What do you do with Roland Arnall, who's company, Ameriquest Capitol, is under investigation in 30 states for predatory morgatge practices, and has just set aside $325,000,000 to settle these claims?
If you are George Bush, you appoint him US Ambassador to the Netherlands.
Even if the Democrats are able to take back the White House in 2008, the damage this man has done to US credibility will not be repaired in my lifetime.
Sunday, July 31, 2005
More Helpful Hints For Going Out In Public
As in any city of a signifigant size, I frequently find myself in closer proximity to my fellow human beings than I would like. I have a rather large circle of personal space when I am surrounded by people I don't know (when I am cofortable with a person, I will almost sit in their lap).
I recognize, however, that I maust make accomadations for being out in public. Especially when traveling on public transit.
Since, on occasion, we are all forced to be closer to one another than maybe we would like, let me offer this gentle suggestion.
BATHE! And put on some deodorant.
Yes, I realize it is hot and humid out, and we are all sweating more than is normal. I expect the construction worker's deodorant may have failed by the time his work day is done.
But there is no excuse for the guy in a shirt and tie to smell like a homeless person who hasn't seen a shower since the first Bush was president.
And for all those pseudo-hippie wannabes, Patchouli does not count as deodorant.
I recognize, however, that I maust make accomadations for being out in public. Especially when traveling on public transit.
Since, on occasion, we are all forced to be closer to one another than maybe we would like, let me offer this gentle suggestion.
BATHE! And put on some deodorant.
Yes, I realize it is hot and humid out, and we are all sweating more than is normal. I expect the construction worker's deodorant may have failed by the time his work day is done.
But there is no excuse for the guy in a shirt and tie to smell like a homeless person who hasn't seen a shower since the first Bush was president.
And for all those pseudo-hippie wannabes, Patchouli does not count as deodorant.
Flip Flops
I am sitting in the office (Starbucks), and just observed a very attractive woman, tall, blond, gorgeous blue-green eyes. She was wearing the "little black dress" that was very flattering to her figure. And flip flops.
Flip flops.
Ladies (and gentleman), allow me to clue you in on what is apparently a big secret. Flip flops are never appropriate street wear. If you don't have sand or bathroom tile under your feet, you should not be wearing flip flops.
Many will cry out, "But they're not flip flops, they are sandals."
There is a simple test for this. Ask yourself this question:
"Did an animal die to make my footwear?"
If not, it's a flip flop.
Flip flops.
Ladies (and gentleman), allow me to clue you in on what is apparently a big secret. Flip flops are never appropriate street wear. If you don't have sand or bathroom tile under your feet, you should not be wearing flip flops.
Many will cry out, "But they're not flip flops, they are sandals."
There is a simple test for this. Ask yourself this question:
"Did an animal die to make my footwear?"
If not, it's a flip flop.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
There Is No Such Thing As Too Many Job Skills
Except, of course, when the ones you don't want to be doing pay waaaaaay better than the ones you do.
I really like the people I am working for. They run a very good company. The work is interesting and challanging. They allow me to take off whenever I please. And they pay me better than I could make doing anything else I know how to do.
But I get up at 4:30 AM. I move around big heavy things. Things measured in hundreds or thousands of pounds. We frequently work on sites before the air conditioning is working. And I keep injuring myself (yesterday: hot slag* down my welding gauntlet, melted skin, second degree burns), not because I am a klutz, but because the work I do carries with it a certain degree of danger.
I must admit that the danger factor is one of the things I love about the job. I also love the eliteness of it. Last summer I installed gear that only a handfull of people in this country have the requisite experience and skillset to do. And I am one of those people.
But it doesn't feed my soul. And lately I have been less than diligent about pursuing design work because I have been so busy at the job I would really rather not be doing but instead be designing. Something of a vicious circle.
Last week I turned down work because I was committed at my job. And that's just not right.
*slag: bits of molten material created while welding.
I really like the people I am working for. They run a very good company. The work is interesting and challanging. They allow me to take off whenever I please. And they pay me better than I could make doing anything else I know how to do.
But I get up at 4:30 AM. I move around big heavy things. Things measured in hundreds or thousands of pounds. We frequently work on sites before the air conditioning is working. And I keep injuring myself (yesterday: hot slag* down my welding gauntlet, melted skin, second degree burns), not because I am a klutz, but because the work I do carries with it a certain degree of danger.
I must admit that the danger factor is one of the things I love about the job. I also love the eliteness of it. Last summer I installed gear that only a handfull of people in this country have the requisite experience and skillset to do. And I am one of those people.
But it doesn't feed my soul. And lately I have been less than diligent about pursuing design work because I have been so busy at the job I would really rather not be doing but instead be designing. Something of a vicious circle.
Last week I turned down work because I was committed at my job. And that's just not right.
*slag: bits of molten material created while welding.
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
The Rain
I am sitting in the office, (Starbucks) watching the rain fall and realizing I have left my apartment windows open.
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Mawwiage
Disclaimer: I am divorced, so may be slightly cynical about the following subject.
A couple of blogs I frequent have lately touched on the subject of marriage, and I have been somewhat surprised at how many people, especially women, use it as a standard or milestone in discussing relationships. So I did a little resesrch, and read this, and have been doing a little thinking.
I no longer belive in the institution. I believe it is possible to have a committed, loving relationship with someone without getting up in front of an official and making a vow. I also believe going through the ceremony does nothing to insure faithfullness; sexual, emotional, or financial. Either the person is going to be true to you, or they are not. No signed piece of paper is going to change that.
I also find it interesting that so many women use marriage as a yardstick for their relationships. Marriage started as a way to control women's reproductive rights and property, so why have we not seen a movement to banish the institution alltogether?
So I am curious, and would like my readership to weigh in here. Do you believe in marriage? If so, why? I am not trying to be contrary here, I just would like to understand the point of view.
A couple of blogs I frequent have lately touched on the subject of marriage, and I have been somewhat surprised at how many people, especially women, use it as a standard or milestone in discussing relationships. So I did a little resesrch, and read this, and have been doing a little thinking.
I no longer belive in the institution. I believe it is possible to have a committed, loving relationship with someone without getting up in front of an official and making a vow. I also believe going through the ceremony does nothing to insure faithfullness; sexual, emotional, or financial. Either the person is going to be true to you, or they are not. No signed piece of paper is going to change that.
I also find it interesting that so many women use marriage as a yardstick for their relationships. Marriage started as a way to control women's reproductive rights and property, so why have we not seen a movement to banish the institution alltogether?
So I am curious, and would like my readership to weigh in here. Do you believe in marriage? If so, why? I am not trying to be contrary here, I just would like to understand the point of view.
Big Brother Is Watching You
This story ditsurbed the crap out of me. In the wake of the London bombings, many officials, in an attempt to appear to be doing something to help make us safe from terrorism, are calling for increased use of security cameras in subway trains and stations. Despite admissions that the cameras already in place did nothing to stop the bombers in London, these people want to spend millions of dollars so the government can monitor the comings and goings of law abiding citizens.
First, the powers we give government to protect us against what we fear, can also be used against us. And in the current climate there is no one watching the watchers. Assurances that no one would abuse the power given to them sound rather hollow in the face of the prisoner treatment scandals in Iraq and Cuba. Human history has shown that those given power over others will abuse that power unless they are subject to public scrutiny.
Second, any feeling of safety we may get from having these "security" measures in place is just an illusion. You cannot stop a group who have enough members willing to trade their lives for yours.
Third, the terrorists are able to recruit people to carry out these deeds because they have legitimate complaints against the countries in question. While I deplore the methods used, you would be naive to think this comes from simple idealogical differences. People in the terrorist's countries suffer everyday because of the policies of the US government. That is why they are able to recruit these people. If we would end the hatred that fuels the terrorist recruiting machine, we need to become the hand that feeds, because you don't bite that.
I say this often, and people tend to scoff, but we are becoming a police state. Not overnight, but slowly, step by step. And we are allowing it to happen because we are afraid. It reminds me of a science experiment I read about a few years ago. If you drop a frog into boiling water, he will immediately jump out. But if you put the frog in cold water and slowly bring it to a boil, he will sit in it until he dies. We are in the pot folks, and the heat is on.
First, the powers we give government to protect us against what we fear, can also be used against us. And in the current climate there is no one watching the watchers. Assurances that no one would abuse the power given to them sound rather hollow in the face of the prisoner treatment scandals in Iraq and Cuba. Human history has shown that those given power over others will abuse that power unless they are subject to public scrutiny.
Second, any feeling of safety we may get from having these "security" measures in place is just an illusion. You cannot stop a group who have enough members willing to trade their lives for yours.
Third, the terrorists are able to recruit people to carry out these deeds because they have legitimate complaints against the countries in question. While I deplore the methods used, you would be naive to think this comes from simple idealogical differences. People in the terrorist's countries suffer everyday because of the policies of the US government. That is why they are able to recruit these people. If we would end the hatred that fuels the terrorist recruiting machine, we need to become the hand that feeds, because you don't bite that.
I say this often, and people tend to scoff, but we are becoming a police state. Not overnight, but slowly, step by step. And we are allowing it to happen because we are afraid. It reminds me of a science experiment I read about a few years ago. If you drop a frog into boiling water, he will immediately jump out. But if you put the frog in cold water and slowly bring it to a boil, he will sit in it until he dies. We are in the pot folks, and the heat is on.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Why Don't
We just standardize newspaper headlines to say "Everyone Hates Everyone Else, and The World Is A Giant Shithole", and call it done?
Think of the ink and paper we would save.
Think of the ink and paper we would save.
A Moment Of Silence
For the passing of James Doohan, who played "Scotty" in the Star Trek TV series and movies.
I Have No Idea What This Is...
but I have been tagged by my big blog sister, aka Lucky Spinster, with something called a meme.
What Is On Your Desk?
- Scanner
- USB Multitap thingy.
- Laptop
- Mouse
- Speakers
- Killer Klowns From Outer Space DVD (don't ask)
- $ 0.32 in change
I have tagged the following people:
OK, the following person. Do I have to do five?
I, While The Gods Laugh
I, while the gods laugh, the world's vortex am.
Maelstorm of passions in that hidden sea.
Mervyn Peake
Just as Biker Chick predicted, since swearing off dating, the universe has been hurling women at me. I have received three contacts off my Onion personals posting since the beginning of the week.
Still not dating. Too much to do.
Maelstorm of passions in that hidden sea.
Mervyn Peake
Just as Biker Chick predicted, since swearing off dating, the universe has been hurling women at me. I have received three contacts off my Onion personals posting since the beginning of the week.
Still not dating. Too much to do.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Things Learned
I got back from NY on Sunday afternoon. I went to the office and checked my mail, then came home and slept until around 11:00 PM. I awoke to terrible back pain, that had not left by the time my alarm went off at 4:30 Monday morning. I spent the entire day laying on my back (the only position I found that didn't cause pain) and watched over half of my DVD collection.
I am off again because of the pain, but at least I can sit upright.
Things I have learned over the past few days:
I spent a lot of time replaying the exam in my head. I feel better about it overall, but I am frustrated with myself for not having better drafting.
I am also a little annoyed at how arbitrary getting into the union can be. If someone offers me a union contract, I can pay $3,500 in entrance fees, and be admitted without question. Several years ago, in an attempt to boost membership, the Union admitted people who could demonstrate they were working as designers, without having them go through the exam process.
Perhaps I am just bitter.
A special thanks to all of you who have offered words (and deeds) of support and encouragment. I appreciate it more than you know.
I am off again because of the pain, but at least I can sit upright.
Things I have learned over the past few days:
- I don't own enough DVDs.
- I have a disturbing inability to let things go.
- Road To Perdition gets better every time you watch it.
- I have a disturbing inability to let things go.
I spent a lot of time replaying the exam in my head. I feel better about it overall, but I am frustrated with myself for not having better drafting.
I am also a little annoyed at how arbitrary getting into the union can be. If someone offers me a union contract, I can pay $3,500 in entrance fees, and be admitted without question. Several years ago, in an attempt to boost membership, the Union admitted people who could demonstrate they were working as designers, without having them go through the exam process.
Perhaps I am just bitter.
A special thanks to all of you who have offered words (and deeds) of support and encouragment. I appreciate it more than you know.
Saturday, July 16, 2005
How To Have Your Ass Handed To You
I have just awoken from my post-exam nap.
A word of explanation about the exam. It is not a standard written test. The exam is conducted in two parts. The first is a practical exercise in which you develop a rough plot* and cue list for a fictional awards show. You have 40 minutes in which to complete this part.
The second part is a portfolio review where you present and discuss three shows you have designed.
I did not finish the practical before time was called. I am fairly certain you are not supposed to. It is more a test of what your process is, what aspects you choose to concentrate on. They did tell me I was the only one so far today who had approached it with any coherent process, beginning with how to light the actor.
The second part did not go so well. The examiners (five union members with considerable experience in the field), harped a lot on my drafting, little things like line weight and sheet numbers. They liked the photos I had brought very much, but were overall very critical of my portfolio.
What pisses me off is, all the things they harped upon were things I know to do. They were things we learned in the first year of lighting design. I showed only computer generated drafting, and some of the problems (like line weight) were a result of not knowing the program well enough. If I had shown some of my hand drafting, the mistakes in my computer drafting would have shown themeslves for what they were.
I was also more comfortable about my drafting than I was about some of the other paperwork I had to produce, things like a shop order that are not really needed when you are using the theatre's equipment instead of renting it. So I concentrated on those things more than my drafting. In retrospect, not such a wise decision.
I am trying not to be too negative about the experience. I learned a lot today about what to do and what not to do. I will retake the exam in March, and I feel confident I will pass.
Thanks you to all who have expressed good wishes. I feel a little like I have let you down.
* The plot is the drawing that shows where all the lights get hung. There is more info than that on it, but you get the gist.
A word of explanation about the exam. It is not a standard written test. The exam is conducted in two parts. The first is a practical exercise in which you develop a rough plot* and cue list for a fictional awards show. You have 40 minutes in which to complete this part.
The second part is a portfolio review where you present and discuss three shows you have designed.
I did not finish the practical before time was called. I am fairly certain you are not supposed to. It is more a test of what your process is, what aspects you choose to concentrate on. They did tell me I was the only one so far today who had approached it with any coherent process, beginning with how to light the actor.
The second part did not go so well. The examiners (five union members with considerable experience in the field), harped a lot on my drafting, little things like line weight and sheet numbers. They liked the photos I had brought very much, but were overall very critical of my portfolio.
What pisses me off is, all the things they harped upon were things I know to do. They were things we learned in the first year of lighting design. I showed only computer generated drafting, and some of the problems (like line weight) were a result of not knowing the program well enough. If I had shown some of my hand drafting, the mistakes in my computer drafting would have shown themeslves for what they were.
I was also more comfortable about my drafting than I was about some of the other paperwork I had to produce, things like a shop order that are not really needed when you are using the theatre's equipment instead of renting it. So I concentrated on those things more than my drafting. In retrospect, not such a wise decision.
I am trying not to be too negative about the experience. I learned a lot today about what to do and what not to do. I will retake the exam in March, and I feel confident I will pass.
Thanks you to all who have expressed good wishes. I feel a little like I have let you down.
* The plot is the drawing that shows where all the lights get hung. There is more info than that on it, but you get the gist.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
How Is It Possible...
..to be this mellow and such a big ball of stress all at the same time?
This week has been all about prepping all of the paperwork for taking the United Scenic Artists' exam on Saturday. I have completed my light plots, my shop orders, my channel hookups, my instrument schedules, 2/3 of my magic sheets and 2/3 of my sections. I will get all of this paperwork printed tommorrow and board a train for New York.
And I don't care if I pass or not. I just don't want to be disqualified for lack of paperwork.
Yessiree folks, My Give A Damn's Busted.
I may not be able to post until after my exam, so please send happy thoughts towards NY on Saturday around 12:30.
Thanx.
This week has been all about prepping all of the paperwork for taking the United Scenic Artists' exam on Saturday. I have completed my light plots, my shop orders, my channel hookups, my instrument schedules, 2/3 of my magic sheets and 2/3 of my sections. I will get all of this paperwork printed tommorrow and board a train for New York.
And I don't care if I pass or not. I just don't want to be disqualified for lack of paperwork.
Yessiree folks, My Give A Damn's Busted.
I may not be able to post until after my exam, so please send happy thoughts towards NY on Saturday around 12:30.
Thanx.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Buried In Paperwork
I have come to the conclusion that the exam to become a member of United Scenic Artists, the union that represents theatrical designers, is simply a test of tenacity. The amount of paperwork I am having to produce as part of my portfolio is staggering. I can feel the trees glaring at me as I walk by. Very little of the paperwork being sought is a reflection of my talent or abilities as a designer. Most is being produced to show I can provide the producer and production electrician* the neccessary paperwork to mount the show.
I am having to generate some of the paperwork from scratch, because some of it is specific to commercial theatre, where all the equipment used is rented or purchased. Other pieces are ones I only do in rough form as a tool for myself.
The exam is Saturday. I hope I can get all this done in time.
*Production Electrician: The person responsible for making sure all the lights are hung where the designer wants them, and making sure they all work in the manner the designer intended. Think carpenter to architect.
I am having to generate some of the paperwork from scratch, because some of it is specific to commercial theatre, where all the equipment used is rented or purchased. Other pieces are ones I only do in rough form as a tool for myself.
The exam is Saturday. I hope I can get all this done in time.
*Production Electrician: The person responsible for making sure all the lights are hung where the designer wants them, and making sure they all work in the manner the designer intended. Think carpenter to architect.
Monday, July 11, 2005
Universal Weirdness
While I was on site today, I received a message from someone at Universal Studios Orlando, stating they had my resume and wanted to speak with me about a position. It took me the better part of the day to figure out how they even got my resume.
I called back and left a message.
We will see.
I called back and left a message.
We will see.
Return Of The Machines
This morning I returned to a certain performing arts venue in the metro area. I imagine my feelings were similar to those who visited the Normandy Beach decades after participating in the Allied invasion of the European continent. You are proud of what was accomplished, but the memories still fill you with loathing and dread.
I spent the better part of last summer installing the acoustic reflector panels that allow the sound of the room to be adjusted depending on what sort of musical performance is being given. I also installed the winches that hang the lighting fixtures over the stage.
I won't bore you with the technical details, but I will say that these lighting winches are the most heinous pieces of shit ever installed in a theatrical venue. Quite simply, they don't work. And they don't work because they were a stupid idea to begin with.
So today, I spent six and a half hours tinkering again with these things, trying to get them to at least partly function the way they were designed to. And I am back there tommorrow, with the theatre consultant.
Don't be surprised if you see me on the six o'clock news.
I spent the better part of last summer installing the acoustic reflector panels that allow the sound of the room to be adjusted depending on what sort of musical performance is being given. I also installed the winches that hang the lighting fixtures over the stage.
I won't bore you with the technical details, but I will say that these lighting winches are the most heinous pieces of shit ever installed in a theatrical venue. Quite simply, they don't work. And they don't work because they were a stupid idea to begin with.
So today, I spent six and a half hours tinkering again with these things, trying to get them to at least partly function the way they were designed to. And I am back there tommorrow, with the theatre consultant.
Don't be surprised if you see me on the six o'clock news.
Saturday, July 09, 2005
Friday
The day had less than auspicious beginnings.
Because of my back injury, I had spent most of the night shifting around trying to find a position in which I was comfortable. I never did find one.
My alarm went off at 4:30 AM, and after silencing that annoying noise, I became aware of the Niagra Falls-like sounding deluge going on outside. My four and a half block walk to the Metro under a less than adequate umbrella, had my clothes damp, and my feet absolutely soaked.
I headed over to Union Station to meet E, one of my Multi-State, Girlie-Advising Posse, and the General Manager for the company I am presently working with. On the drive into the office, we proceeded to have an argument over whether or not someone 22 years old has less baggage than someone 34. E and I have never really argued. It was very disconcerting.
We arrived at the office, and E and the owner soon departed for a court appearance. I negelcted to get instructions for operating the AC before they left, so I was left in my damp clothes in the freezing cold office, sitting at a computer drafting. I was now officially grumpy.
I fininshed out the day uneventfully, went to the bank and headed home.
I stopped at my office (Starbucks) to check my mail. While I was there, I got a call from a friend from college who is in town for the summer. A group of us had made plans to get together for a drink, but I was really not in the mood, and when she told me the other part of our group was not coming, I was relieved. Then she said "Well I'm still going, and there is someone here you might want to see."
I agreed to meet her, though I could not imagine anyone I would at that moment be glad to see.
I could not have been more wrong. I got to the bar, and waiting there for me was R, my kid sister. R and I are not really related, but she is the little sister I never had. I had not seen her since March, and I was delighted beyond description at the surprise.
We hung out. We had dinner. We caught up. She is heading to Wisconsin in August to do a one year internship at Milwaukee Rep. When we first met, she was struggling in the program at school, not sure of herself and whetehr or not she belonged there. We spent a great deal of time talking over my two years there. Outside of my own growth while I was there, my biggest joy was watching her's. I could not be more proud of the young woman she has grown into.
We were joined by our group member that had sworn he wasn't coming. We left for another bar. We were joined by more people who had gone to North Carolina School of the Arts. Suddenly, we were having an impromptu reunion.
I had a fantastic time last night. I got to talk to the Artistic Director of a small theatre in town about a few projects. I finally got to speak a little with the director I have been trying to contact for weeks.
I dropped off everyone at their respective conveyances, and caught a cab home. The cabbie stopped to pick up a twentysomething couple on their way to the same part of town. And the best part of the evening by far?
The girl in the cab asks me "Why are you out by yourself?"
"Because I choose to be."
Because of my back injury, I had spent most of the night shifting around trying to find a position in which I was comfortable. I never did find one.
My alarm went off at 4:30 AM, and after silencing that annoying noise, I became aware of the Niagra Falls-like sounding deluge going on outside. My four and a half block walk to the Metro under a less than adequate umbrella, had my clothes damp, and my feet absolutely soaked.
I headed over to Union Station to meet E, one of my Multi-State, Girlie-Advising Posse, and the General Manager for the company I am presently working with. On the drive into the office, we proceeded to have an argument over whether or not someone 22 years old has less baggage than someone 34. E and I have never really argued. It was very disconcerting.
We arrived at the office, and E and the owner soon departed for a court appearance. I negelcted to get instructions for operating the AC before they left, so I was left in my damp clothes in the freezing cold office, sitting at a computer drafting. I was now officially grumpy.
I fininshed out the day uneventfully, went to the bank and headed home.
I stopped at my office (Starbucks) to check my mail. While I was there, I got a call from a friend from college who is in town for the summer. A group of us had made plans to get together for a drink, but I was really not in the mood, and when she told me the other part of our group was not coming, I was relieved. Then she said "Well I'm still going, and there is someone here you might want to see."
I agreed to meet her, though I could not imagine anyone I would at that moment be glad to see.
I could not have been more wrong. I got to the bar, and waiting there for me was R, my kid sister. R and I are not really related, but she is the little sister I never had. I had not seen her since March, and I was delighted beyond description at the surprise.
We hung out. We had dinner. We caught up. She is heading to Wisconsin in August to do a one year internship at Milwaukee Rep. When we first met, she was struggling in the program at school, not sure of herself and whetehr or not she belonged there. We spent a great deal of time talking over my two years there. Outside of my own growth while I was there, my biggest joy was watching her's. I could not be more proud of the young woman she has grown into.
We were joined by our group member that had sworn he wasn't coming. We left for another bar. We were joined by more people who had gone to North Carolina School of the Arts. Suddenly, we were having an impromptu reunion.
I had a fantastic time last night. I got to talk to the Artistic Director of a small theatre in town about a few projects. I finally got to speak a little with the director I have been trying to contact for weeks.
I dropped off everyone at their respective conveyances, and caught a cab home. The cabbie stopped to pick up a twentysomething couple on their way to the same part of town. And the best part of the evening by far?
The girl in the cab asks me "Why are you out by yourself?"
"Because I choose to be."
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Owwwwww.
My alarm went off, as it usually does weekdays, at 4:30 AM. I sat up to hit the snooze before the loud blaring could awaken my house guest.
I was in agonizing pain.
I called into work, laid back down, and decided to go to the doctor as soon as a decent hour had arrived.
I awoke again several hours later, still in pain, and starving to death. I had laid down last night intending to ease the pain in my back. I fell asleep in my clothes, and without having eaten dinner.
So I grabbed something to eat, and headed for the hospital.
I was there for over five freakin hours.
All to be told, "Yes, you have strained your back. No heavy lifting, and here take these."
The cute PA did tell me I wasn't allowed to get rear ended anymore (this is not my first time, sadly) Too bad I am no longer dating.
Posting may be a bit light the rest of the week. I will be trying to recouperate.
I was in agonizing pain.
I called into work, laid back down, and decided to go to the doctor as soon as a decent hour had arrived.
I awoke again several hours later, still in pain, and starving to death. I had laid down last night intending to ease the pain in my back. I fell asleep in my clothes, and without having eaten dinner.
So I grabbed something to eat, and headed for the hospital.
I was there for over five freakin hours.
All to be told, "Yes, you have strained your back. No heavy lifting, and here take these."
The cute PA did tell me I wasn't allowed to get rear ended anymore (this is not my first time, sadly) Too bad I am no longer dating.
Posting may be a bit light the rest of the week. I will be trying to recouperate.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
A New Decision
I have decided to go on dating hiatus.
Don't laugh.
Really.
Stop f#%king laughing.
I have decided to turn all the energy I was spending (wasting?) on this whole dating concept, and turn it back to what I want for myself. Things like my career and my friends and family. And yes, I do someday want a real relationship with a real woman. I have just come to believe now is not the time. I have too much to do first.
Now some who know me will say, "But Lighting Designer, you haven't been on a date in, like a month. How do you spin not being able to find a date into a personal choice?"
Easy. I am going to stop pursuing it.
OK, really, you need to stop laughing.
Don't laugh.
Really.
Stop f#%king laughing.
I have decided to turn all the energy I was spending (wasting?) on this whole dating concept, and turn it back to what I want for myself. Things like my career and my friends and family. And yes, I do someday want a real relationship with a real woman. I have just come to believe now is not the time. I have too much to do first.
Now some who know me will say, "But Lighting Designer, you haven't been on a date in, like a month. How do you spin not being able to find a date into a personal choice?"
Easy. I am going to stop pursuing it.
OK, really, you need to stop laughing.
Survey Says...
After some polling using random samples of people I know*, the numbers have come in, and it would seem I am an arrogant prick.
I have decided I am OK with that. Which probably reinforces that whole arrogant prick thing.
* By random, I mean almost everyone who I have ever worked with that is still speaking with me.
I have decided I am OK with that. Which probably reinforces that whole arrogant prick thing.
* By random, I mean almost everyone who I have ever worked with that is still speaking with me.
Tuesday Is The New Monday.
Have you ever wanted a reset button on the day?
Y, my coworker who has graciously been giving me rides to the site, picked me up at our usual time this morning. We arrived on site, expecting to be meeting the electricians who would be wiring up the motorised winches we had installed.
No sign of the electricians.
Also no sign of J, our other coworker.
Called J. Left message asking him to pick up the large pair of cable cutters we needed to do any other work onsite.
Locked Y and myself out of the building. Had to call general manager to get ahold of someone to let us back in.
J finally showed up. We cut cable, we ran cable through pulleys and terminated it to clews*. Things were looking promising.
We completed the cable terminations. Still no sign of the electricians.
Now at dead standstill.
Called office. Told to come to shop.
Went to shop. Cleaned pipe with foul smelling chemicals.
Y offers me a ride downtown. While waiting at stoplight, we are rear-ended.
Now my neck and back are beginning to hurt, and I may have to go to a doctor.
On the plus side, my readership is up.
Y, my coworker who has graciously been giving me rides to the site, picked me up at our usual time this morning. We arrived on site, expecting to be meeting the electricians who would be wiring up the motorised winches we had installed.
No sign of the electricians.
Also no sign of J, our other coworker.
Called J. Left message asking him to pick up the large pair of cable cutters we needed to do any other work onsite.
Locked Y and myself out of the building. Had to call general manager to get ahold of someone to let us back in.
J finally showed up. We cut cable, we ran cable through pulleys and terminated it to clews*. Things were looking promising.
We completed the cable terminations. Still no sign of the electricians.
Now at dead standstill.
Called office. Told to come to shop.
Went to shop. Cleaned pipe with foul smelling chemicals.
Y offers me a ride downtown. While waiting at stoplight, we are rear-ended.
Now my neck and back are beginning to hurt, and I may have to go to a doctor.
On the plus side, my readership is up.
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Friday Night Highlights
Went to City Mouse's 30th birthday bash over on the Hill. Had a lot of fun. A few highlights.
Sat in a corner and observed* City Mouse's boyfriend, who is like a cartoon character brought to life. He is effing hysterical, and I could listen to him tell tales for hours.
Hung out with Lucky Spinster.
Met the marketing director for Woolly Mammoth, who offered me comps.
Played pin the grey hair on the City Mouse game. I think I was the only one who managed to get hair on her head.
Chatted with T, who is VP for Haiku and Astrology over at Lucky Spinster.
It was a great shoe night, so bravo ladies.
The one sour note. The director I have been endeavoring to get an appointment with was there**, and I never got the chance to chat with them. I still haven't heard back from them, so I am beginning to doubt that is going to work out.
* I spend a great deal of time sitting in corners observing. Some people think I have a problem. Maybe they are right.
** If you think you have figured out who this is, please keep that conjecture to yourself. This blog is about me personally, not professionally. I would like to keep it that way.
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