I think I mentioned before that my dad was diagnosed with cancer, and that I went home to be with my family and see him and my mom before he went. The cancer was spreading very fast through his body - the doctor, to his credit, was very blunt with my dad about what was going to happen, that he had to prepare himself to die.
My dad's getting ready to go now. He's been (depending on who you ask) hallucinating or seeing angels/spirits, as well as slipping between lucidity and old memories (like Korea.)
My sister and one of my brothers are down there, my other brother's heading down. My dad doesn't think he's going to survive the weekend.
In a way, I hope he doesn't. He's ready to go - he's even been asking why death is taking so long to get to him, and why he has to wait. I just want him to be at peace, to be able to rest, and for my mom and the rest of my family to be able to move on.
As odd as this next bit sounds, my dad deserves death. Not in a bad way - this is not "I hate my dad" or "justice," this is more a case of a wonderful man, loving husband and awesome dad who has lived a full life, done a great job raising his family, and has nothing left to regret, nothing left undone, and truly deserves his rest. If there's a heaven - even if the afterlife is just made up for each one of us - he deserves his place there.
I can't go down to see him - one cross country trip was hard enough to get done, we can't afford two - yet I don't need to. Everything was said over Thanksgiving. He knows I'm proud of him, that I love him, and he said the same to me. To all of us.
Yet I still have to say, once more - I love you, Dad. Thank you for not dying on Christmas. Just hold on for Craig to get there, so he can say goodbye as well - that's the only reason I have to hope you linger just a little longer. After that - as the poet said - may flights of angels speed you on your way. You can go, surrounded by the love of your family, by the satisfaction of knowing you raised us properly, by knowing you did make the world better.
When you go, go in peace and love.
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Saturday, December 25, 2004
So this is Christmas...
... and what have you done? (Name that tune...)
I called my folks - well, my mom, actually. She thought my dad, who has terminal cancer, died yesterday. False alarm. Says he's been hallucinating (seeing angels, among other things.) I actually called yesterday when I found out about all this, but it was 7:30 my time, so it was late late there (for them, at least - 10:30.)
Me, I'm not upset about this. I understand her being upset, and having nearly lost my wife before, I can understand - but dad's had a good life, raised us right, and has no regrets. I'd rather see him go now, than sit in a nursing home 10 years from now waiting to die.
Still, I think (as does my wife) that he's deliberately holding on 'til after Christmas. Heck of a present, that. He's calmer now, as is my mom. The calls seem to be helping.
Other than that, not much going on. Don't get to go down and visit my wife this weekend, as I have today off. Period. Oh well, there's always next weekend - when I have an *actual* weekend.
Last few, holiday-related thoughts -
1. Do reindeer fly - Yes, for kids, as long as they believe they do.
2. Should an adult believe in Santa Claus - Yep. Not as a person, perhaps, but the thought and spirit of giving and of cheer that we've tended to personify in ol' Nick there is worth keeping alive - year round, in fact. Besides, it's part of the fun of Christmas ("Yep, Santa must have brought you that headband with reindeer antlers. I'd never do such a thing.")
3. How about kids? Perpetuate the myth? Damn right. Use him to teach giving - not "behave for a reward." We're talking Santa, not Pavlov.
Didn't get much this year, but I don't care. I enjoyed what I got, and got to go nuts buying gifts for people, which *is* the thrill for me (seeing their reactions and seeing them enjoy the gifts.) It's also why I hate forgetting birthdays. Yeah, sure, I go overboard (Inuyasha, season 1, $75?) but the money doesn't matter if the person really likes it. Not that I'm rich... but that doesn't matter either.
Merry Christmas, happy Yule, happy holidays everyone.
I called my folks - well, my mom, actually. She thought my dad, who has terminal cancer, died yesterday. False alarm. Says he's been hallucinating (seeing angels, among other things.) I actually called yesterday when I found out about all this, but it was 7:30 my time, so it was late late there (for them, at least - 10:30.)
Me, I'm not upset about this. I understand her being upset, and having nearly lost my wife before, I can understand - but dad's had a good life, raised us right, and has no regrets. I'd rather see him go now, than sit in a nursing home 10 years from now waiting to die.
Still, I think (as does my wife) that he's deliberately holding on 'til after Christmas. Heck of a present, that. He's calmer now, as is my mom. The calls seem to be helping.
Other than that, not much going on. Don't get to go down and visit my wife this weekend, as I have today off. Period. Oh well, there's always next weekend - when I have an *actual* weekend.
Last few, holiday-related thoughts -
1. Do reindeer fly - Yes, for kids, as long as they believe they do.
2. Should an adult believe in Santa Claus - Yep. Not as a person, perhaps, but the thought and spirit of giving and of cheer that we've tended to personify in ol' Nick there is worth keeping alive - year round, in fact. Besides, it's part of the fun of Christmas ("Yep, Santa must have brought you that headband with reindeer antlers. I'd never do such a thing.")
3. How about kids? Perpetuate the myth? Damn right. Use him to teach giving - not "behave for a reward." We're talking Santa, not Pavlov.
Didn't get much this year, but I don't care. I enjoyed what I got, and got to go nuts buying gifts for people, which *is* the thrill for me (seeing their reactions and seeing them enjoy the gifts.) It's also why I hate forgetting birthdays. Yeah, sure, I go overboard (Inuyasha, season 1, $75?) but the money doesn't matter if the person really likes it. Not that I'm rich... but that doesn't matter either.
Merry Christmas, happy Yule, happy holidays everyone.
Monday, December 20, 2004
Said I'd update this more often.
Yep, that I did.
So here's an update.
OK, sure, there has to be more than that - I suppose. But when your news consists of "My bedroom is hosed because I'm cleaning out the closet" (true) how much excitement can you expect?
Frankly, blogging seems to require a bit of vanity I just don't have, the bit that says YES, people want to read about your life. Yet I'm doing it anyway.
Work today - meh. Slow. Quiet. Just fine. If only people named shibiyabosha mahatmanana would speak more slowly and/or get their phones fixed before calling. And actually realize that we poor ol' Americans, used to names like Joe and Tim, actually need them to *spell* their names....
So here's an update.
OK, sure, there has to be more than that - I suppose. But when your news consists of "My bedroom is hosed because I'm cleaning out the closet" (true) how much excitement can you expect?
Frankly, blogging seems to require a bit of vanity I just don't have, the bit that says YES, people want to read about your life. Yet I'm doing it anyway.
Work today - meh. Slow. Quiet. Just fine. If only people named shibiyabosha mahatmanana would speak more slowly and/or get their phones fixed before calling. And actually realize that we poor ol' Americans, used to names like Joe and Tim, actually need them to *spell* their names....
Sunday, December 19, 2004
Pictures and memories
Well, I started cleaning out my closet today. Lots of boxes and, frankly, lots of crap. Among the crap, though, were some pictures. Actually, quite a few pictures.
Some from high school, including my parents at the house w/me in my graduation cap and gown. Cool. Instant scanning material - that and the prom pic of me and Gidget, which - though I have another one scanned, is in better shape - having been on the keychain picture holder thing from Prom as well.
Some from a bit later, too - my first visit to Oregon to see Leah, us getting married in Florida, her trying out a friend's wedding dress (which she never got to wear - something I regret, as she's quite beautiful in it) and one or two from our apartment in Florida.
From the days when she was healthy. Maybe not wealthy - we haven't gotten there yet - and we're sure wiser now than we were then, only six years ago. In any case, three things came to mind looking at these:
1. My family has a problem with getting their fingers in front of camera lenses. It's not just me. And I'm better at NOT doing it now.
2. I really, really love my wife. And miss her.
3. I also miss having hair.
Some from high school, including my parents at the house w/me in my graduation cap and gown. Cool. Instant scanning material - that and the prom pic of me and Gidget, which - though I have another one scanned, is in better shape - having been on the keychain picture holder thing from Prom as well.
Some from a bit later, too - my first visit to Oregon to see Leah, us getting married in Florida, her trying out a friend's wedding dress (which she never got to wear - something I regret, as she's quite beautiful in it) and one or two from our apartment in Florida.
From the days when she was healthy. Maybe not wealthy - we haven't gotten there yet - and we're sure wiser now than we were then, only six years ago. In any case, three things came to mind looking at these:
1. My family has a problem with getting their fingers in front of camera lenses. It's not just me. And I'm better at NOT doing it now.
2. I really, really love my wife. And miss her.
3. I also miss having hair.
Been a while.
Wow. It's been a while since I've put anything down here.
I've been working in technical support for Supra (not the modem/video card/etc company, a different one.) and realize, once more, that I really do NOT like my job. I have to figure out what I want to do and get to doing it already.
So, this is a bit of self evaluation, I suppose.
What DO I like about the job:
- Internet access. Plenty to read on archaeology, space, etc.
- Some of the people I work with.
- Getting paid.
Yeah, that's about it.
What don't I like:
- Dealing with people calling in for support who either refuse to listen, argue, or shouldn't have anything more technologically advanced than an Etch-a-sketch.
- The constantly shifting schedule (yep, late again Saturday. Why? 7:30 start time all week... except Saturday, which was set to 6:30. Next week, 5:30. Shifting schedules suck.)(
- Lack of anywhere to advance to. Yeah, become a lead. Woohoo. I don't have the training for engineering, don't want to move to manufacturing (physical labor for less money,) and suck at sales.
- The WHINING of people who (a) want us to do things we can't do (no, I *can't* reactivate your account, you owe your association money,) (b) think taking three seconds to plug in their device so it charges and updates isUNFAAAAAAIR and they shouldnt' HAVE to do that - even though they're talking on a cell, which ALSO needs charging, and they make more money with one sale than I do all FUCKING MONTH...
I don't want to work with people. OR talk with people. People, in general, suck.
So, what would I like to do?
- Work at home. Screw the commute.
- Research. I love to read, dig into things, do beta testing, that sort of thing.
- Beta test. Let me try to break things. I've beta tested software before....
- Write. Yeah, I've thought about this. Though it'd probably be a computer (ish) book.
- Work with hardware. Put together PCs. Install home networks (though that'd involve dealing with people.)
- Be able to get out and go drive around as desired or needed.
- Be able to be with my wife. Gee, work = not being home = can't take care of wife who needs it.
I guess that's a career of "Win the lottery and hang out at home."
What's holding me back?
- Money. I have none to live off of while starting a home business (doing *what?*)
- Education. I have experience - in tech support. I can make basic web pages (having done so for commission once, I don't want to do that for a living.) I have an A+ and a degree (associates) in Drafting. Ooh. That and $2 will get me some coffee. Which, by the way, I rarely drink.
- Weight. I've had too many fucking sit down jobs, and not enough exercise. I'm actually too *heavy* to work for the cable company as an installer (for instance.) Working on thsi anyway, as I used to walk every day, ride a bike, etc. and frankly I miss it. Stopping "nibbling" and *seriously* cutting back on soda and junk food is about what I've done so far, though...think I've been to McDonalds twice in the last month, which is an improvement. I need to be able to get out more. I could lose half of me and be perfectly healthy.
And of course, what do I not want to do:
- Support / customer service. It sucks.
- Sales. I suck at sales. Tried it. I suck.
- Labor. No thanks. Did that a decade ago. Too much work and pain for not enough pay.
- Talk to people. Seriously.
So, that's what I have to work with.... now I just have to figure out what to do with it.
I've been working in technical support for Supra (not the modem/video card/etc company, a different one.) and realize, once more, that I really do NOT like my job. I have to figure out what I want to do and get to doing it already.
So, this is a bit of self evaluation, I suppose.
What DO I like about the job:
- Internet access. Plenty to read on archaeology, space, etc.
- Some of the people I work with.
- Getting paid.
Yeah, that's about it.
What don't I like:
- Dealing with people calling in for support who either refuse to listen, argue, or shouldn't have anything more technologically advanced than an Etch-a-sketch.
- The constantly shifting schedule (yep, late again Saturday. Why? 7:30 start time all week... except Saturday, which was set to 6:30. Next week, 5:30. Shifting schedules suck.)(
- Lack of anywhere to advance to. Yeah, become a lead. Woohoo. I don't have the training for engineering, don't want to move to manufacturing (physical labor for less money,) and suck at sales.
- The WHINING of people who (a) want us to do things we can't do (no, I *can't* reactivate your account, you owe your association money,) (b) think taking three seconds to plug in their device so it charges and updates is
I don't want to work with people. OR talk with people. People, in general, suck.
So, what would I like to do?
- Work at home. Screw the commute.
- Research. I love to read, dig into things, do beta testing, that sort of thing.
- Beta test. Let me try to break things. I've beta tested software before....
- Write. Yeah, I've thought about this. Though it'd probably be a computer (ish) book.
- Work with hardware. Put together PCs. Install home networks (though that'd involve dealing with people.)
- Be able to get out and go drive around as desired or needed.
- Be able to be with my wife. Gee, work = not being home = can't take care of wife who needs it.
I guess that's a career of "Win the lottery and hang out at home."
What's holding me back?
- Money. I have none to live off of while starting a home business (doing *what?*)
- Education. I have experience - in tech support. I can make basic web pages (having done so for commission once, I don't want to do that for a living.) I have an A+ and a degree (associates) in Drafting. Ooh. That and $2 will get me some coffee. Which, by the way, I rarely drink.
- Weight. I've had too many fucking sit down jobs, and not enough exercise. I'm actually too *heavy* to work for the cable company as an installer (for instance.) Working on thsi anyway, as I used to walk every day, ride a bike, etc. and frankly I miss it. Stopping "nibbling" and *seriously* cutting back on soda and junk food is about what I've done so far, though...think I've been to McDonalds twice in the last month, which is an improvement. I need to be able to get out more. I could lose half of me and be perfectly healthy.
And of course, what do I not want to do:
- Support / customer service. It sucks.
- Sales. I suck at sales. Tried it. I suck.
- Labor. No thanks. Did that a decade ago. Too much work and pain for not enough pay.
- Talk to people. Seriously.
So, that's what I have to work with.... now I just have to figure out what to do with it.
Sunday, July 04, 2004
Well.
The last time all of my (local-ish) friends got together, I got an interesting comment.
I was complaining about this kid on one of the boards I frequent who, quite frankly, annoyed the hell out of me. I finally managed (with support - silent though it was - of the others on the board) to drive the idiot away. Yes, he *was* an idiot, completely and utterly devoid of awareness, logical thought, or comprehension.
Anyway, I don't usually swear... unless the situation fits. F'rinstance, describing the conversation I'd had with this nutwad. Essentially, "What the f*ck are you talking about? Was your head shoved so far up your ass it popped back out the top?" type comments.
I was getting this strange look from the lady I was telling this to. Her comment? "Wow... it's just that you're normally such a gentleman, I *never* hear you swear..."
Apparently I'm overly polite. :)
But what, exactly, *is* a gentleman? In your teen years, I guess you can find them easily - look for the guy the girls think is "so nice and sweet" yet never seems to get a date... I'm notably *past* those teen years, having been out of high school for nearly a decade and a half. So what does that mean now?
I don't think I'm a doormat, though that's what some people would want. I stand up for friends - and correct them gently if they're wrong. I try to treat others with respect, unless they've proven several times they don't deserve it... at which point I ignore them, unless they prove they can't leave it go at *that* (like the guy on the forum.) I try to give them the benefit of the doubt, and don't push my way into peoples lives...
But what among all that makes me a "gentleman?" What among the things I didn't list? Or does it vary from person to person?
Final, unrelated note... Went to safeway (grocery store, most places seem to have them around the country.) Being (at the time) July 3rd, they were busy playing patriotic music... when I walked in, it was "Anchors Aweigh."
Couldn't help but wonder when the store was setting sail.
I was complaining about this kid on one of the boards I frequent who, quite frankly, annoyed the hell out of me. I finally managed (with support - silent though it was - of the others on the board) to drive the idiot away. Yes, he *was* an idiot, completely and utterly devoid of awareness, logical thought, or comprehension.
Anyway, I don't usually swear... unless the situation fits. F'rinstance, describing the conversation I'd had with this nutwad. Essentially, "What the f*ck are you talking about? Was your head shoved so far up your ass it popped back out the top?" type comments.
I was getting this strange look from the lady I was telling this to. Her comment? "Wow... it's just that you're normally such a gentleman, I *never* hear you swear..."
Apparently I'm overly polite. :)
But what, exactly, *is* a gentleman? In your teen years, I guess you can find them easily - look for the guy the girls think is "so nice and sweet" yet never seems to get a date... I'm notably *past* those teen years, having been out of high school for nearly a decade and a half. So what does that mean now?
I don't think I'm a doormat, though that's what some people would want. I stand up for friends - and correct them gently if they're wrong. I try to treat others with respect, unless they've proven several times they don't deserve it... at which point I ignore them, unless they prove they can't leave it go at *that* (like the guy on the forum.) I try to give them the benefit of the doubt, and don't push my way into peoples lives...
But what among all that makes me a "gentleman?" What among the things I didn't list? Or does it vary from person to person?
Final, unrelated note... Went to safeway (grocery store, most places seem to have them around the country.) Being (at the time) July 3rd, they were busy playing patriotic music... when I walked in, it was "Anchors Aweigh."
Couldn't help but wonder when the store was setting sail.
Sunday, June 27, 2004
Friends part deux
Well, well.
I called Julie. Actually, I called her parents first - surprisingly, her mom remembered me. How, I don't know - she wasn't annoyed, so I guess I wasn't a nuisence in high school :) though she only met me "in person" once.
Got her phone number, anyway, and talked with her. You know, it *still* surprises me at times how happy Julie seems to be to talk to me. Yet, honestly, she's one of the anchors in my life, has been from time to time. I think I can honestly say I'd be a different person had we not been friends. Vastly different.
Anyway, she's got a kid now. You would not believe how happy that makes me! And it's not my kid, no (otherwise, *damn* I'm good, given I haven't seen her in person for years and we've never had *that* kind of relationship!) It sounds corny - even did when I said it to her - but I'm glad to know there's a "little Julie" growing up for the next generation. If she's anything like her mom, someone's going to make a difference in the world. Maybe not newsmaking, earth-shattering - but she'll be there for someone, and that alone may just save someone's life.
Yeah, I admit that, Jules *just being honest and a friend,* as good of one as she was, kept me turned away from that deep of a depression on occasion in high school. Her having a daughter means the world *will* be just that much brighter a little longer.
Am I gushing? Maybe. But it's true, IMHO. Hell, I'd go so far to say that bin Laden and his ilk do their damndest to inspire fear and hate - yet the Julies of the world quietly go about making it brighter despite those like him. He's lost already.
I know, I'm gushing all over about Julie, while I'm married - nothing against my wife, obviously! I love her dearly. But I've been friends with Julie longer than I've known Leah was alive - hell, longer than I'd really cared one way or another where Oregon was. Just the way it goes. I've known her over half my life.
Thanks, Jules. You really *have* made life more than bearable.
I called Julie. Actually, I called her parents first - surprisingly, her mom remembered me. How, I don't know - she wasn't annoyed, so I guess I wasn't a nuisence in high school :) though she only met me "in person" once.
Got her phone number, anyway, and talked with her. You know, it *still* surprises me at times how happy Julie seems to be to talk to me. Yet, honestly, she's one of the anchors in my life, has been from time to time. I think I can honestly say I'd be a different person had we not been friends. Vastly different.
Anyway, she's got a kid now. You would not believe how happy that makes me! And it's not my kid, no (otherwise, *damn* I'm good, given I haven't seen her in person for years and we've never had *that* kind of relationship!) It sounds corny - even did when I said it to her - but I'm glad to know there's a "little Julie" growing up for the next generation. If she's anything like her mom, someone's going to make a difference in the world. Maybe not newsmaking, earth-shattering - but she'll be there for someone, and that alone may just save someone's life.
Yeah, I admit that, Jules *just being honest and a friend,* as good of one as she was, kept me turned away from that deep of a depression on occasion in high school. Her having a daughter means the world *will* be just that much brighter a little longer.
Am I gushing? Maybe. But it's true, IMHO. Hell, I'd go so far to say that bin Laden and his ilk do their damndest to inspire fear and hate - yet the Julies of the world quietly go about making it brighter despite those like him. He's lost already.
I know, I'm gushing all over about Julie, while I'm married - nothing against my wife, obviously! I love her dearly. But I've been friends with Julie longer than I've known Leah was alive - hell, longer than I'd really cared one way or another where Oregon was. Just the way it goes. I've known her over half my life.
Thanks, Jules. You really *have* made life more than bearable.
Saturday, June 05, 2004
Old friends
One of the things that's been coming up more and more in my thoughts is how much I miss my old friends.
OK, I wasn't the most popular guy in high school. (Wasn't the least either, but...) I had a few people I considered very good friends, who I'd trust with... pretty much anything. I haven't seen most of them in at least a decade.
Erik Kinservik - incredible drummer, hyperintelligent... what more can I say other than he really *was* a great friend. He would be able to give you reasonable opinions - and wasn't afraid to tell you "Man, you're an idiot." Of course, other times (*cough*gidgetbreakup*cough*) he knew he had to let you ramble a bit... He had the people skills, he seemed to be able to learn anything he wanted to. Last I read (finding his resume online was a surprise) - he had been doing engineering, some management, nothing surprising...
Julie Brost... Yes, I know... the person (gorgeous and smart, what a combo) who put up with me and a seeming constant crush through high school. Yet you were still a friend. One of the best things you ever told me was, as far as people talking about me hanging around you, "I don't care what they think." Outside of wanting to fall to the ground and worship you at that point, I never knew what to make of it - except that you were a very special woman. Last we'd talked - when I was in WI, as I recall - you'd gotten married (lucky guy) to Kelly ("Yes, it's a guy, I haven't changed that much!") and were buying a house. I can only keep hoping life has been, is, and will be wonderful - if anyone ever deserves it, it's you...
Troy Hughes - man, where are you? The world needs that cockeyed grin and "what the hell" attitude.
John Wiley - OK, you moved away before high school. Last I heard, you were in the Navy, heading for Japan. I knew ya since Kindergarten... what ever happened to you, oh master troublemaker?
Diana - Gorgeous smile, sparkling personality and - not surprisingly, given the company on this blog entry - intelligent... now dealing with the same thing my wife is, the ravages of Multiple Sclerosis. If anyone *didn't* deserve that, it's you... another person who didn't mind if I hung around on occasion. Didn't do enough of it, though...
Geni Nemeth - yeah, I should have made sure that one lady heard me say I'd pay for your movie ticket. Someone else I regret never dating... if you would have gone along with it. Still... just like everyone else in this list, it seems, smart and beautiful.
How'd I end up around these folks? I couldn't tell ya. But they put up with me - welcomed me, accepted me as a friend... and you all still hold a dear place in my heart.
I miss you all.
OK, I wasn't the most popular guy in high school. (Wasn't the least either, but...) I had a few people I considered very good friends, who I'd trust with... pretty much anything. I haven't seen most of them in at least a decade.
Erik Kinservik - incredible drummer, hyperintelligent... what more can I say other than he really *was* a great friend. He would be able to give you reasonable opinions - and wasn't afraid to tell you "Man, you're an idiot." Of course, other times (*cough*gidgetbreakup*cough*) he knew he had to let you ramble a bit... He had the people skills, he seemed to be able to learn anything he wanted to. Last I read (finding his resume online was a surprise) - he had been doing engineering, some management, nothing surprising...
Julie Brost... Yes, I know... the person (gorgeous and smart, what a combo) who put up with me and a seeming constant crush through high school. Yet you were still a friend. One of the best things you ever told me was, as far as people talking about me hanging around you, "I don't care what they think." Outside of wanting to fall to the ground and worship you at that point, I never knew what to make of it - except that you were a very special woman. Last we'd talked - when I was in WI, as I recall - you'd gotten married (lucky guy) to Kelly ("Yes, it's a guy, I haven't changed that much!") and were buying a house. I can only keep hoping life has been, is, and will be wonderful - if anyone ever deserves it, it's you...
Troy Hughes - man, where are you? The world needs that cockeyed grin and "what the hell" attitude.
John Wiley - OK, you moved away before high school. Last I heard, you were in the Navy, heading for Japan. I knew ya since Kindergarten... what ever happened to you, oh master troublemaker?
Diana - Gorgeous smile, sparkling personality and - not surprisingly, given the company on this blog entry - intelligent... now dealing with the same thing my wife is, the ravages of Multiple Sclerosis. If anyone *didn't* deserve that, it's you... another person who didn't mind if I hung around on occasion. Didn't do enough of it, though...
Geni Nemeth - yeah, I should have made sure that one lady heard me say I'd pay for your movie ticket. Someone else I regret never dating... if you would have gone along with it. Still... just like everyone else in this list, it seems, smart and beautiful.
How'd I end up around these folks? I couldn't tell ya. But they put up with me - welcomed me, accepted me as a friend... and you all still hold a dear place in my heart.
I miss you all.
Thursday, June 03, 2004
Life?
I love my wife.
No, there's no surprise or qualifier there. I love my wife.
I do wonder what's going to happen to me, and to us, though. We've got more going on than usual - she's got MS, I'm in debt (partially because of trying to care for her) - I don't see retirement in 35 years, I no longer have a plan for my life... which is fine, I suppose. It's been thrown off so much...
I can't plan, though. I have friends out here on the west coast now - some of whom I'm staying with, because my wife and I have to be seperated so she can be cared for. Nothing bad, just government, bureaucratic bullshit. Me, I'd like to be back home in Wisconsin, seeing friends I've not seen in far too many years, with my own business... though I think I'd be single - alone is a much more fitting word in this case - if that's where I was.
I hate being torn. I hate the uncertainty my life has now, and will have for many years (short of winning the lottery.) The career I thought I'd have is gone. I couldn't draft my way out of a paper bag at the moment - and I am really getting sick of tech support. I worked on a website for a friend - I do NOT want to do that for a living.
So what DO I want to do? It's something I've been having to ask myself a few times over the last few years. I don't want to get stuck in the no-future, no-guarantee tech support world, where your job can be shipped to India right out from under you and you deal with thoroughly unappreciative, demanding people...
So, I have to reassess myself. I *would* like to have my own business, frankly. Yes, the taxes would be a pain in the ass, and I doubt I'd become a millionaire, but... I wouldn't mind.
I just don't know where to start.
Or how my wife, or the rest of my life, would fit in with this. Will I lose it again when my wife's condition (MS) gets worse? Will I be able to deal with it when she dies? Will I be able to deal with it when she *doesn't* die, but needs care even more than she does now?
I really don't know...
I hate not knowing. OK, nobody knows the future, but I hate not being able to say "Well, we can be reasonably sure things will go this way, with one or two major bumps possible in the next 5 years."
I don't know where I'll *be* in 5 years. I don't know if I'll be married, if Leah will be with me, what shape she'll be in...
How do I deal with this?
No, there's no surprise or qualifier there. I love my wife.
I do wonder what's going to happen to me, and to us, though. We've got more going on than usual - she's got MS, I'm in debt (partially because of trying to care for her) - I don't see retirement in 35 years, I no longer have a plan for my life... which is fine, I suppose. It's been thrown off so much...
I can't plan, though. I have friends out here on the west coast now - some of whom I'm staying with, because my wife and I have to be seperated so she can be cared for. Nothing bad, just government, bureaucratic bullshit. Me, I'd like to be back home in Wisconsin, seeing friends I've not seen in far too many years, with my own business... though I think I'd be single - alone is a much more fitting word in this case - if that's where I was.
I hate being torn. I hate the uncertainty my life has now, and will have for many years (short of winning the lottery.) The career I thought I'd have is gone. I couldn't draft my way out of a paper bag at the moment - and I am really getting sick of tech support. I worked on a website for a friend - I do NOT want to do that for a living.
So what DO I want to do? It's something I've been having to ask myself a few times over the last few years. I don't want to get stuck in the no-future, no-guarantee tech support world, where your job can be shipped to India right out from under you and you deal with thoroughly unappreciative, demanding people...
So, I have to reassess myself. I *would* like to have my own business, frankly. Yes, the taxes would be a pain in the ass, and I doubt I'd become a millionaire, but... I wouldn't mind.
I just don't know where to start.
Or how my wife, or the rest of my life, would fit in with this. Will I lose it again when my wife's condition (MS) gets worse? Will I be able to deal with it when she dies? Will I be able to deal with it when she *doesn't* die, but needs care even more than she does now?
I really don't know...
I hate not knowing. OK, nobody knows the future, but I hate not being able to say "Well, we can be reasonably sure things will go this way, with one or two major bumps possible in the next 5 years."
I don't know where I'll *be* in 5 years. I don't know if I'll be married, if Leah will be with me, what shape she'll be in...
How do I deal with this?
Wednesday, May 26, 2004
Election thoughts
OK, if this worked, I'll have commenting available now.
Yay.
George W. Bush has made me a Democrat. Which is surprising. I'm voting for Kerry this coming election to get him out of office... this, from someone who thought the Reagan years were great, Carter was a dip, and Clinton was an embarrasment because he couldn't keep it in his pants.
Yes, the major reason is to get Bush out of office. How long will it be before we have the world's respect (instead of fear) again?
When we're attacked next (face it, it'll happen - but if it happens close to election time, there'll be so many conspiracy theorists saying Bush wanted it to happen to try to stay in office.....) Where was I... yeah. When we're attacked next, we won't have the global sympathy we had after 9/11. I'd put money down what you'll hear is "Well, it's too bad all the civilians died, but they brought it on themselves with Iraq." No, this is not condoning such actions... but my thought on what we'll see, thanks to the nutjob in office.
Preemption is not a good policy.
Lying to attack someone who attacked your father is not good policy.
Destabilizing regions on pretense is not good policy.
Keeping Bush and his cronies in office... is not good policy.
Yay.
George W. Bush has made me a Democrat. Which is surprising. I'm voting for Kerry this coming election to get him out of office... this, from someone who thought the Reagan years were great, Carter was a dip, and Clinton was an embarrasment because he couldn't keep it in his pants.
Yes, the major reason is to get Bush out of office. How long will it be before we have the world's respect (instead of fear) again?
When we're attacked next (face it, it'll happen - but if it happens close to election time, there'll be so many conspiracy theorists saying Bush wanted it to happen to try to stay in office.....) Where was I... yeah. When we're attacked next, we won't have the global sympathy we had after 9/11. I'd put money down what you'll hear is "Well, it's too bad all the civilians died, but they brought it on themselves with Iraq." No, this is not condoning such actions... but my thought on what we'll see, thanks to the nutjob in office.
Preemption is not a good policy.
Lying to attack someone who attacked your father is not good policy.
Destabilizing regions on pretense is not good policy.
Keeping Bush and his cronies in office... is not good policy.
I really have to write more often. I hate to neglect this, yet what do I say?
No, I don't have much of a life. Searching for work again, trying to deal with $2.25/gallon gas prices (which precludes driving into Portland - $5, one way, in gas, three round trips a week...) rather precludes this.
Of course, there's stuff I do on the side - I'm working on a website for a friend, working on my wife's website, that sort of thing. Having worked on this friend's website, I *don't* think this is what I want to do for a living. I've even neglected my own sites...
In any case. I'm here, haven't forgotten this (for the, what, two people a month who read it.) More as thoughts come.
No, I don't have much of a life. Searching for work again, trying to deal with $2.25/gallon gas prices (which precludes driving into Portland - $5, one way, in gas, three round trips a week...) rather precludes this.
Of course, there's stuff I do on the side - I'm working on a website for a friend, working on my wife's website, that sort of thing. Having worked on this friend's website, I *don't* think this is what I want to do for a living. I've even neglected my own sites...
In any case. I'm here, haven't forgotten this (for the, what, two people a month who read it.) More as thoughts come.
Thursday, May 13, 2004
Thursday, April 08, 2004
There are times I think I'm losing myself, losing my past.
It's an odd way to feel, after the way today went (tax return came in, paid insurance, got two calls about jobs, one of which I go in to fill paperwork out for tomorrow.) Yet... I don't know, I just feel lost.
In another year, I'll have been out of high school for 15 years. And what have I done since then... not much.
I miss my friends from high school. I'm 2000+ miles away from most of them - Julie, Genevieve and Erik most of all. I actually miss Gidget, too. They've all been on my mind for some reason. I'd love to find something - anything - a picture or something, more recent than what's in my old yearbooks.
I need my past back. I don't know if this is what most folks would consider a "midlife crisis" - I hope not, or I'll have a short life. I don't like where my life is going. The only things I've done right are... well, married a wonderful woman, and tried to help out people. Credit sucks, money's gone, but..
Maybe working will get my mind off of it. Not to mention make me *able* to get my own place, visit friends and family... you know the drill...
I don't know if I'm depressed, nervous about tomorrow, longing for high school (when things were much, much simpler...) I just don't know.
I miss my wife.
I miss my old friends. Nothing wrong with my new ones - good people, all 'round - but I miss my friends from high school.
Hell, I miss Wisconsin.
What's odd is the person I've "talked" to (well, came across in email) most recently is Gidget, and that was while I was in WI. We broke up badly... very badly. And I'd carreid a lot of... well, some guilt, since I didn't know how to handle it, but a lot of other baggage. And emailing her - actually to say "I'm sorry I kind of flipped out - I wish I hadn't, since I lost a good friendship because of it" helped tremendously. Perhaps on both sides, I don't know.
I carry stuff way too long.
*sigh*
It's an odd way to feel, after the way today went (tax return came in, paid insurance, got two calls about jobs, one of which I go in to fill paperwork out for tomorrow.) Yet... I don't know, I just feel lost.
In another year, I'll have been out of high school for 15 years. And what have I done since then... not much.
I miss my friends from high school. I'm 2000+ miles away from most of them - Julie, Genevieve and Erik most of all. I actually miss Gidget, too. They've all been on my mind for some reason. I'd love to find something - anything - a picture or something, more recent than what's in my old yearbooks.
I need my past back. I don't know if this is what most folks would consider a "midlife crisis" - I hope not, or I'll have a short life. I don't like where my life is going. The only things I've done right are... well, married a wonderful woman, and tried to help out people. Credit sucks, money's gone, but..
Maybe working will get my mind off of it. Not to mention make me *able* to get my own place, visit friends and family... you know the drill...
I don't know if I'm depressed, nervous about tomorrow, longing for high school (when things were much, much simpler...) I just don't know.
I miss my wife.
I miss my old friends. Nothing wrong with my new ones - good people, all 'round - but I miss my friends from high school.
Hell, I miss Wisconsin.
What's odd is the person I've "talked" to (well, came across in email) most recently is Gidget, and that was while I was in WI. We broke up badly... very badly. And I'd carreid a lot of... well, some guilt, since I didn't know how to handle it, but a lot of other baggage. And emailing her - actually to say "I'm sorry I kind of flipped out - I wish I hadn't, since I lost a good friendship because of it" helped tremendously. Perhaps on both sides, I don't know.
I carry stuff way too long.
*sigh*
Monday, April 05, 2004
Well, it's been a month and change since my last entry. Since then:
-I've lost my job
-I'm broke
-I've had "JFY Shopping Mart" try to take money from my bank account (given that I've never heard of them, and never wrote a check or made a purchase in that timeframe, it was a fake... I've got a cool bank that took care of it very fast.)
- I've had friends get me into Magic: The Gathering (which I'm OK at, but suck at building decks.)
- I've updated my *other* website, http://airmodeller.tripod.com, with a cleaner look, an updated and one new article - no, I don't get much model building done these days. Hate what Tripod does to the site, though - it looks MUCH cleaner without the "mandatory" ad up top.
- I've sold my G3 (with much sadness, but I needed the cash.)
Ah well. The job search takes more time anyway. Interesting things come up online... even QA jobs where you essentially try to break stuff, and tell folks how ti broke. I like beta testing. Must be why this system runs Windows.
Next, to cancel an appointment for the dentist, which *sucks.* Really need the work done, but no insurance and no money aren't pluses when it comes to medical or dental needs...
-I've lost my job
-I'm broke
-I've had "JFY Shopping Mart" try to take money from my bank account (given that I've never heard of them, and never wrote a check or made a purchase in that timeframe, it was a fake... I've got a cool bank that took care of it very fast.)
- I've had friends get me into Magic: The Gathering (which I'm OK at, but suck at building decks.)
- I've updated my *other* website, http://airmodeller.tripod.com, with a cleaner look, an updated and one new article - no, I don't get much model building done these days. Hate what Tripod does to the site, though - it looks MUCH cleaner without the "mandatory" ad up top.
- I've sold my G3 (with much sadness, but I needed the cash.)
Ah well. The job search takes more time anyway. Interesting things come up online... even QA jobs where you essentially try to break stuff, and tell folks how ti broke. I like beta testing. Must be why this system runs Windows.
Next, to cancel an appointment for the dentist, which *sucks.* Really need the work done, but no insurance and no money aren't pluses when it comes to medical or dental needs...
Thursday, February 26, 2004
.
Here's an idea. There are times we don't need *military* force, but sending in "forces" that might be more acceptible would be a good idea.
How about a police force - each nation has control over its own police force, but multiple nations have their police trained similarly in international, common criminal and human rights laws. This would *not* be controlled by the UN. Yet, in a situation such as in Haiti, we wouldn't have to consider sending an already-overextended military there. The military's trained to fight. That's not what's needed.
Using Haiti as an example, we, Canada, France, and some of the Carribean nations could for the (en vogue since the 1990s) coalition to send a police force to Haiti. This could not be seen as an invasion or overthrow attempt, just a temporary force to maintain order. No one nation would have to carry the burden - the forces would be proportionate to each nation's ability and interest.
For something like Iraq, this police force would have followed the military's drive into Baghdad and probably prevented a great deal of the looting and destruction which occured - and which the military is *not* trained in dealing with.
I don't know, I think it's a good idea. :)
Here's an idea. There are times we don't need *military* force, but sending in "forces" that might be more acceptible would be a good idea.
How about a police force - each nation has control over its own police force, but multiple nations have their police trained similarly in international, common criminal and human rights laws. This would *not* be controlled by the UN. Yet, in a situation such as in Haiti, we wouldn't have to consider sending an already-overextended military there. The military's trained to fight. That's not what's needed.
Using Haiti as an example, we, Canada, France, and some of the Carribean nations could for the (en vogue since the 1990s) coalition to send a police force to Haiti. This could not be seen as an invasion or overthrow attempt, just a temporary force to maintain order. No one nation would have to carry the burden - the forces would be proportionate to each nation's ability and interest.
For something like Iraq, this police force would have followed the military's drive into Baghdad and probably prevented a great deal of the looting and destruction which occured - and which the military is *not* trained in dealing with.
I don't know, I think it's a good idea. :)
Wednesday, February 25, 2004
What the hell is wrong with this administration?
Let's see, we've got a "recovery" that consists of giving jobs to foreign workers, while forcing highly trained people into McJobs. We've got No Child Left Behind, which apparently means if you're left behind because you're not a cookie cutter kid, you get steamrolled - and forget actually helping teachers, since their union is apparently considered by the Education secretary a "terrorist organization." Oh, and let's not forget trying to put a "definition of marriage" into the Constitution - something that belongs there almost as much as Dubya's favourite Salsa recipe.
Hurry up, November. Let's get this wackjob out of office. We've got a lot of recovering to do.
Never thought I'd say I miss Clinton. If McCain had gotten the nomination (as he should have,) we wouldn't be half as fucked up as we are now.
While we're at it, time for a new Pope. One with his head *out* of the sixteenth century... that whole group is so out of touch with the modern world, it's rediculous. Hey, let's condemn the use of condoms and birth control, even though they help prevent pregnancy, STDs (condoms) and more... It's an understandable view when it comes to having to have a large family to work the farm and deal with high infant mortality... but that hasn't been the case for a long time now.
Of course, Ye Olde Shrub agrees, and Texas shows the result - push just abstinance. Deny money to any foundation or charity that says otherwise. And watch teen pregnancy rates have the slowest drop in the nation.
Man. Clinton screwed an intern. Bush screwed an entire country.
As far as the current big topic (which really DOES merit the attention) - marriage of gay and lesbian couples - WTF is the big problem? OK, they can't have kids - they can adopt. "Sanctity of marriage?" You're kidding, right? With marriages because of booze (and a high divorce rate,) this argument holds as much water as a fishnet in Arizona. The gay/lesbian community would probably have a *lower* rate, given all the BS they have to put up with anyway...
What else - love? They have it. Religion - well, religion's a bad idea to begin with (see comments on the Pope above - and look at Buchannan, et al, for other examples of why religion's so screwed.) If a priest, church, or denomination wants to not agree to the ceremony, fine. That's not government. As long as they can get the legal status (and keep the term "Marriage" - I didn't think that was all that important at first, but thinking harder on it... yes, they need the name too) ...
Many of the couples are "considered" married by friends and family anyway. SO let them fill out the paperwork and pay the fees (hey, government, look! Money!) and have the legal status as well. Or is their love not as "real" or "good" as everyone else's?
.
Let's see, we've got a "recovery" that consists of giving jobs to foreign workers, while forcing highly trained people into McJobs. We've got No Child Left Behind, which apparently means if you're left behind because you're not a cookie cutter kid, you get steamrolled - and forget actually helping teachers, since their union is apparently considered by the Education secretary a "terrorist organization." Oh, and let's not forget trying to put a "definition of marriage" into the Constitution - something that belongs there almost as much as Dubya's favourite Salsa recipe.
Hurry up, November. Let's get this wackjob out of office. We've got a lot of recovering to do.
Never thought I'd say I miss Clinton. If McCain had gotten the nomination (as he should have,) we wouldn't be half as fucked up as we are now.
While we're at it, time for a new Pope. One with his head *out* of the sixteenth century... that whole group is so out of touch with the modern world, it's rediculous. Hey, let's condemn the use of condoms and birth control, even though they help prevent pregnancy, STDs (condoms) and more... It's an understandable view when it comes to having to have a large family to work the farm and deal with high infant mortality... but that hasn't been the case for a long time now.
Of course, Ye Olde Shrub agrees, and Texas shows the result - push just abstinance. Deny money to any foundation or charity that says otherwise. And watch teen pregnancy rates have the slowest drop in the nation.
Man. Clinton screwed an intern. Bush screwed an entire country.
As far as the current big topic (which really DOES merit the attention) - marriage of gay and lesbian couples - WTF is the big problem? OK, they can't have kids - they can adopt. "Sanctity of marriage?" You're kidding, right? With marriages because of booze (and a high divorce rate,) this argument holds as much water as a fishnet in Arizona. The gay/lesbian community would probably have a *lower* rate, given all the BS they have to put up with anyway...
What else - love? They have it. Religion - well, religion's a bad idea to begin with (see comments on the Pope above - and look at Buchannan, et al, for other examples of why religion's so screwed.) If a priest, church, or denomination wants to not agree to the ceremony, fine. That's not government. As long as they can get the legal status (and keep the term "Marriage" - I didn't think that was all that important at first, but thinking harder on it... yes, they need the name too) ...
Many of the couples are "considered" married by friends and family anyway. SO let them fill out the paperwork and pay the fees (hey, government, look! Money!) and have the legal status as well. Or is their love not as "real" or "good" as everyone else's?
.
Friday, February 20, 2004
Friggin' place.
22% idle time. Because they want so many damn buttons on their phone. And despite all the crap I *do* do around here (and don't seem to get credit for,) it'll be a "performance issue."
Screw it. I'm not extending myself any farther for this fucking place. I'll do my job. Period. OT? Nah. Write training type material up? Sorry, I'm not a dining room table.
Really great way to inspire. Bravo.
22% idle time. Because they want so many damn buttons on their phone. And despite all the crap I *do* do around here (and don't seem to get credit for,) it'll be a "performance issue."
Screw it. I'm not extending myself any farther for this fucking place. I'll do my job. Period. OT? Nah. Write training type material up? Sorry, I'm not a dining room table.
Really great way to inspire. Bravo.
Been a while since I've written. Not as long as I thought, perhaps, but...
We've got folks at work bitching about other folks at work. No big surprise, I guess, and I can see their points. Surprised I haven't shown up in their blogs yet. Such is life.
I know I went back to tech support because - well, it's a job, and something I know, and (somewhat) pays better than Wallyworld (who never seems to be hiring anyway.) And yes, I prefer this to that. I just wish I could do something creative - besides find tactful ways to tell customers "You know what? You're a f'ing idiot."
So what would my ideal job be? I don't know. Something where I didn't have to answer a damn phone and listen to people neep away - "I know you can't support me, but I think you suck because you won't help me, what do you mean you don't know my printer you've never heard from before, make it work, waah."
I want to be a researcher. Not a medical researcher - bodily fluids are ick.
Oh, gawd, the older She Who Should Not Be In Tech Support just got a call. Clueless...
What's annoying is that I drive an hour to get here. Weather's totally different from Salem to Portland half the time. Yeah, I've been late - usually not by much - but that *that* would cost me (answerer of Mac questions, temporary mentor when folks have to step away even though I'm not getting paid for it, etc.) my job. We're not talking "Skips friday, comes in an hour late on a regular basis." We're talking "Getting up at 3 AM to try to make it and if *anything* happens to slow me down, I'm screwed." Supervisor's suggestion... "Leave earlier."
OK, fuck it, I'll just stay awake from midnight Monday to 3 PM or so Friday, when I get home from work... given that half the day I do email (ooh, 20 messages today!) I could go and friggin' telecommute in the AM... but nooooo...
Speaking of not getting paid, where's our fucking raise? 90 days, man... and while I hate saying things that sound like I'm "indispensable," I've *corrected* the Mac training, done a hell of a lot around here - I am, like I mentioned, the Mac guy around here - have more tech knowledge than half the f'ing team... I should be getting paid a *lot* more. If nothing else, it'd make the hour commute each way a bit more worth while. And make me not have to spend around $100 per check (2 weeks) on gas. Not like I can take a bus...
We've got folks at work bitching about other folks at work. No big surprise, I guess, and I can see their points. Surprised I haven't shown up in their blogs yet. Such is life.
I know I went back to tech support because - well, it's a job, and something I know, and (somewhat) pays better than Wallyworld (who never seems to be hiring anyway.) And yes, I prefer this to that. I just wish I could do something creative - besides find tactful ways to tell customers "You know what? You're a f'ing idiot."
So what would my ideal job be? I don't know. Something where I didn't have to answer a damn phone and listen to people neep away - "I know you can't support me, but I think you suck because you won't help me, what do you mean you don't know my printer you've never heard from before, make it work, waah."
I want to be a researcher. Not a medical researcher - bodily fluids are ick.
Oh, gawd, the older She Who Should Not Be In Tech Support just got a call. Clueless...
What's annoying is that I drive an hour to get here. Weather's totally different from Salem to Portland half the time. Yeah, I've been late - usually not by much - but that *that* would cost me (answerer of Mac questions, temporary mentor when folks have to step away even though I'm not getting paid for it, etc.) my job. We're not talking "Skips friday, comes in an hour late on a regular basis." We're talking "Getting up at 3 AM to try to make it and if *anything* happens to slow me down, I'm screwed." Supervisor's suggestion... "Leave earlier."
OK, fuck it, I'll just stay awake from midnight Monday to 3 PM or so Friday, when I get home from work... given that half the day I do email (ooh, 20 messages today!) I could go and friggin' telecommute in the AM... but nooooo...
Speaking of not getting paid, where's our fucking raise? 90 days, man... and while I hate saying things that sound like I'm "indispensable," I've *corrected* the Mac training, done a hell of a lot around here - I am, like I mentioned, the Mac guy around here - have more tech knowledge than half the f'ing team... I should be getting paid a *lot* more. If nothing else, it'd make the hour commute each way a bit more worth while. And make me not have to spend around $100 per check (2 weeks) on gas. Not like I can take a bus...
Tuesday, January 20, 2004
Message for George W. Bush: I will be one of many forming the "Boot of Democracy" to kick your ass out of office come next election.
Most accidentally memorable moment of the speech: While insisting Congress renew the Patriot Act, he made the statement "Next year, key provisions of the act are set to expire." He was promptly interrupted with a good bit of applause (and reacted with a "Duh, what?" face) coming from about 1/3 of the gallery.
Accidentally funny camera shot: Rep. from New York, asleep during the speech.
Least suprising bit caught on camera: Ted Kennedy, shaking his head and clapping at nothing.
All right, the serious stuff:
"No child left behind." OK, good idea. Lousy implementation. But the "free up money for Pell grants for hard working students" - this is good. Depending on how it's implemented.
"I will not support amnesty" (for illegal workers) - Good. I do agree - they came here illegally, they shouldn't be rewarded for it. Not sure about the "temporary worker" passes, though - after all, there are plenty of unemployed Americans still. And how about boosts for keeping high tech jobs, from programming to manufacturing, here instead of letting businesses ship the jobs to India (et al)?
Fund schools to teach abstinance - Um... ok. AS LONG AS the rest of the "facts of life" aren't left out. And yes, I do mean (a) STDs, (b) contraception, and (c) alternative lifestyles... which brings me to
Codifying the definition of marriage - Keep the government OUT of relationships. What damn bit of business is it of theirs if a couple consists of a man and woman, or two men, or two women, as long as they're both happy? What's next, forbidding all but governmentally approved sexual positions? Sex quotas? THIS IS NONE OF THE GOVERNMENT'S BUSINESS. This coming from a straight, married man.
Internationalization of Iraq: OK, he got a good slap in on that, listing.. eh, I stopped counting. A good number of countries in Iraq along with us. Good speech writer.
Faith based charities - SHOULD NOT BE funded by the government, UNLESS they plan on following the SAME rules for hiring, non-discrimination, etc. And include ALL religions. Yes, George, including Wicca. And Buddhism, and anything else you don't believe in.
Medicare - OK, where are the loopholes. What are you paying back to the drug companies?
Social security - Let me guess, the "nest egg" you're mentioning wouldn't happen to be, oh, the Stock market again, would it? Details are needed.
SO he had one or two good points... and a lot of bad. Enough that I will definately be voting to get him out of office.
Most accidentally memorable moment of the speech: While insisting Congress renew the Patriot Act, he made the statement "Next year, key provisions of the act are set to expire." He was promptly interrupted with a good bit of applause (and reacted with a "Duh, what?" face) coming from about 1/3 of the gallery.
Accidentally funny camera shot: Rep. from New York, asleep during the speech.
Least suprising bit caught on camera: Ted Kennedy, shaking his head and clapping at nothing.
All right, the serious stuff:
"No child left behind." OK, good idea. Lousy implementation. But the "free up money for Pell grants for hard working students" - this is good. Depending on how it's implemented.
"I will not support amnesty" (for illegal workers) - Good. I do agree - they came here illegally, they shouldn't be rewarded for it. Not sure about the "temporary worker" passes, though - after all, there are plenty of unemployed Americans still. And how about boosts for keeping high tech jobs, from programming to manufacturing, here instead of letting businesses ship the jobs to India (et al)?
Fund schools to teach abstinance - Um... ok. AS LONG AS the rest of the "facts of life" aren't left out. And yes, I do mean (a) STDs, (b) contraception, and (c) alternative lifestyles... which brings me to
Codifying the definition of marriage - Keep the government OUT of relationships. What damn bit of business is it of theirs if a couple consists of a man and woman, or two men, or two women, as long as they're both happy? What's next, forbidding all but governmentally approved sexual positions? Sex quotas? THIS IS NONE OF THE GOVERNMENT'S BUSINESS. This coming from a straight, married man.
Internationalization of Iraq: OK, he got a good slap in on that, listing.. eh, I stopped counting. A good number of countries in Iraq along with us. Good speech writer.
Faith based charities - SHOULD NOT BE funded by the government, UNLESS they plan on following the SAME rules for hiring, non-discrimination, etc. And include ALL religions. Yes, George, including Wicca. And Buddhism, and anything else you don't believe in.
Medicare - OK, where are the loopholes. What are you paying back to the drug companies?
Social security - Let me guess, the "nest egg" you're mentioning wouldn't happen to be, oh, the Stock market again, would it? Details are needed.
SO he had one or two good points... and a lot of bad. Enough that I will definately be voting to get him out of office.
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
Yeah, it's been a while (again.) Oh well.
This next check is going to suck. Between holidays (3 days, no pay, on new years,) weather (1 day that same week, and 3 days the next!!) I'm getting paid for... 3 days out of 10.
Rgh.
I'm SO glad I'm staying with friends at the moment. I'd hate to get kicked out of an apartment because of ice and snow....
This next check is going to suck. Between holidays (3 days, no pay, on new years,) weather (1 day that same week, and 3 days the next!!) I'm getting paid for... 3 days out of 10.
Rgh.
I'm SO glad I'm staying with friends at the moment. I'd hate to get kicked out of an apartment because of ice and snow....
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