Indiana in the National News Again

(Photos from MSN.com)



This is Marcus Schrenker, the guy who parachuted out of his plane over Georgia and allegedly staged his own death. Unfortunately for him, he forgot that most dead people don't allow themselves to be photographed while they are retrieving their motorcycle from storage and they don't send emails to a neighbor proclaiming innocence. He has been captured now in Florida and is expected to be charged with a variety of crimes across several states.

(Usually when someone from Indiana makes the national news it is almost guaranteed to be someone who meets the following criteria:

No teeth or very bad teeth;
Obese;
Badly dressed;
Horrible grammar;
Standing in front of a shack, usually with multiple lawn ornaments and a car or two on cement blocks.

The best part in our national portrayal is these people are not criminals. They're witnesses to something horrific whether it's a crime or a natural disaster.)

Talk about a bad couple of days. In addition to the failed attempt to stage his death and disappearance, Schrenker just buried his stepfather and his wife has sued him for divorce, claiming infidelity. He's also questioned and accused of some investment shenanigans that clients and the government both frown on. Just one of these things might send someone reeling but the whole house of cards seems to be collapsing.

He isn't toothless or obese. Until recently he seemed to have it all: a multi-million dollar home, a beautiful wife and three children, fun toys like expensive boats, cars and planes, etc. He doesn't need to witness a disaster -- he's living one.

Partners

Now here is a word that completely confounds me. I cannot tell you how many people choose to introduce me to someone with, "This is my partner." And my brain goes:

Is it a business partner?

Is it a sexual partner?

Is it a life partner?

Is it a partner in a club or association?

Is it a partner in crime?

Usually the conversation will shed some light eventually. Bur for a while, I'm cracking myself up imagining different scenarios.

Rule Breakers

I am surrounded by rule breakers. It takes one to know one.

When my angel neighbor was kind enough to replace the mother-in-law's cell phone that had drowned in the sink, the company would not allow her to activate it. The only person authorized to do it is the account holder. They gave her an 800# for the oldies to call. I called and pretended to be her. Last four digits of Social Security Number? I rattled it off. Date of birth? I don't even have to think of these things. I know her relevant numbers as well as I know my own. This, of course, was on the morning I was trying to shove them out the door to Texas. It was not complicated but it did require some time and a few commands that would have thrown her off.

Is impersonating an oldie a misdemeanor or a felony? I'll have to ask the daughter.

This morning was the workout group's Christmas party. Our gift exchange has progressively gotten out of hand so this year we decided to draw names and put a $ limit on the gift. Several people broke the rules. (Okay, I did too but I just bought some dog toys and technically, they were from Gabby.) I only bought a gift for my person. Just looking around, I can tell that everyone went over the $ limit.

In my mind, breaking the rules is permissible if you are doing something kind or trying to help someone. Not everyone agrees.