Ok, here's a quick rundown of the last 7 days
Friday - sick all day, then the stove died. Bought new stove online, to be picked up on Saturday.
Saturday - went to work, still sick, busted ass all day. T called to tell me the store didn't have the stove we paid for so we were getting a different one. Got flat tire on the way home. Rode home on the spare (scary). Admired new stove, discussed some things with T. Tried to call Wench to cancel plans for Sunday, couldn't get her. Gave up and went to bed.
Sunday - helped T thread and install pipe for gas fireplace, cleaned house, more discussion of issues. Gave up and went to bed.
Monday - worked, worried and worked some more. T put new tire on car, took him to lunch. Ran into SIL, nephew and SIL's aunt at restaraunt. Went back to store and worked some more. Went home, more discussion. Gave up and went to bed.
Tuesday - worked. Found out I may need to update my resume in the near future. Seriously considered finding a hole, crawling in and pulling the ground in behind me. Went home, gave up and went to bed.
Wednesday - sat by phone until I heard from Dad's wife. His surgery went well, they don't think the retina will detach this time, only one more surgery left. Headed for BR, to buy freezer and groceries. Couldn't find right freezer at Sears. Found some jeans (which I desperately needed) and some books. Found freezer at Sam's. Bought freezer and LOTS of groceries. Came home, put everything up, read until I couldn't keep my eyes open. Went to bed.
Thursday - went to BR for T's surgery. Got there at 10:30, waited in Pre-op until after 2 pm. They took him in and I waited. Surgeon came out at 3:30, said everything went better than expected. Finally headed for home at 4:30, didn't get home until 7 something. Very bad traffic.
Got T settled, called the family to let them know (they had all called me, but I couldn't talk and drive), typed this, gave up and went to bed. I don't know why I am so damned tired.
Not a wonderful week, very draining and stressful. On the plus side, I bought a bunch of new books. Heavy Words Lightly Thrown is by a librarian from London, examining the stories behind nursery rhymes. I enjoyed it, lots of info presented in an engaging, funny way. I could almost hear his accent when I read. Not a very long book. Also picked up an anthology of Dorothy Parker's short stories (the actual title is Dorothy Parker Stories). Read it today while waiting. Very 1930s. Kept my attention so worth it to me. Not, however, for those who like happy endings or nice people.
A little more for the plus column, T and Dad both are doing fine. Dad's eye looks great, according to his doctor. So he only has one more to go. T's surgeon told me that he didn't have to do any reconstruction on the rotator cuff, it looked better than he thought it would. That means no immobilization for 6 weeks. YAY!! A sling tonight and for a little while longer for comfort. Also, the surgeon at this point thinks by spring everything will be back to 100%. I'm sure I've left something else good out, but can't think what. To everyone who expressed concern and wished us well, many thanks. Good thoughts and hugs right back to all. Now I'm gonna go get some sleep. Morning comes early and T is already asleep.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
Busted
Had a little talk with the Boss Lady recently. She informs me that, while using the store's computer, she found my "little bloggy loggy thing". Not sure which one, probably not this one. I'm thinking it was my profile at MyBlogLog.com. She said from the timestamps (none of which are accurate, different time zone) she knew I had done a lot of that at work and considering all the graphics and text, there was no way I could have done all that in just a few minutes. I'm under the impression she thinks I put all that together, spending hours playing when I should have been working. I don't think she realizes that profiles are pretty much done automatically.
On the other hand, I have used the work computer to send a quick email or message to someone. I've also used it to create a post here. The post only took about 5 - 10 minutes, since it was a copy & paste deal, but still.
I understand that she objects to playing on her time. I even admit that I was wrong to use her computer to play while I was supposed to be working. No problem. Believe me when I say it won't happen again.
The only thing that bothered me: I told her that usually when I used the store's computer for something personal I did it when I was taking a break to eat lunch. I am the only employee, so if she isn't there, I don't get to take an actual lunch break. I sit behind the counter and eat in between customers and phone calls. She told me that if I was taking a break I needed to deduct that time from my hours. My question is, how am I supposed to calculate that as a break when it is constantly interrupted by work? Honestly, some days it takes me 45 minutes to eat a sandwich because I stop so often to help someone. Other days, I end up throwing my lunch away because it sat so long uneaten that I no longer want it.
My solution at this point is that I won't use her computer for anything not work related and when I'm there by myself I'll continue working while eating. Or skip sitting down to eat anything. I guess I'll bring more snacks and just nibble through out the day.
At least she wasn't a raging asshole about the whole thing, like some people's bosses are. She's actually a pretty cool boss so it all evens out. I'll just have to squeeze my play-time here in between work and spending time with T.
On the other hand, I have used the work computer to send a quick email or message to someone. I've also used it to create a post here. The post only took about 5 - 10 minutes, since it was a copy & paste deal, but still.
I understand that she objects to playing on her time. I even admit that I was wrong to use her computer to play while I was supposed to be working. No problem. Believe me when I say it won't happen again.
The only thing that bothered me: I told her that usually when I used the store's computer for something personal I did it when I was taking a break to eat lunch. I am the only employee, so if she isn't there, I don't get to take an actual lunch break. I sit behind the counter and eat in between customers and phone calls. She told me that if I was taking a break I needed to deduct that time from my hours. My question is, how am I supposed to calculate that as a break when it is constantly interrupted by work? Honestly, some days it takes me 45 minutes to eat a sandwich because I stop so often to help someone. Other days, I end up throwing my lunch away because it sat so long uneaten that I no longer want it.
My solution at this point is that I won't use her computer for anything not work related and when I'm there by myself I'll continue working while eating. Or skip sitting down to eat anything. I guess I'll bring more snacks and just nibble through out the day.
At least she wasn't a raging asshole about the whole thing, like some people's bosses are. She's actually a pretty cool boss so it all evens out. I'll just have to squeeze my play-time here in between work and spending time with T.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Don't ask, don't tell
I have a few pet peeves. (Only a few??? Well, only a few I'll admit having, anyway.) One of them is the phrase "How you doing?"
When did "How you doing?" become an acceptable substitute for "May I help you?" I hate trying to figure out if the kid working the drive thru is ready to take my order or attempting to stall me while trying to figure out how to work the register. If I go ahead with my order, the kid asks me to repeat it. If I wait, I get a huffy sigh and "Go ahead with your order" in a snotty tone.
The other most common usage of "How you doing?" seems to be in response to "May I help you?" If someone walks in the bookstore, I usually say "Hi, is there something I can help you find?" Most common response is "How you doing?" AAAAGGGHHH! I hate it. I was taught that it was extremely rude to respond to a question with a question, unless clarification was needed. And I really don't think these people actually care about how I'm doing, they just seem to feel the need to speak without thinking.
I usually ignore the question when I'm having a bad day. Since I don't like to lie, giving a truthful answer isn't a good idea. If you don't care, don't ask. If I don't answer, move on. Don't repeat the question at increasing volume.
I'm not even going to comment on rules of grammar and how they apply.
The only time I ever ask someone how they are doing is when I actually care about the answer. In other words, I have to like you or be concerned about you to ask. The rest of the time, I don't ask because, frankly, my dear I don't give a damn.
When did "How you doing?" become an acceptable substitute for "May I help you?" I hate trying to figure out if the kid working the drive thru is ready to take my order or attempting to stall me while trying to figure out how to work the register. If I go ahead with my order, the kid asks me to repeat it. If I wait, I get a huffy sigh and "Go ahead with your order" in a snotty tone.
The other most common usage of "How you doing?" seems to be in response to "May I help you?" If someone walks in the bookstore, I usually say "Hi, is there something I can help you find?" Most common response is "How you doing?" AAAAGGGHHH! I hate it. I was taught that it was extremely rude to respond to a question with a question, unless clarification was needed. And I really don't think these people actually care about how I'm doing, they just seem to feel the need to speak without thinking.
I usually ignore the question when I'm having a bad day. Since I don't like to lie, giving a truthful answer isn't a good idea. If you don't care, don't ask. If I don't answer, move on. Don't repeat the question at increasing volume.
I'm not even going to comment on rules of grammar and how they apply.
The only time I ever ask someone how they are doing is when I actually care about the answer. In other words, I have to like you or be concerned about you to ask. The rest of the time, I don't ask because, frankly, my dear I don't give a damn.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Monday morning marathon (of silly tests)
Some of my friends over at PAN were busy this morning. By the time I checked, they had taken all of these tests and posted their results there. Since I'm late, I'll put all of my results here. (Truthfully, I'm once again being lazy!)
I think that was all of them. Thanks Rose, Glo, Wade and Amy for the giggles and grins.
BTW, I won't be bouncing around much for a while. T's surgery is the 31st, and Dad's is the 30th. I'm just a little stressed right now, worrying about both of them and trying to get things done before then.
| You Are Not Destined to Rule the World |
 You are destined for something else... Like inventing a new type of cupcake. You just don't have the stomach for brutality. But watch out - because many people do! |
| You're an Expert Kisser |
 You're a kissing pro, but it's all about quality and not quantity You've perfected your kissing technique and can knock anyone's socks off And you're adaptable, giving each partner what they crave When it comes down to it, your kisses are truly unforgettable |
| Your Linguistic Profile: |
 50% General American English 40% Dixie 5% Yankee 0% Midwestern 0% Upper Midwestern |
| You Are 60% Weird |
 You're so weird, you think you're *totally* normal. Right? But you wig out even the biggest of circus freaks! |
| In a Past Life... |
 You Were: A Charming Executor of Sacrifices. Where You Lived: Romania. How You Died: Hung for treason. |
| Your Personality is Very Rare (INFP) |
 Your personality type is dreamy, romantic, elegant, and expressive. Only about 5% of all people have your personality, including 6% of all women and 4% of all men You are Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving. |
| Your IQ Is 125 |
 Your Logical Intelligence is Below Average Your Verbal Intelligence is Genius Your Mathematical Intelligence is Genius Your General Knowledge is Exceptional |
I think that was all of them. Thanks Rose, Glo, Wade and Amy for the giggles and grins.
BTW, I won't be bouncing around much for a while. T's surgery is the 31st, and Dad's is the 30th. I'm just a little stressed right now, worrying about both of them and trying to get things done before then.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Escapism
Illusions
Once upon a time...
Hush! It's only a tale
and happily ever after
naught but an empty promise
Silver knights in
enchanted castles
fair maidens, a quest
a sword, a dragon
Nothing but dreams
to weave beside the fire
As we grow old
and forget the fantasies
of childhood.
I wish I could remember mine.
If you're interested in reading more of my poetry, click the poetry label under this post. There's also a list of labels further down the right side of the page. Also, because I'm not comfortable doing this anywhere but here in my own space, I'm including links to both of my submissions at Poetry.com.
Temptation (my first entry)
Elegy (which can be rated also, even though it's not eligible for the big contest)
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Something for Monday morning blahs
Remember when I said I like the funny tests you can find all over the internet? I liked these two so much I thought I'd share them.
These are my results and of course, the links to the test.
Which Princess Bride Character are You?
this quiz was made by mysti
And, this one I found out about from Anglo (thanks!), so I've already shared these results. I'm gonna stick it on here anyway, just for grins!
You are the good Samaritan of the lolcat world. Protecting others from danger by shouting observations and guidance in cases of imminent threat, you believe in the well-being of everyone.
These are my results and of course, the links to the test.
Which Princess Bride Character are You?
this quiz was made by mysti
And, this one I found out about from Anglo (thanks!), so I've already shared these results. I'm gonna stick it on here anyway, just for grins!
Your Score: Lion Warning Cat
72% Affectionate, 51% Excitable, 24% Hungry
You are the good Samaritan of the lolcat world. Protecting others from danger by shouting observations and guidance in cases of imminent threat, you believe in the well-being of everyone.Link: The Which Lolcat Are You? Test written by GumOtaku |
One last one
The 2-Variable Intuition Test - I ended up with a higher percentage in the emotional intuition (62) than in the scientific (55). I didn't include the whole results thing because it uses a HUGE font, even bigger than the lolcat test. I hate the screamingly big font, but I can't figure out how to change it. So it's just gonna stay like that. Yep, I'm lazy. What? I warned ya.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Adding to the list
Not that list. This list.
Contestant #1: The guy who called about dictionaries yesterday. He really needed one, but only if I could tell him the price, binding and print size on every dictionary in stock. Umm, no. I told him he needed to come in and look them over himself. He said he only wanted to come in if we had "good" dictionaries. According to him, the only way to be sure a dictionary was good one was to check for the word "juggernaut". If I would just read out each dictionaries' definition of juggernaut, he could decide whether or not he wanted to buy one. The upside? I now know the man's entire name, home phone number, phone number of the place he's staying and his entire schedule for three days. Yeah, I'm gonna get back to him any minute now.
Contestant #2: Another male customer. I don't know what's going on with the guys around here, but it seems like the dumb-ass convention is in town. Yesterday the weather was god-awful. Major thunderstorm, rain like waterfalls. This guy walks in, looks at me and says, "That's some rain. I guess it's gonna be a little wet today." Ya think??? (No, I didn't say it. I thought it, but my self-control held.)
Last, but not least -
Contestant #3: The little old lady who walked up and down and aisle for 20 minutes, muttering and sighing. Finally, she stops and yells at me, "I can't find the Murder, She Wrote books. Come show me where they are." When I walked back to help her, I found her on the sci-fi aisle, staring at the Star Trek books. BTW, the lady is a regular customer, she comes in at least once a week.
Contestant #1: The guy who called about dictionaries yesterday. He really needed one, but only if I could tell him the price, binding and print size on every dictionary in stock. Umm, no. I told him he needed to come in and look them over himself. He said he only wanted to come in if we had "good" dictionaries. According to him, the only way to be sure a dictionary was good one was to check for the word "juggernaut". If I would just read out each dictionaries' definition of juggernaut, he could decide whether or not he wanted to buy one. The upside? I now know the man's entire name, home phone number, phone number of the place he's staying and his entire schedule for three days. Yeah, I'm gonna get back to him any minute now.
Contestant #2: Another male customer. I don't know what's going on with the guys around here, but it seems like the dumb-ass convention is in town. Yesterday the weather was god-awful. Major thunderstorm, rain like waterfalls. This guy walks in, looks at me and says, "That's some rain. I guess it's gonna be a little wet today." Ya think??? (No, I didn't say it. I thought it, but my self-control held.)
Last, but not least -
Contestant #3: The little old lady who walked up and down and aisle for 20 minutes, muttering and sighing. Finally, she stops and yells at me, "I can't find the Murder, She Wrote books. Come show me where they are." When I walked back to help her, I found her on the sci-fi aisle, staring at the Star Trek books. BTW, the lady is a regular customer, she comes in at least once a week.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
New addiction
The first time I heard about Lolcats, my reaction was "Huh? What the hell?" Thanks to some buddies, I've now become addicted. It's gotten so bad, I made a few of my own today. Just cuz I could.
moar funny pictures
If you've ever watched Animaniacs, you know who I was thinking about. If not, go look it up.
I don't know why the whole picture doesn't show, but if you click it, it will.
moar funny pictures
If you've ever watched Animaniacs, you know who I was thinking about. If not, go look it up.
I don't know why the whole picture doesn't show, but if you click it, it will.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Does the first post of the year set the tone?
In my case, probably not. Unless you count random thoughts and silliness. Anyway, I'm semi-recovered from the holidays. Now if Boss Lady will just stay in town and come in to the store occasionally, I'd be just fine.
Since I haven't posted in 2 weeks, I've got all sorts of stuff whirling around in my head. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a way to work everything in under a single topic. Owls, T, presents, barbarians, and theft. Just for starters. Nope, I just can't see a way to do it. So, before somebody starts making wild stories up to cover all those, I'll go ahead and throw it at ya.
Theft isn't usually amusing, especially to someone in retail. We really, really hate shoplifters. And of course, the holidays are wonderful opportunities for the sticky-fingered. Boss Lady was pissed, steam coming out of her ears, when she realized someone had stolen a couple of hardback books the Saturday before New Year's. I just tried very hard not to laugh, since I didn't want Boss Lady to go off on me. But really, it struck me as funny. This woman stole Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Commentary and Halley's Bible Handbook. Somehow, I don't think reading religious material you stole will win you any points with Jeebus. "For it is written, vengeance is mine; I will repay saith the Lord." Hey, is that ozone I smell? Just kidding!
Presents are good. I love getting presents. My Christmas present from T came in early and since he's the impatient type, I got it a few days before Christmas. Which left me without a Christmas present to open on Christmas Eve. T decided that needed to be fixed, so this is what I found when I came home from work Dec. 24th:
Note to self: Don't let T play with the camera anymore.
Since I haven't posted in 2 weeks, I've got all sorts of stuff whirling around in my head. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a way to work everything in under a single topic. Owls, T, presents, barbarians, and theft. Just for starters. Nope, I just can't see a way to do it. So, before somebody starts making wild stories up to cover all those, I'll go ahead and throw it at ya.
Theft isn't usually amusing, especially to someone in retail. We really, really hate shoplifters. And of course, the holidays are wonderful opportunities for the sticky-fingered. Boss Lady was pissed, steam coming out of her ears, when she realized someone had stolen a couple of hardback books the Saturday before New Year's. I just tried very hard not to laugh, since I didn't want Boss Lady to go off on me. But really, it struck me as funny. This woman stole Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Commentary and Halley's Bible Handbook. Somehow, I don't think reading religious material you stole will win you any points with Jeebus. "For it is written, vengeance is mine; I will repay saith the Lord." Hey, is that ozone I smell? Just kidding!
Presents are good. I love getting presents. My Christmas present from T came in early and since he's the impatient type, I got it a few days before Christmas. Which left me without a Christmas present to open on Christmas Eve. T decided that needed to be fixed, so this is what I found when I came home from work Dec. 24th:
Note to self: Don't let T play with the camera anymore.Owls. Now where was I going with owls? Oh yeah, the owl incident. If you look back a bit, you'll see pics from my ride to work. Obviously, I'm out in the boonies. Coming home after dark on these back roads is always great fun. Deer, raccoons, opossums, rabbits and the other night an owl. It was late, I was going slow (for me anyway) and got the hell scared outta me. I came around a sharp curve, headed across a little bridge and thought a deer was about to run out of the bushes. Instead a HUGE frickin' owl swoops out of the trees on one side, down into the middle of the road and back up into the trees on the other side. My first thought: Oh shit, brakes!!! My second thought: What was THAT? A fucking pterodactyl? Boys and girls, real owls do not look like Big Mama from The Fox & The Hound! So, lesson learned, no more doing 75 m.p.h. at night on curvy little country roads.
Lastly, barbarians. I took the local members of the Horde their presents the day after Christmas. Everybody liked their books, even the mini-barbarian. Of course, little Genghis used his books to beat on the floor, his sister's head and any other handy surface. But, hey, what's a holiday without a minor concussion for your nearest and dearest? I wouldn't know how to handle it if we didn't have to take someone to the doctor every year.
That's little Genghis. Cute little monster, but of course I could be a wee bit biased. The arm belongs to his older brother, Porkchop. (And yeah, that's my voice, are ya happy now? You know who you are!) This vid may not stay up long, if I can figure out how to move the other one from the camera to the computer I intend to replace it. Enjoy it while it lasts.
OK, enough for me now. I'm tired and I have 5 more very long days to get through before Boss Lady gets back to town.
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