At the prodding of my friend, Jonathan, I have started a Facebook page to chronicle my musings about again being a gym member and determined work out person. Is this time different? I think so. My reasons for joining are varied. It's kind of like when I went into therapy in my late 20s. . .it was just time to do it. You know, that point where you just do it (not to quote Nike). And I am approaching the whole thing with a sense of humor. Not as a means of belittling it or anything, but as a kind of shrug and way of not getting down about not being able to do xyz. . .yet.
So, if you'd like to follow along, here's the link:
https://www.facebook.com/youwantmetoshakewhat/
I will continue to post about other things here, though there may be a few crossovers. We'll see.
Saturday, July 22, 2017
Saturday, June 24, 2017
Women's Health
New surge in the birth control/abortion debates today (personally, I think both issues should be discussed separately, but they keep getting lumped together because they are part of women's reproductive issues). The current debate is probably because of this bill in Missouri:
http://www.newsweek.com/womens-rights-birth-control-abortion-missouri-discrimination-628538
Don't think that we really need to worry about the discrimination that could happen? Don't think it could really go that far? Sure it can. We are very judgmental creatures. All of us. This is one of the rare times where I will profess such a blanket statement because usually there are exceptions. But in this case. . .no. It's human nature to compare and contrast and feel superior or better than someone or something in a myriad of settings. For example, right now I am scoffing at the lawmakers in the above article for what I see as stupidity. I do try to understand every side of an argument so I can form an intelligent opinion (the above article wasn't even the first I read today on the subject). Most of the articles I looked at focus on the same thing: what could happen if the bill is passed.
Yes, that is the key word here. No obvious precedent has been set yet though there has been at least one case on the opposite side of a woman being denied employment because she belonged to a pro-life organization (2014's Hellwege v. Tampa Family Health Centers). So, I think it's safe to say that the possibility exists of it happening that a woman could be denied employment, housing, etc, because she chose to get an abortion or uses birth control.
There was one thing that was utmost in my mind when reading through the Missouri headlines today: why is it anyone's business if a woman has had an abortion or uses birth control? Besides, of course, the woman, her doctor, and her partner. The obvious answer should be: no one. But there might be sneaky ways to ask questions to find such things out in an interview. Chit chat type of questions and statements. Same as a company might do to find out if a woman is pregnant or plans to have children (more on that later). Or if something got mentioned in social media, etc etc. Anyway, obviously that's a real concern or St. Louis wouldn't have passed "an ordinance that prevents employers and housing providers from punishing women for their reproductive health choices" (see article linked above). Seems reasonable to cover that base so why change it?
I get that it's part of the current balancing act that is going on in politics between religious freedom and "other" freedoms, but I'm not going deep down into that rabbit hole right now. It just saddens me that we have not progressed much on these issues. Especially birth control. There are so many reasons why women are prescribed it that have nothing to do with their sexual choices. And even if it is because they want to be sexually active, well, hey, they are being proactive and trying to protect themselves. How is that wrong? Yeah, I know. Welcome to the ever present female death spiral. Even menopause doesn't necessarily help a woman pull herself up into clear skies because she may still need to be on some form in order to balance her system. And there's another loop. (sigh)
I mentioned pregnancy earlier. For jobs, I think that the abortion/birth control issues should be treated like pregnancy is supposed to be:
https://www1.eeoc.gov//eeoc/publications/fs-preg.cfm?renderforprint=1
Abortion and birth control should be considered to be part of the "related medical conditions" that are mentioned in the above breakdown of the law. I know, I mentioned a separation of the two things in my first sentence of this post, but I was talking about that in terms of moral debate. Legally, they do fall under the purview of women's health so, in this case, it makes sense to lump them together with pregnancy laws. That is quite possibly what St. Louis was trying to do. Define some general terms with more specific ones.
It will be interesting to see if they can push the bill through. Obviously, I'm hoping not.
http://www.newsweek.com/womens-rights-birth-control-abortion-missouri-discrimination-628538
Don't think that we really need to worry about the discrimination that could happen? Don't think it could really go that far? Sure it can. We are very judgmental creatures. All of us. This is one of the rare times where I will profess such a blanket statement because usually there are exceptions. But in this case. . .no. It's human nature to compare and contrast and feel superior or better than someone or something in a myriad of settings. For example, right now I am scoffing at the lawmakers in the above article for what I see as stupidity. I do try to understand every side of an argument so I can form an intelligent opinion (the above article wasn't even the first I read today on the subject). Most of the articles I looked at focus on the same thing: what could happen if the bill is passed.
Yes, that is the key word here. No obvious precedent has been set yet though there has been at least one case on the opposite side of a woman being denied employment because she belonged to a pro-life organization (2014's Hellwege v. Tampa Family Health Centers). So, I think it's safe to say that the possibility exists of it happening that a woman could be denied employment, housing, etc, because she chose to get an abortion or uses birth control.
There was one thing that was utmost in my mind when reading through the Missouri headlines today: why is it anyone's business if a woman has had an abortion or uses birth control? Besides, of course, the woman, her doctor, and her partner. The obvious answer should be: no one. But there might be sneaky ways to ask questions to find such things out in an interview. Chit chat type of questions and statements. Same as a company might do to find out if a woman is pregnant or plans to have children (more on that later). Or if something got mentioned in social media, etc etc. Anyway, obviously that's a real concern or St. Louis wouldn't have passed "an ordinance that prevents employers and housing providers from punishing women for their reproductive health choices" (see article linked above). Seems reasonable to cover that base so why change it?
I get that it's part of the current balancing act that is going on in politics between religious freedom and "other" freedoms, but I'm not going deep down into that rabbit hole right now. It just saddens me that we have not progressed much on these issues. Especially birth control. There are so many reasons why women are prescribed it that have nothing to do with their sexual choices. And even if it is because they want to be sexually active, well, hey, they are being proactive and trying to protect themselves. How is that wrong? Yeah, I know. Welcome to the ever present female death spiral. Even menopause doesn't necessarily help a woman pull herself up into clear skies because she may still need to be on some form in order to balance her system. And there's another loop. (sigh)
I mentioned pregnancy earlier. For jobs, I think that the abortion/birth control issues should be treated like pregnancy is supposed to be:
https://www1.eeoc.gov//eeoc/publications/fs-preg.cfm?renderforprint=1
Abortion and birth control should be considered to be part of the "related medical conditions" that are mentioned in the above breakdown of the law. I know, I mentioned a separation of the two things in my first sentence of this post, but I was talking about that in terms of moral debate. Legally, they do fall under the purview of women's health so, in this case, it makes sense to lump them together with pregnancy laws. That is quite possibly what St. Louis was trying to do. Define some general terms with more specific ones.
It will be interesting to see if they can push the bill through. Obviously, I'm hoping not.
Monday, June 12, 2017
Et tu?
I'm sure some of you expected a reaction to recent theatre news. I do, after all, have degrees related to it. First off, let me point out that I am meh on modernizations of the classics, but I have seen a few good ones. I have also seen some bad "classical" interpretations. In all cases, I can usually appreciate what a production is trying to do and I am always curious as to why X choices were made (that's the academic geek in me). So, I try to take a production as it comes because there are sooooo many variations that can be created.
I understand the reaction to the newest NY interpretation of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. The production is anything but subtle from what I've read. And we could argue a lot over it from multiple angles. Do I think they shouldn't have done it? No, experimentation is a big part of theatre. Do I think that they shouldn't receive any backlash? No. After all, that too is a part of theatre. How the company accepts that (i.e.responds) is completely their call.
See, here's the thing. . .theatre is momentary. What the production essentially is poofs when the curtain closes. It's like a birth, a wedding, a funeral. For example, you may have other children, but you will never give birth to that exact child again. Even within a production run, there can be small variations that make a showing unique. And, even if a future production is somehow able to recapture key moments from a "famous" run we saw, how we see the new one will be colored by the life experiences that have happened between the productions (which is likely to be years). That is both the joy and sorrow of theatre. The joy of being in the moment of experience, but the sorrow after of knowing you will never have that moment again.
One of the hardest things for theatres to do is to "freshen" up a well known play (or musical). Especially Shakespeare and the Greeks. Oh, people may be more than happy to see a classical interpretation, but what exactly does that mean? After all, even in the play's infancy, it most likely saw it's own variations of theatrical interpretation. So, people might as well look around at their current world and see how they can make it live in the moment. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Political, social, psychological interpretations. . .history is littered with them.
So, yes, there is a great deal of precedent for The Public Theater's production. I figured someone would know. Turns out that a Shakespearean scholar I've chatted with is an expert on the play's modern history. He was interviewed by CNN about it so I waited until the article was published before writing this post. The article does what I had hoped. . .summed up the why would the company do this and how it's been done before:
http://money.cnn.com/2017/06/12/media/julius-caesar-public-theater-shakespeare/index.html?platform=hootsuite
I am in no way saying that the visceral responses that have happened are wrong. They are totally legit. See Aristotle's Poetics if you doubt me. But I did have skepticism about the repeated claim that, "The left would totally have freaked out if this had been Obama!" "This would never have happened over the past eight years!" I wondered, because something in my memory prickled that it had been done. Or maybe I just assumed that because of even older productions. And once I started searching, I found at least one production that did (I say "at least," because I have to wonder if there aren't smaller ones that normally wouldn't get any press outside of their local areas):
http://www.theamericanconservative.com/shakesblog/obamas-ides-of-march/
That's the review that other articles cite on the issue. Here are some others that I found in the order they popped up and their interpretation of events:
http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Delta-Sponsored-2012-Guthrie-Theater-Season-Which-Featured-Obama-Inspired-Julius-Caesar-20170612
http://www.startribune.com/trump-themed-julius-caesar-is-talk-of-theater-world-unlike-2012-obama-version-in-twin-cities/427990033/
https://psmag.com/education/shakespeare-101-for-trumpkins (note: I could do without the name calling here, but it makes some interesting references -- i.e. had examples -- that I didn't know)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/uproar-over-trumped-up-julius-caesar-ignores-the-plays-actual-meaning_us_593e935fe4b0c5a35ca1334b
I find it interesting that the second and last ones both began with the words "Uproar Over." Well, it is indeed that. It does seem that the current production is way more bludgeoning than the 2012 one. That's certainly not a choice I would make. I prefer innuendo and sly winks.
In my search, I also found various general articles that linked Obama and (the real) Julius Caesar. This was one of the more interesting ones I found from a purely political analysis p.o.v.:
https://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/jamie-stiehm/2014/11/04/betrayal-and-bloodshed-of-julius-caesar-echoes-obamas-plight
And so on. There were such articles about Bush too. If I had continued delving, I bet I could find more on other presidents.
At any rate, without actually seeing the show, I can't give a theatrical critique about it. But I can say that I'm not surprised it exists. I do think the timing is off. Then again, when would be a good time? Well, certainly not two weeks after the Kathy Griffin debacle (which I have a different opinion of). But they had no way of knowing that their production would coincide with that. So, go see the production or not. It really comes down to being your choice. That's the beauty of art -- we don't have to view it, agree with it (or each other on it), or even like it.
I understand the reaction to the newest NY interpretation of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. The production is anything but subtle from what I've read. And we could argue a lot over it from multiple angles. Do I think they shouldn't have done it? No, experimentation is a big part of theatre. Do I think that they shouldn't receive any backlash? No. After all, that too is a part of theatre. How the company accepts that (i.e.responds) is completely their call.
See, here's the thing. . .theatre is momentary. What the production essentially is poofs when the curtain closes. It's like a birth, a wedding, a funeral. For example, you may have other children, but you will never give birth to that exact child again. Even within a production run, there can be small variations that make a showing unique. And, even if a future production is somehow able to recapture key moments from a "famous" run we saw, how we see the new one will be colored by the life experiences that have happened between the productions (which is likely to be years). That is both the joy and sorrow of theatre. The joy of being in the moment of experience, but the sorrow after of knowing you will never have that moment again.
One of the hardest things for theatres to do is to "freshen" up a well known play (or musical). Especially Shakespeare and the Greeks. Oh, people may be more than happy to see a classical interpretation, but what exactly does that mean? After all, even in the play's infancy, it most likely saw it's own variations of theatrical interpretation. So, people might as well look around at their current world and see how they can make it live in the moment. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Political, social, psychological interpretations. . .history is littered with them.
So, yes, there is a great deal of precedent for The Public Theater's production. I figured someone would know. Turns out that a Shakespearean scholar I've chatted with is an expert on the play's modern history. He was interviewed by CNN about it so I waited until the article was published before writing this post. The article does what I had hoped. . .summed up the why would the company do this and how it's been done before:
http://money.cnn.com/2017/06/12/media/julius-caesar-public-theater-shakespeare/index.html?platform=hootsuite
I am in no way saying that the visceral responses that have happened are wrong. They are totally legit. See Aristotle's Poetics if you doubt me. But I did have skepticism about the repeated claim that, "The left would totally have freaked out if this had been Obama!" "This would never have happened over the past eight years!" I wondered, because something in my memory prickled that it had been done. Or maybe I just assumed that because of even older productions. And once I started searching, I found at least one production that did (I say "at least," because I have to wonder if there aren't smaller ones that normally wouldn't get any press outside of their local areas):
http://www.theamericanconservative.com/shakesblog/obamas-ides-of-march/
That's the review that other articles cite on the issue. Here are some others that I found in the order they popped up and their interpretation of events:
http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Delta-Sponsored-2012-Guthrie-Theater-Season-Which-Featured-Obama-Inspired-Julius-Caesar-20170612
http://www.startribune.com/trump-themed-julius-caesar-is-talk-of-theater-world-unlike-2012-obama-version-in-twin-cities/427990033/
https://psmag.com/education/shakespeare-101-for-trumpkins (note: I could do without the name calling here, but it makes some interesting references -- i.e. had examples -- that I didn't know)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/uproar-over-trumped-up-julius-caesar-ignores-the-plays-actual-meaning_us_593e935fe4b0c5a35ca1334b
I find it interesting that the second and last ones both began with the words "Uproar Over." Well, it is indeed that. It does seem that the current production is way more bludgeoning than the 2012 one. That's certainly not a choice I would make. I prefer innuendo and sly winks.
In my search, I also found various general articles that linked Obama and (the real) Julius Caesar. This was one of the more interesting ones I found from a purely political analysis p.o.v.:
https://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/jamie-stiehm/2014/11/04/betrayal-and-bloodshed-of-julius-caesar-echoes-obamas-plight
And so on. There were such articles about Bush too. If I had continued delving, I bet I could find more on other presidents.
At any rate, without actually seeing the show, I can't give a theatrical critique about it. But I can say that I'm not surprised it exists. I do think the timing is off. Then again, when would be a good time? Well, certainly not two weeks after the Kathy Griffin debacle (which I have a different opinion of). But they had no way of knowing that their production would coincide with that. So, go see the production or not. It really comes down to being your choice. That's the beauty of art -- we don't have to view it, agree with it (or each other on it), or even like it.
Friday, June 09, 2017
Wow
I can't believe that it has been SEVEN years since I last posted on here. I could have sworn that there was at least one attempt since then. Why? Most likely because of Facebook and lack of writing thought time. Well, I should remedy that and I am going to do so today. I was just writing a post on FB and realized that I was writing something a lot longer than I usually do. And I thought, wait, I still have my Blogger account (I hope) and I've been wanting to use it again, so. . .here we are. I'm setting myself a goal of writing here again at least once a week. So, here's the new starter.
Another Edition of Huh, The Things You Learn
Last year, M opted in for supplemental eye insurance since I wear contacts/glasses. I don't mess around when it comes to my eyes, so I go to the doctor faithfully for that every year. Anyway, this happened after last year's appointment so I only just today got to use the insurance. Yesterday, I had to track down who it was, etc, because I couldn't find the paperwork (thanks again, Matt). It should have been with the other insurance stuff. I think it got shuffled somewhere because it came in separately. I mention this because I wanted to refresh my brain on the particulars of the policy. Also, the account/card only has M's name on it and I wanted to make sure that I was listed. Can never be too careful with insurance. All was fine after I contacted a rep (though getting to a real person through their automated system was a pain in the ass). Good to go and my doc is in network. so yay.
Now, I go to Lenscrafters. I have forever because I've had good luck with the doctors there. My first one (as a teen) had been a private physician and I disliked him a lot. But my second one was amazing (still my favorite one) and he was attached to a Lenscrafters up home for years before finally going solo. I stayed with him until I stopped going to PA a couple of times a year. Have had steady and decent care ever since at the one I go to here.
M bought me my last pair of glasses like 7/8 years ago as a present. I don't wear them much because they tend to make my head wonky for extended periods of time. But they are a solid pair of Ray-bans in great condition. Obviously, my prescription has changed since then and I figured I needed a new pair. I bought some online last year, but they make me dizzy. Dunno why, but I didn't spend a ton of money on them, so I went back to the old pair. Since we have the insurance, I figured I would buy again from Lenscrafters since I can get help if I have problems.
I go in for my appointment this morning and the first learning bit happens. They didn't even need my card. My insurance automatically updated itself in the system. Um, ok. I was thinking it must be something EyeMed does with the in-service providers. Ok. No problem, but if I'd known, I could have saved myself yesterday's hassles. So, while I'm waiting, I do my usual perusal of the frames, only this time with the knowledge that I need to seriously look. I always lean towards Ray-bans for my glasses because I've always liked their styles. And I've worn their sunglasses for years because they last (I'll go through cheap ones at a rate that equals the cost of an RB pair for the same amount of time). For over 20 years, I've only ever had one crappy pair of RB sunglasses. But, I do like looking at all the lines in case something new pops up. The first section was the Sferoflex brand and I found a pair I liked. Wasn't much for the other (non Ray-Ban ) brands though Brooks Brothers had some that were ok. Ray-Ban had several that were possible. I even found a pair that was similar to the Sferoflex ones, which were cheaper. But I didn't ever recall hearing about that brand before, so I decided to kill time with some research on them. I didn't want to spend a ton of money, insurance or not, but I did want good quality. shrug
And here is where today's title truly comes from. Turns out that one Italian company, Luxottica, owns them both. Not only that, they apparently own a bunch of other brands and retailers, including Lenscrafters. They also make frames for a lot of the other brand names (like Brooks Brothers and Burberry) too. That explains the really close similarities in the frames (beyond the normal, there's only so many ways you can make them spiel).
The real kicker though? They own EyeMed too! No WONDER all my stuff was already in the system. And no wonder my "discounts" at Lenscrafters are so good through the insurance. It's all the same to them. They lose no money on people like me because they pretty much own everything. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that ALL of the styles in the stores are their made by them. I ended up choosing an Armani Exchange pair http://www.lenscrafters.com/lc-us/armani-exchange/8053672696219 (via selfies, M did the tiebreaker between them and a pair of RBs I liked a lot http://www.lenscrafters.com/lc-us/armani-exchange/8053672696219).
With all of the "discounts," I ended up paying just a little more than I would have for the frames by themselves (or about what the nonprescription sunglasses tend to cost). I out discounts in quotes because, well, M is paying for the insurance. Granted, even with that, it's still less than it would be if we paid outright (especially for the exam -- that's the lowest co-pay I've ever had). So, the whole thing amuses me that it all goes back to the same place. Hey, at least that streamlines the process and I'll know who to complain to if something happens.
Another Edition of Huh, The Things You Learn
Last year, M opted in for supplemental eye insurance since I wear contacts/glasses. I don't mess around when it comes to my eyes, so I go to the doctor faithfully for that every year. Anyway, this happened after last year's appointment so I only just today got to use the insurance. Yesterday, I had to track down who it was, etc, because I couldn't find the paperwork (thanks again, Matt). It should have been with the other insurance stuff. I think it got shuffled somewhere because it came in separately. I mention this because I wanted to refresh my brain on the particulars of the policy. Also, the account/card only has M's name on it and I wanted to make sure that I was listed. Can never be too careful with insurance. All was fine after I contacted a rep (though getting to a real person through their automated system was a pain in the ass). Good to go and my doc is in network. so yay.
Now, I go to Lenscrafters. I have forever because I've had good luck with the doctors there. My first one (as a teen) had been a private physician and I disliked him a lot. But my second one was amazing (still my favorite one) and he was attached to a Lenscrafters up home for years before finally going solo. I stayed with him until I stopped going to PA a couple of times a year. Have had steady and decent care ever since at the one I go to here.
M bought me my last pair of glasses like 7/8 years ago as a present. I don't wear them much because they tend to make my head wonky for extended periods of time. But they are a solid pair of Ray-bans in great condition. Obviously, my prescription has changed since then and I figured I needed a new pair. I bought some online last year, but they make me dizzy. Dunno why, but I didn't spend a ton of money on them, so I went back to the old pair. Since we have the insurance, I figured I would buy again from Lenscrafters since I can get help if I have problems.
I go in for my appointment this morning and the first learning bit happens. They didn't even need my card. My insurance automatically updated itself in the system. Um, ok. I was thinking it must be something EyeMed does with the in-service providers. Ok. No problem, but if I'd known, I could have saved myself yesterday's hassles.
And here is where today's title truly comes from. Turns out that one Italian company, Luxottica, owns them both. Not only that, they apparently own a bunch of other brands and retailers, including Lenscrafters. They also make frames for a lot of the other brand names (like Brooks Brothers and Burberry) too. That explains the really close similarities in the frames (beyond the normal, there's only so many ways you can make them spiel).
Thursday, June 24, 2010
So What Do You Do When. . .
So what do you do when your laid off and/or there's no work to be had? Go to Disneyland!!
Seriously, that's one of the things that we did.
See, I ended up not having enough students for my Summer I class to make. We were still having trouble founding work for Michael. Our friends, Sara and Steve, were moving from California (where Sara and I met eons ago) to Charlotte. So, after much discussion and planning, we headed out there to help them pack up and move across the country. They flew us out. We spent about 2 and a half weeks packing their stuff up and helping them do a lot of other things.
The only thing we really did beyond that was go to Disneyland. Sara was able to get us free passes because one of her former co-worker's mother works there. So, it was a sweet day. Now Michael can say that he's been to both.
We drove their second car with their two dogs across country while they drove their SUV and trailer with their three cats. You can see why they needed help. Sure, you can ship a car but 5 animals in a vehicle? blech Only if it were big and roomy which theirs is not with luggage in it. They didn't want to keep opening the trailer so the options were a little limited. Plus, having us drive the car was about the same cost as shipping it anyway.
So, we got a little bit of a mental break. We needed it. Sara and Steve have a really nice house out there. They are renting it out right now until they decide what to do (whether to move east or what). Steve's job is back here which is why they made the move in the first place (he's a programmer). They are renting a house in Charlotte til they see if they really want to stay longer. Of course, they did pick one of the worst times as far as weather but, oh, well, that's what AC is for right?
As for us, still on the job hunt for Michael. He's been studying for the A+ certification and looking into earning others to make himself more marketable. I should start Summer II on the 6th. There were enough students the last time I looked.
Friends have helped us recently so we will financially survive the summer until I get back into the full semester swing. Yes, Michael now has unemployment but it isn't nearly enough. That is one experience I could have lived without doing. (sigh) Oh, and one other: no health insurance. This one sucks too because of my meds but. . .well, I'm looking into several things that should help. I've always been sympathetic but now I can add more weight behind it.
Anyway, just thought I would catch you all up on what we've been doing. Job hunt. House cleaning. Research. Hope all of you are well. Hugs.
Seriously, that's one of the things that we did.
See, I ended up not having enough students for my Summer I class to make. We were still having trouble founding work for Michael. Our friends, Sara and Steve, were moving from California (where Sara and I met eons ago) to Charlotte. So, after much discussion and planning, we headed out there to help them pack up and move across the country. They flew us out. We spent about 2 and a half weeks packing their stuff up and helping them do a lot of other things.
The only thing we really did beyond that was go to Disneyland. Sara was able to get us free passes because one of her former co-worker's mother works there. So, it was a sweet day. Now Michael can say that he's been to both.
We drove their second car with their two dogs across country while they drove their SUV and trailer with their three cats. You can see why they needed help. Sure, you can ship a car but 5 animals in a vehicle? blech Only if it were big and roomy which theirs is not with luggage in it. They didn't want to keep opening the trailer so the options were a little limited. Plus, having us drive the car was about the same cost as shipping it anyway.
So, we got a little bit of a mental break. We needed it. Sara and Steve have a really nice house out there. They are renting it out right now until they decide what to do (whether to move east or what). Steve's job is back here which is why they made the move in the first place (he's a programmer). They are renting a house in Charlotte til they see if they really want to stay longer. Of course, they did pick one of the worst times as far as weather but, oh, well, that's what AC is for right?
As for us, still on the job hunt for Michael. He's been studying for the A+ certification and looking into earning others to make himself more marketable. I should start Summer II on the 6th. There were enough students the last time I looked.
Friends have helped us recently so we will financially survive the summer until I get back into the full semester swing. Yes, Michael now has unemployment but it isn't nearly enough. That is one experience I could have lived without doing. (sigh) Oh, and one other: no health insurance. This one sucks too because of my meds but. . .well, I'm looking into several things that should help. I've always been sympathetic but now I can add more weight behind it.
Anyway, just thought I would catch you all up on what we've been doing. Job hunt. House cleaning. Research. Hope all of you are well. Hugs.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
It Is Never a Good Time To. . .
Well, pollen rose up and kicked my ass for a while. At the height I sounded like a frog. Fortunately, I managed not to get a sinus infection from it like in the past. So, that is something. Still, it wasn't a good time to have it hit when I was dealing with a gazillion things the last month and a half.
I didn't write sooner about the health stuff because I had to be retested. My labs came back normal so Gaye (nurse practitioner) was skeptical about the accuracy of the December tests saying that my thyroid was off. So, I tested again and it came back high again so, yeah, something wonky. Are we surprised? She now has me on a very low dose for that and also for cholesterol. I gave up fried foods and pizza for Lent (just because) and my cholesterol level actually went UP! I can't win.
I got myself a pair of those new Reeboks. Let me tell ya, they do work the leg muscles. I just have to remember to stretch. Our kitchen looks like a gym because we have everything cleared away so we can use the treadmill and elliptical. Michael has been doing that for about three weeks and lost a couple of pounds. Now that I am out of school and no longer walking on campus, I will start up some kind of routine. All of that should help.
Today is reading day and finals start tomorrow. I have my two summer classes if they make. I really hope so because, well, this summer is going to be tighter than last year. See, two Thursdays ago (the 15th), Michael was laid off from work. The company let him and another guy go. Now, you have to understand that the company isn't that big to begin with but by letting him go, they lost the one tech who knows computers and remembers all the training like it was yesterday. The irony, of course, is that Michael had just done three service calls that day. But that has been rare since the new year started. Printing is very much affected by the economy. The timing sucks because of summer coming up and my not having as much work.
The only good news out of it is that he got a severance package -- one weeks pay for every year there (5). That also means that health insurance is still in effect for a little bit.
The first thing we did on the 16th after turning in his truck and cell phone (both company owned) is get him a new cell. Fortunately, I had kept my LG ENV from when I did my new every two a while back. Wanted it in case something should happen to my phone. So, we were able to get him hooked up with my plan with no fuss. AND we learned that because I work for USC, I get a discount so it all ended up just being $20 extra month. The connection fee is going to be waived, probably because no one had ever mentioned the discount.
Then we went car hunting.
The cracked out thing is that you have to have a job in order to get a car and in order to get a job you have to have some way to get there. We tried Carmax and Michael was not impressed. Neither was I but for the reason that no one approached us. Since all of the cars Michael has ever owned were way less than $2000, he figured that was the way we could go. Yeah, right, not happening when we don't have the ready cash for that. I suggested we go to the Nissan dealership just to look. Michael didn't like dealerships but we went.
Ended up being met by a really nice guy right off the bat. After looking around at a bunch of used cars, DJ had a good feel for what Michael wanted besides "it has wheels and will get me from point A to point B." We left the lot thinking about a few that were there though at the high end of our range when, as luck would have it, three possible cars came in after we left the lot. One was a Camry and the other two were 2007 Versas. We went back on Saturday after my class to see them. Neither Michael or I were enamored of the Camry, basically a smaller tan version of my Maxima. But he really fell for one of the Versas. See, this elderly couple had come in to trade them for just one car because the husband (a minister) is in the early stages of dementia. There was a white one (hers) and a silver one (his). I joked that we could trade mine in and having matching cars. Michael really liked the silver one and loved how it drove. In the end, we managed to get the car at wholesale cost (I had a coupon from the dealership that essentially balanced out the taxes). Our monthly payment is not outrageous and we can always pay more when get things worked out. So Michael has a way to get around AND we have a more fuel efficient vehicle for long hauls (like the one we did this weekend to Charlotte to see his mom).
We were very pleased. Michael came away with a better view of dealerships because they didn't try and screw us over with pricing (I had checked the Kelly price the night before). We are doing an extended warranty on the car (our choice) because with something like this (and 87000 miles on it), you want that extra protection.
This past week, Michael has been trying to figure out what he wants to do now. He's been considering a career change (getting out of printing) but, really, I think it's going to come down to what he can find. There are jobs to be found. I just hope that we can find him one he will like.
I didn't write sooner about the health stuff because I had to be retested. My labs came back normal so Gaye (nurse practitioner) was skeptical about the accuracy of the December tests saying that my thyroid was off. So, I tested again and it came back high again so, yeah, something wonky. Are we surprised? She now has me on a very low dose for that and also for cholesterol. I gave up fried foods and pizza for Lent (just because) and my cholesterol level actually went UP! I can't win.
I got myself a pair of those new Reeboks. Let me tell ya, they do work the leg muscles. I just have to remember to stretch. Our kitchen looks like a gym because we have everything cleared away so we can use the treadmill and elliptical. Michael has been doing that for about three weeks and lost a couple of pounds. Now that I am out of school and no longer walking on campus, I will start up some kind of routine. All of that should help.
Today is reading day and finals start tomorrow. I have my two summer classes if they make. I really hope so because, well, this summer is going to be tighter than last year. See, two Thursdays ago (the 15th), Michael was laid off from work. The company let him and another guy go. Now, you have to understand that the company isn't that big to begin with but by letting him go, they lost the one tech who knows computers and remembers all the training like it was yesterday. The irony, of course, is that Michael had just done three service calls that day. But that has been rare since the new year started. Printing is very much affected by the economy. The timing sucks because of summer coming up and my not having as much work.
The only good news out of it is that he got a severance package -- one weeks pay for every year there (5). That also means that health insurance is still in effect for a little bit.
The first thing we did on the 16th after turning in his truck and cell phone (both company owned) is get him a new cell. Fortunately, I had kept my LG ENV from when I did my new every two a while back. Wanted it in case something should happen to my phone. So, we were able to get him hooked up with my plan with no fuss. AND we learned that because I work for USC, I get a discount so it all ended up just being $20 extra month. The connection fee is going to be waived, probably because no one had ever mentioned the discount.
Then we went car hunting.
The cracked out thing is that you have to have a job in order to get a car and in order to get a job you have to have some way to get there. We tried Carmax and Michael was not impressed. Neither was I but for the reason that no one approached us. Since all of the cars Michael has ever owned were way less than $2000, he figured that was the way we could go. Yeah, right, not happening when we don't have the ready cash for that. I suggested we go to the Nissan dealership just to look. Michael didn't like dealerships but we went.
Ended up being met by a really nice guy right off the bat. After looking around at a bunch of used cars, DJ had a good feel for what Michael wanted besides "it has wheels and will get me from point A to point B." We left the lot thinking about a few that were there though at the high end of our range when, as luck would have it, three possible cars came in after we left the lot. One was a Camry and the other two were 2007 Versas. We went back on Saturday after my class to see them. Neither Michael or I were enamored of the Camry, basically a smaller tan version of my Maxima. But he really fell for one of the Versas. See, this elderly couple had come in to trade them for just one car because the husband (a minister) is in the early stages of dementia. There was a white one (hers) and a silver one (his). I joked that we could trade mine in and having matching cars. Michael really liked the silver one and loved how it drove. In the end, we managed to get the car at wholesale cost (I had a coupon from the dealership that essentially balanced out the taxes). Our monthly payment is not outrageous and we can always pay more when get things worked out. So Michael has a way to get around AND we have a more fuel efficient vehicle for long hauls (like the one we did this weekend to Charlotte to see his mom).
We were very pleased. Michael came away with a better view of dealerships because they didn't try and screw us over with pricing (I had checked the Kelly price the night before). We are doing an extended warranty on the car (our choice) because with something like this (and 87000 miles on it), you want that extra protection.
This past week, Michael has been trying to figure out what he wants to do now. He's been considering a career change (getting out of printing) but, really, I think it's going to come down to what he can find. There are jobs to be found. I just hope that we can find him one he will like.
Monday, March 08, 2010
Whew!
That word pretty much sums up the last month or so. Things have been hopping as usual. Classes are good. I like my students. This last week was only slightly frustrating because everyone was focused on this week (spring break). I couldn't blame them because I was looking forward to it too.
I have managed to get a little done on the dissertation and have more focus. This week is being split in two between cleaning and that. Michael took off today and tomorrow so that we could get stuff done and we've actually managed to take a good chunk out of things. We actually have an almost empty shed again. Made about $70 between the cardboard and metal scraps that we had stored in there. The former was from moving, etc, and the latter were from my old desk and Michael's projects. I found out that the Salvation Army on Fort Jackson will take a lot of the higher number of plastics so we are going to give that to them rather than throw it. So, everyone gets something. Makes us feel good.
On two down notes. . .Michael found out today that his company is cutting everyone back to a four day work week which means his pay will take a hit. We're not sure how much yet but it sucks. So, tonight I went ahead and did something we've talked about for a while. . .I contacted a group about consolidating our debt. My score took a beating when the credit changes went into affect so I really don't care that it will take another hit from this. Michael won't have it as bad since only one of his accounts counts and he shares one with me. The rest are all mine. And it's better than the alternatives. We kept one small one for emergencies and the one for the bed since that has a zero interest so long as we pay it off. All told we should be out from under in a little over 4 years which is a hell of a sight better than trying to do it as we have for the past few.
The other down note is that my doctor discovered that my thyroid levels are high. Oh, joy, one more thing to deal with. However, the good side is that would explain some stuff lately and it is relatively easy to manage. But I am so not looking forward to yet another pill. Bleh
Anyway, overall things are fairly decent. Michael and I figure that we'll just have to get creative on saving money and find ways to make more. He's thinking about part-time evening work since he'll have one extra day for "rest". So, we'll see.
Hope everyone is doing well. Many hugs.
I have managed to get a little done on the dissertation and have more focus. This week is being split in two between cleaning and that. Michael took off today and tomorrow so that we could get stuff done and we've actually managed to take a good chunk out of things. We actually have an almost empty shed again. Made about $70 between the cardboard and metal scraps that we had stored in there. The former was from moving, etc, and the latter were from my old desk and Michael's projects. I found out that the Salvation Army on Fort Jackson will take a lot of the higher number of plastics so we are going to give that to them rather than throw it. So, everyone gets something. Makes us feel good.
On two down notes. . .Michael found out today that his company is cutting everyone back to a four day work week which means his pay will take a hit. We're not sure how much yet but it sucks. So, tonight I went ahead and did something we've talked about for a while. . .I contacted a group about consolidating our debt. My score took a beating when the credit changes went into affect so I really don't care that it will take another hit from this. Michael won't have it as bad since only one of his accounts counts and he shares one with me. The rest are all mine. And it's better than the alternatives. We kept one small one for emergencies and the one for the bed since that has a zero interest so long as we pay it off. All told we should be out from under in a little over 4 years which is a hell of a sight better than trying to do it as we have for the past few.
The other down note is that my doctor discovered that my thyroid levels are high. Oh, joy, one more thing to deal with. However, the good side is that would explain some stuff lately and it is relatively easy to manage. But I am so not looking forward to yet another pill. Bleh
Anyway, overall things are fairly decent. Michael and I figure that we'll just have to get creative on saving money and find ways to make more. He's thinking about part-time evening work since he'll have one extra day for "rest". So, we'll see.
Hope everyone is doing well. Many hugs.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Sunday, December 13, 2009
I Have Seen the Dark Side
and it's name is. . .Facebook! Yes, I have been sucked into the black hole of the internet world and am just spiraling around and around.
I can't remember when I created my wall but it was under pressure (thanks Jen). Well, I created that one and MySpace because people kept telling me how easy it was to use to connect and blah blah. I wasn't using it much until lately. That's what happens when you get the flu and feel too blech to do much. So, I go on there and see that I have almost 100 requests. What are they? Mainly they were friends giving me things from games. So, naturally, being me I feel compelled to gift back which then leads to me being signed up for a bunch of games.
Harmless right?
Uh huh. Well, most of the are for the ADD afflicted which is probably why you can get sucked into so many at once. Like me cause we all know I love games ( I am an admitted pogo addict). So now I am playing a lot of them at once and trying to manage everything else.
I am sure that the novelty will wear off. It usually does. I pretty much make sure that any of the games where things are timed while you are away (like the crops going bad in Farmville) are not really doing anything unless I know I have time for it the next day. The rest can wait.
Still, it is an evil soul sucking time wasting internet entity and I have been seduced.
I can't remember when I created my wall but it was under pressure (thanks Jen). Well, I created that one and MySpace because people kept telling me how easy it was to use to connect and blah blah. I wasn't using it much until lately. That's what happens when you get the flu and feel too blech to do much. So, I go on there and see that I have almost 100 requests. What are they? Mainly they were friends giving me things from games. So, naturally, being me I feel compelled to gift back which then leads to me being signed up for a bunch of games.
Harmless right?
I am sure that the novelty will wear off. It usually does. I pretty much make sure that any of the games where things are timed while you are away (like the crops going bad in Farmville) are not really doing anything unless I know I have time for it the next day. The rest can wait.
Still, it is an evil soul sucking time wasting internet entity and I have been seduced.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Last Catch Up of the Year
I can't believe that the semester is almost over. Well, technically the classes are. Finals will be over this Friday. The semester is kind of a blur because so much was going on.
Basically life was broken down into school, health and home stuff.
Classes went as usual though I have to say that the majority of my students were very good this semester. I mean, I usually get a bunch of good classes but they seem to come in clusters with at least one more obviously lagging behind the others despite me giving them the same material. This semester, however, all of the classes were pretty decent. They were all very supportive of each other and there wasn't a sens of distance in any of them. There was one that was particularly close to each other and the atmosphere was always lively. And there was one that was pretty subdued but I think that was the hour because they had moments. lol So, I am pleased with them and the finals I've read are looking pretty good overall.
I got sick THREE times this semester. All three hit me over weekends so I don't know exactly what each one was but it doesn't matter. Hell, I was stuck in a damn box all semester. The rooms I was in for most of my classes had no windows and I question the ventilation. So, germs of all kind were rampant.
The first one I got hit with was a very nasty cold right after my last entry. It felt like I had razor blades in my throat. It started out feeling like the one I had in the spring but it was much worse. I lost my voice and even had to cancel classes. That one took about two weeks to get rid of (probably because I only canceled a day). The second one was a relapse about two weeks after getting better. It wasn't as bad. That one was partially Michael getting it and my students having it. The third was the beginning of November. That one was one of the flus. Which one? Dunno cause, again, it was the weekend and I didn't get checked out. Probably the swine since I had a fever but I really don't care. You treat them the same way. Niquil was my friend. lol
Actually that last one was partially brought on by me leaving the Hallmark job. Couldn't do it anymore. It was just too much stress for so little gain. We just weren't being given enough hours to produce results that they expected and that I could live with. I felt much more relaxed after leaving which signaled my body that I was in "break" mode (like at the end of a semester). You know, where your body goes, "Oh, good, I have time to get rid of all of the gunk at once." lol The good thing was that hit around the time the students were doing library research so I didn't have to cancel class. I think that was about the time I started becoming a Facebook game addict. lol
Home stuff wasn't anything hectic. I include friends with that. Had to help a friend through a major meltdown around Halloween that took up a lot of my free time for about two weeks. That was probably also why I got sick again because once the stress and worry of that relaxed, I'd almost burned out. But I've been so slack on things (mainly communication) that I wasn't going to flake when I was really needed. And that's just the point, all, you need me, you let me know. Otherwise, I will assume all is well and life is flowing quickly along for you as it is for me.
Anyway, Michael and I thought of giving Chug back to the adoption group because we are hardly home and when we are we're so worn out. The computer games are just a way for me to zone. We thought that we weren't being fair to him but they have convinced us otherwise. I mean, he gets to be with us when we are home. And he doesn't even require us for playing outside because he just loves to run with his ball on his own. lol We throw it but he just takes off afterward and runs like a mad wuppy (our nickname for him).
We broke down and did a credit max at Value Furniture for a new bed to help Michael's back. The one I bought back in '03 is a firm one and even though we had a 2 inch memory foam topper on it, he was starting to have problems. So, we found a good deal on a king (cause if we were gonna do a bed we might as well get the bigger one we wanted since we both sprawl) with a 4 inch topper. Michael took the topper we had, folded, and cut it for his half of the bed so that he actually has 8 inches of padding. lol Well, it worked and he is more than happy that we did it. And since he hates credit, that says a lot. Me? I was ok either way. I sleep equally "well" on most beds. We got it right before Thanksgiving.
Oh, and Michael got me the vacuum cleaner I wanted. Yay!! I know, I'm such a dork to be excited over a vacuum but we needed one, especially with the dog. They say that greyhounds don't shed much but. . .they may have been on crack when they said that. lol Seriously though, a Swiffer is just not good enough. So now I have a new Hoover Platinum (thank you Best Buy card). Michael wanted us to have a bagged vacuum and I also wanted it because it comes with a handheld for quick cleaning. Well, let me tell you, they are both very powerful. Considering how many cheap vacuums I've gone through, I should have just done this years ago. Ah, well, now I have a good solid one. Yay!!
We had a good Thanksgiving. Went to lunch with the in-laws to one of the local restaurants. That was a nice time. We're supposed to go to his brother's house for Christmas. Looking forward to that. For the evening we went to his "second" family's. That was fun too. Nice to have family time.
Well, that pretty much wraps up the past few months.
There are days I really love my job (more than usual). Been talking on and off to students as I write this and this would be one of those days. I like it when I can chat with them one on one about various things and just have moments. I don't worry about the reviews anymore. That passed away a long time ago because, for the most part, they are consistently good. I worry more about whether or not they have learned something from class. Something that they can take with them into the future and use. And they will. This class is helpful even if it is not in an obvious way. They may never have to give a public speech again but in other ways, because of the communication and information they have been subjected to, they will perform in some way. That makes me happy.
Basically life was broken down into school, health and home stuff.
Classes went as usual though I have to say that the majority of my students were very good this semester. I mean, I usually get a bunch of good classes but they seem to come in clusters with at least one more obviously lagging behind the others despite me giving them the same material. This semester, however, all of the classes were pretty decent. They were all very supportive of each other and there wasn't a sens of distance in any of them. There was one that was particularly close to each other and the atmosphere was always lively. And there was one that was pretty subdued but I think that was the hour because they had moments. lol So, I am pleased with them and the finals I've read are looking pretty good overall.
I got sick THREE times this semester. All three hit me over weekends so I don't know exactly what each one was but it doesn't matter. Hell, I was stuck in a damn box all semester. The rooms I was in for most of my classes had no windows and I question the ventilation. So, germs of all kind were rampant.
The first one I got hit with was a very nasty cold right after my last entry. It felt like I had razor blades in my throat. It started out feeling like the one I had in the spring but it was much worse. I lost my voice and even had to cancel classes. That one took about two weeks to get rid of (probably because I only canceled a day). The second one was a relapse about two weeks after getting better. It wasn't as bad. That one was partially Michael getting it and my students having it. The third was the beginning of November. That one was one of the flus. Which one? Dunno cause, again, it was the weekend and I didn't get checked out. Probably the swine since I had a fever but I really don't care. You treat them the same way. Niquil was my friend. lol
Actually that last one was partially brought on by me leaving the Hallmark job. Couldn't do it anymore. It was just too much stress for so little gain. We just weren't being given enough hours to produce results that they expected and that I could live with. I felt much more relaxed after leaving which signaled my body that I was in "break" mode (like at the end of a semester). You know, where your body goes, "Oh, good, I have time to get rid of all of the gunk at once." lol The good thing was that hit around the time the students were doing library research so I didn't have to cancel class. I think that was about the time I started becoming a Facebook game addict. lol
Home stuff wasn't anything hectic. I include friends with that. Had to help a friend through a major meltdown around Halloween that took up a lot of my free time for about two weeks. That was probably also why I got sick again because once the stress and worry of that relaxed, I'd almost burned out. But I've been so slack on things (mainly communication) that I wasn't going to flake when I was really needed. And that's just the point, all, you need me, you let me know. Otherwise, I will assume all is well and life is flowing quickly along for you as it is for me.
Anyway, Michael and I thought of giving Chug back to the adoption group because we are hardly home and when we are we're so worn out. The computer games are just a way for me to zone. We thought that we weren't being fair to him but they have convinced us otherwise. I mean, he gets to be with us when we are home. And he doesn't even require us for playing outside because he just loves to run with his ball on his own. lol We throw it but he just takes off afterward and runs like a mad wuppy (our nickname for him).
We broke down and did a credit max at Value Furniture for a new bed to help Michael's back. The one I bought back in '03 is a firm one and even though we had a 2 inch memory foam topper on it, he was starting to have problems. So, we found a good deal on a king (cause if we were gonna do a bed we might as well get the bigger one we wanted since we both sprawl) with a 4 inch topper. Michael took the topper we had, folded, and cut it for his half of the bed so that he actually has 8 inches of padding. lol Well, it worked and he is more than happy that we did it. And since he hates credit, that says a lot. Me? I was ok either way. I sleep equally "well" on most beds. We got it right before Thanksgiving.
Oh, and Michael got me the vacuum cleaner I wanted. Yay!! I know, I'm such a dork to be excited over a vacuum but we needed one, especially with the dog. They say that greyhounds don't shed much but. . .they may have been on crack when they said that. lol Seriously though, a Swiffer is just not good enough. So now I have a new Hoover Platinum (thank you Best Buy card). Michael wanted us to have a bagged vacuum and I also wanted it because it comes with a handheld for quick cleaning. Well, let me tell you, they are both very powerful. Considering how many cheap vacuums I've gone through, I should have just done this years ago. Ah, well, now I have a good solid one. Yay!!
We had a good Thanksgiving. Went to lunch with the in-laws to one of the local restaurants. That was a nice time. We're supposed to go to his brother's house for Christmas. Looking forward to that. For the evening we went to his "second" family's. That was fun too. Nice to have family time.
Well, that pretty much wraps up the past few months.
There are days I really love my job (more than usual). Been talking on and off to students as I write this and this would be one of those days. I like it when I can chat with them one on one about various things and just have moments. I don't worry about the reviews anymore. That passed away a long time ago because, for the most part, they are consistently good. I worry more about whether or not they have learned something from class. Something that they can take with them into the future and use. And they will. This class is helpful even if it is not in an obvious way. They may never have to give a public speech again but in other ways, because of the communication and information they have been subjected to, they will perform in some way. That makes me happy.
Quick Note
Just a quick note to say that I will write a longer post today to catch everything up. A resolution for 2010? Write more!! lol
Sunday, September 06, 2009
What?!?
Two months!! THAT'S how long it's been? Good grief.
I kept thinking of things to write about and thinking I'd get to do them. . .and now a new semester has started again and I'm working six days a week between the jobs. It all just seems to be going poof.
I know I've been a very bad friend when it comes to contact with people. But it is so easy to get caught up in the day to day stuff that unless someone actually calls me on the phone, I don't do anything. . .
Ok. . .YOU don't know that there was a long break there but that last sentence reminded me that I needed to call Cynthia back. See? She called. I posted on her MySpace that I would call back this weekend. And this reminded me. Normally I would call right away but I have been so tired most week nights. Don't believe me? I've been going to bed around 10pm. For me that's early. Even Michael has noticed because I go to sleep before him when he's used to dragging me to bed or making me feel guilty for being awake during what are (for me) normal night hours.
So, I've caught up with her. I called Val earlier and hope she calls me back tomorrow. I feel like there's this weird gap between us since my wedding. Like something happened to bash our friendship. Like I should be holding a clueless sign above my head that I did something to irrevocably alter things. I have no idea. And it may well be that I am just being a paranoid freak. It's not like that's something new.
As for the rest of you. . .I think of you all too. And we all say we'll catch up. AWA is coming up in two weeks so maybe I'll be able to call you all then. It's time for sleep. Hugs to all.
I kept thinking of things to write about and thinking I'd get to do them. . .and now a new semester has started again and I'm working six days a week between the jobs. It all just seems to be going poof.
Ok. . .YOU don't know that there was a long break there but that last sentence reminded me that I needed to call Cynthia back. See? She called. I posted on her MySpace that I would call back this weekend. And this reminded me. Normally I would call right away but I have been so tired most week nights. Don't believe me? I've been going to bed around 10pm. For me that's early. Even Michael has noticed because I go to sleep before him when he's used to dragging me to bed or making me feel guilty for being awake during what are (for me) normal night hours.
So, I've caught up with her. I called Val earlier and hope she calls me back tomorrow. I feel like there's this weird gap between us since my wedding. Like something happened to bash our friendship. Like I should be holding a clueless sign above my head that I did something to irrevocably alter things. I have no idea. And it may well be that I am just being a paranoid freak. It's not like that's something new.
As for the rest of you. . .I think of you all too. And we all say we'll catch up. AWA is coming up in two weeks so maybe I'll be able to call you all then. It's time for sleep. Hugs to all.
Sunday, July 05, 2009
4th of July
We had a pretty good holiday. I hope you all did too.
Michael got into the mood for pizza for lunch. Normally we go to one of the local places for that or to one of the two Greek places listed on our mutual blog because they just simply have the best pizza. I love Greek pizza. Well, we ended up going to try Uno Chicago Grill. I'd passed by there a couple of times and heard they had good pizza. Well, they sure as heck do! The deep pan is just the best crust ever. We think it's actual pie crust because it's so flaky and yummy (like a biscuit). They were running a special where we got a free personal size so I ate a piece of the larger one and one of the smaller. Michael polished off the smaller and had one of the larger. We were both stuffed because they don't skimp on the toppings and the crust is nice and fulfilling. I can't remember the last time I felt full through the half of a second slice of pizza. The larger size is not as big in diameter as most places but because it is denser, we figure that it all works out. We reheated the leftover pizza for lunch today and it was just as delicious. The crust was not hard at all. So, if you have one near you, try it out. We plan on going back because they have a huge menu. This one may just end up pn our favorites list!
After lunch we came home and chilled before going to Jon and Heather's (they live with her mom) for a bbq. They live way up 77 from us at in the middle of nowhere. Two others joined us, Corinna, who works with Jon, and Trevor, a regular customer at the store. I know the latter from my days of working there. Before they arrived, Jon lit the grill (he just bought it on Wednesday). The flames were impressive. And showed no signs of slowing down so they (he and Michael) decided to close the lid. Well, the top vent was still open but the bottom was closed off. Michael had the bright idea after about two minutes of checking on the charcoal. Yeah, I think the flames were just waiting for such a move because they backdrafted out in such a rush that Michael's arm was singed and even Jon (who was further away) lost a few ends. Michael's response to our concern, "Do you have any idea how many times I've lit myself on fire?" He kept thinking it was cool while the rest of us were like, "Holy crap!" In hindsight, I think we should have known that would not be the end of the fire excitement.
Trevor and Corinna arrived and we all ate and chatted. Afterwards we went inside and started a game of Indiana Jones Monopoly. Jon and Heather will be quite the easy couple to buy for because they both think kitschy stuff is cool. Michael and I consider ourselves easy to buy for though that's not what we get told. Hey, you want to spend money on us? Go ahead. We will like whatever it is. But I digress. Jon started out strong and buying up stuff. Heather and I had a hard time landing on anything we could buy. In the end it was a race amongst the guys to see who could buy what. But before we got too into it we went outside to do fireworks.
Good God, Jon and Heather had bought an arsenal! Actually, they said that most of them were buy 1 get 1 so I didn't feel too bad about not putting any moolah into that pot. Michael ended up taking over the lighting from Jon (just like he did the burger flipping) because, well, Michael loooooves boom booms. I swear, I don't know how his mother survived his childhood. The more I learn the more I wonder at his intact existence. Give Michael fire and he's a happy boy. Maybe he was a pyromaniac in another life.
Anyway, all was going well until Michael tried lighting two multi-shooters off at the same time. We think one bounced into the other and they fell over. Next thing we know, we have fireworks going off in all sorts of unpredictable directions. One flew straight down the road like a roadrunner. A few shot up in the air. Another went towards the field and woods across from the house (that had a potential for disaster trailing after it). But the two "best" ones came right after each other. The first headed towards the cars but safely landed behind Jon's car. The latter dove into a bush and promptly lit the thing on fire. Jon yelled that we had a fire and Michael yelled for water. Heather headed for a bucket of water while Trevor found some kind of tarp. Michael grabbed a bottle of water and I'm not sure what Jon went for. I'd been too far back in the bed of Michael's truck to move quickly so I stayed where I was. I don't know where anything is at their house so I figured it best to stay out of the way unless more help was needed. Corinna was probably in the same thought. Michael doused it first with the bottled water but Trevor got it out with the tarp. He was the hero of the moment. They poured some water on it from Heather's bucket just to be sure. Trevor said he felt bad about silencing God by putting out the burning bush. lol
The rest of the fireworks went off without a problem. They were very pretty. We retired to the game but Corinna bowed out to go home. It was 10:30p so I didn't blame her. The rest of us stayed another hour. Just before we getting ready to leave, Heather's mom comes into the living to say that she smelled smoke and we better check for a fire. Jon thought that she was just smelling the air that had gotten into the house from him bringing in the outside furniture. I said that we had better listen to her and check on the bush. Sure enough, Trevor no sooner leaves than rushes back in to say that the thing is on fire again. Michael and I went for the bucket again. I found a pitcher while Michael grabbed the bucket. I ended up filling that thing twice just to make sure. We doused it damn good this time and I stamped out an ember that tried to escape. And no, it didn't light up again. Let me tell you, that was fun. They don't have a hose which would have helped stop it completely the first time but I guess we needed the extra adrenaline rush for the ride home.
Overall, it was a good day. We made it home just before 1am. As Jon says, "Good times."
Michael got into the mood for pizza for lunch. Normally we go to one of the local places for that or to one of the two Greek places listed on our mutual blog because they just simply have the best pizza. I love Greek pizza. Well, we ended up going to try Uno Chicago Grill. I'd passed by there a couple of times and heard they had good pizza. Well, they sure as heck do! The deep pan is just the best crust ever. We think it's actual pie crust because it's so flaky and yummy (like a biscuit). They were running a special where we got a free personal size so I ate a piece of the larger one and one of the smaller. Michael polished off the smaller and had one of the larger. We were both stuffed because they don't skimp on the toppings and the crust is nice and fulfilling. I can't remember the last time I felt full through the half of a second slice of pizza. The larger size is not as big in diameter as most places but because it is denser, we figure that it all works out. We reheated the leftover pizza for lunch today and it was just as delicious. The crust was not hard at all. So, if you have one near you, try it out. We plan on going back because they have a huge menu. This one may just end up pn our favorites list!
After lunch we came home and chilled before going to Jon and Heather's (they live with her mom) for a bbq. They live way up 77 from us at in the middle of nowhere. Two others joined us, Corinna, who works with Jon, and Trevor, a regular customer at the store. I know the latter from my days of working there. Before they arrived, Jon lit the grill (he just bought it on Wednesday). The flames were impressive. And showed no signs of slowing down so they (he and Michael) decided to close the lid. Well, the top vent was still open but the bottom was closed off. Michael had the bright idea after about two minutes of checking on the charcoal. Yeah, I think the flames were just waiting for such a move because they backdrafted out in such a rush that Michael's arm was singed and even Jon (who was further away) lost a few ends. Michael's response to our concern, "Do you have any idea how many times I've lit myself on fire?" He kept thinking it was cool while the rest of us were like, "Holy crap!" In hindsight, I think we should have known that would not be the end of the fire excitement.
Trevor and Corinna arrived and we all ate and chatted. Afterwards we went inside and started a game of Indiana Jones Monopoly. Jon and Heather will be quite the easy couple to buy for because they both think kitschy stuff is cool. Michael and I consider ourselves easy to buy for though that's not what we get told. Hey, you want to spend money on us? Go ahead. We will like whatever it is. But I digress. Jon started out strong and buying up stuff. Heather and I had a hard time landing on anything we could buy. In the end it was a race amongst the guys to see who could buy what. But before we got too into it we went outside to do fireworks.
Good God, Jon and Heather had bought an arsenal! Actually, they said that most of them were buy 1 get 1 so I didn't feel too bad about not putting any moolah into that pot. Michael ended up taking over the lighting from Jon (just like he did the burger flipping) because, well, Michael loooooves boom booms. I swear, I don't know how his mother survived his childhood. The more I learn the more I wonder at his intact existence. Give Michael fire and he's a happy boy. Maybe he was a pyromaniac in another life.
Anyway, all was going well until Michael tried lighting two multi-shooters off at the same time. We think one bounced into the other and they fell over. Next thing we know, we have fireworks going off in all sorts of unpredictable directions. One flew straight down the road like a roadrunner. A few shot up in the air. Another went towards the field and woods across from the house (that had a potential for disaster trailing after it). But the two "best" ones came right after each other. The first headed towards the cars but safely landed behind Jon's car. The latter dove into a bush and promptly lit the thing on fire. Jon yelled that we had a fire and Michael yelled for water. Heather headed for a bucket of water while Trevor found some kind of tarp. Michael grabbed a bottle of water and I'm not sure what Jon went for. I'd been too far back in the bed of Michael's truck to move quickly so I stayed where I was. I don't know where anything is at their house so I figured it best to stay out of the way unless more help was needed. Corinna was probably in the same thought. Michael doused it first with the bottled water but Trevor got it out with the tarp. He was the hero of the moment. They poured some water on it from Heather's bucket just to be sure. Trevor said he felt bad about silencing God by putting out the burning bush. lol
The rest of the fireworks went off without a problem. They were very pretty. We retired to the game but Corinna bowed out to go home. It was 10:30p so I didn't blame her. The rest of us stayed another hour. Just before we getting ready to leave, Heather's mom comes into the living to say that she smelled smoke and we better check for a fire. Jon thought that she was just smelling the air that had gotten into the house from him bringing in the outside furniture. I said that we had better listen to her and check on the bush. Sure enough, Trevor no sooner leaves than rushes back in to say that the thing is on fire again. Michael and I went for the bucket again. I found a pitcher while Michael grabbed the bucket. I ended up filling that thing twice just to make sure. We doused it damn good this time and I stamped out an ember that tried to escape. And no, it didn't light up again. Let me tell you, that was fun. They don't have a hose which would have helped stop it completely the first time but I guess we needed the extra adrenaline rush for the ride home.
Overall, it was a good day. We made it home just before 1am. As Jon says, "Good times."
Friday, July 03, 2009
Busy Busy
This week went fast. I got a decent bit done though so that could be why.
I finished up with the FJ class. The students wanted to go to dinner last night so we went to Miyo's on Forest Drive. They wanted to buy me dinner. Isn't that sweet? Michael was able to join us and we had a good time. They're a great group of people. I still need to turn in my grades but that won't take long.
I made up the Summer II syllabus and posted it for my class. I also emailed them and sent a list of people who are selling their book. Go me. That class starts next Tuesday.
I did get some writing done on the dissertation. Val, Andi, get up off the damn floor. Smart alecs. I essentially have the next segment of my theory chapter down. I need to look into a few things to see if I want to add anything but I think it's fine right now. 3 more to go once that's tweaked.
Michael just splurged (on credit) for a 32" LCD tv for the kitchen. See, we have been rearranging stuff. We broke down the kitchen table (because we never use it anyway since we don't have the chairs anymore -- we've been planning on replacing them for ages but keep putting it off) and the living room table and put the pieces in the spare bathroom (until the attic is no longer an oven or someone wants them). We moved the treadmill from the spare bedroom to the kitchen because Chug's crate takes up too much space for me to use it in there. Now, we do have a perfectly good older tv dinosaur but since those are quickly going the way of the dodo and way a freaking ton, Michael wanted us to get a new one. And wouldn't you know, Best Buy was having a sale on their already low priced Dynex. We looked at them on Monday for the hell of it and they were the normal price of $379. But right now they are $300. Pretty good freaking deal and the picture quality is decent. So, while I am writing this, Michael is setting it up. This means I will be able to get back on the treadmill with something entertaining to look at. I can start catching up on all of the tv shows I've been wanting to see. Yay! Seriously, I can get back into the walking routine cause it is way too freaking hot outside.
So, now the kitchen has some space. The spare bedroom is a work in progress but that's only because there's room for bookshelves. lol Seriously though, I have been tweaking it as much as possible. We'll eventually get it together. . .and then we'll just want to change it again. lol Isn't that how it goes?
Have a good 4th!
I finished up with the FJ class. The students wanted to go to dinner last night so we went to Miyo's on Forest Drive. They wanted to buy me dinner. Isn't that sweet? Michael was able to join us and we had a good time. They're a great group of people. I still need to turn in my grades but that won't take long.
I made up the Summer II syllabus and posted it for my class. I also emailed them and sent a list of people who are selling their book. Go me. That class starts next Tuesday.
I did get some writing done on the dissertation. Val, Andi, get up off the damn floor. Smart alecs. I essentially have the next segment of my theory chapter down. I need to look into a few things to see if I want to add anything but I think it's fine right now. 3 more to go once that's tweaked.
Michael just splurged (on credit) for a 32" LCD tv for the kitchen. See, we have been rearranging stuff. We broke down the kitchen table (because we never use it anyway since we don't have the chairs anymore -- we've been planning on replacing them for ages but keep putting it off) and the living room table and put the pieces in the spare bathroom (until the attic is no longer an oven or someone wants them). We moved the treadmill from the spare bedroom to the kitchen because Chug's crate takes up too much space for me to use it in there. Now, we do have a perfectly good older tv dinosaur but since those are quickly going the way of the dodo and way a freaking ton, Michael wanted us to get a new one. And wouldn't you know, Best Buy was having a sale on their already low priced Dynex. We looked at them on Monday for the hell of it and they were the normal price of $379. But right now they are $300. Pretty good freaking deal and the picture quality is decent. So, while I am writing this, Michael is setting it up. This means I will be able to get back on the treadmill with something entertaining to look at. I can start catching up on all of the tv shows I've been wanting to see. Yay! Seriously, I can get back into the walking routine cause it is way too freaking hot outside.
So, now the kitchen has some space. The spare bedroom is a work in progress but that's only because there's room for bookshelves. lol Seriously though, I have been tweaking it as much as possible. We'll eventually get it together. . .and then we'll just want to change it again. lol Isn't that how it goes?
Have a good 4th!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
People Are. . .
You get to fill in the title as we go.
So, I got to work a very long shift yesterday for my new Hallmark job. That was fine. We had a ton to do. Believe it or not, Father's Day is huge for cards. Of course, the whole card dept. being stuck in the middle of a Walmart helps a lot. Oh, and we're not talking piddly fixtures, we have nice big wooden ones that are almost a store unto themselves. But I digress.
Anyway, the day after a holiday the plan is to take down all of the leftovers and then either put up the next holiday or something else. Since the next one is Halloween, we put up "summer-flex" until the company says it's time the holiday. Let me tell you. . .that Father's Day cards were decimated. Oh, yeah, we have about 2-3 boxes left of cards to send back but that is but a small percent. And the bargain gift bag section? Poof!! It's like a hoard of locust swarmed the place. Well, I suppose that's an apt analogy for shopping mentality.
Liz and I got there at 7:30a to get at least the card part of it looking good on that side. Btw, don't judge certain parts of a big store like Walmart. Cause if they have a section that is a "brand" name, chances are they have merchandisers who are expected to maintain it. There were a lot of vendors listed in the book so I now have a new perspective on this. Liz and I are the only two Hallmark employees for our Walmart so that could be the case for yours.
Now, I make no bones about the fact that I dislike Walmart about as much as I love Hallmark. Which is to say, a lot. I figure the two balance themselves out. The good thing is that I am not expected to do customer service though I have been a little. That suits me fine because I can ignore people and not feel guilty about it or I can help people if they need it. Mostly I just want to make everything look pretty and get paid for it. lol But helping someone find a card when they are at a loss has been rewarding already.
Which leads me to a major point: don't get upset if you go somewhere the day after a holiday and they have already removed the cards for that holiday. No one did but that was mainly because we happened to have a box of FD cards handy that I offered to let various customers throughout the day look through. I don't think it occurred to Liz to do that until I did and we made about a dozen or so people very happy. One couple even told me that I deserved a raise because I helped them find the perfect card in like two minutes (something told me to suggest a particular one because mostly I just let people paw through the box). lol And, of course, we had people looking for "sale" cards.
Ok, listen up, folks. . .since when have cards been discounted? I mean the single ones, not the boxed cards. Yeah, you can go to the Dollar store and get cheap cards that aren't too bad but that's about it. I have honestly never seen Hallmark or any other store that sells single cards sell them at a discount. Unless they were in some kind of bundled deal because they were leftovers. And I can't remember when or if I have ever seen that. So, when I get asked that question and get looked at like I'm nuts and only saying it because my name tag says I work for H., well, give me a break. Oh, and please, all card companies sell cards for a variety of prices but for the most part they are in the same general price range. The average card has gone up to between $2.49 and $4.99. I know this as a long-standing customer of greeting cards and not as a merchandiser. Mom was a card person and she definitely passed that on to me.
Second thing. . .yes, Walmart has an overall "brand" that they put forth. But that doesn't mean that every individual store has the same products. The majority of stuff, sure. However, as with any other store, there will be differences. Hell, the one I work at doesn't even look like the typical Walmart store because they just built it, like, two years ago with a "new" color scheme: creams and browns. And the layout is different (actually none of the Walnarts here are exactly the same layout as the others anyway). So, I can't help it if I want to bite my tongue when someone says something like, "Well, my Walmart has. . ." or "The other Walmart sells. . .". It makes me want to ask them why they don't just shop there. Sheesh
Oh, and for God's sake, do not EVER talk on the phone in the bathroom! If I'm on the phone and you do. . .don't tell me. I so don't want to know. It's bad enough that I would have the image of you in the stall. I realize that you can't actually hear anything but it's the thought that creeps me. I'm sorry, I have never heard a conversation in the bathroom that was life and death for that. Do you know how many students I've had tell me they've lost their phone to the toilet? Sheesh. You're just asking to drop it somewhere icky.
Anyway, I worked a lot but I enjoyed it for the most part. Liz does good work and I was pleased to keep up with her. We did a decent job and that row looked awesome at the end of the day. I know it won't stay that way but I am not letting it bother me. So, when you go and see cards out of place, there's a good chance it was because people just didn't care. I always moved them when I shopped before, now it will probably become just one more thing for Michael to pick at me about. lol
So, I got to work a very long shift yesterday for my new Hallmark job. That was fine. We had a ton to do. Believe it or not, Father's Day is huge for cards. Of course, the whole card dept. being stuck in the middle of a Walmart helps a lot. Oh, and we're not talking piddly fixtures, we have nice big wooden ones that are almost a store unto themselves. But I digress.
Anyway, the day after a holiday the plan is to take down all of the leftovers and then either put up the next holiday or something else. Since the next one is Halloween, we put up "summer-flex" until the company says it's time the holiday. Let me tell you. . .that Father's Day cards were decimated. Oh, yeah, we have about 2-3 boxes left of cards to send back but that is but a small percent. And the bargain gift bag section? Poof!! It's like a hoard of locust swarmed the place. Well, I suppose that's an apt analogy for shopping mentality.
Liz and I got there at 7:30a to get at least the card part of it looking good on that side. Btw, don't judge certain parts of a big store like Walmart. Cause if they have a section that is a "brand" name, chances are they have merchandisers who are expected to maintain it. There were a lot of vendors listed in the book so I now have a new perspective on this. Liz and I are the only two Hallmark employees for our Walmart so that could be the case for yours.
Now, I make no bones about the fact that I dislike Walmart about as much as I love Hallmark. Which is to say, a lot. I figure the two balance themselves out. The good thing is that I am not expected to do customer service though I have been a little. That suits me fine because I can ignore people and not feel guilty about it or I can help people if they need it. Mostly I just want to make everything look pretty and get paid for it. lol But helping someone find a card when they are at a loss has been rewarding already.
Which leads me to a major point: don't get upset if you go somewhere the day after a holiday and they have already removed the cards for that holiday. No one did but that was mainly because we happened to have a box of FD cards handy that I offered to let various customers throughout the day look through. I don't think it occurred to Liz to do that until I did and we made about a dozen or so people very happy. One couple even told me that I deserved a raise because I helped them find the perfect card in like two minutes (something told me to suggest a particular one because mostly I just let people paw through the box). lol And, of course, we had people looking for "sale" cards.
Ok, listen up, folks. . .since when have cards been discounted? I mean the single ones, not the boxed cards. Yeah, you can go to the Dollar store and get cheap cards that aren't too bad but that's about it. I have honestly never seen Hallmark or any other store that sells single cards sell them at a discount. Unless they were in some kind of bundled deal because they were leftovers. And I can't remember when or if I have ever seen that. So, when I get asked that question and get looked at like I'm nuts and only saying it because my name tag says I work for H., well, give me a break. Oh, and please, all card companies sell cards for a variety of prices but for the most part they are in the same general price range. The average card has gone up to between $2.49 and $4.99. I know this as a long-standing customer of greeting cards and not as a merchandiser. Mom was a card person and she definitely passed that on to me.
Second thing. . .yes, Walmart has an overall "brand" that they put forth. But that doesn't mean that every individual store has the same products. The majority of stuff, sure. However, as with any other store, there will be differences. Hell, the one I work at doesn't even look like the typical Walmart store because they just built it, like, two years ago with a "new" color scheme: creams and browns. And the layout is different (actually none of the Walnarts here are exactly the same layout as the others anyway). So, I can't help it if I want to bite my tongue when someone says something like, "Well, my Walmart has. . ." or "The other Walmart sells. . .". It makes me want to ask them why they don't just shop there. Sheesh
Oh, and for God's sake, do not EVER talk on the phone in the bathroom! If I'm on the phone and you do. . .don't tell me. I so don't want to know. It's bad enough that I would have the image of you in the stall. I realize that you can't actually hear anything but it's the thought that creeps me. I'm sorry, I have never heard a conversation in the bathroom that was life and death for that. Do you know how many students I've had tell me they've lost their phone to the toilet? Sheesh. You're just asking to drop it somewhere icky.
Anyway, I worked a lot but I enjoyed it for the most part. Liz does good work and I was pleased to keep up with her. We did a decent job and that row looked awesome at the end of the day. I know it won't stay that way but I am not letting it bother me. So, when you go and see cards out of place, there's a good chance it was because people just didn't care. I always moved them when I shopped before, now it will probably become just one more thing for Michael to pick at me about. lol
Saturday, June 20, 2009
And so. . .
Let me see if I can sum up the year thus far:
Taught nine classes this past spring. Yeah, you heard me right. Doesn't matter that they were all the same course, it was very busy.
Was sick twice: once in January when that nasty bug was going around and then right after Easter. The second time lasted longer with me hacking for a month. That was because I got hit with the worst allergy year to date. March and April were soooo much fun. I hate this stupid state.
We are new parents of a bouncing baby horse. Well, not really a horse though he's big enough. 84 pounds of whipcord and muscle. His name is Chugalug (that was so not our idea) and he's a 4-year-old brindle rescued greyhound. I'll post pics later. I wanted a dog and Michael kind of did too but agreeing on one was a chore. He was going for either a greyhound or a dacshund. How's that for size difference? Me? I was fine with either though I would love another German Shepherd puppy from Char-Will Kennels up home in PA. Charlotte is still breeding them.
Anyway, Chug's been a handful to get used to. Most of them are big couch potatoes and have two modes: full speed and sleep. lol Chug turned out more energetic than we had first expected but he's a pretty good dog most of the time. He was way too interested in the cats when we brought him home and they hated him (of course). Now they all just ignore each other. He sleeps well in his crate at night and loves playing with his tennis balls in the backyard. I've never seen anything love to run as much as he does. Yes, I know that's what they're bred for but that doesn't mean they have a joy in it. He just seems to love it.
As for work, right now I am triply employed. I have a class at USC, I'm doing independent contract work (merchandising) and I just started working for Hallmark as a Retail Merchandiser at one of the Walmarts here. Why? Cause we need the money. Why else? The summer is the lean season for me and what I did save up went poof in bills already. (sigh) Also, my fall session is two classes shy of the spring and I started paying back my student loans this past March/April (don't remember exactly which one).
The Evening School created a new position in the fall that is temporary right now but may go tenure track next year. I applied because it was half the classes for better pay (though I still would have needed at least one or two more to balance it all out) but they went with someone else. Someone not as experienced as me. Very nice person but still. And why this other person? Oh, the reason I got was because they want me to finish my dissertation. Uh huh. Yeah, I told them that it was obvious they weren't math majors when saying that I needed more time to do it was off by not the position since I will still be doing 7 and not 4 or 5. And I lost two of "my" sections to the new position. I've been doing the Saturday class and the Fort Jackson ones forever. Nobody else ever wanted them so I have. I've even done the oddest hours for them too. I don't mind the Saturday one so much but I really like my FJ groups. So, to say I am peeved. . .well, yeah. I think the real reason is that they didn't want to try and find someone to cover my daytime sections (the person they gave it to has a newborn and help in the evenings).
So, yeah, so much for loyalty. But I still have classes and all. And yes, I have been given an incentive to get the damn thing written but not for the reasons they want. I was told to apply again for the position next year and that the PhD would help. uh huh So, that is why I started adding extra jobs. But it means I gotta get my rear in gear and get the diss as done as possible this summer.
(sigh) All of this means me still being a phantom of your imagination unless you call or whatnot. I'll try and be in touch via here and online but I've been slack on the emails. Just don't feel like writing much when I'm doing that with the diss, ya know? But we're usually home on Sundays so that's a good time to ring. And some of you have been slack there too. lol Oh, and I may just do Facebook and Myspace more. No promises but that stuff can eat up so much time. You know who you are who spends a lot on there.
Well, I'm typed out. Gonna let my brain chill. Many hugs.
Taught nine classes this past spring. Yeah, you heard me right. Doesn't matter that they were all the same course, it was very busy.
Was sick twice: once in January when that nasty bug was going around and then right after Easter. The second time lasted longer with me hacking for a month. That was because I got hit with the worst allergy year to date. March and April were soooo much fun. I hate this stupid state.
We are new parents of a bouncing baby horse. Well, not really a horse though he's big enough. 84 pounds of whipcord and muscle. His name is Chugalug (that was so not our idea) and he's a 4-year-old brindle rescued greyhound. I'll post pics later. I wanted a dog and Michael kind of did too but agreeing on one was a chore. He was going for either a greyhound or a dacshund. How's that for size difference? Me? I was fine with either though I would love another German Shepherd puppy from Char-Will Kennels up home in PA. Charlotte is still breeding them.
Anyway, Chug's been a handful to get used to. Most of them are big couch potatoes and have two modes: full speed and sleep. lol Chug turned out more energetic than we had first expected but he's a pretty good dog most of the time. He was way too interested in the cats when we brought him home and they hated him (of course). Now they all just ignore each other. He sleeps well in his crate at night and loves playing with his tennis balls in the backyard. I've never seen anything love to run as much as he does. Yes, I know that's what they're bred for but that doesn't mean they have a joy in it. He just seems to love it.
As for work, right now I am triply employed. I have a class at USC, I'm doing independent contract work (merchandising) and I just started working for Hallmark as a Retail Merchandiser at one of the Walmarts here. Why? Cause we need the money. Why else? The summer is the lean season for me and what I did save up went poof in bills already. (sigh) Also, my fall session is two classes shy of the spring and I started paying back my student loans this past March/April (don't remember exactly which one).
The Evening School created a new position in the fall that is temporary right now but may go tenure track next year. I applied because it was half the classes for better pay (though I still would have needed at least one or two more to balance it all out) but they went with someone else. Someone not as experienced as me. Very nice person but still. And why this other person? Oh, the reason I got was because they want me to finish my dissertation. Uh huh. Yeah, I told them that it was obvious they weren't math majors when saying that I needed more time to do it was off by not the position since I will still be doing 7 and not 4 or 5. And I lost two of "my" sections to the new position. I've been doing the Saturday class and the Fort Jackson ones forever. Nobody else ever wanted them so I have. I've even done the oddest hours for them too. I don't mind the Saturday one so much but I really like my FJ groups. So, to say I am peeved. . .well, yeah. I think the real reason is that they didn't want to try and find someone to cover my daytime sections (the person they gave it to has a newborn and help in the evenings).
So, yeah, so much for loyalty. But I still have classes and all. And yes, I have been given an incentive to get the damn thing written but not for the reasons they want. I was told to apply again for the position next year and that the PhD would help. uh huh So, that is why I started adding extra jobs. But it means I gotta get my rear in gear and get the diss as done as possible this summer.
(sigh) All of this means me still being a phantom of your imagination unless you call or whatnot. I'll try and be in touch via here and online but I've been slack on the emails. Just don't feel like writing much when I'm doing that with the diss, ya know? But we're usually home on Sundays so that's a good time to ring. And some of you have been slack there too. lol Oh, and I may just do Facebook and Myspace more. No promises but that stuff can eat up so much time. You know who you are who spends a lot on there.
Well, I'm typed out. Gonna let my brain chill. Many hugs.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Back Again
Ok, I know I keep teasing you all with promising to post but summer is almost here and I have time to catch up on lots of things. I think. Well, going to try to anyway. So, once I have caught up the other blog, I will post more on here. Oh, and I will be getting into doing more book reviews too.
I should just make a list of all of the things that I need to do so you could see that even when I "have time" it's a relative term.
Hugs.
I should just make a list of all of the things that I need to do so you could see that even when I "have time" it's a relative term.
Hugs.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
So. . .
Well, the semester has been hectic as all get out. Let's all just face it that I like to stay busy. It keeps me out of trouble. My fall classes are already set up. I have one less than this semester but it's still a busy time. Which means I need to haul butt on the dissertation this summer. I have finally started it in earnest so that's good. And I have just been given an incentive to get the damn thing done asap.
See, the evening School -- excuse me, the Extended University -- has created a new speech position. It requires teaching four classes in the fall and then four in the spring. Well, this coming year it is a temporary position with no benefits. But I applied anyway. I mean, I do the work anyway so I might as well. They decided to give the position to someone else because they want me to focus on my dissertation. That means that my Saturday class is no longer "mine" because they've made it part of the new position. When I first learned that I was hurt because it was the first one I had ever taught on my own but then another part of me was relieved because it gives me free weekends. So, there is a silver lining.
I may not have gotten the position this time but there is a chance that I could get it next year. They are going to try and make it a permanent tenure track position. That would be good for me to have because that means benefits, etc. Of course, I need to get the PhD done because that will put me in a better position to get the job. No guarantee that I would be given it but there is the underlying suggestion that I would be a major front runner if I had the degree.
So, yeah, I have more incentive now. I said a carrot has been dangled in front of me. Michael said it was more like a piece of Godiva Chocolate cake. lol
See, the evening School -- excuse me, the Extended University -- has created a new speech position. It requires teaching four classes in the fall and then four in the spring. Well, this coming year it is a temporary position with no benefits. But I applied anyway. I mean, I do the work anyway so I might as well. They decided to give the position to someone else because they want me to focus on my dissertation. That means that my Saturday class is no longer "mine" because they've made it part of the new position. When I first learned that I was hurt because it was the first one I had ever taught on my own but then another part of me was relieved because it gives me free weekends. So, there is a silver lining.
I may not have gotten the position this time but there is a chance that I could get it next year. They are going to try and make it a permanent tenure track position. That would be good for me to have because that means benefits, etc. Of course, I need to get the PhD done because that will put me in a better position to get the job. No guarantee that I would be given it but there is the underlying suggestion that I would be a major front runner if I had the degree.
So, yeah, I have more incentive now. I said a carrot has been dangled in front of me. Michael said it was more like a piece of Godiva Chocolate cake. lol
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
This Sucks
I like reading the news on AOL while I eat lunch, dinner, whatever. Lately the news has been shocking grim for the most part. I don't think that's it's because more such things are happening but that we are hearing about them more.
Anyway, I end up finding out that one of the actors, Andy Hallett, I liked best on Angel died yesterday:
Lorne was an awesome character. And Hallett has always reminded me of the southern Kyle in both looks and temperament. I knew that Hallett had been seriously ill back when Angel was nearing its run. I didn't know it was something lasting that would kill him.
So, I am very bummed right now and had to share. And you know what? The title of this entry doesn't even begin to sum it all up.
Anyway, I end up finding out that one of the actors, Andy Hallett, I liked best on Angel died yesterday:
Lorne was an awesome character. And Hallett has always reminded me of the southern Kyle in both looks and temperament. I knew that Hallett had been seriously ill back when Angel was nearing its run. I didn't know it was something lasting that would kill him.
So, I am very bummed right now and had to share. And you know what? The title of this entry doesn't even begin to sum it all up.
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