Last night when I was mowing I noticed that the crazy old lady next door kept standing on her porch watching me. (Remember the 93 year old neighbor who walks around outside in her underwear?) She usually wants someone to bother when shes doing that. Well, I have no patience for the nutjob so I never let her get to me. I just ignored her.
Nicci finds it harder to be so dismissive. So when she was out later gardening she noticed the old woman motioning her over. Nicci being much nicer than I am went over and talked with her a while.
I should let everyone know right now that neither Nicci nor I like the woman very much. We have tried. We have taken her shopping. Have taken her for her 'hair-do'. Have taken her list of needs and gotten her groceries for her. I've shoveled her snow many times. But we don't do that stuff anymore. Every time we have helped her she has retaliated by being a mean, nasty thing. She is not a nice person.
That being said, you now know why I don't bother with her at all. To me, if you don't like someone and they treat you badly, you don't bother with them anymore. Nicci is much sweeter than I am. She went over last night and talked with her and found out that her anchient dog was dying and was going to be put to sleep today sometime. Naturally she felt bad and even gave the old bag a hug. Then she came inside and told me about it.
:)
When she mentioned it to me, all concerned and stuff, my first reaction was to say, "Good, its about time. That dog should have died long ago." Then I stopped and saw her reaction.
Oops! Foot in mouth again, I guess. :)
Nicci got upset with me for that. She said I needed more compassion. I don't see why though. I don't like the woman. I like the dog less. It's 18 years old. It is a bigger dog too. One that should have croaked years ago, just like the old woman. Shes 93 and sour as she can be. Neither of them has the courtesy to go away in a timely manner. Maybe the fountain of youth is in her house or something. Who knows? Billy Joel had it right, "Only the good die young".
So I got in trouble because I am consistent. I don't like someone so I don't really care too much what happens with them. Nicci doesn't like them but she manages to be compassionate anyway. We are worlds apart on many things, Nicci and I. But at least you can count on me when I decide something. If I don't like it, I'm done. If I like it (or them) I am a good person to know. I don't know how to be any different.
But I do know this much, after today I don't have to look at that ugly-ass dog anymore. Sounds pretty good to me. :)
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Unforseen Consequences
After hearing the country song with the line "she thinks my tractors sexy" (see May 4th post) I didn't think I could be more amazed by the genre. But I was wrong. My Jersey Girl friend told me about a song with the line "I wanna check you all over for ticks". Again, I'm not making this up. I prefer not to hear the song but you know I have to just once.
I'm going to have write a country song and post it here soon just for my friends to critique.
But you know what will happen, right? I'll write something totally assinine and publish it and suddenly I will be the next big thing in country music. That would be an unforseen consequence of my arrogant attitude toward the style. I'd end up writing and singing (badly) stuff that I would invent by thinking of the dorkiest scenarios possible. I'd think of the silliest thing to write about and make millions doing it.
Then I'd do interviews and make fun of myself and everyone who likes the music but people would still buy it anyway. They wouldn't even know that I was making fun of the whole scene. They'd think I was cute and funny.
Yep, the unforseen/unintended consequences of it all could be interesting. But I promise this, I'll never wear a cowboy hat or boots. That would be going way too far for me. :)
I'm going to have write a country song and post it here soon just for my friends to critique.
But you know what will happen, right? I'll write something totally assinine and publish it and suddenly I will be the next big thing in country music. That would be an unforseen consequence of my arrogant attitude toward the style. I'd end up writing and singing (badly) stuff that I would invent by thinking of the dorkiest scenarios possible. I'd think of the silliest thing to write about and make millions doing it.
Then I'd do interviews and make fun of myself and everyone who likes the music but people would still buy it anyway. They wouldn't even know that I was making fun of the whole scene. They'd think I was cute and funny.
Yep, the unforseen/unintended consequences of it all could be interesting. But I promise this, I'll never wear a cowboy hat or boots. That would be going way too far for me. :)
Monday, May 07, 2007
Totally Ridiculous
Clemens to make about $4.5 million per month (story link)
I swear, this deal is so ridiculous that I want to puke. 4.5 million per month? Unreal.
Clemens is 44 years old. He is coming back from the N.L., ie: not the high scoring A.L. He has pretended to retire twice now and gone back on his word. I just don't get why they are spending this much money on him.
We do need pitching. Badly. But how reliable will this old guy be? Plus, how many times will a guy screw you over before you learn your lesson?
Personal opinions? Ok, he is not a Yankee. He is still a red sux guy in my mind. He is following his buddy Pettitte all around which makes me feel like he's weird or something. He's a bum.
I wish we'd spend money on future, long term pitching. Is winning the Series this important? I'm not so sure. A one shot deal rarely ever works out right. Somehow they (Cashman and Steinbrenner) can't remember why the Yanks won so much from 1996 to 2003. Invest in the farm you win a lot more.
Clemens is no Yankee. He does not deserve to wear the pinstripes. These days, I think neither Cashman nor Steinbrenner do either.
I swear, this deal is so ridiculous that I want to puke. 4.5 million per month? Unreal.
Clemens is 44 years old. He is coming back from the N.L., ie: not the high scoring A.L. He has pretended to retire twice now and gone back on his word. I just don't get why they are spending this much money on him.
We do need pitching. Badly. But how reliable will this old guy be? Plus, how many times will a guy screw you over before you learn your lesson?
Personal opinions? Ok, he is not a Yankee. He is still a red sux guy in my mind. He is following his buddy Pettitte all around which makes me feel like he's weird or something. He's a bum.
I wish we'd spend money on future, long term pitching. Is winning the Series this important? I'm not so sure. A one shot deal rarely ever works out right. Somehow they (Cashman and Steinbrenner) can't remember why the Yanks won so much from 1996 to 2003. Invest in the farm you win a lot more.
Clemens is no Yankee. He does not deserve to wear the pinstripes. These days, I think neither Cashman nor Steinbrenner do either.
Friday, May 04, 2007
And....... We're Back!
I got back from the wilds of Kansas late Wednesday night. Everything went OK with the trip. Just one pain-in-the-butt delay on the take off from Atlanta. We were delayed, after already loading on the plane, for 2 hours. There was a big-ass storm across Tennessee & Virginia that we couldn't fly through so they made us sit on the runway for 2 hours until it was safe to fly through. That was a weird feeling. Knowing you are headed through a storm that they waited to become less strong so we could get through. Yeah, fun.
But Kansas wasn't all that different from home. Except that there really isn't a hill to be seen. I've heard all the talk about how flat it is there but to see it is really different. There are no hills to be seen. The horizon is just 'earth meets sky' for as far as you can see. Where I live you can look in any direction and see mountains. It was a little odd.
I never found Dorothy. I think she was busy polishing her red shoes or something while we were there. Figures.
I did meet my first hooker. Really, I did. She was what she called "an escort". She was a very light skinned black woman with pretty blue eyes. Very sexy. We were at a club the last evening and she started talking to me. I thought (at first) "Gee, this hottie must like me for some reason". She was real friendly. It didn't take too long to find out what she was there for. She wanted $300 for an hour of fun. Can you imagine that? $300 bucks an hour? No one is worth $300 bucks an hour. (With the possible exception of Dorothy herself). I asked her why she was at the club and not at the escort service. She said she was working 'out of the office' that night. LOL
It didn't take her long to realize she wasn't getting money from me so she moved on fast. But I couldn't help myself while she was with me to keep asking questions about her chosen career. Basically what I got from her was that she liked sex.... a lot.... and liked the variety of different partners. Cool. I asked about diseases and stuff but she said she always has safe sex. I wanted to know how she could be sure she was safe but she got wise to me and nicely (and professionally) excused herself.
I found it very ironic that the first hooker I ever met (aside from the legal ones in Europe) was in Kansas. When Lisa and I went to New York the last time we kept looking for one. We just wanted to see a real live prostitute. Never did see one. Every big city I go to I always have that in mind. I just want to see what they look like. So there I am in Kansas, hayseed central, and I never even considered that I'd meet an 'escort'. But whatta ya know? Ironic I guess.
I also noticed that country music is unavoidable in Kansas. It's annoying here but there it's downright obnoxious. I even heard a song there that some of the lyrics were "she finds my tractor sexy" or something like that. I laughed and laughed at that one. I keep telling Nicci that I can write crappy stuff like that, give it a country twang, and get rich. If that is a popular song, I know for sure I can do it. Just write something you feel is moronic and sell it as country and wah-la! Instant millions.
She finds my tractor sexy. Sheesh!
YoJ, you remember how we talked about writing country music? Told you we should have done it.
Ok, what else? Oh yeah, the teeth. Now before I go further I want you to know that I am in no way making this up. OK... the waitresses in most of the places in the little town we visited (not the city) were so nice. The problem with that was that they smiled a lot. Usually thats a good thing. But not one of them had teeth that should have been shown to the public. One girl, sweetest of them all, smiled at me and I about ran. Her teeth were all brown and the front ones were just nubs. I couldn't stop looking. Then the bigger girl, also very nice, smiled at us and she pretty much had no teeth. There were a couple of gray stragglers still hanging on but mostly they were all gone. This was the general rule in that town. Not the exception.
The guy who was hosting our visit told us that when he came to town the first time he went everywhere looking for a toothbrush and toothpaste. When he finally stopped at the local drug store he asked the woman at the front where he could find them. He said she just looked at him and said "You're not from around here, are ya?" He told her he was from Chicago. Then she said "Yeah, I could tell you was from somewhere else. We ain't got none here." He had to drive into the city to find a toothbrush and toothpaste.
It's a different world altogether in some places, eh?
All in all it was a good trip. The people in Kansas were all very friendly. Most of them anyway. The scenery sucked but I'm used to something way different. To someone else, maybe its OK. The business end was good. So I think we did ok in the end. I am glad to be home though. Most trips that happens with me. I haven't found any place, other than the beach, that makes me want to stay there forever. I guess there really is no place like home. :)
But Kansas wasn't all that different from home. Except that there really isn't a hill to be seen. I've heard all the talk about how flat it is there but to see it is really different. There are no hills to be seen. The horizon is just 'earth meets sky' for as far as you can see. Where I live you can look in any direction and see mountains. It was a little odd.
I never found Dorothy. I think she was busy polishing her red shoes or something while we were there. Figures.
I did meet my first hooker. Really, I did. She was what she called "an escort". She was a very light skinned black woman with pretty blue eyes. Very sexy. We were at a club the last evening and she started talking to me. I thought (at first) "Gee, this hottie must like me for some reason". She was real friendly. It didn't take too long to find out what she was there for. She wanted $300 for an hour of fun. Can you imagine that? $300 bucks an hour? No one is worth $300 bucks an hour. (With the possible exception of Dorothy herself). I asked her why she was at the club and not at the escort service. She said she was working 'out of the office' that night. LOL
It didn't take her long to realize she wasn't getting money from me so she moved on fast. But I couldn't help myself while she was with me to keep asking questions about her chosen career. Basically what I got from her was that she liked sex.... a lot.... and liked the variety of different partners. Cool. I asked about diseases and stuff but she said she always has safe sex. I wanted to know how she could be sure she was safe but she got wise to me and nicely (and professionally) excused herself.
I found it very ironic that the first hooker I ever met (aside from the legal ones in Europe) was in Kansas. When Lisa and I went to New York the last time we kept looking for one. We just wanted to see a real live prostitute. Never did see one. Every big city I go to I always have that in mind. I just want to see what they look like. So there I am in Kansas, hayseed central, and I never even considered that I'd meet an 'escort'. But whatta ya know? Ironic I guess.
I also noticed that country music is unavoidable in Kansas. It's annoying here but there it's downright obnoxious. I even heard a song there that some of the lyrics were "she finds my tractor sexy" or something like that. I laughed and laughed at that one. I keep telling Nicci that I can write crappy stuff like that, give it a country twang, and get rich. If that is a popular song, I know for sure I can do it. Just write something you feel is moronic and sell it as country and wah-la! Instant millions.
She finds my tractor sexy. Sheesh!
YoJ, you remember how we talked about writing country music? Told you we should have done it.
Ok, what else? Oh yeah, the teeth. Now before I go further I want you to know that I am in no way making this up. OK... the waitresses in most of the places in the little town we visited (not the city) were so nice. The problem with that was that they smiled a lot. Usually thats a good thing. But not one of them had teeth that should have been shown to the public. One girl, sweetest of them all, smiled at me and I about ran. Her teeth were all brown and the front ones were just nubs. I couldn't stop looking. Then the bigger girl, also very nice, smiled at us and she pretty much had no teeth. There were a couple of gray stragglers still hanging on but mostly they were all gone. This was the general rule in that town. Not the exception.
The guy who was hosting our visit told us that when he came to town the first time he went everywhere looking for a toothbrush and toothpaste. When he finally stopped at the local drug store he asked the woman at the front where he could find them. He said she just looked at him and said "You're not from around here, are ya?" He told her he was from Chicago. Then she said "Yeah, I could tell you was from somewhere else. We ain't got none here." He had to drive into the city to find a toothbrush and toothpaste.
It's a different world altogether in some places, eh?
All in all it was a good trip. The people in Kansas were all very friendly. Most of them anyway. The scenery sucked but I'm used to something way different. To someone else, maybe its OK. The business end was good. So I think we did ok in the end. I am glad to be home though. Most trips that happens with me. I haven't found any place, other than the beach, that makes me want to stay there forever. I guess there really is no place like home. :)
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Auntie, Can Dorothy Come And Play?
Today I am in one of those OK moods. It's beautiful here, sunny and about 75. I just installed a fountain in Nicci's garden for her. It's neat. But I'm still a little blah. Mostly because I am travelling to Kansas starting tomorrow. It's work stuff so don't start scratching your head wondering "Why Kansas?" I'd prefer to miss this trip but since it is my project I guess I have no choice.
I love travelling on the company money. Usually. But the people going with and the stupid way the trip was planned have made it hard to get excited. Not to mention the fact that I'm not really sure what there will be to see in Kansas. I've never considered visiting there so I'm at a loss.
Any blog friends want to come and keep me company? Maybe I can find Dorothy and she can hook me up with some slippers for Nicci. I'll give that a shot. (By now she might be all grown up and a hottie. Fingers are crossed.)
So in an hour we are headed to lunch with the old people. One Aunt turned 78 this week so we get to hang out at the old people feedery with them to celebrate. The mom will be there too. Another blah idea.
All this blah won't get me down though. Don't get me wrong. I plan on exiting the moms presence asap and enjoying the sun as much as possible today. Then I plan on finding whatever fun (trouble) I can while I'm in the midwest. It's the anticipation of it all that bites.
So once again this week you won't be hearing from me. Not until maybe Thursday. If I get the chance I'll post something from Kansas but I doubt I can. Everyone have a great week. :)
I love travelling on the company money. Usually. But the people going with and the stupid way the trip was planned have made it hard to get excited. Not to mention the fact that I'm not really sure what there will be to see in Kansas. I've never considered visiting there so I'm at a loss.
Any blog friends want to come and keep me company? Maybe I can find Dorothy and she can hook me up with some slippers for Nicci. I'll give that a shot. (By now she might be all grown up and a hottie. Fingers are crossed.)
So in an hour we are headed to lunch with the old people. One Aunt turned 78 this week so we get to hang out at the old people feedery with them to celebrate. The mom will be there too. Another blah idea.
All this blah won't get me down though. Don't get me wrong. I plan on exiting the moms presence asap and enjoying the sun as much as possible today. Then I plan on finding whatever fun (trouble) I can while I'm in the midwest. It's the anticipation of it all that bites.
So once again this week you won't be hearing from me. Not until maybe Thursday. If I get the chance I'll post something from Kansas but I doubt I can. Everyone have a great week. :)
Friday, April 27, 2007
Some Folks
We had kids day at work yesterday. It was like having a day off. There were about 120 kids running around work all day.
Kids day here is like nothing I've ever seen before. In the old days "Bring Your Kid To Work Day" was just that. People would bring a kid and they would just hang with the parent all day. Usually looking bored to death. Here it's way different.
They have the whole group of kids broken into age groups. Each group has several volunteers who lead them around on a pre-arranged schedule to the different departments. In those departments there are fun activities for the kids to do and the sneaky thing is that they learn stuff too. For example, in our Media dept. the kids saw how we make and bottle media products by doing some minor processing themselves. But what they used for product were the ingredients to home made root beer. They all made their own 500ml bottle of root beer. It was neat.
The band played outside for them during lunch and then the kids got to do karaoke. That was hilarious! One kid started out telling jokes before singing. His own stand-up routine. ha ha Basically it was a good day for everyone.
Even I learned something from it all. What I learned was that goofy looking people always have goofy looking kids. Have you ever noticed that? Pretty people can have pretty or ugly kids. Ugly people can have ugly or pretty kids. You never can tell. But goofy looking people have goofy looking kids. Plus, usually when they look goofy they act goofy.
Goofy people shouldn't breed. Thats what I learned.
Betcha all thought this post was going to be all rosey and out of character for me, eh? Please.
Anyway, it was a good day, I learned that some folks shouldn't breed, got to set up a date with my guitar student and got further behind with the real work. Gotta love that, right?
Kids day here is like nothing I've ever seen before. In the old days "Bring Your Kid To Work Day" was just that. People would bring a kid and they would just hang with the parent all day. Usually looking bored to death. Here it's way different.
They have the whole group of kids broken into age groups. Each group has several volunteers who lead them around on a pre-arranged schedule to the different departments. In those departments there are fun activities for the kids to do and the sneaky thing is that they learn stuff too. For example, in our Media dept. the kids saw how we make and bottle media products by doing some minor processing themselves. But what they used for product were the ingredients to home made root beer. They all made their own 500ml bottle of root beer. It was neat.
The band played outside for them during lunch and then the kids got to do karaoke. That was hilarious! One kid started out telling jokes before singing. His own stand-up routine. ha ha Basically it was a good day for everyone.
Even I learned something from it all. What I learned was that goofy looking people always have goofy looking kids. Have you ever noticed that? Pretty people can have pretty or ugly kids. Ugly people can have ugly or pretty kids. You never can tell. But goofy looking people have goofy looking kids. Plus, usually when they look goofy they act goofy.
Goofy people shouldn't breed. Thats what I learned.
Betcha all thought this post was going to be all rosey and out of character for me, eh? Please.
Anyway, it was a good day, I learned that some folks shouldn't breed, got to set up a date with my guitar student and got further behind with the real work. Gotta love that, right?
We've Had Worse Starts To The Year
Haven't we? If the Yanks have had worse starts I don't remember. It hasn't been recent so my memory is clouded. I know for a fact that I can't remember the last time the boys were in last place in the division.
At least we are only tied for last. We have that claim right now. At least until the next game. LOL
The list of walking wounded is long but the truth is that we still should be winning more. The errors have to stop. The pitching is sooo bad (other than Andy, which I find ironic). If the hitters slump a little we are screwed. Thats where we are right now.
I know it's all a temporary thing. I know we'll be Ok in the long run. But right now it's frustrating as hell. I'm almost afraid to watch. Almost. :)
The sux are coming into town tonight so this will be the time to get it going. Take 3 from them and we are right back in there. Lets hope the Yanks show up for the weekend.
At least we are only tied for last. We have that claim right now. At least until the next game. LOL
The list of walking wounded is long but the truth is that we still should be winning more. The errors have to stop. The pitching is sooo bad (other than Andy, which I find ironic). If the hitters slump a little we are screwed. Thats where we are right now.
I know it's all a temporary thing. I know we'll be Ok in the long run. But right now it's frustrating as hell. I'm almost afraid to watch. Almost. :)
The sux are coming into town tonight so this will be the time to get it going. Take 3 from them and we are right back in there. Lets hope the Yanks show up for the weekend.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Just Stopping By....
Not much time to chat today. I just got back (late last night) from a trip that took me to Philadelphia, Trenton NJ (LOL ???) and finally New York City. Got a lot of catching up to do at work.
I have pics but they are on the cell phone and mostly suck. I may post a few though. Eventually. The ones from the top of the Empire State building will look bad. Times Square in the middle of the night might look better. Gotta wait and see first.
Hope everyone has been great since I've been gone. :)
I have pics but they are on the cell phone and mostly suck. I may post a few though. Eventually. The ones from the top of the Empire State building will look bad. Times Square in the middle of the night might look better. Gotta wait and see first.
Hope everyone has been great since I've been gone. :)
Monday, April 23, 2007
The Weekend's Here And........
....we'll have a can of beer! Anyone else remember that song? You'd have to be from my area to know what that is I guess.
Anyway, the weekend was really cool! The weather was awesome so I decided to break in the new grill and invited some friends over on Saturday night. I got one of those cute little stainless steel, mushroom looking grills for the deck. The one I had was too big and took up a lot of space. So I gave it away and got the little one.
Typical of me, I decided to invite people over Friday evening for Saturday. Ha ha. I even called one person at 3:00 Saturday to see if he wanted to come over. Arrival time around 5:00. lol Anyway, everyone came and we had a blast.
Also typical of us (Nicci especially) the menu grew to giant proportions. I had planned on a simple 'burgers and dogs' night. Nicci decided a salad would be good. Then some bar-b-qued chicken was added. (That was awesome! Mesquite and honey.) Then some rice was added. You know, to go with the chicken. Then cous-cous (for whatever reason). Salsa, dips and 3 different kinds of chips snuck in there somewhere. Naturally we had to have dessert. Ice cream is a must. Homemmade apple pie and strawberry pie.
For drinks, we had the usual sodas and all that. One of our friends makes his own wine so he brought 3 different kinds with him. Contrary to the title here, I don't remember any beer. Huh. Doesn't matter. There was so much stuff no one even cared.
The grill was interesting to use. If you've ever tried to cook on a new grill you know it can be interesting to figure out the settings for cooking. I tinkered with it all through the process and I'm happy to say..... I never got it right. I had flames flying, smoke everywhere, and just general mayhem during all the cooking. But the end result was that everything turned out great. I'm just not real sure how. :)
The wine was really good too. My friend made some strawberry chardonney (pardon if I misspell), some peach wine hot rodded with a higher alcohol content and some other kind that I forget what it was. But they were all good. Nicci made some excellent margaritas too. They are always in demand with my friends.
It was a good time.
So after a long day/night of visitors and partying, Sunday was pretty quiet. We had a friend stop by and have tea with Nicci. One of my friends stopped by (thanks to Nicci trying to play matchmaker the night before) at the same time. They are both single now and they seemed to hit it off. We'll see how that goes, if it does.
So my weekend was filled with good food, good friends and visitors to my house. That visitors thing is unusual so it was a nice change. We are winter hibernators I guess. But the thing is, when we start getting company, you know winter is over. That is a good thing. :)
Anyway, the weekend was really cool! The weather was awesome so I decided to break in the new grill and invited some friends over on Saturday night. I got one of those cute little stainless steel, mushroom looking grills for the deck. The one I had was too big and took up a lot of space. So I gave it away and got the little one.
Typical of me, I decided to invite people over Friday evening for Saturday. Ha ha. I even called one person at 3:00 Saturday to see if he wanted to come over. Arrival time around 5:00. lol Anyway, everyone came and we had a blast.
Also typical of us (Nicci especially) the menu grew to giant proportions. I had planned on a simple 'burgers and dogs' night. Nicci decided a salad would be good. Then some bar-b-qued chicken was added. (That was awesome! Mesquite and honey.) Then some rice was added. You know, to go with the chicken. Then cous-cous (for whatever reason). Salsa, dips and 3 different kinds of chips snuck in there somewhere. Naturally we had to have dessert. Ice cream is a must. Homemmade apple pie and strawberry pie.
For drinks, we had the usual sodas and all that. One of our friends makes his own wine so he brought 3 different kinds with him. Contrary to the title here, I don't remember any beer. Huh. Doesn't matter. There was so much stuff no one even cared.
The grill was interesting to use. If you've ever tried to cook on a new grill you know it can be interesting to figure out the settings for cooking. I tinkered with it all through the process and I'm happy to say..... I never got it right. I had flames flying, smoke everywhere, and just general mayhem during all the cooking. But the end result was that everything turned out great. I'm just not real sure how. :)
The wine was really good too. My friend made some strawberry chardonney (pardon if I misspell), some peach wine hot rodded with a higher alcohol content and some other kind that I forget what it was. But they were all good. Nicci made some excellent margaritas too. They are always in demand with my friends.
It was a good time.
So after a long day/night of visitors and partying, Sunday was pretty quiet. We had a friend stop by and have tea with Nicci. One of my friends stopped by (thanks to Nicci trying to play matchmaker the night before) at the same time. They are both single now and they seemed to hit it off. We'll see how that goes, if it does.
So my weekend was filled with good food, good friends and visitors to my house. That visitors thing is unusual so it was a nice change. We are winter hibernators I guess. But the thing is, when we start getting company, you know winter is over. That is a good thing. :)
Friday, April 20, 2007
Oh My!
I am on a high this morning. I usually am kinda goofy in the a.m. anyway but today is especially goofy. Several reasons come to mind, the biggest is the Yankees. Being located where I am I had been hearing so much bologna about the Yanks. These days not so much. LOL
Y'know? :)(Go ahead, click the link. It'll be Ok)
But another reason is that Spacebrain is visiting today. Business stuff but still, it will be good to see my old bud. He's bringing some visitors too. The hottie boss, the cool funny QC guy too. Those are people I like. He's also bringing the big dork that no one can stand where he works but that should be OK too. Since I don't work there anymore I don't have to worry about what I say to him.
Now don't get any ideas. I'll be nice. ;)
I wonder if that old 'foot-in-mouth disease will pop up again today? Hmmm... I'll let you know.
So I will be leaving early today too. Gotta love that! Gotta love a day that looks to be so cool. Hopefully it lives up to the hype (I have in my head).
Y'know? :)(Go ahead, click the link. It'll be Ok)
But another reason is that Spacebrain is visiting today. Business stuff but still, it will be good to see my old bud. He's bringing some visitors too. The hottie boss, the cool funny QC guy too. Those are people I like. He's also bringing the big dork that no one can stand where he works but that should be OK too. Since I don't work there anymore I don't have to worry about what I say to him.
Now don't get any ideas. I'll be nice. ;)
I wonder if that old 'foot-in-mouth disease will pop up again today? Hmmm... I'll let you know.
So I will be leaving early today too. Gotta love that! Gotta love a day that looks to be so cool. Hopefully it lives up to the hype (I have in my head).
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Speechless
I really don't know what to say today.
Search for answers begins after Va. rampage (Link here)
I've been to that campus many times. I visit the area, the town in the Summer. I'm stunned.... again.
Search for answers begins after Va. rampage (Link here)
I've been to that campus many times. I visit the area, the town in the Summer. I'm stunned.... again.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Fox Sports Thinks We're Dumb
On Saturday I decided to see what Baseball was on TV. After spending most of the day outside working in the yard (which was a blast, btw) I settled down to see what was up. My luck wasn't good. The only game on in my area in the late afternoon was on Fox. Worse yet, it was a Sux game. But it keeps getting worse all the time. Curtass was pitching too. Talk about a major letdown.
But I am a Baseball fanatic so I decided to suck it up and watch for a while. I was hoping the Sux would get whipped and Curtass would suck. No such luck. They were winning and the pitching was reasonable.
After about 3 innings I had had enough. I could have watched more but the suck-up announcers were really pissing me off. They talk about Curtass like he's some kind of god or something. He's a dork. I wonder if I cut my ankle and then played ball would I get someone's first born named for me? lol
The end came when Manny made a play in the outfield and I had to quit watching. The announcers went on and on about how he's such an improved outfielder and how he has practiced... yada yada yada. They think we are stupid. Manny can hit very well but any Baseball person knows he is still a liability in the field. He looks like he knows how to play because he's in left field in Fenway. He has the Green Monster behind him to back him up. The balls he used to miss or simply misplay now bounce off the wall. It's like having 2 outfielders in the same field.
He is basically playing major league baseball in a large softball field. No magic there. No improvement. He has a big, green helper. Thats all. And Fox wants us to buy it. But any baseball person who knows the game will tell you the truth about it. Just watch and see how much the guy DHs on the road. That'll tell you the truth.
One would think I'd learned my lesson and stopped watching Fox. The Yankee haters/ Sux lovers of baseball. Well, Yankee haters and almost anyone else besides the Yankees lovers anyway. But I can't help myself when it comes to Baseball. So when there is no other game I'll probably still watch. Next time I'll have the sound off and play with the PC. That's my only solution.
Whew, I've had that rant brewing since Saturday. I feel better now. :)
But I am a Baseball fanatic so I decided to suck it up and watch for a while. I was hoping the Sux would get whipped and Curtass would suck. No such luck. They were winning and the pitching was reasonable.
After about 3 innings I had had enough. I could have watched more but the suck-up announcers were really pissing me off. They talk about Curtass like he's some kind of god or something. He's a dork. I wonder if I cut my ankle and then played ball would I get someone's first born named for me? lol
The end came when Manny made a play in the outfield and I had to quit watching. The announcers went on and on about how he's such an improved outfielder and how he has practiced... yada yada yada. They think we are stupid. Manny can hit very well but any Baseball person knows he is still a liability in the field. He looks like he knows how to play because he's in left field in Fenway. He has the Green Monster behind him to back him up. The balls he used to miss or simply misplay now bounce off the wall. It's like having 2 outfielders in the same field.
He is basically playing major league baseball in a large softball field. No magic there. No improvement. He has a big, green helper. Thats all. And Fox wants us to buy it. But any baseball person who knows the game will tell you the truth about it. Just watch and see how much the guy DHs on the road. That'll tell you the truth.
One would think I'd learned my lesson and stopped watching Fox. The Yankee haters/ Sux lovers of baseball. Well, Yankee haters and almost anyone else besides the Yankees lovers anyway. But I can't help myself when it comes to Baseball. So when there is no other game I'll probably still watch. Next time I'll have the sound off and play with the PC. That's my only solution.
Whew, I've had that rant brewing since Saturday. I feel better now. :)
Thursday, April 12, 2007
People Are Strange
People can be strange.
I have a friend that comes to visit (my office) every morning, has coffee, then makes up an excuse to leave as soon as the coffee is done. Every day I wonder why she bothers to think up excuses. I get it that she's here for coffee, some small talk and then hits the road. I don't even care. But every day it's the same thing. A lot of the time her excuse doesn't work out. This morning she had a meeting to get to. I walked by her office 10 minutes after the meeting started and she was sitting there. Ha ha. :) I find that strange.
A little later I was in front of the area I am responsible for when someone came up to me and asked if there was a new way to enter the rooms. (I just had some minor construction done to alter traffic flow.) I looked at her, looked at the doors that I had clearly marked with traffic flows, and smiled. Outwardly calm, I explained the new way to enter (which is just to open the door and walk in like the sign says) but inside I was laughing. It was simple and well marked. Then she says, "OK, I thought so. I did that yesterday." ??? I just shook my head as she walked away.
This morning has started out with some head scratching already. It looks to be a banner day.
I have a friend that comes to visit (my office) every morning, has coffee, then makes up an excuse to leave as soon as the coffee is done. Every day I wonder why she bothers to think up excuses. I get it that she's here for coffee, some small talk and then hits the road. I don't even care. But every day it's the same thing. A lot of the time her excuse doesn't work out. This morning she had a meeting to get to. I walked by her office 10 minutes after the meeting started and she was sitting there. Ha ha. :) I find that strange.
A little later I was in front of the area I am responsible for when someone came up to me and asked if there was a new way to enter the rooms. (I just had some minor construction done to alter traffic flow.) I looked at her, looked at the doors that I had clearly marked with traffic flows, and smiled. Outwardly calm, I explained the new way to enter (which is just to open the door and walk in like the sign says) but inside I was laughing. It was simple and well marked. Then she says, "OK, I thought so. I did that yesterday." ??? I just shook my head as she walked away.
This morning has started out with some head scratching already. It looks to be a banner day.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
My New Girlfriend
Yes, I have a new love in my life. Once again I have fallen for the charms of another. Her name is Mia and she is so adorable. Just look and tell me you could resist her. :)
Of course, it shouldn't be a surprise. I've been crushing on her Mom for years anyway.
So after we got the flirting out of our systems......
(I think we got away with it and Nicci never noticed.)
I got some quality time with my new girl.
As you can see, she has a thing for beards. :)
I love this last pic. Isn't that hat so sweet? I looked for one my size but....
Grace, Steve and Mia came to visit family this past weekend. We were so happy they could take a few hours to meet up with us. I have been wanting to meet them for a long time. It was an especially fun visit for me. They are as cool and genuine as I had expected.
Thanks a lot for visiting Grace, Steve & Mia. You made the weekend for me. :)
Of course, it shouldn't be a surprise. I've been crushing on her Mom for years anyway.
So after we got the flirting out of our systems......
(I think we got away with it and Nicci never noticed.)
I got some quality time with my new girl.
As you can see, she has a thing for beards. :)
I love this last pic. Isn't that hat so sweet? I looked for one my size but....
Grace, Steve and Mia came to visit family this past weekend. We were so happy they could take a few hours to meet up with us. I have been wanting to meet them for a long time. It was an especially fun visit for me. They are as cool and genuine as I had expected.
Thanks a lot for visiting Grace, Steve & Mia. You made the weekend for me. :)
Friday, April 06, 2007
I M Betarded
Did you ever sometimes feel like you are a bit retarded? Like you may be mental? Not permanently. Just sometimes. I do a lot. Sometimes for good reason, sometimes not.
Like yesterday, I saw where the VOX Question of the Day comes from. A little thingy on the blog asked me if I wanted to answer the question. Suddenly it hit me that I was a dork. I had been wondering for weeks where people get those questions and right there it was, in my face, the whole time. Duh!
Today I will feel like a tard for good reason. Somehow where I work it has fallen on us project people to fill out the form for ordering big ticket items. It was (and should still be) an Accountants job. So I'm looking over this form and not only is it 12 pages long but some of the verbage is so foreign to me that my head was totally confused. The wording is in Accountantese and you need their translation dictionary just to get off the first page. Mostly I don't even know wtf it's asking me for. Incremental Calculations???Assumptions for the Profitability??? What language is that anyway? I know the words. I just don't know what they are asking for.
So after hours of research I did what any sensible Engineer would do. I call Accounting and set up a meeting/training session so I could get the translation. 10:00 today. At exactly 10:01 I'll be feeling retarded big time, I think. :)
When I told my boss I had set up the training he thanked me and said he was coming along. We'll be tards together.
You see? There are different level of tardness. Sometimes you are just a tard and sometimes you are forced into feeling like a tard. Either way the end result is Ok if you figure out how not to be a perma-tard. I'm gonna work toward that today. ;)
Like yesterday, I saw where the VOX Question of the Day comes from. A little thingy on the blog asked me if I wanted to answer the question. Suddenly it hit me that I was a dork. I had been wondering for weeks where people get those questions and right there it was, in my face, the whole time. Duh!
Today I will feel like a tard for good reason. Somehow where I work it has fallen on us project people to fill out the form for ordering big ticket items. It was (and should still be) an Accountants job. So I'm looking over this form and not only is it 12 pages long but some of the verbage is so foreign to me that my head was totally confused. The wording is in Accountantese and you need their translation dictionary just to get off the first page. Mostly I don't even know wtf it's asking me for. Incremental Calculations???Assumptions for the Profitability??? What language is that anyway? I know the words. I just don't know what they are asking for.
So after hours of research I did what any sensible Engineer would do. I call Accounting and set up a meeting/training session so I could get the translation. 10:00 today. At exactly 10:01 I'll be feeling retarded big time, I think. :)
When I told my boss I had set up the training he thanked me and said he was coming along. We'll be tards together.
You see? There are different level of tardness. Sometimes you are just a tard and sometimes you are forced into feeling like a tard. Either way the end result is Ok if you figure out how not to be a perma-tard. I'm gonna work toward that today. ;)
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Coffeeless
Did you ever start the day off wrong and it just.... well, didn't matter? Scared ya, didn't I? Yeah, I'm like that.
I have had no coffee this morning yet. (I felt Meritt cringe just now.) Usually I have my coffee before leaving the house but not today.
So on the way to work I was totally spaced out. I don't remember much of the drive. Hardly remember talking about anything. It was totally mellow. It was cool. :)
But the coffee is brewing now. Almost done. Soon I'll be my usual obnoxious self. Funny how something simple like missing coffee can make the morning so different. It makes for some quiet times. Some mellow moods. Some really boring blog posts..... :)
Ahhh, the coffee pot has alarmed. Java is ready. brb.....
I have had no coffee this morning yet. (I felt Meritt cringe just now.) Usually I have my coffee before leaving the house but not today.
So on the way to work I was totally spaced out. I don't remember much of the drive. Hardly remember talking about anything. It was totally mellow. It was cool. :)
But the coffee is brewing now. Almost done. Soon I'll be my usual obnoxious self. Funny how something simple like missing coffee can make the morning so different. It makes for some quiet times. Some mellow moods. Some really boring blog posts..... :)
Ahhh, the coffee pot has alarmed. Java is ready. brb.....
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
OK, No Prob
I made the mistake again. You know the one. The mistake of coming in to work with a plan for the day. You know how that works. No plan is ever allowed to progress like you want it too. By now you'd think I'd know better.
Yesterday I was off for very good reason. The holiday had me very busy. Yes, it was a holiday. Baseball season started. Thats a holiday. Anyway, I was off all day, got to see the Yankees win their opening day game, rested and relaxed. I came in with a clear head today and a plan, all ready to go.
First thing when I got to work I found that my email system wasn't working. Turns out we switched to a new system. OK, no prob. I started to go through the instructions on how to set it up. Then I found that my windows program doesn't even have the means to do the changeover. So no email.
Then the boss calls and asks, "Did you get that email about going to see the new equipment?"
Uhmmm, nope. :)
He goes on to explain that it was a last minute thing and that the group was leaving to see the new machine in 15 minutes. OK, no prob (again). I got ready, slammed down my coffee and joined up with the group and headed out.
On the way down the highway my phone rings. Twice. The first time was cool. It was Lisa missing me. Sweet, isn't she? The next was a guy who needed to come and visit today. He is selling some equipment that we need and today is the best time for him to come by. OK, no prob (again & again). I set up a late afternoon meeting with him.
So we go and check out the big machine. We are all impressed. The sales guy was a Regis Philbin twin and that was very funny to me. Then he buys us lunch at a Chinese place. Regis is all, "This is the best place ever! I always go here when I visit the area!" I expected something spectacular. It was mediocre. Made me wonder what was up with old Regis here. He travels the world over and this little Chinese place in the local strip mall is the "Best place ever!"? Huh?
So I head back and arrive just in time to catch some time with Lisa before sales guy arrives. He is cool and his equipment is neato. We agree to chat further on that project and now he's gone.
So here I am almost done with the day. Nothing happened that I had planned. But you know what? Its OK, no prob. The day was pretty darn good. I never got my email working. But I had fun and got stuff accomplished. I met Regis' twin. Had a free (mediocre) Chinese lunch. Got the new project going. Travelled a bit in the bright sun. Time flew by.
It's been a pretty good day. They all should be so OK.
Yesterday I was off for very good reason. The holiday had me very busy. Yes, it was a holiday. Baseball season started. Thats a holiday. Anyway, I was off all day, got to see the Yankees win their opening day game, rested and relaxed. I came in with a clear head today and a plan, all ready to go.
First thing when I got to work I found that my email system wasn't working. Turns out we switched to a new system. OK, no prob. I started to go through the instructions on how to set it up. Then I found that my windows program doesn't even have the means to do the changeover. So no email.
Then the boss calls and asks, "Did you get that email about going to see the new equipment?"
Uhmmm, nope. :)
He goes on to explain that it was a last minute thing and that the group was leaving to see the new machine in 15 minutes. OK, no prob (again). I got ready, slammed down my coffee and joined up with the group and headed out.
On the way down the highway my phone rings. Twice. The first time was cool. It was Lisa missing me. Sweet, isn't she? The next was a guy who needed to come and visit today. He is selling some equipment that we need and today is the best time for him to come by. OK, no prob (again & again). I set up a late afternoon meeting with him.
So we go and check out the big machine. We are all impressed. The sales guy was a Regis Philbin twin and that was very funny to me. Then he buys us lunch at a Chinese place. Regis is all, "This is the best place ever! I always go here when I visit the area!" I expected something spectacular. It was mediocre. Made me wonder what was up with old Regis here. He travels the world over and this little Chinese place in the local strip mall is the "Best place ever!"? Huh?
So I head back and arrive just in time to catch some time with Lisa before sales guy arrives. He is cool and his equipment is neato. We agree to chat further on that project and now he's gone.
So here I am almost done with the day. Nothing happened that I had planned. But you know what? Its OK, no prob. The day was pretty darn good. I never got my email working. But I had fun and got stuff accomplished. I met Regis' twin. Had a free (mediocre) Chinese lunch. Got the new project going. Travelled a bit in the bright sun. Time flew by.
It's been a pretty good day. They all should be so OK.
Yesterday
Yesterday was bliss. I had the best day in a long time. No phones, no meetings, no annoyances of any kind. I stayed home, kept to myself, did whatever I felt like and watched the Yankees win their Opening Day game. What could be better?
OK, being in Yankee Stadium would have been better but you get what I'm saying.
I was pleasantly surprised at the game. Not with the 3 errors (Geez!) but with the fact that Pavano pitched reasonably well and didn't get hurt. I expect his arm to fall off when he pitches or something, as fragile as he's been. But so far so good.
Hey, one game in a row is a record for him in recent history. Gimme a break.
Anyway, The Yanks started out well. The day was awesome. Today is hectic but nothing bad. Hope everyone else has it as well today.
OK, being in Yankee Stadium would have been better but you get what I'm saying.
I was pleasantly surprised at the game. Not with the 3 errors (Geez!) but with the fact that Pavano pitched reasonably well and didn't get hurt. I expect his arm to fall off when he pitches or something, as fragile as he's been. But so far so good.
Hey, one game in a row is a record for him in recent history. Gimme a break.
Anyway, The Yanks started out well. The day was awesome. Today is hectic but nothing bad. Hope everyone else has it as well today.
Friday, March 30, 2007
I'm A Bastard
I've come to the conclusion that I am really a bastard child. I know I'm not really but what I mean by that is that although I do know who my parents are, neither of them taught me anything other than what not to do or what not to be. So in essence, I grew up all by myself.
I came to this conclusion recently after having a log conversation with Nicci about my mother. Nicci has done everything possible to be friendly and nice with the woman and recently for no real reason she has started attacking her. My mom is one of those people who stirs up shit constantly. If things are going well, she can't stand it. So now shes inventiing things to be annoyed at Nicci for that don't really exist. The problem there is that Nicci has less patience than I do with stuff like that. In her words, "To hell with her then. I've done what I could do."
The basic conclusion to our recent conversation was that I honestly won't feel anything when she finally kicks off. I've said it before and after going through all the ifs/ands/buts of it I realize that I'd prefer she kicks it soon. I don't want to be bothered later. Plus, if she does go soon then I get 3 paid days off work. Nothing like free days off work to help you appreciate someone. At least she has that going for her. :)
I felt nothing when my dad died. Only happy that they let me out of school for a few days without getting into trouble. My mom will give the same benefit. Not that I'm wishing it on her. Just that I won't care a bit when it happens.
It's kinda been a strange ride growing up and then dealing with the aftermath, getting to where I am. My father had serious problems with drinking. He died in a fire when I was in 10th grade. I didn't really know him anyway since he was not around after I was maybe 8-9 years old. I do remember that when he was sober he was a cool guy. He was a talented artist and a kid at heart. I do remember all that.
My mother, well, shes a freak. Not someone I'd care to ever know. If it weren't for my Aunts and Uncle I'd probably never see her. Shes a strange person who just can't see the world like it is. Shes in some fantasy reality where no one else lives. She just thinks we do.
I really have no idea how I've gotten to where I am today. I guess living on my own since I was 13 and totally ignoring the teachings of the weirdos who bred and created me was a good thing. They are prime examples of why some people should not be allowed to breed. Anyone can make a baby. Few can care for it properly.
My mother is also a prime example of how you can get stuck with some relation that you would never, ever want to know otherwise. Just because you are related doesn't obligate you to hang with someone. Not if they suck.
I'm glad Nicci has seen first hand what I warned her about when it comes to my family. I didn't have to try to convince her. She has been convinced by the mothers stupidity all on her own.
There is some kind of small comfort in feeling like I am a bastard child. It's liberating somehow. Wish I had thought about it like this earlier in life.
Of course, sometimes I could be referred to as a bastard, but at times like that there is a different meaning to the word. :)
I came to this conclusion recently after having a log conversation with Nicci about my mother. Nicci has done everything possible to be friendly and nice with the woman and recently for no real reason she has started attacking her. My mom is one of those people who stirs up shit constantly. If things are going well, she can't stand it. So now shes inventiing things to be annoyed at Nicci for that don't really exist. The problem there is that Nicci has less patience than I do with stuff like that. In her words, "To hell with her then. I've done what I could do."
The basic conclusion to our recent conversation was that I honestly won't feel anything when she finally kicks off. I've said it before and after going through all the ifs/ands/buts of it I realize that I'd prefer she kicks it soon. I don't want to be bothered later. Plus, if she does go soon then I get 3 paid days off work. Nothing like free days off work to help you appreciate someone. At least she has that going for her. :)
I felt nothing when my dad died. Only happy that they let me out of school for a few days without getting into trouble. My mom will give the same benefit. Not that I'm wishing it on her. Just that I won't care a bit when it happens.
It's kinda been a strange ride growing up and then dealing with the aftermath, getting to where I am. My father had serious problems with drinking. He died in a fire when I was in 10th grade. I didn't really know him anyway since he was not around after I was maybe 8-9 years old. I do remember that when he was sober he was a cool guy. He was a talented artist and a kid at heart. I do remember all that.
My mother, well, shes a freak. Not someone I'd care to ever know. If it weren't for my Aunts and Uncle I'd probably never see her. Shes a strange person who just can't see the world like it is. Shes in some fantasy reality where no one else lives. She just thinks we do.
I really have no idea how I've gotten to where I am today. I guess living on my own since I was 13 and totally ignoring the teachings of the weirdos who bred and created me was a good thing. They are prime examples of why some people should not be allowed to breed. Anyone can make a baby. Few can care for it properly.
My mother is also a prime example of how you can get stuck with some relation that you would never, ever want to know otherwise. Just because you are related doesn't obligate you to hang with someone. Not if they suck.
I'm glad Nicci has seen first hand what I warned her about when it comes to my family. I didn't have to try to convince her. She has been convinced by the mothers stupidity all on her own.
There is some kind of small comfort in feeling like I am a bastard child. It's liberating somehow. Wish I had thought about it like this earlier in life.
Of course, sometimes I could be referred to as a bastard, but at times like that there is a different meaning to the word. :)
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Interruptions, Interruptions!
I hate interruptions too. When I am zoned and one with the universe I don't want to be bothered.
I get this, but more importantly..................
................. look at the way her boobs are drawn. Yikes! :)
I get this, but more importantly..................
................. look at the way her boobs are drawn. Yikes! :)
My New Philosophy
The other day I came to this conclusion.
I want to live my next life backwards;
You start out dead and get that out of the way.
Then you wake up in an old age home feeling better every day.
Then you get kicked out for being too healthy.
Enjoy your retirement and collect your pension.
Then when you start work, you get a gold watch on your first day.
You work 40 years until you're too young to work.
You get ready for High School: drink alcohol, party, and you're generally promiscuous.
Then you go to primary school, you become a kid, you play, and you have no responsibilities.
Then you become a baby, and then...
You spend your last 9 months floating peacefully in luxury, in spa-like conditions - central heating, room service on tap, and then...
You finish off as an orgasm.
I rest my case.
I want to live my next life backwards;
You start out dead and get that out of the way.
Then you wake up in an old age home feeling better every day.
Then you get kicked out for being too healthy.
Enjoy your retirement and collect your pension.
Then when you start work, you get a gold watch on your first day.
You work 40 years until you're too young to work.
You get ready for High School: drink alcohol, party, and you're generally promiscuous.
Then you go to primary school, you become a kid, you play, and you have no responsibilities.
Then you become a baby, and then...
You spend your last 9 months floating peacefully in luxury, in spa-like conditions - central heating, room service on tap, and then...
You finish off as an orgasm.
I rest my case.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
The Greatest Holiday Of The Year
Next Monday is the greatest holiday of the year. Is everybody ready for it? I am. I'll tell you where I'll be and what I'll be doing that day too. I'll be home, hanging in front of the big screen, watching the Yankees on ESPN HD.
Opening day is next Monday in Yankee Stadium. Its Opening Day elsewhere too but they don't count. I never work on Baseball Opening Day. (Not on my Birthday either but thats a different thing.) This year is sweet because the game is actually on ESPN, not another stunky network. Sometimes I don't get to see the Yanks so I am really happy. Its the next best thing to being there I guess.
But what could be better than being in Yankee Stadium on Opening Day?
Well, being there as they win the Series would be better, but you get my meaning. :)
So I am already psyched for next week. The pitching will be better this year and thats all we lacked last year. It should end up being a kick ass Summer.
The long, long off season is almost over. Life is good again. Anyone else as wired about it as I am? Other than you Karen. I already know the answer to that question. :)
Opening day is next Monday in Yankee Stadium. Its Opening Day elsewhere too but they don't count. I never work on Baseball Opening Day. (Not on my Birthday either but thats a different thing.) This year is sweet because the game is actually on ESPN, not another stunky network. Sometimes I don't get to see the Yanks so I am really happy. Its the next best thing to being there I guess.
But what could be better than being in Yankee Stadium on Opening Day?
Well, being there as they win the Series would be better, but you get my meaning. :)
So I am already psyched for next week. The pitching will be better this year and thats all we lacked last year. It should end up being a kick ass Summer.
The long, long off season is almost over. Life is good again. Anyone else as wired about it as I am? Other than you Karen. I already know the answer to that question. :)
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Conference Call Education
I had to sit in on a conference call today. It was for a project that we are working on for a big time, world-wide agency. (I can't say which one but people in this business all know them.) I was impressed at the list and level of people I was 'hanging' with during this call. The big cheeses, Scientists, Government people. It was impressive. At least it would be if you are not me that is. :)
Personally, I think I should be impressed. I think I should feel privileged to be a part of such a huge project. But mostly what I learned at this conference call was that big time scientists sure like to hear themselves talk. (The other thing I learned was that my boss breathes really hard! He is noisy!) Worse yet, the government cheeses really like to talk too. Our people liked to hear themselves talk away at the same time. It was a lot of talk, talk, talk. I sat there wondering when they would get to my part in the process.
All I cared about was what I needed to do to make sure our end was well covered. I didn't understand much of the science stuff anyway. It was Ok to a point but I'm an equipment guy, not a chemist, a scientist nor a blow hard who likes to hear himself say impossibly big words and all that.
My boss kept saying "When are they going to get to our part?" We had the same thoughts. Even though he understands all the science, he really wanted to know what our part was too.
Then the call was over and our part was never discussed. It was in the minutes to be discussed but it never happened. I felt so lost. Like a floating piece of debris in the ocean. Not needed, not cared for. Just lost.
Yeah, right. :)
So now we will be expected to understand the process, react in milli-seconds when it's time to do our part, and get the stuff made instantaneously without flaw when the time comes to make it. All this without any direction or planning. Impossible?
Piece of cake. :P
Anyway, what have we learned from all this my friends? Nothing much I guess. Mostly that I don't care for conference calls, big time scientists, govt. officials nor heavy breathers. But we all knew that already without having me waste 1.5 hours of my life in a lame conference call. I could have been doing something much more productive like underwater basket weaving or polishing my dog or..................... blogging?
Personally, I think I should be impressed. I think I should feel privileged to be a part of such a huge project. But mostly what I learned at this conference call was that big time scientists sure like to hear themselves talk. (The other thing I learned was that my boss breathes really hard! He is noisy!) Worse yet, the government cheeses really like to talk too. Our people liked to hear themselves talk away at the same time. It was a lot of talk, talk, talk. I sat there wondering when they would get to my part in the process.
All I cared about was what I needed to do to make sure our end was well covered. I didn't understand much of the science stuff anyway. It was Ok to a point but I'm an equipment guy, not a chemist, a scientist nor a blow hard who likes to hear himself say impossibly big words and all that.
My boss kept saying "When are they going to get to our part?" We had the same thoughts. Even though he understands all the science, he really wanted to know what our part was too.
Then the call was over and our part was never discussed. It was in the minutes to be discussed but it never happened. I felt so lost. Like a floating piece of debris in the ocean. Not needed, not cared for. Just lost.
Yeah, right. :)
So now we will be expected to understand the process, react in milli-seconds when it's time to do our part, and get the stuff made instantaneously without flaw when the time comes to make it. All this without any direction or planning. Impossible?
Piece of cake. :P
Anyway, what have we learned from all this my friends? Nothing much I guess. Mostly that I don't care for conference calls, big time scientists, govt. officials nor heavy breathers. But we all knew that already without having me waste 1.5 hours of my life in a lame conference call. I could have been doing something much more productive like underwater basket weaving or polishing my dog or..................... blogging?
Friday, March 23, 2007
Another Silly Smile
I can't help it:
A guy goes into his new psychiatrists office for his first visit. He is wearing only underwear made from saran wrap. The psychiatrist looks up and says, "Well, I can see your nuts."
Ha ha.
Is anyone else leaving for a sushi buffet lunch right now like I am? Yeah, sorry for you. :P I'll let you know how great it was later.
A guy goes into his new psychiatrists office for his first visit. He is wearing only underwear made from saran wrap. The psychiatrist looks up and says, "Well, I can see your nuts."
Ha ha.
Is anyone else leaving for a sushi buffet lunch right now like I am? Yeah, sorry for you. :P I'll let you know how great it was later.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
French Men Don't Get Caught
French Men Don't Get Caught (link to story)
Does having a fling screw up a relationship or could it help it? I read this story on MSN and found it interesting. All the things you hear about people having flings and how the Europeans have such a different perspective on sex is addressed here. It made me curious to see what we all thought about the subject.
My personal views on the subject have always been quite open. I have known friends who had sexual flings and it made them want their partner more than ever. I have also seen the opposite. A relationship can be totally ruined by a moment of weakness and lust. I also know people who have open relationships where they just agree to have fun but never let it come between them. For me, whatever works for the individual is OK.
When I was single I almost exclusively 'dated' married women so I have first hand knowledge that it isn't just men doing it. The idea of 'cheating' never occurred to me then. They were cheating. I wasn't. But I have trouble breaking promises. If I make a promise to someone then I'll keep it. Not that I haven't broken promises. I have broken a few (even very recently) but it isn't something I believe a person should ever do. If you can and have a clear conscience, then I'm not sure what to think about you.
There's the rub, eh? Can it be done with a clear conscience? If so, what leads to that frame of mind? Is it a sociopathic thing? Maybe.
I have posted a couple of new polls to see what people who stop by have to say about it. As Summer would say, vote early, vote often. :)
Does having a fling screw up a relationship or could it help it? I read this story on MSN and found it interesting. All the things you hear about people having flings and how the Europeans have such a different perspective on sex is addressed here. It made me curious to see what we all thought about the subject.
My personal views on the subject have always been quite open. I have known friends who had sexual flings and it made them want their partner more than ever. I have also seen the opposite. A relationship can be totally ruined by a moment of weakness and lust. I also know people who have open relationships where they just agree to have fun but never let it come between them. For me, whatever works for the individual is OK.
When I was single I almost exclusively 'dated' married women so I have first hand knowledge that it isn't just men doing it. The idea of 'cheating' never occurred to me then. They were cheating. I wasn't. But I have trouble breaking promises. If I make a promise to someone then I'll keep it. Not that I haven't broken promises. I have broken a few (even very recently) but it isn't something I believe a person should ever do. If you can and have a clear conscience, then I'm not sure what to think about you.
There's the rub, eh? Can it be done with a clear conscience? If so, what leads to that frame of mind? Is it a sociopathic thing? Maybe.
I have posted a couple of new polls to see what people who stop by have to say about it. As Summer would say, vote early, vote often. :)
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Brings Back Memories
This comic reminded me of my last job.
Some places have people who just make up rediculous things and call them ideas. Then they force their brilliance on others and when things go to shit they are stunned.
At the last job the big cheese decided to make every afternoon between 1:00 & 2:00 (forgive me if I'm off on the clock time here) quiet time. No talking, no phones, no interpersonal stuff. Just quiet time at your desk to get things like paperwork done and emails answered. I think that was the plan.
Of course, the idea was totally asinine. What person who has clients calling won't answer the phone? Who won't get up and take care of their emergencies or take a chance on missing a deadline for a customer? Nope, not the best idea ever. It totally crashed and burned. Just like any real, sane person would have known before forcing it on everyone else.
Yep, that old job place really did have some doozies running it. This cartoon reminded me of how mush I don't miss it. I barely even remember much from back then. Except the cool people.
Some places have people who just make up rediculous things and call them ideas. Then they force their brilliance on others and when things go to shit they are stunned.
At the last job the big cheese decided to make every afternoon between 1:00 & 2:00 (forgive me if I'm off on the clock time here) quiet time. No talking, no phones, no interpersonal stuff. Just quiet time at your desk to get things like paperwork done and emails answered. I think that was the plan.
Of course, the idea was totally asinine. What person who has clients calling won't answer the phone? Who won't get up and take care of their emergencies or take a chance on missing a deadline for a customer? Nope, not the best idea ever. It totally crashed and burned. Just like any real, sane person would have known before forcing it on everyone else.
Yep, that old job place really did have some doozies running it. This cartoon reminded me of how mush I don't miss it. I barely even remember much from back then. Except the cool people.
Oldies But Goodies
Have you ever heard the descriptions of the older crowd? Like the 80-100 year olds out there? People always say things like, "He can still eat with a fork all by himself" or, "She walks all the way to the bathroom still." Isn't that funny? I guess those are accomplishments for a 100 year old. But I think those are also accomplishments for 1 year olds too. Not that I would have first hand knowledge of it, but kids have those types of milestones in life.
Are they called milestones if you are at the end of your life too? Hmmm...
Consider that kids start out wearing diapers and old people wear them too. Getting out of diapers is a milestone for a kid. I think getting out of diapers for an oldie means they die. Thats sort of a milestone, right?
Kids walking is another big deal. For good reason. But an old person who still walks is something to marvel at. Eating with utensils is another one. Young or old, it's way cool to be doing it. Except young ones go from being fed to feeding themselves. The older ones go from eating by themselves to having to be fed. Not so much a great milestone.
I think it's funny to see the old newpeople talking about other old people too. It's like the pot calling the kettle black. A lot of those stories are done by people who probably have to take breaks during filming to get a new Depends. (Barbara Walters comes to mind.)
Also, an oldie complimenting another oldie for still be able to do something is a little disconcerting. You just know they are saying it while wondering just how long they will be able to keep going themselves. I always think that when my Uncle or Aunt say something like, "That person still drives around by themselves. I wouldn't ride with them but still...." Now thats funny to me.
It's also weird to sit with my Uncle and hear him and his friends talk about their old friends. There is always something wrong with them. They marvel that some of them are still alive. It's a weird thing to listen to.
I have no idea what brought all this to mind this morning. None. :)
Are they called milestones if you are at the end of your life too? Hmmm...
Consider that kids start out wearing diapers and old people wear them too. Getting out of diapers is a milestone for a kid. I think getting out of diapers for an oldie means they die. Thats sort of a milestone, right?
Kids walking is another big deal. For good reason. But an old person who still walks is something to marvel at. Eating with utensils is another one. Young or old, it's way cool to be doing it. Except young ones go from being fed to feeding themselves. The older ones go from eating by themselves to having to be fed. Not so much a great milestone.
I think it's funny to see the old newpeople talking about other old people too. It's like the pot calling the kettle black. A lot of those stories are done by people who probably have to take breaks during filming to get a new Depends. (Barbara Walters comes to mind.)
Also, an oldie complimenting another oldie for still be able to do something is a little disconcerting. You just know they are saying it while wondering just how long they will be able to keep going themselves. I always think that when my Uncle or Aunt say something like, "That person still drives around by themselves. I wouldn't ride with them but still...." Now thats funny to me.
It's also weird to sit with my Uncle and hear him and his friends talk about their old friends. There is always something wrong with them. They marvel that some of them are still alive. It's a weird thing to listen to.
I have no idea what brought all this to mind this morning. None. :)
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Cliffhanger
I've had two visitors already this morning. 7:30 a.m. and already people are bugging me. Don't they realize that the hour before coffee hits the blood stream that I don't want visitors bugging me? Apparently not.
It didn't help that the one guy had a cliffhanger. You know what that is right? Its when a booger is partially hanging out of the nose but the person dosen't notice it. I spent a few minutes wondering if I should mention it or not. I was thinking about it and trying so hard to decide how to say it tactfully that I never really heard what he was saying. So he walked away having wasted his time talking with me because my only memory of his visit was that he had a big old booger hanging out of his right nostril. Nice.
I think I need to post a sign on my door. It will say, "Before coffee o'clock, stay away!" Or something like that. :)
Other news.... well there really isn't much. Lisa is still sick. Makes me sad not to see her every day. She gets these nasty migraines that totally wipe her out. I may blow off the afternoon and go see her. I'm getting Lisa withdraw. I'll be her nurse or something.
My guitar lesson is tonight. I'm looking forward to it. If nothing else, it's fun to sit and play for a while. Rehash some of the old tunes and see how much I remember. Hopefully I'm a good teacher.
Oh yeah! I just remembered! I am going out for a sushi lunch today! There is this awesome place nearby that has a sushi buffet at lunch time. I'm headed there with a friend who I promised lunch a long time ago. She was pregnant and couldn't get sushi so I told her when she was back and able to go I'd take her. She loves sushi as much as I do. So I do have something to look forward to today. That and the end of the day anyway. Cool.
Ha! The Boogie Man just walked by again. From now on I'm always gonna think of him as The Boogie Man. Now I feel like blowing my nose. Go figure.
It didn't help that the one guy had a cliffhanger. You know what that is right? Its when a booger is partially hanging out of the nose but the person dosen't notice it. I spent a few minutes wondering if I should mention it or not. I was thinking about it and trying so hard to decide how to say it tactfully that I never really heard what he was saying. So he walked away having wasted his time talking with me because my only memory of his visit was that he had a big old booger hanging out of his right nostril. Nice.
I think I need to post a sign on my door. It will say, "Before coffee o'clock, stay away!" Or something like that. :)
Other news.... well there really isn't much. Lisa is still sick. Makes me sad not to see her every day. She gets these nasty migraines that totally wipe her out. I may blow off the afternoon and go see her. I'm getting Lisa withdraw. I'll be her nurse or something.
My guitar lesson is tonight. I'm looking forward to it. If nothing else, it's fun to sit and play for a while. Rehash some of the old tunes and see how much I remember. Hopefully I'm a good teacher.
Oh yeah! I just remembered! I am going out for a sushi lunch today! There is this awesome place nearby that has a sushi buffet at lunch time. I'm headed there with a friend who I promised lunch a long time ago. She was pregnant and couldn't get sushi so I told her when she was back and able to go I'd take her. She loves sushi as much as I do. So I do have something to look forward to today. That and the end of the day anyway. Cool.
Ha! The Boogie Man just walked by again. From now on I'm always gonna think of him as The Boogie Man. Now I feel like blowing my nose. Go figure.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Smile Of The Day
Two muffins are baking in the oven. One looks at the other and says, "It's hot in here!" The other looks over and says, "Look! A talking muffin!"
Yeah, I know. I just can't help myself. :)
Yeah, I know. I just can't help myself. :)
I Wanna Feel Grumpy
Did you ever feel in the mood to be grumpy? I am in the mood to be grumpy today. I don't really feel grumpy but I think I'd like to be. Isn't that strange? I haven't decided to be grumpy yet. Of course, sitting here thinking about being in the mood to be grumpy is making me laugh. Its ruining the mood, y'know? Guess I blew it. :)
I feel relieved today too. After the whirlwind of the past two weeks I have 3 weeks ahead of me of normal, easy schedules. Some of the typical annoyances, sure. But nothing like major projects and big productions and trips all over the swamps of Jersey to worry with. Just normal, everyday stuff. I'm almost not sure what to do with myself this morning.
So I should be back on regular blog schedule for a few weeks. Looks that way at least.
We added two more closet organizers over the weekend. That should be the end of it. It sounds like a simple job but the thing is, the house is old. The shelf (yes, just one per closet) was nailed into the plaster with about 150 nails each. So taking them out sucked. Then fixing the walls and painting had to be done before installing. But it was worth the effort. Now we are all neat and organized.
I think people would be amazed at our house from an organized standpoint. In the downstairs areas we have these cool shelving systems that keep all the junk looking like its not junk. All neat and tidy. Our closets are nice and orderly and the rooms are always neat. Its one thing Nicci and I have in common. We like things put away in their place. Neither of us is a neat freak but we aren't slobs either. These organizer things help keep everything in order and we don't have to be anal about it. It just looks like we are. Nice.
So tomorrow I'll be giving my first guitar lesson. That should be interesting. I haven't taught anyone music in a long time. Besides, I'm just a hack anyway so if she's serious about learning she will need a real teacher in very short order.
I had some really cool pics to post of my WoW character but the format isn't working. I'll have to figure out what I did wrong and try again. She is looking hot! (For a toon anyway.) She has this set of armor that looks like it came from Victoria's Secret. All red and skimpy. It looks sweet. But its also the highest protection she's had yet. Go figure. Look sexier, get better protection. Life just doesn't work that way for real, does it? Nope. :)
I saw that Grace mentioned the movie "300" recently. That is one I want to see in the theaters. It looks so cool. I remember the story from school and I've always been fascinated by it. Of course, I need someone to go with me who likes to go. Nicci isn't into theaters and all. Maybe I can get Lisa to go.
So, I guess it's time to try and catch up on whats happening at work. Not in the modd, y'know? But I'm here and they expect me to pay attention so, away we go.
Anyone else in the mood to feel grumpy today?
I feel relieved today too. After the whirlwind of the past two weeks I have 3 weeks ahead of me of normal, easy schedules. Some of the typical annoyances, sure. But nothing like major projects and big productions and trips all over the swamps of Jersey to worry with. Just normal, everyday stuff. I'm almost not sure what to do with myself this morning.
So I should be back on regular blog schedule for a few weeks. Looks that way at least.
We added two more closet organizers over the weekend. That should be the end of it. It sounds like a simple job but the thing is, the house is old. The shelf (yes, just one per closet) was nailed into the plaster with about 150 nails each. So taking them out sucked. Then fixing the walls and painting had to be done before installing. But it was worth the effort. Now we are all neat and organized.
I think people would be amazed at our house from an organized standpoint. In the downstairs areas we have these cool shelving systems that keep all the junk looking like its not junk. All neat and tidy. Our closets are nice and orderly and the rooms are always neat. Its one thing Nicci and I have in common. We like things put away in their place. Neither of us is a neat freak but we aren't slobs either. These organizer things help keep everything in order and we don't have to be anal about it. It just looks like we are. Nice.
So tomorrow I'll be giving my first guitar lesson. That should be interesting. I haven't taught anyone music in a long time. Besides, I'm just a hack anyway so if she's serious about learning she will need a real teacher in very short order.
I had some really cool pics to post of my WoW character but the format isn't working. I'll have to figure out what I did wrong and try again. She is looking hot! (For a toon anyway.) She has this set of armor that looks like it came from Victoria's Secret. All red and skimpy. It looks sweet. But its also the highest protection she's had yet. Go figure. Look sexier, get better protection. Life just doesn't work that way for real, does it? Nope. :)
I saw that Grace mentioned the movie "300" recently. That is one I want to see in the theaters. It looks so cool. I remember the story from school and I've always been fascinated by it. Of course, I need someone to go with me who likes to go. Nicci isn't into theaters and all. Maybe I can get Lisa to go.
So, I guess it's time to try and catch up on whats happening at work. Not in the modd, y'know? But I'm here and they expect me to pay attention so, away we go.
Anyone else in the mood to feel grumpy today?
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
I'm A Ramblin' Guy....
It seems like forever since I've had time to stop by here. This past week has been crazy. Too much going on to tell all. Besides I am leaving (again) for New Jersy this morning for a two day trip. Trying to spend lots of company money can be exhausting. :)
Just stopped by before I left to let anyone who may be interested know that I am still here. Somewhere.
Lots to talk about when I get back. Hasta la vista.
Just stopped by before I left to let anyone who may be interested know that I am still here. Somewhere.
Lots to talk about when I get back. Hasta la vista.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
I Tried.....
...I really did. I tried to blog something today but nothing happened. Now I'm out of time and gotta leave. Its a Winter Wonderland here so at least the trip home will be pretty. Until later then........
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Beautiful Emails
Lately I have been getting these amazingly beautiful emails. Check this out:
New York Yankees Postgame Alert
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 5, 2007
Detroit 5, N.Y. Yankees 6 at Legends Field
Detroit Record: (4-2)
N.Y. Yankees Record: (5-0)
Winning pitcher - Ron Villone (2-0)
Losing pitcher - Felix Heredia (0-1)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Detroit 1 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 5 8 0
N.Y. Yankees 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 6 10 0
DET HR - None
NYY HR - H. Matsui (1) B. Sardinha (1)
Next N.Y. Yankees Game: March 6, 2007 01:05 PM ET vs. Cleveland Indians
It makes me smile every time I look at my email. Just knowing the real Baseball Season is almost here is awesome! (Of course in my email everything isn't all crooked and stuff.)
Summer's coming people and with it the Boys of Summer are back. More to the point, The Yankees are back.
Could there be anything more beautiful in an email? Nope. :)
New York Yankees Postgame Alert
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 5, 2007
Detroit 5, N.Y. Yankees 6 at Legends Field
Detroit Record: (4-2)
N.Y. Yankees Record: (5-0)
Winning pitcher - Ron Villone (2-0)
Losing pitcher - Felix Heredia (0-1)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Detroit 1 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 5 8 0
N.Y. Yankees 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 6 10 0
DET HR - None
NYY HR - H. Matsui (1) B. Sardinha (1)
Next N.Y. Yankees Game: March 6, 2007 01:05 PM ET vs. Cleveland Indians
It makes me smile every time I look at my email. Just knowing the real Baseball Season is almost here is awesome! (Of course in my email everything isn't all crooked and stuff.)
Summer's coming people and with it the Boys of Summer are back. More to the point, The Yankees are back.
Could there be anything more beautiful in an email? Nope. :)
So It's Tuesday Morning.....
So it's Tuesday morning. Back in the swing for me, I guess. I was out sick yesterday. I went with the old folks for dinner on Sunday and got something there that knocked me about for a while. The restaurant was good, as usual, but something on the buffet must not have been. Nicci felt bad too but not like I did. Had it coming out of both ends, if you know what I mean.
Serves me right. Lisa will tell me (when I see her today) that I got what I deserved. You see, I was considering calling in sick just to have a 'mental health day' soon. Well, I got my day off. Not quite what I had envisioned. Lisa believes in karma stuff like that. Maybe she is right?
The weekend was weird. I got the closet organizer installed just fine. The thing is so cool! Talk about adding storage space. It wasn't all that hard to do either. I think the hardest thing was deciding how to configure it. Once the plan was made, cutting the shelves down and stuff was easy. Other than doing the closet I did laundry, had a date night, played WoW, and stayed quiet. As quiet as my big mouth let's me stay. :)
Yesterday one of our neighbors called to let us know their daughter had killed herself. It was a weird thing to hear. I am friends with them but Nicci is good friends with them. It really affected her.
It was one of those typical suicide stories. The woman seemed fine to everyone around her. No one knew anything was wrong. No hints that something was going to happen. Her Mother and daughter had even spent time with her earlier in the day. Next thing you know, she blows her brains out with a gun. I'm sure some odd secret thing will surface eventually that will sort of explain it all. I say sort of since you really can never fully understand why this happens. We'll see.
We sure are different people too. I say that because of the two different reactions in my house. Nicci was instantly distraught. She was sad and concerned for the family. She is so nice to neighbors and stuff.
My first reaction was "What a stupid, selfish bitch." I was pissed that she would do that to those left behind. I guess we are different but I have never been able to feel compassion for suicide people.
I have always thought that if someone could actually do that to themselves then the world is better off without them anyway. Maybe I'm too cold hearted but that is how I feel.
So Nicci will be helping with the family stuff this week. All sad and concerned and sweet and helpful. I'll be pretending life goes on just like always. See what I mean? Different perspectives.
Now I have to go and get caught up. A day off, unplanned, can be a pain when you get back to work. Planning ahead, well there's a different thing. :)
Serves me right. Lisa will tell me (when I see her today) that I got what I deserved. You see, I was considering calling in sick just to have a 'mental health day' soon. Well, I got my day off. Not quite what I had envisioned. Lisa believes in karma stuff like that. Maybe she is right?
The weekend was weird. I got the closet organizer installed just fine. The thing is so cool! Talk about adding storage space. It wasn't all that hard to do either. I think the hardest thing was deciding how to configure it. Once the plan was made, cutting the shelves down and stuff was easy. Other than doing the closet I did laundry, had a date night, played WoW, and stayed quiet. As quiet as my big mouth let's me stay. :)
Yesterday one of our neighbors called to let us know their daughter had killed herself. It was a weird thing to hear. I am friends with them but Nicci is good friends with them. It really affected her.
It was one of those typical suicide stories. The woman seemed fine to everyone around her. No one knew anything was wrong. No hints that something was going to happen. Her Mother and daughter had even spent time with her earlier in the day. Next thing you know, she blows her brains out with a gun. I'm sure some odd secret thing will surface eventually that will sort of explain it all. I say sort of since you really can never fully understand why this happens. We'll see.
We sure are different people too. I say that because of the two different reactions in my house. Nicci was instantly distraught. She was sad and concerned for the family. She is so nice to neighbors and stuff.
My first reaction was "What a stupid, selfish bitch." I was pissed that she would do that to those left behind. I guess we are different but I have never been able to feel compassion for suicide people.
I have always thought that if someone could actually do that to themselves then the world is better off without them anyway. Maybe I'm too cold hearted but that is how I feel.
So Nicci will be helping with the family stuff this week. All sad and concerned and sweet and helpful. I'll be pretending life goes on just like always. See what I mean? Different perspectives.
Now I have to go and get caught up. A day off, unplanned, can be a pain when you get back to work. Planning ahead, well there's a different thing. :)
Thursday, March 01, 2007
It's Mage, Not Maaje
I was away all day Wednesday at a seminar. It was pretty fun. Sometimes those things are a drag but this one wasn't too bad. Hey, I was away from work, hanging with three babes from the department, got a free lunch and had some interesting stuff to absorb. It could have been a worse day.
The seminar was "Strengthening Your People Skills In The Workplace". With a title like that you know it had all the makings of an eventful time. I managed to find out quite a bit of stuff that I had forgotten from previous trainings and seminars. A lot of which I once knew and just stopped using. Of course, at my last job, I basically did my own thing and didn't really have to interact with anyone if I didn't feel like it. (Mostly I didn't feel like it.)
I did learn that my personality at work is a combination of "The Director" style and "The Socializer" style. The Director is the one who can't stand fluffy, long winded sentences. They like to get going, get the job done, multi-tasking, no frills and no fluff. Result driven. The people who take forever to explain things or chat too much are the ones who make this person nuts. I am really like that.
The Socializer tends to be smiling, easy going, results driven too but they like to do it their own way. Low tolerance for direction but good at getting things done. My evaluation showed that I am a combination of both.
The people there were an interesting mix. Some were OK. Some made me crazy. There was this one person who talked about her hobby of playing World of Warcraft. I listened in a little but couldn't bring myself to chat too much with her even though I like to see how other people react to the game. My reason was that she kept saying the word "Mage" (her character) in a funny way. It was like "Maaje" or something. I'm having a hard time spelling it like she pronounced it. Long drawn out "A" and the "G" sounded like a "Z". Sorta like Thurston Howell III would say it I think. It annoyed me very much. :) Webster's agrees with me:
From Webster's Online Dictionary:
mage
One entry found for mage.
Main Entry: mage
Pronunciation: 'mAj
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin magus
So now I want to find out who her character is and run up in the game and wipe her out. Too bad you can't attack players from the same groups you are part of. But I want to. "Hey beyotch! Maaje this!"
Anyway, yesterday was a whirlwind too. Coming back after a day off with a big ass load of work to do makes for a fast day. I started a project at 7:30 and suddenly it was 1:30. The time flew past me. So I finished up what I had to and left with Lisa for a glass of wine. Good way to end the day. Good wine with your best friend in a nice setting for 2.5 hours. The evening was very relaxed afterward.
So today is new period start day. That means I get to write up my end of the period reports, finish up leftover paperwork, go to endless meetings.... *yawn*... yeah, the day will drag. But it won't be stressful and it is Friday.
Plans for the weekend? Yep, I actually have some. Can you believe it? Now don't get too excited. There is always at least one stupid home improvement thing to do. With Nicci around, its non-stop. I am tearing out all the stuff from the big bedroom closet and redoing it. Adding one of those closet organizer things. It should be pretty cool once its done. Plus, the installing should be easy. Its the fixing the walls and painting that sucks. Luckily for me, Nicci won't let me touch a paintbrush so I get out of that part.
We also decided to have a date night Saturday evening. I already know what I'm cooking. Dinner in front of the fireplace, romantic stuff. You know. I won't get all gross about it. Just imagine, K?
OK< time to get this day started. The earlier it starts, the earleir it ends.
The seminar was "Strengthening Your People Skills In The Workplace". With a title like that you know it had all the makings of an eventful time. I managed to find out quite a bit of stuff that I had forgotten from previous trainings and seminars. A lot of which I once knew and just stopped using. Of course, at my last job, I basically did my own thing and didn't really have to interact with anyone if I didn't feel like it. (Mostly I didn't feel like it.)
I did learn that my personality at work is a combination of "The Director" style and "The Socializer" style. The Director is the one who can't stand fluffy, long winded sentences. They like to get going, get the job done, multi-tasking, no frills and no fluff. Result driven. The people who take forever to explain things or chat too much are the ones who make this person nuts. I am really like that.
The Socializer tends to be smiling, easy going, results driven too but they like to do it their own way. Low tolerance for direction but good at getting things done. My evaluation showed that I am a combination of both.
The people there were an interesting mix. Some were OK. Some made me crazy. There was this one person who talked about her hobby of playing World of Warcraft. I listened in a little but couldn't bring myself to chat too much with her even though I like to see how other people react to the game. My reason was that she kept saying the word "Mage" (her character) in a funny way. It was like "Maaje" or something. I'm having a hard time spelling it like she pronounced it. Long drawn out "A" and the "G" sounded like a "Z". Sorta like Thurston Howell III would say it I think. It annoyed me very much. :) Webster's agrees with me:
From Webster's Online Dictionary:
mage
One entry found for mage.
Main Entry: mage
Pronunciation: 'mAj
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin magus
So now I want to find out who her character is and run up in the game and wipe her out. Too bad you can't attack players from the same groups you are part of. But I want to. "Hey beyotch! Maaje this!"
Anyway, yesterday was a whirlwind too. Coming back after a day off with a big ass load of work to do makes for a fast day. I started a project at 7:30 and suddenly it was 1:30. The time flew past me. So I finished up what I had to and left with Lisa for a glass of wine. Good way to end the day. Good wine with your best friend in a nice setting for 2.5 hours. The evening was very relaxed afterward.
So today is new period start day. That means I get to write up my end of the period reports, finish up leftover paperwork, go to endless meetings.... *yawn*... yeah, the day will drag. But it won't be stressful and it is Friday.
Plans for the weekend? Yep, I actually have some. Can you believe it? Now don't get too excited. There is always at least one stupid home improvement thing to do. With Nicci around, its non-stop. I am tearing out all the stuff from the big bedroom closet and redoing it. Adding one of those closet organizer things. It should be pretty cool once its done. Plus, the installing should be easy. Its the fixing the walls and painting that sucks. Luckily for me, Nicci won't let me touch a paintbrush so I get out of that part.
We also decided to have a date night Saturday evening. I already know what I'm cooking. Dinner in front of the fireplace, romantic stuff. You know. I won't get all gross about it. Just imagine, K?
OK< time to get this day started. The earlier it starts, the earleir it ends.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
QotD: First Celebrity Crush
Saw this at J's and Grace's blogs. I thought I'd fess up too. :)
"Who was your first celebrity crush?"
The Mighty Isis
The first time I saw the show on Saturday morning TV I was smittem. I can't tell you much about plots or anything. All I remember is that Joanna Cameron was the hottest thing I had ever seen and I could not be moved to miss one show. Even after I had seen them all about 20 times. :)
The cool thing is that 2 years ago (or so???) I got to meet her at one of those comic book shows in Baltimore. She was there signing autographs. I got a pic and a handshake from her. She is still a hottie too. :)
"Who was your first celebrity crush?"
The Mighty Isis
The first time I saw the show on Saturday morning TV I was smittem. I can't tell you much about plots or anything. All I remember is that Joanna Cameron was the hottest thing I had ever seen and I could not be moved to miss one show. Even after I had seen them all about 20 times. :)
The cool thing is that 2 years ago (or so???) I got to meet her at one of those comic book shows in Baltimore. She was there signing autographs. I got a pic and a handshake from her. She is still a hottie too. :)
Monday, February 26, 2007
You Are Healed!
I found this at a blog I accidentally came across this morning. It cracks me up!
A good way to start a boring Monday eh? A good laugh and the Starbuck's Cafe Verona I made this morning. Yum! I have been making it since last Monday and I have to tell ya, if you haven't tried it, you should. I make it the European way though, very strong. But it is my (current) favorite.
I kinda sound a little like Meritt there. Ha ha.
So the weekend was OK. Managed to re-uninstall the bathroom sink and re-re-install it again. The stupid thing....grrrr... Tell me what kind of manufacturer doesn't send the right stuff in a kit like that? The drainn wouldn't drain because it couldn't. They sent a drain without an overflow hole. It couldn't 'breathe' so naturally it couldn't let the water go down.
And of course I didn't notice it until after it was all installed. When the water went in and just sat there, waiting for help, I noticed. Duh!
But noew the stupid thing is back in place and sealed up good. The right drain had to be special ordered. It won't be here until Wednesday. Imagine, a simple new sink install taking 10 days and three re-dos. Sometimes projects just don't go the way they should.
I don't know about anyone else but have you also noticed that once a project starts it gains momentum and all these little add-ons keep creeping in? Spacebrain calls that "creeping-featurism". This was one of those projects. It's been like this:
"Well, since we have the sink out I should re-do the wall behind there. Maybe I should just go ahead and change the color? Yeah, I will."
"I got some new fixtures for the walls. The old ones didn't suit me with the new color."
"Can you replace that strip on the backsplash? I think it would look better since we have the room apart..."
"I think that should be moved over here. We have the opportunity now that the room..."
"I bought this for under here. Can you put this in while you're at it?"
"Those old door handles just had to go since we changed the color and all."
"Well, I had to get these since we changed the door handles."
Yeah, it really is like that. :)
OK, enough jabbering on about the latest home improvement project. Otherwise the weekend wasn't too bad. I did manage to play a little online too. I think I could really like WoW. (For those without kids, I'm including myself in that reference, WoW is World of Warcraft.) The one thing I don't like about the game is all the travelling. Sometimes it takes 5-10 minutes to get places. But basically I think I like it. Once I'm done with the bathroom :) I think I'll try it a little more.
So happy Monday to all. Time to get more coffee and see what you've been up to.
A good way to start a boring Monday eh? A good laugh and the Starbuck's Cafe Verona I made this morning. Yum! I have been making it since last Monday and I have to tell ya, if you haven't tried it, you should. I make it the European way though, very strong. But it is my (current) favorite.
I kinda sound a little like Meritt there. Ha ha.
So the weekend was OK. Managed to re-uninstall the bathroom sink and re-re-install it again. The stupid thing....grrrr... Tell me what kind of manufacturer doesn't send the right stuff in a kit like that? The drainn wouldn't drain because it couldn't. They sent a drain without an overflow hole. It couldn't 'breathe' so naturally it couldn't let the water go down.
And of course I didn't notice it until after it was all installed. When the water went in and just sat there, waiting for help, I noticed. Duh!
But noew the stupid thing is back in place and sealed up good. The right drain had to be special ordered. It won't be here until Wednesday. Imagine, a simple new sink install taking 10 days and three re-dos. Sometimes projects just don't go the way they should.
I don't know about anyone else but have you also noticed that once a project starts it gains momentum and all these little add-ons keep creeping in? Spacebrain calls that "creeping-featurism". This was one of those projects. It's been like this:
"Well, since we have the sink out I should re-do the wall behind there. Maybe I should just go ahead and change the color? Yeah, I will."
"I got some new fixtures for the walls. The old ones didn't suit me with the new color."
"Can you replace that strip on the backsplash? I think it would look better since we have the room apart..."
"I think that should be moved over here. We have the opportunity now that the room..."
"I bought this for under here. Can you put this in while you're at it?"
"Those old door handles just had to go since we changed the color and all."
"Well, I had to get these since we changed the door handles."
Yeah, it really is like that. :)
OK, enough jabbering on about the latest home improvement project. Otherwise the weekend wasn't too bad. I did manage to play a little online too. I think I could really like WoW. (For those without kids, I'm including myself in that reference, WoW is World of Warcraft.) The one thing I don't like about the game is all the travelling. Sometimes it takes 5-10 minutes to get places. But basically I think I like it. Once I'm done with the bathroom :) I think I'll try it a little more.
So happy Monday to all. Time to get more coffee and see what you've been up to.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Courteney Cox Works Here
I just saw Courteney Cox in our hallway! I really did!
Ok, it was just someone who looks like her. Not the real deal.
It wasn't the sexy Courteney either.........
It wasn't the sexy Courteney either.........
It was this version of Courteney...........
Apparently we have a new employee and she looks a lot like the second picture there. If you know me you'd know how much I adore Courteney Cox. This woman looks a lot like her but she is probably 250-300lbs. Pretty still, but a very big woman.
I was a little excited for a minute there. But y'know? If it were Courteney and she was that big, I'd still have to go after her. Those eyes get me evey time.
What can I say? I'm a slave to my passions. :)
Thursday, February 22, 2007
So I'm A Dope
Peachy left a comment yesterday on the 'other blog' reminding me that I haven't been a good blogger buddy. I guess I haven't felt very social lately since my friend left for Grad School.
She has started Grad School at John's Hopkins. She is very busy with school and still works part time. I do see her occasionally. We had lunch together last week. But thats about it. She goes home a lot (another state) and she doesn't have a lot of spare time anymore. Other than wonderful Gmail chat, I don't have much contact with her anymore.
I miss her.
But thats it goes sometimes.
Other news.... well theres not much to talk about. Work has been crazy lately. It seems like nothing wants to work right this past 2 weeks. I've had a never ending flow of vendors, repair guys and official document signing meetings just to keep things running.
Oh, and we remodeled the bathroom at home again. Yes, I mean again! This is the 3rd time since moving into the house 1.5 years ago. I figure if we just keep to the schedule we can be expert remodelers. A redo every 6 months is good for you, right? *sigh* Have I ever mentioned here just how much I hate home improvement projects? I really do. Not that I can't do them well. I just don't want to do them. How people do that stuff after a stressful week at a real job I just don't understand.
My mother's birthday is this week. I have yet to decide what to do about it. Unlike other people out there who like to celebrate their parents special days, I just don't care. If not for Nicci and my Aunt I'd probably never see her. Some people don't get that, I'm sure, but my philosophy is pretty simple and straight forward; if someone is a freak and you don't like them, don't waste your time hanging with them. I didn't choose her as my mother. I got stuck. It doesn't mean I have to like her just because she could breed. So this weekend could have a little drama since I'll have to be coerced into a visit. Then I'll get crap for not being social...yada..yada..yada... Whatever.
Its not drama on my end. Its no big thing to me. It is a big thing to those around me who don't get it. Its nothing but a bore to me and it will come and go without me really noticing too much. If I get to hang with my Uncle for a while it's a good day. :)
I heard from Spacebrain that he may be coming back to work here where I am. He probably doesn't realize it but that would really make me happy. I don't like a lot of guys. I have very few close male friends. Mostly guys are a bore to me. Always the same thing in their heads. Rarely a good conversation or an original thought. Sports and sex. I like both of those subjects but there are a few more things to focus on in this world than just those. Spacebrain is a little different than that. He's one guy that I do miss. Knowing someone and seeing them around for 18 years will do that I guess.
Women are much better friends. They have more original and creative minds (in general) and have a wider range of interests and curiousities. I prefer female friends above all others. (I say all others because these days there are some that are about half and half. I don't know any of them so I guess I really don't have an opinion about that.) So I guess what people say about me is true, I am in touch with my feminine side. :)
So theres my update. I don't intentionally stay away long. I just haven't been available much plus I haven't felt like it for a while. Strained heart strings will do that to a person. But I usually recover quickly. Hopefully I'll stop being a blogger dope soon.
She has started Grad School at John's Hopkins. She is very busy with school and still works part time. I do see her occasionally. We had lunch together last week. But thats about it. She goes home a lot (another state) and she doesn't have a lot of spare time anymore. Other than wonderful Gmail chat, I don't have much contact with her anymore.
I miss her.
But thats it goes sometimes.
Other news.... well theres not much to talk about. Work has been crazy lately. It seems like nothing wants to work right this past 2 weeks. I've had a never ending flow of vendors, repair guys and official document signing meetings just to keep things running.
Oh, and we remodeled the bathroom at home again. Yes, I mean again! This is the 3rd time since moving into the house 1.5 years ago. I figure if we just keep to the schedule we can be expert remodelers. A redo every 6 months is good for you, right? *sigh* Have I ever mentioned here just how much I hate home improvement projects? I really do. Not that I can't do them well. I just don't want to do them. How people do that stuff after a stressful week at a real job I just don't understand.
My mother's birthday is this week. I have yet to decide what to do about it. Unlike other people out there who like to celebrate their parents special days, I just don't care. If not for Nicci and my Aunt I'd probably never see her. Some people don't get that, I'm sure, but my philosophy is pretty simple and straight forward; if someone is a freak and you don't like them, don't waste your time hanging with them. I didn't choose her as my mother. I got stuck. It doesn't mean I have to like her just because she could breed. So this weekend could have a little drama since I'll have to be coerced into a visit. Then I'll get crap for not being social...yada..yada..yada... Whatever.
Its not drama on my end. Its no big thing to me. It is a big thing to those around me who don't get it. Its nothing but a bore to me and it will come and go without me really noticing too much. If I get to hang with my Uncle for a while it's a good day. :)
I heard from Spacebrain that he may be coming back to work here where I am. He probably doesn't realize it but that would really make me happy. I don't like a lot of guys. I have very few close male friends. Mostly guys are a bore to me. Always the same thing in their heads. Rarely a good conversation or an original thought. Sports and sex. I like both of those subjects but there are a few more things to focus on in this world than just those. Spacebrain is a little different than that. He's one guy that I do miss. Knowing someone and seeing them around for 18 years will do that I guess.
Women are much better friends. They have more original and creative minds (in general) and have a wider range of interests and curiousities. I prefer female friends above all others. (I say all others because these days there are some that are about half and half. I don't know any of them so I guess I really don't have an opinion about that.) So I guess what people say about me is true, I am in touch with my feminine side. :)
So theres my update. I don't intentionally stay away long. I just haven't been available much plus I haven't felt like it for a while. Strained heart strings will do that to a person. But I usually recover quickly. Hopefully I'll stop being a blogger dope soon.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Is It Real Or Is It Memorex?
Yesterday I got the big blow-off from my old company. It caused a tremendous effect where I now work. I am left wondering if it was driven by a personal reason or not.
We have an equipment failure at work that could cost us a lot of production time. A left over problem from previous dolts has finally come to bite the company in the nards. Bite hard. Even though they have been warned and warned.
So the old company where I worked previously has the systems and capacity to help us out. They do it as a regular thing, part of their business. So when we verbally set up things so we could make our production, everything seemd to be working out. They were very enthusiastic about creating a closer tie with my current company. Talking about how they want to build cooperation and trust between us. All that kind of verbage. The VP there even verbally guaranteed that our stuff would be done over the weekend. I just had to wait until they gave me an official cost quote to ship things.
That was the morning.
By 3:30 things changed. Suddenly they had a team meeting and decided that they didn't want to help us out. They didn't want the distraction. They blew us off.
On our end, the production plan was rewritten. The materials were prepped and ready to go. We had our immediate future planned and organized.
That verbal guarantee screwed us. I guess we now see what their word is worth.
What I don't get is that what we needed done was something they do every day. They do it for others too. We use the exact same components they use daily. It wasn't as if we wnated to do something off the wall. We needed about 4-5 hours of equipment time and we would have been out of the way. We even planned on doing it over the weekend. I just do not get how that would have been a distraction. Granted, I do not know what challenges they currently have but still, it was not a tough nor unusual request. Besides, they would have made good money on it.
I can't help but feel that it was a bit personal. That they chose to change up because they just didn't want to do it. I know there is one senior member who has snowed the big cheese and definitely has a major influence. The nose is so far up the butt that it has to be stained dark brown. That person is also the one I could not get along with and unlimately the reason I left.
It may be just that they made a business decision. It may not be personal. Even if it isn't personal, they still screwed us badly. Never, never, never guarantee something and then just do a 180. The worst part was that they didn't even have the courtesy to give us a decent, professional explanation. I got a voice message from the VP. "Nope, we changed our minds. Sorry."
So much for building a relationship between companies. If they knew the reaction here they would be cringing right now.
We have an equipment failure at work that could cost us a lot of production time. A left over problem from previous dolts has finally come to bite the company in the nards. Bite hard. Even though they have been warned and warned.
So the old company where I worked previously has the systems and capacity to help us out. They do it as a regular thing, part of their business. So when we verbally set up things so we could make our production, everything seemd to be working out. They were very enthusiastic about creating a closer tie with my current company. Talking about how they want to build cooperation and trust between us. All that kind of verbage. The VP there even verbally guaranteed that our stuff would be done over the weekend. I just had to wait until they gave me an official cost quote to ship things.
That was the morning.
By 3:30 things changed. Suddenly they had a team meeting and decided that they didn't want to help us out. They didn't want the distraction. They blew us off.
On our end, the production plan was rewritten. The materials were prepped and ready to go. We had our immediate future planned and organized.
That verbal guarantee screwed us. I guess we now see what their word is worth.
What I don't get is that what we needed done was something they do every day. They do it for others too. We use the exact same components they use daily. It wasn't as if we wnated to do something off the wall. We needed about 4-5 hours of equipment time and we would have been out of the way. We even planned on doing it over the weekend. I just do not get how that would have been a distraction. Granted, I do not know what challenges they currently have but still, it was not a tough nor unusual request. Besides, they would have made good money on it.
I can't help but feel that it was a bit personal. That they chose to change up because they just didn't want to do it. I know there is one senior member who has snowed the big cheese and definitely has a major influence. The nose is so far up the butt that it has to be stained dark brown. That person is also the one I could not get along with and unlimately the reason I left.
It may be just that they made a business decision. It may not be personal. Even if it isn't personal, they still screwed us badly. Never, never, never guarantee something and then just do a 180. The worst part was that they didn't even have the courtesy to give us a decent, professional explanation. I got a voice message from the VP. "Nope, we changed our minds. Sorry."
So much for building a relationship between companies. If they knew the reaction here they would be cringing right now.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
The Heyday Of Blogger
I think the Heyday of Blogger has come and gone. At least for me and for the group of friends I made via blogging. I find it harder and harder to post anymore. Not that I don't have interesting, fun stuff to write about. It's just that I have become totally unmotivated.
I looked back at the past yesterday. Past posting habits. I saw where I'd post several times a day. Then the comments would come. I'd answer. A lot of times there would end up being a back and forth conversation via comments. Not anymore. It looks like its that way for a lot of the people I've known over the years. Maybe we are all burned out? Or burning out?
Maybe we became too familiar and now we are afraid to post honestly. Thats a big part for me. Its why I have the VOX blog now. I keep out the people I don't want in. Somehow that makes me feel good. :)
But there are things there I don't want my 'blogger friends' to know. More forthcoming since I feel a little braver there all the time. But I think I'd offend a lot of this crowd. In a few cases, like Meritt in particular, I value thier friendship too much now to tempt the offense. So I don't do it here.
Thats where we end up, isn't it? Maybe too familiar.
I remember how not too long ago Blogger was the thing. People really became friends. Met each other. Had parties. Fell in and out of love (a few times), traveled a few thousand miles for weddings, exchanged music, candy, had contests with prizes. These days only a handful of the original friends remain. The most consistent are the ones who are either sad and have nothing else to do or are badgered into sticking around because we'd miss them. (I've badgered too.)
Then there are the very few that actually have no other identity than the blog. The ones who beg for comments and therefor affirmation that they are popular & interesting. They know who they are but can't quit. They need the blog. Don't have any other way to interact with the living. Those are the ones I became tired of long ago.
I'm just thinking out loud here (sort of). Bear with me.
Or not.
The thing is, the blog is supposed to be a diary of sorts. Isn't it? Or did it change somewhere along the line and I didn't take notice? I know I allowed mine to change from diary to something else. Thats when it became something less interesting to me. I can be a dope sometimes so I guess I shouldn't be surprised.
I started this simply because I am a Yankee. I wanted to write all about the team and my exploits being a Yankee in enemy territory. I did that for a while. Now I don't. Shame on me.
The only person (that I know well and keep up with) who has truly been consistent with their blog is Karen. She is always there, always a Yankee, always interesting and doesn't change for any reason. She hasn't allowed anyone or anything to change her style. She is a true blogger. I think her diary is probably just as consistent. She was my influence for starting a blog on my own anyway. I'm just not like her it seems.
I'm still anxious to read a published KB book Cap'n. :)
Anyway, I don't know where I'm going with this. Maybe just an explanation for why I don't post here so much anymore. (That and the fact that I hate my template but don't feel like going through all the work to fix it.) Sorry if I disappoint any of the few faithful readers I have left. I don't mean to but I've never been one to be able to be a fake anything.
Huh. I think I feel like a fake here. Thats got to be a big part of it. See what thinking out loud (sort of) gets ya?
Anyway, I'm not deleting this blog. I will also post here still. Sometimes every day. Sometimes not. But I do believe that the Heyday of Blogger has come and gone.
I looked back at the past yesterday. Past posting habits. I saw where I'd post several times a day. Then the comments would come. I'd answer. A lot of times there would end up being a back and forth conversation via comments. Not anymore. It looks like its that way for a lot of the people I've known over the years. Maybe we are all burned out? Or burning out?
Maybe we became too familiar and now we are afraid to post honestly. Thats a big part for me. Its why I have the VOX blog now. I keep out the people I don't want in. Somehow that makes me feel good. :)
But there are things there I don't want my 'blogger friends' to know. More forthcoming since I feel a little braver there all the time. But I think I'd offend a lot of this crowd. In a few cases, like Meritt in particular, I value thier friendship too much now to tempt the offense. So I don't do it here.
Thats where we end up, isn't it? Maybe too familiar.
I remember how not too long ago Blogger was the thing. People really became friends. Met each other. Had parties. Fell in and out of love (a few times), traveled a few thousand miles for weddings, exchanged music, candy, had contests with prizes. These days only a handful of the original friends remain. The most consistent are the ones who are either sad and have nothing else to do or are badgered into sticking around because we'd miss them. (I've badgered too.)
Then there are the very few that actually have no other identity than the blog. The ones who beg for comments and therefor affirmation that they are popular & interesting. They know who they are but can't quit. They need the blog. Don't have any other way to interact with the living. Those are the ones I became tired of long ago.
I'm just thinking out loud here (sort of). Bear with me.
Or not.
The thing is, the blog is supposed to be a diary of sorts. Isn't it? Or did it change somewhere along the line and I didn't take notice? I know I allowed mine to change from diary to something else. Thats when it became something less interesting to me. I can be a dope sometimes so I guess I shouldn't be surprised.
I started this simply because I am a Yankee. I wanted to write all about the team and my exploits being a Yankee in enemy territory. I did that for a while. Now I don't. Shame on me.
The only person (that I know well and keep up with) who has truly been consistent with their blog is Karen. She is always there, always a Yankee, always interesting and doesn't change for any reason. She hasn't allowed anyone or anything to change her style. She is a true blogger. I think her diary is probably just as consistent. She was my influence for starting a blog on my own anyway. I'm just not like her it seems.
I'm still anxious to read a published KB book Cap'n. :)
Anyway, I don't know where I'm going with this. Maybe just an explanation for why I don't post here so much anymore. (That and the fact that I hate my template but don't feel like going through all the work to fix it.) Sorry if I disappoint any of the few faithful readers I have left. I don't mean to but I've never been one to be able to be a fake anything.
Huh. I think I feel like a fake here. Thats got to be a big part of it. See what thinking out loud (sort of) gets ya?
Anyway, I'm not deleting this blog. I will also post here still. Sometimes every day. Sometimes not. But I do believe that the Heyday of Blogger has come and gone.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Gettin Stoned At Work
I feel stoned. Yes, I am at work. But I think I got a contact buzz from this guy that just left. He is a vendor that wants to sell me some very expensive equipment. He was a stoner for sure.
I knew it right away. I got within a few feet of him and the smell was amazing. He must have blew one just before entering the lobby. That guy reeked of Pot.
Cannabis Sativa, Herb, Pot, Marijuana, Ganja, Ace, Giggle Weed, or just plain old Weed. Doesn't matter what you want to call it, that dude had sucked down a lot of it before visiting me.
He wasn't a typical stoner either. He was just a few years away from retirement. He looked professional and all. But he was turned on baby.
His attention sapan was tiny. He laughed at eveything. He cussed a little. He interrupted my sentences. He also was in an awful big hurry to leave. My guess is he had a bowl waiting in the parking lot.
When he was gone the Receptionish saw me watch him leave and shake my head. She giggled a little and said, "He was a little different." I agreed and mentioned that he smelled a little. She said, "Yeah, he smelled like Pot!"
It wasn't just me then.
I knew it right away. I got within a few feet of him and the smell was amazing. He must have blew one just before entering the lobby. That guy reeked of Pot.
Cannabis Sativa, Herb, Pot, Marijuana, Ganja, Ace, Giggle Weed, or just plain old Weed. Doesn't matter what you want to call it, that dude had sucked down a lot of it before visiting me.
He wasn't a typical stoner either. He was just a few years away from retirement. He looked professional and all. But he was turned on baby.
His attention sapan was tiny. He laughed at eveything. He cussed a little. He interrupted my sentences. He also was in an awful big hurry to leave. My guess is he had a bowl waiting in the parking lot.
When he was gone the Receptionish saw me watch him leave and shake my head. She giggled a little and said, "He was a little different." I agreed and mentioned that he smelled a little. She said, "Yeah, he smelled like Pot!"
It wasn't just me then.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
My A to Z List
I bummed this from Peachy. It looked like fun.
Available or Taken : Taken. Married actually. But I could be persuaded......
Best friend: Lisa. We are so much alike that it's scary. It's also a wonder we can get along so well.
Cake or pie: Pie, by far.
Drink of choice: Governor's White Wine, from the Williamsburg Winery. Yum!
Essential item I use everyday: Deodorant and Toothpaste (Me too Peachy. But isn't that 2 things?)
Favorite Color: Orange
Gummy bears or worms: Gummy worms. I don't like bears. Not even teddy bears.
Hometown: Waynesboro PA
Indulgence: Starbuck's Lattes (Notice the plural?)
January or February: Neither. Everything is dead.
Kid's names: How about Never and Non Existant?
Life is incomplete without: Laughing with friends.
Marriage: Don't care for much.
Number of siblings: Three (1 sister and 2 brothers)
Oranges or apples: Can I say neither here too? Don't really like either one.
Phobias or fears: Being permanently trapped, tied down... whatever.
Quote: "The secret to life is simple. Be happy, don't hurt other people and hope you fall in love." Mallory Keaton
Reason to smile: The Yankees
Season: Summer! The beach, Baseball Season, the sun, the heat, outdoor freedom.... all that stuff.
Unknown fact about me: I play World of Warcraft almost every night, even for a few minutes.
Veggie I don't like: Tomatoes! Bleech!
Worst Habit: Not returning calls or emails. Or maybe it's not giving a crap about other people enough.
Xrays: Only my teeth. (Me too.)
Your favorite food: SpaghettiOs! Filet Mignon done on the grill, medium rare is a very close second.
Zodiac: Gemini
Available or Taken : Taken. Married actually. But I could be persuaded......
Best friend: Lisa. We are so much alike that it's scary. It's also a wonder we can get along so well.
Cake or pie: Pie, by far.
Drink of choice: Governor's White Wine, from the Williamsburg Winery. Yum!
Essential item I use everyday: Deodorant and Toothpaste (Me too Peachy. But isn't that 2 things?)
Favorite Color: Orange
Gummy bears or worms: Gummy worms. I don't like bears. Not even teddy bears.
Hometown: Waynesboro PA
Indulgence: Starbuck's Lattes (Notice the plural?)
January or February: Neither. Everything is dead.
Kid's names: How about Never and Non Existant?
Life is incomplete without: Laughing with friends.
Marriage: Don't care for much.
Number of siblings: Three (1 sister and 2 brothers)
Oranges or apples: Can I say neither here too? Don't really like either one.
Phobias or fears: Being permanently trapped, tied down... whatever.
Quote: "The secret to life is simple. Be happy, don't hurt other people and hope you fall in love." Mallory Keaton
Reason to smile: The Yankees
Season: Summer! The beach, Baseball Season, the sun, the heat, outdoor freedom.... all that stuff.
Unknown fact about me: I play World of Warcraft almost every night, even for a few minutes.
Veggie I don't like: Tomatoes! Bleech!
Worst Habit: Not returning calls or emails. Or maybe it's not giving a crap about other people enough.
Xrays: Only my teeth. (Me too.)
Your favorite food: SpaghettiOs! Filet Mignon done on the grill, medium rare is a very close second.
Zodiac: Gemini
Monday, January 22, 2007
Before & After
I just heard someone walking down the hallway singing and old song. I don't care for the song but the woman who sang it, well...... Oh yeah!
So I looked her up on Google to see what she was up to these days.
Yikes!
Get it?
It seems she has had too much of this....
....and this too....
Well, maybe in a different form but you get it. ;)
Remember the part of that song... "No matter what they take from me, They can't take away my dignity..."
I'm thinking she didn't have it taken away, eh? Sometimes we just give things away before we know what we're doing.
At any rate, I prefer to remember her like this.
Maybe I should avoid google searches?
So I looked her up on Google to see what she was up to these days.
Yikes!
Get it?
It seems she has had too much of this....
....and this too....
Well, maybe in a different form but you get it. ;)
Remember the part of that song... "No matter what they take from me, They can't take away my dignity..."
I'm thinking she didn't have it taken away, eh? Sometimes we just give things away before we know what we're doing.
At any rate, I prefer to remember her like this.
Maybe I should avoid google searches?
F'n Monday Morning
After being sick all weekend, Friday included, I am here trying to catch up on important things. Blogs, emails... and a little work stuff. Then the big jerk who always stops by in the morning pops his head into my office and does his usual routine. "Get off the porno sites man!" Then he laughs; "Guh huh guh". He does the same material EVERY TIME HE WALKS PAST MY DOOR. Every day. He thinks he's hilarious.
Dipshit.
I'm not in the mood today so I ignore him. And he stands there repeating himself 3-4 times. I'm more annoyed all the time so I just pretend he's not there. Since I'm the only one in this office it's obvious that I am ignoring his retarded ass. Finally he is quiet for a few seconds and walks away.
Now I feel a little guilty. Things like being ignored can make your day start off bad. I think about maybe giving him a bad attitude with mine being bad. Then maybe he'll pass it on later. Then someone else will suffer because I couldn't take his retard routine this morning.
See the chain of events that can occur when some neanderthal idiot can't recognize when he is an annoying ass?
"Get some new material fuckstick."
Happy f'n Monday.
Dipshit.
I'm not in the mood today so I ignore him. And he stands there repeating himself 3-4 times. I'm more annoyed all the time so I just pretend he's not there. Since I'm the only one in this office it's obvious that I am ignoring his retarded ass. Finally he is quiet for a few seconds and walks away.
Now I feel a little guilty. Things like being ignored can make your day start off bad. I think about maybe giving him a bad attitude with mine being bad. Then maybe he'll pass it on later. Then someone else will suffer because I couldn't take his retard routine this morning.
See the chain of events that can occur when some neanderthal idiot can't recognize when he is an annoying ass?
"Get some new material fuckstick."
Happy f'n Monday.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
I Was Just Wondering.....
..... if the hat you are wearing all cock-eyed and sideways is still cool if it is a camouflaged hunters type hat. What is that... like Gangsta Redneck?
I wonder what the hip-hop people would think.
Anyone want me to ask the guy walking the halls wearing that hat about it? :)
I wonder what the hip-hop people would think.
Anyone want me to ask the guy walking the halls wearing that hat about it? :)
Monday, January 15, 2007
Sunday, January 14, 2007
The Dead Pool
For a couple years now Mel has hosted The Dead Pool. Its a contest where you choose 3 famous (or semi-famous) people who you think will be dead when this year is over with. Then at the end of the year the person who guessed the most deadites wins.
Mel apparently isn't hosting it this year. The place that is isn't a place I prefer to visit these days so I thought I'd host the contest myself. So, with that being said, anyone who wants in on this years Dead Pool just pick 3 people you believe will be croaked this year and leave your list in my comments section. I'll publish the list and we'll keep it updated as the year passes. At the end of the year a fabulous prize will be rewarded to the person who was the best Reaper.
Make your choices by this Wednesday, January 17th ( I think its the 17th) and after that the contest will begin. I have some interesting contest prizes in mind for this one. ;)
Mel apparently isn't hosting it this year. The place that is isn't a place I prefer to visit these days so I thought I'd host the contest myself. So, with that being said, anyone who wants in on this years Dead Pool just pick 3 people you believe will be croaked this year and leave your list in my comments section. I'll publish the list and we'll keep it updated as the year passes. At the end of the year a fabulous prize will be rewarded to the person who was the best Reaper.
Make your choices by this Wednesday, January 17th ( I think its the 17th) and after that the contest will begin. I have some interesting contest prizes in mind for this one. ;)
Friday, January 12, 2007
And They Wonder Why I Avoid Them
Yesterday I was bored at work. I have almost all my projects moving along nicely and had some extra time so I decided to go and help out the production area. Big mistake.
Sometimes I forget that the area is all women. All they talk about is kids and stuff kid related. Plus there is one pregnant woman there (due next Monday), so obviously she was the main topic of ALL the conversations.
They talked about nasty stuff. The Doctor feeling the baby's head with his fingers. The 3 centimeter dialation of something down there. The water breaking (which sounds to me like a huge rush of goo all over the place without any warning). The way the head pops out all misshapen and how they reform it. The soft spot on the head. The saggy skin on the belly. Gah! It went on and on.
Then they were talking about how the woman's body never really recovers. How the hips stay a little wider. How the weight is harder to lose after giving birth. Harder to lose and much easier to gain. How the, uhmmm, you know what, stays stretched out. Not as much fun to... well, you know. That really sucks.
If I didn't think so before I now am totally positive about it. There is nothing beautiful about giving birth. Nothing. Nothing glamourous. Nothing positive. Its gross. I'll never understand why anyone decides to do it.
The pregnant woman even is giving up her dogs. She's 'worried about having them around the baby'. One of them she's had for 11 years. Sick.
Then the thing that pops out doesn't even look human. Not for a few months. It looks like an alien. Not until about 2 years pass is the kid looking presentable.
That's where I come in. That point is the total opposite for me. When they are that age and older then it's playtime and I love having them around. They are like a totally unpredictable, mobile toy for those of us who never really know how to grow up.
But the whole process getting there sucks. I couldn't take the conversation too long so I left after about an hour and got something else going. At least I remember now why I avoid that area. I guess I needed the reminder.
Sometimes I forget that the area is all women. All they talk about is kids and stuff kid related. Plus there is one pregnant woman there (due next Monday), so obviously she was the main topic of ALL the conversations.
They talked about nasty stuff. The Doctor feeling the baby's head with his fingers. The 3 centimeter dialation of something down there. The water breaking (which sounds to me like a huge rush of goo all over the place without any warning). The way the head pops out all misshapen and how they reform it. The soft spot on the head. The saggy skin on the belly. Gah! It went on and on.
Then they were talking about how the woman's body never really recovers. How the hips stay a little wider. How the weight is harder to lose after giving birth. Harder to lose and much easier to gain. How the, uhmmm, you know what, stays stretched out. Not as much fun to... well, you know. That really sucks.
If I didn't think so before I now am totally positive about it. There is nothing beautiful about giving birth. Nothing. Nothing glamourous. Nothing positive. Its gross. I'll never understand why anyone decides to do it.
The pregnant woman even is giving up her dogs. She's 'worried about having them around the baby'. One of them she's had for 11 years. Sick.
Then the thing that pops out doesn't even look human. Not for a few months. It looks like an alien. Not until about 2 years pass is the kid looking presentable.
That's where I come in. That point is the total opposite for me. When they are that age and older then it's playtime and I love having them around. They are like a totally unpredictable, mobile toy for those of us who never really know how to grow up.
But the whole process getting there sucks. I couldn't take the conversation too long so I left after about an hour and got something else going. At least I remember now why I avoid that area. I guess I needed the reminder.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Is This The Truth?
I think this may be the truth. I pretty much know it is with me. Although "Hate" is a bit too strong a word (most of the time).
I'm constantly torn between the two halves of Lucy's illustrated heart. I sometimes wonder why. But mostly I don't.
Anyone else feel like this hits home?
I'm constantly torn between the two halves of Lucy's illustrated heart. I sometimes wonder why. But mostly I don't.
Anyone else feel like this hits home?
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Congratulations
Congratulations to Cal Ripken Jr. and to Tony Gwynn for being elected to the Baseball Hall Of Fame. Two classy guys who deserve to be there. Not Yankees but still, I have to give them the respect they deserve. :)
Congrats Iron Man
Congrats Tony. Was there ever a sweeter swing?
Congrats Iron Man
Congrats Tony. Was there ever a sweeter swing?
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Just Passin By
Did you ever notice that it is really hard to walk down the hallway at work and not look into the little windows on the doors as you pass? I think it is. Almost all the time I have this nagging urge to look inside.
Then sometimes someone is looking out when you do and you are sure they think you are a dork. Some of the looks I get are obvious.
Then there are the ones you have no choice but to look into. Especially when they move a favorite person to a new desk/workbench near that window. A person you just have to see at some point in the day. ;)
Then there are the ones where you have to press your nose right up against the glass and make faces until they see you. The ones where you know who will be looking. Those you can't resist no matter what. (Not that I ever do that.)
Does anyone else have the same feeling when they walk down the hall?
Then sometimes someone is looking out when you do and you are sure they think you are a dork. Some of the looks I get are obvious.
Then there are the ones you have no choice but to look into. Especially when they move a favorite person to a new desk/workbench near that window. A person you just have to see at some point in the day. ;)
Then there are the ones where you have to press your nose right up against the glass and make faces until they see you. The ones where you know who will be looking. Those you can't resist no matter what. (Not that I ever do that.)
Does anyone else have the same feeling when they walk down the hall?
The Good News Is...
There has been some good news. The missing hunter was found. He got himself lost and then the big rains came and made it worse. But being the experienced outdoorsey type he knew how to stay safe and also knew what general direction he need to go. Once the worst of the storm wa sover he managed to walk out of the woods near a camp store. He is home safe and not too bad for the experience.
See what experience and a level head can do for you? You never know how you'll react in a circumstance like that.
Nicci's Dad isn't much better. Too bad too.
Otherwise, I've been trying to blog but I am totally unmotivated these days. Things occur to me but I never have the time at work (much time anyway) and later I forget about what I was thinking. Once I'm at home..... well.....
One good thing I know for sure is this, The Captain and The Chicken have started the countdown to Spring Training. That means the world will be a much better place soon. It's amazing the difference the beginning of the Baseball season makes with me. I feel like I'm alive again. 5 more weeks until pitchers and catchers report. C'mon 5 weeks! Get it moving.
I'll try to be back soon but I can make no promises anymore. Just grab a tissue and dab your eyes. I know waiting is hard. :)
See what experience and a level head can do for you? You never know how you'll react in a circumstance like that.
Nicci's Dad isn't much better. Too bad too.
Otherwise, I've been trying to blog but I am totally unmotivated these days. Things occur to me but I never have the time at work (much time anyway) and later I forget about what I was thinking. Once I'm at home..... well.....
One good thing I know for sure is this, The Captain and The Chicken have started the countdown to Spring Training. That means the world will be a much better place soon. It's amazing the difference the beginning of the Baseball season makes with me. I feel like I'm alive again. 5 more weeks until pitchers and catchers report. C'mon 5 weeks! Get it moving.
I'll try to be back soon but I can make no promises anymore. Just grab a tissue and dab your eyes. I know waiting is hard. :)
Sunday, January 07, 2007
When It Rains....
Thanks for all the well wishes for Nicci's Dad. He is still not doing great but he has been responsive to her Mom. That's good, I think.
I can't imagine what she's going through. Thye have been married over 50 years. The stress has to be tough.
On top of this issue Nicci's best friend called last night and told us how her brother is missing. He was hunting with friends and went off in a direction alone and never came back to camp. That was Thursday. There is now a massive man-hunt going on in central Pennsylvania trying to find him. Over 200 people looking and still they haven't found a trace. Weird.
Nicci's friend is beside herself worrying. Their whole family is too. After all this time and no trace... well, draw you own conclusions. The thing is he was an avid outdoorsman. If anyone could make it this long it would be him.
Keep the hunter and Nicci's Dad in your prayers. It is much appreciated. That's the best we can do for now.
I can't imagine what she's going through. Thye have been married over 50 years. The stress has to be tough.
On top of this issue Nicci's best friend called last night and told us how her brother is missing. He was hunting with friends and went off in a direction alone and never came back to camp. That was Thursday. There is now a massive man-hunt going on in central Pennsylvania trying to find him. Over 200 people looking and still they haven't found a trace. Weird.
Nicci's friend is beside herself worrying. Their whole family is too. After all this time and no trace... well, draw you own conclusions. The thing is he was an avid outdoorsman. If anyone could make it this long it would be him.
Keep the hunter and Nicci's Dad in your prayers. It is much appreciated. That's the best we can do for now.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Bummer
Nicci's Father is in serious condition in the hospital. He had another stroke. The poor guy has had a series of bad health problems the past 2 years. A quadruple bypass, several "minor" heart attacks, a couple "minor" strokes, one that left his left side 50% incapacitated, very serious trouble trying to control his blood pressure and a serious heart attack in early December. He has been in the hospital since the first week of December. It was the old story, he started getting better and then the stroke got him. I feel really bad for him.
It got me thinking about what I'd be like in his shoes. His left side doesn't work right. Now his right side is paralyzed. He has a pace-maker. His blood pressure is controlled by pills and lack of excitement. I think I'd sooner be dead.
Seriously, I don't think I'd want to survive in that condition. No possibility of ever enjoying even simple things again. No possibility of getting better. Just the ability to sit around waiting for the next big problem.
Definitely 'd rather pass on and see what happens after this life is done. It would have to be better.
This time I really don't think he will be leaving the hospital. I can't think he will and if he does he will end up back there pretty quickly again. He was a smoker for decades. Back when smoking was considered cool and they had no idea about the health risks. *All you smokers out there take notes. It will ruin you eventually if not immediately. Nicci is having a hard time with it. Her Mom is too. I think the next few days will be rough for all of them. Mostly I feel for the Dad. He's the one with no future to speak of.
Bummer.
It got me thinking about what I'd be like in his shoes. His left side doesn't work right. Now his right side is paralyzed. He has a pace-maker. His blood pressure is controlled by pills and lack of excitement. I think I'd sooner be dead.
Seriously, I don't think I'd want to survive in that condition. No possibility of ever enjoying even simple things again. No possibility of getting better. Just the ability to sit around waiting for the next big problem.
Definitely 'd rather pass on and see what happens after this life is done. It would have to be better.
This time I really don't think he will be leaving the hospital. I can't think he will and if he does he will end up back there pretty quickly again. He was a smoker for decades. Back when smoking was considered cool and they had no idea about the health risks. *All you smokers out there take notes. It will ruin you eventually if not immediately. Nicci is having a hard time with it. Her Mom is too. I think the next few days will be rough for all of them. Mostly I feel for the Dad. He's the one with no future to speak of.
Bummer.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Wouldn't It Be Funny...?...
Wouldn't it be funny if everyone just said the first thing that popped into their heads? If everyone just told exactly what they were thinking during every circumstance? I think it would have it's crazy funnny moments but also some really bad ones.
For example, recently Engineer guy, Mechanic guy and myself were working on a project together. It was hard and Engineer guy kept getting in the way. It was obvious to me and Mechanic guy the he was pretty much a "book-smart" Engineer and had never done much 'hands-on' stuff. He was downright gawky with tools. Worse when it came to working as a team. He constantly walked into me and kept excusing himself for it.
There were several times when he would interfere with our progress and Mechanic guy would stand behind him with a really pissed look on his face, rolling his eyes. I started smiling, thinking about what his thoughts were. Once he even got behind Engineer guy and pretended to attack him with a screwdriver. Can you tell he was getting frustrated?
If we were a society that just said whatever they thought I would have had many one-liners too. I remember thinking "Where did you get your degree, The Larry, Moe & Curly School of Engineering"? I also kept thinking "Would you please just get out of the way so we can do this right"?
Then came the coup de grace. We were finishing up (after a one hour job became 3 hours) and Engineer guy was reinstalling a large sight glass. It was crooked when I noticed it. I started saying "Hey, that thing isn't in right...." when he tightened the first 2 bolts. I quickly stepped back as the glass exploded in a million tiny little shards. Glass everywhere. Like raining glass particles. I just stood and looked at him. He stood there and his shoulders visably slumped as he stared. Mechanic guy threw up his hands and walked away. In my mind I was thinking "Damn, you really are one of the Stooges reincarnated." Of course I didn't say that.
The point is, I wonder what would happen if we could have said whatever we thought? That project would have been completed much faster and without serious breakage. (That glass is on order and has delayed getting the machine back into service for over a week now.) But I think Engineer guy wouldn't have liked to hear what we were thinking. I like the guy well enough but he definitely needs to stay behind his desk.
It would be a different world if we could just be totally honest all the time. I'm not really sure it would be a better place though.
For example, recently Engineer guy, Mechanic guy and myself were working on a project together. It was hard and Engineer guy kept getting in the way. It was obvious to me and Mechanic guy the he was pretty much a "book-smart" Engineer and had never done much 'hands-on' stuff. He was downright gawky with tools. Worse when it came to working as a team. He constantly walked into me and kept excusing himself for it.
There were several times when he would interfere with our progress and Mechanic guy would stand behind him with a really pissed look on his face, rolling his eyes. I started smiling, thinking about what his thoughts were. Once he even got behind Engineer guy and pretended to attack him with a screwdriver. Can you tell he was getting frustrated?
If we were a society that just said whatever they thought I would have had many one-liners too. I remember thinking "Where did you get your degree, The Larry, Moe & Curly School of Engineering"? I also kept thinking "Would you please just get out of the way so we can do this right"?
Then came the coup de grace. We were finishing up (after a one hour job became 3 hours) and Engineer guy was reinstalling a large sight glass. It was crooked when I noticed it. I started saying "Hey, that thing isn't in right...." when he tightened the first 2 bolts. I quickly stepped back as the glass exploded in a million tiny little shards. Glass everywhere. Like raining glass particles. I just stood and looked at him. He stood there and his shoulders visably slumped as he stared. Mechanic guy threw up his hands and walked away. In my mind I was thinking "Damn, you really are one of the Stooges reincarnated." Of course I didn't say that.
The point is, I wonder what would happen if we could have said whatever we thought? That project would have been completed much faster and without serious breakage. (That glass is on order and has delayed getting the machine back into service for over a week now.) But I think Engineer guy wouldn't have liked to hear what we were thinking. I like the guy well enough but he definitely needs to stay behind his desk.
It would be a different world if we could just be totally honest all the time. I'm not really sure it would be a better place though.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Too Much Seinfeld?
I just threw away all the Christmas cards from my desk. The ones I got at work. Then I noticed that they were visable in the can. If someone came in and looked down they would see I threw them away.
It reminded me of Seinfeld where he threw away the card his girlfriend sent and she flipped out.
So I covered them up with an old magazine. Now no one can see them in the trash. :)
It reminded me of Seinfeld where he threw away the card his girlfriend sent and she flipped out.
So I covered them up with an old magazine. Now no one can see them in the trash. :)
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Happy New Year?
Oh, OK, I guess it is a New Year. My weekend was quiet. Probably boring to a lot of folks. But I needed the peace and quiet. The past year was full of changes, beginnings, personal compromises, questions about me (by me), and other stuff. I was happy for the distraction of quiet.
We had plans with friends that got cancelled. Nicci was supposed to have her son and his girlfriend overnight. She wasn't about to go out and leave two 16 year olds alone for hours and hours. :) Then they decided to hang with her family at the last minute. So we were left alone with no plans. Not a problem.
It was a quiet evening at home for us then but I didn't mind. I sat and wondered for hours about some of the decisions I made last year and where I was headed this year. I guess we all do that sometimes. I sat with Nicci in front of the fire, sipping wine for a while. That was nice. I also managed to learn more of the game World Of Warcraft. I started paying that after Lisa kept asking me to play so she had a friend to play with. Turns out it is pretty cool. I kinda like it.
I came to the realization on New Years that have it pretty good these days. I shouldn't have any complaints. But I find complaints. I wonder what it is that drives people like me to want something different all the time? To always be looking past what is and to constantly want want what could be? "A bird in the hand... etc..." I guess we'll never really know, will we?
So, a New Years resolution? I never make them. Not seriously. (Right Meritt?) But I will this year. I think one thing sums it up. Be happy. I think I'll try and learn to be happy. With whatever I have. Whatever I don't have. Just happy. Don't take things for granted. Don't look past what's in my face. Just be happy.
I'll also try to have more Starbuck's this year. But that's not really much of a challenge, is it? :)
We had plans with friends that got cancelled. Nicci was supposed to have her son and his girlfriend overnight. She wasn't about to go out and leave two 16 year olds alone for hours and hours. :) Then they decided to hang with her family at the last minute. So we were left alone with no plans. Not a problem.
It was a quiet evening at home for us then but I didn't mind. I sat and wondered for hours about some of the decisions I made last year and where I was headed this year. I guess we all do that sometimes. I sat with Nicci in front of the fire, sipping wine for a while. That was nice. I also managed to learn more of the game World Of Warcraft. I started paying that after Lisa kept asking me to play so she had a friend to play with. Turns out it is pretty cool. I kinda like it.
I came to the realization on New Years that have it pretty good these days. I shouldn't have any complaints. But I find complaints. I wonder what it is that drives people like me to want something different all the time? To always be looking past what is and to constantly want want what could be? "A bird in the hand... etc..." I guess we'll never really know, will we?
So, a New Years resolution? I never make them. Not seriously. (Right Meritt?) But I will this year. I think one thing sums it up. Be happy. I think I'll try and learn to be happy. With whatever I have. Whatever I don't have. Just happy. Don't take things for granted. Don't look past what's in my face. Just be happy.
I'll also try to have more Starbuck's this year. But that's not really much of a challenge, is it? :)
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