Wendover, Nevada Peppermill Concert Hall Oct. 17, 2009
A Memoir/Review of Alice Cooper's Mesmerizing Performance and my Journey to that Point in Time.
The small details I will leave alone, but I must tell you that the trip to Wendover, Nevada from Salt Lake City, Utah is not a thing to get excited about. It's a white, barren, desert landscape. Miles of nothingness and nothing would ever grow in the salt that makes up the desert expanse that is the Bonneville Salt Flats.
I have driven through this desert many times, and sober except for the adrenaline thrill of the gambling that awaited me in the past, and of taking my Z24 Cavalier past 100 MPH on the way. The ride home was always less thrilling, as I would have lost money I should not have been gambling with to start with. I was in my mid twenties and I was sort of a lost soul with a gaping emptiness I really did not know how to fill. In those days I always did everything to excess. Drinking, joking, searching,needing wanting, but never caring enough about my 1st marriage and it withered away. And my 20's withered away, too.
In my 30's I found myself divorced and struggling. What material things I did not lose, I gave away. I found myself leaving Utah and my kids for about a year. I went back to Detroit to live with my Dad for awhile, ended up in Canada (long story) and eventually living in a park until a long Greyhound bus ride brought me back to Utah as a new, and lost, and very different person. I found my 2nd wife not too long after my journey back to Utah. She helped me fight my demons of self doubt and provided the shovel and dirt so I could fill in my gaping emptiness.
I don't live in excess anymore. Actually I live a very minimal lifestyle. Save for a pretty good coin collection, and a large number of books, you would never find that I could be judged by what I own. I get a thrill these days by gaining knowledge and writing rambling blogs.
I could not start to write about my trip to Wendover to see Alice Cooper without mentioning all of that. It was very heavy on my mind that day, and for me, a large part of the story of seeing Alice again. The last time I saw him was in Detroit, October, 1987, as a 20 year old, just before I moved out to Utah. When I saw the ad for his show in Wendover, I HAD to go and see him, bought my ticket right away.
That was the journey that has led me to the trip on Oct. 17, 2009 (a synopsis anyway) so now, let me tell you about that day.
This time out to Wendover (my first time in many years) I decided to take a "fun bus" which for 15 dollars picks people up in Utah and delivers them through the desert to a casino where you are given a free meal, 5 dollars cash back, a free drink, and some other amenities that is actually worth more than 15 dollars. I decided that I was going to have a few drinks before getting on the bus, too. This could only enhance the trip (and it did). You guessed it, due to Utah liquor laws, they could not serve drinks on the bus. My friend Steve agreed to meet me on the bus near his home ( this almost did not happen, damned bus drivers! Long story here, too.) but the bus did pick him up and we rode out there together. This was at about 230, the show started at 7, so there was plenty of time.
The alcohol in my system helped me greatly to tolerate the corny jokes the bus hostess felt obligated to share. The alcohol also helped me to tolerate the bingo game I could never win, and I ended up distracting Steve from his game, too. It was his own fault though for riding out there sober. We finally arrived at the casino.
When the bus pulled in, it was about 4 pm. We were given our amenties by the casino hostess and we filed into the casino searching for the rest room, slot machines, and the buffet in that order.
There was something missing for me. It was the thrill of being in a casino. This was a theme I could not get over as long as I was there. My gambling was controlled by my common sense. When I did win, I mostly cashed out. I told Steve how different this felt for me, and he tolerated my speeches, but I was mostly talking for me anyway. I think he knew that.
The buffet dinner was fantastic. Shrimp, prime rib, some mexican food, wonderful chocolate cream pie, all included with my bus ticket. I had a rum and coke, too...oh and my flask full of tequila was with me as well.
So, after Steve and I ate, we gambled a little more. Steve won about 70 dollars. I won about 40. It was then time to make our way to the concert hall, a short walk through the parking lot. I had my ticket mailed to me, Steve put his in will call, so we went and got his ticket right away. We had about 30 minutes still before the doors opened. We wandered and joked as I drank the content of my flask. We saw some stretch limos come from the gated area that was back stage. Some hefty security guards were wandering around, too. A few people kept asking us if we had extra tickets ( sold out show) and I briefly wondered if I should have bought more just TO sell.
Doors opened, we bought t-shirts and got seated. Steve sat on the other side of the very intimate venue (seats 1,950 people) I got seated and noticed a guy that looked like a 1970's version of a young Elton John....with a pretty blonde by his side. My first thoughts were if size DOES matter, certainly looks DON'T matter.
After a brief period, the houselights dimmed, and the school bell rang curtain came down and it was Alice, in top form and in an intimate venue where I could actually SEE him. SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER!! But, not really. School just BEGUN. Alice taught the audience that night what a rock and roll show SHOULD BE. Not just band playing instruments and a guy singing songs, but a PERFORMANCE. From the skeleton clad stage hands that rolled out the guillotine, the huge syringe, the death spikes, the gallows that killed Alice all night, to the menacing nurse that made sure Alice was put away while she made every man in the place fall in some sort of strange love with her, to Alice's mesmerizing stage presence and his non-tolerance of having a cell phone camera from a jack ass in the front row stuck in his face (he smacked that damned camera so hard out of the assholes hand that it flew a good six feet away) Alice taught us lessons all night long.
As soon as he and his very tight band rocked you to your core with "Under My Wheels" you were soon swooning to "Only Women Bleed" and "I'll Never Cry".
Fantastic, a marvel, still at the top of his game.
Alice taught me a personal lesson that night. The thrill I did not feel in the casino was soon felt in the concert hall with Alice. Alice taught me that I really am not the same person I used to be. I have grown, I have learned and I have conquered all sorts of obstacles that had brought me to that night with him as my teacher.
I hope some day people will describe me as "fantastic, a marvel, still at the top of his game."
But I know I will never forget the night Alice, and the trip to Wendover, taught me about how the journey makes the trips in life memorable.
See him if you can!!
alicecooper.com
Friday, October 23, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
"All the young girls love Alice...." Alice Cooper, tomorrow!!
Ok, so it's a little weird to throw a few of Elton John's lines from his ode to lesbianism into a blog about Alice Cooper....but life is a little weird, too!
Tomorrow at 2 I'll be heading west on a fun bus to (1) meet up with my friend Steve, and (2) head out to see Alice Cooper at the Peppermill Concert Hall. The show is at 7, and it's a 2 hour road trip, so there will be plenty of time for some drinking, gambling and a buffet meal before the show starts.
I have been excited all week for the show. I have not seen Alice perform in 22 years, and this is the first time in about ten years I have crossed state lines. I don't get out much anymore as my financial situation and school and family obligations don't permit me as much fun as I used to have, so it will be nice to actually go have some "fun" for a change.
The road trip to Wendover, Nevada is nothing at all to write home about. It's a barren desert landscape that has three highlights. (1) There is a surreal otherwordly feel to it as the dirt around the road is mostly salt, and at dusk, and with a bright moon, it's actually (sort of) inspiring. Think Joshua Tree landscape without the band and no trees or any living thing.(2) The "famous tree". Not THAT tree, but an artists idea of a bad christmas tree, or actually bad xmas tree ornaments. Sort of Dali-ish, but not as interesting. It's only a highlight because when one sees that tree, it means you are really close to getting to Wendover and your chosen buffet or casino. It also means you are about to NOT be in Utah anymore...which is a grand thrill on it's own. (3) You (kinda) get to see the Bonneville Salt Flats. I am not a car freak so it means almost nothing to me, but hey, it IS famous and one does get to be near it. Think having a pic with Bono's hair dresser while Bono is too busy to be bothered with you, and you get how I feel.
So, I am very excited. I have read all sorts of accolades about the show, and to see the show in an intimate (1950 people hall) atmosphere is a thrilling prospect to me as well. OH and yeah, the flask will be going on the long ride, too. It can only make it better :)
I'll post a review of the show as soon as time allows.
Have fun y'all!!
Tomorrow at 2 I'll be heading west on a fun bus to (1) meet up with my friend Steve, and (2) head out to see Alice Cooper at the Peppermill Concert Hall. The show is at 7, and it's a 2 hour road trip, so there will be plenty of time for some drinking, gambling and a buffet meal before the show starts.
I have been excited all week for the show. I have not seen Alice perform in 22 years, and this is the first time in about ten years I have crossed state lines. I don't get out much anymore as my financial situation and school and family obligations don't permit me as much fun as I used to have, so it will be nice to actually go have some "fun" for a change.
The road trip to Wendover, Nevada is nothing at all to write home about. It's a barren desert landscape that has three highlights. (1) There is a surreal otherwordly feel to it as the dirt around the road is mostly salt, and at dusk, and with a bright moon, it's actually (sort of) inspiring. Think Joshua Tree landscape without the band and no trees or any living thing.(2) The "famous tree". Not THAT tree, but an artists idea of a bad christmas tree, or actually bad xmas tree ornaments. Sort of Dali-ish, but not as interesting. It's only a highlight because when one sees that tree, it means you are really close to getting to Wendover and your chosen buffet or casino. It also means you are about to NOT be in Utah anymore...which is a grand thrill on it's own. (3) You (kinda) get to see the Bonneville Salt Flats. I am not a car freak so it means almost nothing to me, but hey, it IS famous and one does get to be near it. Think having a pic with Bono's hair dresser while Bono is too busy to be bothered with you, and you get how I feel.
So, I am very excited. I have read all sorts of accolades about the show, and to see the show in an intimate (1950 people hall) atmosphere is a thrilling prospect to me as well. OH and yeah, the flask will be going on the long ride, too. It can only make it better :)
I'll post a review of the show as soon as time allows.
Have fun y'all!!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
The America I Know....
Greetings!
I woke up this Sunday morning with my head full of questions about what America has become, and where America's future lies.
I cannot help but wonder where America's courage has gone when the citizenship has been encouraged to be fearful about almost everything. We have been encouraged to buy plastic sheeting and duct tape because our government wanted us to be afraid in our own homes about some "pending terrorist attack". We were constantly barraged with "Terrorist Alert red/yellow/orange...etc" and we became constantly afraid.
In America today, we cannot fly with a full bottle of shampoo or mouthwash because we must be afraid of whats in our neighbors bottle. We must be willing to take off our shoes to get through airport screening because we have been asked to fear what's (possibly) in our neighbor's shoe.
In America, we gladly accepted the infringement of our government's wiretapping our calls to our friends and family while some politicians and old white men and talk radio hosts encourage a lot of citizens to be fearful of positive freedoms a majority of citizens voted to see take place in the last election. The majority wanted to see America have the courage to change, while a noisy, and fearful group wants everyone to be afraid.
"Be afraid of health care reform!!" the old fearful crowd shouts. "Be afraid of the president of the United States talking to your children!!" The old fearful crowd proclaims loudly. "Be afraid of socialism!!" The old fearful crowd shouts while they traverse to the library, public schools, and while they call socialist programs for help...like the fire department. "Be afraid of communism!!" The old loud fearful crowd shouts out while they wear sneakers and pants and t-shirts whose tag reads "made in China".
The old loud fearful crowd proclaims to be "a christian nation" but soon forget the words of Christ "Fear not, for I am with you." No, instead we simply give lip service to "being a brave American" while we cower in our basements with our plastic wrap and duct tape awaiting our "pending doom".
The America I know is not fearful. The America I know had the courage to send men to the moon. The America I know was brave enough to face the challenges of racism in the 1960's and pass a civil rights bill into law. The America I know will pass a civil rights bill for homosexuals in my lifetime.
The America I know has the courage to actually be a free nation. Free from fear. A bold nation who will take the correct action to make certain ALL Americans have available to them an affordable health care system where we are ALL able to maintain our health so we can compete with the world around us. A bold and fearless nation that encourages it's citizens to be brave, to boldly traverse the planet with no fear and with courage. The America I know is an inclusive nation, not an exclusive nation where "if you don't look like us, or worship like us, you are NOT one of us." NO!! we are NOT that kind of nation!!
We welcome ALL people, ESPECIALLY if you do not "look" like us..or worship like us. America wants to know you and love you and welcome you.
Maybe the old loud fearful crowd is afraid of themselves. Maybe they are afraid of their own prejudices, their own inclusiveness, there own self righteousness and maybe the old loud fearful crowd wants the American legacy to be a legacy of being afraid.
As the old loud fearful crowd has the courage to stand up and make all sorts of noise about what to be afraid of...I wish to stand up and proclaim that I WILL NOT BE AFRAID!!
America, DO NOT HAVE FEAR!! Stand up and be brave and be proud of the real America.
A nation that is brave and FEARLESS!!
To a bright future!!
I woke up this Sunday morning with my head full of questions about what America has become, and where America's future lies.
I cannot help but wonder where America's courage has gone when the citizenship has been encouraged to be fearful about almost everything. We have been encouraged to buy plastic sheeting and duct tape because our government wanted us to be afraid in our own homes about some "pending terrorist attack". We were constantly barraged with "Terrorist Alert red/yellow/orange...etc" and we became constantly afraid.
In America today, we cannot fly with a full bottle of shampoo or mouthwash because we must be afraid of whats in our neighbors bottle. We must be willing to take off our shoes to get through airport screening because we have been asked to fear what's (possibly) in our neighbor's shoe.
In America, we gladly accepted the infringement of our government's wiretapping our calls to our friends and family while some politicians and old white men and talk radio hosts encourage a lot of citizens to be fearful of positive freedoms a majority of citizens voted to see take place in the last election. The majority wanted to see America have the courage to change, while a noisy, and fearful group wants everyone to be afraid.
"Be afraid of health care reform!!" the old fearful crowd shouts. "Be afraid of the president of the United States talking to your children!!" The old fearful crowd proclaims loudly. "Be afraid of socialism!!" The old fearful crowd shouts while they traverse to the library, public schools, and while they call socialist programs for help...like the fire department. "Be afraid of communism!!" The old loud fearful crowd shouts out while they wear sneakers and pants and t-shirts whose tag reads "made in China".
The old loud fearful crowd proclaims to be "a christian nation" but soon forget the words of Christ "Fear not, for I am with you." No, instead we simply give lip service to "being a brave American" while we cower in our basements with our plastic wrap and duct tape awaiting our "pending doom".
The America I know is not fearful. The America I know had the courage to send men to the moon. The America I know was brave enough to face the challenges of racism in the 1960's and pass a civil rights bill into law. The America I know will pass a civil rights bill for homosexuals in my lifetime.
The America I know has the courage to actually be a free nation. Free from fear. A bold nation who will take the correct action to make certain ALL Americans have available to them an affordable health care system where we are ALL able to maintain our health so we can compete with the world around us. A bold and fearless nation that encourages it's citizens to be brave, to boldly traverse the planet with no fear and with courage. The America I know is an inclusive nation, not an exclusive nation where "if you don't look like us, or worship like us, you are NOT one of us." NO!! we are NOT that kind of nation!!
We welcome ALL people, ESPECIALLY if you do not "look" like us..or worship like us. America wants to know you and love you and welcome you.
Maybe the old loud fearful crowd is afraid of themselves. Maybe they are afraid of their own prejudices, their own inclusiveness, there own self righteousness and maybe the old loud fearful crowd wants the American legacy to be a legacy of being afraid.
As the old loud fearful crowd has the courage to stand up and make all sorts of noise about what to be afraid of...I wish to stand up and proclaim that I WILL NOT BE AFRAID!!
America, DO NOT HAVE FEAR!! Stand up and be brave and be proud of the real America.
A nation that is brave and FEARLESS!!
To a bright future!!
Friday, September 11, 2009
What College has Taught Me...So Far
Greetings!
When I made the decision to return to college and (finally) get my degree I had all sorts of concerns. It had been over 9 years since I had attended any college classes when I left due ti a divorce and then working 50-60 hours a week and not having time to go back to school.
This left me with about 4 semesters to go to complete my AS degree in General Ed. and also I found I could get an AS degree in Political Science by taking just a few more classes, so I decided to do this.
Back to my concerns. I was afraid that maybe I was a bit too old to hold an interest in the classes, but on the contrary, I have found my maturity and age and experiences to be very helpful as I have attended my classes. My ups and downs in life have made my essays a great read, better than I could have written at 32 (ten years ago when I stopped my schooling).
I was also afraid that maybe I would not have time to pursue my schooling with working as well, but this too has been a false worry. With the advent of online courses offered through my college here in town, I have the freedom to pursue my classes after work and on my own schedule, so long as my assignments are submitted by the deadlines posted.
So what have I learned so far?
I have to say I am thoroughly amazed by the insight college courses have given me about myself and how I interact with the world around me. Some notions that I thought I did not have did rear their ugly heads, and now I know to extinguish those things in my life. I have learned to see more than meets the eye in things I would not have noticed otherwise as well.
One important lesson I learned the other night while sitting in class (I am taking a live math class at my college due to testing in to a lower math grade..details following...) listening to my math 920 teacher (pre-algebra) and watching her show us how to do prime factorization without using a calculator (calculators are not allowed in class yet) it dawned on me exactly why I never really excelled in mathematics. It's because I don't like bullshit very much.
Now, this is not a reflection on the math course or the techer, the course and the teacher are excellent. But, my mind kept asking me "why the fuck do I need to do this without a calculator?" and "why the fuck do I need to do this...PERIOD???" These were the same thoughts I had in high school. I never heard any good explanation as to why a calculator could not or should not be used. It's a great tool.
In my head I equate not using a calculator for mathematics with building a campfire in your backyard..in the middle of the lawn...to cook dinner on when you have a stove and BBQ which makes it easier and more efficient. Better yet, it's like rubbing two sticks together to even light the damned things. OH and by the way, what time does the fucking sun dial say it is?
I learned the lesson of my disdain for bullshit, and it answered my questions as to why I never excelled in mathematic in a school setting. I mean, I can DO math, my career has depended on my ability to DO math. But I can look up any formulaes that I need and better yet...I can USE THE GREAT INVENTION CALLED A CALCULATOR to do the math.
All these years I had a fear of classroom math, even at times thinking that "my brain is not wired for math" or having self doubt about whether I was good enough to excel in school.
Well, my brain is fine, and I am good enough to do anything I want to do, and smart enough to decipher what I should do or want to do.
I just don't appreciate bullshit getting in my way!! :)
Thanks for reading! I urge you all, go back to school, or go to school if you have not started college yet!!
When I made the decision to return to college and (finally) get my degree I had all sorts of concerns. It had been over 9 years since I had attended any college classes when I left due ti a divorce and then working 50-60 hours a week and not having time to go back to school.
This left me with about 4 semesters to go to complete my AS degree in General Ed. and also I found I could get an AS degree in Political Science by taking just a few more classes, so I decided to do this.
Back to my concerns. I was afraid that maybe I was a bit too old to hold an interest in the classes, but on the contrary, I have found my maturity and age and experiences to be very helpful as I have attended my classes. My ups and downs in life have made my essays a great read, better than I could have written at 32 (ten years ago when I stopped my schooling).
I was also afraid that maybe I would not have time to pursue my schooling with working as well, but this too has been a false worry. With the advent of online courses offered through my college here in town, I have the freedom to pursue my classes after work and on my own schedule, so long as my assignments are submitted by the deadlines posted.
So what have I learned so far?
I have to say I am thoroughly amazed by the insight college courses have given me about myself and how I interact with the world around me. Some notions that I thought I did not have did rear their ugly heads, and now I know to extinguish those things in my life. I have learned to see more than meets the eye in things I would not have noticed otherwise as well.
One important lesson I learned the other night while sitting in class (I am taking a live math class at my college due to testing in to a lower math grade..details following...) listening to my math 920 teacher (pre-algebra) and watching her show us how to do prime factorization without using a calculator (calculators are not allowed in class yet) it dawned on me exactly why I never really excelled in mathematics. It's because I don't like bullshit very much.
Now, this is not a reflection on the math course or the techer, the course and the teacher are excellent. But, my mind kept asking me "why the fuck do I need to do this without a calculator?" and "why the fuck do I need to do this...PERIOD???" These were the same thoughts I had in high school. I never heard any good explanation as to why a calculator could not or should not be used. It's a great tool.
In my head I equate not using a calculator for mathematics with building a campfire in your backyard..in the middle of the lawn...to cook dinner on when you have a stove and BBQ which makes it easier and more efficient. Better yet, it's like rubbing two sticks together to even light the damned things. OH and by the way, what time does the fucking sun dial say it is?
I learned the lesson of my disdain for bullshit, and it answered my questions as to why I never excelled in mathematic in a school setting. I mean, I can DO math, my career has depended on my ability to DO math. But I can look up any formulaes that I need and better yet...I can USE THE GREAT INVENTION CALLED A CALCULATOR to do the math.
All these years I had a fear of classroom math, even at times thinking that "my brain is not wired for math" or having self doubt about whether I was good enough to excel in school.
Well, my brain is fine, and I am good enough to do anything I want to do, and smart enough to decipher what I should do or want to do.
I just don't appreciate bullshit getting in my way!! :)
Thanks for reading! I urge you all, go back to school, or go to school if you have not started college yet!!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
"You Don't Have To Go It Alone" (But sometimes you WANT to)
Greetings!
Well, fall semester just started and once again I have been busily studying and reading and doing assignments. I am also in the midst of a 5 day hiatus from my job; the first 5 day in a row vacation I have had since 1995. It feels good to have some time away from the job, even though I like my job and like the people I work with, it can still get dreary.
My hiatus has been good for me. Lots of time to think and be re-born. Nobody is as critical of me than I am. I believe the Genesis creation myth of Adam being formed from clay has a hidden meaning. I believe we should all be more like clay and less like stone. Easily molded versus having to be chiseled away at to change or embrace change.
Last weekend I bought my ticket to see Alice Cooper in concert at a concert hall about 120 miles (2 hours) away from here. He'll be playing in a small gambling town (Wendover, Nevada) where Utahns like to go as Utah politicians and religious zealots have decided for everyone that gambling in any form is not allowed here. I'll be hopping a chartered bus that goes to the casinos and the concert hall at about 3 PM where I should arrive just in time for a nice buffet meal, a few drinks and very minimal gambling. I'll be going alone.
Now, doing things alone does not always equate to being lonely. I have been all the way across the US by myself, I attend movies by myself, have seen 2 U2 shows by myself. It has been in the times I decided to be alone that the reconstruction process started within me. The reinvention, the seeing what has been wrong to make things right in my life. The observation of self can be a painful, birthlike experience especially when you are made of stone like I was.
Now when I take time to be reborn and reflect upon my life and my deeds (or lack thereof) it is clay I am working with. Maybe I need to mold my attitude. Maybe my ideas are old and antiquated so I mold new ideas. I am working on a better "me" and it takes time and reflection and a myriad of thoughts and inner dialogue and inner arguments....but the killer of all of the molding is regret. So I shun it during those times of reflection. I can wear it like a thorny crown at times,too.
So, as I travel on a bus through the west desert of Utah into Nevada past the Bonneville Salt Flats amongst strangers, I will not be lonely.
I'll be meeting my new self.
Well, fall semester just started and once again I have been busily studying and reading and doing assignments. I am also in the midst of a 5 day hiatus from my job; the first 5 day in a row vacation I have had since 1995. It feels good to have some time away from the job, even though I like my job and like the people I work with, it can still get dreary.
My hiatus has been good for me. Lots of time to think and be re-born. Nobody is as critical of me than I am. I believe the Genesis creation myth of Adam being formed from clay has a hidden meaning. I believe we should all be more like clay and less like stone. Easily molded versus having to be chiseled away at to change or embrace change.
Last weekend I bought my ticket to see Alice Cooper in concert at a concert hall about 120 miles (2 hours) away from here. He'll be playing in a small gambling town (Wendover, Nevada) where Utahns like to go as Utah politicians and religious zealots have decided for everyone that gambling in any form is not allowed here. I'll be hopping a chartered bus that goes to the casinos and the concert hall at about 3 PM where I should arrive just in time for a nice buffet meal, a few drinks and very minimal gambling. I'll be going alone.
Now, doing things alone does not always equate to being lonely. I have been all the way across the US by myself, I attend movies by myself, have seen 2 U2 shows by myself. It has been in the times I decided to be alone that the reconstruction process started within me. The reinvention, the seeing what has been wrong to make things right in my life. The observation of self can be a painful, birthlike experience especially when you are made of stone like I was.
Now when I take time to be reborn and reflect upon my life and my deeds (or lack thereof) it is clay I am working with. Maybe I need to mold my attitude. Maybe my ideas are old and antiquated so I mold new ideas. I am working on a better "me" and it takes time and reflection and a myriad of thoughts and inner dialogue and inner arguments....but the killer of all of the molding is regret. So I shun it during those times of reflection. I can wear it like a thorny crown at times,too.
So, as I travel on a bus through the west desert of Utah into Nevada past the Bonneville Salt Flats amongst strangers, I will not be lonely.
I'll be meeting my new self.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
What does All of this Mean, Anyway? Pt 2
Greetings!
Well, the last time I attempted to write this piece I was on call and the phone rang to send me to repair some cooling equipment at the county jail, which was a great time let me tell ya!
So, recently I have completed my summer semester classes with flying colors. I have once again started to learn more about myself and the world around me. I have always felt that the mind should be like a diary with a lot of empty pages that are waiting to be filled in. Everything is fair game in the diary of the mind from the "garbage" to the doodles to the profound to the mundane. I have always felt that the mind is best left with the unedited and undaunted queries of life no matter what those queries bring to light or what teachings that are often held so dear the queries would offend.
I don't believe in dogma ( a philosophy of already having arrived at "The Truth" so there is no need for further investigation of "The Truth"). I believe dogma kills the unique spirit inside of us all. I believe dogma too often blinds us into complacency and often times tricks us into believing in things that are just not true or right. I believe dogma is the true killer of the self and the love of life.
I have always believed more of progressive thought. Progressive thought is a philosophy that says we have not yet arrived at "The Truth" so we must always be seeking "The Truth".
Really, tell me..what IS true? what is Right? and why? and for whom? who said so?
There are no easy answers to those questions. What is true and right for me, may be blasphemy for another. Maybe, just maybe some things just ARE.
Not evil, not good, not holy, not satanic, not truth, not lies...some things are just what they are.
The human mind that has been taught certain moralities from childhood will have a very hard time accepting the idea of "things" that "just are". We tend to judge everything we see. We look at other cultures with certain disdains where maybe we would judge another culture as "godless" "sinners" "risque" and maybe the other culture passes certain judgements on another culture as well.
Think about all of the division this has caused, all the wars and misunderstandings this has caused.
Would'nt it be a freeing and uniting thing if we could all just see things as "just being"?
I don't know why, but this is what has been on my mind lately.
Peace to you all!
Well, the last time I attempted to write this piece I was on call and the phone rang to send me to repair some cooling equipment at the county jail, which was a great time let me tell ya!
So, recently I have completed my summer semester classes with flying colors. I have once again started to learn more about myself and the world around me. I have always felt that the mind should be like a diary with a lot of empty pages that are waiting to be filled in. Everything is fair game in the diary of the mind from the "garbage" to the doodles to the profound to the mundane. I have always felt that the mind is best left with the unedited and undaunted queries of life no matter what those queries bring to light or what teachings that are often held so dear the queries would offend.
I don't believe in dogma ( a philosophy of already having arrived at "The Truth" so there is no need for further investigation of "The Truth"). I believe dogma kills the unique spirit inside of us all. I believe dogma too often blinds us into complacency and often times tricks us into believing in things that are just not true or right. I believe dogma is the true killer of the self and the love of life.
I have always believed more of progressive thought. Progressive thought is a philosophy that says we have not yet arrived at "The Truth" so we must always be seeking "The Truth".
Really, tell me..what IS true? what is Right? and why? and for whom? who said so?
There are no easy answers to those questions. What is true and right for me, may be blasphemy for another. Maybe, just maybe some things just ARE.
Not evil, not good, not holy, not satanic, not truth, not lies...some things are just what they are.
The human mind that has been taught certain moralities from childhood will have a very hard time accepting the idea of "things" that "just are". We tend to judge everything we see. We look at other cultures with certain disdains where maybe we would judge another culture as "godless" "sinners" "risque" and maybe the other culture passes certain judgements on another culture as well.
Think about all of the division this has caused, all the wars and misunderstandings this has caused.
Would'nt it be a freeing and uniting thing if we could all just see things as "just being"?
I don't know why, but this is what has been on my mind lately.
Peace to you all!
Monday, August 3, 2009
What does All of this Mean, Anyway?
Greetings!
It's a hot summer Monday afternoon and I have just gotten home from work as I write this. I have been on call since last Thursday and I am still trying to fight off the effects of being sleep deprived as the on call cell phone did wake me up this past Saturday at about 3 am.
It was a call about a hot computer server room that I was told to ignore by the co-workers of mine that have been trying to figure out why the unit can't do it's job....long boring story, but y point is that once my sleep is interrupted as it was, I find it hard to recover from the "being tired" feeling, and that sometimes means I am ornery and unreasonable as the week goes on.
On a good note, I did just finish my summer semester 2 days ago, sans a quiz for poli-sci that I will take tomorrow. That is a load off, and also I feel a great sense of accomplishment as I have completed this goal.
With that, I just got a call to go out to a building with an HVAC problem, so off I go!
It's a hot summer Monday afternoon and I have just gotten home from work as I write this. I have been on call since last Thursday and I am still trying to fight off the effects of being sleep deprived as the on call cell phone did wake me up this past Saturday at about 3 am.
It was a call about a hot computer server room that I was told to ignore by the co-workers of mine that have been trying to figure out why the unit can't do it's job....long boring story, but y point is that once my sleep is interrupted as it was, I find it hard to recover from the "being tired" feeling, and that sometimes means I am ornery and unreasonable as the week goes on.
On a good note, I did just finish my summer semester 2 days ago, sans a quiz for poli-sci that I will take tomorrow. That is a load off, and also I feel a great sense of accomplishment as I have completed this goal.
With that, I just got a call to go out to a building with an HVAC problem, so off I go!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Random Thoughts about U2,kids, life, work, home...
Another Sunday and I find myself finally awake after sleeping in until 1030 today. I usually sleep in late on the weekends. I always have, really as I do awaken at 6 am every day and arrive at work at about 640 am. I then work til 300, often in very hot/cold, noisy, and otherwise very uncomfortable and stressful conditions.
Usually on the weekends I have my children, but this month I have not seen them as they have either been working, had holiday activities with friends, or have been off to summer camps. I miss them alot when they are not here (which is most of the time) but I recognize that I must not make it a bad thing for them when they don't want to come over as it IS important that they establish friendships and lives of their own without the feeling they are "letting dad down". I am proud of the three of them as they are very selfless and empathetic and very smart human beings....I like to think I have something to do with that, but I give them all of the credit.
I have to admit I am disappointed at my lifelong (adult life anyway) heroes, U2, for not finding a way to (1) come to Salt Lake City on their tour, and (2) make their ticket prices more affordable. Yeah, I know, I know....the GA seats closest to the stage are 30 dollars, but why do I have to pay over 50 dollars a year to be a premium u2.com member to "get the chance" to buy the cheaper tix? I have spent a lot of money as a fan of the band, so I DO have the paid right to bitch here for a moment.
I remember seeing the "Pop Mart" Tour where all seats were 65 dollars. Now, for a stadium show where 70,000 to 80,000 people are going to attend, I felt that was a fair price, especially since U2 would not take a sponsor endorsement and the shows ARE good, and the stage WAS huge. The the Elevation Tour came to town as an arena show, I did not pay for my tix, as I was there as a gift, but I am sure the seats were over 100 dollars...fine, you get less people at an arena show, no sponsors, OK.
Then I saw the "Elevation" Tour, 160 dollars, Ummmmm now I am feeling like this is getting steep especially since I just paid for the U2 show book and the U2 by U2 book....30-40 dollars each there. I woulda missed the show had I not done some side work installing a furnace/AC ...so close to xmas, too. Many went without gifts so I could see the show.
This brings me to the latest 360 Tour. Ok, it's great that the GA fans get to stand for 4 hours plus (including opening act) and pay 30 dollars IF they have paid 50 dollars a year as a U2.com member and could get a pre-sale ticket. It's a stadium only tour, which means the fans also have to fight traffic and stand in a long line to get into the show, and then the hassle of getting the car outta parking and back home...battling 80-90 thousand people. IF you did not join the u2.com site as a premium member, you get to have a seat in the stadium..somewhere...for about 250 dollars. OH! AND the show is SPONSORED by Blackberry. Now I am feeling a little much is expected from me to be a fan.
Stadium shows are usually a controlled monotany of events anyway, and to pay 250 dollars for 1 ticket and parking and programs and t shirts adding much more money, and then feel sore and stiff for a couple days from standing so long, is it worth it to me? Sometimes in a stadium show you are so damn far from the stage, you may as well be in the parking lot just trying to listen.
U2 are a great band, really the best in the world. I love the band, but I don't like the way they have made the tix so expensive now. I think 80-90 dollars a ticket would be more respectable especially in this economy, leaving some room for a fan to park and buy trinkets. I am disappointed at the band for the steep costs inflicted on the fans for this tour. I would have been more impressed if they would have stuck to arenas and kept things affordable that way.
How much is enough? I always wonder.
Anyway, that's my bitching for today. It's hard to remember sometimes that fans are not always going to be happy with a band (see "Pop") but we do keep coming back for more...happily.
Have a great week!
Usually on the weekends I have my children, but this month I have not seen them as they have either been working, had holiday activities with friends, or have been off to summer camps. I miss them alot when they are not here (which is most of the time) but I recognize that I must not make it a bad thing for them when they don't want to come over as it IS important that they establish friendships and lives of their own without the feeling they are "letting dad down". I am proud of the three of them as they are very selfless and empathetic and very smart human beings....I like to think I have something to do with that, but I give them all of the credit.
I have to admit I am disappointed at my lifelong (adult life anyway) heroes, U2, for not finding a way to (1) come to Salt Lake City on their tour, and (2) make their ticket prices more affordable. Yeah, I know, I know....the GA seats closest to the stage are 30 dollars, but why do I have to pay over 50 dollars a year to be a premium u2.com member to "get the chance" to buy the cheaper tix? I have spent a lot of money as a fan of the band, so I DO have the paid right to bitch here for a moment.
I remember seeing the "Pop Mart" Tour where all seats were 65 dollars. Now, for a stadium show where 70,000 to 80,000 people are going to attend, I felt that was a fair price, especially since U2 would not take a sponsor endorsement and the shows ARE good, and the stage WAS huge. The the Elevation Tour came to town as an arena show, I did not pay for my tix, as I was there as a gift, but I am sure the seats were over 100 dollars...fine, you get less people at an arena show, no sponsors, OK.
Then I saw the "Elevation" Tour, 160 dollars, Ummmmm now I am feeling like this is getting steep especially since I just paid for the U2 show book and the U2 by U2 book....30-40 dollars each there. I woulda missed the show had I not done some side work installing a furnace/AC ...so close to xmas, too. Many went without gifts so I could see the show.
This brings me to the latest 360 Tour. Ok, it's great that the GA fans get to stand for 4 hours plus (including opening act) and pay 30 dollars IF they have paid 50 dollars a year as a U2.com member and could get a pre-sale ticket. It's a stadium only tour, which means the fans also have to fight traffic and stand in a long line to get into the show, and then the hassle of getting the car outta parking and back home...battling 80-90 thousand people. IF you did not join the u2.com site as a premium member, you get to have a seat in the stadium..somewhere...for about 250 dollars. OH! AND the show is SPONSORED by Blackberry. Now I am feeling a little much is expected from me to be a fan.
Stadium shows are usually a controlled monotany of events anyway, and to pay 250 dollars for 1 ticket and parking and programs and t shirts adding much more money, and then feel sore and stiff for a couple days from standing so long, is it worth it to me? Sometimes in a stadium show you are so damn far from the stage, you may as well be in the parking lot just trying to listen.
U2 are a great band, really the best in the world. I love the band, but I don't like the way they have made the tix so expensive now. I think 80-90 dollars a ticket would be more respectable especially in this economy, leaving some room for a fan to park and buy trinkets. I am disappointed at the band for the steep costs inflicted on the fans for this tour. I would have been more impressed if they would have stuck to arenas and kept things affordable that way.
How much is enough? I always wonder.
Anyway, that's my bitching for today. It's hard to remember sometimes that fans are not always going to be happy with a band (see "Pop") but we do keep coming back for more...happily.
Have a great week!
Monday, July 13, 2009
The Spiritual "Center"
I have been reflecting today on my own spirituality.
It's a curious thing that I know exactly when it is that I am further away from that "center".
I find that I start to get selfish, vengeful, angry, frustrated, restless. Almost any negative emotion I can name is what I tend to feel more of when I am not centered. I hate to be around people (more than usual) and they generally hate to be around me.
I want to sleep more and do less. I start to say "oh fuck that" more than usual,too, instead of "how can I help?".
When I am closer to my spirituality, I find that life flows much better. I am not struggling through the day as much, and the days seem better. I am more peaceful and I attract goodness to my personal space. I become the real "me" the person I have spent countless hours alone with, made that Greyhound trip with and that Amtrak trip with. The "me" that sings and dances and more quickly than I realize, tells that joke or makes that funny comment that annoys or makes other laugh...or both at once.
I have been away from that center lately. I have been kinda miserable.
And right now, I could really use that spiritual boost as I am nearing the "finals" period of my 1st semester back in school in 9 years. I have been working in the heat all day, and then coming home at night doing my assignments until almost 11 at night. NO WONDER I have drifted!! :)
So, this week I will find that quiet spot I love, and I will say my meditations, I will ask for the holy wisdom to fill me, and I will once again feel like a whole human being.
Makes me wonder why I don't take time to do this more often.
It's a curious thing that I know exactly when it is that I am further away from that "center".
I find that I start to get selfish, vengeful, angry, frustrated, restless. Almost any negative emotion I can name is what I tend to feel more of when I am not centered. I hate to be around people (more than usual) and they generally hate to be around me.
I want to sleep more and do less. I start to say "oh fuck that" more than usual,too, instead of "how can I help?".
When I am closer to my spirituality, I find that life flows much better. I am not struggling through the day as much, and the days seem better. I am more peaceful and I attract goodness to my personal space. I become the real "me" the person I have spent countless hours alone with, made that Greyhound trip with and that Amtrak trip with. The "me" that sings and dances and more quickly than I realize, tells that joke or makes that funny comment that annoys or makes other laugh...or both at once.
I have been away from that center lately. I have been kinda miserable.
And right now, I could really use that spiritual boost as I am nearing the "finals" period of my 1st semester back in school in 9 years. I have been working in the heat all day, and then coming home at night doing my assignments until almost 11 at night. NO WONDER I have drifted!! :)
So, this week I will find that quiet spot I love, and I will say my meditations, I will ask for the holy wisdom to fill me, and I will once again feel like a whole human being.
Makes me wonder why I don't take time to do this more often.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
IF this is the day the LORD has made...I am disappointed with his powers.
I did not have a very good day today.
It started out at 600 am when the alarm woke me up and I stumbled downstairs to my bathroom to start getting ready for my work day. I was low on toothpaste, but I knew this for days...squeezed out enough to make it work though. Combed my hair, put on the anti-perspirant, and walked back upstairs to get my work clothes on.
I put my clothes on and fumbled around for my shoes, went into the kitchen to put the shoes on, and there it all was....the roast that I took out of the freezer to thaw..YESTERDAY morning, the recycle pile that HAD to get to the curb RIGHT NOW as well as the garbage that needed to be emptied. So I hurried and did all of this. The roast went back into the fridge. I HOPE I don't get sick after I slow cook it for 8 hours...it was still cold to the touch, so...here goes. I did all of this with barely enough time to make it to my bus.
The bus arrived very shortly after I got through walking/running to the stop. And after I sat down, the 2 bananas, 3 apples, 1 cobb salad, and the chef salad I made for lunch ( the cobb was dinner) started to alert me that all of the nourishment had been absorbed and needed to leave my body. So, I have this inner dialogue "OK OK...just FIVE MORE MINUTES until I get to work...hang ON!!
The bus ALMOST broke down, I mean it literally stalled. All kinds of alarms sounding, the driver sort of cursing...and I am about to "blow".
Long story short, I made it to work just in time. BUT in a rather bad mood. I made my way into the office area where I download my time from a PDA every morning, thinking "OK OK at least I will have a few moments alone, usually nobody is even here...I can calm down"
But not this morning. The whole fucking crew was right there, and in my way. I was in no mood at all to see them, least of all talk to them. I hate that shit when you really NEED down time, and just can't seem to GET it. And of course Tuesdays are our meeting day where I get to listen to the fuckers drone on about what they "did" the past week.
I got through the meeting and got calm, but then I ran my ass off most of the day trying to make repairs on AC equipment because this is what I do for a living, yeah, it's wonderful, enriching and FUN ;)
I came home for lunch and ate another salad. The Michael Jackson memorial service had just started. I felt a strong sadness and emptiness I have not felt for a number of years.
I'll miss Michael. But I am hypocrite, too.
I am so guilty of buying the gossip, spreading the rumors, making the jokes. Now I am talking about how I am going to miss Michael.
I am a hypocrite. I am also a fan. I bought so many of his records over the years, even when it was not the "cool" thing to do. I love his music. But, I am also a hypocrite.
When I heard his little girl call him "Daddy" it made me cry.
My kids call me "Daddy", too. What kind of hell would my kids have gone through if I was the butt end of all the jokes over the years? I can't believe we made him less than human at times. I can't believe how cruel I can be.
Michael taught me a lesson today. I need to realize that no matter who any person is, famous, homeless, neighbor, friend, that person deserves humanity from me. Kindness, respect, love.
I hope I never again aim sharp words and crticism at anybody.
UNLESS of course, they happen to be republican.
It started out at 600 am when the alarm woke me up and I stumbled downstairs to my bathroom to start getting ready for my work day. I was low on toothpaste, but I knew this for days...squeezed out enough to make it work though. Combed my hair, put on the anti-perspirant, and walked back upstairs to get my work clothes on.
I put my clothes on and fumbled around for my shoes, went into the kitchen to put the shoes on, and there it all was....the roast that I took out of the freezer to thaw..YESTERDAY morning, the recycle pile that HAD to get to the curb RIGHT NOW as well as the garbage that needed to be emptied. So I hurried and did all of this. The roast went back into the fridge. I HOPE I don't get sick after I slow cook it for 8 hours...it was still cold to the touch, so...here goes. I did all of this with barely enough time to make it to my bus.
The bus arrived very shortly after I got through walking/running to the stop. And after I sat down, the 2 bananas, 3 apples, 1 cobb salad, and the chef salad I made for lunch ( the cobb was dinner) started to alert me that all of the nourishment had been absorbed and needed to leave my body. So, I have this inner dialogue "OK OK...just FIVE MORE MINUTES until I get to work...hang ON!!
The bus ALMOST broke down, I mean it literally stalled. All kinds of alarms sounding, the driver sort of cursing...and I am about to "blow".
Long story short, I made it to work just in time. BUT in a rather bad mood. I made my way into the office area where I download my time from a PDA every morning, thinking "OK OK at least I will have a few moments alone, usually nobody is even here...I can calm down"
But not this morning. The whole fucking crew was right there, and in my way. I was in no mood at all to see them, least of all talk to them. I hate that shit when you really NEED down time, and just can't seem to GET it. And of course Tuesdays are our meeting day where I get to listen to the fuckers drone on about what they "did" the past week.
I got through the meeting and got calm, but then I ran my ass off most of the day trying to make repairs on AC equipment because this is what I do for a living, yeah, it's wonderful, enriching and FUN ;)
I came home for lunch and ate another salad. The Michael Jackson memorial service had just started. I felt a strong sadness and emptiness I have not felt for a number of years.
I'll miss Michael. But I am hypocrite, too.
I am so guilty of buying the gossip, spreading the rumors, making the jokes. Now I am talking about how I am going to miss Michael.
I am a hypocrite. I am also a fan. I bought so many of his records over the years, even when it was not the "cool" thing to do. I love his music. But, I am also a hypocrite.
When I heard his little girl call him "Daddy" it made me cry.
My kids call me "Daddy", too. What kind of hell would my kids have gone through if I was the butt end of all the jokes over the years? I can't believe we made him less than human at times. I can't believe how cruel I can be.
Michael taught me a lesson today. I need to realize that no matter who any person is, famous, homeless, neighbor, friend, that person deserves humanity from me. Kindness, respect, love.
I hope I never again aim sharp words and crticism at anybody.
UNLESS of course, they happen to be republican.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
My Morning View
This is what I see every morning after my 2 block walk to the bus stop for my 10 minute ride to work.
I often stare at the mountains and say a thank-you to the universe for all of the lessons that I have learned through life. It's been a good life, too. Better than I ever deserved.
It has been a hard week in a way learning of Michael. Ed, and Farrah's demise.
I was a big fan of Ed and Michael, not as much Farrah, and for no particular reason. I remember watching Johnny Carson in High School when I could not sleep. The banter between Ed and Johnny contributed in a lot of ways to my own sense of humor and timing.
I was a big fan of Michael especially during the Thriller era. You were,too, don't lie!
Michael's legacy lives on through all sorts of fabrics of our daily and "entertainment" aspects of our lives. Every time I saw U2's big tour productions, I was always reminded who put on the big tours first. It was Michael and the "Victory" Tour with his brothers. It was the first tour of that magnitude where there were two stages being built in 2 venues at once. One stage was being used while the other was being built. The used stage was torn down immediately after the show and was delivered and built while the built stage was once again being used. It was a "leap frog" system that was invented for that tour and is being used today for the big stadium shows.
I must have worn my vinyl Thriller album out I listened to it a million times. Watched the Thriller video so much I still see it burned in the back of my eyes. As a teenager in Detroit, and not living very far from Hitsville, USA (Motown Records studios) where Michale got his start, his talent inspired me greatly to go and do great things. Of course, maybe I have not or will not ever achieve "great things" but the inspiration never left me.
He died too young.
That picture was taken the day before Michael died. I am sure whenever I look at the mountains again, I will remember his contribution to my own life through his music.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
June 14,2009
Greetings!
Had a wonderful birthday weekend. I am glad I took Friday off from work. OH!! about Friday, I decided to do something totally out of line from what I would normally do. Kind of a long story that starts 4 years ago.....
Four years ago, I used to reply "oh GOD where's my FLASK?" half-jokingly when my wife would ask me to do a chore or go somewhere I did not want to go. So, as a joke for xmas that year, she bought me a flask set. It's a nice one, too. Funny thing though...it even has a 1 oz keychain flask as well as a hip flask...KEYCHAIN!! OMG!! Too funny!!
Fast forward to last Friday. I decided I wanted to go see a movie. I usually go alone as my wife does not like going to movies, which is ok, I like being alone sometimes. I decided to do something just totally out of the norm, I pulled the flask out from my drawer (never used it before) filled it with some rather expensive Single Barrel Jack Daniels Whiskey, and proceeded out the door to the bus stop, which then takes me to the light rail, which drops me off right at the door of the theater. Ok, so I took a shot or two before i left, as well. GUILTY!! :)
So, I got to the theater, ordered a Dr. Pepper and went and sat in my seat 30 minutes early..no one in the theater but me. I poured myself a nice Jack and Pepper. Totally enhanced the movie!!
One thing though. I did not take into account the effects of alcohol on the bladder. Let's just say I was glad the movie ended. Just in time ,too.
I had some whisky left over and as I was waiting at the light rail station I decided to drink that for the ride home. You know....public transportation is better on alcohol than off of it. I could actually tolerate peoples annoyances much better. The ride seemed smoother,too. I think I was actually even smiling!!
So, yeah, Friday was excellent. I think this will not be the last time the flask will be used for movies and days on light rail.
On Saturday, my wife and I ate at our special chinese restaurant and she gave me a really nice diamond ring that she had on layway for months. I have always wanted a big diamond ring, too. It's the Elvis in me, what can I say?
So, it's been a great weekend. Time off from work is very good for the soul.
And so is a flask....go get one!!! :)
All the best!
Had a wonderful birthday weekend. I am glad I took Friday off from work. OH!! about Friday, I decided to do something totally out of line from what I would normally do. Kind of a long story that starts 4 years ago.....
Four years ago, I used to reply "oh GOD where's my FLASK?" half-jokingly when my wife would ask me to do a chore or go somewhere I did not want to go. So, as a joke for xmas that year, she bought me a flask set. It's a nice one, too. Funny thing though...it even has a 1 oz keychain flask as well as a hip flask...KEYCHAIN!! OMG!! Too funny!!
Fast forward to last Friday. I decided I wanted to go see a movie. I usually go alone as my wife does not like going to movies, which is ok, I like being alone sometimes. I decided to do something just totally out of the norm, I pulled the flask out from my drawer (never used it before) filled it with some rather expensive Single Barrel Jack Daniels Whiskey, and proceeded out the door to the bus stop, which then takes me to the light rail, which drops me off right at the door of the theater. Ok, so I took a shot or two before i left, as well. GUILTY!! :)
So, I got to the theater, ordered a Dr. Pepper and went and sat in my seat 30 minutes early..no one in the theater but me. I poured myself a nice Jack and Pepper. Totally enhanced the movie!!
One thing though. I did not take into account the effects of alcohol on the bladder. Let's just say I was glad the movie ended. Just in time ,too.
I had some whisky left over and as I was waiting at the light rail station I decided to drink that for the ride home. You know....public transportation is better on alcohol than off of it. I could actually tolerate peoples annoyances much better. The ride seemed smoother,too. I think I was actually even smiling!!
So, yeah, Friday was excellent. I think this will not be the last time the flask will be used for movies and days on light rail.
On Saturday, my wife and I ate at our special chinese restaurant and she gave me a really nice diamond ring that she had on layway for months. I have always wanted a big diamond ring, too. It's the Elvis in me, what can I say?
So, it's been a great weekend. Time off from work is very good for the soul.
And so is a flask....go get one!!! :)
All the best!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
June 11,2009 Thursday
Greetings!
Well, it has been a very different time in my life lately as I pursue the college degree. I have been enjoying the challenge that school offers. I have been offered new ways to think about life and politics as well. Some nights though, after working all day and taking public transportation home, and then walking the three blocks, and THEN making dinner and eating and cleaning, THEN finally reading the 2 chapters in the text books, THEN doing my assignments...some nights I get very tired. But still, I am enjoying myself...it's either this or watch too much TV....I'd rather be schooling.
Saturday June 13, is my birthday. I am taking the 12th off from work to celebrate a bit early. I am going to a movie and maybe have a few drinks. I kinda started my time off early as I mostly just drove around during work and listened to the radio today. I even sang a few songs for the first time in a long time...realized I still have a good singing voice. I used to sing all of the time, don't know why I ever stopped, I rarely even have the radio on anymore, but I think I'll change that.
I am starting to feel more alive lately. I have been in a funk that has been hard to shake. I think it has to do with feeling like I have done it all already. I even made a statement a few weeks ago that I don't think we are supposed to live past 30. By then it seems a person has seen just about all there is to see. But I don't feel that way tonight.
Tonight I am excited for a new day. I am glad to have some time off work, maybe that's part of my issues. I work too much, not as much as I USED to, but still, there's a lot to do in my job. I am excited to be back in school. I really have missed it. It's hard some days to do the assignments, but I make it through. Can't wait til I get the diplomas.
I hope you have all been well. Thanks for reading this rambling tonight.
Well, it has been a very different time in my life lately as I pursue the college degree. I have been enjoying the challenge that school offers. I have been offered new ways to think about life and politics as well. Some nights though, after working all day and taking public transportation home, and then walking the three blocks, and THEN making dinner and eating and cleaning, THEN finally reading the 2 chapters in the text books, THEN doing my assignments...some nights I get very tired. But still, I am enjoying myself...it's either this or watch too much TV....I'd rather be schooling.
Saturday June 13, is my birthday. I am taking the 12th off from work to celebrate a bit early. I am going to a movie and maybe have a few drinks. I kinda started my time off early as I mostly just drove around during work and listened to the radio today. I even sang a few songs for the first time in a long time...realized I still have a good singing voice. I used to sing all of the time, don't know why I ever stopped, I rarely even have the radio on anymore, but I think I'll change that.
I am starting to feel more alive lately. I have been in a funk that has been hard to shake. I think it has to do with feeling like I have done it all already. I even made a statement a few weeks ago that I don't think we are supposed to live past 30. By then it seems a person has seen just about all there is to see. But I don't feel that way tonight.
Tonight I am excited for a new day. I am glad to have some time off work, maybe that's part of my issues. I work too much, not as much as I USED to, but still, there's a lot to do in my job. I am excited to be back in school. I really have missed it. It's hard some days to do the assignments, but I make it through. Can't wait til I get the diplomas.
I hope you have all been well. Thanks for reading this rambling tonight.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Sunday May 24,2009
It is a rainy holiday weekend as I write this. Iam glad that it is rainy as I am on call this weekend, and the swimming pools owned by the county will open tomorrow. I am hoping for torrential downpours so people will just stay home.
I did not used to mind being on call, but it seems that in this point of my career, I would just rather not be bothered by the phone ringing and me running to fix someone elses problems. Yeah, it's age and just the mundane 15 year in career thing doing it to me.
On a brighter note, I did start my college classes just this past Monday. The classes are going very well, and I am glad I decided to go back to school. It feels great to be working towards a goal and I anticipate all of my classes going well this semester. I have been able to write some pretty good essays so far as well as do well on some quizzes. This has been a confidence builder for me, and I wish I would have went back to school YEARS ago. BUT there WAS the 60 hour weeks and all the hard work that had me very very tired when I got home. That is the one good thing about where I am in my career now, I don't physically work as hard as I used to, which affords me time and energy to pursue my education.
I had a little scare last week as I was passing a fair amount of blood in my urine, went to the DR where he will be sending me to get a CT scan on Tuesday. After the initial shock of everything, I realized I DID feel some pain in my back and around my front side near my bladder a couple days before the blood. And I HAVE passed kidney stones in the past. Si, I am sure that is what happened, but better to be safe....I just wish the insurance paid more for the tests.
So, things are well. I cannot really complain too much. I wish I made more money, but don't we all?
Have a happy Memorial Day everyone, and please, stay away from the pools...give me a rest!! :)
I did not used to mind being on call, but it seems that in this point of my career, I would just rather not be bothered by the phone ringing and me running to fix someone elses problems. Yeah, it's age and just the mundane 15 year in career thing doing it to me.
On a brighter note, I did start my college classes just this past Monday. The classes are going very well, and I am glad I decided to go back to school. It feels great to be working towards a goal and I anticipate all of my classes going well this semester. I have been able to write some pretty good essays so far as well as do well on some quizzes. This has been a confidence builder for me, and I wish I would have went back to school YEARS ago. BUT there WAS the 60 hour weeks and all the hard work that had me very very tired when I got home. That is the one good thing about where I am in my career now, I don't physically work as hard as I used to, which affords me time and energy to pursue my education.
I had a little scare last week as I was passing a fair amount of blood in my urine, went to the DR where he will be sending me to get a CT scan on Tuesday. After the initial shock of everything, I realized I DID feel some pain in my back and around my front side near my bladder a couple days before the blood. And I HAVE passed kidney stones in the past. Si, I am sure that is what happened, but better to be safe....I just wish the insurance paid more for the tests.
So, things are well. I cannot really complain too much. I wish I made more money, but don't we all?
Have a happy Memorial Day everyone, and please, stay away from the pools...give me a rest!! :)
Thursday, May 7, 2009
May 7,2009 Thursday
Nothing like a day off of work to make the mind and body feel a little better!!
Obviously, I toook the day off as I worked 5 hours of overtime last Mon. and Tues. (2.5 over both days) and we are not alotted any overtime pay right now. I had to chip in 3 vacation hours from my vacation bank to make an 8 hour day off, but it was very much worth it.
The day started off lazily as I did sleep in and upon waking, watched too much TV. My wife and I decided to go to the college where I will be taking classes to maybe buy my course text books as classes DO start in about 2 weeks, and I don't want to be scrambling to get the text on the day the classes start. This was my wife's idea as one who has waded the murky waters of college life her self and has pointed me in the right direction as I climb this hill myself.
So, we were able to buy one of the text books today, we decided it was best to wait on the other as the teacher may or may not be using the text available right now.
After we finished at the college, we went and got some large sandwiches from Grove Market for lunch and dinner tomorrow. These sandwiches are HUGE and very very delicious!! I have not had one for months, and I am glad we went there today to partake. This store has been in Salt Lake forever, and the owner is always amiable and very kind to the customers. This kind of service is exactly WHY this place has been in business for so many years...as well as the high quality of meats and cheeses and dressings on the sandwiches.
I also spent much of the day anxiously logging in to the SLCC website to check on my student aid. This has been a nerve racking experience as I await the actual monies I need to PAY for my education. I guess I am not as patient as I am supposed to be. Or maybe I just need something to worry about?
Whilst I have been online, I also bought my ticket for the 1030 am Monday May 11 IMAX showing of Star Trek. Yeah, I am taking Monday off, too. Not really JUST to see the movie, but to spend some valuable time with ME before I immerse myself in classes and the busy times upcoming on the job.
I'll be taking the light rail and bus to the IMAX theater in Sandy Utah about 15 miles away. Once there I will seek some breakfast at the complex there, which has many restaurants. Then I will be seated in row H seat 1 my favorite IMAX theater seat, and I will enjoy the HUGE screen and crisp clear IMAX sound of mega wattage fully enveloping speakers.
I will not see a movie any other way than on IMAX.
Well, that's all for tonight, I will be at work tomorrow but I will make it an easy day, as Fridays usually are. Tonight is NBC comedy night do not miss the Office, Earl, Parks and Rec and 30 rock!!! GRRRREAT shows!!
Obviously, I toook the day off as I worked 5 hours of overtime last Mon. and Tues. (2.5 over both days) and we are not alotted any overtime pay right now. I had to chip in 3 vacation hours from my vacation bank to make an 8 hour day off, but it was very much worth it.
The day started off lazily as I did sleep in and upon waking, watched too much TV. My wife and I decided to go to the college where I will be taking classes to maybe buy my course text books as classes DO start in about 2 weeks, and I don't want to be scrambling to get the text on the day the classes start. This was my wife's idea as one who has waded the murky waters of college life her self and has pointed me in the right direction as I climb this hill myself.
So, we were able to buy one of the text books today, we decided it was best to wait on the other as the teacher may or may not be using the text available right now.
After we finished at the college, we went and got some large sandwiches from Grove Market for lunch and dinner tomorrow. These sandwiches are HUGE and very very delicious!! I have not had one for months, and I am glad we went there today to partake. This store has been in Salt Lake forever, and the owner is always amiable and very kind to the customers. This kind of service is exactly WHY this place has been in business for so many years...as well as the high quality of meats and cheeses and dressings on the sandwiches.
I also spent much of the day anxiously logging in to the SLCC website to check on my student aid. This has been a nerve racking experience as I await the actual monies I need to PAY for my education. I guess I am not as patient as I am supposed to be. Or maybe I just need something to worry about?
Whilst I have been online, I also bought my ticket for the 1030 am Monday May 11 IMAX showing of Star Trek. Yeah, I am taking Monday off, too. Not really JUST to see the movie, but to spend some valuable time with ME before I immerse myself in classes and the busy times upcoming on the job.
I'll be taking the light rail and bus to the IMAX theater in Sandy Utah about 15 miles away. Once there I will seek some breakfast at the complex there, which has many restaurants. Then I will be seated in row H seat 1 my favorite IMAX theater seat, and I will enjoy the HUGE screen and crisp clear IMAX sound of mega wattage fully enveloping speakers.
I will not see a movie any other way than on IMAX.
Well, that's all for tonight, I will be at work tomorrow but I will make it an easy day, as Fridays usually are. Tonight is NBC comedy night do not miss the Office, Earl, Parks and Rec and 30 rock!!! GRRRREAT shows!!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Saturday, May 2, 2009
It has been awhile since I have had time to add anything here...so that MUST mean I have been busy and there's a lot to write about, or not.
Today is the 1st real weekend I have had in a while, as I have been on-call and last weekend I had the children over. I had a very good time with the kids as we cooked together and spent time together last weekend.
Last week I also got registered for fall classes, I registered for summer semester 2 weeks ago, and got my student ID and saw the financial aid administrator that was a busy few days. I have been tirelessly logging in to the SLCC web site to make sure I don't miss any instructions regarding attending classes.
When I finally got off-call a few days ago, I treated myself to some beers and got my head back into normal society. Being on-call is a very weird sort of mind fuck where it seems you are never really off the clock..even when no calls come in. It's mentally exhausting. I do love the career I chose, but I will be glad to give up the on call duties one day.
Today I went shopping most of the day with mom-in-law and wife. Yeah, it was as fun as it sounds. I am glad to be back home from that as well. Too many people trying to shove grocery carts up my ass in one day. I think maybe there are two or three carts still up my ass as I write this. Nobody, and I mean nobody has any idea about what personal space is these days.
Society is selfish and self absorbed. I wish there was a way to change this, but who is gonna actually listen anyway? I am shocked by the rudeness and self absorption of the crowds lately. It is sickening.
I have a new channel I love to watch. It's the Earth channel on dish network. It is a view from the Dish satellite from 22,000 miles above Earth as music from the XM channel "The Bridge" plays. Sounds boring, but it's very cool and relaxing. It's like HEY!! I LIVE THERE!!
Well, that's all for today. Personal space people!!! Personal space!!!
Today is the 1st real weekend I have had in a while, as I have been on-call and last weekend I had the children over. I had a very good time with the kids as we cooked together and spent time together last weekend.
Last week I also got registered for fall classes, I registered for summer semester 2 weeks ago, and got my student ID and saw the financial aid administrator that was a busy few days. I have been tirelessly logging in to the SLCC web site to make sure I don't miss any instructions regarding attending classes.
When I finally got off-call a few days ago, I treated myself to some beers and got my head back into normal society. Being on-call is a very weird sort of mind fuck where it seems you are never really off the clock..even when no calls come in. It's mentally exhausting. I do love the career I chose, but I will be glad to give up the on call duties one day.
Today I went shopping most of the day with mom-in-law and wife. Yeah, it was as fun as it sounds. I am glad to be back home from that as well. Too many people trying to shove grocery carts up my ass in one day. I think maybe there are two or three carts still up my ass as I write this. Nobody, and I mean nobody has any idea about what personal space is these days.
Society is selfish and self absorbed. I wish there was a way to change this, but who is gonna actually listen anyway? I am shocked by the rudeness and self absorption of the crowds lately. It is sickening.
I have a new channel I love to watch. It's the Earth channel on dish network. It is a view from the Dish satellite from 22,000 miles above Earth as music from the XM channel "The Bridge" plays. Sounds boring, but it's very cool and relaxing. It's like HEY!! I LIVE THERE!!
Well, that's all for today. Personal space people!!! Personal space!!!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
April 12, 2009. Easter Sunday
Greetings!!
Yeah, it has been awhile since I last made an entry. I have been out of steam on the writing front for a little while, and I oft wonder just how BORING this is to read anyway....well I guess that was the POINT when I started to write this.
I wanted to highlight just how mundane an ordinary, middle aged guys life really is, and it really is!! BUT what I can not really portray here is how important my exsistance is, and everybody elses existence is to the universe as a whole.
I have found that there are no accidents. Every conversation, relationship, act, thought affects someone else, affects me. But I can't really portray that here. I can just write it.
I don't know how many times I have been speaking to someone, sometimes just a complete stranger, and that person says or does something that I learn from. It may be just a random sentence that makes me think about a subject for days on end. I know it is the universe that has sent that person forth. I am sure my own life and path has brought me to another persons learning as well.
So, life can be boring, and mundane, but we are all so connected that without those of us that are boring, some lessons would never be taught or learned. I know i am here on earth at this moment at this precise time for a purpose, there are no accidents.
I am glad to be alive. I am glad to have seen the things in my life that I have seen. I am glad for the turbulent times and the pit of despair, for those times and places really have made me a better person, and the lessons learned in despair are so many times the lessons worth learning.
I see a better day ahead. I see hard work as I go to school and work full time. But I see a better end, and even more lessons learned and taught....
What a great day to be alive!!!
Yeah, it has been awhile since I last made an entry. I have been out of steam on the writing front for a little while, and I oft wonder just how BORING this is to read anyway....well I guess that was the POINT when I started to write this.
I wanted to highlight just how mundane an ordinary, middle aged guys life really is, and it really is!! BUT what I can not really portray here is how important my exsistance is, and everybody elses existence is to the universe as a whole.
I have found that there are no accidents. Every conversation, relationship, act, thought affects someone else, affects me. But I can't really portray that here. I can just write it.
I don't know how many times I have been speaking to someone, sometimes just a complete stranger, and that person says or does something that I learn from. It may be just a random sentence that makes me think about a subject for days on end. I know it is the universe that has sent that person forth. I am sure my own life and path has brought me to another persons learning as well.
So, life can be boring, and mundane, but we are all so connected that without those of us that are boring, some lessons would never be taught or learned. I know i am here on earth at this moment at this precise time for a purpose, there are no accidents.
I am glad to be alive. I am glad to have seen the things in my life that I have seen. I am glad for the turbulent times and the pit of despair, for those times and places really have made me a better person, and the lessons learned in despair are so many times the lessons worth learning.
I see a better day ahead. I see hard work as I go to school and work full time. But I see a better end, and even more lessons learned and taught....
What a great day to be alive!!!
Friday, April 3, 2009
April,2009 ,Friday
When was the last time you looked at someone,something,some place around you and admired it for what it is and had no thoughts of changing it,or 'correcting' it...
I realized the other day that I have not just accepted the people places and things as they are for a very long time.
It seems I usually will say 'I like just fine...BUT or EXCEPT.
And it seems this made me feel yn fulfilled because nothing in my life was accepted on it's own terms.
So now I realize this, and I will practice my new way of seeing the world. Instead of BUT I now will say AND.
It is wet and cold outside today, AND the rain is washing away the remnants of winter AND it is very beutiful.....
I realized the other day that I have not just accepted the people places and things as they are for a very long time.
It seems I usually will say 'I like
And it seems this made me feel yn fulfilled because nothing in my life was accepted on it's own terms.
So now I realize this, and I will practice my new way of seeing the world. Instead of BUT I now will say AND.
It is wet and cold outside today, AND the rain is washing away the remnants of winter AND it is very beutiful.....
Thursday, April 2, 2009
April 2,2009 Thursday
I took a much needed day off yesterday as I was becoming more and more annoyed with people and things around me, and even with myself.
I had to stop and take a deep look into my psyche to figure out what was wrong with me, and actually it was self reflection that started my 'fucked up' feelings to start with, as I have been participating in gnostic lent meditations that allow you to see yourself more clearly, and then you try to right the 'wrong' things about yourself.
This is very hard work, I challenge anyone reading this to take a few weeks of self exploration of your psyche...it's exceptionally revealing...painfully so. It is like being born all over again, then going through painful teething and puberty all in a few weeks.
BUT,it is worth doing as you find yourself much closer to the 'one',the ineffable perfect father of all, Christ, and Sophia.
So, I took a day and just floated about. Spent time with my wife as we shopped at the bread store and some case lot sales at grocery stores.
I am now back to work more 'me' than ever...meaning happy and confident.
This feels good.
I had to stop and take a deep look into my psyche to figure out what was wrong with me, and actually it was self reflection that started my 'fucked up' feelings to start with, as I have been participating in gnostic lent meditations that allow you to see yourself more clearly, and then you try to right the 'wrong' things about yourself.
This is very hard work, I challenge anyone reading this to take a few weeks of self exploration of your psyche...it's exceptionally revealing...painfully so. It is like being born all over again, then going through painful teething and puberty all in a few weeks.
BUT,it is worth doing as you find yourself much closer to the 'one',the ineffable perfect father of all, Christ, and Sophia.
So, I took a day and just floated about. Spent time with my wife as we shopped at the bread store and some case lot sales at grocery stores.
I am now back to work more 'me' than ever...meaning happy and confident.
This feels good.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
March 25, 2009 Wednesday (evening edition)
Good evening!!
Been home from work for a few hours now, had some snacks for dinner. Really not that hungry today, or I may just be too lazy to cook. The winter storm that the weather guy has been promising is coming to pass now....horizontal snow.
I feel a bit melancholy tonight as I keep having these thoughts about how it is in my mind and heart that I would never want to be responsible for the pain or hurt feelings of another person, and yet, it seems when I think about it closely, that my life has brought pain to many.
And now I wonder....this is not a new thought of mine, but I wonder if the very act of living, of being, means hurting someone else? Whether intentional or by pure accident, do my words and actions somewhere somehow bring another to feel badly about themselves, and how many times have I acted selflishly and put my own well-being before I thought of somebody else?
I think about the end of my last marriage and I sometimes am surprised about how callous and un-feeling I was back then. I knew the marriage had to end, but I often feel so badly about the amount of hurt I did cause my ex-wife and children. We have all found happiness again, but I hope to never bring that sort of burden to anyone else ever again.
This has been a time of deep soul searching for me. The "me" I think I am and the "me" I really am get into a time of confessions and troubling inner dialogue, and when I see clearly that my thoughts, words , and actions really do affect the world and people around me, then I can start to change and BE the person I think I am.
I think I am a loving, patient and kind person, but I know I am also a person with a sharp tongue and sometimes not enough patience. Those 2 things equal the ability to hurt another with words very quickly.
So, this is what is on my mind lately, and this has been the real cause of my restlessness and "boredom" I know that I need to work harder on my true being to bring a little more peace into the world......it's the hardest thing I will ever do.
Been home from work for a few hours now, had some snacks for dinner. Really not that hungry today, or I may just be too lazy to cook. The winter storm that the weather guy has been promising is coming to pass now....horizontal snow.
I feel a bit melancholy tonight as I keep having these thoughts about how it is in my mind and heart that I would never want to be responsible for the pain or hurt feelings of another person, and yet, it seems when I think about it closely, that my life has brought pain to many.
And now I wonder....this is not a new thought of mine, but I wonder if the very act of living, of being, means hurting someone else? Whether intentional or by pure accident, do my words and actions somewhere somehow bring another to feel badly about themselves, and how many times have I acted selflishly and put my own well-being before I thought of somebody else?
I think about the end of my last marriage and I sometimes am surprised about how callous and un-feeling I was back then. I knew the marriage had to end, but I often feel so badly about the amount of hurt I did cause my ex-wife and children. We have all found happiness again, but I hope to never bring that sort of burden to anyone else ever again.
This has been a time of deep soul searching for me. The "me" I think I am and the "me" I really am get into a time of confessions and troubling inner dialogue, and when I see clearly that my thoughts, words , and actions really do affect the world and people around me, then I can start to change and BE the person I think I am.
I think I am a loving, patient and kind person, but I know I am also a person with a sharp tongue and sometimes not enough patience. Those 2 things equal the ability to hurt another with words very quickly.
So, this is what is on my mind lately, and this has been the real cause of my restlessness and "boredom" I know that I need to work harder on my true being to bring a little more peace into the world......it's the hardest thing I will ever do.
March 25,2009 Wednesday
Well, a better day than yesterday. I had a better nights sleep last night, makes lot of difference.
I am on my lunch break once again as I write. Weather is rainy/snowy...kinda cold.
I am trying to explore my own mind lately as my moods have been up and down, which is unlike me.
Sure, times have been rough lately for everybody,but I wish I could stabilize my own mood. I find myself in a place where I feel bored and restless, sort of lethargic,too.
Could this be depression....lack of sunlight..maybe I need avacation.
Maybe I am just bored with my surroundings lately,I believe that is mostly the issue.
Anyway....life goes on.
I am on my lunch break once again as I write. Weather is rainy/snowy...kinda cold.
I am trying to explore my own mind lately as my moods have been up and down, which is unlike me.
Sure, times have been rough lately for everybody,but I wish I could stabilize my own mood. I find myself in a place where I feel bored and restless, sort of lethargic,too.
Could this be depression....lack of sunlight..maybe I need avacation.
Maybe I am just bored with my surroundings lately,I believe that is mostly the issue.
Anyway....life goes on.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
March 24, 2009
I don't really know why, but my day started off with me having a very pissed off attitude. I wish I knew why that was.;..
I am taking lunch right now and am enjoying a warm sun as I write. I am just busy enough at work lately, which is a good thing. It is indeed great to have a good job.
I cannot help but feel nervous about the economy bush left us with, though. But I feel confident Obama can fix things....
The day...and life, goes on..
I am taking lunch right now and am enjoying a warm sun as I write. I am just busy enough at work lately, which is a good thing. It is indeed great to have a good job.
I cannot help but feel nervous about the economy bush left us with, though. But I feel confident Obama can fix things....
The day...and life, goes on..
Sunday, March 22, 2009
March22,2009 Sunday
A great Sunday. Slept in til 1030 am today. I am now tackling the dishes that have been neglected for a few days....waiting now for water to warm back up.
As I sit here, I hear the wind howling in another storm, reminds me of good times, and trying times....but I don't know why.
I feel a bit nostalgic today, I don't really long for the past anymore though. I strongly feel I am living the best days of my life lately.
I do miss some friendships, though. And White Castle,Vic's Pizza, and Vernors back when it was still made in Detroit. Oh, and Faygo red pop........
I live a pretty quiet life these days. I don't travel any more,I tend to mostly be at home or at work. I got 80 hours of vacation time....I dunno what to do with it.
I'll most likely use the hours as I need them for college...study time for finals,etc.
Well, I need to go finish cleaning dishes so I can cook and dirty em up again..... beautiful Sunday....
As I sit here, I hear the wind howling in another storm, reminds me of good times, and trying times....but I don't know why.
I feel a bit nostalgic today, I don't really long for the past anymore though. I strongly feel I am living the best days of my life lately.
I do miss some friendships, though. And White Castle,Vic's Pizza, and Vernors back when it was still made in Detroit. Oh, and Faygo red pop........
I live a pretty quiet life these days. I don't travel any more,I tend to mostly be at home or at work. I got 80 hours of vacation time....I dunno what to do with it.
I'll most likely use the hours as I need them for college...study time for finals,etc.
Well, I need to go finish cleaning dishes so I can cook and dirty em up again..... beautiful Sunday....
Saturday, March 21, 2009
March 21,2009 Saturday
A great day getting the ground for my garden broken, spending time with my wife and the mutt.
I have been thinking a lot today about how glad I am that the damned right wingers are not in charge any longer. It will take years to fix their mess, but it will be done. I really can't stand republican ideology,or right wing bullshit any longer.
Beautiful day weather wise today. Makes me wish I was already following my ambition of home brewing, but I think the fall season is a better time for that as their IS a lot of water to boil...heats the house...
I am anticipating attending gnostic mass for easter, its good to re-connect with the source, I always feel weary when I stray too far from the unknown father,Christ, and Sophia.
Well, that's my rambling for today....have a great weekend
I have been thinking a lot today about how glad I am that the damned right wingers are not in charge any longer. It will take years to fix their mess, but it will be done. I really can't stand republican ideology,or right wing bullshit any longer.
Beautiful day weather wise today. Makes me wish I was already following my ambition of home brewing, but I think the fall season is a better time for that as their IS a lot of water to boil...heats the house...
I am anticipating attending gnostic mass for easter, its good to re-connect with the source, I always feel weary when I stray too far from the unknown father,Christ, and Sophia.
Well, that's my rambling for today....have a great weekend
Friday, March 20, 2009
March 20,2009 Friday
A warm, beautiful spring day today. Took the dog to the park where she watched me as I threw a ball to another dog. I now call my dog 'broke down mutt'.
Started doing cooling start ups at work. Everyone panics when the weather changes in the air conditioning trade...I just go get my shit done, I get minimal broken down machines due to just being on top of things.
School will be starting before I know it. I can't wait to get started.
I had halibut for dinner tonight, pretty good meal. There's not a great fish place in SLC anymore though...last place closed down, I miss it very much.
Started doing cooling start ups at work. Everyone panics when the weather changes in the air conditioning trade...I just go get my shit done, I get minimal broken down machines due to just being on top of things.
School will be starting before I know it. I can't wait to get started.
I had halibut for dinner tonight, pretty good meal. There's not a great fish place in SLC anymore though...last place closed down, I miss it very much.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
March 19,2009 Thursday
The weather has been extremely nice lately, and I have been very busy at work getting my buildings cooling systems going. Nothing in the world like pissed off office workers,so I like to get these done fast.
Registration for college gets nearer by the day, and yesterday I started having second thoughts...momentarily anyway.
I actually am excited to get started.
Lunch was pretty good today at Arby's. It was fun logging into facebook. I usually eat alone,and it gets a little boring. I love wi-fi,one good thing about Utah is the large number of hot spots.
I had this thought today that maybe I could be a pretty spiritual person if I quit BITCHING so much...thought has been hounding me for hours now.
With that, I bid thee farewell for now.
Registration for college gets nearer by the day, and yesterday I started having second thoughts...momentarily anyway.
I actually am excited to get started.
Lunch was pretty good today at Arby's. It was fun logging into facebook. I usually eat alone,and it gets a little boring. I love wi-fi,one good thing about Utah is the large number of hot spots.
I had this thought today that maybe I could be a pretty spiritual person if I quit BITCHING so much...thought has been hounding me for hours now.
With that, I bid thee farewell for now.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
March 17th, 2009 Tuesday
Not a horrible day. Better than yesterday as my wife is not all Evel Kenievel jumping my ass every 30 minutes.
St Patty's day!! I am cooking corned beef and cabbage..will drink a few beers later and some Bushmills with dinner. I went home early today with a bad case of the "fuck-its" it's a great thing I have sick time now and vacation days....I am going to start using them I think.
School registration starts next month...I am so glad, my first 3 classes will be online, and I found out that there are so many wi-fi spots around here. Next purchase with student loans....A lap top with wi-fi capability!!!
I also bought some pumpkin seeds to plant and some flower seeds for the front yard. I look forward to growing things this year, too. I will be getting into home brewing in the fall as well. I think this will be a lot of fun.
Hope your day is going well!!
St Patty's day!! I am cooking corned beef and cabbage..will drink a few beers later and some Bushmills with dinner. I went home early today with a bad case of the "fuck-its" it's a great thing I have sick time now and vacation days....I am going to start using them I think.
School registration starts next month...I am so glad, my first 3 classes will be online, and I found out that there are so many wi-fi spots around here. Next purchase with student loans....A lap top with wi-fi capability!!!
I also bought some pumpkin seeds to plant and some flower seeds for the front yard. I look forward to growing things this year, too. I will be getting into home brewing in the fall as well. I think this will be a lot of fun.
Hope your day is going well!!
Monday, March 16, 2009
March 16,2009 Monday
Welllllllllll
Not a bad day, temperature is in the mid 60's today and I kept busy enough at work to keep my mind from feeling too "giddy". I am finding myself more and more restless as I age. I am SUPPOSE to be mellowing, but I dunno..lately I just feel bored and cyclone-ish. Not a word, but you know what I mean.
The kids were over this past weekend. Well, 2 of the 3....oldest had to work, but I saw her when I took the kids back home. The energy they bring seems to stay in the house for a long time after they leave, and I am grateful for that. I miss them sorely when they are gone.
I got a new pda from work, this one has wi-fi capability, and I love having it. I spent lunch today at a hot spot on facebook. I also got to post at my bus stop this morning. This will make waiting a lot less boring. I'll be able to share my days in bits and pieces. I have an account on twitter, too...under blitzburwell...yeah, my porn name!!
I have been excited lately in the direction the country is going. There's a new spirit out there, and within me. I have this great feeling even after losing some benefits from work...a 401k match, but I know this will be ok. People ARE hurting more than me, jobless. I have been there and I empathize with the strain more than I can say.
Tonight will be mellow. My wife is mourning the anniversary of the loss of her grandmother..I think 5 years? So, we will be home watching TV as usual...nothing different...except I am NOT washing dishes!! :) AND it's LEFT OVERS GOD DAMMIT!!! :)
Can you tell I spent too much time in the kitchen this weekend?
Anyway, all the best...... til next time!!
Not a bad day, temperature is in the mid 60's today and I kept busy enough at work to keep my mind from feeling too "giddy". I am finding myself more and more restless as I age. I am SUPPOSE to be mellowing, but I dunno..lately I just feel bored and cyclone-ish. Not a word, but you know what I mean.
The kids were over this past weekend. Well, 2 of the 3....oldest had to work, but I saw her when I took the kids back home. The energy they bring seems to stay in the house for a long time after they leave, and I am grateful for that. I miss them sorely when they are gone.
I got a new pda from work, this one has wi-fi capability, and I love having it. I spent lunch today at a hot spot on facebook. I also got to post at my bus stop this morning. This will make waiting a lot less boring. I'll be able to share my days in bits and pieces. I have an account on twitter, too...under blitzburwell...yeah, my porn name!!
I have been excited lately in the direction the country is going. There's a new spirit out there, and within me. I have this great feeling even after losing some benefits from work...a 401k match, but I know this will be ok. People ARE hurting more than me, jobless. I have been there and I empathize with the strain more than I can say.
Tonight will be mellow. My wife is mourning the anniversary of the loss of her grandmother..I think 5 years? So, we will be home watching TV as usual...nothing different...except I am NOT washing dishes!! :) AND it's LEFT OVERS GOD DAMMIT!!! :)
Can you tell I spent too much time in the kitchen this weekend?
Anyway, all the best...... til next time!!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Monday March 9,2009
It's 322 am and I have been awake since 230 am so that I could rush to the computer to find out if U2 was coming to town on the new tour, and they announced the new tour details at 8 am Dublin time....so I am gonna PAY for waking up so early.
Turns out u2 are NOT coming to SLC in 2009.
I dunno how I feel about this. My first reaction is disappointment, but my feelings of excitement for the band have been waning for a little while as it just seems like the fans are becoming more and more "trekkie" like and it's not as fun as it used to be to be a fan. Could be my age, too.
THEN there's the fact they are doing stadiums only this year, and I really don't like stadium shows, even if they ARE playing a 360 degree stage.....seems like the intamacy is lost, and the sound, even as great as the u2 people do for sound, is never grand...you HEAR Bono talking, but can't really ever make out what the hell is says in those big shows..and you kinda see the band, but not really...then there's the people, wayyyyyyy too many people and "we" don't know how to behave in groups anymore due to cell phones and just poor manners.
So, as I just lost sleep to find out if my heroes of 20 plus years are coming to town, I also just found out that I should be honest about the things around me...I think going to the tour , if they DID play SLC would be more out of habit than actual need.
So, it's a blessing in disguise of sorts.
I am going back to bed.
Turns out u2 are NOT coming to SLC in 2009.
I dunno how I feel about this. My first reaction is disappointment, but my feelings of excitement for the band have been waning for a little while as it just seems like the fans are becoming more and more "trekkie" like and it's not as fun as it used to be to be a fan. Could be my age, too.
THEN there's the fact they are doing stadiums only this year, and I really don't like stadium shows, even if they ARE playing a 360 degree stage.....seems like the intamacy is lost, and the sound, even as great as the u2 people do for sound, is never grand...you HEAR Bono talking, but can't really ever make out what the hell is says in those big shows..and you kinda see the band, but not really...then there's the people, wayyyyyyy too many people and "we" don't know how to behave in groups anymore due to cell phones and just poor manners.
So, as I just lost sleep to find out if my heroes of 20 plus years are coming to town, I also just found out that I should be honest about the things around me...I think going to the tour , if they DID play SLC would be more out of habit than actual need.
So, it's a blessing in disguise of sorts.
I am going back to bed.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
February 28,2009 Saturday
Been a while since I added anything here.
The past week was spent with me being on call and I had a couple of really frustrating calls due to people not doing their jobs properly. The 2nd call especially was bad as it was a 3 am call because someone cannot just turn a mach back on when they are done working on the thing the night before.
Other than that. it's been a pretty good week. Two of my children are here this weekend, my oldest had to work, I do miss her. The kids are in good moods and we are all having a fun time this weekend.
I have finally found out when summer class registration starts (April) and I am more and more excited to get started with school again. It will be a lot of hard work, but I know it will be worth it. I am glad Obama is in office as he has already done a lot of good for education funding. This directly impacts my family as I go back to school.
The weather has been exceptional lately, making it tolerable to walk to my bus stop for work. As soon as I get the funding I need for school, I will be buying a car....a used beater most likely, to get to school and get the kids.
I also learned that things will be changing a bit at work so far as the buildings I will have are changing. I think this is a good thing as sometimes you just get into a rut. So change is good most of the time.
That's about all for now...it's great to be an American these days!!! Viva Change!!
The past week was spent with me being on call and I had a couple of really frustrating calls due to people not doing their jobs properly. The 2nd call especially was bad as it was a 3 am call because someone cannot just turn a mach back on when they are done working on the thing the night before.
Other than that. it's been a pretty good week. Two of my children are here this weekend, my oldest had to work, I do miss her. The kids are in good moods and we are all having a fun time this weekend.
I have finally found out when summer class registration starts (April) and I am more and more excited to get started with school again. It will be a lot of hard work, but I know it will be worth it. I am glad Obama is in office as he has already done a lot of good for education funding. This directly impacts my family as I go back to school.
The weather has been exceptional lately, making it tolerable to walk to my bus stop for work. As soon as I get the funding I need for school, I will be buying a car....a used beater most likely, to get to school and get the kids.
I also learned that things will be changing a bit at work so far as the buildings I will have are changing. I think this is a good thing as sometimes you just get into a rut. So change is good most of the time.
That's about all for now...it's great to be an American these days!!! Viva Change!!
Monday, February 23, 2009
February 23,2009 Monday
It was back to work after a somewhat stress filled and sleepless night (again) last night.
My mind was on the fact that I did not yet know exactly how or when I was needed to fill out a special form for summer financial aid for college, and I also had a dilemna regarding my on call duties this past weekend where I felt like the person who was supposed to repair a machine on Friday lied about even being at the site at all.
And, thus, I ended up taking the heat for the heat in the building not working. I thought long and hard all weekend on whether or not to tell the supervisor about this. I decided that I was going to, and at about 640 am this morning, I started pitching a wild bitch to my supervisor about the issue...and then I kinda felt like an asshole in the middle of the discussion. I hated being the guy who was in essence "tattling" on a co-worker.
BUT, then again...it was a bullshit thing he put me through by lying to me about the status of his (non) repair.
I did get it off my chest, and the supervisor was cordial enough to at least listen to me. Later on in the day as I went back to finish the repair, I learned the guy WAS actually there on Friday, which sorta made me a little more pissed and questioning WHY did he NOT finish the repair?
I am rambling here. There is a couple of things about my psyche that I have learned in the past few years.
The first thing is, I hate it when people do anything half-ass.
The reason is that if a person does something half-ass, there is always always always another person who has to come along, and usually under bad circumstances, and pick up the slack the "half-asser" left. That person is very occasionally ME. I get very annoyed by "half assers"
The other thing about my psyche is that I love to hate rules, and hate to love rules, unless the rule is "Thou shalt NOT half ass things!!"
In high school, I used to love to find new ways to skirt the "silly" rules put amongst me. OH you want me to wear a TIE on Wednesday? OK!!! I'll wear a leather tie...and wear it 3 buttons down with the top 2 buttons undone.
HEY!! I AM wearing the TIE...OK??? :)
But I have found myself to be different as I have a chosen career, where I get absolutely mad when a person does not follow, say a compressor replacement right to the letter. IF you skimp on stuff like that, you end up shortening the life of a very expensive air conditioning part...and create un-do strain on the customer and the next guy. So, it's a hard thing about my psyche to figure out....kind of lives in the gray area when it comes to rules.
Enough about that.
For lunch today, it was back to the college to talk to the financial adviser to find out exactly WHEN I fill out the summer aid papers. The financial aid guy was extremely helpful.
He explained that I must first register for classes (summer classes are not open yet..so I cannot register...yet) and THEN I come see him again and this is where the monies get dispersed.
I have been under loads of stress trying to figure this one out as I do not want to miss out on the aid and the student loan. When I am in the middle of a project, I like to see it through A-Z, and I like things to go faster than they have been going with the school thing.
I told the adviser.."This has been like a maze so far..."
He kind of chuckled " Oh, this is just THIS year...NEXT year, you will have a whole DIFFERENT set of papers to fill out...so just hang in there. I'll help you as much as I can with it."
The last statement was reassuring even if he was just trying to be nice, and my emails from the school regarding this have been answered in a pretty good time span, too. So, I know I am doing the right thing...I just need to take things a day at a time and quit losing sleep!!!
That brings me to tonight where I will watch Olbermann, Intervention, and Paranormal State.
A busy day, but not at all a bad one. How was yours?
My mind was on the fact that I did not yet know exactly how or when I was needed to fill out a special form for summer financial aid for college, and I also had a dilemna regarding my on call duties this past weekend where I felt like the person who was supposed to repair a machine on Friday lied about even being at the site at all.
And, thus, I ended up taking the heat for the heat in the building not working. I thought long and hard all weekend on whether or not to tell the supervisor about this. I decided that I was going to, and at about 640 am this morning, I started pitching a wild bitch to my supervisor about the issue...and then I kinda felt like an asshole in the middle of the discussion. I hated being the guy who was in essence "tattling" on a co-worker.
BUT, then again...it was a bullshit thing he put me through by lying to me about the status of his (non) repair.
I did get it off my chest, and the supervisor was cordial enough to at least listen to me. Later on in the day as I went back to finish the repair, I learned the guy WAS actually there on Friday, which sorta made me a little more pissed and questioning WHY did he NOT finish the repair?
I am rambling here. There is a couple of things about my psyche that I have learned in the past few years.
The first thing is, I hate it when people do anything half-ass.
The reason is that if a person does something half-ass, there is always always always another person who has to come along, and usually under bad circumstances, and pick up the slack the "half-asser" left. That person is very occasionally ME. I get very annoyed by "half assers"
The other thing about my psyche is that I love to hate rules, and hate to love rules, unless the rule is "Thou shalt NOT half ass things!!"
In high school, I used to love to find new ways to skirt the "silly" rules put amongst me. OH you want me to wear a TIE on Wednesday? OK!!! I'll wear a leather tie...and wear it 3 buttons down with the top 2 buttons undone.
HEY!! I AM wearing the TIE...OK??? :)
But I have found myself to be different as I have a chosen career, where I get absolutely mad when a person does not follow, say a compressor replacement right to the letter. IF you skimp on stuff like that, you end up shortening the life of a very expensive air conditioning part...and create un-do strain on the customer and the next guy. So, it's a hard thing about my psyche to figure out....kind of lives in the gray area when it comes to rules.
Enough about that.
For lunch today, it was back to the college to talk to the financial adviser to find out exactly WHEN I fill out the summer aid papers. The financial aid guy was extremely helpful.
He explained that I must first register for classes (summer classes are not open yet..so I cannot register...yet) and THEN I come see him again and this is where the monies get dispersed.
I have been under loads of stress trying to figure this one out as I do not want to miss out on the aid and the student loan. When I am in the middle of a project, I like to see it through A-Z, and I like things to go faster than they have been going with the school thing.
I told the adviser.."This has been like a maze so far..."
He kind of chuckled " Oh, this is just THIS year...NEXT year, you will have a whole DIFFERENT set of papers to fill out...so just hang in there. I'll help you as much as I can with it."
The last statement was reassuring even if he was just trying to be nice, and my emails from the school regarding this have been answered in a pretty good time span, too. So, I know I am doing the right thing...I just need to take things a day at a time and quit losing sleep!!!
That brings me to tonight where I will watch Olbermann, Intervention, and Paranormal State.
A busy day, but not at all a bad one. How was yours?
Saturday, February 21, 2009
February 21, 2009 Saturday
The weather has been exceptional lately. It is about 50 degrees as I write this at 251 pm on a Saturday afternoon.
I have been taking it easy today other than I got a call out to adjust the temperature at a building ( I am on call right now until Thursday) that was easy enough....though I had to call someone else to actually DO the job due to the bldg was not in the computer system I have access to.
I have been a bit stressed about school lately. Well, not going but getting all the paperwork done to actually go is kind of a mess. I'll need to go and do MORE paperwork on Monday. I finally got my award letter yesterday, and looks like I even got approved for a Stafford Loan, so I won't be paying too much at all. I'll be happy to have the diploma that's for damn sure.
Last time I spoke with the kids they told me that this weekend they would be off to St. George, and then Vegas so I hope they are having lotsa fun. Makes me want to go to Vegas again, too. I love that town.
I finally opened my own local checking account yesterday so that I can direct deposit my checks. I got an ugly lava lamp design debit card...hunter orange lava....I love it.
The day is progressing pretty well. I am hoping to not get any more call outs...but that's the nature of the beast when you are on call. Probably what I like least about doing what I do for a living.
Tha's all for now. That was my day so far, how is yours?
749 PM
Just got through watching "Taking Chance" on HBO....the best show I have seen in months, very moving.
Before that I received my award from NGC in the mail...a really nice plaque for "Best Collectors Journal" I also got an honorable mention certificate a few days ago for my journal as well. It's nice to be recognized for working hard.
I had beefaroni for dinner tonight, ate it while me and my wife watched the end of "Forrest Gump" I thought the dinner was bland, my wife said it was delicious.....I think love makes the taste buds blind sometimes. I am glad she liked it though...not one of my better dinners.
By the way...there's been a lot of typos in my journals, and I know that. It takes long enough to put entries in, let alone make sure every word is perfect...so if you'll just translate and ignore...I appreciate it!! :) I get sloppy sometimes on my typing. To think I do this with the 2 finger method...I never learned to type, but tI think I do pretty well as it is.
That will do it for today.....hope your day was great!!
I have been taking it easy today other than I got a call out to adjust the temperature at a building ( I am on call right now until Thursday) that was easy enough....though I had to call someone else to actually DO the job due to the bldg was not in the computer system I have access to.
I have been a bit stressed about school lately. Well, not going but getting all the paperwork done to actually go is kind of a mess. I'll need to go and do MORE paperwork on Monday. I finally got my award letter yesterday, and looks like I even got approved for a Stafford Loan, so I won't be paying too much at all. I'll be happy to have the diploma that's for damn sure.
Last time I spoke with the kids they told me that this weekend they would be off to St. George, and then Vegas so I hope they are having lotsa fun. Makes me want to go to Vegas again, too. I love that town.
I finally opened my own local checking account yesterday so that I can direct deposit my checks. I got an ugly lava lamp design debit card...hunter orange lava....I love it.
The day is progressing pretty well. I am hoping to not get any more call outs...but that's the nature of the beast when you are on call. Probably what I like least about doing what I do for a living.
Tha's all for now. That was my day so far, how is yours?
749 PM
Just got through watching "Taking Chance" on HBO....the best show I have seen in months, very moving.
Before that I received my award from NGC in the mail...a really nice plaque for "Best Collectors Journal" I also got an honorable mention certificate a few days ago for my journal as well. It's nice to be recognized for working hard.
I had beefaroni for dinner tonight, ate it while me and my wife watched the end of "Forrest Gump" I thought the dinner was bland, my wife said it was delicious.....I think love makes the taste buds blind sometimes. I am glad she liked it though...not one of my better dinners.
By the way...there's been a lot of typos in my journals, and I know that. It takes long enough to put entries in, let alone make sure every word is perfect...so if you'll just translate and ignore...I appreciate it!! :) I get sloppy sometimes on my typing. To think I do this with the 2 finger method...I never learned to type, but tI think I do pretty well as it is.
That will do it for today.....hope your day was great!!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
February 18/19, 2009 Wednesday/Thursday
Not a bad couple of days.
I am now able to login to my college web site and will be able to schedule my classes from that site.
It has been hard work so far getting all my ducks in a row to attend school, however. One thing about college is NOBODY does ANYTHIG for you. If you want to take a class, schedule classes, apply for aid, etc. it's all up to YOU. And being a 41 year old man, that's fine, but I can see why younger kids get a little pit off by college.
There's not really much going on right now. Work is a little slow, but I am touring all of my buildings right now and determining some things I need to do in the spring on a few machines. I am also taking some air quality readings and making sure no CO is present in any of the buildings. Everything looks great so far.
The weather has been fantastic lately. Temps in the 40's. This is especially grand since I am on call as of today (Thursday) and will be til next Thursday. I am hoping for a quiet on call period with no emergencies. Especially not at the county jail or at any ice rinks....my 2 biggest "dreads" if you will. The jail is a HUGE complex where it is easy to get lost...and yeah, the clientele there is to be desired, I mean the inmates, too. And the ice rinks are just plain cumbersome and noisy.
There is always the fear of something going wrong and taking awhile to repair the problem while the ice melts, and that causes all sorts of drama.
BUT one can't really obsess over it. It's just part of the job to be on call and do the best you can.
I did learn today I will be able to take my english class online, most likely my math, too, but I have not looked it up yet.
Tonight is TV night with Earl, Office and 30 Rock ...I really hate the Kath and Kim "show" they have on....I leave the TV when THAT mess comes on.
Well, that's about it...OH I talked to my kids last night. They seem to be well and are excited to be taking a road trip to St.George in southern Utah, and then to Vegas. They were in great spirits and I am glad for them.
OK, that about does it. That was my day...how was yours?
I am now able to login to my college web site and will be able to schedule my classes from that site.
It has been hard work so far getting all my ducks in a row to attend school, however. One thing about college is NOBODY does ANYTHIG for you. If you want to take a class, schedule classes, apply for aid, etc. it's all up to YOU. And being a 41 year old man, that's fine, but I can see why younger kids get a little pit off by college.
There's not really much going on right now. Work is a little slow, but I am touring all of my buildings right now and determining some things I need to do in the spring on a few machines. I am also taking some air quality readings and making sure no CO is present in any of the buildings. Everything looks great so far.
The weather has been fantastic lately. Temps in the 40's. This is especially grand since I am on call as of today (Thursday) and will be til next Thursday. I am hoping for a quiet on call period with no emergencies. Especially not at the county jail or at any ice rinks....my 2 biggest "dreads" if you will. The jail is a HUGE complex where it is easy to get lost...and yeah, the clientele there is to be desired, I mean the inmates, too. And the ice rinks are just plain cumbersome and noisy.
There is always the fear of something going wrong and taking awhile to repair the problem while the ice melts, and that causes all sorts of drama.
BUT one can't really obsess over it. It's just part of the job to be on call and do the best you can.
I did learn today I will be able to take my english class online, most likely my math, too, but I have not looked it up yet.
Tonight is TV night with Earl, Office and 30 Rock ...I really hate the Kath and Kim "show" they have on....I leave the TV when THAT mess comes on.
Well, that's about it...OH I talked to my kids last night. They seem to be well and are excited to be taking a road trip to St.George in southern Utah, and then to Vegas. They were in great spirits and I am glad for them.
OK, that about does it. That was my day...how was yours?
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Tuesday February 17, 2009
Today was my 1st day back to work after a long 4 day weekend.
Believe it or not, I was glad to be back. Many of the people I work with or near I consider to be my friends, and I always like to hear their jokes and stories about what they did on the weekend.
These are good, honest people that I enjoy sharing the days of my career with. I also get a bit of cabin fever when I am off for awhile, and I DO like what I do for a living, so it does not take much pushing to get me to go back to work.
Today was an easy day, really. We had our usual Tuesday meeting, and then after that I just had some minor Preventive maint. things to do, and some follow ups.
For lunch today, I did not eat, but rather I went to the community college to speak with the financial aid dept. to be sure my paperwork is in order for my classes in a couple months. I also met with an academic adviser to make sure I was doing everything correctly.
My college placement test has me at ENG 101, and I JUST found out by looking at my online transcripts, that I already took that class a few years ago while doing my HVAC apprebticeship course. Looks like I have 3 credit hours already....hopefully I won't have to take it again and can move up to another class. I'll have to go to the college and ask tomorrow.....there goes another lunch hour!! :)
After a relatively easy day at work, I made my way home where I now sit doing the journal thing. My wife is feeling really sick with a cold or flu. So, she is sleeping right now.
I am really looking forward to going back to school..OH!! the financial aid person told me it looks like my classes will be 100% paid for via Pell Grant...she said I'd probably just need to pay for my books. So, I am thrilled to death over this.
Anyway, it is a cold snowy day here....can't wait til spring, I am sicka the snow.
Tonight will most likely be spent in front of the TV (again) there's not much going on here right now.
That was my day, how was yours?
Believe it or not, I was glad to be back. Many of the people I work with or near I consider to be my friends, and I always like to hear their jokes and stories about what they did on the weekend.
These are good, honest people that I enjoy sharing the days of my career with. I also get a bit of cabin fever when I am off for awhile, and I DO like what I do for a living, so it does not take much pushing to get me to go back to work.
Today was an easy day, really. We had our usual Tuesday meeting, and then after that I just had some minor Preventive maint. things to do, and some follow ups.
For lunch today, I did not eat, but rather I went to the community college to speak with the financial aid dept. to be sure my paperwork is in order for my classes in a couple months. I also met with an academic adviser to make sure I was doing everything correctly.
My college placement test has me at ENG 101, and I JUST found out by looking at my online transcripts, that I already took that class a few years ago while doing my HVAC apprebticeship course. Looks like I have 3 credit hours already....hopefully I won't have to take it again and can move up to another class. I'll have to go to the college and ask tomorrow.....there goes another lunch hour!! :)
After a relatively easy day at work, I made my way home where I now sit doing the journal thing. My wife is feeling really sick with a cold or flu. So, she is sleeping right now.
I am really looking forward to going back to school..OH!! the financial aid person told me it looks like my classes will be 100% paid for via Pell Grant...she said I'd probably just need to pay for my books. So, I am thrilled to death over this.
Anyway, it is a cold snowy day here....can't wait til spring, I am sicka the snow.
Tonight will most likely be spent in front of the TV (again) there's not much going on here right now.
That was my day, how was yours?
Monday, February 16, 2009
February 16, 2009 Monday (President's Day)
Well, today is a holiday and I am off of work. I have been off work since Friday as I took an extra day off to have a long 4 day weekend.
When I take these four day weekends 2 things happen. 1. I start to run out of projects to do at home. and 2. By the Monday, I start to bug the hell outta my wife.
Today, I am going to do something a little different here. I mean, sure, I could tell you that I just ate a bacon sandwich, and watched numerous episodes of "Dead Like Me" ...again. But, since it IS a holiday I thought I would answer the questions from the last page of Vanity Fair Magazine.
A little background. Every month Vanity Fair (VF) chooses a star or a mover and shaker type someone we all know or know of, and asks them this set of questions.
Month to month the questions never change, only the people, and I am always surprised and/or amused by the answers that appear. The questions amuse me, too.
So, here goes. Please don't be offended.
Q: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A: The times when I get to play catch with my children, and the times when my wife laughs at my jokes.
Q: What is your greatest fear?
A: Loss of income.
Q: What is the trait you most deplore in others?
A: Selfishness
Q: What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
A: Selfishness
Q: What is your greatest extravagance?
A: Expensive alcohol and coins.
Q: What is your current state of mind?
A: Relieved to be rid of Bush, and excited to start college.
Q: What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
A: Attempting to please a god.
Q: On what occasion do you lie?
A: When I know I can get away with it, but not ever to my wife.
Q: What quality do you most like in a man?
A: The ability to think rationally and have intelligent conversations and a good sense of humor. Also, seeing women as superior beings.
Q: What quality do you most like in a woman?
A: The ability to be independent, wise, and calm.
Q: If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what do you think it would be?
A: The thoughts of a person trying to figure all of this shit out.
Q: What words or phrase do you most overuse?
A: "Fuck ( add noun here)" or just "Fuuuuuck THAT!!"
Q: What or who is the greatest love of your life?
A: My wife, my children and my coins.
Q: When and where were you happiest?
A: 2 answers here. About a month ago whilst playing catch with my son and 2nd oldest daughter. AND about 6 years ago, the Luxor in Vegas and the Belagio in Vegas at the Blue Man group show, and buffet on honeymoon with mt wife. Did I mention the 3 foot tall Margarita?
Q: What do you consider your greatest acheivement?
A: Coming back from a homeless state to having a home and a great career.
Q: Where would you like to live?
A: In the middle of a vast piece of property in a modest house where no neighbors or anyone else could knock on my door.
Q:What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
A: Homelessness, and living in someone elses home where you are not welcome.
Q:What is your most marked characteristic?
A: Either my nose or the scar on my neck.
Q: What do most value in your friends?
A: Closeness when I need it, and space when I need it.
Q: Who are your favorite writers?
A: Frank Miller, Bill Flanagan, Wayne Dyer, Marvin Myers, the ancient people who wrote the Nag Hammadi Library and the Gospel of Judas. Stephan Hoeller, e.e. cummings, and Robert Frost.
Q: Who are your heroes in real life?
A: People who go to work everyday to make an honest living and provide for their families.
Q: What is your greatest regret?
A: Leaving my children for about a year.
Q: What is your motto?
A: Human rights for all people mean everything.
Q: How would you like to die?
A: In peace with no fear.
When I take these four day weekends 2 things happen. 1. I start to run out of projects to do at home. and 2. By the Monday, I start to bug the hell outta my wife.
Today, I am going to do something a little different here. I mean, sure, I could tell you that I just ate a bacon sandwich, and watched numerous episodes of "Dead Like Me" ...again. But, since it IS a holiday I thought I would answer the questions from the last page of Vanity Fair Magazine.
A little background. Every month Vanity Fair (VF) chooses a star or a mover and shaker type someone we all know or know of, and asks them this set of questions.
Month to month the questions never change, only the people, and I am always surprised and/or amused by the answers that appear. The questions amuse me, too.
So, here goes. Please don't be offended.
Q: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A: The times when I get to play catch with my children, and the times when my wife laughs at my jokes.
Q: What is your greatest fear?
A: Loss of income.
Q: What is the trait you most deplore in others?
A: Selfishness
Q: What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
A: Selfishness
Q: What is your greatest extravagance?
A: Expensive alcohol and coins.
Q: What is your current state of mind?
A: Relieved to be rid of Bush, and excited to start college.
Q: What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
A: Attempting to please a god.
Q: On what occasion do you lie?
A: When I know I can get away with it, but not ever to my wife.
Q: What quality do you most like in a man?
A: The ability to think rationally and have intelligent conversations and a good sense of humor. Also, seeing women as superior beings.
Q: What quality do you most like in a woman?
A: The ability to be independent, wise, and calm.
Q: If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what do you think it would be?
A: The thoughts of a person trying to figure all of this shit out.
Q: What words or phrase do you most overuse?
A: "Fuck ( add noun here)" or just "Fuuuuuck THAT!!"
Q: What or who is the greatest love of your life?
A: My wife, my children and my coins.
Q: When and where were you happiest?
A: 2 answers here. About a month ago whilst playing catch with my son and 2nd oldest daughter. AND about 6 years ago, the Luxor in Vegas and the Belagio in Vegas at the Blue Man group show, and buffet on honeymoon with mt wife. Did I mention the 3 foot tall Margarita?
Q: What do you consider your greatest acheivement?
A: Coming back from a homeless state to having a home and a great career.
Q: Where would you like to live?
A: In the middle of a vast piece of property in a modest house where no neighbors or anyone else could knock on my door.
Q:What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
A: Homelessness, and living in someone elses home where you are not welcome.
Q:What is your most marked characteristic?
A: Either my nose or the scar on my neck.
Q: What do most value in your friends?
A: Closeness when I need it, and space when I need it.
Q: Who are your favorite writers?
A: Frank Miller, Bill Flanagan, Wayne Dyer, Marvin Myers, the ancient people who wrote the Nag Hammadi Library and the Gospel of Judas. Stephan Hoeller, e.e. cummings, and Robert Frost.
Q: Who are your heroes in real life?
A: People who go to work everyday to make an honest living and provide for their families.
Q: What is your greatest regret?
A: Leaving my children for about a year.
Q: What is your motto?
A: Human rights for all people mean everything.
Q: How would you like to die?
A: In peace with no fear.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
February 15, 2009 Sunday
Not a lot going on today. Mostly watched TV and did some internet stuff.
I am contemplating cooking lunch as it is about 214 pm. I slept until 10 am today. I will be off work tomorrow for Presidents Day and I'll most likely work on taking better pics for my coin site.
I am thinking about also writing my answers for the last page of Vanity Fair questionaire they always publish with famous people answering...I think my own answers will be interesting.
Anyway, that's my day, how is yours?
I am contemplating cooking lunch as it is about 214 pm. I slept until 10 am today. I will be off work tomorrow for Presidents Day and I'll most likely work on taking better pics for my coin site.
I am thinking about also writing my answers for the last page of Vanity Fair questionaire they always publish with famous people answering...I think my own answers will be interesting.
Anyway, that's my day, how is yours?
Saturday, February 14, 2009
February 14, 2009 Saturday
This being my 2nd day off in a row and not having too much on my to do list, I decided to sleep in, and I did so until about 9 am. My wife and I stayed in bed and watched CNN for awhile, and I was pleased that the Stimulus Bill passed, because it has some increases to the Pell Grant, which will give me more money to attend college with.
Speaking of college, I just got done with an online orientation, which now enables me to go meet with an academic advisor to sort out what classes I will be taking and when. I am really happy to be going back to school, and I am glad I now have a job that I know I will actually be able to have TIME to do this with. I don't miss the 60-70 hour weeks I used to work....well maybe the money, but DAMN that's a lot of hours!!
It's snowing pretty steady today, and I am sure that a bit later I will be snow blowing the walk and driveway and most assuredly I will be cleaning off the satellite dish, too...that is IF I want to watch TV. And you KNOW that's definately on my agenda.
My mind is also a little racy today with all kinds of thoughts about the past and present.....once again things I can and cannot change.....and why do I still have issues with an old pastor I used to know? Hmmmmmmmmmmmm strange!!
OH one other thing, I bought my wife a cheesecake for Valentines Day from the Cheesecake Factory...highly recommended!! A very tasty cake!!
That's it for right now, it's about 12 noon, and I am going up to the kitchen to wash dishes (recurring theme, I know!!!) I do miss the kids today..hope they are having fun in the snow, though.
That's my day. Hows yours?
437 pm Feb 14th
The day has been progressing nicely. I had some bacon and eggs and toast for brunch today, watched TMZ and some of "Meet the Spartans" it has been a laid back day.
My wife just went to the grocery store to get some soda pop for herself. I quit drinking pop and along with walking every day have lost 20 lbs in about 7 months. Takes me to about 240 these days.
The snow has stopped for now.....still cold though.
Later on tonight I suspect I will be watching Cops and AMW, then the local 9 pm news then red green show and then SNL......then sleep.
That's about all for now. Next entry will be tomorrow, if anything outstanding happens I'll write about it at that time.
That was my day, how was yours?
Speaking of college, I just got done with an online orientation, which now enables me to go meet with an academic advisor to sort out what classes I will be taking and when. I am really happy to be going back to school, and I am glad I now have a job that I know I will actually be able to have TIME to do this with. I don't miss the 60-70 hour weeks I used to work....well maybe the money, but DAMN that's a lot of hours!!
It's snowing pretty steady today, and I am sure that a bit later I will be snow blowing the walk and driveway and most assuredly I will be cleaning off the satellite dish, too...that is IF I want to watch TV. And you KNOW that's definately on my agenda.
My mind is also a little racy today with all kinds of thoughts about the past and present.....once again things I can and cannot change.....and why do I still have issues with an old pastor I used to know? Hmmmmmmmmmmmm strange!!
OH one other thing, I bought my wife a cheesecake for Valentines Day from the Cheesecake Factory...highly recommended!! A very tasty cake!!
That's it for right now, it's about 12 noon, and I am going up to the kitchen to wash dishes (recurring theme, I know!!!) I do miss the kids today..hope they are having fun in the snow, though.
That's my day. Hows yours?
437 pm Feb 14th
The day has been progressing nicely. I had some bacon and eggs and toast for brunch today, watched TMZ and some of "Meet the Spartans" it has been a laid back day.
My wife just went to the grocery store to get some soda pop for herself. I quit drinking pop and along with walking every day have lost 20 lbs in about 7 months. Takes me to about 240 these days.
The snow has stopped for now.....still cold though.
Later on tonight I suspect I will be watching Cops and AMW, then the local 9 pm news then red green show and then SNL......then sleep.
That's about all for now. Next entry will be tomorrow, if anything outstanding happens I'll write about it at that time.
That was my day, how was yours?
Friday, February 13, 2009
February 11,12,13, 2009
I have been a little busier than normal to add a post here for the past couple of days.
Feb 11 and 12 were fairly busy work days for me as I am taking today (Friday Feb. 13 off) to have a nice 4 day weekend. I am off on Monday for Presidents Day.
Nothing outstanding to add for the past 2 days...just work stuff. Watched my Thursday shows last night, and as usual I missed the 1st half of Sober House on VH1...but I saw all of my NBC shows (Earl, Office, 30 Rock) and I still can't figure out why the hell "Kath and Kim" is even ON the air...I make myself busy during that show..it sucks!!
Today I was off work, so I slept in until 830 am when I awoke I took a bath and got ready to go to take my college placement test. My wife took me to take the test and dropped me off at about 10 am. I did as I expected to do. Which means I did very well on my english and reading exams, but as usual I am weak on Math. But, like I said, I expected that.
I also picked up a school catalog so I could see exactly what AS degree I want to go for...and I have decided I want to pursue Political Science.
Not only is this something I have studied with great interest in the past, but I also feel I can further my career with this sort of degree as I DO work for the government.
I took the tests in about an hour and a half, and my wife came and got me about 1130 am.
When I got home we discussed the collegiate process and how it's all different at 40 than it would be at say 20. Not really in a bad way, though as at this point in my life I know I can focus a lot better, and I know what I want, and I DO have a job.
I just got through eating a turkey sandwich, and after I get through with this post I will be cleaning the kitchen.
OH!! One other thing, yesterday I got my award from NGC for my efforts on my journal for The Collectors Society, I am proud to have won that award as well.
That about bags it for now...just a day or cleaning with some relaxing.
That was my day, how was yours?
Addendum: 515 pm Friday Feb 13
I just got off the phone with my oldest daughter who informed me that her and my other 2 children won't be coming over this weekend. Looks like they had other plans, and she had to work. So, it will be another 2 weeks before I see them.
I miss them so much in between visits. This is the blues of the "non-custodial parent".
It sucks.
Feb 11 and 12 were fairly busy work days for me as I am taking today (Friday Feb. 13 off) to have a nice 4 day weekend. I am off on Monday for Presidents Day.
Nothing outstanding to add for the past 2 days...just work stuff. Watched my Thursday shows last night, and as usual I missed the 1st half of Sober House on VH1...but I saw all of my NBC shows (Earl, Office, 30 Rock) and I still can't figure out why the hell "Kath and Kim" is even ON the air...I make myself busy during that show..it sucks!!
Today I was off work, so I slept in until 830 am when I awoke I took a bath and got ready to go to take my college placement test. My wife took me to take the test and dropped me off at about 10 am. I did as I expected to do. Which means I did very well on my english and reading exams, but as usual I am weak on Math. But, like I said, I expected that.
I also picked up a school catalog so I could see exactly what AS degree I want to go for...and I have decided I want to pursue Political Science.
Not only is this something I have studied with great interest in the past, but I also feel I can further my career with this sort of degree as I DO work for the government.
I took the tests in about an hour and a half, and my wife came and got me about 1130 am.
When I got home we discussed the collegiate process and how it's all different at 40 than it would be at say 20. Not really in a bad way, though as at this point in my life I know I can focus a lot better, and I know what I want, and I DO have a job.
I just got through eating a turkey sandwich, and after I get through with this post I will be cleaning the kitchen.
OH!! One other thing, yesterday I got my award from NGC for my efforts on my journal for The Collectors Society, I am proud to have won that award as well.
That about bags it for now...just a day or cleaning with some relaxing.
That was my day, how was yours?
Addendum: 515 pm Friday Feb 13
I just got off the phone with my oldest daughter who informed me that her and my other 2 children won't be coming over this weekend. Looks like they had other plans, and she had to work. So, it will be another 2 weeks before I see them.
I miss them so much in between visits. This is the blues of the "non-custodial parent".
It sucks.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Tuesday February 10, 2009
Yet another work day where I awake to the BEEEP BEEEP of the alarm clock at 6 am.
I went through my usual routine of heading to the downstairs bathroom, "taking care of business" and washing and beushing my teeth, combing whats left of my hair. Then I head back to the bedroom where I put on my uniform and also the tools and electronics I must carry or I feel like I have forgotten something .
On my belt I carry my mag light flashlight, my phone in a phone carrier. My shirt pocket is stuffed with a pen, pad, card holder made from Coach leather...stuffed with contacts I might need if I am trying to solve a problem I can't figure out in 45 minutes....rare! :)
In my cargo pockets on the legs of my pants I carry the PDA where all of my time for work is stored, as well as jobs, more contacts, pics of Bono I took a few years ago, and a planner...you know, PDA stuff.
Lastly I put on my heavy steel toed work boots and my "hoodie" I got from Cabelas a few years ago. Yeah, it's warm enough...pretty thick, affects me hearing when I wear the hood, actually. Like I have this EXCELLENT sense of hearing anyway!! :)
I made it to the bus on time today...5 minutes early, the regular driver was on duty, so he was there exactly at 625 am. I usually get to work by 640 am.
It was the usual crowd for a Tuesday, we have staff meetings every Tuesday, so mostly everyone was there early. There was the usual razzing and I took some pictures on my cell phone that you'd have to know the whole story to enjoy. Any time I need a chuckle, I just look at these particular pics and they make my day.
The meeting lasted the usual hour or so, was pretty insightful, I headed out to my work van afterwards and made my way to some training on a roof as we were learning about a particular roof top HVAC unit. Did I mention it was actually cold today? Snowy, too.
I was glad to get off of the roof and into a warm van.
From the training I went to lunch with my supervisor to Burger King. Shared some laughs, it was a good lunch. The company always makes lunch better. I mostly go alone, which is OK, too, as I get to think about college coming up.
The next 4 hours or so of my work day was very uneventful. The usual filter changes, I did go to one fire station to double check on some weird CO readings to make sure the appliance was not emitting too much more CO...it's in the truck bay, so as long as I am not 10ppm or above, I fee ok about it. Most likely will replace the appliance next year, though. I also double checked the ice machine there. Firemen love ice. I dunno why?
After the work was done I drove the work van back to the government center and went to my desk to make some notes on my desk calendar. I then made my way to the bus stop where I had a cold and snowy 10 min. wait for the bus.
Got home 20 min. later, found the mail was delivered. I got a letter of enrollment from the community college giving me my student ID number, and instructions to go asap and take the college placement test. I plan on that this Friday, I am taking off work to do this.
I asked my wife if she wanted some stove popped popcorn, she did, I made some and watched TV for awhile, then had a turkey sandwich, and then made my way to type my day.
It's about 545pm, I'll be off now to watch Olbermann and study some math...and then watch more TV.
That was my day, how was yours?
I went through my usual routine of heading to the downstairs bathroom, "taking care of business" and washing and beushing my teeth, combing whats left of my hair. Then I head back to the bedroom where I put on my uniform and also the tools and electronics I must carry or I feel like I have forgotten something .
On my belt I carry my mag light flashlight, my phone in a phone carrier. My shirt pocket is stuffed with a pen, pad, card holder made from Coach leather...stuffed with contacts I might need if I am trying to solve a problem I can't figure out in 45 minutes....rare! :)
In my cargo pockets on the legs of my pants I carry the PDA where all of my time for work is stored, as well as jobs, more contacts, pics of Bono I took a few years ago, and a planner...you know, PDA stuff.
Lastly I put on my heavy steel toed work boots and my "hoodie" I got from Cabelas a few years ago. Yeah, it's warm enough...pretty thick, affects me hearing when I wear the hood, actually. Like I have this EXCELLENT sense of hearing anyway!! :)
I made it to the bus on time today...5 minutes early, the regular driver was on duty, so he was there exactly at 625 am. I usually get to work by 640 am.
It was the usual crowd for a Tuesday, we have staff meetings every Tuesday, so mostly everyone was there early. There was the usual razzing and I took some pictures on my cell phone that you'd have to know the whole story to enjoy. Any time I need a chuckle, I just look at these particular pics and they make my day.
The meeting lasted the usual hour or so, was pretty insightful, I headed out to my work van afterwards and made my way to some training on a roof as we were learning about a particular roof top HVAC unit. Did I mention it was actually cold today? Snowy, too.
I was glad to get off of the roof and into a warm van.
From the training I went to lunch with my supervisor to Burger King. Shared some laughs, it was a good lunch. The company always makes lunch better. I mostly go alone, which is OK, too, as I get to think about college coming up.
The next 4 hours or so of my work day was very uneventful. The usual filter changes, I did go to one fire station to double check on some weird CO readings to make sure the appliance was not emitting too much more CO...it's in the truck bay, so as long as I am not 10ppm or above, I fee ok about it. Most likely will replace the appliance next year, though. I also double checked the ice machine there. Firemen love ice. I dunno why?
After the work was done I drove the work van back to the government center and went to my desk to make some notes on my desk calendar. I then made my way to the bus stop where I had a cold and snowy 10 min. wait for the bus.
Got home 20 min. later, found the mail was delivered. I got a letter of enrollment from the community college giving me my student ID number, and instructions to go asap and take the college placement test. I plan on that this Friday, I am taking off work to do this.
I asked my wife if she wanted some stove popped popcorn, she did, I made some and watched TV for awhile, then had a turkey sandwich, and then made my way to type my day.
It's about 545pm, I'll be off now to watch Olbermann and study some math...and then watch more TV.
That was my day, how was yours?
Monday, February 9, 2009
Monday February 9, 2009
Today was a busy day.
The day started at 6 am when the alarm woke me as it usually does at that time every weekday morning so I can be off to catch the bus to work. But, today, I also had a dentist appt. at 720 am.
I decided the best course of action was to go ahead and head into work at the usual time, upload my time from the previous week into the main computer from my PDA, then take the work van the 2 miles to the dentists office so I could get onto working as soon as I got done with getting the temp. crown. I took an early lunch to accomodate this.
This all worked out fine and good after I got to the bus stop. I did oversleep a little, and was late by about 3 minutes to the stop, and the busses DO actually run on time. The saving grace was there was a substitute driver....so I made the 625 am bus at about 629...about a minute after I arrived!!
So, yeah, I now have the temp. crown on my tooth. The procedure was mostly painless, and lasted almost exactly an hour...the back side of the temp crown is rough, and I have to THINK about not rubbing it with my tongue. The dentist did do a great job, though. I'll have the perm. crown in about a month.
My work day after the appt. was pretty busy. I work as a heating and air conditioning tech. for the county, and I had some maintenance on some roof top HVAC units to do today...in the wind, snow , and rain. It was kinda miserable, but it's miserable in July, too, as the sun beats the hell out of you. The only GOOD times in the HVAC trade is really spring and fall...when the temps are bearable, either way, though, I do love my career it has served me pretty well for the last 14 years, I just wish all of those years were with the county. It's a great place to work.
I arrived home after another bus ride and found the mail was delivered as I entered the front door. I took it to my wife, as the mail was mostly addressed to her this time. She opened a bank statement and blew a gasket as the bank once again, did not credit her account properly. She called and yelled at(literally) the agent on the phone, and now she is gone to her bank to either get arrested or close the account...or both.
The night ahead will be a relaxed one. I will be watching President Obama's address in about an hour, with a good feeling that I will be watching someone who can actually put 2 sentences together, and won't be on TV selling a fraudulent case for wars.
Then I'll eat dinner and get ready for tomorrow.
That was my day, how was yours?
The day started at 6 am when the alarm woke me as it usually does at that time every weekday morning so I can be off to catch the bus to work. But, today, I also had a dentist appt. at 720 am.
I decided the best course of action was to go ahead and head into work at the usual time, upload my time from the previous week into the main computer from my PDA, then take the work van the 2 miles to the dentists office so I could get onto working as soon as I got done with getting the temp. crown. I took an early lunch to accomodate this.
This all worked out fine and good after I got to the bus stop. I did oversleep a little, and was late by about 3 minutes to the stop, and the busses DO actually run on time. The saving grace was there was a substitute driver....so I made the 625 am bus at about 629...about a minute after I arrived!!
So, yeah, I now have the temp. crown on my tooth. The procedure was mostly painless, and lasted almost exactly an hour...the back side of the temp crown is rough, and I have to THINK about not rubbing it with my tongue. The dentist did do a great job, though. I'll have the perm. crown in about a month.
My work day after the appt. was pretty busy. I work as a heating and air conditioning tech. for the county, and I had some maintenance on some roof top HVAC units to do today...in the wind, snow , and rain. It was kinda miserable, but it's miserable in July, too, as the sun beats the hell out of you. The only GOOD times in the HVAC trade is really spring and fall...when the temps are bearable, either way, though, I do love my career it has served me pretty well for the last 14 years, I just wish all of those years were with the county. It's a great place to work.
I arrived home after another bus ride and found the mail was delivered as I entered the front door. I took it to my wife, as the mail was mostly addressed to her this time. She opened a bank statement and blew a gasket as the bank once again, did not credit her account properly. She called and yelled at(literally) the agent on the phone, and now she is gone to her bank to either get arrested or close the account...or both.
The night ahead will be a relaxed one. I will be watching President Obama's address in about an hour, with a good feeling that I will be watching someone who can actually put 2 sentences together, and won't be on TV selling a fraudulent case for wars.
Then I'll eat dinner and get ready for tomorrow.
That was my day, how was yours?
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Sunday, February 8, 2009
This is unusual that I would even THINK of being awake at this time of the morning on a Sunday.
Something woke me up at about 645 am and I could not get back to sleep today. I tried though....oh yes I did try!! But my mind was racing a billion miles a minute thinking about everything from U2, to coins, to my dentist appt. tomorrow at 720am, to work.....
So, I thought I'd spend some time on the diary.
It's funny what the mind does when the body won't go back to sleep.
The thoughts get outrageous as there nothing you can do about ANYTHING at 645 am on a Sunday. Then there's the things you can't do anything about anyway.
For instance, I find myself stressing over the rumors that U2 are going to play stadiums in the US on the upcoming tour. I hate stadium shows.....too many people, sound is never that great, and usually I get seats about 20 miles away. "Well it LOOOOOKS like BONO....But...I'm not SURE!!"
But I can't do a thing about it but wonder if I'll even buy tickets. ( But yeah, you know I will.)
Then after fully stressing about that, then there's the work relationship that bugs me.....really can't do a thing about that either.
Then there's the coins I'd like to acquire soon and I start thinking of ways to afford them. One of them is really expensive...I'll find a way though...I gotta have that one.
The thing is about all of this is I know how downright dumb, and what a waste of time spending all of this thought energy is about things a person really can't change. But, I think it is human nature to try and affect the world around us all. Either for our own gains or for the selfless betterment of society, it is our nature to dream of ways to change about anything.
The bad part about this desire is, we often times fail to make changes for the better in ourselves.
We tend to believe it's the other thing or person that needs "fixing".
Sometimes it's true, though!! But introspection is a grander thing...and a harder thing to do.
I'll probably check in later and tell you all about the day...just my thoughts for now!!
(Continued 150pm Feb.8,09)
As the day has progressed, so has my temperment. I watched a little hockey, took a bath, and went to the strip mall next door to get a haircut, and then proceeded to the market in the same mall to get some hot dog buns and some german chocolate brownies.
I came back home and boiled some dogs while me and my wife scarfed down most of the brownies. Great thing being an adult...you can eat whatever you want..when you want!!
By this time the dogs were done, and we garnished our own buns and ate the dogs...afterwards we finished the 3 brownies that were left. My wife is taking a nap right now...she fell off while we watched some murder shows together on Discovery Channel.
I have thought all day about the dental appt. tomorrow. I need a crown and am getting fitted for that tomorrow. I had a root canal several years ago but neglected getting a crown on it, and now the tooth is getting brittle. I never really feared the dentist. My dad made sure we all went every 6 months when we were kids growing up. I have been lucky to have good teeth, too. Thick enamel.
That's about it for today. I'll most likely spend the rest of the day relaxing after I clean out the litter box. I have 2 cats. I believe dinner is done (the dogs) and I have no dishes to do tonight. I'll most likely watch 60 minutes and various other shows to pass time until I go to bed at about 1030 pm and I'll awake at about 6 am to get ready for the dentist, and then off to work.
That's my day...how was yours?
Something woke me up at about 645 am and I could not get back to sleep today. I tried though....oh yes I did try!! But my mind was racing a billion miles a minute thinking about everything from U2, to coins, to my dentist appt. tomorrow at 720am, to work.....
So, I thought I'd spend some time on the diary.
It's funny what the mind does when the body won't go back to sleep.
The thoughts get outrageous as there nothing you can do about ANYTHING at 645 am on a Sunday. Then there's the things you can't do anything about anyway.
For instance, I find myself stressing over the rumors that U2 are going to play stadiums in the US on the upcoming tour. I hate stadium shows.....too many people, sound is never that great, and usually I get seats about 20 miles away. "Well it LOOOOOKS like BONO....But...I'm not SURE!!"
But I can't do a thing about it but wonder if I'll even buy tickets. ( But yeah, you know I will.)
Then after fully stressing about that, then there's the work relationship that bugs me.....really can't do a thing about that either.
Then there's the coins I'd like to acquire soon and I start thinking of ways to afford them. One of them is really expensive...I'll find a way though...I gotta have that one.
The thing is about all of this is I know how downright dumb, and what a waste of time spending all of this thought energy is about things a person really can't change. But, I think it is human nature to try and affect the world around us all. Either for our own gains or for the selfless betterment of society, it is our nature to dream of ways to change about anything.
The bad part about this desire is, we often times fail to make changes for the better in ourselves.
We tend to believe it's the other thing or person that needs "fixing".
Sometimes it's true, though!! But introspection is a grander thing...and a harder thing to do.
I'll probably check in later and tell you all about the day...just my thoughts for now!!
(Continued 150pm Feb.8,09)
As the day has progressed, so has my temperment. I watched a little hockey, took a bath, and went to the strip mall next door to get a haircut, and then proceeded to the market in the same mall to get some hot dog buns and some german chocolate brownies.
I came back home and boiled some dogs while me and my wife scarfed down most of the brownies. Great thing being an adult...you can eat whatever you want..when you want!!
By this time the dogs were done, and we garnished our own buns and ate the dogs...afterwards we finished the 3 brownies that were left. My wife is taking a nap right now...she fell off while we watched some murder shows together on Discovery Channel.
I have thought all day about the dental appt. tomorrow. I need a crown and am getting fitted for that tomorrow. I had a root canal several years ago but neglected getting a crown on it, and now the tooth is getting brittle. I never really feared the dentist. My dad made sure we all went every 6 months when we were kids growing up. I have been lucky to have good teeth, too. Thick enamel.
That's about it for today. I'll most likely spend the rest of the day relaxing after I clean out the litter box. I have 2 cats. I believe dinner is done (the dogs) and I have no dishes to do tonight. I'll most likely watch 60 minutes and various other shows to pass time until I go to bed at about 1030 pm and I'll awake at about 6 am to get ready for the dentist, and then off to work.
That's my day...how was yours?
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Saturday February 7th, 2009
Welcome to my online diary.
I intend to keep track of the days here, and my thoughts, some pictures etc. Hope you enjoy!!
Today was a laid back day. I awoke at about 930 am, with a long dog walk in mind, leading up to washing a weeks worth of dishes I have neglected due to sheer laziness. My wife scalded me a bit for "trying to spring outta bed" and suggested "let the morning come to YOU, not YOU to IT....by gawd it's SATURDAY!!"
I knew she was right, so I slowed down a bit and watched the news on CNN for about an hour before finally taking the dog for a long walk.
I usually take a 2 mile round trip walk with the dog. From my doorstep to the Parley Pratt statue that adorns "Parley's Way" it is about 1 mile even. I take the dog in a full circle around the statue and head back home...which is now uphill. We usually do the entire walk in about 20 minutes, as I am a fast walker and the dog is well trained to walk well with me.
But, today, for some reason I had some pains in my shins that made me take several breaks and the walk lasted about 35 minutes.
Although the dog was well behaved and the weather was exceptional for February, I cannot say I enjoyed the walk very much today due to the pain I was feeling.
After I returned home I relaxed and spent some time on my coin site on NGC posted a journal entry there, emailed my Mom, read an email from my brother, and emailed NGC regarding an interview I would like to post on my other blog "The Numis Collector".
After I did that, I went to the kitchen and began washing dishes. I have no dishwasher, so the pile of dishes took about 3 hours, including breaks to let the hot water catch up again.
When the dishes were done, it was time to cook dinner...and dirty the damned things up again!!
I made a stir fry with sliced steak and mega frozen vegetables and some cellophane noodles. I would have made rice, but by the time I realized I needed rice..my stir fry was about done.
By the way....cellophane noodles are not a great choice for stir fry!! But, we made do.
As I was eating the stir fry, I watched "Dirty Jobs" as they were on a fishing vessel and gutting cod...a great thing to watch whilst eating slimy noodles.
That brings me to this point where I have created this blog (it's about630 pm) and am going to facebook to add a link there to here.
The rest of the evening will be spent watching TV, making shitty comments about the shows (think the 2 old men on The Muppet Show"...that's me and my wife) and we'll most likely watch SNL then go to sleep.
That's my day...how was yours?
I intend to keep track of the days here, and my thoughts, some pictures etc. Hope you enjoy!!
Today was a laid back day. I awoke at about 930 am, with a long dog walk in mind, leading up to washing a weeks worth of dishes I have neglected due to sheer laziness. My wife scalded me a bit for "trying to spring outta bed" and suggested "let the morning come to YOU, not YOU to IT....by gawd it's SATURDAY!!"
I knew she was right, so I slowed down a bit and watched the news on CNN for about an hour before finally taking the dog for a long walk.
I usually take a 2 mile round trip walk with the dog. From my doorstep to the Parley Pratt statue that adorns "Parley's Way" it is about 1 mile even. I take the dog in a full circle around the statue and head back home...which is now uphill. We usually do the entire walk in about 20 minutes, as I am a fast walker and the dog is well trained to walk well with me.
But, today, for some reason I had some pains in my shins that made me take several breaks and the walk lasted about 35 minutes.
Although the dog was well behaved and the weather was exceptional for February, I cannot say I enjoyed the walk very much today due to the pain I was feeling.
After I returned home I relaxed and spent some time on my coin site on NGC posted a journal entry there, emailed my Mom, read an email from my brother, and emailed NGC regarding an interview I would like to post on my other blog "The Numis Collector".
After I did that, I went to the kitchen and began washing dishes. I have no dishwasher, so the pile of dishes took about 3 hours, including breaks to let the hot water catch up again.
When the dishes were done, it was time to cook dinner...and dirty the damned things up again!!
I made a stir fry with sliced steak and mega frozen vegetables and some cellophane noodles. I would have made rice, but by the time I realized I needed rice..my stir fry was about done.
By the way....cellophane noodles are not a great choice for stir fry!! But, we made do.
As I was eating the stir fry, I watched "Dirty Jobs" as they were on a fishing vessel and gutting cod...a great thing to watch whilst eating slimy noodles.
That brings me to this point where I have created this blog (it's about630 pm) and am going to facebook to add a link there to here.
The rest of the evening will be spent watching TV, making shitty comments about the shows (think the 2 old men on The Muppet Show"...that's me and my wife) and we'll most likely watch SNL then go to sleep.
That's my day...how was yours?
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