DOWN: My 401k by 20%
UP: Stress at work thanks to nervous crabby twits who over-react to everything they read or hear without actually trying to understand anything.
DOWN: McCain's polling numbers - YES!
UP: My middle finger at the world
DOWN: My tolerance for intolerant people I'm about to tell to STFU.
UP: The cost of a fifth of Crown Royal, but then some things are worth paying for
DOWN: My eye lids because I'm sleepy - Peace out
So there we are, coworkers all sitting in our morning pre-opening meeting, getting ready to take on another day. Then she crosses her legs, and there it was. Like a hanging chad, this piece of mushed up poo just slowly detaches itself from the shoe and drops to the floor in a moist gooey brown clump. One person watching it happen blurted out that there was now dog poo involved in our meeting and suddenly everyone was checking their shoes. One other person, not me luckily, found themselves to have poopy shoe bottoms upon realizing that wherever this person walked in our fully carpeted office, was remnants of her dog's morning constitutional. So my day started literally dealing with poo and we hadn't even opened yet. And frankly it hasn't gotten much better from that point. TGIF.
I wonder if she thought about her car floor mats while she was cleaning various parts of the office?
Kind of bummed, lots on on my mind. Life is challenging. How does one just forget about everything for a little bit? Must find happy place.
...from the fabulous dinner party and game night at Alison and Paul's house yesterday.
The only edition of Trivial Pursuit I should be playing is the kindergarten edition.
Last night Paul and I went to see a stage production of The Rocky Horror Show. Put on by The Rage of the Stage Players at the Brew House, it was hilarious and very entertaining. It was really cool and lots of fun. There was live music and audience interaction by the cast. And me sitting in an aisle seat was a prime target for a particular cast member whose job it was to interact with the audience before the show started. WIthout going into too much detail so you can use your imagination, "Quincy" was a hyper guy in a cowboy hat whose favorite word was "tittyflicks" (which is now my new favorite word) and he liked to rub my head. Maybe I'm good luck, I don't know.
Had to work Saturday, did some biking, had dinner with Alison and Paul, got Dairy Queen and that's about it. Kind of boring but I like boring. Boring can be good. Boring can be relaxing. However Jeff, in a crazy fit of non boring energy, went to the Pitt football game. He still needs some help in being a slacker.
Tonight I went to my monthly networking/social event held downtown at a gay establishment. And I bumped into a coworker who was sitting at the bar with a "friend." You just never know....
People that suck-diddly-uck this week:
Bush, the worst asshat coke-whore fucktard of a president of all time, is still invoking 9-11. In his speech to the Republican convention he questioned the the leadership of Obama in a "post 9-11" world. Yeah like Obama is going to invite terrorists over for a beer. Given the chance a Dem president may actually catch the terrorists, but hey it's only been seven years.
Then we have....
John McCain, who says to lay off the questions about Sarah Palin's background? Ex-squeez me? Really? We are talking about the VP candidate, someone who in this case would literally be a failing heartbeat away from being Commander in Chief. So sorry Grandpa, choosing a right wing gun nut, grandma to be, who lacks experience is going to stir a question or two.
Then there is just another nut that won't go away...
Joe Lieberman is just a bitter, cranky, pissed off at the world for losing elections, egotistical blowhard. Is he a Democrat, Republican, or independant? Who knows? But he needs to stop claiming to be a Democrat then stumping for the GOP. Or better yet, just go away!
How much longer is the election crap going on?
Things that suck...
Those 100 calorie packs of anything. Seriously I have more stuck between my teeth than the amount you get in these packs. I know that was pretty random but a tiny pack of 100 calorie cheez-its was a big part of my day today.
We (Me, Jeff, Alison, and Paul) went to the Titanic artifact exhibit at the Carnegie Science Center this past Sunday. It was pretty interesting. At the beginning you are given a card with the name and bio information of a passenger. At the end you find out if that person lived or died in the tragedy. The exhibit recreated portions of the ship such as guest rooms for first, second, and third class. There were numerous artifacts salvaged from the wreckage, all enclosed in climate controlled glass cases on display. There were items such as money, perfume bottles, articles of clothing and many more that they were able to trace back to the passengers to whom they belonged. Actual pieces of the ships hull were also on display. Quotes from survivors and those that were involved in the building of the ship adorned the walls as you made your way through the exhibit. It was very interesting and a nice outing on a Sunday afternoon which was then capped off with dinner out and a trip to the creamery for yummy gelato for our dessert.
This morning at Caribou Coffee:
Some lady in hair pulled back into a bun taking a moment from talking on a cell phone, typing on her PDA and trying not to let her ginormous purse drop down her arm but not making any eye contact with the barista:
" Umm yeah, a large non fat soy half cap extra foam iced shaken not stirred olives no onion with a twist..."
Barista: (eyes crossed, glazed over, and confused)
Then Me with my old fashiones news paper: "large black coffee, please"
Barista: Happy, smiling.
Later, I rode my bike to the strip district to the AT&T store to see about upgrading and getting a new cell phone. Mine is about three years old now and soooooo old school that it does not even have a camera! Anyway, it's pretty evident that the salesman doesn't make any money unless you spend at least $150. I asked if they match the prices that the company website offers and he said yes but somehow could not make the cost come anywhere close the $30 or so dollars I could get online. Go figure. I figured that I would pay more at the company store and that was fine with me. I don't mind paying for live help and taking care of everything at once and letting the people make some commission. But I actually felt dirty listening to this sleazy guy and once it was clear I was not paying eight thousand dollars for an upgrade, he turned very uninterested in helping. So I'll give my complaint email to the company a few days to be responded to then probably order from the website.
Jeff and I also went to the REI store so he could use his birthday giftcard. He got some shorts and a short and bought me a neato bike lock.
Tonight it's a stay-in night at home with a RedBox movie.
Working for a cheap corporation, we drones are only allowed the cheapest and thinnest pens that third world factories can make. And since I sign my name one thusand seven hundred and twenty two times a day, I like to have a nice pen. Luckily we have clients that give us their company pens, which are actually pretty nice, thick and colorful. However I learned today that one must pay attention to what these pens are advertising. As I'm sitting at my desk with two little old ladies, one I'm pretty sure a civil war widow, who are forking over a couple hundred thousand dollars I realize I am filling out their paperwork with a big blue Viagra pen. And later upon doing an inspection of other pens in the office I notice several different drug industry pens.
So it's a toss up, having nice pens to write with or have Ethel and Martha think I have erectile or explosive diarreha issues. Eh, whatever I like having a nice pen.
In case you were wondering, yes I did fall off the face of the earth. It turns out there is this one particualr hill in Pittsburgh that once over the top, you get sucked into a black hole in which mixed with laziness and and a soul sucking work schedule, makes for a World of Brent dry spell. But Im back and there is a whole mess of rants, issues, and things to make fun of swirling around in my noggin. So get ready to once again regularly enjoy the the genius of my little online home. But not tonight because I'm tired so maybe tomorrow.
Summer seems to be going by quickly in the burgh. Softball is over. I only played in four games for my teaam but rooted Jeff on in many of his games. I have not ridden my bike as much as I wanted to but have been getting out now and then. There is still plenty of nice weather ahead so getting out more is a priority the next couple months.
Recnt movies seen include Mamma Mia and Pineapple express. Mamma Mia was fun and corny. Pineapple Express was a riot and if you have not seen it, drop whatever you are doing and go see it now. Seriously, do not delay another second and deprive yourself of the hilarity.
Current fav TV show is Swingtown. I often feel like I need to shower after watching it so that's some darn good TV.
Time for Advil PM and my pillow. Peace out.
Been sick the last few days, sore throat gooey snot, yuck. Getting better now.
Jeff and I went to a neat party at The Andy Warhol Museum last night. A friend rented it out for a birthday party. It was a unique, and I'm sure expensive, way to celebrate.
Speaking of Birthdays, Jeff's B-day is tomorrow. No final plans but I think a romantic dinner and movie is in the works. Perhaps Mamma Mia?
I played softball today and of course hurt myself in the process. Leg hurts - owie.
Work sucks harder than anything that sucks hard.
Go Obama !!
More soon....
So after not playing softball since last year it turns out I am playing 4 games this weekend, two Saturday and Two Sunday. My former team mates pulled me back into the wild world of gay softball. Jeff and I went to the field tonight and I hit and fielded while Jeff pitched and hit to me. Not too many creaks or pulled muscles as I hit and shagged some balls. In fact it felt pretty good so I'm kind of looking forward to playing again. Let's hope it's not 112 degrees.
Top Chef, one of my favorite shows sent their tour truck through Pittsburgh today, parking in the lot of Whole Foods and putting on a cooking demonstartion for fans. Jeff had pointed out to me that my favorite chef from this season, Spike, was one of the two Chefs on this leg of the tour so we had to go check it out, you know for the cooking....Seriously though I do love this show so I was excited when I heard they would be in the hood.
It was fun, inside the tricked out semi trailer, we got to see them cook while they took questions from the audience. Jeff and I both asked questions and we got to sample the yummy food. We also got our pic taken with Spike and anautographed picture. It was a good day and there are some more pics.....
So Jeff took Thunder to the grocery store today. As usual, Thunder stays in the car with the windows rolled down some for the few minutes it takes to run in and out. Today was really hot in Pittsburgh so Jeff left the windows rolled all the way down. This time, Thunder decided to exit the vehicle, perhaps wanting to add snausages to the grocery list, and headed towards the door. Over the loud speaker came an announcement about a dog at the front door. So Jeff headed towards the door and there was Thunderama waiting for his daddy. Being he would be item number 11 in the ten items or less lane, Jeff took him back to the car. Next time we leave Thunder the keys so he can circle the lot.
Got in a bike ride today. Pittbsurgh is one big freaking hill. Screw the water bottle, I need an oxygen tank.
Matt and Erica are in from Michigan so we all (Alison, Paul, me, and Jeff) went to Kennywood on the fourth for some fun rides and fireworks. On one particular wild scary ride we were in a seat section with these two kids. And at the end one of them excitedly proclaimed "that was titty." Then the other agreed "yeah that was titty."
Hope your holiday was titty.
Busy, busy, busy, and busy.
Settled in. Finnigan and Thunder have assimilated to their new environment. Finny Finn Finn loves all the windows to sit in and Thunder can't get enough of the front porch watching the world go by. I forget how many little odds and ends you wind up needing when you move. Each day Jeff and I think of something else we need, something to hang a picture with or some cleaning supply we meant to get. Ive been to Target and Lowes more times in the last couple weeks than ever in my very young life. I will get to letting everyone know the new address in a day or two.
The unbpacking and arranging is winding down as pretty much everything is in its place. A few pictures to hang and some painting and carpet cleaning being done Sunday and we will be set. We even have our bed in place which is kind of a funny story. Our bed is queen size, no pun intended, and we could not get it up the stairs. Our house besides being a mighty mighty fine house, is also very old. I guess back in the day people were smaller or liked to sleep like sardines. Anyway, we could not get the box spring up the stairs. We tried and tried and it would just not go. The ceiling was too low and the walls too narrow. So we gave up, put the mattress on the floor, and put the rest of the bed outside to put out for trash pickup. Then alison and Paul stopped by with their cookies. We told them our bed woes and Paul refused to believe it could not be done. So at his insistence we grabbed the bed and he pushed, pulled, grunted, and by some miracle and brute strength got our bed up the stairs and into our bedroom only sacrificing a little wall plaster.
Tonight me, Jeff, Alison, and Paul went to see Indiana Jones. I liked it. It's what I expected knowing it was never going to be like to originals. After the flick we belatedly celebrated mine and Pauls birthdays. One of my presents was Shark Poo. I'm not sure how they get them to go into little bags.
Move is done, still unpacking/arranging after five days but the end is in sight. We spent over 12 hours on Saturday running back and forth with the truck and cars before collapsing for the night in a house strewn with boxes and furniture. Slowly we set to unpacking and putting away our things, placing furniture, and stocking the kitchen all while taking some time to sit out on the porch with our feet up and meeting the neighbors. Alison and Paul visited with "welcome to the neighborhood" cookies giving us more energy. And in between all this we got new area rugs for the living and dining rooms opting to toss the ugly green ones that came with the house. Some new curtains were also added to the living room replacing the blinds. There is still some tasks to be done, hanging pictures and some painting, but the place has come together. Jeff and I are now in serious need of a day or two of rest!
The kids are doing great and have adapted to their new home. Thunder loves the fenced in yard and being able to sit on the porch and watch the world go by. Finnigan is having fun sitting in all the windows and now having two floors to explore.
Finnigan enjoying his cat tree in front of the living room window
He has also claimed the mantle.
Thunder relaxing on the newly purchased rug, perhpas looking for a treat?
And his patience pays off
Tomorrow is moving day. I still have to pack a few odds and ends and do some cleaning. It's been a crazy week for all this and tomorrow will be a long day I'm sure.
I will be without the internets over the weekend as new cable service will not be hooked up to the house till Monday Morning. Updates next week. Peace out.
Funt imes. Jeff got me tickets to Wicked Super excited abolut that, he made breakfast, and today we are going to a Pirates game. Wheeee.
Tomorrow is my birthday. I'm not sure why it is not a national holiday, but it's probably because it's so close to Memorial day that there couldn't be two huge holidays so close together. Jeff has something cooked up for tomorrow but so far I have not been able to get it out of him. Today we are just relaxing and later playing some tennis and tonight, who knows as there are a few options on the table. In other World of Brent news Pa, my grandpa, went into the hospital Thursday night with some cardiac issues. So far the tests have been good and when I talked to him last night he sounded really good and was ready to get out of there. He was hoping the docs would let him come home today.
Next weekend is the big move. I haven't started packing yet but Ill get on that this week. Meanwhile Finnigan has been getting his boxes together and packing himself.
Thunder on the other hand has been a good boy and finished already thus leaving himself time to relax.
Boob Guru:
A story in the Washington Post today described a lady who helps nursing mothers, the "Breast Whisperer," who charges $85 for an office visit and $150 for a house call. There was so many boob/lactation/nipple/expensive milk jokes going through my head that I had to go back to doing actual work to re-focus.
Speaking of Boobs:
Prez Bush has apologized to Iraq because a US soldier used a Korran for target practice and promised prosecution of that soldier. Now maybe that was insensitive but perhaps we can give the guys gettibng shot at and bombed by Iraqis on a daily basis a break on this one. And even though the Iraqi "government" calls this a grievous crime, perhaps we can remind our cluelss and perspectiveless war mongering chief that American flags and effigies are regularly burned by the people doing the shooting and bombing so maybe just send some substitute targets over and let this one pass.
Boobs with guns:
Gun owners are complaining of rising ammo costs. That's just a darn tootin shame. Police agencies can bitch, but guntards who complain of being on a limited budget need to worry less about buying ammo and more about buying food for their families. You can kill someone with one bullet so just aim better and conserve.
Boobs with Satellites:
The AP ran a story saying that Consumers are happy with cable providers. Now come the F-bomb on, what universe are they living in? Did they only poll cable executives? I have never had more frustrating experiences then with the lobotimized clueless morons that run and work at the cable company. And I also include the brainless twits at the phone company too. If I didn't need my regular doses of mind numbing reality trash shows and The Office, I would wouldn't put up with it all.
It has been tiddling rain for at least 1,114 days in Pitsburgh. Well at least a few weeks. We have had a very wet spring. After a wet and slushy winter and soggy spring I am more than ready for some dry sunny weather.
After working Saturday, I went with jeff to Dave and Busters, meeting with a friend of his from Florida who was in town for work. Sunday I took Alison and Paul to the airport to see them off on their European vacation. So that means I am on kitty duty for the next couple weeks. I get to go over and play with the little ones, scoop some poop, and help my self to Alison and Paul's refrigerator and laundry room.
Pa, Paul, Alison, Jenna, Greg, Grace, Matt, Jerry, Me
Crowd
Me and Jeff
Crowd
I Picked up Thunder today and the poor guy is sick again, same thing as last time but not throwing up, at least today. He is just not energetic and has a watery eye. Jeff has an appointment at the vet tomorrow for him. So hopefully a little TLC will make him better. We went to the dog park and got lots of fresh air and he some sniffs in saying hello to lots of doggies. You meet and talk to some really nice people at the dog park. Of course ther are some loonies but for the most part nice people who love dogs.
Another "family values" republican has admitted having an affair and an illegitimate child. This after he was arrested for drunk driving. Like most other "family value" hippocrates in Washington he was probably drinking to alleve the pressures of hiding his homosexuality.
I'm keeping the faith. Let Hillary fight to the last day. Recognizing race is a factor in the election, I agree with her veiled assertions that she is more electable when it comes down to a race of one Democrat and one Republican.
This weekend, Grace, Jerry, Pa (granpa),Matt, Greg, and Jenna are all coming to town to visit and participate in the Race for the Cure to fight breast cancer. Jeff and I are joining them in the walk. Grace and Alison formed a team and raised funds. It's a great way to spend Mothers Day and I can't wait to see everybody.
It was softball opening weekend with all the festivities that go along with it. Jeff and I had a good time and I must admit I may regret a little not playing this year as I was having a hard time just being a spectator while watching Jeff play and kind of missing my old teammates. However, I am signed up so I may get in a game or two over the season.
At work today my employee that cries was in full form. We has a visiting boss out to the branch today and cracking under all the pressure of her day to day easier than pie job tasks, she suddenly gets a nose issue and has to leave to go to the doctor, all after her first teary eyes performance of the day. The issue as she explained it was there was something, a sore of some kind, in her nose and it prevented her from breathing out the left nostril. Now the common sense guy in me, the one who says just shut the fuck up and deal with it because we all get boogers from time to time, was really wanting to come out and see just how much I could make her cry. But the corporate manager in me, ever mindful of Human Resource issues just was like "ok, good luck with your nose issue" while whispering "freak" under my breath.
Still have my eyes open for a decent bike to buy. Checking Craislist, ads, bike shop etc for a good used one. Now that the warm weather seems to be sticking around I really want to get out and ride and skate.
The days are counting down till the big move for me and Jeff, a few weeks or less left. I'm excited about the move but also dreading actually moving at the same time because packing and moving furniture sucks. I can't wait for Finny to see his new house with stairs to run up and down and lots of windows to sit in.
Thunder was sick this weekend, throwing up and having some discoloration in his eyes. The poor guy was pretty lethargic which is quite differet from his usual happy and ready to go attitude. Even Finnigan realized he was not himself and left him alone to rest.
He is better today though, eating again and had a better stride in his morning walk so we put off the vet visit for now. Although not a 100%, it is a relief seeing improvement. It's a little scary when a pet gets sick becasue they can't tell you exactly what's wrong or how much something hurts. This of course can make your own mind go into overdrive and imagine things that make you worry more. And it makes you check out the vet hospital online to make suer they are open 24 hours.
For some reason my back, right under my shoulder blade, is killing me. I don't know if I slept on it wrong, pulled something or what. It was only hurting a little bit until I sneezed today. It felt like someone stuck a knife in my back. It's not like it was huge sneeze either. It wasn't loud and no gooey projectiles left the mouth /nasal area. Perhaps I exerted too much force trying to keep it in? At any rate, owie.
I have the dumb tonight, I can't get very many answers on my crossword puzzle.
I am looking for a bike to purchase. Looking at used right now, craigslist, ebay, etc. I am going to start riding again this summer. In fact I am not going to play softball this summer in order to try some other activities, including riding. Jeff wants to ride too. I also plan getting Paul out for some rides as I know he has a nifty bike in his garage. There are so many great roads and trails to ride in and around Pittsburgh.
Must watch reality shows right now are Top Chef, Hell's Kitchen, and Survivor. Favorite Logo show is The Big Gay Sketch Show. Favorite Comedy is The Office. Fun to watch shows = The Soup and Best Week Ever.
So glad tomorrow is Friday, looking forward to rlaxing this weekend with Jeff and enjoying some nice weather.
Today was "customer appreciation day" at my branch. Lord knows I tried. I slapped the biggest fake smile on my face and appreciated the hell out of people. We had catered food including chicken and beef kabobs, finger foods, beverages, and drawings for prizes. And even when the screaming selfish yentas complained there was not the right kind of food for them, I smiled and had fun resisting the urge to break an office chair across the backsides of anyone and everyone. Unfortunetly the catering people do not come back and do cleanup. One of our pregnant coworkes started picking up and moving tables so I had to be a gentleman and help out with that because even I don't like to see 500 pound pregos pushing furniture around. So it was a long day of bootie kissing and hand shaking. By the end of the day, I just wanted to come home to my comfy couch, lay down with the Times and some coffee. As usual that worked for a few minutes as Finnigan will immediately camp out on the middle of the open paper wanting some face time and some head scratches even if it means plopping down on my chest. Finally someone today who appreciated lil ol' me.
Taxes are done and e-filed. I owe the Fed $244 and get a whopping $5 back from the state. Once again, the man is holding me back and taking my chedda, yo.
Jeff and I went to dinner last night at an Italian restaurant on the South Side. It was so-so. Apetizer and salad were good but you could tell they just use the canned food service sauces on their pasta, just really bland.
Friday night we went out to the bar and met up with friends. It was fun to see some people who we haven't seen in a while.
Tonight Alison and Paul are coming over for dinner.
As I write this, Finnigan is in stalking mode and pouncing every few seconds as he looks at me like a big juicy bird or tuna. My keen ability to grasp the obvious tells me he wants to play. I must now go oblige his feline hunting and attack instincts.
Jeff and I are going for domestic bliss by moving in together. We found a cute little house just down the road from Alison and Paul. I could literally go outside and yell "Helllllooooo up there" (they are up the hill from us) and expect an answer back. Or maybe we would just call or walk over. We shall also be merging our families, taking on the duties of step parents to the little ones...
but I finally had a Pittsburgh specialty. That being a sandwich from Primanti Brothers topped with cole slaw and french fries. Minus the cole slaw after a couple bites, it was very yummy. I have yet to have a pizza or salad with fries on them but maybe soon. Jeff and I went down to the Strip District today for lunch and shopping. What a unique experience it is with all the outdoor markets and interesting shops, including specialty candy shops, popcorn factory, italian coffee shops, and more.. And it was a great spring day to be out and about.
I was invited to participate in a training seminar for managers called "Dealing With Conflict." Apparently my preferred methods of choking, slapping senseless, and wishing death to my enemies/customers/coworkers are not the ideal corporate procedures. I say, stick with what works.
Last night I went to my monthly networking group event. I was looking stylish in my jeans, button down, and slick sport coat. But somehow I wound up with sour cream in two different areas of the coat. There was mexican appetizers with sour cream. Either I was sloppy or the victim of a vicious sour cream assault. The police have no leads.
And then today at work I opened a yougurt and dug in thinking it was the same flavor as usual, banana. So it freaked me out when I put a spoonful in my mouth and felt something chunky and in a nano second thinking the worst like perhaps a bug or finger was in there, I spit it out across the breakroom table. Turns out it was apple flavor with chunks of fruit.
Feeling better, still stuffed up a bit, taking Aleve, snot is under control. Will be back to normal regular posts in a day or two.
The April Fools prank went very well. Just as the head boss lady said, there was a fake customer complaint email, done up by my coworker trying to get me, waiting for me in my in box. It was good because he made it out from an actual customer who would realistically write a complaint about me. Playing along and forwarding it to me, she chastized me and demanded an explanation. So in a hissy fit laden email, I shot back that I was offended, deserved more respect, and shocked at the lack of professionalism. I copied the email to two other regional managers. The juicy part of the email was that I told her I called the president of the company and suggested a meeting to discuss the "issues" and attitudes in our affiliate. I played it up by acting pissed off and saying I don't care what happens let some heads roll. I even stormed out for a few minutes and sat at the coffee shop next door.
She played along by forwarding back to the original wanna-be prankster acting mad that this was blowing up and now corporate headquarters is involved and he better come up with a good explanation. The other people copied on the email also called him complaining that they were dragged into this and thrown under the bus. He was sweating it out for the entire morning before we let him off the hook. SO mission accomplished, the prankster became the prankee.
Feeling better, still stuffed up a bit, taking Aleve, snot is under control. Will be back to normal regular posts in a day or two.
The April Fools prank went very well. Just as the head boss lady said, there was a fake customer complaint email, done up by my coworker trying to get me, waiting for me in my in box. It was good because he made it out from an actual customer who would realistically write a complaint about me. Playing along and forwarding it to me, she chastized me and demanded an explanation. So in a hissy fit laden email, I shot back that I was offended, deserved more respect, and shocked at the lack of professionalism. I copied the email to two other regional managers. The juicy part of the email was that I told her I called the president of the company and suggested a meeting to discuss the "issues" and attitudes in our affiliate. I played it up by acting pissed off and saying I don't care what happens let some heads roll. I even stormed out for a few minutes and sat at the coffee shop next door.
She played along by forwarding back to the original wanna-be prankster acting mad that this was blowing up and now corporate headquarters is involved and he better come up with a good explanation. The other people copied on the email also called him complaining that they were dragged into this and thrown under the bus. He was sweating it out for the entire morning before we let him off the hook. SO mission accomplished, the prankster became the prankee.
Was feeling sickly, germy, nasaly, and sleepy this weekend, even Jeff came down with a case of the sicks for which he is blaming me. Today I took the day off to rest and now I'm feeling better. Not 100%, but much better.
Got a call tonight and the caller ID indicated it was from the head honcho of my company. Serioulsy, this is the big cheese. Hmm cheese wonder if I have any. Anyway since I caled off sick today and this person is caling me at home in the evening it freaked me out a bit as I decided whether I wanted to answer or let it go to voice mail. I mean I have sick leave banked up the wazoo after six years of hardly ever using it so could I really be getting chewed out or fired via phone?? Then I realized the phone was still ringing while I was imagining the worst so I answered. Turns out another manager wanted to play an April Fool's prank on me tomorrow and enlisted her help. She was calling me to see if I wanted to join her in turning it around on him. Not wanting to tell her I was going to call off tomorrow too, I said "absolutely, sounds like fun" in my most kiss-ass yet still nasaly voice. So now I have to go to work tomorrow and basically play along with her, take it too far, pitch a fit and walk out -- that type of thing as the original prankster thinks it is blowing up in his face. Gee I wonder if I can muster up the inspiration to be pissed off at work?
I am sick again! Am I germ motel? Am I a petri dish for some comic lab experiment? Am I delirious from over medicating? Woke up this morning with a sore throat and spent the day at work stuffed up with my head feeling like it weighs 237 pounds. I can't call off as I am the only manager there this week. I have spent the evening since I got home asleep on the couch and am on my way to bed now. Maybe 14 hours of sleep is what I needed. What I didn't need is to be #$*&*$% sick again! UGH
...like a combination of floor and counter cleaners, cake, and fresh basil and garlic. This is because I am cooking tonight for Jeff, Alison, and Paul. I made pesto, fresh of course, hence the strong smell of basil. Also as part of my resolve to bake more, I made a pineapple upside down cake. It has not been tasted yet, but I'm hoping it will be yummylicious.
The clean odor comes from me giving the place a good cleaning today. Ironically, doing what I think is a good cleaning job makes me see just how much more cleaning I need to do more often. I'm pretty clean and I don't like clutter so overall on a regular basis the apartment is fairly spiffy. But things like keeping up with soap scum in the tub and pulling out pieces of furniture to dust behind need to be more of a priority. I would hate for the dust bunnies behind teh TV cabinet form an alliance with the ones behind the couch and attack me.
I have a fairly new employee that cries just about everyday. She has issues doing the basic functions of her job, which is not exactly rocket science, and responds with mini blubbering fits. She is struggling so much I'm convinced she is just not the right kind of person for this job. How does one train or manage an adult who tears up if she blinks too fast much less when I have to correct her.
Oh, did I mention that she is the Niece of our HR person? I love love love my job. I wish I could work 23.5 hours a day.
First day back at work. Issues, drama, same old shit. Do I poke the ice pick in an ear or an eyeball?
Feeling better. My medicine trio of Robitussin, Tylenol Severe Cold, and Nyquil has kept me delightfully loopy and seems to be working. Jeff was able to get me off the couch and took me out to breakfast today to remind me what daylight looks like.
And what's with having to stand in line at the pharmacy to get over the counter medicine and show ID while signing your name? Back in the day, one could grab cold medicine off the shelf and pay for it at the checkout lane without being suspected of making crystal meth.
Haven't shaved in a week, probably will tomorrow because I am looking pretty scruffy and perhaps a bit scary. Although Jeff pointed out today that there are no gray hairs in my facial hair yet so if I was ever to have a beard I should do it now. But I will opt for my boyish good looks instead of the sophistication factor even though I won't be as cool as Greg.
UGH, my cold has turned into a whole chest, head, and nasal germ party. I am a phlegm factory churning out goo at maximum production today. Today is all about my couch, the TV, soup, and medicine.
I wish my heart and brain could work together more. Then I would know which to follow and life would be easier.
I'm off today for Presidents Day. I did go in for an hour or so to tie up some loose ends because I decided to take a few days off. I need the rest and break from work. I carried over some vacation time from last year so I figured I could burn a few days.
I want to be a superdelegate. This election is the first time I have heard of a superdelegate. But it sounds like some kind of superhero so I want to be one.
Another school shooting. He bought the guns legally. Yeah civillians need guns. "sigh"
I wonder how many days I will go without shaving this week, this past Friday was last whisker scraping day.
I took today off so Jeff and I could spend the day together relaxing, snuggling, and relaxing some more.
Jeff brought me some yummylicious candy and a cute kitty figurine -- awwwww.
Yay for special days!
So another day in the daily drama circus that is my job has produced an interesting occurance. A complaint letter was sent into our main website about yours truly. Now in my position I get to deal with my fair share of loonies and pissed off people. But this person was so over the top her letter could not be taken seriously. (If you ever want to be taken seriously by a company you are complaing to, just be factual and to the point because ramblings just get laughed at.) It was a rambling diatrabe that went on and on claiming that when she called in on three occasions I just laughed at her, among other things. I'm sure I was laughing at her in my head, but not outright. Anyway, long story short she demanded a few things in response. T