Mr. Lobster awaits his fate at The Boston Seafood Feast. The only place we could find open on Christmas night!
But well worth it.
26 December 2005
Mr. Lobster
20 December 2005
19 December 2005
18 December 2005
16 December 2005
Larry the Lab
Larry came for a visit today ? for the second time this week.
He lives down the street & around the corner from us,
a little more than 1/4 of a mile, probably.
Every now & then he slips his lead while his people are gone, & checks out the neighborhood.
He's discovered two fun dogs here to play with, & people who will let him inside to get warm — & give him treats!
His mom has a german shepherd who gets to go to work with her most days, & a nice tripod gray tabby, too.
He lives down the street & around the corner from us,
a little more than 1/4 of a mile, probably.Every now & then he slips his lead while his people are gone, & checks out the neighborhood.
He's discovered two fun dogs here to play with, & people who will let him inside to get warm — & give him treats!
His mom has a german shepherd who gets to go to work with her most days, & a nice tripod gray tabby, too.
Home again, home again.
Mr. White made it home yesterday afternoon, while the freezing rain was still falling.
He's been rather reticent concerning his whereabouts, but other than being very hungry, he seemed just fine.
Ane he was almost snuggly after a nice treat of canned food.
He's been rather reticent concerning his whereabouts, but other than being very hungry, he seemed just fine.
Ane he was almost snuggly after a nice treat of canned food.
15 December 2005
Love Hate Relationship
One of our cats is an all white tom that adopted us not quite two years ago. And even though the first thing we did was to get him fixed, he's never quite been domesticated ? this is the same cat that put my mother-in-law in hospital this past summer.
Every time he's in the house, I feel like I have to watch him like a hawk so that he doesn't attack the younger tabbies, or mark everything he can find as his territory!
He's one of the cats that really would have done well if we could have found him a home to be a barn cat, with minimal people contact; he puts up with us, but just barely.
But now that he's gone missing for two days in the midst of the crappy winter weather, we're actually worried about him! What's up with that?
Hopefully he'll turn up safe & more sound. He's a smart guy, & probably holed up someplace warm & dry. He did lose his collar recently, so someone may have invited him in to warm up & stay awhile.
Every time he's in the house, I feel like I have to watch him like a hawk so that he doesn't attack the younger tabbies, or mark everything he can find as his territory!
He's one of the cats that really would have done well if we could have found him a home to be a barn cat, with minimal people contact; he puts up with us, but just barely.
But now that he's gone missing for two days in the midst of the crappy winter weather, we're actually worried about him! What's up with that?
Hopefully he'll turn up safe & more sound. He's a smart guy, & probably holed up someplace warm & dry. He did lose his collar recently, so someone may have invited him in to warm up & stay awhile.
13 December 2005
12 December 2005
09 December 2005
Spanish at school translates to suspension
Controversy caused by Kansas City incident reflects national debate.
So, almost all public high schools require students to fulfill a foreign language requirement - and most of those classes are conducted in the language - yet they wish to make it wrong to speak anything other than English in the school?
Does that mean that students can't prepare for their French or Spanish exams during study hall for fear of being labeled anti-American?
That seems similar to the guy who said, "I'd give my left arm to be ambidextrous!"
I envy the kids who grow up bilingual & better able to communicate.
My neice was enrolled in a Spanish speaking daycare when she was two or three, & picked the language right up. It will serve her well as she grows up & interacts with the growing hispanic community around us.
So, almost all public high schools require students to fulfill a foreign language requirement - and most of those classes are conducted in the language - yet they wish to make it wrong to speak anything other than English in the school?
Does that mean that students can't prepare for their French or Spanish exams during study hall for fear of being labeled anti-American?
That seems similar to the guy who said, "I'd give my left arm to be ambidextrous!"
I envy the kids who grow up bilingual & better able to communicate.
My neice was enrolled in a Spanish speaking daycare when she was two or three, & picked the language right up. It will serve her well as she grows up & interacts with the growing hispanic community around us.
08 December 2005
Holiday representations
It occurred to me today that with all the hoopla over Christmas Trees vs. Holiday Trees that maybe I should buy a nice holiday candle holder for my Jewish friends!
Oh, man! Someone actually makes a minorah charm for pet collars!? Umm... Does that mean that I have to further humiliate the dog by getting him circumcised as well as neutered?
Oh, man! Someone actually makes a minorah charm for pet collars!? Umm... Does that mean that I have to further humiliate the dog by getting him circumcised as well as neutered?
07 December 2005
06 December 2005
24 November 2005
23 November 2005
Finally arrived!
They didn't have my size in stock, so I had to wait two months for it to be made... .
Of course, now I have to wait for warmer weather to wear it much, but it's great! Plenty of room — underneath, & in the multitude of pockets!
Of course, now I have to wait for warmer weather to wear it much, but it's great! Plenty of room — underneath, & in the multitude of pockets!
16 November 2005
14 November 2005
09 November 2005
Hooray
Michael Jackson May Not Live in U.S. Again
Key quote
They all shared a copy of Fundraising for Felons.
Key quote
Michael Jackson is working on a charity single for hurricane relief with stars such as R. Kelly and Snoop Dogg.
They all shared a copy of Fundraising for Felons.
GOP Leaders Urge Probe in Prisons (Leak)
What's so freakin' amazing about this is that they don't seem to be worried about the secret prisons, but that the American people have found out about it.
Yeah, this administration is gonna burn in hell... .
Yeah, this administration is gonna burn in hell... .
02 November 2005
It Doesn't Hurt To Ask
The Dilbert Blog: It Doesn't Hurt To Ask
Important quote:
Important quote:
It looked like someone had taken his dog and shoved it up his grandmother's ass, put them both on his driveway, borrowed his SUV and used his gas to run over them repeatedly in front of the kids.
How bout this...
After reading this article on MSNBC, I started thinking about just how insane this administration continues to be.
There has to be a more humane way to get answers, right?
So... Instead of torturing them after we catch them to get answers, we give the terrorists what they expect when they die: 72 virgins!
I bet they'd tell us anything we want to know.
And... We can promote abstinence, too:
T-shirts that say, "I'm saving it for Democracy!" passed out at every high school... . That should make the conservatives happy.
And not just for girls, as I'm sure that some of those terrorists might prefer guys, anyway.
Of course, in the military, it's still "don't ask, don't tell", so how do we know which men will want to join the new "Virgin Corps"? Guess we'll have to change that policy, which will make the liberals happy.
See, everybody wins!
There has to be a more humane way to get answers, right?
So... Instead of torturing them after we catch them to get answers, we give the terrorists what they expect when they die: 72 virgins!
I bet they'd tell us anything we want to know.
And... We can promote abstinence, too:
T-shirts that say, "I'm saving it for Democracy!" passed out at every high school... . That should make the conservatives happy.
And not just for girls, as I'm sure that some of those terrorists might prefer guys, anyway.
Of course, in the military, it's still "don't ask, don't tell", so how do we know which men will want to join the new "Virgin Corps"? Guess we'll have to change that policy, which will make the liberals happy.
See, everybody wins!
27 October 2005
Changing History
I noticed that Titanic is about to come out on DVD, with the option of an alternate ending.
Does that mean the ship doesn't sink?
Maybe when they hit the iceberg it cracks open to reveal a secret alien military base. Leonardo DiCraprio steals their weapons & saves mankind. (But the rich guys still despise him).
Does that mean the ship doesn't sink?
Maybe when they hit the iceberg it cracks open to reveal a secret alien military base. Leonardo DiCraprio steals their weapons & saves mankind. (But the rich guys still despise him).
When your eyes play Tricks
I saw this headline from the Washington Post: Miers's Autonomy Will Be at Issue.
But I could have sworn that it said Miers's Anatomy Will Be at Issue.
One of those moments where you just want to be struck blind!
But I could have sworn that it said Miers's Anatomy Will Be at Issue.
One of those moments where you just want to be struck blind!
06 October 2005
Who is Bush defining?
When Bush said this in his speech today:
Was he talking about Karl Rove, or Dick Cheney, or his administration in general?
"We are facing a radical ideology with immeasurable objectives to enslave whole nations and intimidate the world,"
Was he talking about Karl Rove, or Dick Cheney, or his administration in general?
04 October 2005
Moral Dilemma
Wow.
The aforementioned job interview has turned into an actual offer! And I feel a little guilty since I'm not really looking to leave my position here.
I have a pretty decent job, the pay is not bad — for a state agency — I don't hate or even dislike the majority of my co-workers, I have a kick ass office (formerly a hospital room) with a huge desk covered with all my techno-geek stuff & a great view of a river flowing by down below.
As jobs go, there's not too much stress on a regular basis, just the occasional blips of emergencies & rushes that come up, I would imagine, in most businesses.
And they call & make me an offer?! The other applicants must have sucked, huh? Or maybe I just talk a better game than I realized. I mean, they did call all the references & still were interested.
The job is a little more money, not a huge increase —near the bottom of the next higher pay schedule, but I really do think that it could be immensely over my head.
And I know that the people offering me this new position are not looking for someone short term, they're just entering the second phase of a long project that will, in all likelihood, take two or three years to complete. And I would be a real schmuck to go over there for just a few months, & then leave on my own venture just when I was settling in to their routine.
I really feel that I shouldn't take their offer, & am still amazed that I was the top pick. Hell, I was just trying to get out there and put my face around a little, ya know?
Should I feel guilty about not taking their offer? I certainly don't want to leave a bad impression with them. But, as is often the case, I think, I don't want to bolt from something secure that's not too bad a thing.
The aforementioned job interview has turned into an actual offer! And I feel a little guilty since I'm not really looking to leave my position here.
I have a pretty decent job, the pay is not bad — for a state agency — I don't hate or even dislike the majority of my co-workers, I have a kick ass office (formerly a hospital room) with a huge desk covered with all my techno-geek stuff & a great view of a river flowing by down below.
As jobs go, there's not too much stress on a regular basis, just the occasional blips of emergencies & rushes that come up, I would imagine, in most businesses.
And they call & make me an offer?! The other applicants must have sucked, huh? Or maybe I just talk a better game than I realized. I mean, they did call all the references & still were interested.
The job is a little more money, not a huge increase —near the bottom of the next higher pay schedule, but I really do think that it could be immensely over my head.
And I know that the people offering me this new position are not looking for someone short term, they're just entering the second phase of a long project that will, in all likelihood, take two or three years to complete. And I would be a real schmuck to go over there for just a few months, & then leave on my own venture just when I was settling in to their routine.
I really feel that I shouldn't take their offer, & am still amazed that I was the top pick. Hell, I was just trying to get out there and put my face around a little, ya know?
Should I feel guilty about not taking their offer? I certainly don't want to leave a bad impression with them. But, as is often the case, I think, I don't want to bolt from something secure that's not too bad a thing.
01 October 2005
great plate
I saw a license plate today, that I think was supposed to denote that he is from Kentucky.
What it said, though, was 1KYGUY. So, maybe he just needs a little lube for those family get togethers in the hills... .
What it said, though, was 1KYGUY. So, maybe he just needs a little lube for those family get togethers in the hills... .
30 September 2005
Lost in translation
My wife seemed surprised when I called & asked if she wanted to have lunch - surprised that I really meant lunch (& not sex!)
Maybe for dessert.
Maybe for dessert.
27 September 2005
Change of venue?
Over the last few months, I've felt a little stuck at work. As if I really wasn't going to be able to accomplish the things I'd like to see happen technologically. And that would be because of the inertia from above — if someone higher up the food chain had the will, then they could find the money to make it happen.
But, we're the red-headed step-children of the whole bunch, so don't look for it to happen anytime soon.
A while back – long enough that I had forgotten about it – I had dropped an application at another nearby state agency on a tech Support Analyst job. When their office called me yesterday for a phone interview, I had absolutely no idea what the woman was talking about for the first five minutes, & just played it off the cuff until I was able to figure out what was going on.
I must have talked a good game, because she called again today to ask me to come in for a sit-down with the other people there.
I'm not sure how I would feel about leaving my current cohort shorthanded, which they would be for a while if I left, but there is a little more money involved, & would be working closer to the dojo, which has its perks.
I've been here for five years, which is forever in the technology world, but barely a flicker in the state employee world.
As the wife & I were talking about the possibility last night, & little details that would go along with it, I commented that it would be great to have a doggy day care somewhere to make it easier to exercise the boys — which would be harder if I were to have an offer on the job, just because of the location.
I realized later in the shower — where all great thoughts are born — that maybe the answer was for the two of us to open our own doggy day care for others to employ!
So I'm spending a little time today researching that idea, & actually have found an affiliate program that we can use as springboard to get going… .
A job where we could both work with dogs all day long?? Hmm… .
But, we're the red-headed step-children of the whole bunch, so don't look for it to happen anytime soon.
A while back – long enough that I had forgotten about it – I had dropped an application at another nearby state agency on a tech Support Analyst job. When their office called me yesterday for a phone interview, I had absolutely no idea what the woman was talking about for the first five minutes, & just played it off the cuff until I was able to figure out what was going on.
I must have talked a good game, because she called again today to ask me to come in for a sit-down with the other people there.
I'm not sure how I would feel about leaving my current cohort shorthanded, which they would be for a while if I left, but there is a little more money involved, & would be working closer to the dojo, which has its perks.
I've been here for five years, which is forever in the technology world, but barely a flicker in the state employee world.
As the wife & I were talking about the possibility last night, & little details that would go along with it, I commented that it would be great to have a doggy day care somewhere to make it easier to exercise the boys — which would be harder if I were to have an offer on the job, just because of the location.
I realized later in the shower — where all great thoughts are born — that maybe the answer was for the two of us to open our own doggy day care for others to employ!
So I'm spending a little time today researching that idea, & actually have found an affiliate program that we can use as springboard to get going… .
A job where we could both work with dogs all day long?? Hmm… .
Vicious fish...
I came home yesterday to find that our Fantail Calicos (goldfish) had eaten out algae eater!
I mean there was nothing left of him but the head with the spine attached. How creepy is that?! (Very)
I'm not sure if he died & then they ate him, or if he was sick & almost dead, & they ate him anyway.
Whichever, I'm not sticking my fingers in that tank!!
I mean there was nothing left of him but the head with the spine attached. How creepy is that?! (Very)
I'm not sure if he died & then they ate him, or if he was sick & almost dead, & they ate him anyway.
Whichever, I'm not sticking my fingers in that tank!!
22 September 2005
:-( sad
Another no-go for us, I'm afraid.
She was 5 or 6 weeks along, but now her HG(?) levels are dropping off, instead of going up.
Both of us were trying to be optimistic, and were very hopeful, especially since we weren't even trying!
Hopefully, her body will be able to take care of getting back to normal without any pharmaceutical help this time.
I may take the rest of the day off so that we can be together if she needs me to.
One of our students has just returned after a long hiatus, & has been bringing her 7 month old with her when she can't find a sitter. He's a sweetie, & last week just before we did find out we were pregnant, I was was playing with C when I suddenly really wanted one for us!
Soon, maybe... .
She was 5 or 6 weeks along, but now her HG(?) levels are dropping off, instead of going up.
Both of us were trying to be optimistic, and were very hopeful, especially since we weren't even trying!
Hopefully, her body will be able to take care of getting back to normal without any pharmaceutical help this time.
I may take the rest of the day off so that we can be together if she needs me to.
One of our students has just returned after a long hiatus, & has been bringing her 7 month old with her when she can't find a sitter. He's a sweetie, & last week just before we did find out we were pregnant, I was was playing with C when I suddenly really wanted one for us!
Soon, maybe... .
16 September 2005
One of those days
Last night was one of those classes where it was hard to stay on the same page as Sensei.
Testing is right around the corner, so it's pretty important to get everyone moving towards doing technique the way T. Shihan wants it.
Ever since receiving my unofficial job to help students at our dojo stay on track, it's been hard, especially when Sensei gets going o his own track — which isn't necessarily a bad thing, it's just not in line with the overall view of our school's technique as it's passed on from Japan.
With every single technique that Sensei showed last night, I knew that someone from the U.S. home dojo, or from Japan, would say something like, "Where did you learn that?" They probably wouldn't say it as nicely, though.
The old rule of thumb is that whoever is teaching, that's the correct way of doing the technique, & that's fine insofar as the idea that everyone does things a little differently, & each person's technique evolves to suit their bodies over time. So I was very good, & didn't say anything, though I did point out to a few senior students getting near the black belt level that this or that pinning combo wouldn't be good to do on the test.
It drives me crazy, though, because I remember all of the habits I had to break after T. Shihan was hear a number of years ago, & went off on how we were maintaining the techniques as they were handed down.
And after training with him, I had much more respect for that viewpoint, & for the way he expressed technique.
I'm teaching the weekend classes, though, & that's (partially) the time to stress the traditional aspects of what we do in training.
Testing is right around the corner, so it's pretty important to get everyone moving towards doing technique the way T. Shihan wants it.
Ever since receiving my unofficial job to help students at our dojo stay on track, it's been hard, especially when Sensei gets going o his own track — which isn't necessarily a bad thing, it's just not in line with the overall view of our school's technique as it's passed on from Japan.
With every single technique that Sensei showed last night, I knew that someone from the U.S. home dojo, or from Japan, would say something like, "Where did you learn that?" They probably wouldn't say it as nicely, though.
The old rule of thumb is that whoever is teaching, that's the correct way of doing the technique, & that's fine insofar as the idea that everyone does things a little differently, & each person's technique evolves to suit their bodies over time. So I was very good, & didn't say anything, though I did point out to a few senior students getting near the black belt level that this or that pinning combo wouldn't be good to do on the test.
It drives me crazy, though, because I remember all of the habits I had to break after T. Shihan was hear a number of years ago, & went off on how we were maintaining the techniques as they were handed down.
And after training with him, I had much more respect for that viewpoint, & for the way he expressed technique.
I'm teaching the weekend classes, though, & that's (partially) the time to stress the traditional aspects of what we do in training.
10 September 2005
Last Days of Summer
Every year, the County Parks & Rec Department opens up the county pool to local pooches for a Humane Society fund-raiser.
The boys got to do a few laps, and play with their friends in the water.
What a life, huh?
09 September 2005
Cool new <geek> toy
When I saw this, it was a must have! I'm glad it doesn't generate much heat, too.
01 September 2005
31 August 2005
what the?
I swear I came here to post something of great import... .
Only now I can't remember what it was.
Only now I can't remember what it was.
29 August 2005
Location, location, location
Oh, yeah, and money, too!
Once again someone who doesn't have to sell first has put a contract on the house we've been trying to buy for the last three months!
In some ways, it's a relief -- we won't have to keep the house up to 100% constantly, and worry about showing it on the spur of the moment.
On the other hand, we were really looking forward to having a little land to garden on, and put in a dojo.
Once again someone who doesn't have to sell first has put a contract on the house we've been trying to buy for the last three months!
In some ways, it's a relief -- we won't have to keep the house up to 100% constantly, and worry about showing it on the spur of the moment.
On the other hand, we were really looking forward to having a little land to garden on, and put in a dojo.
16 August 2005
Look Ma, no rope!
Rudy's big day!!
He played for at least thirty minutes at the park off-leash without running off to the woods to chase rabbits.
This is a huge deal for us, & makes Mr. Rudy a much happier puppy, too, since he can get more exercise (and more treats every time he comes back to us).
12 August 2005
Tell Me a Secret:
With stories like this, is it any wonder that the Iraquis don't believe they'll have a fair shake after the new government comes into being?
05 August 2005
Just a typical evening..
.. at home.
And Junior is feeling much better and more feisty every day!
This is how he looked before. That was just after the accident that we now think was caused by a fan belt!
We've just started letting him go back outside on his own, but he isn't strong enough yet to make the jump over the fence, which is a bit of a relief for us, since he's still pretty weak in right hind leg.
04 August 2005
Aargh
I've been struggling all week long with font issues on my Windows machine as I transfer InDesign files from the Designers with OS X machines.
I was finally able to figure out the proper way to use Transtype from Fontlab, and how to install the fonts properly - so at least half the problem was in my not doing that part correctly.
So I finally get all the fonts installed, and now InDesign keeps crashing every time I try to start it up!
AArrghhh!
I was finally able to figure out the proper way to use Transtype from Fontlab, and how to install the fonts properly - so at least half the problem was in my not doing that part correctly.
So I finally get all the fonts installed, and now InDesign keeps crashing every time I try to start it up!
AArrghhh!
18 July 2005
Hold the Seafood
Sigh.. Instead of filling up on crab & beer, I'm here in a room next a sleeping spouse :-(
We came back here for a brief nap before dinner, but she woke up not feeling well, & I really didn't want to leave her with no way to get dinner if she feels up to it.
That was two hours ago, and she's still sawing logs.
We'll go grab something when she's up, though. Like any good college town, there's all kinds of local food to enjoy.
We came back here for a brief nap before dinner, but she woke up not feeling well, & I really didn't want to leave her with no way to get dinner if she feels up to it.
That was two hours ago, and she's still sawing logs.
We'll go grab something when she's up, though. Like any good college town, there's all kinds of local food to enjoy.
Working on the Road
I don't get to travel much in this job, but when I do, it's just nice to get the hell out of the office, ya know?
We're near the beach, & going to pig out on seafood later on this evening.
We're near the beach, & going to pig out on seafood later on this evening.
12 July 2005
Another day another dollar
On my way to the dojo this evening I was the thinking about the total disarry of things in my office & at home.
The house is once again on the market, as the buyers of the place we want backed out of their contract.
We found that out on Friday night - late- & have been scrambling ever since to get our place back on track. That meant a weekend of power-washing the decks & siding & starting in on the re-staining of the back deck.
On the first go-round of this desl we spent almost $3000 on two new vinyl floors, carpet, & a newly paved driveway.
On the work front, there is an inordinate amount of crap piled up for me to get through.
I have two more iMacs to set up for staff & one more PC. After that's done, though, I'm turning my tech support responsibilities back over to the help(less) desk. It has just become way too much work on topof everything else as the systems have gotten more complex, & as people expect more from our web jobs.
At least J. has her new toy to help out if I get too busy. ;-)
The house is once again on the market, as the buyers of the place we want backed out of their contract.
We found that out on Friday night - late- & have been scrambling ever since to get our place back on track. That meant a weekend of power-washing the decks & siding & starting in on the re-staining of the back deck.
On the first go-round of this desl we spent almost $3000 on two new vinyl floors, carpet, & a newly paved driveway.
On the work front, there is an inordinate amount of crap piled up for me to get through.
I have two more iMacs to set up for staff & one more PC. After that's done, though, I'm turning my tech support responsibilities back over to the help(less) desk. It has just become way too much work on topof everything else as the systems have gotten more complex, & as people expect more from our web jobs.
At least J. has her new toy to help out if I get too busy. ;-)
04 July 2005
Arts & Crafts
So, the missus was in a creative mood this weekend, & made one of these (NSFW).
As long as it doesn't turn out better than the original, we'll be fine.
And, guys, if you make one... you may want a little shave first - trust me!
As long as it doesn't turn out better than the original, we'll be fine.
And, guys, if you make one... you may want a little shave first - trust me!
03 July 2005
Tough Week
We still don't what happened to our sweetie, but he's home after five days at the clinic, & slowly starting to feel a little better.
He had ten stitches in his thigh, & four or five in each hind leg!
He had ten stitches in his thigh, & four or five in each hind leg!
12 June 2005
10 June 2005
05 June 2005
02 June 2005
Close Call
Wow, We almost destroyed the whole neighborhood last night!
I made the mistake of putting a bag of Dark Side M&Ms in the same bowl with a bag of the Jedi Mix!
Those little guys were going at it, let me tell you!
;-)
I made the mistake of putting a bag of Dark Side M&Ms in the same bowl with a bag of the Jedi Mix!
Those little guys were going at it, let me tell you!
;-)
28 May 2005
Nice weather
We had a nice break from the chilly days & got the boys to their favorite swimmin' hole.
26 May 2005
Store Wars
Not the best animation in a spoof, but the character names crack me up!
Join the Organic Rebellion.
On a par with The Meatrix.
Join the Organic Rebellion.
On a par with The Meatrix.
14 May 2005
Congrats!
To my wonderful wife on her graduation from the master's program at Virginia Tech!!
I wonder what life will be like with two full time incomes in the house?!
I love you, sweetness.
I wonder what life will be like with two full time incomes in the house?!
I love you, sweetness.
11 May 2005
Get ready to slurp
Free Frosty Day!
I picture myself driving around the county from restaurant to restaurant.... with a cooler of dry ice in the trunk to store them!
And in case you haven't tried it, a little (or a lot of) kahlua in your frosty is a pretty wonderful thing...
I picture myself driving around the county from restaurant to restaurant.... with a cooler of dry ice in the trunk to store them!
And in case you haven't tried it, a little (or a lot of) kahlua in your frosty is a pretty wonderful thing...
10 May 2005
Raze the roof..
But please don't let it fall on our heads!
As well as installing a new chiller unit on our building, the university is replacing the entire roof. Why they couldn't have done this before we moved in to the top floor, I'm not sure.
It sounds like a freakin' herd of elephants over our heads at least five hours a day, and will take another couple of weeks before the work is done. It's surprisingly hard to concentrate when it feels like the ceiling is about to fall down on you.
This must be what it's like to live in California!
As well as installing a new chiller unit on our building, the university is replacing the entire roof. Why they couldn't have done this before we moved in to the top floor, I'm not sure.
It sounds like a freakin' herd of elephants over our heads at least five hours a day, and will take another couple of weeks before the work is done. It's surprisingly hard to concentrate when it feels like the ceiling is about to fall down on you.
This must be what it's like to live in California!
09 May 2005
The rare & improbable free lunch
What a treat, not a huge treat, because it was Burger King, after all, but still nice. I ordered lunch at the BK nearby, and whipped out my credit card to pay for it when the manager said that their card reader was down. I was out of cash, and that's all I had to pay with... .
But he wanted repeat business enough that he wrote the meal off rather than see me head up the street to the competition!
I wonder how much money the store will lose today because there was no backup system in place?
But he wanted repeat business enough that he wrote the meal off rather than see me head up the street to the competition!
I wonder how much money the store will lose today because there was no backup system in place?
05 May 2005
Control the Center
In class last week I was teaching a variety of knife techniques & noticed that people really got too focused on the knife. Now, it's a good thing to know where that knife is when it's coming toward you, but like so many things, the more you concentrate on it, the more it slips away.
As with tai jutsu, if the attack is coming from uke's center, then that is what has to be controlled.
A good blend, tenkan, followed by good entry, irimi, is still what is needed.
What needs to be different is how we think about the blend when there is a weapon involved... . Going inside may suddenly be more dangerous than going outside, and vice versa, using ikkyo instead of gokkyo, etc.
I guess that I have enough time on the mat (but nowhere near enough!) that I don't think conciously about those changes too much in the middle of technique. I suppose it's good that they're becoming second nature, & getting into my muscle memory, but it takes more thoughtfulness to remember those details and to teach them now.
As with tai jutsu, if the attack is coming from uke's center, then that is what has to be controlled.
A good blend, tenkan, followed by good entry, irimi, is still what is needed.
What needs to be different is how we think about the blend when there is a weapon involved... . Going inside may suddenly be more dangerous than going outside, and vice versa, using ikkyo instead of gokkyo, etc.
I guess that I have enough time on the mat (but nowhere near enough!) that I don't think conciously about those changes too much in the middle of technique. I suppose it's good that they're becoming second nature, & getting into my muscle memory, but it takes more thoughtfulness to remember those details and to teach them now.
03 May 2005
Too Tired Dogs
Over the weekend we were in C'ville & took the opportunity to run the dogs at Darden Towe Park. We stayed for almost two hours letting them play & have an all around good time, the took them for a little swim in the Rivanna River. All in hopes of tiring them out for the ride home Sunday evening.
It obviously worked — not only did they sleep all the way home, but when I got up on Monday morning they stayed in bed; they didn't even get up long enough to eat breakfast! And it was yesterday evening before they even felt like playing again.
Of course, we were worried about Rudy since he almost always gets car sick, & hates to travel. But this trip we switched him from Benadryl to knock him out to Dramamine.
Man, what a difference! He still drooled a lot over the first part of the trip, but he didn't get sick, & he was even a little perky when we got there! I think we were both tickled to death over how much better he did.
It obviously worked — not only did they sleep all the way home, but when I got up on Monday morning they stayed in bed; they didn't even get up long enough to eat breakfast! And it was yesterday evening before they even felt like playing again.
Of course, we were worried about Rudy since he almost always gets car sick, & hates to travel. But this trip we switched him from Benadryl to knock him out to Dramamine.
Man, what a difference! He still drooled a lot over the first part of the trip, but he didn't get sick, & he was even a little perky when we got there! I think we were both tickled to death over how much better he did.
28 April 2005
These are my URL ABCs:
- A is for ananova.com/ - love the quirkies
- B is for barnesandnoble.com/ - I like to read
- C is for cdwg.com - spend the state's money
- D is for defectiveyeti.com/ - Hey, that's where I found this time-consuming tool
- E is for eclasses.org - Always have to know more
- F is for flowerfire.com - work related
- G is for gpf-comics.com/ - General Protection Fault rules
- H is for home.threeweb.ad.jp/english/jpncntrl/bgnr_hp.html - Trying to learn Japanese
- I is for inpassing.org/blog/ - Juvenile, but sometimes funny
- J is for jobs.vt.edu - Sshhh... don't tell my boss
- K is for kingfeatures.com/features/comics/comics.htm - Who doesn't like the funnies?
- L is for live365.com/ - Gotta have my tunes on the job!
- M is for mozilla.org/ - Always an update it seems
- N is for nanahiro.com/compe/ - Office Productivity at it's best!
- O is for overheardinnewyork.com/ - There are some rude people in New York!!
- P is for php.net/ - Yeah, I'm a geek
- Who uses q?
- R is for radford.edu/ - Everyone's gotta work somewhere.
- S is for search.ebay.com - People sell the weirdest shit..
- T is for tabletpcbuzz.com - I'm still a geek.
- U is for us4.php.net/ - Damn, I really am becoming geeky
- V is for viral.lycos.co.uk/ - A great place for a chuckle
- W is for weblog.herald.com/column/davebarry - The funniest man ever?
- Y is for yp.yahoo.com/ - who needs a phone book when we have the internet?
- Z is for zwire.com/site/news.asp?brd=1719 - Just a random news link from the wires.
How to find your URL ABCs: Type the letter 'a' into your location bar, copy the first URL that your browser autosuggests as a completion, and paste it into the corresponding field below. Repeat for letters 'b' through 'z'.
I don't have the set up to post the form here, but you can see one on Defective Yeti.
15 April 2005
Always close the door
After being out of town last Saturday, I noticed on Sunday that I hadn't seen one of the cats — our feisty former tom. She said he had been around on Saturday, so I wasn't too worried.
He continued not showing up for the next few days, & we both started worrying that something may have happened to him on one of his midnight roams.
Then yesterday evening, I was out on the back porch with the dogs, & heard him crying somewhere! I looked around and then grabbed a flashlight so I could see a little better.
I finally found him — in the shed! He apparently slipped in there last Saturday when J had the door open... .
Five days with no food & water is a long time for any critter, and he was happy to be out, though he was obviously dehydrated, & a good bit thinner.
After a night back inside with some canned food and as much water as he wanted, he seems more like his old self, but we'll still keep an eye on him over the next few days.
He still needs a new home, though, where he can be an only cat! With one or two dogs for company, & certainly no children.
He continued not showing up for the next few days, & we both started worrying that something may have happened to him on one of his midnight roams.
Then yesterday evening, I was out on the back porch with the dogs, & heard him crying somewhere! I looked around and then grabbed a flashlight so I could see a little better.
I finally found him — in the shed! He apparently slipped in there last Saturday when J had the door open... .
Five days with no food & water is a long time for any critter, and he was happy to be out, though he was obviously dehydrated, & a good bit thinner.
After a night back inside with some canned food and as much water as he wanted, he seems more like his old self, but we'll still keep an eye on him over the next few days.
He still needs a new home, though, where he can be an only cat! With one or two dogs for company, & certainly no children.
14 April 2005
Overheard in the Office
Maybe it's just my mood today, but I cannot remembered the last time I laughed like I have been for the past few minutes while reading the archives on Overheard in the Office.
10 April 2005
So sad
After such a nice day training with so many new people yesterday, and a wonderful dinner at The Blue Nile, an Ethiopian restaurant, I got home to find out that J had found another kitten that Momma apparantly had brought here last Thanksgiving while we were out of town.
We're not sure how the little grey one died; J found it between some concrete blocks on the deck while doing some spring cleaning.
The dogs never found it, & we never smelled anything, so it must have remained frozen there for a long time.
Now we know that there were in fact three kittens in her last litter, & that only one survived. But we know that Opus did very well, and found a good home.
We're not sure how the little grey one died; J found it between some concrete blocks on the deck while doing some spring cleaning.
The dogs never found it, & we never smelled anything, so it must have remained frozen there for a long time.
Now we know that there were in fact three kittens in her last litter, & that only one survived. But we know that Opus did very well, and found a good home.
09 April 2005
Good Training
The boys got a nice surprise yesterday evening. The girl next door & a friend came over & asked if they could play! I brought the boys out to their leads in the front yard & let 'em have at it.
I was really surprised to see them stand BlackJack up on his back legs and dance with him! He hates it whenever J or I try to do that. It just shows how much he still loves little girls even though he's almost all grown up!
Rudy was very shy, though, and wasn't sure if he wanted them to get too close to them; at least until they picked up a stick for him to tug on!
I feel bad that it's going to be a nice day & that they can't come with me :-(
We're having an aikido seminar in Harrisonburg & there's no place there for them to stay while we're training. I am looking forward to training with everyone, though, since I haven't been able to get to any of the other dojos for a number of months.
I was really surprised to see them stand BlackJack up on his back legs and dance with him! He hates it whenever J or I try to do that. It just shows how much he still loves little girls even though he's almost all grown up!
Rudy was very shy, though, and wasn't sure if he wanted them to get too close to them; at least until they picked up a stick for him to tug on!
I feel bad that it's going to be a nice day & that they can't come with me :-(
We're having an aikido seminar in Harrisonburg & there's no place there for them to stay while we're training. I am looking forward to training with everyone, though, since I haven't been able to get to any of the other dojos for a number of months.
30 March 2005
U.S. Barred From Sending 13 Detainees Abroad
Another strike against our own terrorists:
U.S. Barred From Sending 13 Detainees Abroad
U.S. Barred From Sending 13 Detainees Abroad
Condolences & Love
To Wil Wheaton and his family on the loss of Felix.
My wife I have had many cats - and now dogs - come to live with us and share the joys of their lives over the years, and somehow it is never any easier when one of them dies and moves on.
Hang in there, Wil.
My wife I have had many cats - and now dogs - come to live with us and share the joys of their lives over the years, and somehow it is never any easier when one of them dies and moves on.
Hang in there, Wil.
24 March 2005
Happy light
I just mounted my new Eclipse workstation Light, but am having a little trouble with the adjustment.
According to the instructions, I should adjust the reflective visor so that a pleasing ray of light falls over (my) work surface.
I'm not sure just how pleasing it's supposed to be, though... .
According to the instructions, I should adjust the reflective visor so that a pleasing ray of light falls over (my) work surface.
I'm not sure just how pleasing it's supposed to be, though... .
21 March 2005
Warmth!
Yes! My office is nice and toasty this morning, thanks to the maintenance guys who took half the wall apart last Friday to figure why the heat wasn't working, and then got it working.
One thing we didn't take into account when designing my new desk is that it blocks access to the heater, & they're supposed to change those filters every three months! DOH!
I think, though, that if I take the back privacy panel off of that section of the desk that they can access it without my having to take the entire back half of the desk apart every time.
One thing we didn't take into account when designing my new desk is that it blocks access to the heater, & they're supposed to change those filters every three months! DOH!
I think, though, that if I take the back privacy panel off of that section of the desk that they can access it without my having to take the entire back half of the desk apart every time.
20 March 2005
And this, too, shall pass
It looks like BlackJack may be back to his old self. I gave him some of the cats' hairball remedy, & he was a little perkier after napping.
We took both boys for a walk to the park & while we were out, he passed something pretty nasty! And, yes, we're good doggy parents so we, & by we I mean I, cleaned it up.
He'll have dinner soon & I'll see how he does after that!
We met two dogs who came down the back side of their property to the fence, and they both appear to have had their vocal cords either removed or at least operated on so that they couldn't bark. I have heard of that being done to serious guard dogs so that they could sneak up on people, but I don't think that I've ever actually met a dog whose bark was just a whisper. Definitely a little weird, especially since they both were like that!
The boys found a deer (fawn) carcass, too -- yum -- but we managed to keep them off of it! I don't think that it had been poached, as it was fairly intact.
I'm sure that the vultures will do a good job with it, but I may call the county tomorrow in case they want to remove it.
We took both boys for a walk to the park & while we were out, he passed something pretty nasty! And, yes, we're good doggy parents so we, & by we I mean I, cleaned it up.
He'll have dinner soon & I'll see how he does after that!
We met two dogs who came down the back side of their property to the fence, and they both appear to have had their vocal cords either removed or at least operated on so that they couldn't bark. I have heard of that being done to serious guard dogs so that they could sneak up on people, but I don't think that I've ever actually met a dog whose bark was just a whisper. Definitely a little weird, especially since they both were like that!
The boys found a deer (fawn) carcass, too -- yum -- but we managed to keep them off of it! I don't think that it had been poached, as it was fairly intact.
I'm sure that the vultures will do a good job with it, but I may call the county tomorrow in case they want to remove it.
Only part lab, but just as dense
He may only be ¼ lab, but BlackJack will still eat anything!
And this time,unfortunately, he doesn't seem to be able to get rid of it on his own :-(
He ate slowly this morning — which never happens — and then got sick almost immediately after, which is never a good sign.
We've given him two doses of an ipecac-type solution, which did make him throw up more, but no luck as yet with whatever is blocking his stomach.
We'll call the vet in the next couple of hours if he hasn't been able to take care of it, & go get him x-rayed to see what's in there.
The first time it ever happened, it was a fur covered cat toy mouse, but he was a much smaller puppy then. It's happened at least one other time, & that turned out to be a piece of a bone that he & Rudy had been working on.
I just hate to see him so miserable... .
And this time,unfortunately, he doesn't seem to be able to get rid of it on his own :-(
He ate slowly this morning — which never happens — and then got sick almost immediately after, which is never a good sign.
We've given him two doses of an ipecac-type solution, which did make him throw up more, but no luck as yet with whatever is blocking his stomach.
We'll call the vet in the next couple of hours if he hasn't been able to take care of it, & go get him x-rayed to see what's in there.
The first time it ever happened, it was a fur covered cat toy mouse, but he was a much smaller puppy then. It's happened at least one other time, & that turned out to be a piece of a bone that he & Rudy had been working on.
I just hate to see him so miserable... .
19 March 2005
Well..
Of course, once I had pretty much decided to cancel the weekend class, I had more students than ever show up today(6). Maybe not a huge number, but if people are coming, they must be getting something from the class, right?
The weather is warming up, though, so now I'm thinking that we can move back outside again... . That would (hopefully) make it possible to take the boys with us on Saturday morning & tie them out on a tree while we have class, & then take them for a nice walk after. And the farmers' market will be starting up again soon, too, & they enjoy going there with us.
They are so much better behaved at home, too, when they get exercised regularly. Just like people!
I'll just have to figure it out, I suppose.
The weather is warming up, though, so now I'm thinking that we can move back outside again... . That would (hopefully) make it possible to take the boys with us on Saturday morning & tie them out on a tree while we have class, & then take them for a nice walk after. And the farmers' market will be starting up again soon, too, & they enjoy going there with us.
They are so much better behaved at home, too, when they get exercised regularly. Just like people!
I'll just have to figure it out, I suppose.
Decisions
I'm thinking about cancelling our Saturday Aikido classes, at least for a while.
J. & I are very busy now, & one or both of us are out of the house four evenings a week as it is.
A number of things aren't getting the attention they need.
My move to the new office doesn't help any, either, since I'm too far from the house to come home & run the dogs at lunch like I could before we moved.
Not having that little escape at lunch is making me more tired in the evenings, too. I didn't realize how good it had been for my stress levels!
Unfortunately, one of the things that isn't getting the attention that it needs is J., but now that the animals are all fed I'm going back to bed to take care of that!
J. & I are very busy now, & one or both of us are out of the house four evenings a week as it is.
A number of things aren't getting the attention they need.
My move to the new office doesn't help any, either, since I'm too far from the house to come home & run the dogs at lunch like I could before we moved.
Not having that little escape at lunch is making me more tired in the evenings, too. I didn't realize how good it had been for my stress levels!
Unfortunately, one of the things that isn't getting the attention that it needs is J., but now that the animals are all fed I'm going back to bed to take care of that!
15 March 2005
Geek-wa des
The wife & I started a conversational Japanese class last night, & look forward to being able to speak a little more by the time Tanaka Shihan arrives from Japan this summer.
It should be fun practicing with each other, & inflicting it on my aikido students for the next few weeks!
It should be fun practicing with each other, & inflicting it on my aikido students for the next few weeks!
14 March 2005
Another neat map tool?
Going on a trip? Like Chick-Fil-A?
Try their trip planner. Windows only, sorry.
I found this link today when my father called from his huge rental car and asked me to find a Chick-Fil-A for him near Statesville.
He's a fan of their food, & can't get it where he lives in California. The last time he was out on this coast, he actually bought a suitcase full of cooked, flash frozen fillets from the local restaurant and took them home with him. Did I mention that he (and many other members of our gene pool) can be a little weird?
Try their trip planner. Windows only, sorry.
I found this link today when my father called from his huge rental car and asked me to find a Chick-Fil-A for him near Statesville.
He's a fan of their food, & can't get it where he lives in California. The last time he was out on this coast, he actually bought a suitcase full of cooked, flash frozen fillets from the local restaurant and took them home with him. Did I mention that he (and many other members of our gene pool) can be a little weird?
13 March 2005
Well, well
We though it couldn't be done. But it was.
My wife actually managed to surprise me for my birthday — we won't say which one (birthday, not wife).
I have to admit that I thought something might be up as I was getting ready to go out to dinner at one of our favorite places, but let it go.
It turned out that the reservations were for four, which was pretty much a dead giveaway that she had invited someone else, but she wouldn't tell me who.
When said guests were already twenty minutes late I started to suspect that it might be someone related to me (that is genetic, though I've tried my best to overcome it in my lifetime).
And I have to admit that I was genuinely surprised when my father & his brother came through the door; a good surprise since Dad lives 3000 miles away. Now, my uncle only lives forty miles away, but Dad did need a place to stay while he's in town, so that makes sense.
I felt a little sorry for the waiter, a senior at Virginia Tech. Between my father & his brother & the way they carry on, I thought they'd cause the poor guy to have an aneurism, or worse. When my uncle — who will gladly tell anyone about how he put himself through college waiting tables — ordered a martini, and said,"... and no olive; if it gets near olive, I'll kill you", said waiter chuckled nervously and sped off to get drinks — probably stopping for one himself.
He returned, & when the martini was just about five inches above the table, he, my uncle, and myself all saw the evil green orb on a stick in the glass!
My uncle, who is a fairly burly guy for his age, practically roared,"What the hell is that?", and sent the waiter scurrying again for a fresh martini.
He certainly earned his tip, though, and when the kitchen ran out of raspberry sauce for two of the desserts that we ordered, he had them taken off the bill. A safe precaution on his part, to be sure, to ensure that he would live to see his graduation this spring.
Thanks, sweet; I love you!
My wife actually managed to surprise me for my birthday — we won't say which one (birthday, not wife).
I have to admit that I thought something might be up as I was getting ready to go out to dinner at one of our favorite places, but let it go.
It turned out that the reservations were for four, which was pretty much a dead giveaway that she had invited someone else, but she wouldn't tell me who.
When said guests were already twenty minutes late I started to suspect that it might be someone related to me (that is genetic, though I've tried my best to overcome it in my lifetime).
And I have to admit that I was genuinely surprised when my father & his brother came through the door; a good surprise since Dad lives 3000 miles away. Now, my uncle only lives forty miles away, but Dad did need a place to stay while he's in town, so that makes sense.
I felt a little sorry for the waiter, a senior at Virginia Tech. Between my father & his brother & the way they carry on, I thought they'd cause the poor guy to have an aneurism, or worse. When my uncle — who will gladly tell anyone about how he put himself through college waiting tables — ordered a martini, and said,"... and no olive; if it gets near olive, I'll kill you", said waiter chuckled nervously and sped off to get drinks — probably stopping for one himself.
He returned, & when the martini was just about five inches above the table, he, my uncle, and myself all saw the evil green orb on a stick in the glass!
My uncle, who is a fairly burly guy for his age, practically roared,"What the hell is that?", and sent the waiter scurrying again for a fresh martini.
He certainly earned his tip, though, and when the kitchen ran out of raspberry sauce for two of the desserts that we ordered, he had them taken off the bill. A safe precaution on his part, to be sure, to ensure that he would live to see his graduation this spring.
Thanks, sweet; I love you!
10 March 2005
Oh, the Humanity!
When I see this headline, I picture the evil giants with large nets, casting them over the japanese roads to trap motorists and eat them... .
But I'm sure that Godzilla will rise from the foamy sea to save Tokyo again!
But I'm sure that Godzilla will rise from the foamy sea to save Tokyo again!
07 March 2005
Guard dogs
BlackJack displayed some behaviour this weekend that I don't think I've really noticed before.
The wife & I had the he & Rudy out for a walk & anytime a male who didn't have a dog got within 20 feet of us, BlackJack would go off on him.
It occurred to me that he didn't do that anytime recently when I had them out by myself. And he was fine when we were approached by couples, or by people with dogs. It seemed to only be lone men that he wanted to keep away from his mom!
It's nice to know that he's going to do the job of protecting her if she needs it – and I know from experience just how well he can get those teeth through the skin and let you know what he's thinkin'!
The wife & I had the he & Rudy out for a walk & anytime a male who didn't have a dog got within 20 feet of us, BlackJack would go off on him.
It occurred to me that he didn't do that anytime recently when I had them out by myself. And he was fine when we were approached by couples, or by people with dogs. It seemed to only be lone men that he wanted to keep away from his mom!
It's nice to know that he's going to do the job of protecting her if she needs it – and I know from experience just how well he can get those teeth through the skin and let you know what he's thinkin'!
28 February 2005
Moving in
All moved in, mostly.
The move may have been last Tuesday, but there are still a pile of boxes in my new office to be unloaded around this monstrosity
.
That would be the result of spending all my time after the move setting up computers for everyone, re-setting all the printers to their new network addresses, and then re-setting up computers for various people who think they're important after their new desks arrived.
And new desks... do you see how freakin' huge that thing is!? And I'm sure it won't take long for me to get it covered, too, between my three machines, whatever I happen to be working on for someone else, and all the various projects happening at any given time.
The view is pretty sweet, though, & we all thank the gods that the photo studio offices are a little farther away! Now if she would only learn to pick up the phone & call to complain about the problem of the moment instead of walking all over trying to find whoever she thinks she needs. But I don't think she'll ever be cured of:
The move may have been last Tuesday, but there are still a pile of boxes in my new office to be unloaded around this monstrosity
.That would be the result of spending all my time after the move setting up computers for everyone, re-setting all the printers to their new network addresses, and then re-setting up computers for various people who think they're important after their new desks arrived.
And new desks... do you see how freakin' huge that thing is!? And I'm sure it won't take long for me to get it covered, too, between my three machines, whatever I happen to be working on for someone else, and all the various projects happening at any given time.
The view is pretty sweet, though, & we all thank the gods that the photo studio offices are a little farther away! Now if she would only learn to pick up the phone & call to complain about the problem of the moment instead of walking all over trying to find whoever she thinks she needs. But I don't think she'll ever be cured of:
- putting a photo on the server
emailing the person who needs it to tell them it's there,
& then walking over to tell them that it's there & that's she's just emailed you about it!
18 February 2005
And we wonder...
why Muslims around the world still don't like us?
No matter how good the intentions of our policies may look on the surface, the military is still be a haven for racists & nationalists whose acts of stupidity continue to bring us down in the eyes of the world.
No matter how good the intentions of our policies may look on the surface, the military is still be a haven for racists & nationalists whose acts of stupidity continue to bring us down in the eyes of the world.
16 February 2005
M minus six
There are three types of people in our office concerning our move.
- The majority of the staff are looking forward to the move, and aren't too worried about logistics. They are, however, starting to be concerned about packing.
A couple of people, most notably, my supervisor, are paranoid, & absolutely convinced that something major will go wrong & screw everything up once we're in the new space.
And then there is me; I really don't give a rat's ass one way or another, as long my paycheck makes it to the bank!
15 February 2005
Fired?
Wisconsin Man Says Beer Choice Cost Him Job.
Bitch-slapped maybe for drinking something so nasty, but not fired.
I bet the lawyers are queuing up outside his house!
Bitch-slapped maybe for drinking something so nasty, but not fired.
I bet the lawyers are queuing up outside his house!
14 February 2005
M minus eight
In just eight days we move to our new offices away from the main university campus, and into a remodeled insane asylum.
I'm still not sure how to take that, & haven't found out yet whether or not they've left the padding on on my office walls.
About half of our staff is excited about the move, and the rest of us are sure that something will go wrong, & we'll spend at least a week sitting on the floor as we work, waiting for our furniture to arrive.
I'm a little more concerned with getting the feng-shui right in my office, as there is a ghost in the wing from a nurse who died on the premises. That's lucky, I guess; the other end of the building houses the ghost of a patient who committed suicide by sneaking a gun into the ward when he was checked in.
Until then, there are boxes to be packed, furniture to be tagged – if it is going – & a strategy to be stratergerized for getting all fifty odd computers to the new offices and set up for everyone.
I'm still not sure how to take that, & haven't found out yet whether or not they've left the padding on on my office walls.
About half of our staff is excited about the move, and the rest of us are sure that something will go wrong, & we'll spend at least a week sitting on the floor as we work, waiting for our furniture to arrive.
I'm a little more concerned with getting the feng-shui right in my office, as there is a ghost in the wing from a nurse who died on the premises. That's lucky, I guess; the other end of the building houses the ghost of a patient who committed suicide by sneaking a gun into the ward when he was checked in.
Until then, there are boxes to be packed, furniture to be tagged – if it is going – & a strategy to be stratergerized for getting all fifty odd computers to the new offices and set up for everyone.
07 February 2005
Deluxe Eye Patch
Why is this sold as a pair?
You'd think it might be a little difficult to get around that way!
You'd think it might be a little difficult to get around that way!
02 February 2005
27 January 2005
26 January 2005
Shepherd drove drunk sheep home
The sheep must be getting smart if the farmer has to get them drunk first!
22 January 2005
Wake up call
The gentleman in front of me at Starbucks this morning ordered a Viente latte... with five extra shots.
That's a total seven shots.
All I could say was, "Good luck with that."
That's a total seven shots.
All I could say was, "Good luck with that."
21 January 2005
Warm, sunny New Orleans!
It's very nice to be out of the office & not dealing with everyone's "issues".
I suppose that it's not an actual vacation since the spousal unit is here for a conference, but there should be plenty of jazz & excellent food to be had before we go home.
... as much as I love the critters, it is soooo nice to have huge bed & not have to fight for space while I sleep.
And it's also nice not to have to push everyone off when we want to have sex! And when we're on vacation, that's fairly often :)
I think she'll blow off Sunday morning's events so we can spend a day playing tourist. Since there is, of course, way to much to see, we'll probably find one or two excellent things to do, including Bourbon Street, of course.
For some reason, I've been forbidden to go to the French Quarter alone... .
I was hoping to get to the local dojo while I'm here, but both of their instructors are out of town for a seminar with their shihan. What a bummer!
I suppose that it's not an actual vacation since the spousal unit is here for a conference, but there should be plenty of jazz & excellent food to be had before we go home.
... as much as I love the critters, it is soooo nice to have huge bed & not have to fight for space while I sleep.
And it's also nice not to have to push everyone off when we want to have sex! And when we're on vacation, that's fairly often :)
I think she'll blow off Sunday morning's events so we can spend a day playing tourist. Since there is, of course, way to much to see, we'll probably find one or two excellent things to do, including Bourbon Street, of course.
For some reason, I've been forbidden to go to the French Quarter alone... .
I was hoping to get to the local dojo while I'm here, but both of their instructors are out of town for a seminar with their shihan. What a bummer!
11 January 2005
They just keep coming.
I can't believe I didn't put this tidbit up here earlier.
One day after my last post, on Christmas eve morning - just before we left town, two more kittens showed up at the house. We're pretty sure that they're a niece and nephew of the little tuxedo cat, now known as Opus, even though they were older than Opus.
The nephew is white and black, and had an upper respiratory infection that sounded pretty bad.
The niece, a gray tabby, was obviously dehydrated, but very sweet.
The temperatures that week had been cold, & were going to be even colder, so I bundled them off to the vet for a weekend at the spa, so they could get a little healthier.
They were doing much better when I picked them up the following week, & fit right in with the rest of the crowd.
I finally got around to putting an ad in the paper, & their pictures online last Thursday. By Friday afternoon, I'd had five phone calls (and still getting more).
One woman definitely wanted Opus, so that just left the other two — Bandit & Misty.
Someone had called & wanted to come look at Misty, and his neighbor came with him. When she saw Bandit, she decided on the spot to take him home, even though her roommate is allergic! How great is that (for Bandit, not the roommate)?
Opus went to his new home later in the evening, & his mom came in just as they were getting ready to go. She watche me hand him over, and watched as her baby left the house. She must have understood, because she didn't spend anytime after that looking around for him, or crying for him to come to her as she usually would after coming back into the house.
We know that her oldest daughter, also a tuxedo cat, has a litter somewhere, but we haven't been able to find them yet. Sadly, one of those little ones got hit by a car yesterday near where we've been trying to rescue them, so we're going to be even more closely on the lookout.
One day after my last post, on Christmas eve morning - just before we left town, two more kittens showed up at the house. We're pretty sure that they're a niece and nephew of the little tuxedo cat, now known as Opus, even though they were older than Opus.
The nephew is white and black, and had an upper respiratory infection that sounded pretty bad.
The niece, a gray tabby, was obviously dehydrated, but very sweet.
The temperatures that week had been cold, & were going to be even colder, so I bundled them off to the vet for a weekend at the spa, so they could get a little healthier.
They were doing much better when I picked them up the following week, & fit right in with the rest of the crowd.
I finally got around to putting an ad in the paper, & their pictures online last Thursday. By Friday afternoon, I'd had five phone calls (and still getting more).
One woman definitely wanted Opus, so that just left the other two — Bandit & Misty.
Someone had called & wanted to come look at Misty, and his neighbor came with him. When she saw Bandit, she decided on the spot to take him home, even though her roommate is allergic! How great is that (for Bandit, not the roommate)?
Opus went to his new home later in the evening, & his mom came in just as they were getting ready to go. She watche me hand him over, and watched as her baby left the house. She must have understood, because she didn't spend anytime after that looking around for him, or crying for him to come to her as she usually would after coming back into the house.
We know that her oldest daughter, also a tuxedo cat, has a litter somewhere, but we haven't been able to find them yet. Sadly, one of those little ones got hit by a car yesterday near where we've been trying to rescue them, so we're going to be even more closely on the lookout.
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