The passing of an icon ...
February 9, 1924 ~ May 30, 2007
He loved and was loved.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
wait a sec...
big business vs. consumer health -- a small beef producer in kansas wants to test all its cows for mad cow disease, but large meat companies don't want to have to spend money for the test for its cows, so their political clout has ensured the u.s. ag. dept. will fight this keep-our-food-supply-safe test.
what's wrong here?
what's wrong here?
evil and your money
have you got some time on your hands? do you want to be totally disgusted about banks and their pranks, i mean, rules? read on ...
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
my Dad
Dad was moved out of the hospital today. my brother B sent me a note this evening bringing me sadly up-to-date:
We moved Dad to Tabitha today. Yesterday his Dr. said he wouldn't move him unless he seemed pretty strong. This morning another Dr. said he seemed so strong they might move him by van. I went to see him this morning late and he seemed comatose. Someone from Tabitha later told me she insisted he be moved by ambulance. When he got to Tabitha they said he will not last the night. So, we all gathered to say goodby, as he breathed on, and I thought, he'll still be here tomorrow night. We are all the 5 blind men trying to describe the elephant. He goes through stages during the day. In the early part he opens his eyes and talks, seems coherent, but makes no sense. Later he just sleeps and breathes. He is not suffering, he is just leaving slowly, because he has great strength, and loves life.
We moved Dad to Tabitha today. Yesterday his Dr. said he wouldn't move him unless he seemed pretty strong. This morning another Dr. said he seemed so strong they might move him by van. I went to see him this morning late and he seemed comatose. Someone from Tabitha later told me she insisted he be moved by ambulance. When he got to Tabitha they said he will not last the night. So, we all gathered to say goodby, as he breathed on, and I thought, he'll still be here tomorrow night. We are all the 5 blind men trying to describe the elephant. He goes through stages during the day. In the early part he opens his eyes and talks, seems coherent, but makes no sense. Later he just sleeps and breathes. He is not suffering, he is just leaving slowly, because he has great strength, and loves life.
Monday, May 28, 2007
head in the sand
freebirth. sounds like some kind of drug thing, doesn't it. actually, it's an absence of things. the concept means birthing a child by yourself. and one supporter believes "As long as clean water and reasonable living standards are available ... then the task is to eliminate the other two factors and a natural birth will be as safe as it can be." (the three factors being, according to her, poverty, intervention, and fear.)
excuse me while i guffaw here. i mean, are these people really serious? yes, apparently they are. the idea has taken hold in britain and here in the u.s. the proponents say that we haven't gotten where we are, as homo sapiens, by requiring medical personnel to help with birth events.
that's true, but it's also true that many women throughout the ages have died in childbirth. while i have to admire the indian woman who goes off to have her child by herself (is that really true?), i don't think i would have done a very good job of delivering my two children all by myself. i suppose i could have done it if i'd had to. but i didn't have to. i chose to do the lamaze thing and felt proud of myself for handling that much of it in a self-reliant way.
but, freebirth? pardon me, but i have no desire to pull my own tooth, bandage my own broken leg, take out my own appendix. or anyone else's for that matter. if i were the only one left after an earthquake of maximum proportions, then yes, necessity is the mother of do-it-yourself. but when there's a choice? hufft ... haha, you've got to be kidding. hahahaha.....
excuse me while i guffaw here. i mean, are these people really serious? yes, apparently they are. the idea has taken hold in britain and here in the u.s. the proponents say that we haven't gotten where we are, as homo sapiens, by requiring medical personnel to help with birth events.
that's true, but it's also true that many women throughout the ages have died in childbirth. while i have to admire the indian woman who goes off to have her child by herself (is that really true?), i don't think i would have done a very good job of delivering my two children all by myself. i suppose i could have done it if i'd had to. but i didn't have to. i chose to do the lamaze thing and felt proud of myself for handling that much of it in a self-reliant way.
but, freebirth? pardon me, but i have no desire to pull my own tooth, bandage my own broken leg, take out my own appendix. or anyone else's for that matter. if i were the only one left after an earthquake of maximum proportions, then yes, necessity is the mother of do-it-yourself. but when there's a choice? hufft ... haha, you've got to be kidding. hahahaha.....
update on dad
after several e-mails and phone calls, here's what i know about dad: his body is strong. even though he has pneumonia and they are not giving him anything for it, he may still recover. he is getting medication for pain and that is a good thing. and not giving him treatment is also a good thing. 'no resuscitation' is also part of the plan, and he has a living will. his life is not to be extended by medical means but he's always kept himself so healthy, he may outlive us all.
during part of his hospital stay, he has been gone, sort of comatose. and yet, saturday he was awake, alert, and extremely talkative. for the most part his comments were unintelligible, but he wasn't aware of that and happily talked everyone's ear off. at one point uncle L was carrying granddaughter J (who's about three or four now, i think) and stood beside dad's bed. when dad realized someone was there, he turned to L, saw J, and said "Well, hi there cutie!" then he was distracted and turned away. it was a sweet moment.
apparently the doctor thought he'd probably die by yesterday and the nurse thought maybe by tuesday, but it's all a guessing game. he has to stay in the hospital (for the infamous insurance purposes) until tuesday, and after that will probably be moved to a hospice location. unless he's able to dance out of the hospital in which case it's back to an alzheimer's unit.
this is all so amazing. and i think he'd get a very big kick out of surprising everyone and keeping the experts guessing.
during part of his hospital stay, he has been gone, sort of comatose. and yet, saturday he was awake, alert, and extremely talkative. for the most part his comments were unintelligible, but he wasn't aware of that and happily talked everyone's ear off. at one point uncle L was carrying granddaughter J (who's about three or four now, i think) and stood beside dad's bed. when dad realized someone was there, he turned to L, saw J, and said "Well, hi there cutie!" then he was distracted and turned away. it was a sweet moment.
apparently the doctor thought he'd probably die by yesterday and the nurse thought maybe by tuesday, but it's all a guessing game. he has to stay in the hospital (for the infamous insurance purposes) until tuesday, and after that will probably be moved to a hospice location. unless he's able to dance out of the hospital in which case it's back to an alzheimer's unit.
this is all so amazing. and i think he'd get a very big kick out of surprising everyone and keeping the experts guessing.
vignette ~ A Town
“You are the most barbaric mother in my class!” she screamed as she slammed the door behind her and ran across the back yard. She was so angry that she started crying, and that made her even angrier. “Bitch,” she muttered as she ran out from the alley and onto the sidewalk.
“Whaaaat,” the little old lady said slowly in her creaky voice as the girl rushed by. But the girl didn’t answer her and the little old lady carefully continued on, thinking She looked like she was having a bad day, the poor thing. Probably a fight with her boyfriend. She placed her cane precisely and thought about the beautiful autumn day. The little old woman was glad she had her health so she could spend time walking outside, and thought about her friend who had broken her hip eight months ago and would probably never leave the nursing home into which they’d placed her. She cautiously stepped off the curb, the last street she crossed before she returned to her house. Her mind on things of long ago, she never saw the car that hit her doing 50 in the 25 mph zone.
He slammed on his brakes, but it was too late. “Oh god, ohmygod, ohmygod.” He got out of the car, shaking, and went around to where the little old woman was lying crumpled on the street. Shit! I was speeding! That little old lady isn’t moving. He bent down and gently touched her, but her eyes were closed. He tried to feel for her pulse, but her wrist was so small and dainty, and he felt weird touching her. He figured she was dead so he straightened her jacket, fetched her purse from where it had landed, and sat down on the curb holding her hand. My life is over. I’m done for now. Dammit! If I’d just seen her...
It was a middle-aged policeman who pulled up to the accident. Well, at least the kid stopped and stayed with her. He got out of the cruiser and walked over to examine the woman. “Hey son, what happened?” He could tell the kid was just a high schooler and knew he had messed things up for himself real good. The kid had been crying a bit, but that wasn’t unusual in an accident like this. And it was pretty obvious the old woman was dead. That was too bad. He’d seen her at church and knew she’d lived here a long time.
The ambulance drove the little old lady to the town’s mortuary. The funeral director indicated where to place the body and spoke briefly to the driver before going back inside to close things up for the evening. He’d gotten a call from his wife, earlier, saying their daughter had stormed out of the house again. Then when he’d gotten the fatality call, he worried it might have been her who was hit. He felt bad that he’d been relieved to find out it had been this sweet old woman who’d been killed instead of his daughter. He knew the woman lived just a block from his house and he’d seen her around town quite a bit. “God bless her,” he said as he locked up for the night.
“Whaaaat,” the little old lady said slowly in her creaky voice as the girl rushed by. But the girl didn’t answer her and the little old lady carefully continued on, thinking She looked like she was having a bad day, the poor thing. Probably a fight with her boyfriend. She placed her cane precisely and thought about the beautiful autumn day. The little old woman was glad she had her health so she could spend time walking outside, and thought about her friend who had broken her hip eight months ago and would probably never leave the nursing home into which they’d placed her. She cautiously stepped off the curb, the last street she crossed before she returned to her house. Her mind on things of long ago, she never saw the car that hit her doing 50 in the 25 mph zone.
He slammed on his brakes, but it was too late. “Oh god, ohmygod, ohmygod.” He got out of the car, shaking, and went around to where the little old woman was lying crumpled on the street. Shit! I was speeding! That little old lady isn’t moving. He bent down and gently touched her, but her eyes were closed. He tried to feel for her pulse, but her wrist was so small and dainty, and he felt weird touching her. He figured she was dead so he straightened her jacket, fetched her purse from where it had landed, and sat down on the curb holding her hand. My life is over. I’m done for now. Dammit! If I’d just seen her...
It was a middle-aged policeman who pulled up to the accident. Well, at least the kid stopped and stayed with her. He got out of the cruiser and walked over to examine the woman. “Hey son, what happened?” He could tell the kid was just a high schooler and knew he had messed things up for himself real good. The kid had been crying a bit, but that wasn’t unusual in an accident like this. And it was pretty obvious the old woman was dead. That was too bad. He’d seen her at church and knew she’d lived here a long time.
The ambulance drove the little old lady to the town’s mortuary. The funeral director indicated where to place the body and spoke briefly to the driver before going back inside to close things up for the evening. He’d gotten a call from his wife, earlier, saying their daughter had stormed out of the house again. Then when he’d gotten the fatality call, he worried it might have been her who was hit. He felt bad that he’d been relieved to find out it had been this sweet old woman who’d been killed instead of his daughter. He knew the woman lived just a block from his house and he’d seen her around town quite a bit. “God bless her,” he said as he locked up for the night.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
vignette ~ The Mission
"... so in theory this process works a-okay. You'll be the first troops to actually utilize the effect, however, and I'm confident it will be a success. Am I clear on that?" Lieutenant Crosby looked each of the men in the eye. "You will succeed on this mission, and return to explain to MedOps any variables you encountered on the way. Dismissed."
Twelve men filed out of the small room and made their way at a rapid clip over to MedOps, or MedOops as some of the men called it. Sergeant Pitter stayed to ask Lt. Crosby one question. "Sir."
Lt. Crosby turned away from the diagram-laden blackboard and calmly eyed him. "Pitter. You have a question?"
"Yes sir. Off the record, sir?"
Crosby hesitated. He liked Pitter, but didn't really want any questions about the operation -- it had been a very long day. Finally he replied, "Off the record, Sgt. What's the problem?"
"I don't like this, sir. The men aren't guinea pigs and there's no war going on."
"Pitter, there's always a war going on. Sometimes it just isn't visible."
"Yes sir, but even though no one was supposed to find out, I know some of those tests came out bad. I don't want that to happen to the guys in my unit."
Crosby stared at Pitter, thinking about the results he himself had seen and wondering how the higher-ups had felt when they'd okayed this dangerous mission with so many unknowns. Some of the tests had horrible results, yet the need for swift action had burst upon them, leaving no choice but to up the ante.
He debated sharing a confidence, though it was an extreme move and certainly not the official viewpoint. They needed an edge, however; they simply had to accomplish this assignment.
"Okay. I'll lay it out for you, Pitter. This is top-secret classified and I don't want you to share it with anyone -- this mission must succeed. We have proof agents from Alpha-5 have infiltrated the British high government. Six of our best men died to get this information to us and we have to act immediately. You have to get those men in there and take those agents out. I won't explain why or give you any more details. Now go do the job you've been assigned. Dismissed."
Pitter hurried across the grounds toward MedOps. There was no more uncertainty in his mind. His close friend, Walker, had been killed recently under very mysterious circumstances. He'd been the best tracker/sniffer at this post, and Pitter now realized the true extent of the danger facing them. It wasn't this untried medical process, it was the Alphans. This was no longer a critical mission, it was personal. And, by god, he and his men would succeed.
Two hours later, at 11:45 pm, a low-slung, battered junker chugged drunkenly through the recently rained-upon streets on its way past the mix of downtown buildings which included the austere high government compound. The junker back-fired and, suffering from multiple engine troubles, slowed to a crawl near the compound's front gates. The ever-so-formal guards didn't turn their heads or bat an eye when the oil-burning rig coughed past.
The vehicle managed to keep going and if anyone had been closely watching, they'd have seen the next street drain stolidly swallow up the remains of the rain along with thirteen maple leaves. The leaves were swept underground and immediately thirteen tiny camouflaged men sprang up from the fabric leaves they'd anchored onto and dashed through the drains toward the compound, following the map they'd memorized.
In many ways they were successful. Ninety minutes into the mission they had positioned themselves under the living quarters where they split into three groups. Each group headed for a drain which would take them to the sleeping quarters of the enemy. Working quickly, they emerged about forty-five minutes after that through the shower drain in the designated bathrooms. Climbing up the bed and taking out the enemy had been the easiest part of the task.
It was what happened when the Alphans died that had started the real trouble.
Twelve men filed out of the small room and made their way at a rapid clip over to MedOps, or MedOops as some of the men called it. Sergeant Pitter stayed to ask Lt. Crosby one question. "Sir."
Lt. Crosby turned away from the diagram-laden blackboard and calmly eyed him. "Pitter. You have a question?"
"Yes sir. Off the record, sir?"
Crosby hesitated. He liked Pitter, but didn't really want any questions about the operation -- it had been a very long day. Finally he replied, "Off the record, Sgt. What's the problem?"
"I don't like this, sir. The men aren't guinea pigs and there's no war going on."
"Pitter, there's always a war going on. Sometimes it just isn't visible."
"Yes sir, but even though no one was supposed to find out, I know some of those tests came out bad. I don't want that to happen to the guys in my unit."
Crosby stared at Pitter, thinking about the results he himself had seen and wondering how the higher-ups had felt when they'd okayed this dangerous mission with so many unknowns. Some of the tests had horrible results, yet the need for swift action had burst upon them, leaving no choice but to up the ante.
He debated sharing a confidence, though it was an extreme move and certainly not the official viewpoint. They needed an edge, however; they simply had to accomplish this assignment.
"Okay. I'll lay it out for you, Pitter. This is top-secret classified and I don't want you to share it with anyone -- this mission must succeed. We have proof agents from Alpha-5 have infiltrated the British high government. Six of our best men died to get this information to us and we have to act immediately. You have to get those men in there and take those agents out. I won't explain why or give you any more details. Now go do the job you've been assigned. Dismissed."
Pitter hurried across the grounds toward MedOps. There was no more uncertainty in his mind. His close friend, Walker, had been killed recently under very mysterious circumstances. He'd been the best tracker/sniffer at this post, and Pitter now realized the true extent of the danger facing them. It wasn't this untried medical process, it was the Alphans. This was no longer a critical mission, it was personal. And, by god, he and his men would succeed.
Two hours later, at 11:45 pm, a low-slung, battered junker chugged drunkenly through the recently rained-upon streets on its way past the mix of downtown buildings which included the austere high government compound. The junker back-fired and, suffering from multiple engine troubles, slowed to a crawl near the compound's front gates. The ever-so-formal guards didn't turn their heads or bat an eye when the oil-burning rig coughed past.
The vehicle managed to keep going and if anyone had been closely watching, they'd have seen the next street drain stolidly swallow up the remains of the rain along with thirteen maple leaves. The leaves were swept underground and immediately thirteen tiny camouflaged men sprang up from the fabric leaves they'd anchored onto and dashed through the drains toward the compound, following the map they'd memorized.
In many ways they were successful. Ninety minutes into the mission they had positioned themselves under the living quarters where they split into three groups. Each group headed for a drain which would take them to the sleeping quarters of the enemy. Working quickly, they emerged about forty-five minutes after that through the shower drain in the designated bathrooms. Climbing up the bed and taking out the enemy had been the easiest part of the task.
It was what happened when the Alphans died that had started the real trouble.
Friday, May 25, 2007
computer tips
reading these may be worth your time:
http://tech.msn.com/news/articlepcw.aspx?cp-documentid=4868943>1=10036 -- can harm really be done?
http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,129141/article.html -- printer ink
http://tech.msn.com/news/articlepcw.aspx?cp-documentid=4868943>1=10036 -- can harm really be done?
http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,129141/article.html -- printer ink
Thursday, May 24, 2007
my dad
i got this note from one of my brothers this evening:
Today I checked Dad into the emergency ward of St. Elizabeth with pneumonia. He developed a respiratory infection a couple days ago, I asked this morning if he had pneumonia and was told no. About an hour later they called to say his lungs seemed to be filling up, they had him on oxygen, and they wanted me to ok sending him to the hospital. I did, they did, and then I wondered if I should have. This is tricky business. His wishes were not to have his life prolonged beyond a certian level of quality, as you know. I believe we have discussed this sufficiently, and my feeling is that we see it the same way. Still some decisions have to be made, and after seeing him at the hospital I feel I did the right thing by saying yes. He still may not survive this, but they can do more for his comfort at the hospital than at the home. I'll keep you posted.
losing someone just sucks.
Today I checked Dad into the emergency ward of St. Elizabeth with pneumonia. He developed a respiratory infection a couple days ago, I asked this morning if he had pneumonia and was told no. About an hour later they called to say his lungs seemed to be filling up, they had him on oxygen, and they wanted me to ok sending him to the hospital. I did, they did, and then I wondered if I should have. This is tricky business. His wishes were not to have his life prolonged beyond a certian level of quality, as you know. I believe we have discussed this sufficiently, and my feeling is that we see it the same way. Still some decisions have to be made, and after seeing him at the hospital I feel I did the right thing by saying yes. He still may not survive this, but they can do more for his comfort at the hospital than at the home. I'll keep you posted.
losing someone just sucks.
aurora alert
there's a good possibility we may be able to see the northern lights each night around midnight, from tonight 'til next tuesday night.
that's always a waaaaaay cool experience!
that's always a waaaaaay cool experience!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
making mistakes? do it big!
it's all about doing the job right for the boss. especially the top boss.
yesterday i had a long day which was full of learning, interruptions, and mini-snags. so when it came time to go home, i was more than ready. i turned off the computer, gathered up my things, started to walk out the door then remembered maybe i should say good-bye to the top boss. so i went into her office and said, "are you going to be here tomorrow?" she looked at me funny and said, "yes." i said, "okay then, i'll see you tomorrow." she hesitated a second then asked, "what time to do you go home?" i smiled and cheerily said, "4:30" but the back of my mind thought that was an odd question. she looked up at her wall clock. i followed her gaze and looked at the wall clock. it said 4:00. horrified, i mumbled, "what am i doing?" then "this is extremely embarrassing" then went back to my desk.
mortifaction.
stress works in subtle and mysterious ways.
yesterday i had a long day which was full of learning, interruptions, and mini-snags. so when it came time to go home, i was more than ready. i turned off the computer, gathered up my things, started to walk out the door then remembered maybe i should say good-bye to the top boss. so i went into her office and said, "are you going to be here tomorrow?" she looked at me funny and said, "yes." i said, "okay then, i'll see you tomorrow." she hesitated a second then asked, "what time to do you go home?" i smiled and cheerily said, "4:30" but the back of my mind thought that was an odd question. she looked up at her wall clock. i followed her gaze and looked at the wall clock. it said 4:00. horrified, i mumbled, "what am i doing?" then "this is extremely embarrassing" then went back to my desk.
mortifaction.
stress works in subtle and mysterious ways.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
second trimester
Sunday, May 13, 2007
have a good monday
WELLINGTON, New Zealand - A bumbling intruder broke into an empty New Zealand police station and accidentally locked himself in a cell but managed to smash his way out again just before authorities arrived.
Sgt. Graham McGurk on Monday said the person broke into the deserted police station in the town of Matamata on North Island on Saturday night through the front office.
The intruder went to the cell block and was accidentally locked in when a self-closing door clicked shut.
As police rushed to respond to an intruder alarm at the post, the intruder used a wooden chair that was inside the cell to smash through a window — supposedly outfitted with shatter-proof glass — to freedom.
Arriving officers could hear the intruder, but he fled through the front of the station as police were closing in from the back, McGurk said.
"It was quite unusual. The offender has almost done the job for us, getting himself locked in our cell," he said.
It wasn't known why the person broke into the police station, and nothing was stolen, McGurk said.
Sgt. Graham McGurk on Monday said the person broke into the deserted police station in the town of Matamata on North Island on Saturday night through the front office.
The intruder went to the cell block and was accidentally locked in when a self-closing door clicked shut.
As police rushed to respond to an intruder alarm at the post, the intruder used a wooden chair that was inside the cell to smash through a window — supposedly outfitted with shatter-proof glass — to freedom.
Arriving officers could hear the intruder, but he fled through the front of the station as police were closing in from the back, McGurk said.
"It was quite unusual. The offender has almost done the job for us, getting himself locked in our cell," he said.
It wasn't known why the person broke into the police station, and nothing was stolen, McGurk said.
Friday, May 11, 2007
wedding bells
one of my nephews and his fiancee are getting married today. they live in the midwest so i am keeping my fingers crossed they will have lovely weather instead of one of the hellacious tornadoes that plague the mid-states.
congratulations mike and blair, and i hope you have a long life together filled with joy and success!
congratulations mike and blair, and i hope you have a long life together filled with joy and success!
Thursday, May 10, 2007
vignette ~ Harborville
“Hey Jed, I think I’m gonna have to call it a night. We just cain’t see nothin even with that there sky fulla stars.”
“Well, dangit, Punk. Since we left that there tree line, we don’t even have no trees to tie up the horses and that ole’ mule would justa soon wander off as stay put. This has been one long day of ridin’ but I thought sure we woulda reached Harborville by now.”
“Cain’t help it none -- that there farmer musta give us bad directions, but I cain’t go on furever and Slocum here is gonna drop and mash my legs if I don’t get off him purty dang quick.” With that Punk reined up, slid off the horse, stretched his arms, and worked the kinks out of his back. “This shore is soft ground we got -- ain’t nuthin like that good ole’ hard Oklahoma dirt. Fact is it’s kinda like mud, but without the mess. It’s gonna make a nice soft bed, but I wonder whut it is?”
Jed finally stopped, cranked his neck from one side to the other and mumbled, “Dad gummit.” He swung his leg over his saddle, but nearly fell when he stepped down. “Dangit! That there ground is soft as quicksand. Whut in tarnation? Don’t got no grass, no weeds, no nothin that I can feel except it’s a little damp.”
“I don’t know, but I’m too tired to care. Whut with sleepin in bear country, sleepin in cougar country, sleepin on rocks, and sleepin with bugs, I don’t think I’m gonna be much bothered about some kinda soft sand. Let’s git that ole’ tarp out and bed down on it. That way our clothes’ll stay dry.”
So they put their saddles on the tarp then tethered the horses and mule to the saddle horns. Their late supper of cold beans and hardtack wasn’t all that great, but it was filling and they both really were tired. It had turned a little chilly, so the men bedded down with their blankets and said good night.
Thanks heavens they were pretty light sleepers, because two hours later the tide turned and started coming back in.
“Well, dangit, Punk. Since we left that there tree line, we don’t even have no trees to tie up the horses and that ole’ mule would justa soon wander off as stay put. This has been one long day of ridin’ but I thought sure we woulda reached Harborville by now.”
“Cain’t help it none -- that there farmer musta give us bad directions, but I cain’t go on furever and Slocum here is gonna drop and mash my legs if I don’t get off him purty dang quick.” With that Punk reined up, slid off the horse, stretched his arms, and worked the kinks out of his back. “This shore is soft ground we got -- ain’t nuthin like that good ole’ hard Oklahoma dirt. Fact is it’s kinda like mud, but without the mess. It’s gonna make a nice soft bed, but I wonder whut it is?”
Jed finally stopped, cranked his neck from one side to the other and mumbled, “Dad gummit.” He swung his leg over his saddle, but nearly fell when he stepped down. “Dangit! That there ground is soft as quicksand. Whut in tarnation? Don’t got no grass, no weeds, no nothin that I can feel except it’s a little damp.”
“I don’t know, but I’m too tired to care. Whut with sleepin in bear country, sleepin in cougar country, sleepin on rocks, and sleepin with bugs, I don’t think I’m gonna be much bothered about some kinda soft sand. Let’s git that ole’ tarp out and bed down on it. That way our clothes’ll stay dry.”
So they put their saddles on the tarp then tethered the horses and mule to the saddle horns. Their late supper of cold beans and hardtack wasn’t all that great, but it was filling and they both really were tired. It had turned a little chilly, so the men bedded down with their blankets and said good night.
Thanks heavens they were pretty light sleepers, because two hours later the tide turned and started coming back in.
job worries
i'm into my second week of work and i'm wondering if i may not be able to keep this job after all. tuesday i had to go to the post office to pick up a bunch of boxes. they were heavy. not only do i not want to lift heavy boxes, my arm doesn't want me to. so it's a dilemma since there was nothing in my job description about lifting heavy boxes or i wouldn't have applied for the job.
i talked with my acting super about it figuring the sooner we address the issue the better. she was totally professional, listening to me and not commenting about the outcome. when my real boss comes back from her trip, the issue will be addressed. i'd just as soon keep the job since it was so hard to get, since i like the people, and since i like the job. plus i'm an excellent employee so they would be short-sighted to get rid of me.
stay tuned for the outcome.
i talked with my acting super about it figuring the sooner we address the issue the better. she was totally professional, listening to me and not commenting about the outcome. when my real boss comes back from her trip, the issue will be addressed. i'd just as soon keep the job since it was so hard to get, since i like the people, and since i like the job. plus i'm an excellent employee so they would be short-sighted to get rid of me.
stay tuned for the outcome.
oh, the trials
getting to work can be so extreme. when i leave the driveway and head off at about 7:45, it's pretty much rush hour on peace portal and as such it usually takes a good six minutes to get to work! i know, i know -- i couldn't believe it either!
Monday, May 07, 2007
umm ... pardon me
underwear makes mischief from time-to-time. there was that once when the queen mother (or one of the royals) was walking along on some international mission and her underpants fell down, so one of her aides picked them up and discreetly made them disappear. what aplomb!
today my pantyhose decided to be ornery. you need to know first-of-all that, even though most of the women i've known have worn their pantyhose over their panties, i've always worn them under my panties, right next to my skin. why? because way back in high school one of the older sales ladies at miller and paine's told me that was the best way to wear them. at any rate, today the new pair i wore to work decided to naughtily start inching their way down from my waist. since i was quite busy and kept being engaged in conversation by cohorts, i could not get away to the restroom to rectify the situation, so ...
when i was told to go to lunch, they had effectively dropped below my navel in front and half-way down my behind. by the time i walked down two flights of stairs and was one-third of the way to my car, the impish pair had gleefully rolled completely below my torso. at that point the only thing keeping them from joining my feet was that they were trapped by my underpants.
ahem. thank you, sales lady.
today my pantyhose decided to be ornery. you need to know first-of-all that, even though most of the women i've known have worn their pantyhose over their panties, i've always worn them under my panties, right next to my skin. why? because way back in high school one of the older sales ladies at miller and paine's told me that was the best way to wear them. at any rate, today the new pair i wore to work decided to naughtily start inching their way down from my waist. since i was quite busy and kept being engaged in conversation by cohorts, i could not get away to the restroom to rectify the situation, so ...
when i was told to go to lunch, they had effectively dropped below my navel in front and half-way down my behind. by the time i walked down two flights of stairs and was one-third of the way to my car, the impish pair had gleefully rolled completely below my torso. at that point the only thing keeping them from joining my feet was that they were trapped by my underpants.
ahem. thank you, sales lady.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
vignette ~ The Camera
Click, whrrrt ... click, whrrrt. The man put the camera down and started the lawnmower. As soon as he disappeared around the corner of the house, the camera shot forward. Yippee, I’m freeeee! I’m freeeee! I’m off to see the wizard, la lalala la la la la and it took off down the sidewalk.
Jogjogjog, hop-a-rock, jogjogjog ... pretty soon the camera was far enough away to safely stop and take stock of its surroundings. A bunch of trees, a mailbox, a ... wooooooo wooooooo ... a train! The camera quickly moved through the trees until it could see the gigantic cars lumbering down the tracks. Wheeeee! Wheeeee! With great excitement the camera hurried closer, admiring the huge stolid train cars.
It looked to the left and saw the engine disappear around a bend, then looked to the right to see ... oh no! The caboose was just about to move by. Don’t ... have ... much ... time ... with a prayer to almighty Toner and a giiiiiiiant leap, the camera launched itself up and landed gingerly on top of the caboose.
Ahhh, the view ... the wonder of it all ... a mighty-fine adventure ... I’m king of the world ... heh, it could get a little chilly up here but hey, who’s complaining ... the camera gazed around and lazed about, thoroughly enjoying its musings and quite content to literally watch the world go by. So pretty ... lalala ... all the trees, the cows, the farms ... it’s gorgeous ... I get to experience it all! I’ll be a world-traveler, world-famous -- the Cosmopolitan Camera! Yes, C.C., no, C.C., what do you think of this, C.C.! I can just see it n-- ... thwack ... tumble, tumble, tumble ... thunk.
Stunned, the camera slowly blinked, then noticed a woozy crow pick itself up and take off, wobbly flying away. Then it noticed nothing else was moving. Oh. My. Goodness. My adventure ... noooooooooo this can’t be happening .....
Sadly the camera moved away from the tracks and hunkered down out of the gravel and close to the weeds, almost in tears. Ah, the slings and arrows ... that it should come to this ... the world was mine oyster ... what’s gone and what’s past help should be past grief ... even so, this was the unkindest c-- ...
Crunchcrunch, crunchcrunch ... suddenly the camera was lifted aloft and cradled in small gentle hands. “Maman, vois!” An unintelligible conversation followed between a woman and a little girl, then the camera was tenderly wrapped in a handkerchief and sequestered in a cloth bag.
Oh joy! A new adventure! Fear not for the future ... life's enchanted cup sparkles near the brim ... zip-a-dee-doo-dah ... and off he went, snugly into the sunset.
Jogjogjog, hop-a-rock, jogjogjog ... pretty soon the camera was far enough away to safely stop and take stock of its surroundings. A bunch of trees, a mailbox, a ... wooooooo wooooooo ... a train! The camera quickly moved through the trees until it could see the gigantic cars lumbering down the tracks. Wheeeee! Wheeeee! With great excitement the camera hurried closer, admiring the huge stolid train cars.
It looked to the left and saw the engine disappear around a bend, then looked to the right to see ... oh no! The caboose was just about to move by. Don’t ... have ... much ... time ... with a prayer to almighty Toner and a giiiiiiiant leap, the camera launched itself up and landed gingerly on top of the caboose.
Ahhh, the view ... the wonder of it all ... a mighty-fine adventure ... I’m king of the world ... heh, it could get a little chilly up here but hey, who’s complaining ... the camera gazed around and lazed about, thoroughly enjoying its musings and quite content to literally watch the world go by. So pretty ... lalala ... all the trees, the cows, the farms ... it’s gorgeous ... I get to experience it all! I’ll be a world-traveler, world-famous -- the Cosmopolitan Camera! Yes, C.C., no, C.C., what do you think of this, C.C.! I can just see it n-- ... thwack ... tumble, tumble, tumble ... thunk.
Stunned, the camera slowly blinked, then noticed a woozy crow pick itself up and take off, wobbly flying away. Then it noticed nothing else was moving. Oh. My. Goodness. My adventure ... noooooooooo this can’t be happening .....
Sadly the camera moved away from the tracks and hunkered down out of the gravel and close to the weeds, almost in tears. Ah, the slings and arrows ... that it should come to this ... the world was mine oyster ... what’s gone and what’s past help should be past grief ... even so, this was the unkindest c-- ...
Crunchcrunch, crunchcrunch ... suddenly the camera was lifted aloft and cradled in small gentle hands. “Maman, vois!” An unintelligible conversation followed between a woman and a little girl, then the camera was tenderly wrapped in a handkerchief and sequestered in a cloth bag.
Oh joy! A new adventure! Fear not for the future ... life's enchanted cup sparkles near the brim ... zip-a-dee-doo-dah ... and off he went, snugly into the sunset.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
priceless...
well, it's about time. apparently stay-at-home moms are worth $138,000+ a year. i think that figure may be low, but at least it's nice to see better-than-minimum-wage attributed to an important, stressful, and often difficult job.
the article stated "the 10 jobs listed as comprising a mother’s work were housekeeper, cook, day care center teacher, laundry machine operator, van driver, facilities manager, janitor, computer operator, chief executive officer and psychologist" -- i would have added mediator, cheerleader, dragon-slayer, dishwasher, nurse, high-priced call girl, social director, librarian, head of creativity, spiritual counselor, fairy godmother, phys ed coach, seer, animal control, activities director, judge, dispenser of guidance and wisdom, and giver of boundless love. i'm sure there are more i will think of later, and more you would add.
some moms don't get respect, some don't get support, some don't get acknowledged for all they do. i, on the other hand, have two more-than-wonderful sons and le husband parfait. i am blessed.
the article stated "the 10 jobs listed as comprising a mother’s work were housekeeper, cook, day care center teacher, laundry machine operator, van driver, facilities manager, janitor, computer operator, chief executive officer and psychologist" -- i would have added mediator, cheerleader, dragon-slayer, dishwasher, nurse, high-priced call girl, social director, librarian, head of creativity, spiritual counselor, fairy godmother, phys ed coach, seer, animal control, activities director, judge, dispenser of guidance and wisdom, and giver of boundless love. i'm sure there are more i will think of later, and more you would add.
some moms don't get respect, some don't get support, some don't get acknowledged for all they do. i, on the other hand, have two more-than-wonderful sons and le husband parfait. i am blessed.
Friday, May 04, 2007
hear ye, hear ye ....
At three minutes and four seconds after 2 AM on the 6th of May this year, the time and date will be: 02:03:04 05/06/07.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
i've been busy
well, gentle readers, you recall that this week has been the beginning of my new governmental career. it has been very interesting to see the organization, the people, and my new duties. monday i started out confident and happy, but became less confident and less happy the next couple of days. but today i was left to myself, so i worked with what i had learned while cleaning up and personalizing my work area. it was a very good day.
i have the largest office, on the top floor. yes, it's true. of course, it's technically a reception area, but 90% of the time i'm the only one around, so ... it's mine. with one whole wall full of floor-to-ceiling windows. so i'm golden!
i really, really like my temporary boss (she has a joisey accent) as well as the other people i work closely with. my regular boss got called back to d.c. but will be back soon. and i expect to like her.
remember how i was trying to change from a night person to a morning person? the biggest problem i've had with everything is that each morning this week i've awakened half an hour earlier than the day before. at this rate saturday morning i'll awaken just about the time i used to go to bed! okay we can stop now...
i have the largest office, on the top floor. yes, it's true. of course, it's technically a reception area, but 90% of the time i'm the only one around, so ... it's mine. with one whole wall full of floor-to-ceiling windows. so i'm golden!
i really, really like my temporary boss (she has a joisey accent) as well as the other people i work closely with. my regular boss got called back to d.c. but will be back soon. and i expect to like her.
remember how i was trying to change from a night person to a morning person? the biggest problem i've had with everything is that each morning this week i've awakened half an hour earlier than the day before. at this rate saturday morning i'll awaken just about the time i used to go to bed! okay we can stop now...
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