The Pain

Our day in court was as to be expected. The Judge came out of the chambers draggin' and totally unprepared. If I did not know better, it appeared that he was working overtime to find some excuse to avoid the case so he could go home. Basically, that is what happened. . . .opposing counsel, the ghoul of an attorney, submitted a motion that the Judge went with and continued the entire matter until December 1st. My attorney felt bad because it requires him to resubmit the paperwork all over again and the entire prep time was a waste of time and money to me. He should have felt bad because even I knew the law better and was not surprised by the events of that day. Oh, well, it all comes with the territory!

Since my last post, I have had a super week. I attended a "Women in Business" networking event with a local bank. . . had a wonderful time and won some prizes. Who doesn't love winning a door prize? I went home with a certificate for a massage and a wonderful candle centerpiece. The next evening I was one of several individuals who was honored with an award and dinner at the 11th annual "People Who Make a Difference" held by the RIE, a local organization that focus on the developmentally disabled adults in our community. I was nominated by a service coordinator of the areas Regional Center. As a conservator, I watch over the needs of approximately 25 developmentally disabled adults who suffer from Down Syndrome, Prader Willi Syndrome, etc.
Well, I don't serve by myself. I have a co-conservator and we share the case load, but this particular event only nominated me. However, I share this award with the co-conservator because she shares the workload, the responsibilities, and the benefits. It was a wonderful honor, and my gorgeous award sits on the office shelf for everyone to see!

This weekend was awesome because my business partner and the co-conservator and her sister took me to San Francisco to see Menopause, the musical at Theater 39 on the Wharf. It is a 90 minute, nonstop play involving only four women and the topic was menopause. I have never laughed so hard and for so long EVER. I see that the play is performed all across the country so it is a MUST SEE. I cannot remember when I had such a good time and it was for my upcoming birthday. . . .an early gift actually because my birthday isn't for a couple of weeks. What a wonderful and thoughtful gift! I just loved it.

My Biggest Pain

I go to court today over an ongoing issue that has been a pain in the butt for over 2 years. I expect that it will be continued AGAIN. It is one of those cases that does nothing productive except drain the wallet. However, I am used to the courtroom scene and find it interesting, challenging and as a last resort to solve problems, it does all of that. But in this particular case, I am on opposite sides with this ghoul of an attorney that . . .if s/he were to be compared to an animal, might qualify as a pitbull. Something terribly wrong with this attorney in terms of the way s/he processes information, the way s/he communicates with others, and the mindless and relentless pursuit of the win regardless of how it may damage h/his own client. The client right now is on the verge of being a baglady because of all this, and yet, all efforts to resolve it have been rejected. It is amazing! I would normally blame the client who should be in the driver's seat here, but this client is elderly and mentally ill. This client hasn't attended one hearing, hasn't been served with any of the moving papers, and isn't even in the areas so she can't possibly know what direction this is going. This is an attorney who has stated that the client is irrelevant to the proceedings. I am sure he changes that tune when it comes time for his bill to be paid. . .then the client is very relevant. I have been in and out of the courtroom trying to get this matter "put to bed." and it has become such a can of worms that the Judges practically knock each other down trying to run from it. One Judge in particular works harder at trying to avoid making a ruling than if he just gave his judicial opinion. Well, nevertheless, we go back again today, and I don't expect that it will be resolved. . . .but you can be sure I will have additional comments at the conclusion, before the conclusion, etc. This is a classic case where nobody wins except the attorneys. . . .however, it is a work related matter so I have no options but to hang in there!

So here I am at long last. . . .my very own blog. An opportunity to express my opinions and exercise my rights to free speech. . . .and having said that, you are probably quick enough to notice the name used to pen my rights to free speech, Geri. That is Geri Atric. Cute, huh? Thanks to my kid who came up with this clever pen name. . .I can exercise my right to free speech while protecting my ass from someone else's right to due process and filing a lawsuit for slander or libel. Oh, goodness, I have given this much thought. I think that I can give anyone and everyone a piece of my mind. . . .all five of seven brain cells. . with a minimum of legal problems to me. Please keep in mind that alot of what I spout off is intended to be sarcastic and in fun. So if you see a little of yourself in any comments made in this blog, perhaps it is time for self analysis and change. . .especially if you don't like what you read. I come from a long line of opinionated people, reportedly a little on the negative side, and somewhat judgmental. Sometimes that is true. Most of the time, I don't agree but then those descriptions can fit all of us at some point in life. I have come to that point in my life where, I am old enough that I don't really care what anyone else thinks of me and on a day when hotflashes reach a miserable peak, I would not hestitate to tell you that your opinion means squat. That is the beauty of the blog. . . .me and my opinions are all the matter. If you don't like what you read, move on. . . .if you agree with me, feel free to comment with those agreements.

Okay. . .so much for the caustic intro. I use the cartoon Underdog and the title "Have No Fear" with humor because of what it means to me in relationship to my vocation for the last couple of decades. A do-gooder, a mini caped crusader who thinks s/he can save the world one person at a time, the good Samaritan
and also known as quasi-social worker, bleeding heart, or whatever pet name you have to describe someone who suffers from terminal altrusim.

I am a professional fiduciary. What in the heck is that? I am a paid conservator, guardian, trustee and administrator for estates. I take care of people and their financial affairs when they don't have anyone to take care of them and they are no longer able to care for themselves. Maybe it is due to advanced old age, dementia, progressive diseases like Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, MS, or massive stroke, but for whatever reason, someone needs to step in provide for that person and protect them from exploitation and abuse.

My background is government work in public conservatorships and helping folks who don't even have enough brains to know they need help. The druggie burnout that you see under the bridge, the homeless woman with the grocery carts, the dirty old man pushing the baby troller with all his wordly belongings. . . .yep, old friends from days gone by. Bring them into the system kicking and screaming, give them a bath & some clean clothes, a clean bed and regular meals and hope that you have helped to improve the quality of their life. Sometimes you get appreciation, but sometimes you get a kick in the teeth.

I am often appointed by the Courts to care for others. I never advertise so all clients come my way by word of mouth. . . .and that is the best way to work because it eliminates the lookie-loos who just want to pick your brain and waste your time. Even by word of mouth, I meet some interesting folks. . . .and best of all, I meet some wonderful people. Being a professional fiduciary, I have to be professional, first of all, and then tactful, polite and courteous, and treat everyone equally, thoughtfully, and fairly. Can you imagine how tough that can be? It is a great exercise in self-restraint and control. However, it is nice to find a release when you don't think you can hold your tongue anymore. Now, some folks deal with work related stress by drinking, smoking, cheating on the spouse, prescription medications for back pain & neck strain, or they just scream, throw things and kick the dog or the spouse. . . whoever is in the way. So for me, a blog is perfect way to vent my anger, frustrations, spit venom and tell it like it is. . . .without exposing that ugliness on everyone close to me. Now, this is all just my opinion of how blog therapy should work. We will see.

Hang in there with me, and we will see what happens. . . . . . .Geri

Have No Fear

Have No Fear

First Post

This is my new blog! Let's see what I do!