Quiet night. The long hectic days of a 2 man crew at my job are done. In fact I only went in today for a half day. My manager had told me I didn't have to. Said I to him, "as soon as (my co-worker) gets in I'll be glad to call it a week." Didn't want to leave him there alone if he didn't show. He showed and I was out the door by 10:30.
Had a few things to do. Primarily get oil for my old car. She burns it up pretty quickly. Since we're getting some kind of winter storm tomorrow figured I'd just as well be prepared. Also got gas too. Or should I say petrol. Trying to lure the European viewers back. They're about as silent as everyone else who seems to read this. I'm thinking of re-tooling the blog a little. Redesign, maybe get a clicker to show who stopped in and such.
After that I hit Costco for coffee and tea, then to the cigar lounge. Figured what the heck. Nice time, came home and just relaxed. I have absolutely no intentions of doing anything this New Years Eve.
Just ate a nice slice of Sicilian pizza for dinner. Fresh too, for once. Usually I can tell by just how crunchy the crust is. Just as it hasn't sat around for hours waiting to be reheated. Oh and the other nice thing, manager said not to come in on Monday, he did the same for Christmas Eve. Said no work would really be getting done anyway. And it doesn't count as a day off.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Merry Christmas
Sitting here with my coffee at 6:12 in the morn. Showered. Waiting on my sister. Suddenly she wanted to do mass. Of course my brother in law is in. And me? Progress is progress. I'd rather not be the one to dismiss it. Encourage it in fact. Do I think it will happen? Sadly no. But then there are several masses to either hit or miss. We're aiming for the 7:30 mass this morning.
Christmas Eve went better than I thought. Spent day running around, smoking cigars. Sister actually started early on dinner. Made what I would call a mock beef wellington. What's that?
First and foremost look it up. It is basically fillet Mignon with what is called force meat on top; mushrooms, and sausage as I recall, could be all over; wrapped in pastry dough and baked. Well we didn't do the force meat. But still did the cooking step where you bake it to rare with it wrapped in bacon. Came out quite good. Sides were french cut string beans and mashed potatoes. Apple pie for dessert from the same place we got the pies for Thanksgiving. Uh oh.....Movement in the next room. I may have to get dressed.
Christmas Eve went better than I thought. Spent day running around, smoking cigars. Sister actually started early on dinner. Made what I would call a mock beef wellington. What's that?
First and foremost look it up. It is basically fillet Mignon with what is called force meat on top; mushrooms, and sausage as I recall, could be all over; wrapped in pastry dough and baked. Well we didn't do the force meat. But still did the cooking step where you bake it to rare with it wrapped in bacon. Came out quite good. Sides were french cut string beans and mashed potatoes. Apple pie for dessert from the same place we got the pies for Thanksgiving. Uh oh.....Movement in the next room. I may have to get dressed.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Almost 9 in the morn
About to go start my car to let it warm up. Morning of Christmas Evening. Doubt I told you this. Wasn't feeling very much in the mood. Even woke up Saturday feeling ill. Took a Tylenol and lay back down. Very gray day. Had a few errands to run.
After awhile in the car I verified the flurries. Mind you I don't want snow. But the little kiddie in me said IT'S FLURRYING! HOORAY!!
Anyway. Got some things to do today. Getting this morning started. Sister has day off, she's got a headache and list of things for me to do. Brother in law had to work, doesn't know if when he'll be home. So dinner will be; maybe church which could be interesting; then drive around and look at Christmas houses. I'll let you know how it works out.
After awhile in the car I verified the flurries. Mind you I don't want snow. But the little kiddie in me said IT'S FLURRYING! HOORAY!!
Anyway. Got some things to do today. Getting this morning started. Sister has day off, she's got a headache and list of things for me to do. Brother in law had to work, doesn't know if when he'll be home. So dinner will be; maybe church which could be interesting; then drive around and look at Christmas houses. I'll let you know how it works out.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Starting a blog with not title. There's a concept. Okay so it's 13 days since the last entry. What has happened? For 1 it has been a continual 2 man crew where I work, that makes me 50% of the workforce. Overtime is good. Been feeling well.
Last weekend was interesting I guess. My company started up a company Christmas party for the workers. Thing for the kiddies you know. We used to hire a company, they did a great job, but budget cutbacks. So for the last couple years we've done nothing. This year apparently, we did it. Meaning the workers. Got together, people volunteering. Well in my case I got paid. It was a nice thing for a Saturday in December.
My manager mentioned it a week in advance and would I like to work that Saturday. Well duh...of course I said yes. We were supposed to be there about 10ish, the job I mean. Told the inmates what I was doing, left and did banking. Including taking out $200 for them to borrow for Christmas shopping. Have I mentioned that for the month of December they only managed to put in $400 out of the $1200 for the house? They really think I'm going to be able to manage this? Okay this isn't about them or money.
Anyway I knew it would be a long day. So I decided to treat myself to a glorious breakfast at one of my very favorite spots. It is a little pricey. It had literally started across the street from where it was. In a little trailer. Quirky place, farm themed, good food and coffee was superb. It was an institution. The land it was on got sold, they put up a CVS and condos. The builder moved them across the street and built them a big place. It is always crowded and good food, and expensive.
One of my favorite staples there is the croissant french toast. 1 croissant; cream cheese; heated on stove top; and usually some assortment of fruit. Trust me delicious. However when I walked in I spied with my little eye a southern delicacy. Something that would indeed stick to the ribs. Sausage and gravy over biscuits. If you are thinking little sausage links and brown gravy, well just go look it up. I'm not explaining it. It would just make me hungry and I just ate. That with coffee and free refills and tip ran about $15. Yes a pricey breakfast, but just what the doctor ordered.
I sat at the counter, talked, listened to people on line, watched the line cooks. Was so nice. I did mention the coffee right? Just checking. Oh and the breakfast came with potatoes. Oh I managed the plate, even asked for a pistachio muffin for later. I realized at the end I wouldn't need it so since it wasn't unwrapped they took it off my bill.
Got to work a bit after 10, of course my manager didn't show up yet. Walked in, saw lots of volunteers. Pitched in here and there and was told by the main liaison, wonderful girl named Kristina to check with the photographer. Some dude from the IT department.
Cold reception, he'd set it up with the manager already and was concerned if he was coming in. So off I went to my desk. Screened phone message from manager, he'd be there by 11. Told me to warm up copiers. Basically it would work like this. Photographer took pictures; I received the memory card and printed them up, manager cut them. Not rocket science.
Was a good fun day, there were about 500 people in all in the building, families and stuff. Manager had said that he thought they'd be ordering pizza, but I told him I was good. Good stick to your ribs breakfast. Trust me I didn't even eat dinner that night. Though I did manage a slice of cheese cake.
The last week was hectic, mentioned that already. Nothing much to this weekend. Okay I'm done right now.
Last weekend was interesting I guess. My company started up a company Christmas party for the workers. Thing for the kiddies you know. We used to hire a company, they did a great job, but budget cutbacks. So for the last couple years we've done nothing. This year apparently, we did it. Meaning the workers. Got together, people volunteering. Well in my case I got paid. It was a nice thing for a Saturday in December.
My manager mentioned it a week in advance and would I like to work that Saturday. Well duh...of course I said yes. We were supposed to be there about 10ish, the job I mean. Told the inmates what I was doing, left and did banking. Including taking out $200 for them to borrow for Christmas shopping. Have I mentioned that for the month of December they only managed to put in $400 out of the $1200 for the house? They really think I'm going to be able to manage this? Okay this isn't about them or money.
Anyway I knew it would be a long day. So I decided to treat myself to a glorious breakfast at one of my very favorite spots. It is a little pricey. It had literally started across the street from where it was. In a little trailer. Quirky place, farm themed, good food and coffee was superb. It was an institution. The land it was on got sold, they put up a CVS and condos. The builder moved them across the street and built them a big place. It is always crowded and good food, and expensive.
One of my favorite staples there is the croissant french toast. 1 croissant; cream cheese; heated on stove top; and usually some assortment of fruit. Trust me delicious. However when I walked in I spied with my little eye a southern delicacy. Something that would indeed stick to the ribs. Sausage and gravy over biscuits. If you are thinking little sausage links and brown gravy, well just go look it up. I'm not explaining it. It would just make me hungry and I just ate. That with coffee and free refills and tip ran about $15. Yes a pricey breakfast, but just what the doctor ordered.
I sat at the counter, talked, listened to people on line, watched the line cooks. Was so nice. I did mention the coffee right? Just checking. Oh and the breakfast came with potatoes. Oh I managed the plate, even asked for a pistachio muffin for later. I realized at the end I wouldn't need it so since it wasn't unwrapped they took it off my bill.
Got to work a bit after 10, of course my manager didn't show up yet. Walked in, saw lots of volunteers. Pitched in here and there and was told by the main liaison, wonderful girl named Kristina to check with the photographer. Some dude from the IT department.
Cold reception, he'd set it up with the manager already and was concerned if he was coming in. So off I went to my desk. Screened phone message from manager, he'd be there by 11. Told me to warm up copiers. Basically it would work like this. Photographer took pictures; I received the memory card and printed them up, manager cut them. Not rocket science.
Was a good fun day, there were about 500 people in all in the building, families and stuff. Manager had said that he thought they'd be ordering pizza, but I told him I was good. Good stick to your ribs breakfast. Trust me I didn't even eat dinner that night. Though I did manage a slice of cheese cake.
The last week was hectic, mentioned that already. Nothing much to this weekend. Okay I'm done right now.
Monday, December 10, 2012
continuation of Saturday
Woke up rather well recovered, neck bothering me minimally. At least I could now drive safely. I was leaving as they returned home. On my way out I snagged 2 cigars, a new shipment had arrived on Friday.
Think it was after 2 in the afternoon, I needed gas so away I went. I had intentions of doing some Christmas shopping. Of course they've given me no ideas, just didn't happen. Was just stressed enough to need to relax with a drive and a smoke. Rather enjoyable.
I arrived home. Brother in law, drinking, but cleaning the front room. Of course I joined in, was about 4:30. I then started on the little pile of canned goods and such in the kitchen. Back when I started declining things just started stacking there. In my tiny kitchen stuff was extending a good 6 inches past the wall. So I started organizing a bunch of non perishables down stairs. It was a good effort.
After vacuuming, we got the tree up. A little fiberglass model that I like, sits atop a lighted spinning disk and changes colors. It's got a little history for me. It was time to wake sister up. Real pain, she wasn't hungry, of course that would be bullshit. Wound up doing heroes from a local place.
I concentrated on my next task. Making some oven baked garbanzo beans. Very good stuff, they come out nice and crisp. Had actually promised to bring some in to the lounge on Sunday. They came out nicely.
Brother in law passing out on couch I woke him a few times. I wanted a quiet night. Got the usual drunken yeah yeah yeah response. I also wanted to watch some television in the front room. He went to bed, sister woke up asked for something, he had a screaming Lizzy fit.
Think it was after 2 in the afternoon, I needed gas so away I went. I had intentions of doing some Christmas shopping. Of course they've given me no ideas, just didn't happen. Was just stressed enough to need to relax with a drive and a smoke. Rather enjoyable.
I arrived home. Brother in law, drinking, but cleaning the front room. Of course I joined in, was about 4:30. I then started on the little pile of canned goods and such in the kitchen. Back when I started declining things just started stacking there. In my tiny kitchen stuff was extending a good 6 inches past the wall. So I started organizing a bunch of non perishables down stairs. It was a good effort.
After vacuuming, we got the tree up. A little fiberglass model that I like, sits atop a lighted spinning disk and changes colors. It's got a little history for me. It was time to wake sister up. Real pain, she wasn't hungry, of course that would be bullshit. Wound up doing heroes from a local place.
I concentrated on my next task. Making some oven baked garbanzo beans. Very good stuff, they come out nice and crisp. Had actually promised to bring some in to the lounge on Sunday. They came out nicely.
Brother in law passing out on couch I woke him a few times. I wanted a quiet night. Got the usual drunken yeah yeah yeah response. I also wanted to watch some television in the front room. He went to bed, sister woke up asked for something, he had a screaming Lizzy fit.
Weekend
Friday night was very good. Enjoyed the television immensely. Sister said she wanted to go to Costco the next day, mega mart thing I know I've mentioned it. Slept well enough.
Saturday broke open and I enjoyed sitting on my computer. Even threw my brother in law $2 for an egg sandwich. Didn't feel like oatmeal. Damn it's late must put this in draft. Okay back and you didn't even know I left. Toileted and ran water over my berries for my oatmeal.
The shopping event was just that. Straight from my sister's back seat driving and such. I took to pushing the wheel chair for the duration as it always so exhausts my brother in law, but then what doesn't. Bought some good items and some stupid items. Le's see can I remember them all?
Croissants, decent price for 12, we freeze them. In fact had 3 with dinner last night. Stew meat, half of it already frozen, sister actually cooked the other half. Box of like 50 bags of chips, good deal, considering that we buy a bag a week for my brother in laws lunch. Clorox tabs and Lysol wipes which we out and out didn't need. Bag of frozen shrimp, well at least it won't spoil until the next hurricane. Some kind of cookies. Wrapping paper. 12 pack of Scotch tape. And some magnesium pills. They spent about $131. Think I may have missed 1 or 2 items we didn't need as well.
Ordinarily I'm the dude that walks in. Coffee, of course there's be coffee, tea for sister, and sometimes berries. Then it's the line and I'm out.
There was a snit about buying my brother in law undershirts. He didn't want them, she said he needed them, little tantrums, I walked away. Then it was over. Got out of there about 2 in the afternoon. I had a stiff neck from Hell so I lay down after I gave them directions to Nathans.
This is all I can do right now, later.
Saturday broke open and I enjoyed sitting on my computer. Even threw my brother in law $2 for an egg sandwich. Didn't feel like oatmeal. Damn it's late must put this in draft. Okay back and you didn't even know I left. Toileted and ran water over my berries for my oatmeal.
The shopping event was just that. Straight from my sister's back seat driving and such. I took to pushing the wheel chair for the duration as it always so exhausts my brother in law, but then what doesn't. Bought some good items and some stupid items. Le's see can I remember them all?
Croissants, decent price for 12, we freeze them. In fact had 3 with dinner last night. Stew meat, half of it already frozen, sister actually cooked the other half. Box of like 50 bags of chips, good deal, considering that we buy a bag a week for my brother in laws lunch. Clorox tabs and Lysol wipes which we out and out didn't need. Bag of frozen shrimp, well at least it won't spoil until the next hurricane. Some kind of cookies. Wrapping paper. 12 pack of Scotch tape. And some magnesium pills. They spent about $131. Think I may have missed 1 or 2 items we didn't need as well.
Ordinarily I'm the dude that walks in. Coffee, of course there's be coffee, tea for sister, and sometimes berries. Then it's the line and I'm out.
There was a snit about buying my brother in law undershirts. He didn't want them, she said he needed them, little tantrums, I walked away. Then it was over. Got out of there about 2 in the afternoon. I had a stiff neck from Hell so I lay down after I gave them directions to Nathans.
This is all I can do right now, later.
Friday, December 7, 2012
What I'm actually going to do tonight
It is Friday night. A bit tired. Loony coworker is off for the next 14 days, means extra work but worth it. I'd explain but just not into it. Chilly here. Have a nice piece of cheese cake from a local restaurant. They actually make it, not order it from some other place like most places do.
So tonight. I am going to eat my cheese cake and catch up on a couple of television shows I can watch online. Oh and I posted 2 entries on the heart blog. Til tomorrow people.
So tonight. I am going to eat my cheese cake and catch up on a couple of television shows I can watch online. Oh and I posted 2 entries on the heart blog. Til tomorrow people.
a small update
Rather early in the A.M. on a Friday before work. Was a long weekend. Wound up that I couldn't help my sister with the subpoena. Recommended she ask one of the people at work. Even felt like it was the right thing. They have to take accountability for their own lives after all.
Seems she needs to go to court for a deposition some time this month. Plans on it in a week or two, going to take half a day. Brother in law is going with her. She asked if I could go. The short answer is I cannot.
The longer answer is there will be 2 full time people in my department for the rest of the year. I am also glad for this because I thought about it. What the Hell could I do at the deposition. Dammit, I'm being used as a blanket or something. They need to learn to stand on their own feet anyways. They got themselves into it. I think I pointed some examples in the blog previous. So yes I'm glad for the overtime and few people at my job. For the sole reason is, I would have had to say no even if I could.
Seems she needs to go to court for a deposition some time this month. Plans on it in a week or two, going to take half a day. Brother in law is going with her. She asked if I could go. The short answer is I cannot.
The longer answer is there will be 2 full time people in my department for the rest of the year. I am also glad for this because I thought about it. What the Hell could I do at the deposition. Dammit, I'm being used as a blanket or something. They need to learn to stand on their own feet anyways. They got themselves into it. I think I pointed some examples in the blog previous. So yes I'm glad for the overtime and few people at my job. For the sole reason is, I would have had to say no even if I could.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Why?
Just wanted to express some thoughts. Today is rough-ish. Well not for me personally, but I must deal with it all the same. Long story short my sister was hit with a subpoena today. From a group of doctors that really did shit for her. They, being my bro in law and sister are real torn up about it.
Me? I'd love to be, but then who would console me. Besides it's technically their own doing. It's simple really. When people demand money you speak with them, arrange payment schedules. When you ignore them....they send lawyers and stuff after you.
For right now we're dealing with the shock. No one is talking much. Sister will have a bads night sleep with knots in her tummy. Brother in law will toss and turn. Me? I'll be up and down, but that's just because of the diuretics.
It's not even that crippling of an amount, that's what gets me. Dammit kiddies. I owe a hospital and another section $1700. I originally negotiated with them for $50 a month payments. They said no. Sent me to collections, whom I negotiated the same damned amount and they accepted. People just want to be paid, not ignored.
See that's the ugly truth. They gave plenty of notice on the answering machine. Sister gave the very cavalier answer of 'can't get blood from a stone'. Wrong tact obviously.
I'm going to have to do some hoop dancing but I'll make it go away, but it is just so stupid. I am more aggravated than concerned. I am tired of weak people. Secretly I always wanted to be one.
You see, with the exception of G_D I've really had no one to rely on for a good portion of my existence. This in turn didn't make me bitter. Made me stronger, self reliant. And it is the little things. In which I do wish to show in my Sandy story.
An example. They are both 2 pack a day smokers. $10 a pack multiplied by 4 is $40. $40 multiplied by 7 days is $280. $280 multiplied by 52 weeks is $14,560. Do the math.
I'm done for now I think.
Me? I'd love to be, but then who would console me. Besides it's technically their own doing. It's simple really. When people demand money you speak with them, arrange payment schedules. When you ignore them....they send lawyers and stuff after you.
For right now we're dealing with the shock. No one is talking much. Sister will have a bads night sleep with knots in her tummy. Brother in law will toss and turn. Me? I'll be up and down, but that's just because of the diuretics.
It's not even that crippling of an amount, that's what gets me. Dammit kiddies. I owe a hospital and another section $1700. I originally negotiated with them for $50 a month payments. They said no. Sent me to collections, whom I negotiated the same damned amount and they accepted. People just want to be paid, not ignored.
See that's the ugly truth. They gave plenty of notice on the answering machine. Sister gave the very cavalier answer of 'can't get blood from a stone'. Wrong tact obviously.
I'm going to have to do some hoop dancing but I'll make it go away, but it is just so stupid. I am more aggravated than concerned. I am tired of weak people. Secretly I always wanted to be one.
You see, with the exception of G_D I've really had no one to rely on for a good portion of my existence. This in turn didn't make me bitter. Made me stronger, self reliant. And it is the little things. In which I do wish to show in my Sandy story.
An example. They are both 2 pack a day smokers. $10 a pack multiplied by 4 is $40. $40 multiplied by 7 days is $280. $280 multiplied by 52 weeks is $14,560. Do the math.
I'm done for now I think.
Post cyclone Sandy
I stopped because I felt it was not the right mood. Like a cold distant report so I'll try again.
The thing about Tuesday, it began to feel real, like something terrible had happened. It wasn't just the chilliness of the house; lack of power and media; it was the feeling that something had changed. I went out for a drive into town.
Negotiating the tree blocking half the street at the corner was no big deal. Along the west bound street I traversed I saw trees uprooted. Trees that Irene didn't get the previous summer. It just felt terrible. Few people out, no glares from televisions from windows. There was simply no power.
The main street of my town was void of life and light. You know even the typical lights you see in the daytime, lets you know what's open. I stopped in at the bakery. They were open, I was shocked. They had a Coleman thermos full of coffee. People milled in and out. Sign on it said no free refills, I would learn later it was because of 1 customer. The baked goods were going. The owners didn't even have power in their own homes. I had a cruller and heard some stories.
My town was hit hard power wise, not so much damage and flooding that took place on the south shore. On the north shore however, we were one of the hardest hit. I drove past darkened store fronts. Down wires, poles and trees. Southward parts of the road were impassable. At 1 point, what was I thinking, I turned off to veer around. Roads were littered with trees and debris. Homeowners and neighbors standing thinking, some cleaning. I started feeling like a voyeur and headed for home.
I took stock of my situation. I realized then the severity. No power, food goes bad. My brother in law and sister had pulled money from atm's, I had not. How was I going to get money? And gas. Off hand within a few miles there are approximately 4-5 gas stations, all without power. I began taking in the severity of the situation.
The thing about Tuesday, it began to feel real, like something terrible had happened. It wasn't just the chilliness of the house; lack of power and media; it was the feeling that something had changed. I went out for a drive into town.
Negotiating the tree blocking half the street at the corner was no big deal. Along the west bound street I traversed I saw trees uprooted. Trees that Irene didn't get the previous summer. It just felt terrible. Few people out, no glares from televisions from windows. There was simply no power.
The main street of my town was void of life and light. You know even the typical lights you see in the daytime, lets you know what's open. I stopped in at the bakery. They were open, I was shocked. They had a Coleman thermos full of coffee. People milled in and out. Sign on it said no free refills, I would learn later it was because of 1 customer. The baked goods were going. The owners didn't even have power in their own homes. I had a cruller and heard some stories.
My town was hit hard power wise, not so much damage and flooding that took place on the south shore. On the north shore however, we were one of the hardest hit. I drove past darkened store fronts. Down wires, poles and trees. Southward parts of the road were impassable. At 1 point, what was I thinking, I turned off to veer around. Roads were littered with trees and debris. Homeowners and neighbors standing thinking, some cleaning. I started feeling like a voyeur and headed for home.
I took stock of my situation. I realized then the severity. No power, food goes bad. My brother in law and sister had pulled money from atm's, I had not. How was I going to get money? And gas. Off hand within a few miles there are approximately 4-5 gas stations, all without power. I began taking in the severity of the situation.
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