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Wednesday, July 31, 2002
Final Fantasy on the brain
I had an image of Yuna summoning popping into my head as I was walking into work. I wanted Ifrit or Ixion to help me to the door.
*shrugs*
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 1:07 PM ::> [
Walking on the Sun
Someday, our sun will look like this: http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/image/0207/h3401_hst_big.jpg
from: Astronomy Picture of the Day
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 10:51 AM ::> [
Blogger bites.
Archiving seems so simple. Everyone else's blog I read ... archives fine. But me? No. Not mine. It's never worked. When I republish, It gives me a error 203: Character not allowed on server. I've visited their help site. I've solicited help via the discussion threads. I've changed templates. I've combed through posts to ensure there weren't any bad characters hiding about. NOTHING. I've e-mailed blogger folks for help - no answer.
GR.
If I were paying for this service, I'd ask for a refund. As is it, I can only grumble about their service, and say I'm not going to be paying for any premium-type services any time soon.
It is putting the archive files on the server for the current month, so until error 203 is resolved, I'll just have to manually add the link to the previous month's posts on the main page. None of the past pages will republish, so they'll appear as they were with whatever template I was using at the time.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:28 AM ::> [
Tuesday, July 30, 2002
testing again
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 6:04 PM ::> [
Testing...
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 5:43 PM ::> [
I was off yesterday.
No voicemail. No one e-mailed me for anything.
I'm sort of feeling not needed, of late. Probably contributing to my apathy at work.Probably contributing to my apathy in general.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:54 AM ::> [
Word of the Day for Tuesday July 30, 2002:
fanfaronade \fan-fair-uh-NAYD; -NOD\, noun:
1. Swaggering; empty boasting; blustering manner or behavior;
ostentatious display.
2. Fanfare.
With much fanfaronade, the Lord of the Light dragged his rear from the comfortable confines of his plush mattress and sauntered into work.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:26 AM ::> [
Friday, July 26, 2002
I almost called in sick today. Mental health day. The fact that I'm responsible for distributing today's Thai food and had 3 people's cash already, dragged my ass in.
I'm SO not in the mood to be at work today.
It's also fricking cold in the building today. You could hang meat in here to cure, just about. Br.
And lastly - I decided to post the whole Tarot reading thing so that folks could see what it's like. I didn't filter anything. Thought about it, but decided not to.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 11:24 AM ::> [
And She Said ....
She opened her eyes, and in her a very raised voice, she said, "I see a long life ahead of you, free of illness. I see strong financial state. You'll travel a lot."
She paused, and glanced over the layout.
"I see a lot of confusion in your past. A lot of doubt. You were searching for who you were. You're almost there, now. There's still a battle left. You're still not completely sure who you are. You worry a lot about it, but you shouldn't. Your future is a good one. Your cards are very stable, very solid." Score one for her. Yes - I was quite confused about who I was. The whole coming out experience for me was hell at the time. Reflecting back, it doesn't seem so bad. I've heard worse coming out stories. Much, much worse. But yes, Madam Jaycee - I was a messy and befuzzled 18-year old.
"You work with computers." Her 'with' sounded like 'wit', the 'h' not quite forming on her tongue.Hispanic accent? Puerto Rican, perhaps? Cuban? I still couldn't place it. "Something with software. But that's not supposed to be for you. 3, 5, 7 years max. You're supposed to work with people. Computers are draining your aura. They are not for you." Hm. MsAccess DB writing is sort of like software creation - it involves some visual basic code. It is developing a useable application for someone to extract data from. She wasn't on the bullseye, but she was in the first ring. "You were going to be a teacher, but that's not your path now. You'll do something with business - that's firmly in your cards. Maybe even with computers, but that can't be the focus. You need to work with people. You're outgoing, compassionate, caring. Computers don't need those things." Always good to flatter the client, aye? "You have a lot of sleepless nights. It's related to the battle you've yet to fight, and to your job. You're worried about your job, but you shouldn't be. There are some people talking about you at work in a bad way, but not even those people can do anything to affect you. Your job is very secure."
She shifted her gaze from her right hand side of the layout to the left.
"I see a long commitment. You will be happy in love." She paused though, and looked at me. "I have to be honest with you." She stopped. I braced for bad news. "I have to be honest with you - it's with a man."
She looked at me for a reaction. I just sort of nodded, and didn't say anything. I was a bit suprised that she pegged that. I didn't drive to the location for that reason - I didn't want her to have any sort of references to go with. No rainbow stickers to guess from. I mentally thought - "DUH," - but I was also a bit impressed. Of course, I'm so used to not filtering my behavior any more that I can't really tell if I set off gaydars. Maybe she just has a pretty fine-tuned gaydar. Or maybe I just transmit "QUEER."
She continued. "There was supposed to be a marriage and children, but that's not your path now. To a Kathryn or a 'K'. Have you cleared this confusion, yet?"
I replied with a simple affirmative, still wanting to keep details to a minimum.
"His name will be ... 'r'. Not at the beginning of the name. But a strong 'r' sound somewhere in his name." (JaRRod). She glanced at the top corner of the layout. "You've met him already." I nodded. "Jealousy will be a problem. Are you a jealous person?"
I replied with a "No, but 'R' can be. He likes to joke about it, sometimes. Which card is he?" She pointed at the card - which was one of the Kings or Knights, upside down. I can't recall which. Swords or Wands, I think.
"There'll be another man. Have you met a Micheal?" At the time, I said no. I forgot meeting Jarrod's friend Micheal, who lives in Phoenix. Micheal was nice and all, but higher maintence than I can stand for any large period of time. Jarrod's told he was like that before he was paralyzed. I believe it - no one gets that spastic from a trauma. That's a force of nature. Not a snowball's chance in the Sahara of that being "the man".
But, I replied no. "An 'M' initial, maybe... or 'Micheal' as a middle name." I still couldn't think of anyone, to be honest. I was still focusing on what she was saying and still in that semi-nervous state. Not to mention the fact that I'm horrible at on-the-fly responses. I'm an introvert by all those tests you take on such things - I usally plan responses to things. Reherse them. It's to make sure I don't sound like a dork. She continued with her reading, while I mused over 'M' and 'Micheal', "You'll have a choice. Your heart is with 'R', though."
"I see your mother here. She's a friend. Outgoing. A fighter. She's a source of support. She's got her problems, too. I don't see a father here. At all. You have a father?" Another point of surprise. Yes, I have a father. I know I'm an introvert -- but he's severly introverted, though. It was only when I was a in college that I started to talk to my dad - and that was because I tried to forge a relationship. It's hard, though, when he's so reserved. Not to mention the fact that I can't call and talk to him about anything significant when mom is home. Which is almost all the time. She hounds him during the conversation. Sits in front of him and asks what the other person is saying. Tries to butt in with conversation. I'd like to be closer to my dad. Mitigating factors prevent it, for now. Something I want to change.
"Do you have any questions?"
Well actually, I did. I wanted to ask "Where can I find a Windforce?" - a unique hydra bow in Diablo 2X, but I thought about it, and decided to not be a goof. So I asked, "What area, if not computers, do you see me in?"
She glanced at the cards. "They only say business. Maybe your own business - with computers. They're clear that you should work with people. For people."
"Why can't I be a teacher?" I asked.
She glanced again. "The path's been closed. There are lots of teachers out there, and not many jobs. Your business influences this, too. You won't get paid nearly enough for your liking." That made sense. The vacation time would be wonderful. I don't know that I could stand teaching indignant and apathetic teens, or misbehaved ones, at that. And I definitely couldn't live in the lifestyle that I am accustomed to on a teacher's salary. :)
I tried to think of another question. "I hope you enjoyed your reading," she said.
I guess I didn't pick up the cue. "Will my career be the travel part you mentioned?"
"Maybe," she responded. "It looks more for fun than business, though. Oh, wear a double pointed clear quartz to protect your aura from computers.I hope you enjoyed your reading."
The second time, I caught it. I didn't really have any more questions, so I replied with a thank you, and she asked for my method of payment. Cash. I still wasn't too keen about giving her details about myself.
I forked over the cash - $65, and she opened the door to her closet. I rose from my seat, and joined my sister on the living room couch. Another woman had entered the house, and Jaycee opened the french doors to the Kitchen. She talked with someone in there, and came back out. She directed my aunt into the kitchen for her reading, and the new woman into her office. I waited on the couch with Kristen, flipping through cable stations, until Linda's reading was done. We left, and went to dinner at the restaurant on top of Palio's.
All in all -- it was an interesting experience. Not really worth $65, in my opinion. I don't think I'll be going back there. If I had known ahead of time that it was going to cost that much, I probably would have just had a tarot reading - or not have gone at all. $65 for 20 minutes of yaking just doesn't seem worth it. Even the Psychic Friends Network doesn't charge that much!
I still don't know if I believe in it, now. The experience seemed entertaining, but I couldn't help but think through the whole thing that it is I who determine what I'm going to do with my life. She had some details pretty acurate - which was surprising - but I guess I think of the whole experience as a snapshot of where I'm at now and where my momentum is heading me towards. Any number of things could change that, though. My decisions and reactions to those 'things' will determine where I'll be in the future. The only thing I concretely agreed with her was: My heart is with "R".
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 10:47 AM ::> [
Thursday, July 25, 2002
A hippie with a guitar singing songs with a gaggle of other hippies just walked by my cube and handed me a tie-die shirt, inscence burner, and peace-necklace.
Work is never dull.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 1:30 PM ::> [
tell your fortune?
So I've always been curious about talking to a "Psychic". I mean, I dabble in astrology. I know more about signs and elements and houses than I do about Catholisism. It's interesting. I don't know if its malarky half the time - but it's interesting.
We were over at my aunt's house, and she mentioned that she had been to a psychic here in town. Jaycee's, on State Street across the street from the Produce Station. She said we all ought to go, and then goto dinner thereafter. She said she was pretty good and was on target during her "reading". So - I agreed. Kristen ended up backing out, citing monetary ailments; but Linda and I made appointments.
It was entertaining, if not completely accurate. She did pick up on things that suprised me. I tried not to talk much, as to feed her information. I was testing, you see. I didn't give her any information about myself before I started. All she had was my first name and my cell phone number.
******
I walked into the place. A rich wood banister and stairs climbed the view ahead of me. A plush couch and sofa invited me into the room on the left. I heeded, and bright yellow walls shone back at me as I entered the living room. Fish were tacked up along various focal-points, tropical colors blending well with the tropical yellow-orange walls. A shorter woman with platinum blond hair and very tanned skin approached. I couldn't place the accent - something Caribean, I suspected. Cliche. Her hair was either natural, or died recently and well.
She asked which of us was going first. Linda looked at me with a shrug, and I volunteered. She smiled, and led me into her "office" - a small closet-like room off the main living room, in the very center of the hosue. Here, somber colors of blue on the walls and ceiling seemed to absorb the small and dim ceiling light. No sun shone in here.
A desk sat in the middle of the small room, taking a majority of the space. An old office chair sat on the client-side; a tear running up the right arm. The chair sat next to a table of some sorts, covered with a table cloth in blue. Books on various astrological topics, crystal healing and whatnot stood on their ends, slightly open; inviting. A bookcase behind the chair - also very close - was packed with books on similar topics: "Healing your Chakra," "The Zen of Enlightenment," "The Tarot is Your Friend". Behind the desk, on the psychic's side, was another bookcase, an end table with various types of crystals standing up, and her chair. The desk itself had a crystal ball, several small glass roses, and a crushed velvet piece of cloth laid out like a placemat. Small, round glass pieces of various colors sat at symmetrical points on the velvet.
I sat in my chair, and she closed the french door to the closet - or "office", rather.
She sat in her chair, and leaned back a bit. "What kind of readin' do you want?"
I asked her what my options were: "Palm reading, Tarot reading, Full psychic reading."
Well, I was there to see a psychic, right? I wasn't backing down at that point. "Full reading, please."
"What I see, I will see. Do you want to know all that I see, good or bad?" she asked.
I answered immediately: "Yes."
"What I see, I will see. Do you want to know if there is anything that is preventable, if I see?"
"Yes."
She nodded, and pulled out a tarot deck from the side-table. She shuffled for a bit, and explained that everyone was getting full psychic readings, lately. No one wanted just the tarot reading. I nodded, and didn't respond much.
She handed me the deck, and instructed me to shuffle them. I split the deck into two piles, and shuffled. I repeated this. I then cut the deck, and handed it back to her. "Good shuffle," she said. "Good shuffle."
She began laying out cards in between the pebbles. I couldn't recognize the layout - I dabbled in tarot in high school, and can recognize the celtic cross layout. This wasn't the Celtic Cross.
She laid out a good number of cards and then picked up a smoked quartz crystal with a single point. Each face of the crystal looked meticulously polished. With the point facing the cards and the flat end facing her, she put it between her hands in a prayer-like gesture. She moved her hands up and down, swirling the crystal. She closed her eyes and was silent for a good two minutes. I watched in silence, trying to figure out what she was doing and attempting to look at the various cards that lay before me. The Wheel, Strength, The King of Swords. The big bad three weren't there - The Tower, the Devil, Death. In fact, I didn't see many of the major Arcana at all. There was a lot of cups, and wands. A few swords.
She abruptly opened her eyes and spoke. Her volume was nearly double that of before. It startled me.
She said ...
More to come later ....
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:36 AM ::> [
Wednesday, July 24, 2002
Last night sucked.
I woke at about 3:00 am, sneezing. Normally, I don't sneeze when I'm sound asleep. Normally I don't wake up for such things, either - I'm a pretty sound sleeper.
I woke up, and sneezed. Then sneezed again. Then started to not breath. I went downstairs so I wouldn't wake Jarrod. I tried to fix the problem with Kleenex and a hearty blow. To no avail. I was in a middle of a mild allergic attack - for whatever reason. I took a decongestant and attempted to lay on the couch. Laying down was worse than sitting up.
So I surfed the net a bit. Read up on allergies, of all things. My medication has been overworked this summer, as I'm having one of the worse summers for allergies that I can remember. I'm considering a doctor visit, to ask him about it. I ended up being able to lay down at about 4am.
The alarm rang promptly at 6:45. Ugh.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:45 AM ::> [
Tuesday, July 23, 2002
The weekend was an extended one. It was fun.
A friend of mine from out-of-town flew in. We hung out in Ann Arbor, which she thought was a really neat city in comparison to where she's from. I got to talk with her a lot - which I think helped distract her from life's woes. Which was the point of the trip, really. That, and to visit. She spent the night in our guest room, and I delivered her back to the airport Monday evening.
It's Tuesday. I'm at work. I don't really want to be. But after hearing LM's news ... I'm just glad I can be here.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:27 AM ::> [
What Was Your PastLife?
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:21 AM ::> [
Friday, July 19, 2002
From the work newsletter:
OK. So this weekend's barbecue found you overindulging. The only vegetables that passed your lips were the onions on the four hot dogs and the pint of spinach dip you ate, your food choices suggest that sodium should be its own food group, and now you are feeling physically (and maybe even emotionally) rotten.
Don't let your guilt convince you that you have opened this Pandora's box of junk food and there is no way to close it. Taking temporary leave of your health-consciousness once in a while is acceptable. Instead of mourning your transgression with a comforting bag of potato chips, use the following tips to get yourself back on track.
1. Make A Plan
One of the worst parts of a food hangover is the helpless feeling that the binge beast is growling outside your door, just waiting for another chance to strike. Tame it by putting yourself back in control. Take 10 minutes the morning after to write down just how rotten you feel compared with how good you felt the day before your binge. Spell out your detoxification plan (eating and exercise) for the day.
2. Hide the Scale
You won't like what you see. Besides, the numbers will lie. It's not unusual for an extra two to three pounds to show up after a binge. But it's not fat... honest. It's just a combination of food and fluid retention from all that fat, sugar and sodium you sucked in. If you drink a lot of alcohol and eat a lot of food, the number of "temporary pounds" can be even higher. Take at least a three-day post-binge break before your next weigh-in. It'll be good for your psyche and will give your body a chance to get back into balance.
3. Water, Water, Water
Rather than rushing to the scale to assess how much damage you've done, go get a glass of water. And then another. And another. Keep downing water throughout the day. Water is a natural diuretic and thus a great way to wash away the extra pounds. Start by drinking warm water with lemon. Warm water is less shocking to your system and the citric acid jumpstarts your digestion to finish processing last night's dinner. The traditional advice of eight 8-ounce glasses doesn't apply here. Make it at least 16 ounces after meals and 12 ounces after snacks.
4. Don't Let the Lapse Become a Collapse
When temptation strikes, think twice before you bite. In the "mourning after" phase, it might seem perfectly reasonable to polish off that leftover birthday cake. The lapse leads to another, then another and, before you know it, it's a full-blown collapse. Before you give in, remember that emotions can be just as powerful an eating trigger as real hunger, and it's often hard to tell which is which. If you're helplessly craving more goodies, take a 10-minute time-out to examine your feelings. Are you really just bored, tired, angry or lonely? If emotions are fueling your hunger, try a healthy alternative like a brisk walk first. Chances are it will calm you enough that you won't need to eat or drink.
5. Serve Up Some Self-Esteem
You could spend the next day (or the next week) kicking yourself. But letting one weak moment cast a shadow over the rest of your life is counterproductive and just plain wrong. You might have made a mistake, but you aren't a mistake.
6. Up Your Calorie Burn... With A Nap
Sleep is a secret agent in the war on weight. More than likely, the binge resulted in a night of tossing and turning. Bad sleep boosts stress hormones in the body. This makes blood sugars fluctuate even more wildly; leaving you hungry and staggering out to forage for more high-fat comfort goodies. A short 15-minute nap or quiet rest will do more good than the punitive three-hour gym session you were planning.
7. Work Out, But Not Till You Pass Out
To burn off a 4,000-calorie nightmare, you'd have to spend the whole day at the gym. That kind of thinking sets you up to fail... and possibly to binge again. You should definitely exercise the next day, but don't punish yourself. Stick with a light cardiovascular workout, like walking or jogging. Think of exercise as a tension reducer and a way to get back in touch with your body rather than the price you have to pay for being bad. Don't starve yourself the next day. Try eating smaller, balanced meals evenly distributed throughout your day - and keep it up for three days.
Adapted from: eDiet.com
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 4:15 PM ::> [
Friday.
We like Fridays. It means I get to go home, and not work for TWO-WHOLE DAYS. Or at least, it usually means that :)
I've had a very unmotivated week. Finished the WRAP-Database up on Monday, finally. Handed it off Tuesday to them. I'll tweak it if they need me to, but other than that - done done.
Work's been less than stimulating. Video games aren't being as distracting as I'd like, though I'm having fun doing this "Variant Team" thing with two guild members. Art Fair yesterday was ... ok.
All in all, just kind of a Blah week.
After Art Fair last night, my sister and I headed over to my Aunt's house, where they were celebrating my cousin's birthday. That was allright. Got to meet the Aunt's new BF, which was interesting. We've resolved (my sister, my Aunt, and I) to try something next week that I'll save explanation/critisism of until I actually go through with it. I'm a bit apprehensive and a bit dubious at the same time ... but also curious. We'll see how it goes.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 3:13 PM ::> [
Thursday, July 18, 2002
Yay. I'm at work.
I've been in a training class the last several days. *yawn*. The class was called: "Mortgage 101". It was a very basic, very cursory look at the mortgage industry as a whole. Overall, I knew somewhere between 85 and 90% of the material. Add in the fact that they moved slowly through the material ... and that was my Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
I did get a shining moment the last day, when we were discussing the ECOA (Equal Credit Opportunity Act) and the various acts/laws passed by the federal government to prevent unfair lending practices. Someone raised their hand and mentioned (Sharing of stories was rampant) that they were accused of discrimination, once -- the broker called up, and said that the person was discriminating because the couple was gay. Which brought quick responses from the class - "That's illegal."
To which I responded: "No, It's not. It's quite legal in every state except Vermont, and a few scattered cities." They attempted to argue with me. The class instructor backed me up - "No, it's not a protected class under the ECOA, FIRREA or Fair Lending Acts."
I found it amusing, though, that they thought sexual orientation wasn't something you could discriminate on. They seemed a bit outraged that it wasn't protected. This, I think, means progress.
I hope.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:54 AM ::> [
Monday, July 15, 2002
ARG! I just wrote a HUGE post. And it was eaten.
*grumble**gnash**fume*
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:35 AM ::> [
Friday, July 12, 2002
Friday!
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:57 AM ::> [
Thursday, July 11, 2002
iPod Meets the PC
Looks like I *could* get an iPod.
;)
It's a toy that will have to wait. I should compare it against all the other MP3 players out there. I've got a CD player that plays audio and MP3-data disks, but it's not real sophisticated in design/file navigation. Plus, it's only psuedo-digital.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 3:51 PM ::> [
Decisions, Decisions ...
I received a flier in the mail about a month ago regarding the low refinance rate on Federal Student loans. I've currently got 8-10 different loans that are all somewhere between 5 and 7% interest rate. With the current low rate, I can lock all of those into a 20 year fixed term at about 3.867 to 4.5% - which would be a sizable savings.
One catch: the consolodation loan is for students already in repayment. I'm still in school, so I've been deferring. If I refinance them into the low rate, I enter repayment right away.
But ... I work full time. I have a decent (not outstanding) income. A possible promotion/move into a new IT/Underwriting blend position has been posed. I'm just sitting and waiting for the management wheels to allow the change to occur. I go to school, and work's tuition reiumbursement program pays for school now.
So ... I *might* be able to handle starting to repay the government. I owe them about $22,000. I'd like to start paying that off sooner rather than later, as it's just collecting interest. Gotta look at the budget after I get the application in the mail, and talk to my accountant (the Sweetie!). Gotta decide if pinching some pennies to get this thing started is feasible.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 11:26 AM ::> [
Care to be Miserable?
Share the Misery ...
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 11:06 AM ::> [
None of my daily distractions is being terribly distracting.
I really want to be home today :) Diablo ... MSAccess ... and cleaning. Laundry, scrub the tub ... clean up. The Sister who is supposed to be filling in for Molly Maid as part of her rent agreement isn't doing the whiz-bang job she claimed she could.
And we ARE having people over Saturday.
So, the brain is elsewhere today.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 11:00 AM ::> [
Morning Haiku
Mooing late
tired eyes focus;
coffee sought.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:51 AM ::> [
Wednesday, July 10, 2002
Quarterly Winner!
It's official and stuff ... my team at work has WON THE QUARTERLY COMPETITION!
That means ... I now start working with our SPIRIT Facilitators to select a party for the department.
YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 2:08 PM ::> [
Bush's Big Government
So, I think I'm seeing a trend.
Anytime there is an issue to deal with, Bush Jr. creates a governmental agency. Homeland Security Administration. Task Force to handle the big, bad CEO's.
I thought Republicans were supposed to be about smaller federal government. Hm?
PS: Here's a site a friend of mine here at work monitors on a regular basis. It's rather amusing: http://www.smirkingchimp.com/.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:39 AM ::> [
Tuesday, July 09, 2002
OH! I forgot to mention my news:
I can swim!
I never learned how to swim as a kid ... or, rather, was never taught properly. I can float on top of the water fine, and can "swim" in the sense that I can move from point A to point B on the top of the water ... but I've never properly "swimmed". (Swum? Swam? Swammed? Gr.)
My Uncle and my Aunt are both out of town, and my sister is house sitting. My Uncle's place has a pool .. and she let Jarrod, I and two friends come over to use the wonderful thing. Between Jarrod's coaching from the safety of his Lawn Chair, and Danny and Jeremy's instruction and example ... I went UNDERWATER accross the pool.
Still mastering the art of not getting water up my nose. I'm told that one will take a while.
BUT! I swam. It was fun.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 11:32 AM ::> [
And Today I wear the DB Admin Hat
Something wasn't working properly in a coworker/friend's database .... and he's on vacation in California all week. So, they called me.
It took a bit of glancing at VB code (yuk), but I found the culprit. I "fixed" it, in the sence that it's no longer erroring. I'm still not sure why, exactly, what I did fixed it, but - eh. I have a good guess, I think. I'll ask Chris when he gets back to see if I am right in why I think the fix worked.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 11:14 AM ::> [
what's your inner flower?
[c] s u g a r d
e w
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 11:02 AM ::> [
Monday, July 08, 2002
OOOOO!!! O!!! OOOOO!!! OOOOOO!!!!
Star Trek: Nemesis
YAY!
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 4:25 PM ::> [
Slow day at work. We cleaned out our pipelines of work ... mainly because we worked the 5th of July (and they were still encouraging Overtime). Brokers were smart - and didn't work the 5th.
Thus, our shelves look barren.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 3:35 PM ::> [
JRR Tolkien Meets Metallica
Luca Turelli
A friend in the KFO told me about this. So far, I've found (on WinMX) "The Ancient Forest of Elves".
It's not half bad ...
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 3:33 PM ::> [
The weekend was fun. John's game kicked off. I think I'm going to like my new character. If only I can get past this slight pissing match thing with another character.
Went canoeing at the call of Kristen on Sunday - which was fun. Totally blew off the work I was intending to do all weekend. Which means my evenings will be filled with databases until I can get the thing DONE.
I'd REALLY like to just have it done.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 11:06 AM ::> [
Sunday, July 07, 2002
Word of the Day for Sunday July 7, 2002:
sesquipedalian \ses-kwuh-puh-DAYL-yuhn\, adjective:
1. Given to or characterized by the use of long words.
2. Long and ponderous; having many syllables.
noun:
A long word.
As a sesquipedalian stylist, he can throw a word like
'eponymous" into a sentence without missing a beat.
--Campbell, Patty, "The sand in the oyster," [1]The Horn
Book Magazine, May 15, 1996
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 3:06 PM ::> [
Saturday, July 06, 2002
And my friend Jeremy is a Quaker!
1. Liberal Quakers (100%)
2. Unitarian Universalism (99%)
3. Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (96%)
4. Secular Humanism (92%)
5. Neo-Pagan (89%)
6. New Age (81%)
7. Theravada Buddhism (72%)
8. Taoism (67%)
9. Mahayana Buddhism (66%)
10. Orthodox Quaker (64%)
11. Reform Judaism (63%)
12. Nontheist (55%)
13. Bahá'í Faith (54%)
14. Sikhism (48%)
15. Jainism (42%)
16. Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) (41%)
17. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (41%)
18. New Thought (41%)
19. Scientology (40%)
20. Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant (34%)
21. Seventh Day Adventist (29%)
22. Hinduism (29%)
23. Jehovah's Witness (25%)
24. Eastern Orthodox (22%)
25. Roman Catholic (22%)
26. Orthodox Judaism (18%)
27. Islam (15%)
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 12:48 AM ::> [
Friday, July 05, 2002
I'm a Heathen. *beams*
1. Neo-Pagan (100%)
2. New Age (93%)
3. Unitarian Universalism (90%)
4. Mahayana Buddhism (83%)
5. Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (82%)
6. Liberal Quakers (81%)
7. Theravada Buddhism (75%)
8. Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) (67%)
9. New Thought (67%)
10. Scientology (57%)
11. Secular Humanism (57%)
12. Taoism (52%)
13. Hinduism (51%)
14. Baha'i Faith (50%)
15. Sikhism (49%)
16. Reform Judaism (47%)
17. Jainism (46%)
18. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (42%)
19. Jehovah's Witness (38%)
20. Orthodox Quaker (35%)
21. Nontheist (30%)
22. Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant (28%)
23. Orthodox Judaism (18%)
24. Seventh Day Adventist (12%)
25. Eastern Orthodox (10%)
26. Roman Catholic (10%)
27. Islam (9%)
Lots of Eastern religions in there, too. *shrugs*
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:52 AM ::> [
Wednesday, July 03, 2002
You can cash money in on that one
Or ... we hope. Jarrod and I are buying 1000 shares of MCI Worldcom.
As the 2nd largest Long distance carrier in the states, and a sizable chunk of the Internet backbone under it's blip, I'm doubting the government will allow it to fold.
And for 20 cents a share ... it's worth a shot. If it goes back up to only $10.00 a share ... that'd be huge (It was at $50.00 something 2 or 3 years back). A downpayment on a house, or we could purchase our cars ... something.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 10:50 AM ::> [
ooooo.
Asiago Parmesan Bagel with (lite) Herb Garlic Cream Cheese.
We like Bruegar's :)
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:04 AM ::> [
I was bit last night
I got bit last night - badly. By the SHOPPING Bug! Oi!
I'm getting a bonus at the end of the month (quarterly bonus), which usually is equivilent to a whole paycheck in addition to my regular paycheck. Simultaneously, I was striken with a boredom in the wardrobe - I had to wash clothes yesterday to make sure the same 5-6 t-shirts were clean to wear again. You see, I'm Jarrod's foil in this regard: I don't own a lot of clothing. It really boils down to my upbringing - spending $20.00 on a t-shirt was insane growing up. I still balk at $20.00 for jeans!
But, I really wanted some new clothes. Something new and different. Capitolism nipped me last night, and I needed to scratch. So I did.
The Damage
Old Navy: $30
1 black ringer T-shirt (Grey ring)
1 baby blue ringer T-shirt (dark blue ring)
1 dark green T-shirt with a yellow "OLD NAVY" logo
1 grey t-shirt with a blue horizontal stripe in the middle.
Eddie Bauer: $60
1 blue plaid short-sleeve button-up shirt
1 red plaid short-sleeve button-up shirt
1 white T-shirt, "Eddie Bauer" in red letter
Structure: $40
1 black textured cotton button-up shirt
1 white pocket T-shirt
1 red pocket T-shirt
Everything was on sale. All signs pointed to "BUY ME":. The only thing I wanted in addition but couldn't find (on sale, and in the color/style I wanted) were cargo-type khaki pants. I think I'll stop by Sam's this weekend, and pick up another pair from there. I spent only about 1/5 of my bonus, which I'll actually get July 31st. And, I think I got some good deals.
The clothes look nice. Slightly different style for me. My sister commented this morning that I "Looked like Jarrod." I had to kindly point out to her that Jarrod wouldn't wear Cargo-shorts, nor would he wear powder blue. Or a necklace. I called her a polite euphimism we exchange on occasion, and inquired on the location of her broomstick. *grins*
Not that Jarrod doesn't have fabulous fashion sense, but I'd prefer to have SOME distinction between us, eh?
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:56 AM ::> [
Word of the Day for Wednesday July 3, 2002:
cynosure \SY-nuh-shoor; SIN-uh-shoor\, noun:
1. Anything to which attention is strongly turned; a center of
attraction.
2. That which serves to guide or direct.
3. [Capitalized]. The northern constellation Ursa Minor, which
contains the North Star; also, the North Star itself.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:23 AM ::> [
Tuesday, July 02, 2002
Busy Day.
Can't recall WHY it's been so ... but ... It's 2:45 already, and I'm wondering how I got to 2:45.
*shrugs*
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 2:50 PM ::> [
Monday, July 01, 2002
And the Oscar Goes To....
Best SPIRIT Produced Video: Men In Masks, Producer, Writer and Director: Patrick Franklin.
Best Short Film on an Interfirst Customer Service Theme: Men In Masks, Producer, Writer and Director: Patrick Franklin.
Web footage may arrive shortly ;)
WE WON! That means EVERY person on my team gets THIRTY dollars, per person. This is factored into our average for the quarter ... which is then compared to other team's averages ... and ... if ours is higher, we win a company paid for party!
Based on preliminary number crunching ... we've got a GOOD chance to win the quarter!! YIPPPEEE!!!
I've been doing SPIRIT-related stuff for the company for just about a year now. And I've worked weekends, evenings ... to try and earn recognition at work, and get our team to win a quarter. We're SOOO CLOSE NOW! C'mon team!
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:59 AM ::> [
Subspace Silence
Yar! Back from a mini-Vacation-let. A friend of mine from California flew into town Thursday after work, and I picked her up from the airport. We spent Thursday night at dinner, and then just chatted until late.
Friday, I took her on a day trip to Frankenmuth. I knew she loved Christmas and Angels, so a trip to Bronners was in order. Lo and Behold, she found many things she liked. And, even though I don't count myself a Christian, it was neat to see the various Kitch one can purchase at Bronners. They Doubled it's size! No less. I introduced Rosemary to Thai food for lunch in Ann Arbor before we left, and we ate at Zehnder's in Frankenmuth for dinner.
Saturday, we have brunch at Cafe Zola, and then crashed at the house for a bit. Rosemary made us dinner (Puerco en salsa verde) -- which was Yummy. While she was cooking, my parents "stopped by"! They live about an hour away, so I was shocked. They never just ... "stop by". We invited them to dinner, as there was plenty. It was a nice evening. Thereafter, we headed to the /aut/ to sit on the patio. Matthew dropped in with Harold, and sat down with us. All in all -- it was a nice evening. After the first 5 minutes of awkward faces and gestures. I think he was suprised to see us there, and probably muttering "Oh Shit" in his head while introducing Harold. He seemed like a nice enough guy (Harold), and mildly funny.
Sunday was just vegging. I took Rosemary to the Airport to catch her flight to Indiana, where she visits some more friends down there for a week. Got back and played some Diablo. Tweaked a bit of webpage for a pbem character I'm playing. Ate an early supper. Matthew called shortly thereafter, and sounded a bit upset when I declined dinner and a movie. With all the go-go-go of the last three weeks, I wanted a day to totally VEG, and I had just eaten. I think I'll bug him for lunch this week - today or tomorrow. I'm rather looking forward to ending a few volunteer obligations, to make more time for socializing and friends.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:54 AM ::> [
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