I've had quite the string of expletives today... my son slept for 30 minutes, which gave me enough time to write out a single eBay item --and then lose it.
The boy's screaming. Again. My daughter insists on watching Sleeping Beauty for the 3rd time this week.
I've changed my email address connected to Blogger becuase Google's too busy taking over the world to help me access my email account again. Bastards.
And now my fish has died.
Geez... is it Saturday yet?
Friday, September 16, 2005
Angry Today
I have had very, VERY little sleep since I got up Tuesday morning to head into my last week of school.... 136 hours of work into my 4 final projects for the semester. A lot of damn, hard, friggin' work. the one class I saw as a "breeze" netted me a C+ after I received all my assignments AFTER submitting my final project. What's that mean? Any mistakes I'd unwittingly made on previous assignments were all present on my final becuase I didn't KNOW I'd made any mistakes.
Jerk.
I tried sleeping at campus on Wednesday night/Thursday morning atfer already being up for an all-nighter Tuesday into Wednesday. Got almost 90 minutes' sleep in my car before all the shipping trucks showed up (and drove over the series of double-speedbumps set up in the lot. So, I just got back to work and somehow made it through Thursday and came home. I was supposed to go to a meeting last night, but... no way was I going. They usually go to 11pm or later and I wasn't putting up with that. I'd rather go home and sleep.
Only I had to pick up the kids and take care of them until they fell asleep. My daughter at 9 and my son at 10:30. So, I got into the Coca Cola to keep me awake until the kids were asleep.
Only that kept me up 'til about 1am.... From 9am Tuesday to 1am Friday: 90 minutes' sleep. At least my wife's home all day today to take care of the kids.
Except she forgot to write down she's working again today. At least that means I'm only taking care of my son until 2pm when we got to pick my daughter from school.
Except she's sick today. And my son's screaming for his Mommy. (I feel so loved).
So, hopefully my son goes for a nap this afternoon. Then maybe I can get to work on eBay stuff downstairs. and check my email.
Except suddenly my gmail account was in Russian, so I reset the language and now I can't login anymore.
And my son is still screaming 45 minutes later. And I barely had any sleep because of the screaming.
And I can't get help from Google for my f-cking gmail account because I used my old work email address as a secondary address (shit!).
AND I can't do any eBay stuff today because I'm using our upstairs ancient computer (a Celeron 300) which seems to be more vegetative on a daily basis. My typing may be horrendous in this message simply becuase the keys are getting tight on the keyboard.
AND it won't recognize the optical mouse so I have an old mouse attached which literally bounces aroundthe screen when you move it.
AND I need to get in touch with my parents as we need a co-signor for a home-equity loan in order to survive the next 12 months.
AND I really, really need this kid to stop screaming!
And, Dreama, what is it that everyone on the planet is doing at the same time? The optimists (you saw the messages) say 'breathing.'
I say dying.
Jerk.
I tried sleeping at campus on Wednesday night/Thursday morning atfer already being up for an all-nighter Tuesday into Wednesday. Got almost 90 minutes' sleep in my car before all the shipping trucks showed up (and drove over the series of double-speedbumps set up in the lot. So, I just got back to work and somehow made it through Thursday and came home. I was supposed to go to a meeting last night, but... no way was I going. They usually go to 11pm or later and I wasn't putting up with that. I'd rather go home and sleep.
Only I had to pick up the kids and take care of them until they fell asleep. My daughter at 9 and my son at 10:30. So, I got into the Coca Cola to keep me awake until the kids were asleep.
Only that kept me up 'til about 1am.... From 9am Tuesday to 1am Friday: 90 minutes' sleep. At least my wife's home all day today to take care of the kids.
Except she forgot to write down she's working again today. At least that means I'm only taking care of my son until 2pm when we got to pick my daughter from school.
Except she's sick today. And my son's screaming for his Mommy. (I feel so loved).
So, hopefully my son goes for a nap this afternoon. Then maybe I can get to work on eBay stuff downstairs. and check my email.
Except suddenly my gmail account was in Russian, so I reset the language and now I can't login anymore.
And my son is still screaming 45 minutes later. And I barely had any sleep because of the screaming.
And I can't get help from Google for my f-cking gmail account because I used my old work email address as a secondary address (shit!).
AND I can't do any eBay stuff today because I'm using our upstairs ancient computer (a Celeron 300) which seems to be more vegetative on a daily basis. My typing may be horrendous in this message simply becuase the keys are getting tight on the keyboard.
AND it won't recognize the optical mouse so I have an old mouse attached which literally bounces aroundthe screen when you move it.
AND I need to get in touch with my parents as we need a co-signor for a home-equity loan in order to survive the next 12 months.
AND I really, really need this kid to stop screaming!
And, Dreama, what is it that everyone on the planet is doing at the same time? The optimists (you saw the messages) say 'breathing.'
I say dying.
Monday, September 12, 2005
Hello Time Bomb
Had another long bout with the kids today/tonight. It's coming on 10:30 and I'm finally getting away from them.
Phew!
I'm also drinking. Have I mentioned the drinking? Not only back on coffee, but tonight's mug also has a bit of Kahlua and Bailey's mixed in for good (goooood) measure.
I feel warm.
The bottle of Kahlua (to give you an idea how often I drink it) is the leftovers from my 27th birthday (good thing I'm only 29, dammit!). It was an office cake. Yep, with Kahlua. There were only 5 of us in the department that summer. There had been 30+, but most people had been laid off in the springtime and somehow we'd survived. Most of us were on temporary contracts and they couldn't be bothered buying us out. So, we screwed around instead. I think 1 person from that party still works at the university. My friend Bean was one of the ones laid off, but she had enough seniority to stick around until last week. Anyway, the guy who does all the bad news stuff (there's always one and I can pick 'em out faster than I can with my oddly built in gaydar) decided to drop by the office that day tos ee how we were coping. I'm sure the bottlew of Kahlua at the reception desk was pretty much a dead giveaway.
And, yes, he's the one I had my meeting with back in October...
I'm really digressing right now, you have no idea.
Anyway, to sum up: Drinking.
Don't know if you've had a chance to play Sims 2, but I noticed something the other day on my "mental break" from my projects. I haven't played in quite some time, but it's the type of game where I can sit down and play for just a few minutes and then move on. Even though I'm going through a majorly complicated plot with all my characters --one guy's impregnating the entire female population.
Hehe.
Anyway, one of the women who is really showing right now was dealing with her other 3 kids and was looking pretty weak and tired. As I was playing, I thought something had happened with my speakers as there was a weird noise continually humming along. Within moments, I noticed that the woman had just laid down on the floor like Sims do when they're so exhausted and can no longer hike to their beds (the timing's off in sims games and if your house is too big, it could literally take all morning for your Sim to wake up, shower, and cook breakfast --the walk to the kitchen being in excess of 1 hour).
And then Death walked into the house and claimed her soul.
Aside from the one really bad housefire, it was my first experience with Sim-death. I'm not sure if the noise was part of it or not, but it definitely added a level of spookiness to it.
Even worse, as I tried desperately last night to get some sleep, I found myself both awake --and hearing a similar noise.
Finally fell asleep just before 5 this morning. And then up and helping take care of my little terrorist by 8:30.
Yes, my son's definitely a terrorist. Screw this "terrible two's" B.S. Nope, it's the "terrorist two's." Think of it this way: "Terrible" means 'bad.' Therefore, to be "terrible" means to be bad, or misbehave. Name a 2-year old who merely misbehaves.
Now, can you think of a 2-year old who creates havoc wherever he goes, lays down senseless and utter destruction anywhere at anytime and AND has no regard for his own life or anyone else's?
I can. He's in his crib sleeping peacefully right now. He's kind of a cute terrorist too.
Phew!
I'm also drinking. Have I mentioned the drinking? Not only back on coffee, but tonight's mug also has a bit of Kahlua and Bailey's mixed in for good (goooood) measure.
I feel warm.
The bottle of Kahlua (to give you an idea how often I drink it) is the leftovers from my 27th birthday (good thing I'm only 29, dammit!). It was an office cake. Yep, with Kahlua. There were only 5 of us in the department that summer. There had been 30+, but most people had been laid off in the springtime and somehow we'd survived. Most of us were on temporary contracts and they couldn't be bothered buying us out. So, we screwed around instead. I think 1 person from that party still works at the university. My friend Bean was one of the ones laid off, but she had enough seniority to stick around until last week. Anyway, the guy who does all the bad news stuff (there's always one and I can pick 'em out faster than I can with my oddly built in gaydar) decided to drop by the office that day tos ee how we were coping. I'm sure the bottlew of Kahlua at the reception desk was pretty much a dead giveaway.
And, yes, he's the one I had my meeting with back in October...
I'm really digressing right now, you have no idea.
Anyway, to sum up: Drinking.
Don't know if you've had a chance to play Sims 2, but I noticed something the other day on my "mental break" from my projects. I haven't played in quite some time, but it's the type of game where I can sit down and play for just a few minutes and then move on. Even though I'm going through a majorly complicated plot with all my characters --one guy's impregnating the entire female population.
Hehe.
Anyway, one of the women who is really showing right now was dealing with her other 3 kids and was looking pretty weak and tired. As I was playing, I thought something had happened with my speakers as there was a weird noise continually humming along. Within moments, I noticed that the woman had just laid down on the floor like Sims do when they're so exhausted and can no longer hike to their beds (the timing's off in sims games and if your house is too big, it could literally take all morning for your Sim to wake up, shower, and cook breakfast --the walk to the kitchen being in excess of 1 hour).
And then Death walked into the house and claimed her soul.
Aside from the one really bad housefire, it was my first experience with Sim-death. I'm not sure if the noise was part of it or not, but it definitely added a level of spookiness to it.
Even worse, as I tried desperately last night to get some sleep, I found myself both awake --and hearing a similar noise.
Finally fell asleep just before 5 this morning. And then up and helping take care of my little terrorist by 8:30.
Yes, my son's definitely a terrorist. Screw this "terrible two's" B.S. Nope, it's the "terrorist two's." Think of it this way: "Terrible" means 'bad.' Therefore, to be "terrible" means to be bad, or misbehave. Name a 2-year old who merely misbehaves.
Now, can you think of a 2-year old who creates havoc wherever he goes, lays down senseless and utter destruction anywhere at anytime and AND has no regard for his own life or anyone else's?
I can. He's in his crib sleeping peacefully right now. He's kind of a cute terrorist too.
Saturday, September 10, 2005
College Town
Tuesday was the first day of school for the 2005-06 academic year.
It's also coming up on the 1-year anniversary since I left my job. And I don't think I ever made it official in these posts that I worked at a university. There, now I have. And, yes, I've gone from full-time university employee to full-time student in the past year.
Not really sure if I have a point to this post, just reflecting on the thought that Tuesday was the first "first day of school" I've missed at the university since 1990.
And that feels pretty damn strange right now. I was in high school in 1990.
I have time to reflect because I'm taking care of the kids right now. My wife's at work and while I'd like to be downstairs hard at work on my final projects (my semester ends September 15th), I'm taking care of the children. So, they're fully distracted by toys & cartoons (God bless Saturday mornings), and I have time to surf the 'Net a bit more than I should be able to right now.
So, to the "fans" I know are reading this:
Mad, I get the feeling your blog has become an intimate part of your life. You're sharing, venting, and healing all at once. I think I've learned more about you in the past month or so of posts than I have through your lists of 100 things...
Jules, good to hear from you again. Miss your blog, but it's somewhat totally understandable why you stopped.
Dreama, congrats on the job! Don't know if you've posted it yet on your own blog, but I saw your IM byline. And, no, I wasn't still up at 5am when you sent that note. I had long since gone to sleep (around 3:30...)
Oh, and one more thing. The coffee embargo stopped today. 36 days without a drop. I've been up since 8:30 and I'm on my 3rd cup and getting up now for my 4th.
And now I'm onto #4.
On September 22nd I have a lunch date with Bean, one of my first friends from working at the university. She & I worked together from August 1997 - June 2002. I had a couple of stops along the way, but somehow continued to work in the same department with her at the same time. She's moving north in October and I have to admit I'm still shocked to see her go. I thought she'd be there 'til the day she died (and knowing that place, it could be soon). Actually, she'd acknowledge that too and that's probably one of the reasons she's going. She was smart enough to request a 1-year leave of absence, "just in case," but most people don't come back after that year. I know one person who did and she lasted 6 weeks before she told everyone in her department to burn in Hell. And she was the director!
Bean was the one who owned a horse who shared my name. She's also the one who started the whole womanizer title for me. She'd talk about having sore thighs from "riding [the horse] all night" and a few people never clued in she wasn't referring to me. She stopped even trying to explain that it was actually a horse because people assumed she referred to me as the horse.
My horse noises in the hallways weren't helping with that either.
Ah, the good memories. Thet seem few and far between with the bad ones, but I'm starting to block those out on purpose. I might explain in a later post just where each co-worker (from Hell and not from Hell) fit in to my old university life.
Just not quite yet.
It's also coming up on the 1-year anniversary since I left my job. And I don't think I ever made it official in these posts that I worked at a university. There, now I have. And, yes, I've gone from full-time university employee to full-time student in the past year.
Not really sure if I have a point to this post, just reflecting on the thought that Tuesday was the first "first day of school" I've missed at the university since 1990.
And that feels pretty damn strange right now. I was in high school in 1990.
I have time to reflect because I'm taking care of the kids right now. My wife's at work and while I'd like to be downstairs hard at work on my final projects (my semester ends September 15th), I'm taking care of the children. So, they're fully distracted by toys & cartoons (God bless Saturday mornings), and I have time to surf the 'Net a bit more than I should be able to right now.
So, to the "fans" I know are reading this:
Mad, I get the feeling your blog has become an intimate part of your life. You're sharing, venting, and healing all at once. I think I've learned more about you in the past month or so of posts than I have through your lists of 100 things...
Jules, good to hear from you again. Miss your blog, but it's somewhat totally understandable why you stopped.
Dreama, congrats on the job! Don't know if you've posted it yet on your own blog, but I saw your IM byline. And, no, I wasn't still up at 5am when you sent that note. I had long since gone to sleep (around 3:30...)
Oh, and one more thing. The coffee embargo stopped today. 36 days without a drop. I've been up since 8:30 and I'm on my 3rd cup and getting up now for my 4th.
And now I'm onto #4.
On September 22nd I have a lunch date with Bean, one of my first friends from working at the university. She & I worked together from August 1997 - June 2002. I had a couple of stops along the way, but somehow continued to work in the same department with her at the same time. She's moving north in October and I have to admit I'm still shocked to see her go. I thought she'd be there 'til the day she died (and knowing that place, it could be soon). Actually, she'd acknowledge that too and that's probably one of the reasons she's going. She was smart enough to request a 1-year leave of absence, "just in case," but most people don't come back after that year. I know one person who did and she lasted 6 weeks before she told everyone in her department to burn in Hell. And she was the director!
Bean was the one who owned a horse who shared my name. She's also the one who started the whole womanizer title for me. She'd talk about having sore thighs from "riding [the horse] all night" and a few people never clued in she wasn't referring to me. She stopped even trying to explain that it was actually a horse because people assumed she referred to me as the horse.
My horse noises in the hallways weren't helping with that either.
Ah, the good memories. Thet seem few and far between with the bad ones, but I'm starting to block those out on purpose. I might explain in a later post just where each co-worker (from Hell and not from Hell) fit in to my old university life.
Just not quite yet.
Friday, September 02, 2005
All Kinds of Time
Oh-kay, it's 11:31pm and I've finally *finally* had 30 minutes to myself.
It's coming up on deadline time --scratch that, it is deadline time right now. I have one project due on Tuesday and 3 more within a week.
The first assignment is to be between 10 and 25 pages of storyboard art. Right now, I'm sitting at 8 pages, but may end up redoing the entire thing.
Well, CLOSE to the entire thing. It's a Sesame Street piece based on the letter 'S' and I've been doing a beach scene (sailboat, surfer, shark, shells, sand castle, sunset, starfish... Snuffalufagus).
Y'know... even a Google search doesn't really tell you how it's spelled. Hmm.
Anyway, my other assignments include a dozen Photoshop manipulation images (could actually be difficult to finish --I've only done one so far); a entire video game concept right down to the product box itself; and a character design from geometric construction to product presentation (public speaking, yay!).
Naturally, since this is my busiest time of the semester, you know what happens in the home...
Yep, my wife's schedule changed so drastically that now she only has 4 days off in September.
What happened? Faith is a fickle thing....
Anyway, I'm Captain Childcare on my "days off" which basically means over the next 2 weeks I'm taking care of kids, eating, stressing, and doing my schoolwork when the kids are sleeping...
Notice I didn't mention sleeping. I've invested in energy drinks to get me throught the next few weeks.
All kinds of time...
It's coming up on deadline time --scratch that, it is deadline time right now. I have one project due on Tuesday and 3 more within a week.
The first assignment is to be between 10 and 25 pages of storyboard art. Right now, I'm sitting at 8 pages, but may end up redoing the entire thing.
Well, CLOSE to the entire thing. It's a Sesame Street piece based on the letter 'S' and I've been doing a beach scene (sailboat, surfer, shark, shells, sand castle, sunset, starfish... Snuffalufagus).
Y'know... even a Google search doesn't really tell you how it's spelled. Hmm.
Anyway, my other assignments include a dozen Photoshop manipulation images (could actually be difficult to finish --I've only done one so far); a entire video game concept right down to the product box itself; and a character design from geometric construction to product presentation (public speaking, yay!).
Naturally, since this is my busiest time of the semester, you know what happens in the home...
Yep, my wife's schedule changed so drastically that now she only has 4 days off in September.
What happened? Faith is a fickle thing....
Anyway, I'm Captain Childcare on my "days off" which basically means over the next 2 weeks I'm taking care of kids, eating, stressing, and doing my schoolwork when the kids are sleeping...
Notice I didn't mention sleeping. I've invested in energy drinks to get me throught the next few weeks.
All kinds of time...
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Just Stop
By far, this morning’s class is the most annoying I’ve taken in 14+ years of my post-secondary career. It’s a computer lab for PhotoShop and there’s about a half-dozen people that would rather play a LAN-based war game.
Loudly.
I’ve gotten a major headache in each class for about a month now and it’s getting friggin’ annoying having to be in this room.
I usually leave for about an hour or so every week because of the noise.
Including today, 3 weeks to go… just please stop the noise already!!
Monday, August 22, 2005
Worry
Today was an official 'worry day' for me. To start, my daughter was going to a party at a local lake this afternoon.
Yeah, I know. I could worry a little bit about my daughter goofing around by the lakeside, but she's 5 years old and hasn't learned how to swim yet.
So I worried.
My wife, working today, also called home to let me know her shifts were cut drastically for September. She has 4 shifts for the entire month. She's been working a minimum of 2 shifts a week for about 4 months now, so this comes as a bit of a surprise.
I mentioned briefly in a previous post that my wife is in line for one of my old jobs. She still is, but now I worry that "higher ups" have talked and have decided to ostracize her because of how they feel (felt?) about me. Her other semi-regular on-call work hasn't materialized yet either and she usually knows about it by mid-August.
So I worry.
Tomorrow marks my final payment from the government since I left work. I thought it was being paid until October, but it turns out my eligibility runs out in October --the money goes bye-bye tomorrow.
And I worry.
We had a meeting at the bank over a week ago. We were looking for a student line of credit or something along those lines as we head into very lean months ahead. I was hoping for a home equity loan, but so far everything's fallen through because of our lack of income.
So I'm worried.
What I need to do now is find that level of faith I had back in November. I need to remember that everything's going to turn out fine as long as I continue to believe.
Can I be faithful and worry too?
Yeah, I know. I could worry a little bit about my daughter goofing around by the lakeside, but she's 5 years old and hasn't learned how to swim yet.
So I worried.
My wife, working today, also called home to let me know her shifts were cut drastically for September. She has 4 shifts for the entire month. She's been working a minimum of 2 shifts a week for about 4 months now, so this comes as a bit of a surprise.
I mentioned briefly in a previous post that my wife is in line for one of my old jobs. She still is, but now I worry that "higher ups" have talked and have decided to ostracize her because of how they feel (felt?) about me. Her other semi-regular on-call work hasn't materialized yet either and she usually knows about it by mid-August.
So I worry.
Tomorrow marks my final payment from the government since I left work. I thought it was being paid until October, but it turns out my eligibility runs out in October --the money goes bye-bye tomorrow.
And I worry.
We had a meeting at the bank over a week ago. We were looking for a student line of credit or something along those lines as we head into very lean months ahead. I was hoping for a home equity loan, but so far everything's fallen through because of our lack of income.
So I'm worried.
What I need to do now is find that level of faith I had back in November. I need to remember that everything's going to turn out fine as long as I continue to believe.
Can I be faithful and worry too?
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Size Matters
Thursday afternoon erupted into another geek-fest.
The debate this time? Which is the best joystick ever made for game consoles.
Some debated that the latest "dual-shox" pad with rotator ball, mini-wheel, 12-button capabilities is THE best (which is it's THE latest), I argued that it's been a downhill snowball for years.
The Atari 2600 joystick was the best, bar none. You could jumpy out of a plane, drive a car, grab a gun and shoot a Nazi with it all by doing one thing:
Push a button.
As the debate raged, we then discussed one classmates latest "joystick acquisition" and how big and manly it is. The one woman in class, all alone against the tyranny of 17 guys, quickly responded:
"It's not that big."
Quote of the year, that.
The debate this time? Which is the best joystick ever made for game consoles.
Some debated that the latest "dual-shox" pad with rotator ball, mini-wheel, 12-button capabilities is THE best (which is it's THE latest), I argued that it's been a downhill snowball for years.
The Atari 2600 joystick was the best, bar none. You could jumpy out of a plane, drive a car, grab a gun and shoot a Nazi with it all by doing one thing:
Push a button.
As the debate raged, we then discussed one classmates latest "joystick acquisition" and how big and manly it is. The one woman in class, all alone against the tyranny of 17 guys, quickly responded:
"It's not that big."
Quote of the year, that.
Monday, August 15, 2005
Heart Attack Man
So I got a bill form school today: $4,236.00.
After I picked myself off the floor I was in contact immediately to figure out how I could possibly owe this much by September 1st when my student loan covers all my tuition.
It took a little while, but I finally got an answer back.
It's for NEXT semester. They just want the tuition paid a month before the semester begins...
I knew there was an October due date for tuition, but hadn't heard anything about a September date. Maybe they should let people know about that so they're a bit more on the ball with getting their loan applications submitted on time.
I have mine in, but good God, it would've been nice to know about this due date ahead of time!!!
And this, right after I had a visit with the doctor --annual check-up, nothing to worry about (yet).
After I picked myself off the floor I was in contact immediately to figure out how I could possibly owe this much by September 1st when my student loan covers all my tuition.
It took a little while, but I finally got an answer back.
It's for NEXT semester. They just want the tuition paid a month before the semester begins...
I knew there was an October due date for tuition, but hadn't heard anything about a September date. Maybe they should let people know about that so they're a bit more on the ball with getting their loan applications submitted on time.
I have mine in, but good God, it would've been nice to know about this due date ahead of time!!!
And this, right after I had a visit with the doctor --annual check-up, nothing to worry about (yet).
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Cry Me A River
Here's post #3...
I may have mentioned this before, but I tend to get emotional when I'm ill.
I'm sick right now, but it's not like I'm throwing up. It's like the illness I had at the beginning of July. I'm wiped out, sweaty (bad, bad sweaty) and dehydrated.
Whatever the reason, I cry at the easiest things when I feel like this. So, tonight I refused to watch Cold Case (I knew that would do it), but my wife put on Extreme Makeover Home Edition instead. Yup, I was a goner.
Even worse, I just finished watching all I could stand of 'Deep Impact.' I've felt like blubbering about half a dozen times already.
So sad...
I may have mentioned this before, but I tend to get emotional when I'm ill.
I'm sick right now, but it's not like I'm throwing up. It's like the illness I had at the beginning of July. I'm wiped out, sweaty (bad, bad sweaty) and dehydrated.
Whatever the reason, I cry at the easiest things when I feel like this. So, tonight I refused to watch Cold Case (I knew that would do it), but my wife put on Extreme Makeover Home Edition instead. Yup, I was a goner.
Even worse, I just finished watching all I could stand of 'Deep Impact.' I've felt like blubbering about half a dozen times already.
So sad...
Where Have You Gone
Crap. That was my first post for August.
What happened?
Well, busy with school and busy with other distractions, the blog has ended up in a low-priority state for the past few months.
Hopefully inspiration strikes soon.
But today you get 3 posts....
What happened?
Well, busy with school and busy with other distractions, the blog has ended up in a low-priority state for the past few months.
Hopefully inspiration strikes soon.
But today you get 3 posts....
Doctor Doctor
Report on the news last night... my old doctor is now officially a fugitive: wanted by the police in regard to the death of one his patients. It's believed he's in Scotland and still practising medicine.
He hasn't been my doctor since 1990. I was sick and tired of his "diagnosis" of my mystery illness and convinced a urologist I had Lupus.
I was severely dehydrated.
Throw up for 2-3 days and then not drink or eat anything for a week and see how you do.
Lupus.
Y'know, when a 17 year-old male wants to switch doctors there's a sign as to how bad the doctor is.
I like it when I'm right. Even if it took 15 years.
He hasn't been my doctor since 1990. I was sick and tired of his "diagnosis" of my mystery illness and convinced a urologist I had Lupus.
I was severely dehydrated.
Throw up for 2-3 days and then not drink or eat anything for a week and see how you do.
Lupus.
Y'know, when a 17 year-old male wants to switch doctors there's a sign as to how bad the doctor is.
I like it when I'm right. Even if it took 15 years.
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Way Out West
Although it's a civic holiday across Canada today, in BC we refer to it as "BC Day." British Columbians, even in Canada, are a unique breed. Some might see as "more American" --especially West Coast Americans, but I believe we've taken it even further --we're a special bunch, indeed!
With that in mind, I've 'borrowed' the following from the Vancouver Province...
You're Not a Real B.C.er unless...
You're not a real B.C.er unless you picked Terry Fox as the Greatest Canadian... but secretly, you wished it was Pamela Anderson... and you realize you don't know a single thing about David Suzuki.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've gone up the Grouse Grind and... come down with the help of North Shore Search and Rescue.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've been to the PNE and... eaten those little doughnuts and... returned them in an unorthodox manner from the top of the Coaster.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've been to White Spot and... you've lied about your age to remain eligible for a Pirate Pak.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've chanted "Leafs suck!"... alone in front of your TV.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've spent 10 minute battling a dogfish you thought was a Coho... and cut yourself trying to release it.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've switched allegiances from the Grizzlies to the Mavericks to the Suns.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've slammed the Vancouver Olympics organizers for picking the inukshuk as their logo and... don't have a clue what an inukshuk is.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you love going to the Vancouver Aquarium but... wonder about the plight of animals in captivity... and wish Vancouver had a world-class zoo.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've scoffed down a Sunshine Breakfast on the Queen of Esquimalt and... can only stomach it because you haven't eaten for 12 hours... because you failed to realize there'd be a four-sailing wait.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've been to B.C. Place stadium and bitched about the Lions playing indoors on a hot summer night... but wouldn't be caught dead going to an outdoor stadium in the rain.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've visited the Okanagan and taken a wine tour... but still think that Kokanee is for the sophisticated palate.
You're not a real B.C.er unless if you know how to spell Tsawassen (or is it Tsawwasen? Oh never mind). (for the record, it's Tsawwassen.)
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've gone to the Merritt Mountain Music Festival... and not actually seen one single musical act... and returned home with a cowboy hat and a concert t-shirt... but not a single pair of pants you took with you.
You're not a real B.C.er unless if you haven't been to a Vancouver Canucks game... and cursed the day the Clapper was born.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've visited Point Roberts, enjoyed a pint at The Breakers, filled up on cheap gas... and been strip-searched at Customs for bringing in too much cheap American cheese.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've laughed at people who believe in Ogopogo... but are too scared to swim in Lake Okanagan.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you are spending 90 per cent of your wages to live in a nice neighbourhood... and had your nice neighbour on one side busted for a grow op... and the cool neighbour on the other side busted for a meth lab.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've passed Ben Affleck on Robson Street... and thought it cool that he's making yet another movie here... and realized you can't remember one single thing he's done.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you have ordered a large pizza at 2 a.m. on a Saturday morning and... it does not contain at least two of the following toppings: barbecued chicken, pine nuts, shallots, duck l'orange or tofu.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've been to Nat Bailey Stadium on a warm summer evening... got into your car and realized you have no idea whether the C's just won or lost... can't recall the opponent and don't really care.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you have had a movie or TV show shoot in your neighbourhood... and you haven't cursed under your breath at the latte-holding wannabes standing on the street looking important and waving you away from your regular parking spot.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've been to a Chinatown night market and bought a Gucci purse for $5... and wondered, afterward, if Gucci is supposed to be spelled with four c's.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you realize what an institution Tony Parsons is.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you really are sick of the rain... but still won't let that whole David Duchovny thing go.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've waved a white towel and... actually understood why you did.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you're curious how much those AirCare guys make.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you can drink a venti strong blend on you mountain bike, crossing a bridge during morning ruch hour while also eating an organic millet muffin and checking your e-mail on your Blackberry.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've innocently asked your dad, "Why is everyone booing the goalie?"
With that in mind, I've 'borrowed' the following from the Vancouver Province...
You're Not a Real B.C.er unless...
You're not a real B.C.er unless you picked Terry Fox as the Greatest Canadian... but secretly, you wished it was Pamela Anderson... and you realize you don't know a single thing about David Suzuki.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've gone up the Grouse Grind and... come down with the help of North Shore Search and Rescue.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've been to the PNE and... eaten those little doughnuts and... returned them in an unorthodox manner from the top of the Coaster.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've been to White Spot and... you've lied about your age to remain eligible for a Pirate Pak.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've chanted "Leafs suck!"... alone in front of your TV.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've spent 10 minute battling a dogfish you thought was a Coho... and cut yourself trying to release it.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've switched allegiances from the Grizzlies to the Mavericks to the Suns.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've slammed the Vancouver Olympics organizers for picking the inukshuk as their logo and... don't have a clue what an inukshuk is.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you love going to the Vancouver Aquarium but... wonder about the plight of animals in captivity... and wish Vancouver had a world-class zoo.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've scoffed down a Sunshine Breakfast on the Queen of Esquimalt and... can only stomach it because you haven't eaten for 12 hours... because you failed to realize there'd be a four-sailing wait.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've been to B.C. Place stadium and bitched about the Lions playing indoors on a hot summer night... but wouldn't be caught dead going to an outdoor stadium in the rain.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've visited the Okanagan and taken a wine tour... but still think that Kokanee is for the sophisticated palate.
You're not a real B.C.er unless if you know how to spell Tsawassen (or is it Tsawwasen? Oh never mind). (for the record, it's Tsawwassen.)
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've gone to the Merritt Mountain Music Festival... and not actually seen one single musical act... and returned home with a cowboy hat and a concert t-shirt... but not a single pair of pants you took with you.
You're not a real B.C.er unless if you haven't been to a Vancouver Canucks game... and cursed the day the Clapper was born.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've visited Point Roberts, enjoyed a pint at The Breakers, filled up on cheap gas... and been strip-searched at Customs for bringing in too much cheap American cheese.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've laughed at people who believe in Ogopogo... but are too scared to swim in Lake Okanagan.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you are spending 90 per cent of your wages to live in a nice neighbourhood... and had your nice neighbour on one side busted for a grow op... and the cool neighbour on the other side busted for a meth lab.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've passed Ben Affleck on Robson Street... and thought it cool that he's making yet another movie here... and realized you can't remember one single thing he's done.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you have ordered a large pizza at 2 a.m. on a Saturday morning and... it does not contain at least two of the following toppings: barbecued chicken, pine nuts, shallots, duck l'orange or tofu.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've been to Nat Bailey Stadium on a warm summer evening... got into your car and realized you have no idea whether the C's just won or lost... can't recall the opponent and don't really care.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you have had a movie or TV show shoot in your neighbourhood... and you haven't cursed under your breath at the latte-holding wannabes standing on the street looking important and waving you away from your regular parking spot.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've been to a Chinatown night market and bought a Gucci purse for $5... and wondered, afterward, if Gucci is supposed to be spelled with four c's.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you realize what an institution Tony Parsons is.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you really are sick of the rain... but still won't let that whole David Duchovny thing go.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've waved a white towel and... actually understood why you did.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you're curious how much those AirCare guys make.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you can drink a venti strong blend on you mountain bike, crossing a bridge during morning ruch hour while also eating an organic millet muffin and checking your e-mail on your Blackberry.
You're not a real B.C.er unless you've innocently asked your dad, "Why is everyone booing the goalie?"
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Birthday Boy
This is the 4th year in a row I've turned 29... That means I can officially add 'dammit' to the end of "I'm 29."
I'm 29, dammit.
See?
It works.
I realize some of you are now doing the math and thinking "33?" Nope. I turned 29. Then I turned 29 again, then again, and then one more time (at least) just to make sure I have the right age.
29.
Dammit.
My birthday started out with the usual traffic reporter on the radio giving the "all clear on all routes" announcement, which somehow automatically adds 25-30 minutes to the commute.
Sure enough, I didn't get another 10 blocks before coming across a 20-minute wait as a motorhome had managed to block 2 lanes of commuter traffic at 7am. NOT the best way for tourists to be introduced to the city, eh?
Today was life drawing in the morning and is it too much to ask for a female model on my birthday?
Yes. It was the same guy we had a few weeks ago, but before I had a chance to blurt out "Seen it!", one classmate waited until the model had stripped down to the bare essentials to announce it was my birthday and everyone should sing for me.
Why the naked guy in the middle of the room felt compelled to sing-a-long, I have no idea. He must be really comfortable around us....
I've ranted before about people asking me for gift ideas and when I give them an idea in their price range and everything, they go out and get me something either:
a - crappy
or
b - useless
Sure, it's the thought that counts. But when they give it to me and say "You're hard to buy for!", then I get annoyed because I know they were in the store and thought "Screw it. He'll like these pot holders!"
I remember when I was a pre-teen, people would usually buy me clothes because they couldn't think of a good toy (what!?!) for me, or --once they heard I was interested in comics, they'd got ot the store and buy a copy of A-Team #3 or Prince Namor #4 and give those to me.
"You're hard to buy for!"
Years ago, I told my wife that a really cool Christmas present would be the Beatles Anthology. It was (at the time) in our price range for gifts, so I thought I'd take the chance. I guess she got confused (that lower IQ score on the test...) and instead of music by John Lennon, I got music by:
1. John Madgett
2. John McDermott.
I have no idea what John Madgett plays --his is still in the original plastic. McDermott plays Celtic music and his version of 'Danny Boy' can make you weepy.
But then, so can John Madgett's entire CD when you're expecting the Beatles....
My in-laws are famous for buying me strange things. An axe (they wrapped it). A Canadian Tire semi-truck model. A $25 gift card to Linens 'n Things... don't ask.
My wife's brother and his wife aren't much better. One year they asked me what my favorite movies were out of a list and they checked off all my favorites and left 'Planet of the Apes' blank. So, they sent me Planet of the Apes and Fellowship of the Ring (which I'd just told them we'd purchased the big-box collector's set...). The next year, when I said "send me a gift certificate!", they instead sent me a Scooby Doo t-shirt.
Size small.
So, this year, I'm looking through a flyer and see a store has the Simpson's season 1 DVD set on sale for (get this!) $17!! "Ooh!" I exclaim, "What a great price! I'd love to have that!" My wife looks at me and asks, "Is that a good birthday present for you?" It's a great present, I tell her, but I also scoff and let her know I won't hold my breath --still waiting for that Beatles Anthology from, what? Ten years ago, now?
More on that in sec.
My mother, bless her heart, learned many years ago (when I was 19, dammit) that the ideal gift for me is some cash and an opportunity to spend it. How did she learn this lesson?
Oh yes! Go-go-go Joseph! 3rd row, baby. Ninety-seven bucks to sit and watch Donny Osmond with his sweet mullet dance for a "salivating" crowd.
Donny? Ever wonder who the guy was with major scowl on his face from curtain rise to the second encore when he finally just gave you the finger and stormed out?
Yep, that was me.
So, Mom's learned. This year, initially, it was going to be a copy of "Grand Theft Auto - San Andreas," but the game was pulled from shelves before I --or she-- picked it up. I did get a copy eventually, but I still had $100 to spend on my own.
So, what to get the guy who's so difficult to shop for? With $100 from Mom:
1. Ice Age DVD --great for me and the kids. They can watch it and not scream at each other for 90 minutes (greatest gift ever!). I can also use it for school purposes by studying the animation techniques and storyboards.
2. A $5 computer game to distract the kids.
3. A box of cookies. Happy kids = happy Daddy.
4. Lunch for my wife & I.
5. A used copy (they do exist!) of Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code.
6. A haircut.
7. A new set of pencils for school.
So, too difficult to buy for... Imagine my shock as I open my first gift from my wife. Feels like a book. Weighs more like a book than a DVD... but maybe a DVD box set?
I tear off a strip of wrapping paper.
Matt Groening characters strike out from the gift inside!
Excitedly, I can't wait!
I tear off the wrapping paper with so much anticipation!
she did it!
She did it!!
She...
DAMMIT!!!
One of these years.... one of these years, she'll finally get it! She'll finally understand my frustration!
ONE!
OF!
THESE!
YEARS!!!!!
Maybe when I'm 29.
Dammit.
I'm 29, dammit.
See?
It works.
I realize some of you are now doing the math and thinking "33?" Nope. I turned 29. Then I turned 29 again, then again, and then one more time (at least) just to make sure I have the right age.
29.
Dammit.
My birthday started out with the usual traffic reporter on the radio giving the "all clear on all routes" announcement, which somehow automatically adds 25-30 minutes to the commute.
Sure enough, I didn't get another 10 blocks before coming across a 20-minute wait as a motorhome had managed to block 2 lanes of commuter traffic at 7am. NOT the best way for tourists to be introduced to the city, eh?
Today was life drawing in the morning and is it too much to ask for a female model on my birthday?
Yes. It was the same guy we had a few weeks ago, but before I had a chance to blurt out "Seen it!", one classmate waited until the model had stripped down to the bare essentials to announce it was my birthday and everyone should sing for me.
Why the naked guy in the middle of the room felt compelled to sing-a-long, I have no idea. He must be really comfortable around us....
I've ranted before about people asking me for gift ideas and when I give them an idea in their price range and everything, they go out and get me something either:
a - crappy
or
b - useless
Sure, it's the thought that counts. But when they give it to me and say "You're hard to buy for!", then I get annoyed because I know they were in the store and thought "Screw it. He'll like these pot holders!"
I remember when I was a pre-teen, people would usually buy me clothes because they couldn't think of a good toy (what!?!) for me, or --once they heard I was interested in comics, they'd got ot the store and buy a copy of A-Team #3 or Prince Namor #4 and give those to me.
"You're hard to buy for!"
Years ago, I told my wife that a really cool Christmas present would be the Beatles Anthology. It was (at the time) in our price range for gifts, so I thought I'd take the chance. I guess she got confused (that lower IQ score on the test...) and instead of music by John Lennon, I got music by:
1. John Madgett
2. John McDermott.
I have no idea what John Madgett plays --his is still in the original plastic. McDermott plays Celtic music and his version of 'Danny Boy' can make you weepy.
But then, so can John Madgett's entire CD when you're expecting the Beatles....
My in-laws are famous for buying me strange things. An axe (they wrapped it). A Canadian Tire semi-truck model. A $25 gift card to Linens 'n Things... don't ask.
My wife's brother and his wife aren't much better. One year they asked me what my favorite movies were out of a list and they checked off all my favorites and left 'Planet of the Apes' blank. So, they sent me Planet of the Apes and Fellowship of the Ring (which I'd just told them we'd purchased the big-box collector's set...). The next year, when I said "send me a gift certificate!", they instead sent me a Scooby Doo t-shirt.
Size small.
So, this year, I'm looking through a flyer and see a store has the Simpson's season 1 DVD set on sale for (get this!) $17!! "Ooh!" I exclaim, "What a great price! I'd love to have that!" My wife looks at me and asks, "Is that a good birthday present for you?" It's a great present, I tell her, but I also scoff and let her know I won't hold my breath --still waiting for that Beatles Anthology from, what? Ten years ago, now?
More on that in sec.
My mother, bless her heart, learned many years ago (when I was 19, dammit) that the ideal gift for me is some cash and an opportunity to spend it. How did she learn this lesson?
Oh yes! Go-go-go Joseph! 3rd row, baby. Ninety-seven bucks to sit and watch Donny Osmond with his sweet mullet dance for a "salivating" crowd.
Donny? Ever wonder who the guy was with major scowl on his face from curtain rise to the second encore when he finally just gave you the finger and stormed out?
Yep, that was me.
So, Mom's learned. This year, initially, it was going to be a copy of "Grand Theft Auto - San Andreas," but the game was pulled from shelves before I --or she-- picked it up. I did get a copy eventually, but I still had $100 to spend on my own.
So, what to get the guy who's so difficult to shop for? With $100 from Mom:
1. Ice Age DVD --great for me and the kids. They can watch it and not scream at each other for 90 minutes (greatest gift ever!). I can also use it for school purposes by studying the animation techniques and storyboards.
2. A $5 computer game to distract the kids.
3. A box of cookies. Happy kids = happy Daddy.
4. Lunch for my wife & I.
5. A used copy (they do exist!) of Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code.
6. A haircut.
7. A new set of pencils for school.
So, too difficult to buy for... Imagine my shock as I open my first gift from my wife. Feels like a book. Weighs more like a book than a DVD... but maybe a DVD box set?
I tear off a strip of wrapping paper.
Matt Groening characters strike out from the gift inside!
Excitedly, I can't wait!
I tear off the wrapping paper with so much anticipation!
she did it!
She did it!!
She...
DAMMIT!!!
One of these years.... one of these years, she'll finally get it! She'll finally understand my frustration!
ONE!
OF!
THESE!
YEARS!!!!!
Maybe when I'm 29.
Dammit.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Things That Make You Go Hmmm
Just a quick Top 10:
Things that hopefully over the weekend I can extrapolate for my loyal readers (all 2 of you!):
1. Still addicted to the one game, but also managed to grab a copy of Grand Theft Auto - San Andreas and have a few comments to make about it.
2. Slightly over 2 days to go to my birthday --and with it comes the traditional rant about gift-giving on birthdays (and any gift-giving time of year).
3. My mother gave me my birthday present early. $100 cash. I'll explain during my rant how this is the best gift ever!
4. Every job position I held at my old office has become vacant in the last 2 months. I'm still pondering what that means...
5. Also, my wife is a favorite as a replacement in one of those jobs. Weird, eh?
6. My wife's a little annoyed with me right now because she took an IQ test that I'd scored 153 on a few years back. She scored 129. Hehe.
7. The woman who replaced me (and now might be replaced by my wife) scored 91.
8. I actually had someone refer to me as a 'genius' the other day.
9. The local library had a copy of Da Vinci Code available. It's got pictures.
10. The mental debate rages regarding same sex marriages and what it means to me. Debating whether or not to share my opinion...
Things that hopefully over the weekend I can extrapolate for my loyal readers (all 2 of you!):
1. Still addicted to the one game, but also managed to grab a copy of Grand Theft Auto - San Andreas and have a few comments to make about it.
2. Slightly over 2 days to go to my birthday --and with it comes the traditional rant about gift-giving on birthdays (and any gift-giving time of year).
3. My mother gave me my birthday present early. $100 cash. I'll explain during my rant how this is the best gift ever!
4. Every job position I held at my old office has become vacant in the last 2 months. I'm still pondering what that means...
5. Also, my wife is a favorite as a replacement in one of those jobs. Weird, eh?
6. My wife's a little annoyed with me right now because she took an IQ test that I'd scored 153 on a few years back. She scored 129. Hehe.
7. The woman who replaced me (and now might be replaced by my wife) scored 91.
8. I actually had someone refer to me as a 'genius' the other day.
9. The local library had a copy of Da Vinci Code available. It's got pictures.
10. The mental debate rages regarding same sex marriages and what it means to me. Debating whether or not to share my opinion...
Friday, July 22, 2005
Me Like Hockey
We're maybe 16 minutes away from the NHL 2005 entry draft and highly-touted pick Sidney Crosby is up for the taking.
Technically, any team could land him in the lottery (that's what happens instead of a normal draft order when there's no hockey for an entire year). He's expected to eventually beat Gretzky's records. All of them? Hard to say, but some of them is enough promise for some hapless teams...
I'm watching the sports news right now and chuckling at the text messages coming in from all over Canada. These people, save one from what I saw, have no clue. They're al hoping Crosby goes to their team. It's not going to happen.
Sidney Crosby is going to the New York Rangers for several reasons.
1. Despite the lottery, it will be fixed to have the Rangers win it all.
2. They're the biggest hockey market on the continent.
3. They're losing fans because they haven't made the playoffs with their gigantic salaries in 7 seasons.
4. Personally, I hate the New York Rangers, which means I have to suffer years of watching Crosby play for them. Ugh!
If any other team gets him, I'll be shocked.
I'm hoping if he ends up with another team, it isn't:
*New York Rangers
*Calgary Flames
*St. Louis Blues
*Florida Panthers
*Buffalo Sabres
*Toronto Maple Leafs (they already think they're at the center of the universe)
*Detroit Red Wings
*Dallas Stars
*Philadelphia Flyers
Oh, and whichever teams end up with Brett Hull and/or Jeremy Roenick. Can't stand to listen to either of those guys...
9 minutes to go...
Updated: Well, phew!!
VERY happy to see Pittsburgh get the chance to draft Crosby! I cheered when the Rangers ended up 16th instead of in the top 5. I rubbed my hands in greedy anticipation when my beloved Canucks were in the top 10 (and really didn't deserve to be in the top 25 after the success they've had recently). And then I got worried when I realized there were 2 teams left and the Mighty Ducks were one of them.
Although it would serve Disney right for selling the team and then the team gets one of the best general managers in the league followed by a franchise player in the very next entry draft. Didn't *quite* work out, but GM Brian Burke's still in a beautiful place. I'm sure he's not moping about with the near-win with Crosby. He still has a good pick at #2 and also picks #31 (1st pick in round 2).
And now I've officially bored my regular readers.... :)
Technically, any team could land him in the lottery (that's what happens instead of a normal draft order when there's no hockey for an entire year). He's expected to eventually beat Gretzky's records. All of them? Hard to say, but some of them is enough promise for some hapless teams...
I'm watching the sports news right now and chuckling at the text messages coming in from all over Canada. These people, save one from what I saw, have no clue. They're al hoping Crosby goes to their team. It's not going to happen.
Sidney Crosby is going to the New York Rangers for several reasons.
1. Despite the lottery, it will be fixed to have the Rangers win it all.
2. They're the biggest hockey market on the continent.
3. They're losing fans because they haven't made the playoffs with their gigantic salaries in 7 seasons.
4. Personally, I hate the New York Rangers, which means I have to suffer years of watching Crosby play for them. Ugh!
If any other team gets him, I'll be shocked.
I'm hoping if he ends up with another team, it isn't:
*New York Rangers
*Calgary Flames
*St. Louis Blues
*Florida Panthers
*Buffalo Sabres
*Toronto Maple Leafs (they already think they're at the center of the universe)
*Detroit Red Wings
*Dallas Stars
*Philadelphia Flyers
Oh, and whichever teams end up with Brett Hull and/or Jeremy Roenick. Can't stand to listen to either of those guys...
9 minutes to go...
Updated: Well, phew!!
VERY happy to see Pittsburgh get the chance to draft Crosby! I cheered when the Rangers ended up 16th instead of in the top 5. I rubbed my hands in greedy anticipation when my beloved Canucks were in the top 10 (and really didn't deserve to be in the top 25 after the success they've had recently). And then I got worried when I realized there were 2 teams left and the Mighty Ducks were one of them.
Although it would serve Disney right for selling the team and then the team gets one of the best general managers in the league followed by a franchise player in the very next entry draft. Didn't *quite* work out, but GM Brian Burke's still in a beautiful place. I'm sure he's not moping about with the near-win with Crosby. He still has a good pick at #2 and also picks #31 (1st pick in round 2).
And now I've officially bored my regular readers.... :)
Monday, July 18, 2005
Ain't Nothing
With my 3-day work week and ideas buzzing about all the time, you'd think there'd be a plethora of posts, right?
Well, obviously --no.
Even the crappy weather we've had (one super-hot and humid day followed by a week of rain)
In fact, I think my posts of late have been more about rambling thoughts and basically getting down any thought that crosses my mindbefore it goes away again. I do have one post I want to do, but I'm finding it difficult to write as it's emotional --and really has nothing to do with me directly.
Sometimes those ideas don't come back.
I think I mentioned my super-high marks for the script I had to write last semester. One of my plans was to expand on the idea further over my "summer" break. It was an idea I had about a comic book and I'd never really put any of it in writing before, but just kept the ideas bouncing back and forth in my head. It's been about 10 years since I've had to do any serious creative writing. I'd written two 1-act plays in college and received high marks for both.
Of course, now the question entering my train of thought is: What have I been doing for the past 10 years???
Getting sidetracked again. I didn't expand on the script or even try to work it out logically as a comic book. I think part of the problem right now is that I have a general plot laid out. I have my characters all together (although some still don't have a backstory) and I know who's doing what and when.
But I also have 3, 4, maybe even 5 beginnings to the story. I'm wondering if it's overkill to fit them into a single issue, basically looking at the event from various points of view. I could do it, but then I'm also missing another vital part of the story. I have the beginning(s), I have the end (actually 2, which means I can make a choice as to where the story goes), but I have nothing in between. I'm thinking that the story would be played out in 12 parts --a year-long story, which fits the plot. But with several points to start from, I could possibly have enough material to begin up to 5 parts of the 12-part story. I know one "beginning" definitely starts quite some time after another. One other start easily can be hinted at in the first part and then expanded into part 2.
Well, like I said: rambling thoughts and one more distraction should do me in for the day. The kids are screaming, so I have to cut this short.
Again.
Well, obviously --no.
Even the crappy weather we've had (one super-hot and humid day followed by a week of rain)
In fact, I think my posts of late have been more about rambling thoughts and basically getting down any thought that crosses my mindbefore it goes away again. I do have one post I want to do, but I'm finding it difficult to write as it's emotional --and really has nothing to do with me directly.
Sometimes those ideas don't come back.
I think I mentioned my super-high marks for the script I had to write last semester. One of my plans was to expand on the idea further over my "summer" break. It was an idea I had about a comic book and I'd never really put any of it in writing before, but just kept the ideas bouncing back and forth in my head. It's been about 10 years since I've had to do any serious creative writing. I'd written two 1-act plays in college and received high marks for both.
Of course, now the question entering my train of thought is: What have I been doing for the past 10 years???
Getting sidetracked again. I didn't expand on the script or even try to work it out logically as a comic book. I think part of the problem right now is that I have a general plot laid out. I have my characters all together (although some still don't have a backstory) and I know who's doing what and when.
But I also have 3, 4, maybe even 5 beginnings to the story. I'm wondering if it's overkill to fit them into a single issue, basically looking at the event from various points of view. I could do it, but then I'm also missing another vital part of the story. I have the beginning(s), I have the end (actually 2, which means I can make a choice as to where the story goes), but I have nothing in between. I'm thinking that the story would be played out in 12 parts --a year-long story, which fits the plot. But with several points to start from, I could possibly have enough material to begin up to 5 parts of the 12-part story. I know one "beginning" definitely starts quite some time after another. One other start easily can be hinted at in the first part and then expanded into part 2.
Well, like I said: rambling thoughts and one more distraction should do me in for the day. The kids are screaming, so I have to cut this short.
Again.
Saturday, July 16, 2005
He's A Very Good Leader
This semester, I'm taking one 'design project' course with 10 of my "classmates" in the program and 5 or 6 other guys apparently in the same program, but at a different campus. They're the entire program and it was easier on the schedule to make them come to us instead of hiring another instructor. As long as they have the commute --fine.
On our first day, we split into small groups to come up with a semester-long project. We'd voice our ideas and then relay them to everyone before voting "Survivor-style" until we had one project remaining.
They picked mine.
No, I hadn't thought it through or anything, it was just off the top of my head, so there's plenty of work to be done. Fortunately, I have 16 people working on it with me.
In the second class, we sat down and met off-and-on for 4 hours to expand on the project and split it into sections so that all 17 of us have something to do. That's when they decided since I'd come up with the original idea, then I'd be the one to make the decisions.
And at that point the instructor said I was to take over the class for the day. So, for a few hours, I was in charge of every little bit --basically meaning I wasn't getting any work done as 16 people had questions as to how they were going to do their part of this project. Not much of a problem. We're all working collectively and I'm there to give direction.
But more than one person noted that I had presence in that room the moment I wanted it.
You know, I really wonder why some people see that in me and others don't. I'm not trying to sound egotistical, because I've been told for years that I have skills pertaining to leadership (I was even elected to lead office in my youth group 4 times which was never done before --or since) In university, I was told by classmates and a couple profs that I was good standing at the front of the room. More than one classmate thought for sure I'd be a teacher some day.
But all I think about is where I last worked and they way I was treated there. When I thought I could 'help' I was shot down. I can recall quite clearly the attitude of one guy when I suggested he make a slight change on the website to reflect software necessary to view some parts of it. I got chided for suggesting such a thing as it had already been implemented.
Bull. He did it right after I suggested it.
I had that a lot where I'd suggest something, get a reprimand for interfering, and then they'd do it anyway.
That sucked. But, I am for the most part over it. I'm not there anymore and never have to deal with them anymore.
Too bad my wife's insisting on working there all the time now.
On our first day, we split into small groups to come up with a semester-long project. We'd voice our ideas and then relay them to everyone before voting "Survivor-style" until we had one project remaining.
They picked mine.
No, I hadn't thought it through or anything, it was just off the top of my head, so there's plenty of work to be done. Fortunately, I have 16 people working on it with me.
In the second class, we sat down and met off-and-on for 4 hours to expand on the project and split it into sections so that all 17 of us have something to do. That's when they decided since I'd come up with the original idea, then I'd be the one to make the decisions.
And at that point the instructor said I was to take over the class for the day. So, for a few hours, I was in charge of every little bit --basically meaning I wasn't getting any work done as 16 people had questions as to how they were going to do their part of this project. Not much of a problem. We're all working collectively and I'm there to give direction.
But more than one person noted that I had presence in that room the moment I wanted it.
You know, I really wonder why some people see that in me and others don't. I'm not trying to sound egotistical, because I've been told for years that I have skills pertaining to leadership (I was even elected to lead office in my youth group 4 times which was never done before --or since) In university, I was told by classmates and a couple profs that I was good standing at the front of the room. More than one classmate thought for sure I'd be a teacher some day.
But all I think about is where I last worked and they way I was treated there. When I thought I could 'help' I was shot down. I can recall quite clearly the attitude of one guy when I suggested he make a slight change on the website to reflect software necessary to view some parts of it. I got chided for suggesting such a thing as it had already been implemented.
Bull. He did it right after I suggested it.
I had that a lot where I'd suggest something, get a reprimand for interfering, and then they'd do it anyway.
That sucked. But, I am for the most part over it. I'm not there anymore and never have to deal with them anymore.
Too bad my wife's insisting on working there all the time now.
Monday, July 11, 2005
One Week
Fine, it's been a week since I last posted but the illness did me in during my first week back at school. My "break" seemed to be over in a blink and suddenly I'm back at it.
Apologies for the rambling thoughts below...
The workload for the second quarter of my program is definitely lighter. I've had 2 hours' homework from the first week. Last quarter, after the first week, I had 20+ hours... I also managed (yay!) to condense my schedule into 3 days a week instead of 4 or more. I had 3 half-days and one full day. I now have 2 full days and one half day (can't be avoided). Basically, it means one more day at home to work on eBay stuff (yay?) and even more important: 120km (80 miles for my American friends) are now knocked OFF my weekly commute. Between stop-start traffic and the distance, that's the equivalent of half a tank of gas too!
I applied for work at school too. I scheduled a sit-down with the employment advisor to see my option for finding work around my school schedule and she misunderstood me to mean "finding work AROUND THE SCHOOL." No matter, there's 2 jobs available that I'd be happy to do on the days I'm there already for class. It would be great if everything worked out. More money = always good!
One of my classes is 'Life Drawing' which basically means staring at a naked body for 3-4 hours. And, yeah, we had a guy on the first day. Not really an issue (the benefits of being "mature") until I saw him one moment in shorts and grabbed my supplies to draw and looked up to see.... well, you know. The instructor did ask where my training in life drawing had been before (thinking maybe I'd gone to an art school beforehand like one of my classmates) and I admitted I'd never had any formal training (no training at all actually) in life drawing. These teachers are very skilled at stroking the ego, that's for sure!!
I just finished posting a message on another list and it stirred up quite a few memories from senior high. Kinda strange, because it's been nearly 15 years since I graduated from high shool and some of my friends I haven't thought if in... nearly 15 years!!
It's July 11 and we've had more than the average July rainfall already. It's looking like a sucky July to be sure. It's sunny at the moment, but a closer look also shows the light rain falling at the same time. Crap. Wrote "sunny" and now it's disappeared behind more rainclouds.... It's the mix of sun and rain that makes the veggies in our garden either die or -like our celery and rhubarb- grow to over six feet in height.
There's a rabbit eating the taller grass in our front lawn. He's definitely wild... he's got that look in his eyes.
STILL playing the addicting online game. My skills haven't improved much, but there's definite progress everytime I play. I'd be playing right now, but I'm watching my darling children instead. So, instead, while I'm "watching" them (they're transfixed with cartoons at the moment) I'm researching different aspects of the game and... writing about really useless stuff.
Yay me.
OK, I've run out of useless things to talk about.
Apologies for the rambling thoughts below...
The workload for the second quarter of my program is definitely lighter. I've had 2 hours' homework from the first week. Last quarter, after the first week, I had 20+ hours... I also managed (yay!) to condense my schedule into 3 days a week instead of 4 or more. I had 3 half-days and one full day. I now have 2 full days and one half day (can't be avoided). Basically, it means one more day at home to work on eBay stuff (yay?) and even more important: 120km (80 miles for my American friends) are now knocked OFF my weekly commute. Between stop-start traffic and the distance, that's the equivalent of half a tank of gas too!
I applied for work at school too. I scheduled a sit-down with the employment advisor to see my option for finding work around my school schedule and she misunderstood me to mean "finding work AROUND THE SCHOOL." No matter, there's 2 jobs available that I'd be happy to do on the days I'm there already for class. It would be great if everything worked out. More money = always good!
One of my classes is 'Life Drawing' which basically means staring at a naked body for 3-4 hours. And, yeah, we had a guy on the first day. Not really an issue (the benefits of being "mature") until I saw him one moment in shorts and grabbed my supplies to draw and looked up to see.... well, you know. The instructor did ask where my training in life drawing had been before (thinking maybe I'd gone to an art school beforehand like one of my classmates) and I admitted I'd never had any formal training (no training at all actually) in life drawing. These teachers are very skilled at stroking the ego, that's for sure!!
I just finished posting a message on another list and it stirred up quite a few memories from senior high. Kinda strange, because it's been nearly 15 years since I graduated from high shool and some of my friends I haven't thought if in... nearly 15 years!!
It's July 11 and we've had more than the average July rainfall already. It's looking like a sucky July to be sure. It's sunny at the moment, but a closer look also shows the light rain falling at the same time. Crap. Wrote "sunny" and now it's disappeared behind more rainclouds.... It's the mix of sun and rain that makes the veggies in our garden either die or -like our celery and rhubarb- grow to over six feet in height.
There's a rabbit eating the taller grass in our front lawn. He's definitely wild... he's got that look in his eyes.
STILL playing the addicting online game. My skills haven't improved much, but there's definite progress everytime I play. I'd be playing right now, but I'm watching my darling children instead. So, instead, while I'm "watching" them (they're transfixed with cartoons at the moment) I'm researching different aspects of the game and... writing about really useless stuff.
Yay me.
OK, I've run out of useless things to talk about.
Monday, July 04, 2005
Terrorist Threats
REALLY not feeling great today (too much sun yesterday? Ah, the irony), but I had to type this 'cuz I have to get it out of my system.
I finally figured out how to get Osama Bin Laden out of hiding.
I'm going to send him my son.
Osama won't last the day with the little terrorist.
I have to go. He's screaming again.
My son, not Osama....
I finally figured out how to get Osama Bin Laden out of hiding.
I'm going to send him my son.
Osama won't last the day with the little terrorist.
I have to go. He's screaming again.
My son, not Osama....
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