethically business savvy. Yet, even though these people ask our opinion they don't listen or they react to slowly to the problem.

We sat down in September with some retailers and the BIG BOSS of a major manufacturer/distributor so they could get a feel for how we felt about how things were going and what they could do to help. Since then we feel as if it was a meeting to justify what they already knew and went ahead and gave the box stores more product to sell. They also gave the box stores space on the website we had to BEG for even though we've been doing business with them for over 16 years.

In the last 2 months we've seen the box stores selling paintballs for $30/case that are knockoffs of brands we sell at $50 and $60 per case. While all along the same distributors want us to raise our per case price. Makes us think they don't understand how their tactics effect the entire industry. Once again it brings me back to the manufacturer/distributor not knowing who the customer is. Roughly 80% of the market right now is new players. They are going to shop for the most inexpensive way to play the sport whether or not the product is in fact good. Half of those people will quit playing after the 2nd or 3rd time because the cheap marker or the cheap paint they bought isn't working like they thought it would. The other half hopefully goes to a reputable field or store where the inconsistencies are explained to them and they get educated that you can't short cut your self on quality if you want to have a good time.

Retailers who specialize in paintball are getting the shaft. We're the ones who can sell your product with complete confidence the customer knows what they bought as well as service your product if something should go wrong. Since 2005 manufacturers have taken retailers for granted. Not just the economy has played a roll in the dwindling numbers in paintball players. It's simple, if you sell something that has a specific niche, you need to support it. While box stores might be able to move a ton of product, is it reflective of the numbers actually playing and continuing to play the game?

Store/Field owners who actually care about staying in business and not just making a quick buck care about customer satisfaction and whether they come back to play or purchase. Just drawing people in should not be the end of the road. You need to nurture them. Give them a reason to come back or at least a reason to recommend a friend try it out. Growing the sport is the only way it will survive and become a legitimate sport/activity. The word is out, people know what paintball is or they have at least heard of it. Keep them coming.

I am sitting here downloading pictures from today and thinking about how a status update sometimes just isn't enough. We've had a great Christmas with lots of laughter, good food, good conversation and fun. We've also tried to make the best of an uncomfortable situation.

We have had much to deal with in the last week. Nanni fell on Tuesday afternoon after the annual "Generation Tea" with Maureen, Jen, Lauren and Skip. She spent two nights in the hospital and will most likely never return to her own home. She is very weak and is sleeping a lot. We are all doing what we can to help out, but it will be a difficult change for everyone.

Tonight just as we were winding down at Maureen and Skip's I got a call from Nana that she had fallen and hit her head. I stayed on the phone with her until my Uncle Jim arrived to asses her and decide whether she needed medical attention. This put the whole family on alert. Uncle Jim called and said she was fine and that the nurses would be checking in on her every couple of hours. I am anxiously waiting for her call in the morning.

There is much to think about and much to do in the upcoming weeks to make sure our Nana's are cared for and will be comfortable with whatever time they have left with us. We have reached a point where we need to make decisions for them. Not a thing anyone wants to deal with.

It's tough to get old. It's tough to watch someone get old. It's tough to come to terms with our responsibilities for each other as we get older. Each life has been a heck of a trip and it's difficult to watch as memories slide away, strength dwindles, movements are slower and cognition wanes. There's a lot of love in this family and we will help each other through the latest that has been thrust upon us.

Dear Paintball Industry

This letter is to inform the paintball industry that it is March. For most of the U.S. this means it is winter. This winter has seen lots of snow. Yet the powers that be still keep most of their inventory on the east coast. While those of us on the west coast are in the middle of the best part of our year. Your warehouses on the west coast are empty at this time of year, year after year, but for some reason this does not tip anyone off to do anything about it. You force us to go with other companies who can get us product in a timely manner and then you wonder why we don't do business with you. We are in the worst economic down turn and paintball has been hit hardest of all. Why you continue to do things that do not work for your business or that of your industry is unfathomable.

Wake up! Manage your selves better. Don't tell me to forecast my orders better for better lead time. YOU should be doing that. Your ware house is empty! Doesn't that mean you moved product faster here than on the east coast?!

XETV: Meals & Steals

XETV: Meals & Steals

We went on San Diego Living today and plugged Velocity Paintball Park. San Diego 6 is doing great things for the community and local businesses. Meals and Steals was a perfect fit for us and we got a 5 minute segment to talk about the park. It was fun to walk through the studio and see Marc and Lynda from the morning show. Everyone at San Diego 6 was very nice and we hope they will take our hints and get Ruben out to the Park to play some paintball. Having him up to the field would be a lot of fun.

There's a Lizard in the House!

We were getting ready to take Nana for her hair appointment.
Well, scratch that I was reading Twitter updates when Darryl came in and said, "Don't you have to get Nana to her appointment?"
So I jumped up and hollered for Hailey to come in and get her hair and teeth brushed and told Nana to get in the car. (It takes her a while to get anywhere these days) When I had Hailey done with hair and teeth she ran to the car and Uncle Darryl was helpful and put her in the car while I went back for phones, keys, notebook, iPod, and pen. As I reached for all of these things a lizard was climbing down the side of the door. The door was open and Molly was on her way in. She didn't see the lizard, but the lizard saw her and dove for the floor inside the house. It then proceeded to run under the table through my legs and into the hallway under one of Molly's toys. I tried to get it to go back to the door when Darryl came around the corner and scared it into the living room and under the coffee table. He was looking for something to catch it in when we think it disappeared under the couch. We were already running late so I left it up to Darryl to find the thing and irradicate it.

In the car
I decide to tell nana and Hailey that there is a lizard in the house. Nana doesn't have her hearing aides in since she is going to have her hair done, so I know I have to yell.
"There's a lizard in the house!"
No repsonse
"Can you hear me?"
Hailey: "What?"
"There's a lizard in the house!"
Nana turns her head my way.
Hailey: "What?"
"THERE'S...A...LIZARD...IN...THE...HOUSE!"
Nana looks as though she understands now.
Hailey: "Oh, you have to get it out"
Hailey rambles on for a few more lines about Uncle Darryl getting the lizard out of the house...
Nana: "Is that one of the dogs?"
Me: "WHAT?!" "NO, THERE'S A LIZARD IN THE HOUSE!"
Nana: "Oh, I didn't hear what you said"
Me: *&$%* *&$# (under my breath) "Why didn't you just say what?"

Anyway, that's a conversation just about every day...

I found the lizard today and shooed it outside.
I didn't tell anyone about it. Until now. :)

Lasagne LOADED

I have to make this at least every other month and since all of the main ingredients were on sale this week. It was demanded of me. We will be eating this for dinner tonight.

The stuff that's in it:
Italian Sausage(5 links)
2 Gourmet Italian flavored hamburgers(Stater Bros makes them)
Mushrooms
2 Jars Prego Roasted Garlic Parmesan (their BEST yet)
Barilla no boil Lasagne
Ricotta Cheese
Mozarella Cheese
4 cheese Mexican blend(just for the top, because you can never have enough cheese)

Cedar Creek

Just a small 2 and half hour hike to get the morning started.
I'm not sure what the distance is, but it's a HUGE downhill to get to the creek and then you have to climb back out. Some areas are 45 degrees. It's tough.

Molly had a blast and really wanted to jump into the water when we got the the falls. She wasn't sure how to go about it and we coaxed her in at a shallow part. It was pretty hilarious watching her bounce around.



It was our test for Yosemite. I have a long way to go for the steep parts. I've really got to get my legs back.

25 Random Things About Me

1. I love trying new microbrews
2. I’ll never say no to taking care of my sibling’s offspring.
3. I found and married the love of my life. The wait was well worth it.
4. I love hiking with my dad and Darryl in Yosemite, it is my release from reality.




5. We have everyone at our house for Christmas Eve, every year we add someone new. This year it was my cousin Troy his wife Caroline and the kids. I hope they come back.




6. I miss my stepfather very much. My brother and I agree he was the only “real” parent we ever had.
7. I wasn’t sure about living in California when I first came here. It seems to agree with me now. I can’t imagine shoveling snow or having to get up and go out into single digit weather. I can’t believe I used to walk to school with wet hair and Nike’s.
8. Almost every pair of shoes I own is New Balance.
9. I love my sister with all my heart and we’ve only fought one time in our lives. Strange, but true.
10. I love to take pictures. I have two portable hard drives and BOXES of pictures I’ve taken over the years. Beware; you could be in one of those boxes.
11. iPod amazes me, what will they think of next?
12. I am pretty laid back most of the time and generally kind and courteous, unless of course you have crossed me in some way. Then you probably think I am a “royal bitch”. I was called that just two weeks ago. Turns out the guy never even visited our establishment, “no we don’t have your ID”, and at least he apologized.
13. I do not subscribe to the theory that there is no such thing as a stupid question.
14. I answer our reservation line 12 hrs a day 7 days a week. (See #13)
15. I can never say no to chocolate.
16. I have run the LA Marathon 4 times.
17. I have driven across the country and back 7 times.
18. I have been to every state except Alaska, Hawaii, North Dakota and West Virginia.
19. I’ve been to Fiji, Australia and Ireland and highly recommend all three.
20. I used to have to have socks on my feet at all times, just in the last two years I have gone barefoot most of the day.
21. I watch all of my TV shows on DVR. I can’t stand to watch them in real time. Plus the phone usually rings. It takes me about 3 hrs to watch a 90 min movie.
(My hubby helped me with the last 4)
22. I drive a Subaru Baja.
23. I don’t like to repeat myself.
24. I like to cook and bake.
25. I love my Molly Girl!! (She’s our black lab)

re⋅spon⋅si⋅bil⋅i⋅ty

[ri-spon-suh-bil-i-tee]
1. the state or fact of being responsible.
2. an instance of being responsible: The responsibility for this mess is yours!
3. a particular burden of obligation upon one who is responsible: the responsibilities of authority.
4. a person or thing for which one is responsible: A child is a responsibility to its parents.
5. reliability or dependability, esp. in meeting debts or payments.
—Idiom
6. on one's own responsibility, on one's own initiative or authority: He changed the order on his own responsibility.

SECURITY DEPOSIT
A security deposit in the form of a drivers license, active military ID or a major credit card is required from each person renting equipment. Security deposits will be returned only when all equipment rented is returned or payment has been made for lost, damaged or stolen equipment.

At our place of business the above mentioned items are required. First that you are responsible and then that you leave a security deposit to show that you are responsible.

Today we had a situation where the responsible party for the group of underage children left his ID for the equipment they were using. At the end of the day instead of having each child and person who had equipment return it as it was given to them, the responsible person brought EVERYTHING up to the office in the back of his car. We checked it in one set at a time. Turning over each rental agreement as the equipment was handed over. At the end there was still one set not accounted for since we still had one rental agreement left and no equipment for it... The argument ensued. We were wrong for handing the equipment to the kids and not the adults, we were wrong and not everyone got equipment, there's no way they were missing anything, they handed it all in. They were right, not everyone rented equipment, we had a record of that as well, so please tell me why I only have 13 sets instead of the 14 that were handed out? It went back and forth for a while. I let my ladies handle it for about 10 mins. Then I stepped in . I don't do confrontation to well, I yell, especially when I KNOW we are right. We keep track of EVERYTHING and we have a system. Since they didn't follow the system I think they expected us to make a mistake. We did not. It ended with them paying money and me walking off in the direction of the last field they played, since the lost equipment was IMPORTANT to me. I did manage to find the pods that were missing from another set that wasn't complete. I checked two more fields while my ladies collected the payment for the lost equipment. I didn't find the missing marker or goggles, but I am sure they will turn up. They always do...
What really makes me mad is the fact that they did not feel the least bit responsible for what had happened. They didn't give the kids any responsibility either. They didn't bother to look for anything. They figured it was our mistake and only our mistake and they didn't need to take any responsibility for anything that was missing. They even accused us of not giving them all of the equipment at the beginning of the day. Each person hands us a waiver and we mark down on that waiver what they rent, so when they turn it in we know what to get back from them. Since they turned it all in in one big pile it was difficult for them to see how we were counting it all and accounting for what was on all of the waivers. This fact they were arguing over and over instead of looking for the missing equipment. This happens often, but most people will go and look for it and find whatever is missing in a back seat or trunk. These people didn't bother at all. Well, now they are out $250+. I guess their pride in being right was worth more that that. I can't believe what they are teaching their children. Something so simple. Responsibility.

Just had to share the beautiful day in the neighborhood. What great weather we're having in January!

Makin' Cookies!

I have some time this morning since Hailey is home with her daddy waiting for an inspection on the most expensive garage in existence. (Another rant on that later)
I am making Gingerbread People(very PC)and Nutmeg Meltaways.



Bagging some up for the guys at DYE

Immigration

I have wanted to sit down and write what I know and how I feel about the Immigration policy here in the US. What I am really going to do is paint a picture of what really happens to people trying to become citizens of the US. Whether we have a set of rules to follow or not, it never happens that way with anything we do here. We might be living in a free society, but nothing is free and if there is a price, is it possible to know what that is? Before we spend months and years talking to several different people or agencies who all have a different answer and view of how the process works whether it be getting a permit for a building on your property or a green card.
Yes, I am taking it personally. It is personal. It is my family. Those of you that know me know that family comes first and my family will do just about anything to protect each other and those associated with us. THANKS to all of you that wrote declarations for Eric and Yolanda and signed petitions. I think that is what really brought this to a quick close. It's been 3 months, but that is quick in US visa land. We were given nightmare scenarios and told stories that would make your head spin. Why and how could certain people be denied with the true hardship they were going through? I'll tell you why, they didn't have enough people behind them, not enough voices coming from their corner. It takes people. You cannot do anything in this world alone. There is always someone else that had some influence as to why a person has overcome an adversity.
Eric and Yolanda fell in love, the state of California allowed them to get married, right here in the US! The US government gave Yolanda a work permit and Social Security Card. The state of California gave Yolanda a drivers license. She was allowed to pay taxes a mortgage and property taxes. She and Eric have two beautiful children. She's covered under Eric and her own insurance from their place of employment. Yet, every time she applied for citizenship she was denied. Eric and Yolanda hired lawyers to help. Did you know there are lawyers out here and I'm sure in other states as well that take advantage of people like my brother and sister-in-law? They took the money and ran. Not literally, they just continue to take money and give bad advice over and over until people can no longer pay. The last bit of advice was to go to the US Consulate in Juarez, Mx and appeal in person for citizenship. Juarez has been described to me as a place where "they kill women for sport." The appeal was denied Eric, James, Analy and Yolanda drove through northern Mexico back to the west coast and the Baja Peninsula to find a place for Yolanda and Analy to live. Yolanda was forced to live in Mexico, separated from her family. They found a "safe" place, surrounded by other people in the same predicament. All of this was happening at a time when unrest at the border is at an all time high. Every morning we sat through(and continue to)news about bodies being found in TJ. Headless bodies and the innocent victims caught in the crossfire of the drug war and corrupt government officials. I agree citizenship should not be given away, but at least have the process make sense. Forcing people to live apart from their families is not a good punishment. You end up punishing the innocent victims. Victims who are legal citizens of the US. James was being forced to live without his mother. He was starting to act out in school. Don't get me started on the public school system out here. This was a very stressful situation. A situation that would have negative consequences and could end up costing taxpayers more money (another tangent on social programs here in the US). So here we were, Yolanda in Mexico with Analy. Who can afford daycare on top of just losing the second income in the family and now having to pay rent on another residence? Eric and James at home and traveling back to Mexico every weekend so they could all spend as much time together as possible.
There are good lawyers out there, like the ones recommended this last time. That is how you find the good ones. Someone has to have a good experience, get good counsel and a good outcome. Then their name is passed on. They actually care whether or not you get what you are looking for and give good advice. "Get as many signatures and declarations as you can." "Do you make regular contributions to any charities?" "Do you have family photos? Get them together the more group shots the better." Yolanda's stack of paperwork going into that hearing must have been the largest of the day and it could have been larger. We take lots of pictures and I'm a sucker to take those group shots. Christmas, Boston, Yosemite, Easter, birthdays, 4th of July you name it I've got a picture of it. We had to prove that we are indeed a family and Yolanda wasn't out to scam her way into a green card. She's been here 13 years! Why would she have to scam anyone? She could have kept her mouth shut but she wanted to be a citizen like the rest of her family. I can't tell you how happy we all are that we will all be together on Christmas Eve. Christmas came early this year, thanks to all of you that stood up for what was right!

The Industry has been Assbackwards from the getgo

I read an article lately in a popular paintball magazine about the future of paintball. It said that it talked to experts in the field on their views of where paintball was going. The “experts” were mostly pro players. I didn’t see any leading manufacturers or leading retail owners in that article. I think maybe the only “experts” that could shed any light on this subject are those of us in the trenches, local retail store owners, people that have stores and fields totally devoted to paintball.
The latest developments in the economy came as no shock to us. We have seen a decrease in numbers of players and consumers for over a year now, almost two years. The hard fact is that manufacturers have lost site of who the customer is. We are losing sales and repeat business to the lack of low end markers and accessories. There is too much concentration on a high end marker or mid grade marker that can shoot more paint. The new player needs to be able to buy the old reliable markers that have very little maintenance and would last forever. If they are really serious about the game they will see the next level of marker and have something they can give to a friend to try and get another person to play the game.
Another development is the sales from manufacturers directly to teams that have not shown any promise in representing their product positively or otherwise. Manufacturers sell their product to the “teams” and then the teams turn around and sell to their friends and neighbors leaving the retail owners scratching their heads as to why they are not able to move the latest and greatest. It’s because someone was able to get it for a better price before the retailer can even get it in their store. Stop giving product away, maybe then we can sell it for you the way it was intended and adhere to the so called MAP pricing.
If you put sales back in the hands of the retail stores who have long supported you and the sport of paintball we will show you good times again. Listen to us when you ask us what moves and what doesn’t. Listen to us when we tell you what kind of customers there are out there. Make teams and others looking for sponsorship packages earn it. Let the local retail shops offer your packages to the teams and customers. We know who is a legitimate team in our area and who is not.
Why is there a need to re-make your markers every year? Every year you make adjustments and new cuts in the body to try and sell the same marker. This also has clouded the market. Markers have seen 5 and 6 owners before the year is even up. More and more people trade or upgrade to new markers this way and retailers once again lose a sale. Lately the mid grade markers have become too costly. You add to many accessories to the finished product and retailers lose those sales to a marker that should have been stock. No fancy frame, no trigger upgrade, no fancy bolt. Let the customer decide and let them pay less and build on it. You are making the marker outside the price range it was intended.
One more problem that we face locally is when a large event comes to town. If you are going to call it a trade show, let it be a trade show. Sell only to your legitimate retailers and not to the general public. This kind of manufacturer direct sales hurt all of the stores in that area and affects them for months. Stand behind your retailers. Tell the public which stores they can buy the product at locally. You spend time with retailers on tech classes, let us be the ones to make the sale as well as service your product. This builds a better customer base which builds repeat business and loyalty to whichever store the customer picked, in turn increasing your sales to that store.
The future of paintball is in the hands of everyone that participates in this great sport. We need to go back to our roots. We cannot forget where we came from and we need to focus on the new player. The tourney players are already hooked, but they will not play forever. The sport needs new blood and until everyone is on board with this, our future is not so bright.

Am I crazy?

Here is a list of our rates:

Package #1 (10-29 players)

$35 per player

1. 200 paintballs each
2. Spyder Victor II marker
3. CO2 refills all day
4. Proto Goggles
5. NXe 2 pouch harness with pods
6. Referee(s) for your own private games
7. additional players who do not need equipment are $20 each(after the first 10 are paid at $35), does not include paintballs.

Package #2 (10 -29 players)

$46 per player

1. 800 paintballs each
2. Spyder Victor II marker
3. CO2 refills all day
4. Proto Goggles
5. NXe 2 pouch harness with pods
6. Referee(s) for your own private games
7. additional players who do not need equipment are $20 each(after the first 10 are paid at$46), does not include paintballs.

Referee giving Instructions before the game

Package #3 (10 -29 players)

$50 per player

1. 1000 paintballs each
2. Spyder Victor II marker
3. CO2 refills all day
4. Proto Goggles
5. NXe 2 pouch harness with pods
6. Referee(s) for your own private games
7. additional players who do not need equipment are $20 each(after the first 10 are paid at $50), does not include paintballs.

Package #4 (20 player minimum)

$25 per player = players who do not need equipment, no paint included.

See paint purchase options below.

Package #5 (30 - 80 players)

$30 per player = 200 paintballs each and rental equipment*

$40 per player = 800 paintballs each and rental equipment*

This was an actual e-mail question today:

Hi, I have a group of 20 people or so, who are interested in coming to your field on 11/23, sunday. We were wondering about package #4, more specifically how many paintballs are included per person. Also, we have 3 players with their own equipment, would they qualify for the 20$ rate? I also have a discount card from the last time we came to play at velocity, for 10% off the private group rate. Do I need to show it before we pay, or how would we be able to get the discount?

I really need to restrain myself. Isn't this a simple reading comprehension test any 4th grader could pass?