Father’s Day week always makes me sad

My dad died on February 29, 1980.  He must have planned it somehow, thinking since the actual day comes once every four years it might hurt less.  Not really. Besides, it’s not like you can plan a heart attack.

Anyways, the last week of February, his birthday, and Father’s Day really mess with me.  It’s not like I can’t function or anything like that.  I just feel lost.  It’s been so long that you would think it wouldn’t feel like this, but it does.   I just miss him.  I hate that he’s missed seeing my kids and niece grow up.  I hate that he isn’t going to see wrestling next month with my brother and husband.  Daddy loved wrestling and would be tickled to see Rick Flair still doing his thing.   I hate that I can’t call him.

I should put this on my other blog since getting these feelings out is healthy.  But I’m working and had to take a break of sorts because I really wish I could see dad.  I remember what he looked like and can see him in the mirror, my brothers, and my kids.  It’s awesome, but not the same.   My workaholic nature comes from both him and mom.   The desire to stand up for what I believe is right comes from him.  He was very active in the community.  And loved fishing.  I’m not sure how well that and my veggie life would get along, but I’m sure we would have found a way.

Here is to you, dad.  Henry, you were awesome.  And your awesomeness lives on in all who loved you.

I figured I’d keep it light and fun for Friday.  I’d share if I won a real lottery, but this is so not real.  Even in my most desperate times, I would not risk this.  I have too much at stake to even go there.

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From:  Asia Pacific Int’l Lottery (test@yacz.gov.cn)

Subject:  Congratulations!!! Dear Lucky Winner

Congratulations !!! Dear Lucky Winner,

ASIA PACIFIC LOTTERY 2012 WINNING NOTIFICATION

We are Pleased to inform you that your Email Address was selected among the winners of Asia Pacific International Lottery Promotion year 2012.

You have therefore been approved for a lump sum pay of US$ 1,000, 000.00 (ONE MILLION UNITED STATE DOLLARS ONLY)

For more details visit our website below:
http://asiapacificonlineweb.hpage.com

Kindly click on the weblink for full information and direction on how to redeem your cash prize.

Congratulations Once again !!!

Announcer !!!
Dr.Thanaporn Deng
President, Asia Pacific Lottery Organization.

—

Dr. Deng has been sending this one out for years.  info@asiapacifc.org is one of his most popular return addresses.  Last year he directed winners to contact his assistant Dr. Godwin Iva  at dr.godwin01@yahoo.com.hk or the lottery cocoordinator Rev. Nikom Jirasak at asiapacific_liveprom@yahoo.co.th.

I do not understand why people fall for this.  Do you?

Have a fantastic weekend.

So, who is Dorothy Armstrong and why is she calling me ‘beloved?’

Another dying widow needs my assistance.  Is it a shame that I feel no sympathy for this obvious scammer?  I don’t think so.

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From:  Dorothy Armstrong (armstrong@buscheckltd.co.uk)

Subject: email me please

Dear Beloved

I am sending you this mail in good faith. I am Dorothy Armstrong, an America citizen currently undergoing medical treatment for cancer. My late husband was a contractor with the United Kingdom consulate for many years before he died in 2002. We had an account with a financial institution in Europe where we deposited all our assets and life savings worth (US$6.5M) for a fixed period. I have just been informed by my doctor that I only have few months to leave due to the cancer illness.

Having known my condition that will not allow me claim the funds personally; I have decided to nominate you as my beneficiary since the financial institution have now written me that the length of time agreed upon to hold my funds is now expired. My desire and purpose is for you to promote humanitarian works. I.e. assisting the less privileged and building orphanage homes in your country and to upset my medical bills.

Please assure me that you will act accordingly. I encourage you to email me (doarmstrong@gmx.com) for more information.

In His Arms.

Mrs. Dorothy Armstrong

—

She’s also sending this email from info@mattdltd.co.uk ,

As tempted as I am to write back for more information, I have no desire to give her my email address so she can use it to send more spam with my info.  I’ll pass, Dorothy.  Shame on you!

Until next time, peace!

So, is it William or Edward Mr. Scammer?

Scammers don’t always pay attention to the messages they send.  Then again, you knew that.  They send multiple messages with spelling and grammar errors, bad links, bouncing email addresses, and more with their fraudulent pitches.   Last week I received several messages from William Washington or Edward Washington using the same email address.  So, which one am I supposed to contact regarding my finds?  I am so torn!  Both names seem trustworthy….

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From – Mr. Edward Washington (washington41@globomail.com); Mr. William Washington (washington41@globomail.com)

Subject – Do you need a loan to pay off your bill? Contact us at washington10@blumail.org with your full name, loan amount and phone number (Yes, seriously.)

—

Notice how he didn’t bother to add any text to the message?  The subject line tells it all, so why bother to share more?   Also note that he wants me to respond to a different email address.  By the way, blumail.org set me to a 404- error page on  BluWorld, a free emaill service provider, and Globomail.com is  sort of a Portuguese Yahoo – a portal offering free email.

See, he didn’t even try hard!  Seriously, if you’re going to bother with this garbage, at least make it interesting!

Until next time, peace.

Gabriel Craig really wants to get in touch with me

Seriously, who send three emails within 5 minutes with the same subject and content unless it’s urgent?  I feel so…wanted?  Silly spammer.  Full text ahead:

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From: Gabriel Craig (gbrailercraig@aol.com, Gabriel.Craig@tiberius.lunariffic.com)

Subject: Hello (Original, eh?)

APPLY WITHING FOR A SECRET SHOPPER AND EARN NOTHING LESS THAN 200USD
GET BACK TODAY WITH YOUR INFORMATION FOR APP.,FULL NAME:,CONTACT ADDRESS (NO P.O.BOX),CITY:,STATE,PHONE NUMBER(S):AGE:,OCCUPATION.
You need no present working experience

Thanks

—-

It’s the same-old, same-old.  A recipient responds and he sends additional information explaining how he’ll send a check for for the recipient to shop.  Oops, the check was made for too much.  Just keep your portion and send back the rest via wire transfer.  By the time the check bounces, he’ll disappear and the recipient is stuck with the negative balance and record of depositing fraudulent checks.  Just delete this one and move on.  Reporting it may not do any good.  

Until next time, be safe and smart. 

Memorial Day 2012 (and every day)

Thank you.  Thank you for serving, for sacrificing time with your loved ones.  Thank you to your families for sacrificing time with you.  I know I cannot say enough to express my gratitude, but until I have stronger words, thank you.

All kinds of wrong! Child adoption scam

Adoption is no joke.  People tie themselves into knots and nearly into bankruptcy just so they can earn the opportunity to provide a home for a child.  People who desperately want to be parents and to bring love and a well-deserved family to a child who does not know what those things are.  When this email showed up, I was sickened and disgusted.  Scamming people is foul enough, but to dangle the possibility of parenthood in front of someone is unforgivable!  Full content, return address, and all ahead.

—

From: Mrs. Yetunde Owolabi (tundeowolabi011@gmail.com)

Subject:  RE: child for Adoption

 Hi

My name is Mrs Yetunde Owolabi from Republic of Benin, I gave birth to triplet, 3 babies at a time after the death my husband on 18th of November 2011 by auto car accident. Already we have received 3 children from God, right now I can’t take care of them so I have decided to give them out for adoption, if you are interested let me know, I am not selling them but you will only pay for adoption fees to the ministry in concern.

Thanks,

Mrs. Yetunde Owolabi

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Just horrible.   

It started making the rounds late last year and then she had twins, not triplets.  I suppose adding a third child somehow sweetens the pot?  I hope this slimeball just drops off the face of the earth.  

Another payment manager fraudulent job lead

They must not realize I share this stuff!  Ugh.  

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From:  MR. JASON EDWARD jason.edward@globalmail.com

Subject:  Re: PAYMENT MANAGER NEEDED URGENTLY

Human Resource Department.
Dalston Mill Fabrics Ltd
69-73 Ridley Road, Dalston,
London, E8 2NP, United Kingdom
TELEPHONE : + 44 (0) 7045724232
FAX:                + 44 (0) 7031847250
WEBSITE : http://www.dalstonmillfabrics.co.uk

My Name is Jason Edward, I want to know if you would like to work online from home and get paid without affecting our present job. Actually we need a representative who can work for our company as an online book-keeper.

We currently make alot of supplies to some of our clients all around the world but mostly in the USA/CANADA. Its always too expensive and stressful for me to come down and receive such payment twice in a month so we had a board meeting about what we can do to this so we decided to contact you to work as our company Representative.

I am willing to pay you 10% for every payment received by you from our clients who makes payment through you, these payments are coming from these clients within USA and they are always offering to pay with a US MONEY ORDER/CREDIT CARD, all you have to do is lodge and cash each payment, deduct 10% and forward 90% to our Regional Manager via Western Union Money Transfer. If you are interested in this offer kindly fill the form below:

Full Name :
Address :
City :
State :
Country :
Zip Code
Phone Number :
Age :
Sex:
Current Occupation :
Bank Name :

Please note that you do not have to be a book keeper to apply for this offer as this is meant to assist individuals pay partial bills and extra income.

Kindly get back to me as soon as possible if you are interested in this job offer.

Regards,
Mr. Jason Edward
Human Resource Department Manager

——

I hate repeating it, but will do so as much as necessary – payment managers do not receive checks, keep a percentage, and forward the rest to the employer.  At the least, it’s money laundering and makes you the main target for police investigation.  But more likely it’s a simple way for you to end up overdrawn and in a bad way.  

This one has been making the rounds for a while.  Sometimes Jason Edward contacts the victim, or Gerald Stevens, Serena Amber, Stanley Williams, Derrick Davenport, or some other person.  Just let this one go.  Better yet, email the real Dalston Mills Fabrics at info@dalstonmillfabrics.co.uk.and forward them the email.     

Be safe, all.   

Happy birthday, dad.

He would have been 72 today. 

When my birthday rolls around, I’ll be 3 years older than he was when he died. It’s weird. For so many years I feared 40 because I believed it could be my end, too. It wasn’t. I’m still here and getting better every year, month, and day. 

So raise you glass (or mug, bottle, etc) to Henry. May he rest well. 

Until next time, peace. 

Short and sweet

Some days these are the only trees I get to spend time around.

Sometimes wahm life takes over and some of the everything needs to take a back seat.  🙂  More goodness is coming, including more about life as well as job scams.  

One thing I have noticed is how much sweeter life gets with age.  I’ll be 43 in 8 days and it is awesome.  I’ve already lived longer than my dad and wonder what he would think of my life, hubby, the kids, and even the dogs.  Would he have gotten the wahm life from the start or would he have needed time to come around like mom?  

Yeah, it’s been that kind of month.  Reflective and busy.  

Until later, peace.