Long Time No Update...
Not much has been happening around here so I haven't been updating my blog. I planned to attend a couple of Ren Faires but the weather just wouldn't cooperate. Something about walking around fair grounds in the rain, mud and cold isn't very appealing to me.
One thing I have done recently is to stop coloring my hair. It's been close to 15 years since I've seen my natural color. As I surmised, my natural color has been mostly replaced with natural grey. Last week, my hairdresser cut off any remaining dye and now it's just me --- au natural. There's more grey than I would like but it's not as bad as I expected. Several people have commented that my hair looks as though it's been frosted.
Yesterday was my Josh's (nephew) birthday. My parents had a small family party for him. My gift to Josh is to have him spend Thanksgiving weekend at my house. Of course, he still doesn't know about his gift since I want to be certain it's ok with DCF before we tell him. I think he will enjoy a weekend away and I KNOW my parents will enjoy the time. If the weather is decent, we'll go to the tree lighting/carol sing on Constitution Plaza in Hartford. I'll also use the time to take him shopping for Christmas presents.
Darryl was going to replace my muffle and exhaust yesterday. Only one problem, no one had mufflers, for my car, in stock. Oh well, I'll order one this week and he'll replace it next weekend. Let's just hope the nice weather holds out for him since he doesn't have a garage where he can work inside. I'll have to spend another week of people staring when I step on the gas peddle.
While at my parents house we had a surprise visitor ---- someone from our long past. Someone I haven't seen since probably the late 70's. His family used to live a few houses away from us and I was their babysitter. Marsha may remember him --- Eddie Moore. He had been thinking about us and decided to see if my parents were still in the same house. When he drove up the driveway, he saw Dad and recognized him immediately. Eddie is married and has 3 kids of his own now. He lives in Brooklyn but works in Newington as a graphic artist. His Mom, brothers and sisters still live in the area. Anyway, he gave me his e-mail address and we're hoping to reconnect. Darryl and I were just talking about them a couple of weeks ago, wondering if they were still in the area.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Dumb Dreams Revisited
Last night was another strange and yet funny dream. In the dream I was at McDonald's on Rt. 75 in Windsor Locks. Anyone familiar with the area, knows the location is across from a runway at Bradley International Airport. The area is flat and Rt. 75 is a very busy road. Anyway, as I was in McDonald's I heard fighter plans. The other patrons and I watched as an A-10 chased 2 Japanese bombers. The A-10 shot down one of the bombers and it landed safely at the airport. The other bomber decided to land on Rt. 75. It then taxied down the highway, pulled into the gas station next door and told the attendant to "fill it up".
I must say, my dreams do give me a good laugh in the morning.
Last night was another strange and yet funny dream. In the dream I was at McDonald's on Rt. 75 in Windsor Locks. Anyone familiar with the area, knows the location is across from a runway at Bradley International Airport. The area is flat and Rt. 75 is a very busy road. Anyway, as I was in McDonald's I heard fighter plans. The other patrons and I watched as an A-10 chased 2 Japanese bombers. The A-10 shot down one of the bombers and it landed safely at the airport. The other bomber decided to land on Rt. 75. It then taxied down the highway, pulled into the gas station next door and told the attendant to "fill it up".
I must say, my dreams do give me a good laugh in the morning.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
TIME FOR A LAUGH
A good many of you already know what strange (to say the least) dreams I have almost nightly. Last night's dream has to be rated among the funniest I've ever had. Not necessarily because of the dream, more because I was laughing in my sleep and woke myself up!
The dream details elude me but I started laughing when my dream self acknowledged the fact that I had just, literally, sold an air conditioner to an Eskimo, in my sleep!! Let's see, I walk in my sleep; talk in my sleep; crack my knuckles in my sleep; now I can add make myself laugh in my sleep.
Pleasant dreams!
A good many of you already know what strange (to say the least) dreams I have almost nightly. Last night's dream has to be rated among the funniest I've ever had. Not necessarily because of the dream, more because I was laughing in my sleep and woke myself up!
The dream details elude me but I started laughing when my dream self acknowledged the fact that I had just, literally, sold an air conditioner to an Eskimo, in my sleep!! Let's see, I walk in my sleep; talk in my sleep; crack my knuckles in my sleep; now I can add make myself laugh in my sleep.
Pleasant dreams!
Saturday, August 13, 2005
HELL WEEK
To say this was a bad week would be an understatement! It started off pretty good Monday morning. I woke feeling well rested, chipper and even had 2 bingos in my Scrabble games. That was the ONLY thing that went right this week. When I got to work, Monday, I followed my normal routine - power up the PC while unlocking my desk -- oops, no desk keys in my purse. Dump out my purse and search again - still no keys. I must have put them in my pocket when I left Friday. Knowing there are "mate" drawers in another cubicle, I searched the office for the duplicate drawers with the matching keys. I found one and was relieved I would be able to access the payroll and injury files that were locked in my desk. This was a "payroll" Monday and I needed access to the files in order to process the payroll.
After I completed the payroll, I continued the search for the keys to my other set of drawers. You see, that set of drawers has things like the keys to the petty cash drawer and my boss' office as well as all the items needed to make a daily deposit. After a very lengthy search, still no keys and I gave up looking at the office.
When I arrived at home, I immediately searched the clothing I wore on Friday, for my keys. Ooops, still no keys to be found. At that point I turned the hamper upside down and started an extremely lengthy search of my apartment and car, which also included contacting places I had been on Sunday to see if anyone found keys. I can only guess these keys have disappeared into some vortex, never to be seen again.
Tuesday arrives and now I'm trying to break into my desk. One day of not doing a deposit might get by the auditor, two days is going to raise a flag and we'll probably get "dinged" on it. Add to these thoughts, the task of printing and assembling a 30 page presentation with MAJOR network response time problems. What should have taken me about an hour complete, took FOUR hours to complete. In the meantime, I'm watching the clock tick away knowing this had to be done for a 1:00 pm meeting. Trust me, there were plenty of 4-letter words happening at my desk. As I leave for the night, I gave the OPS Manager permission to break into my desk with a pry bar.
I arrived home and there was a message from my landlord waiting for me. He would be over Wednesday to complete some work in the cellar AND show the units to a realtor. This is the first he has even hinted to me, that he is selling the building. Of course, I knew he had plans to sell because my neighbor told me about it, a few months ago. After the long day at work, I find myself trying to get the apt. cleaned & vacuumed for the "tour".
Wednesday and it's day 3 without keys. I'm in panic mode!! Still no keys and apparently the OPS Manager thought I was joking because the drawers are still locked. Then I hear a very familiar voice ---- our maintenance person, Vance, has returned from Indiana! I'M SAVED!! Vance can get into anything!! I won't ask where he learned it but he picked the lock and had my drawer open in 5 minutes!!! Something has finally gone right with the week! Now I can concentrate on fun things like finding out why we were charged for 4 ice cream carts instead of 2 and creating a shopping list for the cookout planned for Thursday.
Thursday arrives and it's cookout day. This is the week we celebrate "Employee Appreciation" all week. While I do the ordering and planning, management gets to do the cooking and setting up. Unfortunately, only one management person is around to set up and cook, so I ended up assisting him with the task of getting everything set up. I did leave him to do all the cooking. My main concern was hauling food outside as it was needed. Apparently the 3rd shift employees decided to help themselves, overnight, to the deli salads. Oh well, when it came time for their cookout, they won't have any deli salads.
Finally, it's time for home! The place looks pretty good, my landlord decided to mow the law AND he did all the trim. Gee, he also had an exterminator enter the apartment (without my knowledge) to spray for termites. I wasn't too happy about that but my neighbor was even less happy. She came home to find her doors wide open and the exterminator in her cellar. One problem we have both been having is with fleas in the cellar. On a good note, she asked the exterminator about what he was spraying, it will kill fleas too!
It's Friday!! My desk is unlocked. I can do all my work. There are no events planned for Employee Appreciation -- it should be a peaceful day. Yeah right! Since my boss was doing the cooking for the off shifts on Thursday, he wouldn't be at work until about Noon. One of our sales reps stopped by my desk to see when the boss would be in. I chatted with the rep for a few minutes and he went back to his desk. Less than 30 minutes had passed when I received an e-mail from my boss, marked "URGENT". It simply stated "Have "sales rep's name" IT security disabled, immediately! This was the same person that had been at my desk. Not knowing what had taken place, I did as I was told and submitted the form. I then called the person that handles the security and made certain she knew it was to be done immediately and not in a few hours.
Of course, I had to find out the scoop on what happened so I went straight to HR. That's when I found out the sales rep. went to the District Office, turned in his keys to company car, credit card and cell phone, then he quit. All this without any explanations or good-byes. Apparently my boss headed into the office right after he had been called and sent me the urgent e-mail. He asked me to contact this person to find out the passcode for this cell phone voice mail. I called and left a message for him to contacting me with the information. Can you guess how he contacted me? Using his VPN access to his work e-mail --- the SOB in IT hadn't removed his access like I had requested. Again, I'm on the phone with her and this time I'm not a happy person. He has had over two hours of access to pricing, customer lists, rate quotes.... I'm certain he knew he was going to quit, long before he did and could have gotten this information any time. However, the IT person didn't know he quit, for all she knew he could have been fired.
It was a rather sad day at the office. Everyone like the person that quit and we walked around in shock over the way he quit. Later in the afternoon, we had took another blow to our sales department. The District Sales Manager was offered District Sales in Atlanta and he accepted the position.
Thank God the week is over! I stopped at J&G's for a quick Happy Hour and headed home to relax. When I drove in I saw my landlord finally trashed the old picnic table and did more clean up in the yard. Upon entering the apartment, I discoved my back door was wide open and of course my air conditioner was running. Ok, so he had also entered the apartment. This time I'm pissed. I don't mind that he needs to enter the apartment -- just tell me. And for God's sakes, close the door when the A/C is running! For all I know, that door had been open all day and I'm the one that gets to pay for his stupidity.
Maybe 30 minutes after I got home, my landlord shows up. He FINALLY actually tells me the building is going on the market next week. The realtor will be placing a lockbox on our doors and will contact us prior to showing the building. He wants me to air out the apartment this weekend because it smells musty. Screw him! It's going to be 95 degrees and humid - I am not turning off the A/C just to suit him. He also wanted to know why I didn't tell him the cellar window was broken. Gee, his carpenter broke the window and Debbie told him twice, when she called. I called and there was no answer or voice mail to tell him about it. Needless to say, I'm not happy with my landlord right now.
The time has finally come to start packing and looking for a new place to live. More than likely, a new owner will have a higher mortgage and increase the rent. I refuse to pay more than I'm already paying, for this place. There is also a good chance another owner will want to live in the apartment and rent the other apartment. Mine is the larger of the 2 apartments and they would probably want this one. The new owner would only need to give me a 30-day notice to vacate the apartment. If I start packing and looking now, it gives me more time to find something suitable for my needs.
To say this was a bad week would be an understatement! It started off pretty good Monday morning. I woke feeling well rested, chipper and even had 2 bingos in my Scrabble games. That was the ONLY thing that went right this week. When I got to work, Monday, I followed my normal routine - power up the PC while unlocking my desk -- oops, no desk keys in my purse. Dump out my purse and search again - still no keys. I must have put them in my pocket when I left Friday. Knowing there are "mate" drawers in another cubicle, I searched the office for the duplicate drawers with the matching keys. I found one and was relieved I would be able to access the payroll and injury files that were locked in my desk. This was a "payroll" Monday and I needed access to the files in order to process the payroll.
After I completed the payroll, I continued the search for the keys to my other set of drawers. You see, that set of drawers has things like the keys to the petty cash drawer and my boss' office as well as all the items needed to make a daily deposit. After a very lengthy search, still no keys and I gave up looking at the office.
When I arrived at home, I immediately searched the clothing I wore on Friday, for my keys. Ooops, still no keys to be found. At that point I turned the hamper upside down and started an extremely lengthy search of my apartment and car, which also included contacting places I had been on Sunday to see if anyone found keys. I can only guess these keys have disappeared into some vortex, never to be seen again.
Tuesday arrives and now I'm trying to break into my desk. One day of not doing a deposit might get by the auditor, two days is going to raise a flag and we'll probably get "dinged" on it. Add to these thoughts, the task of printing and assembling a 30 page presentation with MAJOR network response time problems. What should have taken me about an hour complete, took FOUR hours to complete. In the meantime, I'm watching the clock tick away knowing this had to be done for a 1:00 pm meeting. Trust me, there were plenty of 4-letter words happening at my desk. As I leave for the night, I gave the OPS Manager permission to break into my desk with a pry bar.
I arrived home and there was a message from my landlord waiting for me. He would be over Wednesday to complete some work in the cellar AND show the units to a realtor. This is the first he has even hinted to me, that he is selling the building. Of course, I knew he had plans to sell because my neighbor told me about it, a few months ago. After the long day at work, I find myself trying to get the apt. cleaned & vacuumed for the "tour".
Wednesday and it's day 3 without keys. I'm in panic mode!! Still no keys and apparently the OPS Manager thought I was joking because the drawers are still locked. Then I hear a very familiar voice ---- our maintenance person, Vance, has returned from Indiana! I'M SAVED!! Vance can get into anything!! I won't ask where he learned it but he picked the lock and had my drawer open in 5 minutes!!! Something has finally gone right with the week! Now I can concentrate on fun things like finding out why we were charged for 4 ice cream carts instead of 2 and creating a shopping list for the cookout planned for Thursday.
Thursday arrives and it's cookout day. This is the week we celebrate "Employee Appreciation" all week. While I do the ordering and planning, management gets to do the cooking and setting up. Unfortunately, only one management person is around to set up and cook, so I ended up assisting him with the task of getting everything set up. I did leave him to do all the cooking. My main concern was hauling food outside as it was needed. Apparently the 3rd shift employees decided to help themselves, overnight, to the deli salads. Oh well, when it came time for their cookout, they won't have any deli salads.
Finally, it's time for home! The place looks pretty good, my landlord decided to mow the law AND he did all the trim. Gee, he also had an exterminator enter the apartment (without my knowledge) to spray for termites. I wasn't too happy about that but my neighbor was even less happy. She came home to find her doors wide open and the exterminator in her cellar. One problem we have both been having is with fleas in the cellar. On a good note, she asked the exterminator about what he was spraying, it will kill fleas too!
It's Friday!! My desk is unlocked. I can do all my work. There are no events planned for Employee Appreciation -- it should be a peaceful day. Yeah right! Since my boss was doing the cooking for the off shifts on Thursday, he wouldn't be at work until about Noon. One of our sales reps stopped by my desk to see when the boss would be in. I chatted with the rep for a few minutes and he went back to his desk. Less than 30 minutes had passed when I received an e-mail from my boss, marked "URGENT". It simply stated "Have "sales rep's name" IT security disabled, immediately! This was the same person that had been at my desk. Not knowing what had taken place, I did as I was told and submitted the form. I then called the person that handles the security and made certain she knew it was to be done immediately and not in a few hours.
Of course, I had to find out the scoop on what happened so I went straight to HR. That's when I found out the sales rep. went to the District Office, turned in his keys to company car, credit card and cell phone, then he quit. All this without any explanations or good-byes. Apparently my boss headed into the office right after he had been called and sent me the urgent e-mail. He asked me to contact this person to find out the passcode for this cell phone voice mail. I called and left a message for him to contacting me with the information. Can you guess how he contacted me? Using his VPN access to his work e-mail --- the SOB in IT hadn't removed his access like I had requested. Again, I'm on the phone with her and this time I'm not a happy person. He has had over two hours of access to pricing, customer lists, rate quotes.... I'm certain he knew he was going to quit, long before he did and could have gotten this information any time. However, the IT person didn't know he quit, for all she knew he could have been fired.
It was a rather sad day at the office. Everyone like the person that quit and we walked around in shock over the way he quit. Later in the afternoon, we had took another blow to our sales department. The District Sales Manager was offered District Sales in Atlanta and he accepted the position.
Thank God the week is over! I stopped at J&G's for a quick Happy Hour and headed home to relax. When I drove in I saw my landlord finally trashed the old picnic table and did more clean up in the yard. Upon entering the apartment, I discoved my back door was wide open and of course my air conditioner was running. Ok, so he had also entered the apartment. This time I'm pissed. I don't mind that he needs to enter the apartment -- just tell me. And for God's sakes, close the door when the A/C is running! For all I know, that door had been open all day and I'm the one that gets to pay for his stupidity.
Maybe 30 minutes after I got home, my landlord shows up. He FINALLY actually tells me the building is going on the market next week. The realtor will be placing a lockbox on our doors and will contact us prior to showing the building. He wants me to air out the apartment this weekend because it smells musty. Screw him! It's going to be 95 degrees and humid - I am not turning off the A/C just to suit him. He also wanted to know why I didn't tell him the cellar window was broken. Gee, his carpenter broke the window and Debbie told him twice, when she called. I called and there was no answer or voice mail to tell him about it. Needless to say, I'm not happy with my landlord right now.
The time has finally come to start packing and looking for a new place to live. More than likely, a new owner will have a higher mortgage and increase the rent. I refuse to pay more than I'm already paying, for this place. There is also a good chance another owner will want to live in the apartment and rent the other apartment. Mine is the larger of the 2 apartments and they would probably want this one. The new owner would only need to give me a 30-day notice to vacate the apartment. If I start packing and looking now, it gives me more time to find something suitable for my needs.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Piss & Moan Session
This was suppose to be a happy post saying I'm booked for a 12 day Hawaiian cruise in 2007. Instead it's a bitch session about not being able to find a roomie for the cruise. No offense Marsha, but there is no way I want to be the 3rd person in a room with a couple. I refuse to set myself up to feel that awkward and out of place. The few single friends I have, that enjoy cruising, can't/won't commit to a cruise in 2007.
There is no way I'm spending $1450 (actual price for this cruise!) for a "singles" inside, next to the engine room, cabin. These rooms are great if you like to party all night - sleep all day and don't mind hearing all the engine noises. Cruise rates are based on double occupancy and not geared for single people. A single person's cruise rate is 150% (yes, one hundred and fifty percent) of the double occupancy rate. If the cruise fare is (as it really is for this cruise) $1379 per person when there are two people in the cabin, as a single person I would pay $2068.50 for the same exact cabin. That's a lot of money and my wallet just can't pay that much.
The more I think about this, the more upset I become. This was my dream cruise and now turning into a nightmare.
This was suppose to be a happy post saying I'm booked for a 12 day Hawaiian cruise in 2007. Instead it's a bitch session about not being able to find a roomie for the cruise. No offense Marsha, but there is no way I want to be the 3rd person in a room with a couple. I refuse to set myself up to feel that awkward and out of place. The few single friends I have, that enjoy cruising, can't/won't commit to a cruise in 2007.
There is no way I'm spending $1450 (actual price for this cruise!) for a "singles" inside, next to the engine room, cabin. These rooms are great if you like to party all night - sleep all day and don't mind hearing all the engine noises. Cruise rates are based on double occupancy and not geared for single people. A single person's cruise rate is 150% (yes, one hundred and fifty percent) of the double occupancy rate. If the cruise fare is (as it really is for this cruise) $1379 per person when there are two people in the cabin, as a single person I would pay $2068.50 for the same exact cabin. That's a lot of money and my wallet just can't pay that much.
The more I think about this, the more upset I become. This was my dream cruise and now turning into a nightmare.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Cruise Update
San Juan:
We WERE going to head to Old San Juan to shop and wander around. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans and it poured most of the day. We opted for staying on board the ship and vegging out all day.
St. Thomas:
It has been overcast for most of our trip. St. Thomas was no exception. We spent an hour or show, in the main shopping area. Just had to make to to the liquor store for the good but cheap booze! We also stopped at a few jewelry stores. I broke down and finally bought an inexpensive emerald ring. I've always wanted my birthstone ring but could never bring myself to spend that much money on a ring. This was a "cheapy" but real emerald.
After shopping we boarded the Kon Tiki Party Boat. The 151 Rum went down nice and smooth and I was still able to walk off the boat. I just had to join the conga line while on board and I do believe Marsha managed to get a few pictures.
Tortola/Virgin Gorda:
Again, today was overcast and we did have a downpour. We took a ship's tour to The Baths at Virgin Gorda. The Baths are HUGE (apt. buidling size) boulders that form tidal pools. There are also caves to explore and a nice sandy beach for swimming. I believe I managed to get some nice pictures but they would be better if the sun was shining.
We now have 2 full days at sea, before we dock in NYC. Our balcony will be facing west for the sail home and we're hoping to get some great sunset at sea pictures.
TTFN
San Juan:
We WERE going to head to Old San Juan to shop and wander around. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans and it poured most of the day. We opted for staying on board the ship and vegging out all day.
St. Thomas:
It has been overcast for most of our trip. St. Thomas was no exception. We spent an hour or show, in the main shopping area. Just had to make to to the liquor store for the good but cheap booze! We also stopped at a few jewelry stores. I broke down and finally bought an inexpensive emerald ring. I've always wanted my birthstone ring but could never bring myself to spend that much money on a ring. This was a "cheapy" but real emerald.
After shopping we boarded the Kon Tiki Party Boat. The 151 Rum went down nice and smooth and I was still able to walk off the boat. I just had to join the conga line while on board and I do believe Marsha managed to get a few pictures.
Tortola/Virgin Gorda:
Again, today was overcast and we did have a downpour. We took a ship's tour to The Baths at Virgin Gorda. The Baths are HUGE (apt. buidling size) boulders that form tidal pools. There are also caves to explore and a nice sandy beach for swimming. I believe I managed to get some nice pictures but they would be better if the sun was shining.
We now have 2 full days at sea, before we dock in NYC. Our balcony will be facing west for the sail home and we're hoping to get some great sunset at sea pictures.
TTFN
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Smooth Sailing Ahead!
We made it to the NYC pier without any problems. Limo service is the ONLY way to arrive at a cruise port. Our driver dropped us in front of the door about 11:00. We were able to go through the early check-in for our cruise while they prepared the ship for our boarding. By 1:00 we had already been to our cabin and in the process of eating lunch on the Lido deck, with our drinks in hand.
The ship was late leaving the port. Refueling took longer than anticipated. The one thing we wanted to see, was the Statue of Liberty as we sailed past. Unfortuntately, we were in the dining room having dinner when we set sail.
Yesterday was veg out and napping day. We took such long naps that we napped right through the Captain's Cocktail Party and the first formal dinner night. Oh well, there is another formal night on this cruise. After I woke, I headed the lounge for the show -- it was ok. Then off to Club Merlin Casino and bar. The entertainer in the bar is Tony Ray and he plays a variety of music. It ends up being a bar sing-along and we all had a fabulous time. Unfortunately, Marsha missed the fun time because she left the cabin before I woke up and couldn't find me after. Tonight, we'll probably both hang at the same place.
That's all for now, I'll write more later in the week.
We made it to the NYC pier without any problems. Limo service is the ONLY way to arrive at a cruise port. Our driver dropped us in front of the door about 11:00. We were able to go through the early check-in for our cruise while they prepared the ship for our boarding. By 1:00 we had already been to our cabin and in the process of eating lunch on the Lido deck, with our drinks in hand.
The ship was late leaving the port. Refueling took longer than anticipated. The one thing we wanted to see, was the Statue of Liberty as we sailed past. Unfortuntately, we were in the dining room having dinner when we set sail.
Yesterday was veg out and napping day. We took such long naps that we napped right through the Captain's Cocktail Party and the first formal dinner night. Oh well, there is another formal night on this cruise. After I woke, I headed the lounge for the show -- it was ok. Then off to Club Merlin Casino and bar. The entertainer in the bar is Tony Ray and he plays a variety of music. It ends up being a bar sing-along and we all had a fabulous time. Unfortunately, Marsha missed the fun time because she left the cabin before I woke up and couldn't find me after. Tonight, we'll probably both hang at the same place.
That's all for now, I'll write more later in the week.
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Long Time No Post
Wow, I can't believe how long it's been since I've posted here. Then again, my life has been rather quiet with not much to post about.
One thing that does have me psyched is my cruise! Yes, after months of waiting cruise time is finally here. Next friday, Marsha and I leave on the Carnival Legend for 8 days in the Carribean. At 8:30 AM, a Linclon Town Car will arrive to bring us to the cruise terminal in NYC. What a way to travel!
We've already booked a couple of shore excursions. While in San Juan, we're going to walk around Old San Juan and shop. One place that was suggested is The Butterfly People. It's an art gallery and all the art is created from butterfly wings. We've been told the butterflies died naturally and were not killed to create the artwork. Sounds like an interesting place to look around. I'm not sure about buying anything there but it sounds pretty.
We will be in St. Thomas for my birthday and plan to party while we are there! We've been to St. Thomas several times and the only shopping we will do is at International Liquors. Their prices are great and we can each bring 6 1-liter bottles into the US without paying customs extra money. The shore excursion we booked is the Kon Tiki Party Raft what better way to celebrate my birthday that with free booze on a party boat :) Don't fret, Marsha has already stated she plans on taking lots of incriminating pictures so I can remember what I do that day.
Our next port, Tortola, is one that we haven't been to before. If we aren't too hung over and manage to awaken early enough, we have an excursion booked to a neighboring island, Virgin Gorda. We've heard The Baths at Virgin Gorda are a "must see". This excursion is in the morning. For the afternoon, we plan on walking around and shopping in Tortola.
Of course we can't forget about the fun things to do while on the ship. We'll have 4 days at sea and our own balcony for relaxing times. We've already decided to "sneak" our own alcohol onto the ship. This will be for drinking while in on our balcony. It's easier than calling for room service. Maybe I'll volunteer to be a judge in the "Mens Hairy Chest" contest -- again. The last time I did that it was a blast! Of course we'll attend atleast one of the dinner shows, past cruisers party and the captain's cocktail party. Marsha is thinking about splurging and paying for us to have massages.
Well, enough talk about the cruise it's time to dig out the suitcases and start the packing process! I'll post again when we return. Have fun, I know we will!
Wow, I can't believe how long it's been since I've posted here. Then again, my life has been rather quiet with not much to post about.
One thing that does have me psyched is my cruise! Yes, after months of waiting cruise time is finally here. Next friday, Marsha and I leave on the Carnival Legend for 8 days in the Carribean. At 8:30 AM, a Linclon Town Car will arrive to bring us to the cruise terminal in NYC. What a way to travel!
We've already booked a couple of shore excursions. While in San Juan, we're going to walk around Old San Juan and shop. One place that was suggested is The Butterfly People. It's an art gallery and all the art is created from butterfly wings. We've been told the butterflies died naturally and were not killed to create the artwork. Sounds like an interesting place to look around. I'm not sure about buying anything there but it sounds pretty.
We will be in St. Thomas for my birthday and plan to party while we are there! We've been to St. Thomas several times and the only shopping we will do is at International Liquors. Their prices are great and we can each bring 6 1-liter bottles into the US without paying customs extra money. The shore excursion we booked is the Kon Tiki Party Raft what better way to celebrate my birthday that with free booze on a party boat :) Don't fret, Marsha has already stated she plans on taking lots of incriminating pictures so I can remember what I do that day.
Our next port, Tortola, is one that we haven't been to before. If we aren't too hung over and manage to awaken early enough, we have an excursion booked to a neighboring island, Virgin Gorda. We've heard The Baths at Virgin Gorda are a "must see". This excursion is in the morning. For the afternoon, we plan on walking around and shopping in Tortola.
Of course we can't forget about the fun things to do while on the ship. We'll have 4 days at sea and our own balcony for relaxing times. We've already decided to "sneak" our own alcohol onto the ship. This will be for drinking while in on our balcony. It's easier than calling for room service. Maybe I'll volunteer to be a judge in the "Mens Hairy Chest" contest -- again. The last time I did that it was a blast! Of course we'll attend atleast one of the dinner shows, past cruisers party and the captain's cocktail party. Marsha is thinking about splurging and paying for us to have massages.
Well, enough talk about the cruise it's time to dig out the suitcases and start the packing process! I'll post again when we return. Have fun, I know we will!
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Hot Damn!!
Bernie is back on-line and she's better than ever!! That's right, I finally have my new PC set up and connected to the internet. What a PITA this has been. After much trying I finally realized to problem was with my new Pro 100 Ethernet card. I'm not sure if it's the cable modem or my internet supplier that doesn't support it. Anyway, I ended up pulling the ethernet card out of my old PC and installing it in the new PC.
The next step is to copy over all my documents, pics and mp3's. I'll probably just install the old HD in the new pc as a slave drive and copy things that way. The new system didn't come with a zip or diskette drive. Once again, I may take that off the old system and install it on the new system. Once I copy all my data to the new HD, I'll set up the old PC for a co-worker to use while she's out having surgery. This will give her access to be able to work from home.
Hey Vic, now I can install Home Run and test it!! Trust me, this place and I can use all the help we can get at the moment.
TTTFN!
Bernie is back on-line and she's better than ever!! That's right, I finally have my new PC set up and connected to the internet. What a PITA this has been. After much trying I finally realized to problem was with my new Pro 100 Ethernet card. I'm not sure if it's the cable modem or my internet supplier that doesn't support it. Anyway, I ended up pulling the ethernet card out of my old PC and installing it in the new PC.
The next step is to copy over all my documents, pics and mp3's. I'll probably just install the old HD in the new pc as a slave drive and copy things that way. The new system didn't come with a zip or diskette drive. Once again, I may take that off the old system and install it on the new system. Once I copy all my data to the new HD, I'll set up the old PC for a co-worker to use while she's out having surgery. This will give her access to be able to work from home.
Hey Vic, now I can install Home Run and test it!! Trust me, this place and I can use all the help we can get at the moment.
TTTFN!
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Long time no post...
Yeah, yeah, yeah... I know I keep putting off posting. Mostly because posting reminds me of just how boring my life really is. Aside from work, there isn't much going on in my life. I get up, go to work, come home, read e-mail, make Scrabble moves, watch tv and go to bed. Then do it all over again the next day.
One thing that is new in my life is a new computer. I finally got pissed off at this one "freezing" up and ordered a new PC. It should be here tomorrow. If you don't see me on-line for a few days it's because I'm installing software and transferring data to the new PC. Vic & Bonnie, don't worry, I will be making my Scrabble moves. Even if I have to do it from work! I also found another cable jack in the living room! Woohoo!! Now all I need to do is pay the cable company to come out and make the jack live. Then I can get my computer out of the dining room. Where the living room jack is located, I can set the computer up, in my bedroom.
Our new terminal is Windsor Locks is completed and we'll be moving in next weekend. Woohoo!! No more 70 mile r/t commutes for me!!! I'll be able to stop filling up my gas tank twice a week. What a savings that will be. Not to mention the savings on my auto insurance. I'll even be able to sleep a little later in the morning. Not that I can sleep much past 5:00 AM as it is but, I'll be able to if I want.
I've been trying to psych myself up for the cruise in May. It's just not happening soon enough for me. While I'm looking forward to the cruise, I just don't seem to have the usual excitement that goes along with the anticipation. Marsha and I have been checking out the shore excursions and trying to figure out which to take. The only thing I'm certain about is the Kon Tiki Raft Party excursion in St. Thomas. We've been to St. Thomas several times and this excursion keeps being put off. We'll be in St. Thomas for my birthday and I want to party! What better way to party than with free booze and a calypso band. I'm sure Marsha will be taking (and posting) pictures. She'll want proof of anything outrageous I may do on party boat.
TTFN until I feel like writing again.
One thing that is new in my life is a new computer. I finally got pissed off at this one "freezing" up and ordered a new PC. It should be here tomorrow. If you don't see me on-line for a few days it's because I'm installing software and transferring data to the new PC. Vic & Bonnie, don't worry, I will be making my Scrabble moves. Even if I have to do it from work! I also found another cable jack in the living room! Woohoo!! Now all I need to do is pay the cable company to come out and make the jack live. Then I can get my computer out of the dining room. Where the living room jack is located, I can set the computer up, in my bedroom.
Our new terminal is Windsor Locks is completed and we'll be moving in next weekend. Woohoo!! No more 70 mile r/t commutes for me!!! I'll be able to stop filling up my gas tank twice a week. What a savings that will be. Not to mention the savings on my auto insurance. I'll even be able to sleep a little later in the morning. Not that I can sleep much past 5:00 AM as it is but, I'll be able to if I want.
I've been trying to psych myself up for the cruise in May. It's just not happening soon enough for me. While I'm looking forward to the cruise, I just don't seem to have the usual excitement that goes along with the anticipation. Marsha and I have been checking out the shore excursions and trying to figure out which to take. The only thing I'm certain about is the Kon Tiki Raft Party excursion in St. Thomas. We've been to St. Thomas several times and this excursion keeps being put off. We'll be in St. Thomas for my birthday and I want to party! What better way to party than with free booze and a calypso band. I'm sure Marsha will be taking (and posting) pictures. She'll want proof of anything outrageous I may do on party boat.
TTFN until I feel like writing again.
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Job Update
I found out yesterday afternoon, I didn't make the cut for the job as District Trainer :( According to the e-mail I received, their interview and assessments process led them to another candidate. It could be my co-worker, I don't know, she had a vacation day yesterday.
I'm a bit disappointed but not surprised. While I believe I'm a qualified trainer, I don't know the Watkins applications well enough to train users. I'll just keep on doing my job and hope something else comes available.
I found out yesterday afternoon, I didn't make the cut for the job as District Trainer :( According to the e-mail I received, their interview and assessments process led them to another candidate. It could be my co-worker, I don't know, she had a vacation day yesterday.
I'm a bit disappointed but not surprised. While I believe I'm a qualified trainer, I don't know the Watkins applications well enough to train users. I'll just keep on doing my job and hope something else comes available.
Saturday, January 01, 2005
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
The year, 2004, started on a depressing note, being unemployed for 18 months can do that to a person. My savings were completely gone and the job offers were just not to be found. That quickly changed when I started working at Watkins, in mid-January. While the pay was not (still isn't) the best, I was happy at having finally an income again. It was a challenge not only to learn about the trucking industry but to train myself for the job. For my 6 month review, the rating my boss gave was "Outstanding" and that came with a raise. Hopefully my hard work will pay off again, in the near future. As I noted on my last entry, I applied for a job as District Trainer. Two Management level trainers interviewed me the week before Christmas and I'm anxiously awaiting the results of the 1st round of interviews. If I make the cut, there will be a 2nd interview that will take place in Lakeland, FL. This position will also give me a sizeable pay increase as well as a company car! Hopefully, I will hear about the job, next week.
Last July, there was a major happening in our family where my brother's children were taken away from their mother. One nephew, Ricky, came to live with me temporarily. In late August Ricky was placed in a residential facility and has been doing well at the facility. He's had his problem times but that was expected. Ricky is expected to remain at this facility until sometime in 2006.
My other nephew was placed in my parents home. He is doing great there and while the home is crowded, it's the best place for him, at this time. The girls are currently together in a foster home. That will be changing in the near future. It was originally thought best to keep the girls together. DCF has since come to understand what my parents had told them all along. The children have constantly fought each, all their lives, for 5 minutes of attention. The girls have continued the fighting, in the foster home. The youngest girl will be moved within the next few weeks, to a new foster home.
Now that my ex-sister-in-law has managed to get rid of all my brother's children, she decided to have another baby! That's right, she's pregnant with her boyfriend's child. She made this know several weeks ago, during a supervised visitation at my parents house. It's almost like she couldn't wait to get rid of the kids so they could start their own family. DCF has already asked her to voluntarily give the child up to them. Of course she told them "no way" since this child is not a Damboise and the "problem child" has been removed from the home. You see, she blames Ricky and my parents for her other children being taken away. DCF has already stated they have enough evidence against Lisa, to take the infant when it's born. Things should be interesting this Spring.
My brother, Rick, is planning on another trip home around mid-January. At this time, his wife, Jasmine, is still refusing to visit CT. They did move into a larger apartment but it's still not large enough. It's only a 1-bedroom apartment and they would need atleast a 2-bedroom if he tries for custody. On a better note, Rick no longer pays child support to his ex-wife!! Last month the court orders for his child support to be paid to DCF finally came through. His money is now going to his child and not to support his ex and her boyfriend!
As for me personally, my home/love life has been quiet. I meet plenty of guys but there is no love interest in my life. It's not that I don't want a relationship, I just keep finding guys that want to be friends and not have a lasting relationship. Sometimes I think it's because I'm too self-reliant. I'm certain that comes across but I've had to be self-reliant. For the most part, aside from a few close friends, I'm the only person I can rely on 100% of the time. Maybe 2005 will be the year I finally find someone for me.
For all my family and friends, I wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!
The year, 2004, started on a depressing note, being unemployed for 18 months can do that to a person. My savings were completely gone and the job offers were just not to be found. That quickly changed when I started working at Watkins, in mid-January. While the pay was not (still isn't) the best, I was happy at having finally an income again. It was a challenge not only to learn about the trucking industry but to train myself for the job. For my 6 month review, the rating my boss gave was "Outstanding" and that came with a raise. Hopefully my hard work will pay off again, in the near future. As I noted on my last entry, I applied for a job as District Trainer. Two Management level trainers interviewed me the week before Christmas and I'm anxiously awaiting the results of the 1st round of interviews. If I make the cut, there will be a 2nd interview that will take place in Lakeland, FL. This position will also give me a sizeable pay increase as well as a company car! Hopefully, I will hear about the job, next week.
Last July, there was a major happening in our family where my brother's children were taken away from their mother. One nephew, Ricky, came to live with me temporarily. In late August Ricky was placed in a residential facility and has been doing well at the facility. He's had his problem times but that was expected. Ricky is expected to remain at this facility until sometime in 2006.
My other nephew was placed in my parents home. He is doing great there and while the home is crowded, it's the best place for him, at this time. The girls are currently together in a foster home. That will be changing in the near future. It was originally thought best to keep the girls together. DCF has since come to understand what my parents had told them all along. The children have constantly fought each, all their lives, for 5 minutes of attention. The girls have continued the fighting, in the foster home. The youngest girl will be moved within the next few weeks, to a new foster home.
Now that my ex-sister-in-law has managed to get rid of all my brother's children, she decided to have another baby! That's right, she's pregnant with her boyfriend's child. She made this know several weeks ago, during a supervised visitation at my parents house. It's almost like she couldn't wait to get rid of the kids so they could start their own family. DCF has already asked her to voluntarily give the child up to them. Of course she told them "no way" since this child is not a Damboise and the "problem child" has been removed from the home. You see, she blames Ricky and my parents for her other children being taken away. DCF has already stated they have enough evidence against Lisa, to take the infant when it's born. Things should be interesting this Spring.
My brother, Rick, is planning on another trip home around mid-January. At this time, his wife, Jasmine, is still refusing to visit CT. They did move into a larger apartment but it's still not large enough. It's only a 1-bedroom apartment and they would need atleast a 2-bedroom if he tries for custody. On a better note, Rick no longer pays child support to his ex-wife!! Last month the court orders for his child support to be paid to DCF finally came through. His money is now going to his child and not to support his ex and her boyfriend!
As for me personally, my home/love life has been quiet. I meet plenty of guys but there is no love interest in my life. It's not that I don't want a relationship, I just keep finding guys that want to be friends and not have a lasting relationship. Sometimes I think it's because I'm too self-reliant. I'm certain that comes across but I've had to be self-reliant. For the most part, aside from a few close friends, I'm the only person I can rely on 100% of the time. Maybe 2005 will be the year I finally find someone for me.
For all my family and friends, I wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!
Saturday, November 13, 2004
Time for updates
The big news for today is the delivery of my new dining set!!! YIPPEE!!!! The guys are here now, assembling the bakers rack and table. The dining set is wrought iron, glass and slate. Shadow is going to have a great time with this table. There is a slate shelf under the glass top. I can picture him perched on the shelf, trying to play with whatever is on the table. Nothing like having built in dinner entertainment.
On the job front, things seem are going pretty good at the office lately. It's been somewhat quiet now that Lori was told she is not allowed any information on her "financees" worker's comp claim. Although we did have a good laugh when she complained that another co-worker is making rude comments to her and treating her badly.
I found out last week, there is a job opening for a District Trainer. The Dist. Mgr. asked his secretary if she thought I would be interested in the job. She didn't know, so she asked me. Of course I'm interested in the job --- I didn't know it was opening up. It will require lots of travelling to all the terminals in New England and upstate NY, training new hires. The company will provide me with a company car. I will also need to spend time in Lakeland, FL receiving my training. Hmmm, FL in the winter --- I can deal with that. Whenever there is a mass rollout of new/upgraded software, I may be required to travel anywhere in the US to assist with training. I love to travel and have provided software training in the past, while at Wiremold and International Paper. My boss was in meetings all day Friday, so I didn't get a chance to approach him about the job but will speak to him Monday. There is also the possibility this job would include about a $10k raise!! Now that's a BIG plus!!!
Yesterday, I was so proud of myself at work. For the last two days, I have been working on automating our attendance keeping records. Currently I use the pre-printed attendance forms and manually add mark them and add up "points" from the occurences. What I've done is designed an attendance form, in Excel - linked it to a Word doc. and import name, hire date, employee numbers from Access. This will give me the printouts, without having to type all the information. I'm hoping to, eventually key the occurances into Access and then import them to the word doc and calculate totals. The Ops. Mgr. was looking it over friday and loved it. He then asked if I could also automate our vacation schedules and he can eliminate 4 huge binders from his shelves. If I'm lucky, I will have these all set to go for the start of the New Year.
The guys are almost done assembly the dining set so I guess I should head out soon to run errands. I'll post more soon, when I hear more about the District Training job.
The big news for today is the delivery of my new dining set!!! YIPPEE!!!! The guys are here now, assembling the bakers rack and table. The dining set is wrought iron, glass and slate. Shadow is going to have a great time with this table. There is a slate shelf under the glass top. I can picture him perched on the shelf, trying to play with whatever is on the table. Nothing like having built in dinner entertainment.
On the job front, things seem are going pretty good at the office lately. It's been somewhat quiet now that Lori was told she is not allowed any information on her "financees" worker's comp claim. Although we did have a good laugh when she complained that another co-worker is making rude comments to her and treating her badly.
I found out last week, there is a job opening for a District Trainer. The Dist. Mgr. asked his secretary if she thought I would be interested in the job. She didn't know, so she asked me. Of course I'm interested in the job --- I didn't know it was opening up. It will require lots of travelling to all the terminals in New England and upstate NY, training new hires. The company will provide me with a company car. I will also need to spend time in Lakeland, FL receiving my training. Hmmm, FL in the winter --- I can deal with that. Whenever there is a mass rollout of new/upgraded software, I may be required to travel anywhere in the US to assist with training. I love to travel and have provided software training in the past, while at Wiremold and International Paper. My boss was in meetings all day Friday, so I didn't get a chance to approach him about the job but will speak to him Monday. There is also the possibility this job would include about a $10k raise!! Now that's a BIG plus!!!
Yesterday, I was so proud of myself at work. For the last two days, I have been working on automating our attendance keeping records. Currently I use the pre-printed attendance forms and manually add mark them and add up "points" from the occurences. What I've done is designed an attendance form, in Excel - linked it to a Word doc. and import name, hire date, employee numbers from Access. This will give me the printouts, without having to type all the information. I'm hoping to, eventually key the occurances into Access and then import them to the word doc and calculate totals. The Ops. Mgr. was looking it over friday and loved it. He then asked if I could also automate our vacation schedules and he can eliminate 4 huge binders from his shelves. If I'm lucky, I will have these all set to go for the start of the New Year.
The guys are almost done assembly the dining set so I guess I should head out soon to run errands. I'll post more soon, when I hear more about the District Training job.
Sunday, October 24, 2004
Ramblings...
My thoughts of late, have been so disorganized I woke up thinking today is Monday. It was a pleasant surprise when I realized it was only Sunday.
Work:
The past week has been interesting, to say the very least. Several years ago, one of our drivers had a worker's comp injury to his left shoulder. He recently started to have shoulder problems and tried to re-open the comp claim. Notice I wrote TRIED. While I was filling out his forms, I picked up on a little discrepency. The problem he is having now is with his RIGHT shoulder and not the previously injured LEFT shoulder.
This driver is also engaged to marry a co-worker that sits in the cubicle next to mine. Recently she tried to get out for a Medical Leave of Absence and was unsuccessful. She also went to HR and upper management and accused my boss of sex discrimination. It was decided her discrimination claim was totally without merit and dismissed. Now that the comp claim is being denied, both are saying the boss is trying to screw them over for the discrimination claim.
While a smile DID come over my bosses face, when I told him about the discrepency, he didn't know until AFTER I verified the records. The driver now is faced with submitting a NEW claim and submit to examinations by the insurance company's doctors. The insurance company doctors must determine this is a work related claim before any money is paid to his current doctors. In the meantime, the driver was told he could not work light duty and sent home friday. Next week should be an interesting week, when the driver submits a new claim and discovers he must submit to the extra examinations.
Shadow:
I've had strange cats in the past but this cat is the strangest! Recently he discoved the dining room walls are wood. He has literally been climbing the walls!!! Off I went to the pet store for a kitty condo/scratching post. Damn!, those things are expensive!!! I was hoping to find something inexpensive for him to climb -- no luck. I did find a nice but smaller scratching post w/perch that he seems to like. I haven't caught him climbing the walls since my purchase.
Shadow has also started to do something I've only known one other cat (Smokey) to do, he is using his paw to eat his food. I do believe Smokey's ghost may be haunting this place. Shadow is still having fun playing with water. The faucet fascinates him and he tries to catch water droplets. Last night, he was having a great time playing with the water, while I filled the tub for a bubble bath, until he fell in! What a sight that was --- soaked kitty covered in bubbles!! Of course that didn't stop him, he did come back later while I was relaxing in the tub.
Personal Happenings:
Not much has been going on in my life outside of work. I did go to the CT Ren Faire and had a great time. If you would like to see pictures, they are posted on my webshots site. Aside from the faire, I really haven't been doing much of anything. My motivation has been dwindling recently and I just don't feel up to being social. If the sun ever comes out today, I may go for a scenic ride and bring along my camera. I love the Autumn scenery but it depresses me knowing the cold winter will soon follow.
It's this time of the year I start thinking about my Holiday Baking list. I've been busy scanning my cookbooks for new recipes to go with my usual baked goodies. It will be an inexpensive Christmas, again this year and that bothers me. There will be a few purchased items but for the most part, gifts will be baked or handmade this year.
Don't bother wondering about a love life, that sucks as usual. Maybe someday, there will be someone in my life. It seems there are only physical attractions and nothing more. While physical isn't bad, it's also nothing great if there is no deeper attraction and it's not what I want for my life. That deeper attraction may never happen, again. At this time, I've given up on finding that person. They will need to find me now. In the meantime, I'll just hang out with friends and try to be content with my life.
My thoughts of late, have been so disorganized I woke up thinking today is Monday. It was a pleasant surprise when I realized it was only Sunday.
Work:
The past week has been interesting, to say the very least. Several years ago, one of our drivers had a worker's comp injury to his left shoulder. He recently started to have shoulder problems and tried to re-open the comp claim. Notice I wrote TRIED. While I was filling out his forms, I picked up on a little discrepency. The problem he is having now is with his RIGHT shoulder and not the previously injured LEFT shoulder.
This driver is also engaged to marry a co-worker that sits in the cubicle next to mine. Recently she tried to get out for a Medical Leave of Absence and was unsuccessful. She also went to HR and upper management and accused my boss of sex discrimination. It was decided her discrimination claim was totally without merit and dismissed. Now that the comp claim is being denied, both are saying the boss is trying to screw them over for the discrimination claim.
While a smile DID come over my bosses face, when I told him about the discrepency, he didn't know until AFTER I verified the records. The driver now is faced with submitting a NEW claim and submit to examinations by the insurance company's doctors. The insurance company doctors must determine this is a work related claim before any money is paid to his current doctors. In the meantime, the driver was told he could not work light duty and sent home friday. Next week should be an interesting week, when the driver submits a new claim and discovers he must submit to the extra examinations.
Shadow:
I've had strange cats in the past but this cat is the strangest! Recently he discoved the dining room walls are wood. He has literally been climbing the walls!!! Off I went to the pet store for a kitty condo/scratching post. Damn!, those things are expensive!!! I was hoping to find something inexpensive for him to climb -- no luck. I did find a nice but smaller scratching post w/perch that he seems to like. I haven't caught him climbing the walls since my purchase.
Shadow has also started to do something I've only known one other cat (Smokey) to do, he is using his paw to eat his food. I do believe Smokey's ghost may be haunting this place. Shadow is still having fun playing with water. The faucet fascinates him and he tries to catch water droplets. Last night, he was having a great time playing with the water, while I filled the tub for a bubble bath, until he fell in! What a sight that was --- soaked kitty covered in bubbles!! Of course that didn't stop him, he did come back later while I was relaxing in the tub.
Personal Happenings:
Not much has been going on in my life outside of work. I did go to the CT Ren Faire and had a great time. If you would like to see pictures, they are posted on my webshots site. Aside from the faire, I really haven't been doing much of anything. My motivation has been dwindling recently and I just don't feel up to being social. If the sun ever comes out today, I may go for a scenic ride and bring along my camera. I love the Autumn scenery but it depresses me knowing the cold winter will soon follow.
It's this time of the year I start thinking about my Holiday Baking list. I've been busy scanning my cookbooks for new recipes to go with my usual baked goodies. It will be an inexpensive Christmas, again this year and that bothers me. There will be a few purchased items but for the most part, gifts will be baked or handmade this year.
Don't bother wondering about a love life, that sucks as usual. Maybe someday, there will be someone in my life. It seems there are only physical attractions and nothing more. While physical isn't bad, it's also nothing great if there is no deeper attraction and it's not what I want for my life. That deeper attraction may never happen, again. At this time, I've given up on finding that person. They will need to find me now. In the meantime, I'll just hang out with friends and try to be content with my life.
Thursday, September 30, 2004
It's one of THOSE days...
The day started off in it's usual manner - get the coffee going, shower and get ready for work. I should have realized it was going to be a bad day when Shadow stole my new package of nylons and hid them from me. I spent about 15 minutes looking for them and found them under the futon in the den. Bad Shadow! Next it's time for the morning commute and that actually went pretty good. I've been taking I-91 South to I-691 for the last week because of traffic tie-ups and construction on I-84.
The morning flew by, just me keeping busy with my normal duties then lunch time rolls around and that's when IT happened. The person I had the confrontation with, last July, came back to "visit" the office staff. It seems she has been out of work for the last 6 weeks and is looking to get her job back at Watkins. As if we don't have enough BS going on in the office, this one wants to come back. Thankfully my boss was out of the office so she couldn't speak with him. There is no way I will work with this person. I didn't even care to be in the office while she visited so I took my lunch break. When I came back, I immediately grabbed the deposit and went to the bank. All afternoon my co-workers chatted about how nice it will/would be if she came back to work. I just kept my mouth shut.
Finally 4:30 rolls around and I was out the door about 4:45, quick listen to the traffic and "Oh shit" there's a game at Rentschler Field tonight. It doesn't matter which route I go home, I'm going to hit the game traffic. Little did I know, the game traffic was the least of my worries. I-91 North was bumper to bumper from Meriden/Middletown all the way to Wethersfield and probably beyond. I got off the highway in Rocky Hill and took the side streets. It normally takes me about 25 minutes to reach the Charter Oak Bridge. Tonight it took 45 minutes and the quickest part of the ride was when I got off the highway!! Finally I'm home - it only took an hour tonight to go 35 miles. As I came through the doorway, I ended my work day by having the storm door slam on my achilles tendon, scraping it to a point of drawing blood and putting a nice size hole in the new nylons I searched for this morning.
Dinner will consist of PB&J (can't burn it and can't hurt myself making it) and then I'm going to bed. Tomorrow has to be a better day!
The day started off in it's usual manner - get the coffee going, shower and get ready for work. I should have realized it was going to be a bad day when Shadow stole my new package of nylons and hid them from me. I spent about 15 minutes looking for them and found them under the futon in the den. Bad Shadow! Next it's time for the morning commute and that actually went pretty good. I've been taking I-91 South to I-691 for the last week because of traffic tie-ups and construction on I-84.
The morning flew by, just me keeping busy with my normal duties then lunch time rolls around and that's when IT happened. The person I had the confrontation with, last July, came back to "visit" the office staff. It seems she has been out of work for the last 6 weeks and is looking to get her job back at Watkins. As if we don't have enough BS going on in the office, this one wants to come back. Thankfully my boss was out of the office so she couldn't speak with him. There is no way I will work with this person. I didn't even care to be in the office while she visited so I took my lunch break. When I came back, I immediately grabbed the deposit and went to the bank. All afternoon my co-workers chatted about how nice it will/would be if she came back to work. I just kept my mouth shut.
Finally 4:30 rolls around and I was out the door about 4:45, quick listen to the traffic and "Oh shit" there's a game at Rentschler Field tonight. It doesn't matter which route I go home, I'm going to hit the game traffic. Little did I know, the game traffic was the least of my worries. I-91 North was bumper to bumper from Meriden/Middletown all the way to Wethersfield and probably beyond. I got off the highway in Rocky Hill and took the side streets. It normally takes me about 25 minutes to reach the Charter Oak Bridge. Tonight it took 45 minutes and the quickest part of the ride was when I got off the highway!! Finally I'm home - it only took an hour tonight to go 35 miles. As I came through the doorway, I ended my work day by having the storm door slam on my achilles tendon, scraping it to a point of drawing blood and putting a nice size hole in the new nylons I searched for this morning.
Dinner will consist of PB&J (can't burn it and can't hurt myself making it) and then I'm going to bed. Tomorrow has to be a better day!
Sunday, September 26, 2004
"I'm Still Here"
Bad me for not posting more often but I haven't felt much like typing when I get home from work. The work days have been long, even when I leave on time. The 40-minute commute is a bitch when people drive like assholes and cause accidents. Don't even get me started on the rubber-neckers and lane hoppers. I do enjoy it when the person in front of me, lane hops to get 2 cars ahead, and ends up being the car behind me :) That's justice and I laugh at them everytime.
Work has been very busy but less stressful now that I have finally caught up with my work. Apparently, we are expecting an extremely busy weekend. One of the Ops Managers sent me an e-mail, listing the dockworkers sheduled this weekend. He wants to know if any of these people calls out this weekend. This is a "closed" week for vacations and only one person has been allowed time off.
One source of stress at work has been another female co-worker. She has a problem with paranoia and thinks the District Secretary (DS) has been telling my boss not to offer her several office jobs. She has also formally accused my boss of sex discrimination. She really believes she didn't get the HR job because she's a female. I can honestly say my boss is probably the least likely male, I can think of, that would discriminate against ANYONE. Yes, I have bitched about the reviews being discriminitory BUT those were not created by my boss. Those are simply forms that he and others must follow. IMO, she didn't get the job because of her lack of knowledge and her attendance. She was hired in March and taken atleast 10 sick days.
Next week should prove to be interesting. After speaking with the DS friday, she mentioned my boss was going to speak to me. He wants to know what has been said, to me, by the co-worker. Chances are the District HR Manager and District Manager will also want to speak with me. When the co-worker didn't get any satisfaction from the the District HR Manager, she went over all of them, to the Regional VP.
On the home front, the 900 numbers I previously posted about, have been removed from my phone bill. At my request, I now have a 900 block on my phone. I want to speak with my nephews counselor before I confront him with the phone fiasco. My thoughts are to simply ask him HOW is is going to pay for the phone calls. I want to make his counselor aware of the calls and my plans prior to me speaking with him. I called her last week and left a message. She has yet to return my phone call. Yesterday was my nephews 13th birthday and my parents will be visiting him today. I was suppose to go but chose to stay home instead. I don't believe I could face him without confronting him.
My brother, Rick, is having his own difficulties with going for custody of the children. His wife, Jasmine, is adamant about NOT getting custody of the children. Rick has a 2nd DCF/court evaluation in November. Jasmine is also scheduled to be there and is refusing to attend. The outlook for his marriage lasting is not good. He had previously told his wife to not make him chose between her and his kids --- she would lose. Rick will be coming home, in November, but without Jasmine UNLESS she has a change of heart. He refuses to pay the air fare if she is not going to show up for the evaluation.
I visited my parents, at their home, yesterday. My Dad put me to work! They are being processed as a licensed DCF home and need to pass a home inspection. One thing that didn't pass was their above ground swimming pool. DCF insists they have some kind of a pool alarm installed or dismantle the pool. My parents don't use the pool very often and decided the alarm was just too expensive for only a couple of days of pool use. So Dad drained and distmantled the pool yesterday. My ex-sister-in-law called yesterday and Mom told her they HAD to dismantle the pool because of DCF. Lisa knows my parents enjoyed having the pool and Mom wants to let her believe SHE is the reason they will no longer have a pool.
A couple of weeks ago, after 2 very long and stressful years, I finally booked another cruise!!! Marsha and I will be sailing in the Carnival Legend, from NYC, on 5/13/05 (Friday the 13th!) for an 8 day cruise. The cruise is a birthday present to myself and we splurged for a cabin with a balcony. The ports of call are Tortola, St. Thomas and San Juan. and we'll have 4 days at sea!! If I remember correctly, we will be in St. Thomas on my birthday. If anyone would like to join us, let me know and we can have your cabins added to our booking number. I would love to have a birthday party on the beach in St. Thomas or St. John's.
On October 10th, I will be going to the CT Ren Faire in Woodstock, CT. Every Ren Faire I've attended, I have wanted to purchase an outfit. Well, I did that, on-line, this year. The outfit I purchased is a simple peasant outfit. Until now, I didn't realize I purchased the same outfit they have pictured! My parents will be joining me along with friends, Karl, Victoria and the kids. I haven't been to the faire in Woodstock so I can't compare it, in size, to other faires. I know the fair grounds are a good size but I don't know how much space they will take up. We have also chatted about attending King Richard's Faire this year but haven't decided if we'll go or not.
So that's life as it stands right now. Until next time, take care and to my FL friends - keep safe!
Bad me for not posting more often but I haven't felt much like typing when I get home from work. The work days have been long, even when I leave on time. The 40-minute commute is a bitch when people drive like assholes and cause accidents. Don't even get me started on the rubber-neckers and lane hoppers. I do enjoy it when the person in front of me, lane hops to get 2 cars ahead, and ends up being the car behind me :) That's justice and I laugh at them everytime.
Work has been very busy but less stressful now that I have finally caught up with my work. Apparently, we are expecting an extremely busy weekend. One of the Ops Managers sent me an e-mail, listing the dockworkers sheduled this weekend. He wants to know if any of these people calls out this weekend. This is a "closed" week for vacations and only one person has been allowed time off.
One source of stress at work has been another female co-worker. She has a problem with paranoia and thinks the District Secretary (DS) has been telling my boss not to offer her several office jobs. She has also formally accused my boss of sex discrimination. She really believes she didn't get the HR job because she's a female. I can honestly say my boss is probably the least likely male, I can think of, that would discriminate against ANYONE. Yes, I have bitched about the reviews being discriminitory BUT those were not created by my boss. Those are simply forms that he and others must follow. IMO, she didn't get the job because of her lack of knowledge and her attendance. She was hired in March and taken atleast 10 sick days.
Next week should prove to be interesting. After speaking with the DS friday, she mentioned my boss was going to speak to me. He wants to know what has been said, to me, by the co-worker. Chances are the District HR Manager and District Manager will also want to speak with me. When the co-worker didn't get any satisfaction from the the District HR Manager, she went over all of them, to the Regional VP.
On the home front, the 900 numbers I previously posted about, have been removed from my phone bill. At my request, I now have a 900 block on my phone. I want to speak with my nephews counselor before I confront him with the phone fiasco. My thoughts are to simply ask him HOW is is going to pay for the phone calls. I want to make his counselor aware of the calls and my plans prior to me speaking with him. I called her last week and left a message. She has yet to return my phone call. Yesterday was my nephews 13th birthday and my parents will be visiting him today. I was suppose to go but chose to stay home instead. I don't believe I could face him without confronting him.
My brother, Rick, is having his own difficulties with going for custody of the children. His wife, Jasmine, is adamant about NOT getting custody of the children. Rick has a 2nd DCF/court evaluation in November. Jasmine is also scheduled to be there and is refusing to attend. The outlook for his marriage lasting is not good. He had previously told his wife to not make him chose between her and his kids --- she would lose. Rick will be coming home, in November, but without Jasmine UNLESS she has a change of heart. He refuses to pay the air fare if she is not going to show up for the evaluation.
I visited my parents, at their home, yesterday. My Dad put me to work! They are being processed as a licensed DCF home and need to pass a home inspection. One thing that didn't pass was their above ground swimming pool. DCF insists they have some kind of a pool alarm installed or dismantle the pool. My parents don't use the pool very often and decided the alarm was just too expensive for only a couple of days of pool use. So Dad drained and distmantled the pool yesterday. My ex-sister-in-law called yesterday and Mom told her they HAD to dismantle the pool because of DCF. Lisa knows my parents enjoyed having the pool and Mom wants to let her believe SHE is the reason they will no longer have a pool.
A couple of weeks ago, after 2 very long and stressful years, I finally booked another cruise!!! Marsha and I will be sailing in the Carnival Legend, from NYC, on 5/13/05 (Friday the 13th!) for an 8 day cruise. The cruise is a birthday present to myself and we splurged for a cabin with a balcony. The ports of call are Tortola, St. Thomas and San Juan. and we'll have 4 days at sea!! If I remember correctly, we will be in St. Thomas on my birthday. If anyone would like to join us, let me know and we can have your cabins added to our booking number. I would love to have a birthday party on the beach in St. Thomas or St. John's.
On October 10th, I will be going to the CT Ren Faire in Woodstock, CT. Every Ren Faire I've attended, I have wanted to purchase an outfit. Well, I did that, on-line, this year. The outfit I purchased is a simple peasant outfit. Until now, I didn't realize I purchased the same outfit they have pictured! My parents will be joining me along with friends, Karl, Victoria and the kids. I haven't been to the faire in Woodstock so I can't compare it, in size, to other faires. I know the fair grounds are a good size but I don't know how much space they will take up. We have also chatted about attending King Richard's Faire this year but haven't decided if we'll go or not.
So that's life as it stands right now. Until next time, take care and to my FL friends - keep safe!
Sunday, September 12, 2004
"Hell hath no fury......"
I was made into a fool for taking in my nephew and trying to help him. If I were to see him right now, I would need to be restrained. My electronic phone bill came in this morning and it's NOT a good one. Not only did that little bastard sneak in long distance phone calls to friends, he was also calling 900 numbers!!!! Thank GOD they stopped as soon as I got my previous phone bill in, and saw the extra phone call he had been making. At that time, I started keeping the phone, with me at all times. My current phone bill has $270.00 in charges to phone sex numbers and I'm ready to wipe his face from this earth!! Yes, I can call the phone company and say they were not authorized but the fact remains, they came from MY phone and I will probably have to pay the charges. Either way, Ricky needs to learn a very expensive lesson in paying for behavior.
At this time, I want nothing to do with this kid. His birthday is coming up and I was going to visit him. Not now - no way in hell will I go see him. I don't like people that lie to me and use me. My nephew is no exception!
I was made into a fool for taking in my nephew and trying to help him. If I were to see him right now, I would need to be restrained. My electronic phone bill came in this morning and it's NOT a good one. Not only did that little bastard sneak in long distance phone calls to friends, he was also calling 900 numbers!!!! Thank GOD they stopped as soon as I got my previous phone bill in, and saw the extra phone call he had been making. At that time, I started keeping the phone, with me at all times. My current phone bill has $270.00 in charges to phone sex numbers and I'm ready to wipe his face from this earth!! Yes, I can call the phone company and say they were not authorized but the fact remains, they came from MY phone and I will probably have to pay the charges. Either way, Ricky needs to learn a very expensive lesson in paying for behavior.
At this time, I want nothing to do with this kid. His birthday is coming up and I was going to visit him. Not now - no way in hell will I go see him. I don't like people that lie to me and use me. My nephew is no exception!
Sunday, August 22, 2004
Major Influence?
While my nephew is living with me, I'm trying to expose him to another way of life. His mother has used video games, and Disney to be a babysitter. Since, there really isn't much he can do here, I'm getting him to try different things while he is here. He wanted to make a gift for his Dad so I searched on-line for a craft project. Of course my nephew wanted to make a t-shirt but I talked him into a simply decorated cross that would be a gift to his Dad and step-mom. He loved doing the project and it was easy enough to do completely on his own.
Ricky knows all sorts of recent movies (most of which he SHOULD NOT know) but has never heard of Alfred Hitchcock, Jimmy Stewart, Frank Sinatra, Bette Davis, Grace Kelly..... A couple of nights ago, I switched the TV to TCM and we watched Jezebel with Bette Davis. The only movie he had seen, about the Civil War period, was The Patriot. He LOVED the movie and kept asking about the actors/actresses. He had never watched a b&w movie before. Last night we watched Rear Window. The movie captured his attention to a point where he was asking about different camera effects. Maybe tonight I'll introduce him to "classic" horror movies -- Frankenstein, Dracula.... or we could watch African Queen, Gone With The Wind, Singing In The Rain.....
Something else that has captured Ricky's attention is Slam Poetry. Ricky writes Rap songs (ok so he doesn't have the beats down) and I pointed out that it's quite similar to slam poetry. While at the book store last weekend, I picked up the book "Idiots Guide To Slam Poetry". He has read a little of the book but I would like to find an open mic where he can listen to Slam Poetry. I think he would get more out of listening to the performances than reading a book. If anyone knows an open mic venue, in the Manchester area, let me know. The only one I know about is The Buttonwood Tree and they stop during the summer months.
While my nephew is living with me, I'm trying to expose him to another way of life. His mother has used video games, and Disney to be a babysitter. Since, there really isn't much he can do here, I'm getting him to try different things while he is here. He wanted to make a gift for his Dad so I searched on-line for a craft project. Of course my nephew wanted to make a t-shirt but I talked him into a simply decorated cross that would be a gift to his Dad and step-mom. He loved doing the project and it was easy enough to do completely on his own.
Ricky knows all sorts of recent movies (most of which he SHOULD NOT know) but has never heard of Alfred Hitchcock, Jimmy Stewart, Frank Sinatra, Bette Davis, Grace Kelly..... A couple of nights ago, I switched the TV to TCM and we watched Jezebel with Bette Davis. The only movie he had seen, about the Civil War period, was The Patriot. He LOVED the movie and kept asking about the actors/actresses. He had never watched a b&w movie before. Last night we watched Rear Window. The movie captured his attention to a point where he was asking about different camera effects. Maybe tonight I'll introduce him to "classic" horror movies -- Frankenstein, Dracula.... or we could watch African Queen, Gone With The Wind, Singing In The Rain.....
Something else that has captured Ricky's attention is Slam Poetry. Ricky writes Rap songs (ok so he doesn't have the beats down) and I pointed out that it's quite similar to slam poetry. While at the book store last weekend, I picked up the book "Idiots Guide To Slam Poetry". He has read a little of the book but I would like to find an open mic where he can listen to Slam Poetry. I think he would get more out of listening to the performances than reading a book. If anyone knows an open mic venue, in the Manchester area, let me know. The only one I know about is The Buttonwood Tree and they stop during the summer months.
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