My birth certificate came today, nearly a week early. Who says the US Government isn't on the ball?
So, now I can try for my passport next week. I know if I pay an extra $30 fee they can expedite the request, but I may or may not have it in time for Halloween.
But it doesn't matter, because I can get in with my ID and birth certificate.
Yay!
*snoopy happy dance
*sings... "I'm going to see my girlfriend, I'm going to see my girlfriend!"
October 7, 2005
October 6, 2005
Near Death Experiences
So, I'm at the intersection. The light turns green for our side of the three-way intersection to go. I start to pull out. The guy on the left side of the intersection just floors it and takes off. Drives right through the red light he has, avoids the two cars turning left, narrowly misses me (as I was turning into the lane he was driving in), and just keeps going.
The funny things about this story:
1. As he swerved to avoid me I got a good look at him. He was doing a one-handed McCauley Culkin/Home Alone shocked look. Idiot.
2. My heart rate didn't even spike for a second. I took it completely in stride.
3. The guy next to him nearly went too-- I guess the first idiot was really convincing in his portrayal of "it's really green and we can go." Oscar-calibre!
3. I have yet one more piece of evidence that the life-lesson I learned when I was young, that I cling to when all else fails, and that has never let me down is still true: People are Stupid.
And a quick aside concerning stupidity: I said "I'd like a large beverage" (don't roll your eyes, M, you know that's how I talk) fairly slowly and clearly. The woman behind the counter repeated back to me, "You'd like a 6-piece chicken meal?"
Er, what?
*sigh
The funny things about this story:
1. As he swerved to avoid me I got a good look at him. He was doing a one-handed McCauley Culkin/Home Alone shocked look. Idiot.
2. My heart rate didn't even spike for a second. I took it completely in stride.
3. The guy next to him nearly went too-- I guess the first idiot was really convincing in his portrayal of "it's really green and we can go." Oscar-calibre!
3. I have yet one more piece of evidence that the life-lesson I learned when I was young, that I cling to when all else fails, and that has never let me down is still true: People are Stupid.
And a quick aside concerning stupidity: I said "I'd like a large beverage" (don't roll your eyes, M, you know that's how I talk) fairly slowly and clearly. The woman behind the counter repeated back to me, "You'd like a 6-piece chicken meal?"
Er, what?
*sigh
End of the Innocence
After arriving home from bowling last night, I stopped to get my mail. As I neared the hallway in which the group mailboxes for my unit are located, I overheard the words, "I love you, but...." As I rounded the corner, a woman, mid-20s at a guess, was sitting on the stairs and facing her (and me) was a man around the same age. He saw me, but made no acknowledgement of me that she could see, so she continued not knowing she had an audience.
"I love you but not in that way. We have fun together, but I need...."
Having heard enough and it being obvious the man didn't care, I loudly scuffed my shoes on the ground made sure to jam my key into the mailbox lock more loudly than needed. I was going to allow her the privacy she needed for these comments.
However, I couldn't help but take a couple of looks over and assess the situation. I love stories, and my mind was racing with who these people might be and how they got to be here, on the stairs at 9:30 at night, breaking up.
She was an attractive woman, curvy, with mousy-brown hair. He was a little short, but in good shape, but had a pissy look on his face. Instead of devastation, pain, or a wounded look on his face as this woman broke up with him, I saw irritation. My first impression was that her breaking up with him was an inconvenience. Like he had made plans that would need to be changed.
Sometimes you can tell a lot by those initial glances and the pieces of conversation you overhear. I'm sure she will be much better off without this man in her life. Even if he cared for her, it was obviously in a possessive or diminutive way. I am confident that, in his life, the woman would always be more of a show piece than a companion. An object rather than a friend.
As I finished grabbing my mail and loudly made my exit so she would know I was leaving, she started back up.
"I just don't feel like you need me...."
I rounded the corner and quickly left listening range.
"I love you but not in that way. We have fun together, but I need...."
Having heard enough and it being obvious the man didn't care, I loudly scuffed my shoes on the ground made sure to jam my key into the mailbox lock more loudly than needed. I was going to allow her the privacy she needed for these comments.
However, I couldn't help but take a couple of looks over and assess the situation. I love stories, and my mind was racing with who these people might be and how they got to be here, on the stairs at 9:30 at night, breaking up.
She was an attractive woman, curvy, with mousy-brown hair. He was a little short, but in good shape, but had a pissy look on his face. Instead of devastation, pain, or a wounded look on his face as this woman broke up with him, I saw irritation. My first impression was that her breaking up with him was an inconvenience. Like he had made plans that would need to be changed.
Sometimes you can tell a lot by those initial glances and the pieces of conversation you overhear. I'm sure she will be much better off without this man in her life. Even if he cared for her, it was obviously in a possessive or diminutive way. I am confident that, in his life, the woman would always be more of a show piece than a companion. An object rather than a friend.
As I finished grabbing my mail and loudly made my exit so she would know I was leaving, she started back up.
"I just don't feel like you need me...."
I rounded the corner and quickly left listening range.
"I'm giving her all she's got, Captain!"
Awhile back I posted a blog about my TV dying and the desire to get a new one. Then I started noticing a trend that when the TV was "dying" the power to other items in the apartment also seemed to be affected. I called the front office to have a worker come out and take a look.
The worker, Geraldo, stood in my apartment for 20 minutes with everything turned off, strangely didn't notice any power fluctuations or problems, and concluded there was nothing wrong.
The power fluctuations continued and I saw a pattern; they happened during peak usage hours mostly, and only to my front room (which consists of the main living area and the kitchen). It affected everything in both areas of the front room to some degree-- didn't matter which plugs I used or whether the item was plugged directly into the power (like the lights). Got so bad that the TV would shut off, the microwave's clock would go blank, and my TiVo would reset and have to go through the power-up process.
I called again. Geraldo came back out, "tested" my plugs, and said everything was okay. That weekend, not two days later, the situation got so bad I had to move out of the front room and into the bedroom. I called the weekend hotline and didn't get an answer.
I put up with it for another two weeks, while other aspects of life were more important, and then the power situation got abysmal again during the weekend. I called the hotline and reached someone this time. Explained the problem and they assured me that someone would come out within an hour. Wrong again.
Recently I signed a new lease for another year. Wanted to move, but life piled up and it became difficult to look for a place and what looking I was able to do showed me most places were more expensive than resigning a lease would be. While talking with the front office I told them about my continued electrical problems.
Out came Geraldo again. This time he checked the circuit breaker and claims to have replaced some parts in it. I was good for about a day-- or the intermittent nature of the problem was more stable for that day, I don't really know which-- but the problem returned after that.
I complained in detail to the front desk. I explained that the problem was NOT in my actual apartment. Somewhere there is a circuit breaker that feeds power to the entire front room area and that THIS is where the problem lies. I explained everything that had happened to-date and that having someone come out to look at my apartment again would garner the same results-- nothing would appear to be wrong. Justin, the man I was dealing with, assured me that he would talk with the service manager and get this cleared up.
Came home yesterday and there was a nice little note from Geraldo (who is NOT the manager, btw), virtually word-for-word identical to the last time he was out, saying that he had replaced the circuit breakers IN MY APARTMENT and that I should be okay.
So, I guess I was imagining the power flickering and the loss of power that occurred last night, eh, Geraldo?
I'm sort of at a loss of what to do at this point. I cannot get them to understand that the problem is external to my apartment and that everything they have done to-date has been without effect. I may have to contact the William Lyons Group directly and see if I can't get more satisfaction from someone "at corporate" than I am going through my front office people.
I am even considering asking my father, who is a whiz at electronics, to come down with his equipment and take a look himself.
I've lived in this same apartment for 4 years now. I’ve had a pretty good relationship with this complex and the management here. I’m happy with where I live, except for this continued problem.
I currently have an extension cord from my bedroom to my front room. Since the power in the bedroom is fine, the extension cord powers everything I need it to in the front room without interrupt.
Oh, and it turns out I don't need a new TV after all.
The worker, Geraldo, stood in my apartment for 20 minutes with everything turned off, strangely didn't notice any power fluctuations or problems, and concluded there was nothing wrong.
The power fluctuations continued and I saw a pattern; they happened during peak usage hours mostly, and only to my front room (which consists of the main living area and the kitchen). It affected everything in both areas of the front room to some degree-- didn't matter which plugs I used or whether the item was plugged directly into the power (like the lights). Got so bad that the TV would shut off, the microwave's clock would go blank, and my TiVo would reset and have to go through the power-up process.
I called again. Geraldo came back out, "tested" my plugs, and said everything was okay. That weekend, not two days later, the situation got so bad I had to move out of the front room and into the bedroom. I called the weekend hotline and didn't get an answer.
I put up with it for another two weeks, while other aspects of life were more important, and then the power situation got abysmal again during the weekend. I called the hotline and reached someone this time. Explained the problem and they assured me that someone would come out within an hour. Wrong again.
Recently I signed a new lease for another year. Wanted to move, but life piled up and it became difficult to look for a place and what looking I was able to do showed me most places were more expensive than resigning a lease would be. While talking with the front office I told them about my continued electrical problems.
Out came Geraldo again. This time he checked the circuit breaker and claims to have replaced some parts in it. I was good for about a day-- or the intermittent nature of the problem was more stable for that day, I don't really know which-- but the problem returned after that.
I complained in detail to the front desk. I explained that the problem was NOT in my actual apartment. Somewhere there is a circuit breaker that feeds power to the entire front room area and that THIS is where the problem lies. I explained everything that had happened to-date and that having someone come out to look at my apartment again would garner the same results-- nothing would appear to be wrong. Justin, the man I was dealing with, assured me that he would talk with the service manager and get this cleared up.
Came home yesterday and there was a nice little note from Geraldo (who is NOT the manager, btw), virtually word-for-word identical to the last time he was out, saying that he had replaced the circuit breakers IN MY APARTMENT and that I should be okay.
So, I guess I was imagining the power flickering and the loss of power that occurred last night, eh, Geraldo?
I'm sort of at a loss of what to do at this point. I cannot get them to understand that the problem is external to my apartment and that everything they have done to-date has been without effect. I may have to contact the William Lyons Group directly and see if I can't get more satisfaction from someone "at corporate" than I am going through my front office people.
I am even considering asking my father, who is a whiz at electronics, to come down with his equipment and take a look himself.
I've lived in this same apartment for 4 years now. I’ve had a pretty good relationship with this complex and the management here. I’m happy with where I live, except for this continued problem.
I currently have an extension cord from my bedroom to my front room. Since the power in the bedroom is fine, the extension cord powers everything I need it to in the front room without interrupt.
Oh, and it turns out I don't need a new TV after all.
Bowling Update (10/5/05)
Tonight's scratch scores:
191 163 233 = 195 average.
Overall average for season (to date) = 186.
Team: It appears we went 3-1.
I say "appears" because Jean, our usual female bowler, was out and we had a substitute (Tai's girlfriend). We had to 'guesstimate' her handicap since she didn't have one going into tonight and it looks like we went 3-1 for the night when that gets factored in.
Oh, and Tai had a fabulous night. Had a 183 and 175 when he's normally a 140-145 bowler. He's coming along. Getting much better at picking his spots and nailing the spares, which is one of the first steps to becoming a good bowler. Now if we can just work on the consistency, he'll be fine.
Now to get Arvin back in the swing of things....
So, we are now 11-9 (if the 3-1 from tonight holds up) on the season and up from last place to middle of the pack.
Go Jean's Posse!
191 163 233 = 195 average.
Overall average for season (to date) = 186.
Team: It appears we went 3-1.
I say "appears" because Jean, our usual female bowler, was out and we had a substitute (Tai's girlfriend). We had to 'guesstimate' her handicap since she didn't have one going into tonight and it looks like we went 3-1 for the night when that gets factored in.
Oh, and Tai had a fabulous night. Had a 183 and 175 when he's normally a 140-145 bowler. He's coming along. Getting much better at picking his spots and nailing the spares, which is one of the first steps to becoming a good bowler. Now if we can just work on the consistency, he'll be fine.
Now to get Arvin back in the swing of things....
So, we are now 11-9 (if the 3-1 from tonight holds up) on the season and up from last place to middle of the pack.
Go Jean's Posse!
October 4, 2005
Working Vacation
Okay, it is booked. I'm leaving from LAX on Thursday at around 10:30pm, arriving in Toronto at around 6am on Friday morning (terminal change), then hopping one more flight at 8:40am from Toronto to Saint John, arriving at 11:30am. That is a lot of flying! The trip back will be better. I have to leave at 6:40am on Sunday, November 6, with a hop to Montreal, no terminal changes, and then to LAX.
Hopefully I can find a friend or two to drop me off and/or pick me up from LAX. But, if not, the Super Shuttle is $45 one way and I'll book passage with them to get me to and from LAX, which is 50 miles from here (80 kilometers).
I tried to get a flight from John Wayne Airport, which is just down the street from me, but the options we saw a few days ago completely were booked up or canceled. Plus, each of those flights required three planes and at least two terminal changes, both ways.
As a reluctant flier at best, and a fearful one in reality, we felt that three flights and so many terminal changes was asking for trouble. It is worth the hassle of finding a friend or getting a shuttle to have the more direct flights and fewer terminal changes.
I'll still be a nervous wreck when I get there. And it is too bad I don't have the vacation days accrued to make it a true vacation, so I'll have to work 4 of the days I'm there. But that means more time at Christmas....
Look out, Canada, John is on his way!
(Now, if that birth certificate would just show up.... If it is not one thing, it is another!)
Hopefully I can find a friend or two to drop me off and/or pick me up from LAX. But, if not, the Super Shuttle is $45 one way and I'll book passage with them to get me to and from LAX, which is 50 miles from here (80 kilometers).
I tried to get a flight from John Wayne Airport, which is just down the street from me, but the options we saw a few days ago completely were booked up or canceled. Plus, each of those flights required three planes and at least two terminal changes, both ways.
As a reluctant flier at best, and a fearful one in reality, we felt that three flights and so many terminal changes was asking for trouble. It is worth the hassle of finding a friend or getting a shuttle to have the more direct flights and fewer terminal changes.
I'll still be a nervous wreck when I get there. And it is too bad I don't have the vacation days accrued to make it a true vacation, so I'll have to work 4 of the days I'm there. But that means more time at Christmas....
Look out, Canada, John is on his way!
(Now, if that birth certificate would just show up.... If it is not one thing, it is another!)
October 3, 2005
Joss Whedon and Neil Gaiman
I'm at lunch and stumbled across this cool conversation between a Times writer and Joss Whedon and Neil Gaiman. It touches on a variety of topics and I enjoyed learning a little more about both.
Oh, and I picked up Anansi Boys this weekend and hope to settle down with it soon-- I've got nearly everything Neil Gaiman has written, comics and books. Great author, really tuned in.
Link to Article
Oh, and I picked up Anansi Boys this weekend and hope to settle down with it soon-- I've got nearly everything Neil Gaiman has written, comics and books. Great author, really tuned in.
Link to Article
October 2, 2005
Fruits and Veggies
Do Claussen Kosher Dill Pickles count toward my daily allotment of fruits and veggies?
September 29, 2005
First Month - Bowling
Well, the team didn't start out so hot, but we've come on strong the last two weeks to even out to .500.
Personally:
Week 1: 154 243 180 = 192 average. Team: 0-4
Week 2: 147 133 192 = 157 average. Team: 1-3
Week 3: 211 189 159 = 186 average. Team: 4-0
Week 4: 212 171 151 = 178 average. Team: 3-1
So my overall average is at 178. Not bad, and I'm obviously pleased by all the 200s I've already managed, but my goal for the end of this league is to be at a 190 average. It's an aggressive goal, but goals should be. I am worried about the trend the last two weeks of starting strong and tailing off. Last week there was a reason (one of the guys on the other team was spending more time socializing around the teams than bowling, and we wound up being the last group to finish by almost 30 minutes! Everyone was tired-- and a bit cranky!), but this week I just lost my line and couldn't get it back.
I'm also very pleased with one teammate in particular. Although I'm the best bowler on the team, we put me in the lead-off position and moved Arvin to the Anchor position. He had some opportunities to come through for us and managed to secure a victory in the final game. He's coming along nicely. It takes a different mindset to be the Anchor and not everyone can do it, even if they are generally a good bowler.
Personally:
Week 1: 154 243 180 = 192 average. Team: 0-4
Week 2: 147 133 192 = 157 average. Team: 1-3
Week 3: 211 189 159 = 186 average. Team: 4-0
Week 4: 212 171 151 = 178 average. Team: 3-1
So my overall average is at 178. Not bad, and I'm obviously pleased by all the 200s I've already managed, but my goal for the end of this league is to be at a 190 average. It's an aggressive goal, but goals should be. I am worried about the trend the last two weeks of starting strong and tailing off. Last week there was a reason (one of the guys on the other team was spending more time socializing around the teams than bowling, and we wound up being the last group to finish by almost 30 minutes! Everyone was tired-- and a bit cranky!), but this week I just lost my line and couldn't get it back.
I'm also very pleased with one teammate in particular. Although I'm the best bowler on the team, we put me in the lead-off position and moved Arvin to the Anchor position. He had some opportunities to come through for us and managed to secure a victory in the final game. He's coming along nicely. It takes a different mindset to be the Anchor and not everyone can do it, even if they are generally a good bowler.
September 28, 2005
Update
Apparently our viewing public is avid for some sort of update. I guess we have both been somewhat quiet since Tucson, but I’ve received some emails and in-person conversations asking what we are doing and where we are going from here.
We are making plans for me to fly back and visit her in her hometown environment over Halloween. This happens to be her favorite holiday and splits the difference between Tucson (mid-Sept) and Christmas nicely. It allows us about a week to continue figuring “us” out and getting comfortable with each other.
I’ll admit that I’m both excited and nervous. Excited because this is a significant step—meeting one another in one of our home towns. That is huge in a long-distance relationship. The safety of the anonymous internet and telephone, of the distance, and of a neutral city (although Tucson feels like home now, with as much of it as we saw!—have to go back there someday; beautiful city) are all ripped away and we are both left bare. It is a significant step and a significant, but necessary, risk. I’m very much looking forward to it.
The nervousness comes from being the first to step into the other’s city. I will be the first to meet her friends, see her home, and meet her family. I am not really that nervous about it—I know how much I like her, I have spoken with quite a few of her friends and they seem like great people, and all I can be is myself with her family. It is more the thought of what this could mean, where it could lead. We are now heading into the "significant steps" in any relationship; they are just magnified by the distance.
In a traditional relationship, you might date for a few weeks, going out a couple of times a week, before you begin the process of meeting each other’s families. We do not have that luxury. We need to compress more of the dating experience into less time, as the distance does not allow us the luxury of time or convenience.
Luckily, we continue to promote open and honest communication as the most important attribute in our relationship, so these compressed meetings will not be as stressful as they otherwise could be.
Her younger brother sounds like someone I would like even if he was not related. Her dad seems like a handy guy, smart, and he loves her a lot. Her older brother, being protective, may not like how we met, but he seems like a good guy. The only person I am nervous about meeting is her mom; she sounds like a woman who has strong feelings about her daughter’s boyfriends. All I can really do is express my feelings for her daughter and hope she approves. Maybe that will be enough?
I am most excited about seeing her town and meeting her friends. She speaks so passionately about her home town that it must be a wonder to behold. And, I’m told, it has these things called “trees” and areas filled with these trees that just occur naturally—they are not all designated as “parks” and only full of soccer moms taking their children to the latest match. Oh, and get this! There is a river there that isn’t in a flood channel and carefully contained by concrete! What kind of river is allowed to roam free? Weirdness! ;-)
Her many friends seem great (those with whom I’ve spoken). I look forward to pumpkin carving, shopping, and karaoke with some or all of them (although all are on a strict “John doesn’t sing” alert—do not even try!). I look forward to going to mass with her in her much-loved church. I am taking my date to a nice sit-down restaurant called Suwanna at some point. Oh, and I should stop by the florist I’ve been using—can’t have them ruining the surprise because they can’t find her address! They need a good talking to on that subject-- haven't they heard of mapit.com or Yahoo! Maps? Sheesh!
So, although I hate to fly with a passion, I will be boarding an ungodly number of airplanes (granting that any number above 0 is “ungodly” in my book—why do you think I drove to Tucson?) and winging east to meet this wonderful woman in her hometown.
There is no point in wishing me good luck—I’ve already used it all up and then some meeting this great girl.
We are making plans for me to fly back and visit her in her hometown environment over Halloween. This happens to be her favorite holiday and splits the difference between Tucson (mid-Sept) and Christmas nicely. It allows us about a week to continue figuring “us” out and getting comfortable with each other.
I’ll admit that I’m both excited and nervous. Excited because this is a significant step—meeting one another in one of our home towns. That is huge in a long-distance relationship. The safety of the anonymous internet and telephone, of the distance, and of a neutral city (although Tucson feels like home now, with as much of it as we saw!—have to go back there someday; beautiful city) are all ripped away and we are both left bare. It is a significant step and a significant, but necessary, risk. I’m very much looking forward to it.
The nervousness comes from being the first to step into the other’s city. I will be the first to meet her friends, see her home, and meet her family. I am not really that nervous about it—I know how much I like her, I have spoken with quite a few of her friends and they seem like great people, and all I can be is myself with her family. It is more the thought of what this could mean, where it could lead. We are now heading into the "significant steps" in any relationship; they are just magnified by the distance.
In a traditional relationship, you might date for a few weeks, going out a couple of times a week, before you begin the process of meeting each other’s families. We do not have that luxury. We need to compress more of the dating experience into less time, as the distance does not allow us the luxury of time or convenience.
Luckily, we continue to promote open and honest communication as the most important attribute in our relationship, so these compressed meetings will not be as stressful as they otherwise could be.
Her younger brother sounds like someone I would like even if he was not related. Her dad seems like a handy guy, smart, and he loves her a lot. Her older brother, being protective, may not like how we met, but he seems like a good guy. The only person I am nervous about meeting is her mom; she sounds like a woman who has strong feelings about her daughter’s boyfriends. All I can really do is express my feelings for her daughter and hope she approves. Maybe that will be enough?
I am most excited about seeing her town and meeting her friends. She speaks so passionately about her home town that it must be a wonder to behold. And, I’m told, it has these things called “trees” and areas filled with these trees that just occur naturally—they are not all designated as “parks” and only full of soccer moms taking their children to the latest match. Oh, and get this! There is a river there that isn’t in a flood channel and carefully contained by concrete! What kind of river is allowed to roam free? Weirdness! ;-)
Her many friends seem great (those with whom I’ve spoken). I look forward to pumpkin carving, shopping, and karaoke with some or all of them (although all are on a strict “John doesn’t sing” alert—do not even try!). I look forward to going to mass with her in her much-loved church. I am taking my date to a nice sit-down restaurant called Suwanna at some point. Oh, and I should stop by the florist I’ve been using—can’t have them ruining the surprise because they can’t find her address! They need a good talking to on that subject-- haven't they heard of mapit.com or Yahoo! Maps? Sheesh!
So, although I hate to fly with a passion, I will be boarding an ungodly number of airplanes (granting that any number above 0 is “ungodly” in my book—why do you think I drove to Tucson?) and winging east to meet this wonderful woman in her hometown.
There is no point in wishing me good luck—I’ve already used it all up and then some meeting this great girl.
September 27, 2005
Nephew's Birthday - Follow up
My sister just informed me that my gifts to my nephew are the hit of the neighborhood. The Spy Toys went over very well and my nephew is out with his pals spying on the neighborhood as we speak.
Yes, his birthday isn't for five days, but I'm the cool uncle that sends him spy stuff now! He can open them early if he wants to.
*big smile and puffed out chest
Now to send him the sensible piggy bank. Somehow I don't think that will be quite as well received. ;-)
Yes, his birthday isn't for five days, but I'm the cool uncle that sends him spy stuff now! He can open them early if he wants to.
*big smile and puffed out chest
Now to send him the sensible piggy bank. Somehow I don't think that will be quite as well received. ;-)
Runner's High
I never thought I would say this, but I miss running. I was a good runner. I could keep up with the sprinters and did okay with the distance people. I made for a good 400 and 800 runner in High School, and did well enough at college that I was asked to join the team. Not sure why I didn't.
There was a freedom to running. It was something that was all about you, and your shoes, and the road on which you ran. I actually earned a letter in track and field by running. I don't think anyone actually knows I lettered in track.
The arthritis makes it hard to walk, let alone run. With the new meds I'm on, most of my pain is gone. However, the damage done to the bones in my hands and feet is pretty bad, and you need your feet to run. Does not matter how good your shoes, there is a certain amount of stress forced on them by pounding the trail when running.
I had to give up softball, the last activity in which I could run, because of the pain. That still frustrates me. I wasn't that great at softball-- good at defense and pretty quick around the diamond, but just couldn't hit worth beans. But I did it with passion and exuberance and I got to run. And I was somewhat infamous for making circus catches in the outfield nearly every game. King of the snow-cone catch. I hated giving that up.
A new High School was built across the street from me. This HS has a track that would be easy to get to. I have to admit, I have frequent fantasies of buying a new, good pair of running shoes and hopping that fence some night and seeing how far I can run. The kid in me wants to know if I can still get around that track. He wants to see if I can reach that point I hit too few times where you feel like you can run forever.
But my intellect kicks in. It knows that is the last type of activity these poor feet need right now. Let the new meds do some work and hopefully repair some of the damage done. And even if the knees can take it, my practical mind tells me, can my battered knees keep up? They are shoddy construction at best. Been ridden hard and put away wet, so to speak.
I worry sometimes that my illness and my life and my job and my responsibilities are killing that kid inside who just wants to run once more around the track.
So, if you're driving on Bryant and you see some guy struggling to run around the track at the new High School, you can pull over and even watch. But don't interrupt him. No matter the pain or the fatigue, he's Peter Pan once more, taking one last flight around Neverland.
There was a freedom to running. It was something that was all about you, and your shoes, and the road on which you ran. I actually earned a letter in track and field by running. I don't think anyone actually knows I lettered in track.
The arthritis makes it hard to walk, let alone run. With the new meds I'm on, most of my pain is gone. However, the damage done to the bones in my hands and feet is pretty bad, and you need your feet to run. Does not matter how good your shoes, there is a certain amount of stress forced on them by pounding the trail when running.
I had to give up softball, the last activity in which I could run, because of the pain. That still frustrates me. I wasn't that great at softball-- good at defense and pretty quick around the diamond, but just couldn't hit worth beans. But I did it with passion and exuberance and I got to run. And I was somewhat infamous for making circus catches in the outfield nearly every game. King of the snow-cone catch. I hated giving that up.
A new High School was built across the street from me. This HS has a track that would be easy to get to. I have to admit, I have frequent fantasies of buying a new, good pair of running shoes and hopping that fence some night and seeing how far I can run. The kid in me wants to know if I can still get around that track. He wants to see if I can reach that point I hit too few times where you feel like you can run forever.
But my intellect kicks in. It knows that is the last type of activity these poor feet need right now. Let the new meds do some work and hopefully repair some of the damage done. And even if the knees can take it, my practical mind tells me, can my battered knees keep up? They are shoddy construction at best. Been ridden hard and put away wet, so to speak.
I worry sometimes that my illness and my life and my job and my responsibilities are killing that kid inside who just wants to run once more around the track.
So, if you're driving on Bryant and you see some guy struggling to run around the track at the new High School, you can pull over and even watch. But don't interrupt him. No matter the pain or the fatigue, he's Peter Pan once more, taking one last flight around Neverland.
September 25, 2005
To Whom It May Concern
I don't appreciate you calling at 3 am. What's more, I don't appreciate you calling at 3 am, not getting an answer, waiting a half-hour, and calling back.
The phone is a convenience. I will answer it, therefore, when it is convenient to me. This means that I may be standing right next to it with nothing to do and still will not answer the phone because I do not chose to.
I have an answering machine. Leave a message. If it is important, I will call you back. If I hear your voice on my answering machine and recognize it, I may pick up right then.
What were you thinking calling so late? I stay up late, yes, but not that late. Give me a break!
So don't call so late (or early, I guess). If you do, leave a message so I know who it is and whether it is important. Otherwise, get the hell off my phone line and don't call me again.
John
The phone is a convenience. I will answer it, therefore, when it is convenient to me. This means that I may be standing right next to it with nothing to do and still will not answer the phone because I do not chose to.
I have an answering machine. Leave a message. If it is important, I will call you back. If I hear your voice on my answering machine and recognize it, I may pick up right then.
What were you thinking calling so late? I stay up late, yes, but not that late. Give me a break!
So don't call so late (or early, I guess). If you do, leave a message so I know who it is and whether it is important. Otherwise, get the hell off my phone line and don't call me again.
John
September 21, 2005
Children's Movies Today
I've blogged multiple times on movies in general. Here's a guy who I can see eye to eye with and agree 100% with his analysis. Take a read:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,1072-1786879,00.html
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,1072-1786879,00.html
Nephew's Birthday
So I’m searching for stuff for my nephew’s birthday (he’s turning 8 October 2). The only item I have been informed of is a wacky food thing that allows the child to make their own food treats.
In looking on Amazon for this toy, I stumbled across some really neat toys. A company called Wild Planet has created spy toys that mimic the favorite tools you see in cartoons, TV, and movies. One is a Spy Pen that can turn into a motion detector, a magnifying glass, and has a secret storage compartment. Another is a Spy Kit that includes a long-distance listening device and a telescope.
Now this is something Uncle John can get into giving to his nephew! It does two things that I always liked in toys when I was a young boy growing up: enhanced my level of play with cool extras but did not get in the way of my own imagination.
I look at so many of the toys today and I wonder where the imagination has gone. The toys do everything for you, it seems. Many of the video games and similar electronic toys do most of the work for the child. I am noticing the action figures do more and more—and require more and more “upgrades” and accessories to even work to full potential.
Some of the most fun I had as a child was taking my (copious quantities of) Hot Wheels out into the backyard, scooping sand around and using water to make roads and jumps and such, and playing with my cars. I remember using Lincoln logs, Lego blocks, and erector sets to build things of my own design. I often built my own toys out of knick-knacks around the house—I still remember when I cobbled my flashlight, a clear plastic tube, some green cellophane mom had lying around, and a large amount of duct tape into the first “lightsaber” seen on the block. And how all the other children came running out as I ran down the street swinging it. By the next weekend every kid had made something similar and we were having epic battles.
I feel strongly that children need to have tools and toys that allow them to stretch their mind, be inquisitive, and learn as they go. They should even have a slight element of danger to them, so kids can learn that metal can be sharp, not to eat the small plastic pieces, and that you really can put an eye out if you try hard enough. Some of my best lessons were learned as I sat crying on the floor as mom got out the Bactine, hydrogen peroxide, and bandages to patch me back together from yet another unsuccessful stunt.
My poor nephew probably thinks I’m a bit weird. He’s received books, educational toys, and even a Learning Frog toy from me that was probably 3-4 years ahead of his learning curve at the time. The last thing I sent was about geology from a science-oriented online site. He probably would love it more if I’d just send him gift certificates, clothes, or more simple toys.
I’ve also got a special piggy bank that is designed with multiple slots so you can decide whether to put money into savings, for a special item, for charity, etc. and it stores the money in easier and harder to open areas. He’s 8! Time to start learning fiscal responsibility and that charity begins at home, right?
Oh well, I’m okay with being the weird “educational” uncle. I sort of pity my own children if/when I have them-- but I'll sure be having fun!
In looking on Amazon for this toy, I stumbled across some really neat toys. A company called Wild Planet has created spy toys that mimic the favorite tools you see in cartoons, TV, and movies. One is a Spy Pen that can turn into a motion detector, a magnifying glass, and has a secret storage compartment. Another is a Spy Kit that includes a long-distance listening device and a telescope.
Now this is something Uncle John can get into giving to his nephew! It does two things that I always liked in toys when I was a young boy growing up: enhanced my level of play with cool extras but did not get in the way of my own imagination.
I look at so many of the toys today and I wonder where the imagination has gone. The toys do everything for you, it seems. Many of the video games and similar electronic toys do most of the work for the child. I am noticing the action figures do more and more—and require more and more “upgrades” and accessories to even work to full potential.
Some of the most fun I had as a child was taking my (copious quantities of) Hot Wheels out into the backyard, scooping sand around and using water to make roads and jumps and such, and playing with my cars. I remember using Lincoln logs, Lego blocks, and erector sets to build things of my own design. I often built my own toys out of knick-knacks around the house—I still remember when I cobbled my flashlight, a clear plastic tube, some green cellophane mom had lying around, and a large amount of duct tape into the first “lightsaber” seen on the block. And how all the other children came running out as I ran down the street swinging it. By the next weekend every kid had made something similar and we were having epic battles.
I feel strongly that children need to have tools and toys that allow them to stretch their mind, be inquisitive, and learn as they go. They should even have a slight element of danger to them, so kids can learn that metal can be sharp, not to eat the small plastic pieces, and that you really can put an eye out if you try hard enough. Some of my best lessons were learned as I sat crying on the floor as mom got out the Bactine, hydrogen peroxide, and bandages to patch me back together from yet another unsuccessful stunt.
My poor nephew probably thinks I’m a bit weird. He’s received books, educational toys, and even a Learning Frog toy from me that was probably 3-4 years ahead of his learning curve at the time. The last thing I sent was about geology from a science-oriented online site. He probably would love it more if I’d just send him gift certificates, clothes, or more simple toys.
I’ve also got a special piggy bank that is designed with multiple slots so you can decide whether to put money into savings, for a special item, for charity, etc. and it stores the money in easier and harder to open areas. He’s 8! Time to start learning fiscal responsibility and that charity begins at home, right?
Oh well, I’m okay with being the weird “educational” uncle. I sort of pity my own children if/when I have them-- but I'll sure be having fun!
September 18, 2005
The Other Days
Day 2
We visited a desert museum in the Saguaro National Park which, while interesting, was not what we thought it was. Turned out there was more than one desert museum in the park! The one we visited was filled with many dead, stuffed critters, which was sad, but did have a live tarantula in an enclosure. So she got to at least see that while in Tucson. :-)
After this museum we found the visitor’s center, met a park ranger who was from Bangor, Maine and knew the Saint John area, and then went for a walk in the park. I’ll leave it to her to tell you exactly what she said, but I’ll say this: we found a temperature that is “too hot” for the lady who loves hot weather. And make sure she shows you the picture of the “park;” any concept of grass, trees, and nicely placed walking paths are wrong!
Shopping—and then some! We hit a variety of stores and I got to experience “the look” firsthand that she gets in her eyes while “on the hunt.” I stood out of her way and in awe of her prowess, even if her main focus, Halloween decorations, were a bit of a disappointment. We did find some good things in Wal-Mart. We did see an entire store dedicated to Halloween, but never fit in a trip there.
We were supposed to go to karaoke that evening, but I was exhausted from an incredibly poor night’s rest the prior night. She could have pushed it and I would have gone, but she thought we should try again the next night instead. We instead spent quality time together that night talking, watching a little TV, and just continuing to figure each other out.
She opened the birthday gift I brought along. I’m happy to say she liked it.
Day 3
Continued some shopping, had to return a purchased item from the day before, and then planned to go to church and then to karaoke afterward. However, due to continued exhaustion problems, we decided to take a nap prior to church. Separate beds, people! Take your mind out of the gutter. Unfortunately, she didn’t awaken until about 5:10 and I didn’t until about 5:30. Since this is a Catholic Church, she knew showing up late wouldn’t really work, so she let me sleep a little longer. I feel like a real heel for that; as I was really looking forward to seeing her at church and gaining some insights into her through her connection to church and her religion.
So, although I apologized in person, here’s a written one for the entire world to see: I’m sorry we missed church.
She had to go to an initial meet-n-greet for the conference she was officially there to attend, so off she went. I ran some errands and then returned for some further conversation when she was done.
Because of the continued exhaustion issues—while it seems to have worked for us, I don’t recommend having two people meet in a strange city after each surviving many hours of travel to get there—we said good night and tried for a better night’s rest before our last little bit of time together.
Day 4
The conference started at 9am and I needed to get on the road for the long drive home, so we only had a short time in which to say farewell. What could have been a tearful event was, I think, a more positive one as we both focused on the future and other vacations together.
The drive back was a sad one. I didn’t want to leave! I could have stayed the whole week with her, had I the time off, and permission, from work to do so! What an incredible woman.
Still tired, even with a better night’s rest, the drive back was dangerously monotonous. Luckily, my mom’s house is on the way, so I stopped there for an early supper and a little breather before making the final hour and half to home.
My cat is still living—looks like I guessed correctly on the amount of food and water to put down for her as she still has plenty of both left over. She is even not being grouchy with me as she came out almost immediately for some ear scratching.
----
So, here I sit, utterly exhausted and wonderfully happy. I had a fabulous time and look forward to the next vacation we can manage—even if it involves… *shudder*… a plane ride. :-)
For those to whom it applies: we have to go to karaoke as a group. No excuses! But remember, I go as a listener and a cheering section; I don’t sing. At all. Ask anyone, it is not pretty when I do. And I look forward to going to church with her at her own hometown church.
We visited a desert museum in the Saguaro National Park which, while interesting, was not what we thought it was. Turned out there was more than one desert museum in the park! The one we visited was filled with many dead, stuffed critters, which was sad, but did have a live tarantula in an enclosure. So she got to at least see that while in Tucson. :-)
After this museum we found the visitor’s center, met a park ranger who was from Bangor, Maine and knew the Saint John area, and then went for a walk in the park. I’ll leave it to her to tell you exactly what she said, but I’ll say this: we found a temperature that is “too hot” for the lady who loves hot weather. And make sure she shows you the picture of the “park;” any concept of grass, trees, and nicely placed walking paths are wrong!
Shopping—and then some! We hit a variety of stores and I got to experience “the look” firsthand that she gets in her eyes while “on the hunt.” I stood out of her way and in awe of her prowess, even if her main focus, Halloween decorations, were a bit of a disappointment. We did find some good things in Wal-Mart. We did see an entire store dedicated to Halloween, but never fit in a trip there.
We were supposed to go to karaoke that evening, but I was exhausted from an incredibly poor night’s rest the prior night. She could have pushed it and I would have gone, but she thought we should try again the next night instead. We instead spent quality time together that night talking, watching a little TV, and just continuing to figure each other out.
She opened the birthday gift I brought along. I’m happy to say she liked it.
Day 3
Continued some shopping, had to return a purchased item from the day before, and then planned to go to church and then to karaoke afterward. However, due to continued exhaustion problems, we decided to take a nap prior to church. Separate beds, people! Take your mind out of the gutter. Unfortunately, she didn’t awaken until about 5:10 and I didn’t until about 5:30. Since this is a Catholic Church, she knew showing up late wouldn’t really work, so she let me sleep a little longer. I feel like a real heel for that; as I was really looking forward to seeing her at church and gaining some insights into her through her connection to church and her religion.
So, although I apologized in person, here’s a written one for the entire world to see: I’m sorry we missed church.
She had to go to an initial meet-n-greet for the conference she was officially there to attend, so off she went. I ran some errands and then returned for some further conversation when she was done.
Because of the continued exhaustion issues—while it seems to have worked for us, I don’t recommend having two people meet in a strange city after each surviving many hours of travel to get there—we said good night and tried for a better night’s rest before our last little bit of time together.
Day 4
The conference started at 9am and I needed to get on the road for the long drive home, so we only had a short time in which to say farewell. What could have been a tearful event was, I think, a more positive one as we both focused on the future and other vacations together.
The drive back was a sad one. I didn’t want to leave! I could have stayed the whole week with her, had I the time off, and permission, from work to do so! What an incredible woman.
Still tired, even with a better night’s rest, the drive back was dangerously monotonous. Luckily, my mom’s house is on the way, so I stopped there for an early supper and a little breather before making the final hour and half to home.
My cat is still living—looks like I guessed correctly on the amount of food and water to put down for her as she still has plenty of both left over. She is even not being grouchy with me as she came out almost immediately for some ear scratching.
----
So, here I sit, utterly exhausted and wonderfully happy. I had a fabulous time and look forward to the next vacation we can manage—even if it involves… *shudder*… a plane ride. :-)
For those to whom it applies: we have to go to karaoke as a group. No excuses! But remember, I go as a listener and a cheering section; I don’t sing. At all. Ask anyone, it is not pretty when I do. And I look forward to going to church with her at her own hometown church.
September 16, 2005
The Farter
Forgot to mention one of the funnier moments. We had finally gotten squared away and were almost back to her resort when she suddenly said, "Did you see the back of that truck?"
I said, "No."
She said, "I think it had a sticker that said 'I Love Farting.' I was hoping for confirmation."
At the next intersection we pulled up behind the same vehicle. Sure enough, a large sticker spanning the back of the window on the SUV said in big, red letters for all to see:
I Love Farting!
You never have a camera in hand quite when you want it.
I said, "No."
She said, "I think it had a sticker that said 'I Love Farting.' I was hoping for confirmation."
At the next intersection we pulled up behind the same vehicle. Sure enough, a large sticker spanning the back of the window on the SUV said in big, red letters for all to see:
I Love Farting!
You never have a camera in hand quite when you want it.
Day 1
The drive went better than I expected. Except for a creepy feeling at the rest stop I paused at about halfway (why do only the weird ones stop at rest stops… wait, what does that say about me?), the drive went smoothly. My Saturn VUE, on its first long trip, held up admirably. I made it nearly 400 miles before I chickened out on the far side of Phoenix and gassed up for the last 90 miles. I’m still not sure it wouldn’t have made the majority of that, but I was in the final 1/8 of a tank of gas and didn’t want to do something stupid. Not today!
And I know everyone is reading the blog to know about the drive. Yeah, right.
:-)
The Date
We met about 4:30pm after both showering and getting dressed for the date. After a long travel day, you need to refresh!
She was wearing a devastating blue dress and looked absolutely smashing. We found an Olive Garden at which to eat (and noted Target on the way—she needs Halloween adornments so that will be a must-stop location either tomorrow or Saturday). We ate more than I thought we would, which is to say not much. But the conversation seemed to flow easily and we were able to talk about the same wide range of topics as we do nightly. I felt it went pretty well. My tongue was only tied for about the first hour! ;-) She has a beautiful smile and a great laugh.
The adventure really began as we tried to find our way back. We were in conversation and I missed the first turn and we didn’t realize it until we were pretty far up. From there, we had to break out the map and use her excellent navigation skills to get us back on track. The streets in Tucson have a bad habit of not being contiguous, so we managed to be on the wrong part of Magee twice, on La Cholla going in wrong direction once, we ran by, through, and on Ina more times than I can count, and finally found the correct portion of Shannon to lead us back to her resort. The fact that the only map we after both of our attempts to procure one was a crappy one that didn’t even label all the streets didn’t help. But she was more than up to the task and we made it safely.
Of course, that left me to navigate back to my hotel alone. I made it and even found the back entrance to the hotel that deposits me right at my door!
We plan to head to Saguaro National Park, possibly to that Target for some shopping, and maybe to karaoke. For those who know me, you can rest assured: she has promised not to make me sing. No point in subjecting the good people of Tucson to that!!
I had a blast with her. I absolutely cannot wait for tomorrow.
And I know everyone is reading the blog to know about the drive. Yeah, right.
:-)
The Date
We met about 4:30pm after both showering and getting dressed for the date. After a long travel day, you need to refresh!
She was wearing a devastating blue dress and looked absolutely smashing. We found an Olive Garden at which to eat (and noted Target on the way—she needs Halloween adornments so that will be a must-stop location either tomorrow or Saturday). We ate more than I thought we would, which is to say not much. But the conversation seemed to flow easily and we were able to talk about the same wide range of topics as we do nightly. I felt it went pretty well. My tongue was only tied for about the first hour! ;-) She has a beautiful smile and a great laugh.
The adventure really began as we tried to find our way back. We were in conversation and I missed the first turn and we didn’t realize it until we were pretty far up. From there, we had to break out the map and use her excellent navigation skills to get us back on track. The streets in Tucson have a bad habit of not being contiguous, so we managed to be on the wrong part of Magee twice, on La Cholla going in wrong direction once, we ran by, through, and on Ina more times than I can count, and finally found the correct portion of Shannon to lead us back to her resort. The fact that the only map we after both of our attempts to procure one was a crappy one that didn’t even label all the streets didn’t help. But she was more than up to the task and we made it safely.
Of course, that left me to navigate back to my hotel alone. I made it and even found the back entrance to the hotel that deposits me right at my door!
We plan to head to Saguaro National Park, possibly to that Target for some shopping, and maybe to karaoke. For those who know me, you can rest assured: she has promised not to make me sing. No point in subjecting the good people of Tucson to that!!
I had a blast with her. I absolutely cannot wait for tomorrow.
September 11, 2005
Countdown
Okay, I admit it: I'm feeling the countdown. Thursday cannot come soon enough. I'm excited and nervous. I can't wait, but at the same time I need way more time to get ready.
I'll be fine once I'm there. But all the energy up until then will be hectic!
Plus, let's be honest: no matter how maturely we approach things, expectations are high. Hopefully not too high and hopefully we'll relax and let things flow naturally. But the expectations are bound to be there. Just have to take it slow. This doesn't have to be the end-all, be-all. Maybe it is just the first of many smaller steps.
And there is still so much to do before then; maps, directions, lists, packing, breathing. Yeah, can't forget to breath. Very important.
Oh yeah, I'm just a little excited and nervous.
I'll be fine once I'm there. But all the energy up until then will be hectic!
Plus, let's be honest: no matter how maturely we approach things, expectations are high. Hopefully not too high and hopefully we'll relax and let things flow naturally. But the expectations are bound to be there. Just have to take it slow. This doesn't have to be the end-all, be-all. Maybe it is just the first of many smaller steps.
And there is still so much to do before then; maps, directions, lists, packing, breathing. Yeah, can't forget to breath. Very important.
Oh yeah, I'm just a little excited and nervous.
September 6, 2005
The Land of Cubes
In my previous job I was in a two-person office. While it was true on occasion we grated on each other’s nerves, for the most part we got along just fine and I spent nearly 6 years with that roommate.
When I came to my present employer, I entered the land of cubes (cubicles). Initially, I found myself in locations that weren’t too bad; fewer cubes total, fewer people in the region in general, and the people with whom I worked were pretty conscious of the others around them.
I have since moved upstairs, where the concentration of people is greater, the cubes smaller and closer together. While most seem to be concerned with noise and their neighbors, it does not matter; I am now privy to the ins and outs of many lives. And some people are just naturally noisier people. You can hear phone conversations and listen to work conversations.
This company has done something right; it provided us with the taller cubicles. While sitting, you cannot see out of your cube. Many places get the short cubicles that mean that each person can see everything going on in the cubes near them.
I am still not sure what my feelings about the cubes are. On the one hand, it does seem more conducive to work. You know that everyone around you can see and hear your business, so you keep that business about the job. But we are also human beings; things go on in our lives with which we must deal, even if that is at work. We cannot work 100% of the time we are at work, we need to take those 10 minute stretch breaks and think about something else. Cubicle land is not conducive to that; I cannot help but feel guilty when I take a mental vacation. I even feel guilty when I eat lunch at my desk and choose to cruise the internet or read personal emails during that time.
Cubicles also seem somewhat fascist to me. It makes me feel like it saps my individuality and freedom of expression in favor of stark conformity. I am at my best when I can follow my ideas and be creative in my thought processes. I feel stymied, at times, being in my cubicle.
But I have Fred, my potted plant, and George, my self-sustaining terrarium made inside an old 100-CD plastic container. I have pictures of my family and magnets of some favorite super-heroes. I have an MC Escher mouse pad to boggle my mind.
My individuality refuses to die in the land of cubicles. Vive la resistance!
When I came to my present employer, I entered the land of cubes (cubicles). Initially, I found myself in locations that weren’t too bad; fewer cubes total, fewer people in the region in general, and the people with whom I worked were pretty conscious of the others around them.
I have since moved upstairs, where the concentration of people is greater, the cubes smaller and closer together. While most seem to be concerned with noise and their neighbors, it does not matter; I am now privy to the ins and outs of many lives. And some people are just naturally noisier people. You can hear phone conversations and listen to work conversations.
This company has done something right; it provided us with the taller cubicles. While sitting, you cannot see out of your cube. Many places get the short cubicles that mean that each person can see everything going on in the cubes near them.
I am still not sure what my feelings about the cubes are. On the one hand, it does seem more conducive to work. You know that everyone around you can see and hear your business, so you keep that business about the job. But we are also human beings; things go on in our lives with which we must deal, even if that is at work. We cannot work 100% of the time we are at work, we need to take those 10 minute stretch breaks and think about something else. Cubicle land is not conducive to that; I cannot help but feel guilty when I take a mental vacation. I even feel guilty when I eat lunch at my desk and choose to cruise the internet or read personal emails during that time.
Cubicles also seem somewhat fascist to me. It makes me feel like it saps my individuality and freedom of expression in favor of stark conformity. I am at my best when I can follow my ideas and be creative in my thought processes. I feel stymied, at times, being in my cubicle.
But I have Fred, my potted plant, and George, my self-sustaining terrarium made inside an old 100-CD plastic container. I have pictures of my family and magnets of some favorite super-heroes. I have an MC Escher mouse pad to boggle my mind.
My individuality refuses to die in the land of cubicles. Vive la resistance!
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