thems the brakes, a long walk, and a cold

My brakes have been squeeling for the past few week or so - and I finally went to get them fixed yesterday. Pulled into Midas, went inside, and the guy behind the counter remarked, "So, you need your brakes worked on?" - since he had obviously heard me pull in. I was slightly embarassed about that - but hey, it's his job to notice things like that.

They were really busy yesterday and shorthanded, so he asked if I could leave the car there. I thought for a moment and then agreed, since it was a reasonable walking distance home. I gave him the keys and walked homeward, stopping briefly at the comic store to get some reading material. I got home, played a video game - waiting for the call from Midas and hoping they could fix it that day. Otherwise, I'd have no way to work today.

They finally called at 6:30, said the full crew was there, and they should have it done at 5 till 7:00. I told them I'd be there and headed out - wondering why the odd time. In route I figured they maybe they closed at 7:00 and I had visions of finding the place shut down and my car locked in one of the bays. I hustled a little and got there at 3 till 7:00 - and my car was still in the bay, still up on the hoist, and the rear tires weren't back on. So, I sat and waited for a bit while they finished up, took the car for a test drive, and handed me the keys - after I paid a boatload of money. Brake pads, rotors, and cleaning. Yikes. My car is running fine now, I just can't afford to put gas in it.

And I've officially got a cold. I usually have a mild sniffle most of the winter that gets slightly worse when the temp changes, but this is a full blown cold. Sniffling, sneezing, coughing, aching, stuff head, and maybe a feaver. So, I'm drinking a lot of tea and slowly filling my garbage can with tissues.

I organized my art supplies a bit this week - with an eye toward some new projects. I'll update my site when I get some things done and photographed.

Well, I think that's it for now - time to get back to work...

lost in new york

in my dreams, at least. That was pretty much all I remember from my dream last night, spent the whole time just trying to navigate around new york. Not sure where I was going, maybe just trying to get out of the city. Subways, parking garages, dark alleys - yep, I saw the best that new york has to offer. Kind of ironic - considering how much I don't like to travel and in my dreams I'm all over the place. And that I'd manage to get lost - as I tend to do in real life.

Played a bit more of Prince of Persia: Warrior Within last night. I got to a section that looked like a final boss fight vs. the Empress of Time. Kicked her ass, took down her name, and was a little surpised that it was over - but wait! No it wasn't. The hero of the game screwed up time itself (again) and was now looking for a second chance - again. I think it really would have been a third chance, if the first game in the series is counted. Anyway, I wonder why they didn't check with me first - time travel is dangerous and should be left to the experts.

Did a little laundry, read a little, tried to relax a bit. Got another letter from the insurance company - essentially countradicting what they told me before - I guess I'll need to call them again. Annoyed, again.

If the weather holds, I may try and do some work outside - it's been too long since I've done any serious building. I tihnk that footstool/crate may be my next project.

Well, I guess that's it for now - hope the rest of me gets back from new york sometime soon cause it's time for me to get back to work...

very disturbing dream

I dreamed last night that my Mom, my sister, and I were going to visit my grandparents on my Mom's side - though in reality both of grandparents have passed away. In the dream, sometime before my grandmother's passing, but after my grandfather had died, my mom pulled into the drive and had to stop and wash all the cars that were there. She was apparently very nervous and I couldn't blame her. We'd just found out that my grandfather had been the subject of a very high-tech nanotech experiement - and had been brought back from the dead. And not in a scary zombie kinda way - but brought back for real with his personality and memories intact. My sister and I went on up to the house, knocked, and went in when my grandfather opened the door. He looked like I remembered him, before he got sick with cancer. We gave him a hug and waited in the doorway for Mom to finish washing the cars. My grandmother was apparently upstairs getting changed.

We seemed to accept that he was back - though still kinda shocked and surprised and all. He seemed a little tired, but in good spirits. The dream ended as my mom walked up to the door.

...cause my alarm was going off and I ended up knocking the clock to the floor to try and shut it off. I either need to get a bigger nightstand or a smaller alarm clock.

And I guess that's about it for now - I've got some emails to return this morning and a training session this afternoon that has me a little concerned.

So, it's back to work...

Katamari and an upset stomach

I picked up a new game yesterday - a quirky little Japanese game called Katamari Damacy. It's interesting and kinda fun - but I started to get queasy after playing it. I thought it was the circling type movement of the game's character, but it may have partially just been me as well. I'm still not at my best today, but I'm doing a little better.

I got new neighbors last weekend - they seem like a nice couple. Weird getting used to having people living on that side again - the walls are kinda thin.

Car is making a weird noise - I suspect the brakes. Yea.

Still pretty quiet here at work - but I should get back to it. I'm trying to work on some projects that I've been putting off, but it's tough to stay motivated.

back to work...

taxes, insurance, and a check from AT&T

Did my taxes the other day by phone - at least the federal one. The state had the wrong pre-printed label, so I did that one on-line. And hopefully fixed the School District tax problem I had in the past.

Got another call from my insurance company about the claim - they are essentially saying that they can't tell who's right - so each person's insurance will cover their own repairs. I need to call them tonight to find out how this will affect my policy - and my "no-accident" discount. It's still annoying.

I switched my phone service a while back and I still keep getting a credit statement from AT&T. So, I called them today to get a check issued - talked to Marge. I think we talked - she had a very strong and undetermined accent. What I was able to extract from the phone conversation was that they would issue me a check and I should get it between 30-40 days from now. 30-40 days? Wankers.

Fairly busy days at work this week - kinda stressful, but I'm keeping up with it.

Been experimenting with some polymer clay at home - cool stuff. I think I'm ready for a big project.

Guess that's it for now - time to get back to work...

ex-roomate

So, I'm sitting there playing a video game at home - and the doorbell rings. I figure it's my next door neighbor returning a DVD of Resident Evil 2 that I'd loaned him. Instead, it's my former room-mate. I invite him in and he breaks down - just loses it as he apoligises. I gave him a hug and he just keep saying how sorry he was over and over.

After a bit he got a hold of himself again and we sat down. We tried to catch up a bit - but it was awkward. He invited me to dinner at the restruant where he works and we talked a little about our families.

The phone rang and I glanced at the caller ID and said I'd call them back - instead, he told me that he had to go. So, he left and I answered the phone.

It was weird. Weird, weird, weird. All these months - no contact. Then out of the blue...

And it's good. I'm glad he stopped by. And I'm glad he felt bad - in a way. Maybe he's learned something from it.

But I felt myself being so inwardly cold. Detatched. I went through the wringer when all this went down and I've had to put a lot of stuff behind me. Do I really want to start things up again? And a mental inventory shows that the the "trust bucket" is bone dry. Can you be friends with someone that you don't trust?


I don't know the answer to that one. I guess we'll give it a whirl. The little voice in the back of my head is cynical and tells me I'm being set up. The magic 8-ball agrees.

But, if I don't give him a chance - an I being untrue to myself? I'm a nice guy and I care about people. I don't think I want to let my fears change who I am and how I act.

So, forgive = yes. Mostly. Forget? Nope. Means I haven't learned anything.

Maybe the cynic is winning after all. And who's to argue with the magic 8-ball?

More later - time to go back to work...

more car stuff and spam

Another call from my insurance company yesterday. I called them back and they wanted to get photos of the cars involved. So, I told them where the car would be today and they said they'd send someone to take photos. Interestingly enough, they didn't ask for a work phone number. So, if they can't find the car, what are they going to do? This whole thing has got me really pissed off. What a huge waste of time and resources. I'm tempted to just ask for the amount of the damages and just pay it myself -even though it wasn't my fault. It would be worth it to me to just end this. And I wonder how much worse this whole process would have been if there had been real damage or if someone had gotten hurt.

I remember back in high school they showed a slideshow before prom to discourage drinking and driving. Set to Phil Collins music, it was graphic and gruesome. I think it would have just as effective to sit us down and make us go through all the paperwork of an insurance claim - and all the phone calls. Can you tell I'm really annoyed?

In other news...

My ex-roommates mom called me last night. She said she's been trying to get a hold of me for awhile now, but I'm either gone or on the phone. She hadn't left a message, so I don't know what the deal was there, but this time I was home and not already on the phone and we talked for a bit. She said she'd call me one of these days to invite me to breakfast some weekend - which is nice, but a little odd. I'll have to see how it goes and if something is up.

Slightly overcooked (fired), refrigderated, and then microwaved spam tastes a little like bacon. Just in case you were wondering.

early morning

I woke up at 2:00 am this morning with a sore back. Looks like I'm going to have to break down and get a new matress. Can't take many more of those kind of nights. I got dressed, went downstairs, and played video games until it was time to go to work. It's 8:30 now and I'm already feeling the lack of sleep hitting me. I might even nap when I get home today - and it's really unsual for me to even suggest such a thing.

(wait)...

Okay, sorry, had to stretch. Man, I'm really out of it. Suprised I can still type.

Strangely enough - my back feels fine. I suspect it's the futon - that thing has mysterious powers. It's primary abilty is to instantly induce a nap in anyone who lays down on it. Seriously. Could be that it made my back feel better to get me to lay down on it and thus take a nap. Sounds a little sinister.

Well, lots to do today - time to get back to work...

the saga continues

So, yesterday afternoon I went to the police station and picked up a copy of the police report. It confirmed what I'd told the officer - so I went home feeling a little vindicated.

There was a message on the machine from his insurance company claims office - which is also the same company I have my insurance through. I called them back and they recorded my statement about the accident. After the recorded part the woman told me that she was troubled by the inconsitancies - I said I was stopped and he hit me - he said the opposite. She said that it would most likely be a shared claim, with each of our insurances being hit for a percentage - since it wasn't clear who was at fault. She suggested that I contact my agent to get things rolling there, even though there was no damage to my car.

I was a little ticked at this since it was pretty clear to me who's fault it was - but I called my agent and got things started. I joked that he must not have seen me in my bright red four door car - she laughed and said her husband got hit in his F350 red truck by someone who claimed that they couldn't see him.

We talked for a bit about what would happen to the claim and that it most likely wouldn't affect my rates very much, if at all. Still, there goes my flawless record. Wanker.

Got a busy day ahead of me - starting off with a meeting in few. So, back to work...

Annoyed beyond all rational thought

I rarely get mad about things - life's too short, you know? But I get annoyed. All the time. And this time, the line between annoyed and enraged was very very thin.

So, I'm pulling into the parking lot to get some new comics - it was, after all, a Wednesday. Which everyone should know is new comics day. I stop about 1/2 in the drive cause there's a guy backing up. Why he's backing up into the entrance is beyond me. Apparently, he doesn't see me (I'm in a bright red, four door car, so I guess I was "stealthed") and though I put it into reverse there was nowhere to go except back into the street. Before I can hit the horn, he's already hit me.

So, he pulls forward (what he should have been doing in the first place) and sort of gets out of the way, but not really. I pull into a space and inspect my car - no damage. Not even a scratch. I go over to his car and we note that the left rear panel is popped loose. I get my insurance card out, even though it wasn't my fault - but he insists on calling the police. So, he goes to find a phone and I write down his liscense plate number. He comes back out and stands by his car.

Eventually the police arrive and when the guy doesn't start talking, I explained the situation (even though he's the one that called). I tell the cop that I was starting to pull in, stopped, and he backed into me. The other guy, when he finally talkes, makes it sound like I ran into him. Wanker. The cop gets our info and then goes to report it in. The guy asks for paper and a pen so he can get my info - which I provide. The cop comes back in the middle of this and the guy is still talking. The officer gives us each his card with the report number and says we can get the report from our insurance agent. The guy wants to know if I need to write down his info - but the cop and I just look at him before I explain that it will all be in the report. We thank the offier and the guy shakes my hand - saying "he's sorry this had to happen".

So far, I've still got my cool. It wasn't my fault, no damage to my car, and the officer seemed like a sharp guy, so the report should reflect that the old dude ran into me.

Finally, we go our separate ways - which in my case is the comic book store. And then, horror of horrors, they don't have the ones I collect in stock.

Son of a bitch.

I could have been home, playing a video game. Instead, I try to go to the comic book store and get hit by an idiot.

This morning, I called my insurance agent about getting a copy of the report. She reacted as though I'd just asked her for a cheeseburger and fries and had no idea why I was told to call her to get the report. In hindsite, yeah, I guess it was a little odd, but they can look up pretty much everything else so I figured that would be easy enough. She suggested I call the police department and I spoke to someone in records about it - they confirmed that I could pick up a copy today. If it reflects what I said happened, I'm in the clear. Otherwise, it'll cost me to have the panel on his car popped back into place. (really, that's all there was to it).

I'm glad no one was hurt. And if my flawless driving record had to broken, I guess it's better that it's something small like this.

But I'm still annoyed. Still very, very annoyed.

And now, still no less annoyed, I get to go back to work...

grrrr...

sort of out of sorts

Mild headache this morning...

You know, I've heard that Eskimos have over a hundred different words for snow. I should do that with my headaches - since I have so many of them will all sorts of different levels. Everything from mildly annoying to a full blown thermonuclear barf-fest. I need to make a list, I think.

Work yesterday was very sucky - huge things went wrong and the forces of darkness conspired against me. I really need to start acting on all those death threats I hand out - getting way behind.

Hmmm...looks like I forgot my watch today. Maybe that why I'm so out of it. Kinda tough to be the master of space and time if you don't even have a watch. Granted, I could just look at the computer, the phone, or turn around and look at the clock hanging on the wall behind me, but where's the fun of that?

Well, I guess I should get back to work...you can sense my enthusiam, I'm sure.

car show and the Wookie

Went to the Cleveland Car Show last weekend with one of my friends. Had a pretty good time - though I'm really bad at judging cars or comparing the relative features on them. I've been once before and like last time I was amazed at how much some of these cars cost - and how little they seemed worth it. It was cool to see the new Cobalt - the replacement to my current car, the Cavilier. Not as many concept cars as I would have liked - and the food was really expensive - but still a good time.

Also, in case you didn't know, last Friday was "Take your Wookie to Work day". Photos:


Back to work...

"Please open your container"

So, lunch at the student union a few days ago. Fried rice, pre-packaged sushi (better than it sounds) and a bottle of pepsi. $7.00

When I first started going to the House of Hunan in the food court - the fried rice was packaged in a re-usable plastic container with a transparent lid. So, paying for the food was simple since the cashier could see what it was.

Since those containers proved to be too expensive - they switched to opaque sytrofoam. Still, paying was easy since they just asked what was in there and I told them. Apparently, this was a cause for some concern, so they started marking the containers before they would hand them to me. No biggie, makes sense to me.

But they now insist that you open the container to show them what you've got. Well, during the wintertime, I've got my hands full, is what I've got. So, set everything down, open the containers for inspection, close them back up, then get out my wallet and pay for my food.

And they're still marking the containers. Which makes no sense to me. To circumvent this system, a person would have to carry in a pre-marked container with a differnt identifier and swap the contents for a cheaper price - or use a black marker and carefully modify the mark to that of differnt food item.

What they are esssentially saying is that they don't trust some people to not cheat the system. But the result is that they can't trust anyone and treat everyone like they're trying to get away with something.

The same kind of thing happens at Arby's - at least the one near where I live. When I pay for my food with a $20 - they mark it with a special pen to see if it's counterfit. Every time. Not a random sampling - every time. And now they're also checking $10. What's next? Toss a $5 on the counter and get it inked up to prove I'm not a counterfitter?

So, for the record - if I say I'm getting fried rice, that's what's in the box. And I'll be paying with money that I earned - and not that I printed myself.

end.rant = back to work...

the grudge

Watched "the grudge" over the weekend - scared the crap out of me. Big time. Normally, I'm a little bored with scary movies - been there, done that. My nightmares are always 10 times worse anyway. This movie - scarier than my dreams. Had a lot of trouble getting to sleep that night, and a lot of trouble staying asleep. Eyes closed and I'd see images from the movie. Eyes opened, and...well, I had trouble opening my eyes for fear of what I'd see. It was that bad.

I also picked up Resident Evil: Apocolypse - but thought I should wait a few days before working on my "confronting my fear of zomibes".

Played a game that my neighbor loaned me - Champions: Return to Arms. Did okay for quite a while - then got my ass handed to me by a giant spider.

Enough of an ass kicking that I decided to restart the game with a new character. This time, I decided to take the path of evil and in the second area I got smacked down by a troll. Aren't trolls evil? Apparently, they are - but they don't care who they smack.

So, I just turned off the game and read a book.

And now it's time to get back to work...

a cautionary tale and other stuff

I'm not going to go into the whole gastrointestinological incident, but can I say that eating an entire can of cashews in one rapid sitting is not a good idea. Draw your own conclusions as to what really happened, then increase it by a factor of at least 3.

Read a George Carlin book last night - "When will Jesus bring the pork chops?". A good read, but I think he got a little carried away with his euphimisms. Most of the book was made up of these and it got a little old. There were some gems in there, though, that I may need to jot down and save.

Finished Prince of Persia again - this time not skipping past the cinimatic near the end - pretty cool. Now I'm debating on if I should go ahead and buy the seqel already or wait until it goes down in price.

Working on my website a little bit - trying to use style sheets - lots of clean up to do on the existing pages to get them ready.

Well, not much else going on, so it's back to work...

quiet days

Yesterday was a pretty uneventful day at work and I expect today to be much of the same. Very difficutl to get up this morning as a result - not much motivation.

I do have a story from a couple of days ago that's finally funny - though it wasn't at the time. I was in the middle of a call helping someone when the second line rang - and the caller ID indicated it was very important. So, I hung up with the first caller (something I really don't like to do) and then got the second one. Not entirely sure how they got to me - but they were complaining that they got too much spam and they wanted me to "clear out their mailbox" - which I don't have the time or authority to do. Or, they wanted a new email account. Reminds me of an episode of Will and Grace where Grace wants to move so she doesn't have to clean her room.

I told the user that everyone gets too much spam and that I routinely clear out one of my accounts that gets about 500 messages a day as spam warnings and actual spam. I also told her that a new account wouldn't really help - as it too would soon be filled with spam. Ultimatly, I directed her to the person who had the authority to do the things she requested - and the authority to tell her no.

"Too much spam"? We all get too much spam. And while I partially blame the spammers, I also blame the people that actually buy thing from the spammers. If no one bought anything from them - then they would go away. The only reason they still work is that it takes very little money to get the ad out to a vast number of potential customers. But if none of the customers bought anything from them anymore - then even that little bit of money would be wasted and they'd stop. Maybe that's over simplified, but it's a start.

Oh, and I read today that Bush's budget plan calls for cutting funding for education and nutrition programs for kids by 20 billion or so - while also cutting taxes for mulit-millionaires. Anyone who didn't see this coming, pleaase raise your hand. It will make it easier to identify you for the smacking you've earned.

End rant - back to work...

the plague of non-awareness

I think I've touched on (or harped on, as the case may be) my issues with people that don't pay attention to the world around them. This morning, on the drive to work. I saw three cars sitting at a green arrow. Not only was the person in front not paying attention to the changing of the light - neither were the other two behind him since they neither honked to alert him or rolled forward in anticipation. In fact, once the lead car finally started rolling, the others delayed as well. They just barely got through the light before it changed.

Pulling into the parking lot, a car in front of me turned at a strange angle and stopped in the middle of the lane - perhaps working up the courage to go down the "do not enter" road. I managed to get around him, but I doubt he even saw me.

Getting into work - in the cube farm - two of the others that work around me began their latest all day shouted conversation. Even earplugs can't drown these guys out. And they don't seem to acknowldege that they might be disruptive to others working around them.

It's not even 9:30 and I'm already annoyed. Even more so 'cause there really isn't a solution. People are stupid when they drive. Telling my co-workers to shut the hell up or I'll kill them isn't reasonable. (Granted, there may be other approaches there)

I just want a little order. A little peace and quiet. A day without spam or being cut-off in the lunch line.

So, I'm sitting here at my desk, vampire stake at the ready - wishing I was anywhere but here. I think I need a vacation.

Instead...it's back to work...

I dream of Paris

The city - not the bimbo. In my dream I'm in France somewhere, trying desperately to get home to America. The map isn't much help, but I finally locate a road sign and I make my way to Paris and locate an international airport. Still not speaking any french at all, I find an American speaking ticket agent who finds a flight for me leaving in 20 minutes - a direct flight to the Akron/Canton airport - perfect! (Unlikely, yes, but still perfect).

There's a problem, of course. He won't get me on the flight until I ask my friend from college if she would like to make a "French Connection" with him. I turn and see C. in a bookstore across the concourse. What she's doing in Paris is a mystery and how this guy knew that I used to know her is also puzzleing, but I really want to get home. So, I try to casually talk to her - without it looking like I'm actually talking to her - in case he figures out who she is and stalks her even if she says no. I somehow manage to ask her and she casually glances over at him. She smiles at me and says she'll think about it. And I'm like "Well, think quickly, the plane leaves in 15 minutes".

I woke up before she made a decision - so at least a little part of me is stuck in an airport in Paris - forever waiting for the answer to a "booty call".

I wonder if there's anything to that? If the land of dreams exists somewhere and unless you make a graceful exit, you can get stuck. With the throughness and intensity of my dreams, there can't be much left of me here anymore. They are always so real and vivid - kinda makes you wonder. I suppose there are worse places to be stuck in a dream than Paris (see any of my zombie entries) - but it does explain why I had so much trouble getting up this morning - I wanted to go back and get the rest of me.

Well, back to work...

gving blood - weird dream

I went to give blood yesterday and while I was waiting for the medical history part, the guy in charge asked me if I would be willing to do the apheresis - or "double red" - and he was particularly encouraging when he found out I had O- blood. So, I agreeed since I'd done it before. I read my book through most of it, shivered at the cold, and got done in what may have been record time. I got a bright green bandage that supposed to rip the hair off my arm and then sent me over to the canteen area. The people there tried to push some soup on me, but I know what I need after giving blood - cookies and juice. :)

Didn't do much when I got home - mostly video games and reading. Got to bed a little later than I should have and had a funky-ass dream. I was with one of my co-workers while she was getting her driver's lisecense renewed. The clerk said he could also re-do mine - to give me a better picutre. Apparently, I wasn't happy with my exisiting picture - so I agree. When he came back to me the picutre was terrible - far worse than before. And he'd also mesed up my name and address -

I was now Andrew L. Schmitson from St. Louis, MO.

I told him it was wrong and that he needed to fix it - but he said that it was now the valid liscense and I would have to go to another office on another floor to get it fixed.

I woke up cranky.

And now it's time to get back to work...

Stage one of the apocalypse

At least that's what it felt like. Really really really bad nightmare. I was in a 5 story mall and the dead were rising. They looked normal until they attacked and then their eyes would glow.

It was just the start of the end of the world, but it got worse as the dream went along. I had my sword out and I was running though the mall, trying to find an exit. I stumbled into a large kitchen and watched a running disaster as people slipped and fell and impaled/stabbed each other with knives and other implements - looked like about 40 people died in a domino effect.

Finally got out of the mall and over to a farm, where I tried to get my family to safety - but they wouldn't listen. Felt like cassandra or something. Went to a supermarket - where the panic was just starting. I was going to get supplies, but I didn't want to put my sword down long enough to steer a cart. So, I just left the crowds and wandered outside - decapitating anyone who lunged at me.

I woke up shaky and scared.

So not wanting to be here at work - too many people...

dinner at the deli

Met up with a friend from college - and she brought her 6 year old along. We had a nice dinner, folded some paper, and just hung out a bit. And I got a drawing of my ring:

Yeah, it's a little greasy, but hey, he's six and he had fries.

Finished the Prince of Persia game - the last boss battle was kinda lame. Didn't even get below 50% on the old health bar. Still, overall, the game was a blast and looking forward to going through it again to unlock some of the secrets.

Well, I've got a poll to set up and a boatload of pdf files to move, so I should get cracking.

Back to work...

new origami and stuff

I visited my folks this past weekend to celebrate my sister's birthday. We went out to eat and watched movies - a pretty good visit. I also finished up my latest origami project - photo's here. I think it turned out well - but I'm also glad it's over. Lot of work into that one.

Tomorrow I'm going to have dinner with a friend from college - haven't seen her in 8 years. Should be fun.

Well, lots to do today so it's back to work...

zips basketball

So, I got an invite from my friend from Kent State to go to the Akron/Kent basketball game last night. I managed to score a couple of free tickets to the game - and bought the rest early so that his friends wouldn't have to stand in line. The group of eight walked to Aladin's for dinner - they were packed. We tried 3 amigo's they were packed too. Walked back to his house, then hopped in cars to go to Spagetti Warehouse - 1 hour wait. Finally, plan "D" at this point, we went to Parason's - where we proceeded to stuff ourselves silly.

Then to the campus where we parked far away from the arena (I figured the other lots would be packed). And since we go there just before the start - the place was packed. We ended up in the far corner, in a Kent State section.

Highlights:

1. Zippy was cool and seemed to have a lot of fun.

2. The Zips dance team was pretty good, but they're a long ways away from Laker girls - hey not everyone can be Paul Abdul

3. A zips player goes flying off the court and take out two people sitting on the side - and breaks a chair. One of the two people gets pissed and throws the broken chair out onto the court. The ref talks to him and then the police come over to escort the guy from the area. The other knocked over person is also talking trash, but not enough to get her thrown out. They were both akron fans.

4. The game was really close all the way down to the wire - but Akron lost by three.

I had threatened to throw popcorn on the Kent State fans in my midst - but the popcorn selling people were too far away. And plus - I hate to be that obvious or obnoxious. I'll get them later - when they least expect it. hehe

Additional notes - the meatball sub at parason's = really really good.

back to work...

the day after 32

Well, I turned 32 yesterday. I don't really feel that old mentally, considering the size of my comics collection and my skills at video games - but I guess I've still got to count it.

Talked to my folks, my grandmother, and my sister last night - got some well wishes and got caught up a bit. I'll be visting them toward the end of the month when our assorted schedules aren't so full.

Work has been really busy - trying to launch a new calendar system. I've been really pushing to get it done - we've been working on this for eons.

Otherwise, things are going well and are fairly quiet. There's other stuff going on, but I really do need to get,

back to work...

Monday

Feels weird to be looking at a full week of work - the holidays and their shorter weeks were really nice. The boss is still on vacation, so things are a little quieter on that front. Everybody else seems to be back, though, so it's making life in the cubes kinda noisy.

Found a cool new bit of technology - http://www.io2technology.com/dojo/178/v.jsp - called the Heliodisplay. Wicked cool - I can't figure out how they do it.

My birthday is coming up - not entirely looking forward to it. Not cause I'm getting older - cause that doesn't really matter to me - but because it leads to some stress with family and travel.

And I think I'm getting a little depressed. There are some factors, but nothing that I'm not already dealing with. Maybe its one of those Seasonal Affective Disorders or that I'm coming down with something. There's an increasing quietness and slow-down to me. I've had these before, and they never last long. Course, the people around me may think the "crankyness" lasts forever, but they'll just have to deal with it until it passes.

Work is kinda pointless and stupid today - but I'd better get back to it.

...

Update - found a site called Quiz Farm - turns out (as a result of the quiz) that I'm:

You scored as Neutral Good.

A Neutral Good person tries to do the 'goodest' thing possible. These people are willing to work with the law to accomplish their goal, but if the law is corrupt they are just as willing to tear it down. To these people, doing what's right is the most important thing, regardless of rules, customs, or laws.
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Sounds pretty accurate to me. :)

Traffic

The drive into work was odd this morning. Nearly got run off the road by a bus who decided he wanted my lane in addition to his own. Had a stand-off with an ambulance.

Wait. That deserves some more explaination. An ambulance comes barrelling toward me and like a good driver I come to a halt to let him get past with plenty of options. Except, he comes to a halt too - about 2 car lengths away. We both sit there for a moment - me, trying to figure out what to do and him sitting there with all lights and sirens blazing. Finally, totally perplexed, I start to move forward. He waits until I'm clear, then turns into the driveway that I was ironically blocking. He might have had a turn signal on, but with all the rest of the lights going I couldn't tell. Bizzare.

And then when I got to work, I can't park more than halfway into a space since the snow plows did a poor job of clearing the snow.

In other news, I talked to Mom and my grandmother last evening. Mom is trying to plan for my upcoming birthday - and pretty much talking about me coming down after the actual date. Which is quite a bit differnt from what I thought we had planned - that being that they would come up for a visit before my birthday. We'll figure something out.

Well, time to get back to work...

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter...

Except it was after Christmas and more like a thunk than a clatter. This was at my parents house about 11:30 on Sunday night. We all looked around outside, but couldn't find anything - must have been a tree branch breaking under all the ice.

What with the ice storm in Ohio and the tidal waves recently, seems a little like "The Day After Tomorrow" here on planet earth. Not that the two are connected, but it's still weird.

Finished up "Lies and the Lying Liers that tell them: A fair and balanced look at the Right", by Al Franken. A good book, kinda funny, but more scary than anything. If this had been required reading before the election, there'd be a differnt dude in the white house in January.

A pretty good christmas - I got some good stuff and had fun. I'm hoping for a quiet new year's.

And now I'm back at work - wishing I was still at home, in bed. Asleep.

Bummer...

Holidays on Ice

(with apoligies to David Sedaris)

On Wednesday they closed the University early – at 12:30. This was due to the worsening weather conditions – and it didn’t affect the students since finals are already over. Well, I had planned on heading south to visit my folks and the lure of an early start overrode the concern about the weather. So, I packed up my stuff and got on the road about 1:30.

The snow was bad. The roads were bad. The drivers were not too bad, though being anywhere near a semi was cause for alarm. Changing lanes was rough – what with all the unpacked snow between the lanes. And I was nearly in an accident.

The driver in the right hand lane accelerated and lost control. I saw it happen and started to slow down. He slid forward and then executed a fairly neat looking 270 – ending up in my lane, perpendicular, and facing out into traffic. By this point I had come to a stop just a few feet away from his car. Fortunately, the car behind me was able to get stopped too and gave me enough room to back up a bit – thus giving the spin doctor room to turn even further and get out into traffic when he was ready. There was an elderly woman in the passenger seat and I wasn’t sure if I should wave to her or not. Seemed a little rude. So, I just waited patiently and when the way was clear I speeded up and went on my way.

Overall, I counted 26 accidents, including 2 with semis. Columbus was bumper to bumper when I finally got to it at 4:30 and 23 was worse, so much so that I didn’t get to my parents house until nearly 6:00 pm. Normally, the drive time is about 2 hours and 40 minutes total.

My sister works in Columbus and got stuck there when a level three snow emergency was declared. She’s still there, staying with a friend, though she hopes to be able to head here this afternoon.

The ice storm Wednesday night coated my car – and everything else. Pretty, but terrible too. Lots of downed tree branches and powerlines on Thursday and even more today. My family is safe, so that’s all that matters for the moment.

I’m also hoping it clears up a bit by the end of the weekend – I’m expected back at work on Tuesday.

Well, I’ve got some email to get to, so I’ll wrap this up.
Later…

CVS is a little bit more evil than I thought

So, there's me, with a back that's still sore. And I'm wandering around CVS looking for a heating pad. I finally locate it - and it's on the bottom shelf. I basically have to lay down on the floor to read the prices and find the one I want. It takes me a little bit to get back up off the floor and I get the rest of my stuff and head to the front. The lady at the counter commersiates with me about the heating pad and a sore back. I counter with "Yeah, and putting the heating pads on the bottom shelf is just mean". She agreed and said it was as bad as putting the pharmacy at the back of the store to make the sick people walk farther.

The heating pad turned out to be more money than I thought, but I wasn't going back to get the right one. It seemed to help a little, though I didn't have it on there that long.

Well, that's the news...back to work...

the snowline and hot tea

Well, at least they finally updated the snow-line this morning, but it wasn't the update I wanted - so I scraped about 5-6 inches of snow off my car this morning and came into work. A lot of snow this weekend - just piles of the stuff. I stayed in most of the day on Sunday, watching movies and playing video games. I also enjoyed some green tea with melted sour gummi worms in it, instead of sugar. Yeah, I'm a sick puppy, deal with it.

I'll be visiting the 'rents for a few days fot the holidays - sort of looking forward to it. I hope we don't try to do a lot of stuff, I really just want to rest.

Work has already been annoying this morning - departements that left me alone when classes are in session are coming out of the woodwork with stuff to do while the students are gone. It's going to be a short, but busy week.

Time to get back to it...

8 minutes of sleep

Or at least that's what it felt like I got last night - kept waking up with back pain. Finally just gave up and went downstairs to play Sonic the Hedgehog and listen to music.

So, I'm really tired today and mildly cranky. Didn't go to the division party - didn't think I should since I didn't bring anything. I had tried to make some cookies - they tasted great, but looked terrible - and I had the stuff for Pigs in a Blanket, but didn't have the motivation.

Better that I minimize my contact with other humans anyway, just to be on the safe side.

I'm thinking about getting out of here early today - we aren't that busy and I could use a nap.

back to work...for now...

strange phone calls and wrapping

About a week ago I got a marginally coherent call from one of my room-mates ex-girlfriends. Or rather, I heard the marginally coherent message she left for him. I erased it, figuring that she would call back at some point and I could give her the update.

Well, last night she did. I answered the phone, she asked who it was and I told her, then asked "Is this V____? - knowing that it was her since I've got caller ID.

Click - she hung up on me. I swore at the empty line, then hung up.

A few hours later she called again. I answered again - heard her say "shit" - then she hung up on me again. By this point it's 10:30 and I'm getting cross. So, I called her back and she apoligized - saying that my number was close to her father's. I explained to her that my room-mate had moved out and I had no way to get in touch with her. She apoligized again and we said our good-byes.

Slowly, but surely, I'm getting all the chaos/debris cleaned up - though I didn't think it would take me this long.

In other news - I'm one package away from having everything wrapped. Not bad for Mr. Scrooge "Ba-Humbug" McScrooge. Not doing a tree this year, so everything is just on the floor, but at least it's done - or almost done. One more big and oddly shaped item to do.

That's it for me - time to get back to work...

shopping and the back

Well, did a little holiday shopping - whoa, nelly. Talk about things that sucked. A couple of places weren't that busy, but Target sure was and it was insane. Well, it was mostly the people that were insane. I didn't get much there so I could use the express checkout - but the aisles were still packed.

My temper started to build and by the end of that outing I was snarling under my breath. Yeah, it's silly and primative, but at least I wasn't cursing them in summerian. And if I had my sword with me - well, I'd be in jail now.

Didn't help that my back is still hurting - slowed me way down. And made me crankier. Ironic, really. I'm usually nicer than average through the year, but during the holidays when we're all supposed to be nicer, I get more ill tempered. It's all the freaking stress.

In other news...gave blood last week. This puts me at 24 pint = 3 gallons so far. I'm pretty pleased with that, though I think I would have liked a little fanfare or something. The woman that asked all the questions was nice, but the one that actually took my blood was really unpleasant. I guess was getting ready to go on break, but would it have killed her to be plesant about things? I don't think so.

Also moved some of my stuff into the big room in my apartment - I'm thinking of calling my former bedroom the "library" - and I think I've got enough books to justify it. Thinking about getting a papasan chair for in there as well.

Well, time to get back to work...

sore back

My lower back has been bothering me the past couple of days - hurts to walk around, hurts to sit, and oh nelly - does it ever hurt to walk up and down stairs. Not sure what I did to it, but it's annoying. I should have put some mineral ice on it last night.

Still not really in the holiday spirit - not quite "bah, humbug" - but just not overly excited about it. I should try and do a little shopping today after work.

A little stressed at work - a couple of big projects going at once and I'm not sure what's next for them.

Otherwise, not much going on - back to work...

deer ribs and the Jerky pistol

Helped a friend with some painting this past weekend in west virgina - while there, we went to Cabela's - the world formost outfitter.

Big store, very crowded, poorly organized. There's a ton of stuff to see, but nothing that I wanted to buy. Though, I must say, I was tempted by the Jerky pistol. Sort of like a calking gun, except that you load it up with meat and extrude it to then make jerky in a dehydrator. And I do love me some jerky. But, I resisted - mainly since I don't have either a meat grinder or a dehydrator - two essential components in making jerky.

On the way back, I saw several trucks with dead deer on them - hunting season, I expect. One unfortunate deer was arranged face up over the back spare tire of a jeep - legs splayed open. And torso flayed open. I glanced over and was looking directly at deer ribs. Not exactly a pleasent view.

The rest of the weekend was pretty good and reasonably quiet - though we were also kitten sitting Scooby (yes, I know that's a dog's name). This little fur-ball was all teeth and claws - which he loved to use. Then we bought a squirt-bottle. It didn't really help for more than 30 seconds at a time, but it was kinda fun.

That's it for now - back to work...

Futon! and courtesy

First off - the futon part finally came in yesterday. I got it assembled and enjoyed sitting on it and reading. So, all is right in the realm of furniture - yea, me! I might still write an angry email, but it's not quite as vital anymore.

So, this morning, I'm in the parking lot and headed for the door to the building. A woman I sort of know is at the door ahead of me and uses her card to swipe the door open. I'm a few steps behind, but she doesn't even look back. I hustle and lunge at the door, but I'm slightly too slow - it slams in my face.

I then have to get out my wallet, get out my card, swipe open the door - all while trying to juggle my morning soda, a book, and my gloves. Nothing spills or drops, but I'm still annoyed.

Situation reversed - I would have held the door for her, even it she was still quite a ways further back than I was. It didn't occur to her to look around and see if anyone else was there.

Well, I was. And I was a little pissed off.

I think I've harped on this before, but it's all about focus. So many people around me are so totally in their little worlds that they miss out on tons of stuff, including the opportunity to be nice to other people. Makes me want to bust some heads, ironically.

Next time this happens, I'm going to shout to them and give them a mild lecture on courtesy.

And then maybe smack them too. "Dammit! Be nice or I'll smack you again!"

Back to work...
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(quick note: saved for posterity from the Blogger main page...

Resistance is Futile
This news article at Reuters says 'Blog' Tops U.S. Dictionary's Words of the Year. We are the blog. Join us. – Biz [11/30/2004 03:13:51 PM]
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I love that. :)

still no f^%$*&^ Futon

The part wasn't at my home when I got there on Sunday evening - wasn't there yesterday when I got home either. So, I called up the company and asked what was up. They said it had been shipped out on the 24 and I can expect it in a couple of days. So, let's run the timeline again.

1. Purchased on the 21st
2. Called on the 22nd (morning) - told "2-5 days"
3. Nothing on the 23rd
4. Shipped on 24th
5. In transit 25th-29th

So, 2-5 days from when they actually get around to shipping it. Skip 2 days in there for the holiday and Sunday. Still should have been here by now.

My living room is still a mess of cardboard - and I'm still cranky. I forgot the tracking number at home - I may go home at lunch and pick it up to check on things. Grumble, grumble. All this for a futon. Should have just built the damn thing myself.

Finished up watching season 4 of angel and then watched Bubba Ho-Tep, with Bruce Campbell. It was okay, I guess, kinda slow pacing. Interesting concept, but not all that well executed. 1 and 1/2 stars, but only cause I liked the actors.

Well, back to work....

long time, no blog

While I could have logged on from my parents place, it didn't seem worth the effort. Plus, I'd have to use AOL and I try to avoid that if possible.

So, let's see here... Thanksgiving was pretty good. The food was good, Mom made too much, as usual. We watched a bunch of movies and Mom worked on the decorations. I put up a tree and lugged stuff around, so I did my part. Helped my sister with the tennis courts at the school where she's a coach. Had to take down some nets and dismantle some things called "tidy courts" - aka, garbage cans. Took several hours, in the cold. Yes, I am the best big brother in the world. Did a little shopping, no gifts - just paper and stuff. Did the "Hanging of the Greens" at my parents church - and again, the serpette's did the brunt of the work. Pizza was good, though.

Hurried back on Sunday to go to a wedding for one of my co-workers. Was running very late - church was 40 minutes away and the wedding offically started in 30. Made it right on time, and the ceremony was delayed anyway. Really nice ceremony - tear-jerker all the way. Got a little lost (on purpose) after the wedding to kill some time before the reception. Nearly forgot my card for them - but went back for it. We were seated at 6:00ish - didn't get served until 8:00 (yikes!) and I left at about 8:45. Did a bunch of origami while we were waiting at the table to entertain the rest of the people sitting there. Surprised myself with a request for a cobra - managed to pull it off from scratch. I made do another one at some point and post it on my site.

And that was the flurry of my Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Oh, I spilled soda all over my car on the drive back home and I thought I lost my checkbook. Soda is contained and the checkbook was at home all along.

Still no futon piece - now I'm getting cross. I'll call again this evening - and this time I'm going to speak to a manager if I'm not hearing the right answers.

Back to work...

tired eyes

Woke up early today - still pretty bleery. Wait..

Crap...

Sorry, one of my contacts slid out of place. Don't you hate it when that happens? I know, intellectually, that it's not going to slide around to the back of my eye - (though, would it make me think more clearly if if were closer to my brain?) - but it's still worrisome and a little painful.

I'm okay now, if you were concerned.

This evening I head southward to visit my parents for the holiday weekend. Hoping for a low-stress visit, but I'm not sure that's possible. One thing is for certain - I am not, I repeat, NOT going shopping with my sister the day after Thanksgiving. The crazy person can go by herself.

That's it for me, back to work...

holiday stress - bad dream - futon news

I'm liking the holidays a little less as I get older. There's so much stress involved in travel plans - it makes me cranky. All the hoopla and commercialized good cheer - it just feels so fake. And if you aren't on the bandwagon, then you're a scrooge. That poor guy got such a bad rap. Yeah, he wasn't the nicest guy, but really he just wanted to be left alone.

Okay, so, I'm not that bad. But my idea of a peaceful holiday is a hot cup of coco and some light and quiet christmas music. Not traipsing all over creation for the inevitable 5 minutes of catching up with relatives you haven't seen in eons and then trying to figure out how to fill the rest of the time before you can leave and get on with your lives.

I think that people don't get it. I really don't like to travel. Really really. It's one of the reasons I have so much vacation time built up.

I'm going to try and avoid as much of the travel as I can this year. Call me a hermit, call me a scrooge and I say to you... Bah, humbug!

Had a bad dream last night - I was a cop (or at least working with cops), trying to solve a murder. We had just figured out the connection to another murder and realized a pattern - and who the next person would be. We raced to the diner where we expeted to find the next victim, but discovered the guy still alive and on the run from a giant monster covered in blades. It was slow moving, so he was holding his own - but it didn't tire. I, apparently, was also a target on the monster's list, so I could confuse it a little bit since it was supposed to go in order. The two of us ran around the diner while the rest of the cops tried to figure out how to stop it since bullets didn't even faze it.

Re: the Futon - customer service was anything but. Cold, unapoligetic - the person who finally got to me after some of the most painful hold music on record simply asked for my name and address. She said they would ship it out and it would arrive in 2-5 business days. I asked about overnight and she said they don't do that. I got off the phone still pissed, but thwarted by the lack of emotion. Even a simple - "sorry we screwed up" would be enough to assuage me, but instead they just didn't care. Maybe I should have suggested they call me the next time they have a computer problem - and then they'll see how customer should be done.

Back to work...

futon, futon, who's got the futon?

So, not long ago I find myself in Kmart looking for an entertainment center. I don't find one there (the one I wanted turns out to be at Walmat), but I do notice a nice futon. On Sunday, I decided I want to go ahead and get said futon, so I head back to that Kmart. The floor model is there, but according to the random employee we ask, who dutifully checks in the back, they are out of them. My friend Jeff suggests a trip to another kmart he knows about, but we call first.

After talking to 4 differnt people, we determine that yes, they do have them in stock. Yea! So, we head on over to this Kmart, find an employee, who tells us he'll check in the back. A manager comes around and also offers to check in the back. Back and forth a few times they both proceed, until about 20 mintues later it's determined that they are sold out. I'm starting to get a little bit pissed at this point, but the manager offers to call over to yet a third store to check. This phone call takes him at least 10 minutes - but he comes back and says they do have them in stock and that the manager will hold one for me. I should ask for Jim.

So, now we go to the third Kmart of the day and track down another employee who again offers to check in the back. They find Jim, Jim finds us, and he comes out with the futon - all boxed up - on a big-ass cart. I pay for the futon in Electronics (for some reason) and we take it out, load it up and head home.

Jeff manages to rip his finger open on the staples holding the box together (not a good omen) and then I start to unpack it and discover a part is missing. Not a nut or bolt, mind you - but the whole right hand side. You know, the arm-rest/legs to the whole deal. Ironically, this should have been part "A" - the first item in the instructions. So, now we're totally stopped. And the company - VictoryLand Group (which sounds like a televangelest program) only has office hours Monday - Friday during the day. I have to call them and use my firm and slightly angry voice.

Despite all the snafus of the day, the only people really at fault are:

1. The twit at the second Kmart that told us they were in stock
2. The person that packaged up my futon
3. The person who was supposed to check that everything that got in the box.

Best case scenario - I talk to a friendly CSR at VictoryLand who apoligizes and promises to ship out the replacement part at no cost to my via overnight deliverly.

Worst case, I package this back up and take it back to Kmart for a full refund - and they find myself a Sauder catalog.

I'll make the phone today, once I'm good and awake and a little fired up from some tedious work. Wish me luck...

Back to work...

good deeds - so far, unpunished

I helped out my former room-mate's mother and grandmother last evening.

1. Put up plastic over the sliding glass door.
2. Reset their fax machine
3. Assembled a set of shelves on wheels
4. Moved some boxes around.

"Did you see that one, God?" Good deeds - helping little old ladies. I want full credit on this one.

No, really, it was no big deal. They appreciated the help and I was glad to do it. And they've promised me breakfast one of these weekend mornings.

Worked on a project last night, played some video games, and went back into work to upload some files. I dunno what I ate that caused it, but I also spent some quality time visiting the facilites. Good excuse to read a bunch of comics, so I guess that's okay too.

I may be buying a futon this weekend, we'll see how that goes.

That's all folks...back to work...

quiet evening - difficult morning

Did a little more work on my ultra-super secret project last evening - but was too lazy to go out and get the final component. I initially rejected using it during my planning process, but I think it needs it. So, a trip to Michael's is in order for this evening, after I do the plastic on the windows at my former room-mate's mother's house.

Yeah, I don't entirely get it either.

Well, I'm not dizzy today, so I gues it was just a passing thing. May try to re-arrange my apartment tonight and move my stuff into the big bedroom. Might as well spread out - I could even keep my old room as a library.

Had a lot of trouble getting up this morning - so I ended up being late for work. I need to get busy to get caught up so its...

Back to work for me...

dizzy and dreams and Radio Shack

Had a weird dream (aren't they all?) last night. My room-mate and his boys came back and simply wouldn't leave. I finally had to get out my sword and grabbed the phone for a 911 call before they would budge. Not sure what triggered this dream, though it may have been the call from his mom. She called last evening and asked if I would come over to her place and put plastic on her windows. Not sure why she called me about this and not her son, though it could be because I'm more reliable.

So, I'll go over there on Thursday and put up the plastic. A minor good deed, should only take an hour or so. I've got no quarrel with her and I do like to help people. Plus, I couldn't come up with an excuse to get myself out of it quickly enough. :)

Got an extra set of A/V cables last evening and a switcher - now I can go from Playstation to DVD in one click of a button. Excellent!

The trip to radio shack was not good, however. Went in there and found a section of A/V cables - the very expensive kind. We were looking through the chart on prices and models of switches when the sales girl came over and asked if we needed help. I said "No, I think we're in the right section"
To which she replied, "Good, cause I'm new here and I don't know anything about these, but I'm supposed to ask anyway"

She then wandered off. The switcher was what I needed, but I was looking for cheaper cables. So, we found her again and asked if they had any other cables. I was just hoping for a differnt section to be pointed out to us. She said she didn't know, but she's go ask. She disappeared into the backroom and we kept looking around by ourselves - ultimately finding the cables I needed at a reasonable price. By the time she emerges from the backroom, we've already gotten the cables in hand and I'm ready to checkout. She has trouble with the cash register, answers the phone in the middle of the transaction making me wait, and then hands me the receipt but nearly tries to keep the bag. She apoligised and said she was a little scatterbrained. I'm thinking "A little?" - but keep it to myself to facilitate getting the heck out of there.

Apparently, she was too new to have watched the video "Customer Service and You! How not to screw up when dealing with people"

Oh, and in an unrelated note - I've been dizzy for a while now. Started last evening, mildly dizzy like when you get up too fast. Except it didn't go away. I was a little dizzy when I went to bed and a little dizzy when I got up to take a shower this morning. It's not affecting my movements or focus, but it just feels a little odd. If it keeps up, I'll go get it checked out.

Well, back to work...

shouldn't setting up an entertainment center be more fun?

The goals last evening were to set up an entertainment center and put my TV/DVD player/Stereo/Playstation on it. Lofty goals to be sure.

Jeff volunteered to help me out (the fool) - and we set to work. Or rather, I set to work and was making good progress on the -ec- before he got there. We were going along just fine, and then it was time for hinges. Hinges for a door that I don't really need, but I decided to install anyway. We messed around with it for about a thousand years, then read the instructions. Following the instructions actually made it worse, so pretty much gave up. I swore, tried it one last time, and then got it fairly close to level. At least the bottom of the door doesn't rub on the base anymore.

Close enough = good enough.

Then came the set up of the actual entertainment. Trying to get the right sequence of cables to get sound to the stereo and video to the TV was just this side of impossible. We finally pulled a cable from the CD changer he had if my stereo didn't work out and finally got things routed correctly. But then the Playstation didn't work. Another 10 minutes of trying to be polite and maintain our respective cools before I finally thought to check the wonky cable coming out of the back of the playstation. And then it worked perfectly.

I did a little more swearing and we pronounced it done. But by then it was too late for me to stay up and play my games, so I just went to bed.

Today, though. Today many demons will be slain. Many robots will be trounced. Many villanous creatures will have their evil butts handed to them on a silver platter. And all this will be done....

In stereo.

Back to work...

Loud in the office

It's very loud here today. And the voices I'm hearing from over the cube walls are not always english. Heck, I'm not even sure they are human. Time to crank up the volume in my headphones.

Monday, monday. It's been a busy one. Worked on a survey most of the morning - then found out it hadn't been approved and would most like need to be massively re-done. Yippee.

Talked to my mom last night about a job she saw for me on the net - a state job, in Columbus. I'm not really qualitied for it - I guess I should take some programming classes. Ick.

Got a new stereo last week and a new entertainment center yesterday. I'll have to put that together this evening. The stereo is excellent - mainly because I can route my Playstation 2 through it. Sweeeet!

Did a little more work with the Sculpy. Learned more about the properties - thinking about trying something new with it. My little plastic castle didn't go as well as I would have liked, but I can always try it again.

Got another project in the works, it's currently behind locked doors. Or rather, cabinets. Christmas gift - shhh!

And before I forget - a big ol' Happy Birthday shout-out to my good friend Scott! The card is in the mail and dinner is on me. I'm not going to say how old he is - though he is older than me. :)

Well, that's about it for me - back to work...

lost time

Well, not really lost, just left at home. My watch, that is. Feels a little odd, but a little freeing too. I tend to be more than a little obsessed with time - though I don't really have a reason for it. Fortuantly, my computer will pop up a little message to tell me when I have to go to a meeting, so that won't be a problem.

Didn't do much last evening - except spend too much money at the craft store. Got some really excellent ideas for projects, should keep me out of trouble this weekend.

Otherwise, it was mostly video games and the Angel DVD - a relaxing evening.

The boss is out today - so I'm getting some of his calls already. It'll be a busy day, I suspect.

Well, I should get back to work...

Baking and laundry

Well, not really baking. More like heating a polymer clay until it hardens in a low temp pseudo-kiln - i.e. my oven. The stuff is called sculpey - a clay-like substance for modeling in plastic. You mold it like clay and then bake it to harden it into a solid plastic. I wanted to make a "little plastic castle" - like in the Ani Difranco song - so I tested it out a little bit last night.

The instructions were clear - 130 degrees, for 15 minutes per 1/4 inch thickness. Well, my test case was a little thicker than 1/4 inch and my over starts out at 200 degrees - any lower than that falls into the "warm" catagory. So, I did a whole bunch of estimating with frequent checking - they made a big deal out of not over-baking. Finally just cranked it up and gave it another 5 mintues - that seemed to do the trick. Tonight I'll try using a dremel on it and maybe a little painting, just to see what it can do. Should have a little plastic castle by the end of the week.

In other news...I did laundry. That was pretty much it. Oh, and watching Angel DVD - lots of ass was kicked last night in the episodes I watched.

My neighbor Josh loaned me a game - X-Men Legends. Looks like fun - I'll have to give it spin tonight.

Back to work for me...

on hold with Ohio Taxation

Got a notice that I failed to pay my School District Tax for 2001 - for the district that my parents live in from 2001. I've never lived there and I'm guessing it's just a clerical error. The problem is that I got this same notice several months ago and replied to it as indicated. And now I've got the same notice again, this time with a threat of an additional $500 fine.

So, I'm on the phone with them now - on hold.

Okay, talking to Shawn now - seems like an okay guy. Fingers crossed.

Apparently, the previous notice was for 2000, so this is a new one. And it appears that the wrong school district was associated with my address. Shawn made some updates and it looks like I'm okay. He also cautioned me to avoid using the preprinted address label in the future, since it may have been the source of the problem. Great.

So, that's all cleared up. I'll proably still get a warning for 2002 and 2003 at some point, but at least I know what the problem is and can address it.

Well, back to work...

trying to blog all day

Talked to my Dad last night - his mom was in a car accident and had to be taken to the hospital. She's okay, but they had to keep her overnight for observation. A little scary for all of us - I'm concerned that she may no longer feel comfortable driving - that will dramatically cut down on her independence.

Been trying to blog all day - lots of trouble with the system. Same kind of stuff that made me stop blogging last time.

Still getting comments from people about the costume - all positive.

That's about it for me - back to work...

Delayed blog - my sister wears pink

Well, I meant to blog this yesterday and had it all typed in - but Blogger took a gigantic crap and I lost it all. So, here goes take 2 - or at least the highlights:


"Darkness falls across the land"

The people have spoken and they are idiots. GW is a lunatic and his screw-ups are legendary. Apparently, a majority of the county forgot about those and are going to give him 4 more years to screw things up. Keep in mind, though, that it was a small majority - a whole bunch of people, including me, were hoping to get rid of Bush. We'll be watching...

End Political Rant here...

In other news, my sister wore pink yesterday - one of those breast cancer awareness braclets. Considering that she hates the color with a passion that borders on lunacy, this is really saying something. She asked that I alert the media - which I'm unable to do - but I can record it for the ages in this blog.

In still more news... gave my boss a ride to pick up his car after work. Major brownie points.
Watched some more of the Angel Season 4 DVD, finished Dune: Battle of Corrin, and generally chilled out.

And now it's time to go back to work...

voting

I went and voted this morning before work. Couldn't find the address, so I was a little later getting there than I expected. I arrived at 6:40 (polls opened at 6:30) and there was a line out the door. And it was sort of one line, though there should have been two since there were two precints. There were no signs or clear markers - you just had to ask around to figure out if you should veer left or right. I paid attention and had no problems. And I had my voter card and picture ID, in case there were any problems. No way was I going to be denied the chance to vote.

A very primitive set-up, but it seemed to work. Fingers crossed.

I'm glad it's over - the signs in the yards on every street, the mudslinging, the endless debates and discussions.

But if the war-monger wins, I'm moving to Canada. I wonder if the University of Toronto is hiring?

Back to work...

Lego-man - Halloween 2004

It can now be told - I was a Giant Lego-man for Halloween. And let me tell you, it totally rocked!

Let's start out with big props to Jeff for his invaluabe help on the costume. He's wicked with a can of spray paint and the end result was exactly what I envisioned. Also a shout out to Debbie - her help with the "suiting up" in the morning when I got to work was much appreciated.

So, the costume. Red sweatshirt, blue sweatpants, yellow-ish workboots. Red cardboard box for the torso, shaped to match the lego style. Bright yellow cardboard head with a section of screen so I could see out. Cut PVC pipe connectors and dowel rods for the hands. I'll have pictures up on my site this week sometime.

I visited a lot of people on Friday - and startled a few. The funniest part was walking on campus and seeing people notice me and try not to react. Come on, people. You're not too cool to laugh at the 6 foot tall lego man. Enjoy it - it's freaking Halloween!

Since my face was totally hidden, a few people guessed it was me based solely on the fact that I do this every year. I think one recognised my voice, but a few people had to wait until I'd lifted off my lego head before they were sure it was me. :)

Great reactions from people, lots of fun. My own little moral booster for the campus. And hey - I got some candy too!

More later, including a link, once I've caught up on work...

lunar eclipse & squirrels + fire

I saw the eclipse last night - really cool. I was doing some work on my costume and had to go in and outside several times. Each time I went out, I could see more of the progress, until it was finally gone. Couldn't stay up for the whole thing, but I found some pictures on the web that show it in all it's glory. Makes a person feel a little small when you think about the grand forces and mathematics of the planetary movements.

Had a weird thought yesterday about squirrels. They seem so focused and busy, especially this time of the year. Wonder what would happen if we could teach them to use fire? If awareness and knowledge could be given to these so called tree-rats? For one thing, I think the neighborhood cats would be in deep shit. I don't think it would take long for squirels to become militant and agressive. After all, they've been low mamals on the totem pole for a long time - payback would be a bitch. With this in mind, I plan on feeding the squirrels all winter. To stay on their good side. Just in case...

mentally falling out of bed

Tons of weird dreams this morning - tons. Fragments from work, amalgams of people, falling, being chased, college, driving...my hip and my back are sore and I'm exausted. When I finally did manage to extract myself from the dreams and get up, I felt like my mind had fallen out of bed. And I mentally hit the floor pretty hard. Didn't help that I'd shaved off my beard last night, I didn't recognise myself for a moment when I looked in the mirror this morning.

So, now I'm at work and if I didn't have two meetings today I think I would have taken a sick day and gone back to bed. "Severe Reality Impairment".

Costume is coming along, despite some setbacks. Had to modify my original plan a bit, but I'll get it done in time.

Well, back to work...

"1984"

No, no - not the year. Well, sort of. I'm talking about the book -and more specifically the re-writing of history to fit a new set of "facts". It was a big thing in the book, poor Winston Smith spending all day rewriting the historical records to reflect the latest propeganda.

I've noticed this phenomon among real people, in the here and now. They tend to blur the line between fact and convenient fiction - rewriting their story as the situation changes so that the advantage is theirs. Or at least, so that the fault isn't.

Are they lying? Yes, usually from the very start - and then it just compounds from there. The stories get more fanciful - the tales of woe are filled with even more woe.

The curious thing is that they tell so many tales that they forget where the truth is. I think that's why they end up distorting things so much, they forget which lies they've told which people.

Do they know they are lying? I think deep down, yeah, they know. But on the surface, one of these "1984"ers will keep back peddling and shifting gears to avoid being "caught".

So, why this topic? And why now? A few things have come to light about my former room-mate that have reemphasied his 1984 behavior. Must be nice to live in a world where things always go your way. I, in contrast, feel very firmly rooting in reality.

And it bites.

So, how do I deal with those who have lost their grip? I don't. You can't catch them in a lie because they don't think they're lying. So, the best bet it just to ignore what they say and don't put anything of yours on the line. Treat them like a good book. Totatlly fiction, lots of plot twists and a surprise ending. And know that you can always close the book and get on with your life at any time.

Which is what I did.

And now, I'm going back to work...

rubber-neckers should be decapitated

So, I'm headed south on Friday, making my way toward Canton. We're all going along just fine, when suddenly, everyone slams on their brakes. And I mean slam, none of this "coasting" to a stop. I nearly spilled my soda.

And then it's stop and go for about 7 miles. Mostly stop.

When we finally get up to the reason for the slow down - I nearly set the dashboard on fire with my swearing.

There was an accident. On the other side of the road. All the cars were pulled off to the side. No one was hurt.

So, since this had nothing to do with our side of the road, why was traffic slowed to a stop? Rubbernecking. That great american past-time where we all hope to see someone else's misfortune. And if there's a body, so much the better.

Okay, all you sick bastards out there - find something else to do. The first fools who slowed down nearly caused a whole slew of accidents behind them. Pointless, stupid and cruel.

There. I feel a little better.

Back to work...

low on gas, lost in my living room

Forgot to stop and get gas last night. This morning, the needle is hovering close to the E. I had enough to get to work, and shouldn't have a problem getting to a station after work, but I hate letting it get that close. I don't have triple A since I don't travel much and the thought of running out of gas worries me a bit.

I moved some stuff back into my living room last evening, it's still pretty empty. I think I may keep it that way - I was always triping over stuff before and it was over-run with junk. The only major thing I may add is an area rug - if I can find a good deal. Simplify - that's the goal.

Gotta work on my costume today - only a few days left and I'm not sure if I'll have a chance to work on it over the weekend. It won't be the most detail oriented I've done, but it will be the most massive. There's a mask involved too, and I'm a little worried about the logistics of that one.

Well, time for me to get back to work - got another "ASAP project" to do.

clever at subway

I wanted to document this so that it isn't lost. My greatest downfall is being clever. I can never resist trying to be clever and it always backfires. Every single freaking time.

Except for yesterday. I went to subway and ordered my usual - Turkey/Bacon on Italian bread, lettuce only. When my sandwich artist got to the vegetables part of the order he glanced up at me when I said "lettuce only". "No sauce or anything?" he asked and I said no and that I like it "extra plain".

Normally, this would result in dazed look in the person's eyes, but this time - my artist got the mild joke. He chuckled lightly, then said - "hey, it's better for you anyway".

And when he rang up the order, he stopped in the middle and said he might be able to make it cheaper. He did some kind of combo order thing and saved me about 50 cents. Not much, granted, but it was still a nice gesture.

So, in summary:

I said something mildly clever
The 'victim' got the joke
I got a better deal on my sub

The curse of backfiring cleverness is broken. Let the bells ring out my victory - I can be clever again!

Back to work, where I may attempt to be clever. Ha!

politics

The signs for various political candidates are everywhere these days. And I just heard that GW has spent more on advertising than any candidate has ever done before. Wouldn't it be nice if anybody could run for office without spending millions to do it? There don't seem to be any ground rules to this anymore. How about this:

1. publicly list your views, credentials, and plans for the future.
2. have an independent panel review what you've said - if you lie, you're disqualified.
3. you pay a small processing fee and you're on the ballot

that's it. No ads, no backstabbing. Civil, just, and fair.

heh.

It'll never work.

later

motivation

Having a little trouble getting motivated today - the stuff I have to do here at work is, well, kinda boring. Gotta fill out my timecard too - by hand, since they don't allow online submissions. And you have to use a #2 pencil to do it. Lame.

Had a pretty good weekend - just kinda lazy and enjoying it. I needed that - big time.

More cleaning to do this week - and a halloween costume to build. It's just about done inside my head, and then all I have to do is make it real. Sounds simplistic, but that's really about it - once I've imagined it, things pretty much fall into place.

Did some wood carving last week - the final piece was well received. Gave me a bit mor confidnece in doing that kind of work - it means that I'll be more likely to try more things. I'll try to get a pic for my site one of these days.

Well, guess that's it for now... back to work.

A fresh start

Well, my room-mate finally got his stuff out yesterday. He left a lot of junk behind - I'll have some clean up to do. I was a little sad last night - he just handed me the keys and left. No apoligy, no good-bye, just walked out the door.

Today, though, I'm in a much better mood. It feels like my home again, a feeling that I was really missing. Locks are changed, windows and doors are secure. It's mine.

There are a lot of memories there, to be sure, so I'll get this place back in order and move out at some point in the not too distant future.

I'm just so relieved that it's finally over.

Well, a short day today - time to get to work...

last day

Well, at least I'm hoping its the last day. Feels like I've been trapped in an elevator with an idiot. We're approaching the ground floor and I'm just about ready to kick his sorry ass out the door and make repairs so I can go back to the penthouse. Like tomorrow will be a day to start over.

And I wonder what I'll go home to today. What kind of a mess will be left behind. One thing's for certain, I'm going to have to invest in garbage bags. He hasn't planned ahead enough to do a good job.

And why should he? He figured that I'd simply cave again and give him even more time. What a surprise it must have been for him - when I stood my ground. Funny how fury will do that to a person.

The best part will be when the cloud finally lifts - when things are finally over. And I can get back to being myself - quirky, fun, and well...happy.

For now, though, I'm simply going back to work...

so much for the good mood...

Well, I should have seen this one coming. My room-mate just called and tried to push things back - that he'd get the "big stuff" on Saturday. I told him, no, the move out day is Thursday, just as we have been planning for 2 weeks. I told him that the locks would be changed on Friday and that was it. He said that he understood and that he's got the rest of the stuff out already, but that he'd need to get the big stuff on Saturday. I told him, no, he didn't understand - Thursday is the move out day. I was nearly yelling at him - which I don't do at work.

He finally said "I guess I'll find someplace else to sleep and have everything out on Thursday". And then I hung up on him.

I am so freaking mad right now - I've had depressing blogs but this must be my angriest. I'm still shaking. I just can't get a break - he's going to be an asshole right to the very bitter end.

And to think I was starting to consider taking time off and helping him. I might take the time off anyway, just to keep track of my stuff.

The good mood is dead. I don't see it coming back until that blissful moment when the landlord hands me my brand new shiny key.

Time to go home...

a good day yesterday

And it was. Work pretty much sucked, but I'm used to that. Got the utility billing set to be switched over with no problem. Worked on a project that turned out to be easier than I thought, so I'm way ahead of schedule.

The only concern, again, was the room-mate situation. He's not behaving like someone who has to move out on Thursday. I'm going to drop the bomb on him tomorrow about the locks being changed. I shouldn't have to - since he's told me he'll be out on Thursday - but in case he's planning on dragging his feet I want to forestall the drama.

Well, time to get back to work...

mildly out of sorts

So, Jeff and I moved a bunch of my stuff to his place to "get it out of the way" for my room-mate's move. At least, that's the cover story. I reality, I'm just trying to make sure some of the smaller, valuable items I own don't get moved out with his stuff. Do I think that will really happen? Well, 3 months ago I would have scoffed at the notion. Now, I'm not so sure. This whole deal has made me a little colder and a lot angier in general. I'm hoping I can get it out of my system when all is said and done. I don't like feeling this way - and I don't like that I have to feel and act this way to get some common courtesy and respect from people who claim to be my friends.

Did some homework - writing up some text for a web page at work. Not too bad, kinda relaxing really. Got some meetings and stuff going on today- the usual crap.

Heading over to the cities utility billing department today to get that in motion. They have to do a meter reading, which I hope I can time to do at the same time the landlord does the walk-thru. I've already cleared taking the time off with the boss - so no worries there.

Well, back to work...

just plain stupid - revisited

Just talked to the landlord about the lock-change on Friday. He's cool with it and we set up a time. He also asked me about the dogs - and we finally got the story straight on that one.
When I realized that the girlfriend and her dogs were not moving out, I asked her about it to make sure I had the info straight before I went to the landlord. My room-mate told me that he had already spoken to the landlord and gotten approvals. I was surprised, but figured it was case closed.

The truth is that the landlord saw my room-mate with the dogs and asked if they were living there or just visiting. He was told "just visiting".

It was "not okay" with the landlord and I apoligized for not following up anyway. He was totally cool with it - which is quite a relief for me.

Also, the landlord has been trying to get in touch with me for several weeks now, and leaving messages for me at home. Messages that I never got - they were erased before I heard them. He didn't have my work number correct, so he was happy to hear from me.

It's good that the landlord is on my side and is willing to work with me. And that now things are inexorably in motion. No turning back, no extentions.

4 days to go...

Back to work again...

just plain stupid

All weekend long, my room-mate kept telling me that he hadn't forgotten about me - that he was going to pay the rest of the rent he owned me on Sunday. So, on Sunday, he gives me $45 dollars, saying he'll give me another $5 later. I just looked at him, then told him I thought it was supposed to $600 total, of which the $45(50) only brings it up to $300. He told me there must have been a miscommucation. He apparently thought I only wanted him to pay for 1 of the months he owes me, instead of both. He said he gets paid on Friday. Simple mistake, I'm sure.

My ass. Just another "1984" style re-write of his mental history. And this on the heels of the Big Apoligy.

This is the last week for that nonsense. I left a note for him to call me today so we can go over some last details for Thursday. I'm going to contact the landlord to get the locks changed on Friday. I've got one little glimmer of hope left, but I'm pretty sure anyway that he's going to be an ass.

For the record, if the situations were reversed, I would have been out of there by September 5th.

In other news... Got home from dinner on Saturday, with plans for movie watching and a hot cup of tea. Unfortuantly, those plans were put on hold for a bit, since my first step into the apartment was right into dog-crap. Yep, a whole heaping, steaming pile of it. The dogs were banished to the basement for the duration of the clean-up - took us a while. Carpet, shoes - and as an added bonus, a puddle of dog piss at the top of the stairs. Number one reason I don't have a pet. Put me in a really bad mood for the rest of the evening. My room-mate's girlfriend was apoligetic, but not nearly enough so. She took the dogs out for a walk as soon as we explained what had happened - which is a nice gesture, but clearly too late. The dogs may be mad at me - since I yell at them when they try to come in my room. Good thing I keep my door closed.

And so this doesn't end up an entirely bad blog, I've got some good news. I finally figured out what I'm wearing for my Halloween costume. Not scary this time, but it should be cool. And it shouldn't be too complicated to set up - though I'm still short on time. I won't say more about it - I want it to be a surprise, but it should be cool.

Back to work...

italian dinner and friendly conversation

Went out to dinner last night with my buddy Scott - did a little catching up and just hung out. I think we were at the resturant for about 3 hours or so - it had been a while since we'd had a chance to talk.

Earlier in the day, I'd listened to a message on the machine from my room-mate's ex-wife. She started off by saying - "I'm sorry, Anthony. This message isn't for you at all." And then she launches into a tirad against my room-mate and his girlfriend. Foul language, insults, and a threat of ass-kicking were all doled out. Delightful. I left a note on the message board by the door - "Message from lunatic on machine"

So, when I got home from dinner, I talked to them about the message and there was much head shaking at the ex-wife's continued maddness. It was a friendly conversation - totally normal.

His girlfriend has been making a big deal out of packing and as far as I know, things are on schedule. But I'm still wondering about the rent check and the deadlines I've set for them. I'm feeling more and more that the apoligy was a set up. Since I'm not really good at exploding into anger, which I suspect I'll have to do in the near future - I'm keeping the fires stoked in the back of my head. Just in case.

In more funner news - I finally finished my sword. This one I'm keeping for myself and I've got it displayed on my sword rack in my room. Totally differnt style than the rest of the swords, it fits because the other swords are all differnt styles. And the best part - the sound it makes when you swing it - reminds me of a lightsaber.

Yep, I rock. Should have been a blacksmith.

Back to work...

carmel apple cider

Ahhh, the nectar of the gods, that stuff is. Co-worker and I made the pilgrimage to Starbucks this morning for this tasty treat. He had a small the night before and had to have a large one today. I'm glad I went along.

Still no progress on my costume. Can't even get it narrowed down.

Back to work...

an apology

Just got a call from my room-mate - and my head is spinning. Pretty much equal parts of relief and worry.

He apologized, said he really hated what was happening between us and that he missed his friend. That he didn't want things to end like this between us. We talked about some of the good times and how he just wanted to hang out.

All good and all cool. Except...

I've known him for a long time and I know how sincere he can sound. A part is wondering if I'm being set up again. That there's going to be something totally f'ed up headed my way and I'm being softened up. Wouldn't be the first time.

So, I'm going to go into this with as clean a slate as possible. And still ready to totally lose it on a grand scale if the situation calls for it. I think I was meant to overhear a conversation last night about how there was a problem with his loan.

When did things get so complicated? And when did I get so cynical?

dream of a catalyst

A few nights ago, I dreamed that me and my team of crack researchers had discovered a sub-atomic particle that was the ultimate catalyst. Can't remember what we decided to call it, but in normal quantities, it was the "thing" that allowed change. Without it, everything would stay the same. No chemical reactions, no biological processes, no growth...nothing.

In concentration, it became a destroyer. Acting like a super anti-matter, this substance could distant anything. With no release of energy and nothing left over. My team was trying to figure out what to do with this when I woke up.


In other news... went to home depot last night to try and get costume ideas - not much luck. I could end up as a giant robot like Gort or something, but I'm pretty sure it would be lame.

Wandered up and down every aisle last night, realizing that my muse had left me. I pictured her, hiding under a table, maybe crying a little. She's come out a few times to look at the sword I've been working on (two coats of sealant last night), but she hasn't had any comment. I may have to sit her down and have a good long talk with her - explain that I'm not mad at her and I'm sorry if she took it that way. Hope that works, 'cause without my muse I'm hurting for a costume.

Note to the idiots out there - I'm speaking metaphorically. I do not have a female art student locked in my house, hiding under my table. Sheesh, you people are clueless. Go read a book or something.

Back to work...

voting

I got home yesterday to find that the voter registration card that I thought I had filled out in May wasn't complete. A group of people had gone door-to-door getting people registered and taking a poll. I gave them my info and they filled some stuff out, even starting over at one point since they wrote something down wrong. They finished up and left and I figured that was the end of it. Two days later someone from the same group came by to sign me up and I told them that someone from their group had already been by.

Seemed pretty through to me.

So, I was pretty surprised when I see the voter registration card with a note saying I needed to sign it, date it, and turn it in by 9:00 that night. I hopped back in my car and headed over the the Board of Elections. Took about 12 minutes to get there, 30 seconds to stand in line, and about a minute to get things checked over and sign the dang thing. Then another 12 minutes to get home.

I'm diasppointed that the door-to-door people dropped the ball - but at least they noticed the mistake before it was too late. And I have to give some props to the BoE - they were really friendly and on the ball.

So, I'm officially registred to vote and ready to do my part for the country.

Along those same lines - I also set up the on-line voting for the student government elections today. Went off without a hitch, even with last minute changes. Florida, call me. I've got this whole voting thing figured out.

Well, back to work.

halloween concerns

I've never been so behind on my Halloween constume before. I haven't even decided on what I'll be. Most of this has been because of the room-mate stress - it's put me in a really bad mood and pretty much destroyed my creativity and sense of fun. There was more stuff that happened along those lines this past weekend, but I really don't want to dwell on it.

So, I'm down to a non-scary sky (heavy on the blue make-up) or a slightly scary swamp thing. The swamp-thing will be more work, but I sort of feel like hiding in something, rather than trying to stand out.

With the clock ticking, I think it's time to take a trip to home depot and Michaels craft store to get some ideas.

Back to work...

a thank you note

I got a really nice thank you email this morning from one of my users. Those are somewhat rare around here, it was cool to recognized, even though I didn't really do much.

In room-mate news (which, I'm sure, Faithful reader, you're getting just as sick of as I am), I had a pleasant conversation with he and his girlfriend last night. Mostly talking about how the dogs were disappointed with me that I fried up some spam and didn't give them any. She was a little puzzled that I didn't, but I said I didn't want to know what it would do to them. Lulu is already a total gas machine and her farts have driven me out of the house before.

That was about it. Another White Elephant. A huge thing right smack dab in the middle of the room that was don't talk about. He wants out. I want him out. We don't talk about, instead we talk about the dogs.

Sheesh.

Should be another busy day - waiting to hear back from some users about stuff that has to launch Tuesday morning. And I really don't want to be here late on Monday to get all the last minute stuff done. It shouldn't be last minute - none is real complicated, they just haven't gotten the info to me.

Oh, in the news of the weird. I went over to a department yesterday to do some training. They were like "Okay, let's go back to so and so's office - you're not allergic to dogs, are you?"
I said I wasn't.
"Good, cause we're puppy sitting today"

Sure enough, they had three puppies in a laundry basket sleeping. And one puppy sitting in one of my student's laps. The puppy kept whining every so often. It was really odd. Like a juggling clown in the middle of the NY stock exchange. Something really out of place, you know. Though, some would say everyone in the NY stock exchange are juggling clowns, I'm talking about a clown in full makeup and costume.

We got through it, then I had to hold the puppy while my student logged in to test out the account.

Weird.

Okay, enough of that. Back to work...