What was day, is night

Lois has been up late then sleeping in late ... she's about 8 hours off a regular time schedule. Thomas is generally on time and the two really need to match schedules better, but so far, it is not to be. The storing stuff in the rented storage unit has yet to take place, as there are divergent thoughts...

go left, no right ...

sometime there will be a path in the middle

Break-splatters fly!

At work yesterday was one of the ugliest and darkest days I've had. It was rough, tough, and unacceptable. I have a self-policy of acknowledging my fellows with token gift for "brothers in arms" during heavy periods when we get slaughtered. The prinicple reason last night was busy night with a person who was a no-show. The strange thing about it is that work doesn't terminate the person. Work has been none-to-worried about canning people before for such a transgression, especially on the frequency that this person has done it.

I wonder if there's a story there I should know ... favoristism, methinks.

I ran, and ran, and ran ... broke stuff, and was quite sore by night's end. I reluctantly completed a time-wasting assignment that helped solve an error. It is a twice-daily job, but here saved an eggresious error from miscounting. I had other things I needed and wanted to do, but I finished it and found an error, observed by the other "m". We concured on the new number and I buggered out of there.

I suspect that tonight will be modestly better with a slight chance of less spanking and more possibilities. I informed the cheify that training others to do other jobs would have been wise, but he didn't act on it. I think we caught it on the butt or face for his lack of effort on this action. He, of course, is out this week.

I have graded this week to be a 65 percent. This means it's an "F", but it shows some competency. Perhaps extra credit would help. Writing of which, I wonder if I can talk personnel into OT for me, namely to put things into "real shape" so that work isn't perpetually doing catch-up. They're pretty lame-brained, so I don't have high hopes.

phrase

Dislike work ... is isn't calming, but it is a mantra.

Work is bothering me, so I try to focus on something positive -- like getting out of there.

I also read that friends are separated right now. I hope that it is temporary.

my friend's dog is a rocker

Well, she looks it anyway. Here Maia is chasing bubbles. She was wired, silly, and happy to play.

Taller mower

My neice, Jessica, is taller than me and she came to mow her Grandfather's lawn today. I will have to remind her that the bunnies apparently make a nest, domicile in the bush at the back. I saw them battling for lawn rights last night. "This lawn isn't big enough for the two of us". I'd argue against that ... clearly I've seen three rabbits not fighting for munching rights before.

I hope that summer holds hope for her and her goal of drivers' ed so she can be a master of not hitting other things.

Twacks

Well, since Thomas won't type about the adventure in Greekfest -- I'll type what I know. It was a short trip there for Greekfest for Lois and Thomas. They took a guest, namely Joe. I understand that he decided to stay down there. Lois and Thomas brought back with them a sample of desserts. Marcus tried bread, a sweet bread, and baklava. Each of them were just fine.

Thomas and Lois are heading to a friend's house tomorrow for his "old guy" birthday party. Meanwhile, Marcus works yet again ... and again. I did something else for work today, I hope that I can cash it in for political collateral or gain. I surmise that it's "nice guy" thing that amounts to bup -








kis. (a whole lot of nothing in between)

Struggling with work there are those who seek to vamoose. I bid them well and good luck, for many of them are the dead horse. Despite the amount of whipping --- the horse does not move on its own volition. They are overworked, which leads to feelings of being underpaid. I can certainly see how that comes about. Now ... I don't know salaries and don't want to know.

I said that I would put together a proposal, which is really a rebuttle to a conversation I didn't hear. Suffice to write, I will contend that a person has a right to a expanded cap on salary, regardless of the certain no, and understandable concern from the management on the salary cap.

I will not sign it, but rather allow that person to consider it as potential for negotiating purposes.

thump, thump

Lois's results were in and there seems to be no arterial clogging of the bureaucracies or I mean the arteries. Yeah and more yeah!

Greekfest this week ... hopefully Thomas and Lois will go.

visit of two

Jennifer and Logan visited Thomas and Lois last night. I understand they went to Bob Evan's and called it an early evening, on count of Logan working very early in the morning. Meanwhile, Marcus was at work.

School's head out the window

Diane had to set up one summer class for Jessica, driving for her, get a car from Jennifer for work and school purposes and had to sign up for summer school for herself. Well, with 10 parts in the system, it is of no surprise that one fell apart. Sadly ... more than one fell apart and so the story goes:

The teacher for Jessica's summer class has a serious illness and can't teach the class. The school system can't find a teacher to teach it. Here, I'm thinking that they aren't trying very hard. Give the opportunity to a sub and you'll have it, in moments. The school system, from what I've seen tends to put cart before horse. The local community schools tend to skip the horse and cart and favors walking blind backward, but that's another story.

So, since Jessica can't get the class, her fall schedule needs redone. Jennifer's car was the wrong color -- well, I'll not spend much time on that, I'll "grrr" like a tiger being teased.

Diane has her schooling and the other half day maybe with Jessica's driving school. Meanwhile there's undoubtedly trouble with Joe, which hasn't been discussed yet. Add to this, training a puppy+. I'm not sure what Jim is working, but I've been trying to send job ops his way through cityhelpwanted.com, mobster and careerswindler.com++.

If you got a headache, pull your head in from outside the window,

+ bad move to get puppy when you aren't home
++ I'm not enamored with monster (questionable adware issues), careerbuilder has severe security and integrity issues as well as potential info selling to third parties despite opt out procedures being followed

swing set

Thomas golfed, then pokered, then golfed. From what I understand, at times it was goofed, not golfed, but that might be suspect suspicions. He didn't come out the mucho grande winner in poker, but didn't mention who did.

News at 11?

Lois battled fruit yesterday. She was fighting the "tough skin" on an orange, followed by a kniving a combative pear. Lois woke still sore today, but made plans to do something -- like grocery shopping. A friend reminded me that Kroger bought its local competitor and is retro-fitting stores to reflect Kroger. In the mess, there were no carts where he went. That ought to be a fun time for Lois, right?

for lack of a better move

Lois went to doctor's on Monday for her sore hip. I think, for lack of any other credible solution, the doctor shook her like a crumpled sock and said, "I don't know." She's sore again today and we're none-the-wiser for her medical experience. Fantastic what they can do now.

Doctors can now make you wait longer for an appointment, longer at the office and give you less information than ever before! Now, with cover-our-asses technology, doctors can give blanket statements of, "We'll check back on that", "I'll order a test", "have you been doing anything lately that might cause that."

Okay ... when you have M.D., it still refers to medical doctor not mis-direction or illusionist, right?

empathy

I've put in enough time at work that I actually feel for some of these people. Crud, I was hoping to get out before I cared. Anyway ... each has her or his own story and some are frot with self-destruction. One person, I had the bad task of letting her know that the management turned down my suggestion for her to be trained as a "specific manager". They cited that she had an, "attitude problem" and she was made aware that were she ever entered into the management world, the area would be where I suggested her to be trained, but only there.

While at work yesterday and catching on fire from the 90 something degree heat, due to ovens and the adjacent (not closed off by doors) room's heat was set at a brisk 84 degrees making my area around 5000 degrees. Later someone came in and changed it to human temperatures, but didn't affect me for 90 some minutes.

I am hoping that more and more people see and understand the simplistic laziness of the next-levelers+. I know at work I am the horse, "I will work harder", while the at times pigs-as-farmers develop new plans for windmills. I'm not quite sure who plays the role of Snowball yet, but I'll find out. Yes, it's akin to Animal Farm, but in a less Communistic way. One next-leveler remarked that something should be in one position, but walked away empty-handed, leaving someone else to move the things to the place where she went.

Now for these next-levers, I feel almost not compassion or empathy, for generally they are hypocritical and not worthy of much attention as it is most hot air. They have all the time in the world to pull people aside and give remarks here and there and experiential teachings, but aren't often willing to do the work. Oh no ... shouldn't do that.

The other people who work there, all have some kind of situation. Now, my hero-complex notwithstanding, I can't save any of them, but I can feel for them. One woman has a son, "he's an asshole", as she remarked for he is in jail for robbing a place. There are ... two married servers (waitresses), but most of them have children. That's right, do the math ... single moms, some who are living with the man responsible for the child, but can't commit to marriage. "Let's spend the night together", as Mick Jagger might say.

One newly pregnant woman/girl was complaining of feeling like crap. Huh, in an overly hot place working hard and first tri-mester of first child. Imagine that! I instictly offered an Excederin, but she was thinking more clearly than I was remarking that she couldn't take it. Kryptonite ... can't help. Another girl at work, who reminds me so much of Jennifer -- it's almost scary, wanted to learn another area in the place. So, I told one of the next-levers ... or was it a brick wall, I can't remember.

I typed a long-overly elaborate letter dictating one girl's interest in learning another area of the store where I think she would shine. It was actually something she brought up wanting. I will have to do the same for this Jennifer-like girl who wishes to move around yet some more. Perhaps the I should skip the intermediary steps, or middle management and go straight to the unit's top dog. I hate not following protocol, but if it doesn't work, then I'll have to skip it.

Finally, for I should stop here, one girl was telling me about a guy she's dating who -- by her description, is the vandal. You know ... he's the rough guy, to make other girls jealous. Then later, she'll likely say, "Hey! He was a jerk, just like he was acting to be!" Well, I let her know my opinion and expressed that I'd rather not see her hurt -- in a brotherly sort of way. She appreciated that and "don't have a brother who protects me", seemed happy that I was interested.

Also, being the rumor-stop, meaning that if the grapevine news hits me ... it's done at me. I think this is why people don't mind talking with me, for I consider things, share an opinion sometimes, but don't work on keeping the rumor mill going and keep secrets, secret. I know of people at work seeking other employment and know that some are leaving, but they haven't yet told management. These secrets I'll keep, for they were told to me in confidence. I guess this is being a hero of sorts -- a shoulder and an ear, no flying through the air required.

+ meaning, the level above mine

Hit the lights ... or I mean the deck

There was a deck party and I couldn't make it. I called Bethy and she said everyone boogied out of there early, and there was no belching contest. What rot!

can't get rid of stuff

Oh no, no. Thomas and Lois are now renting a storage unit to put some of their stuff -- rather than get rid of it. When two pack rats join ... the hovel becomes small.

topsy turvey

Lois went in for Coumadin checking, albeit late for she misread the appointment sheet. The numbers came back low and she doesn't have to go back in for three weeks now ... there is improvement there!

Thomas golfed and returned a happier and "alright" golfer.

Thomas hired Terminex for ant killing. The tech they sent wasn't the best runner in HS nor the valevictorian I suspect. "I lost your address", he said twice. Now, how do you lose the address? The company might be okay, but the tech -- seemed untechy.

work for me

In my other blog I referred to some other "uppers" or Ms -- perhaps M&Ms as dinosaurs, neanderthals, and dogs of some types -- all demeaning and derogatory. I suppose dogs, for in one sense nobel, is perhaps the best of the monikers, for you can't teach old dogs new tricks, which is essentially where I am there.

They wonder why I don't smell their butts, while I'm busy running the ring. I sit pretty, do "play dead", "fetch", walk the ladder and more, meanwhile the other dogs watch. They don't even watch in interest, but rather just watch, thinking dog thoughts -- accomplishing nothing.

They won't ever learn, "speak", but perhaps sometime later -- fetch, but with mistakes. Some of them still need help with the "no bite".

I had an okay day at work, but was pulled aside for some constructive criticism. I didn't express fully to the unit head honcho that my workload is great because it gets left on me. When asked about something -- I am generally supposed to stop time, take fifty minutes and work miracles. Meanwhile, if I ask minor things of other little chiefies ... I get talk and usless banter, ultimately nothing is done.

Father's trip out

Thomas and Marcus went out to eat the other day ... Chinese buffet. I really like kimchi -- hot, flavorful, good for digestion. I show here the dragon, which is what attack my sinuses, clearing them, as well as the red chilis that I added.


I like this place ... good, clean, growing, as they hired more servers. Congrats Zheng's!

luck or what

Thomas and Lois play cards with friends nearly monthly. The trend has been, guys get spanking and girls win and win and win. I would normally just type in; see entry # ..., but the guys actually won this time. Be it luck or trick, they won! Thomas claimed that the girls (women) had won 24 rounds in a row. I don't know about that, but they won.

Dang, if that isn't a mint condition old Canadian penny, I don't know what is. While its worth is questionable, it is remarkable and more important to the finder ... in this case the winner of a long-time losing streak ... darn it anyway.

weight

Well, Marcus had a secret he didn't want to tell anyone. Bethy found out because she asked so I can now let everyone know. Work is a pain and generally un-enjoyable, more so now than before. I found out with my last check that I didn't get my raise that I should have. It irked me and bothered me to a great extent. I went in on Wednesday expecting the chance to catch the GM and let him know of my problem. I copied the pay stubs and noted that I didn't get my raise.

He, in turn, thought I meant that I wasn't getting enough hours. Another day later I speak with him and found out his misconception. He claimed that he couldn't give raises, but rather could only make recommendations to the DM for them. So, he abdicated it to the DM. He did note that he would prefer merit-based raises. That's fine, except if the criteria are written down, you don't know what you need to complete, right?

So, I called the DM on Friday expecting him to flat out turn down my raise as promised. I typed a resignation letter planning on delivering it to the GM tonight. I know, I know ... I should have another job lined up and I should. I was going to shoot myself in the foot for, in my mind, we were arguing over chump change. This raise is actually the cheapest of the raises I'll get. It they battle this one, imagine my fight on the next one. I was pumped and prepared for a battle.

The DM said, oh, yeah ... how much was that? Okay. I'll talk with the GM about it. So, he said yes, then maybe ... I still had to go into work to find out the results. The GM called me over to him to talk with while he was working. First -- suggestions on closing ... okay, yeah, yeah, yeah ... blah, blah, blah ... am I getting my raise? Finally, he noted ... DM talked with me and said, "Sorry. He's put it in and the check will be sent out to you." Okay, so I got my raise. I don't have to drop anchor and drift again.

After rough seas of doubt, I still find Christ walking on water to save people and me. I have been stressed over this for a while and I didn't talk to family about it, fearing the worst responses about my would-have-been hasty decision. I have had other letters of intent, leads, and offers. I think I will pursue them to find out if they offer a fair compensation for what I am doing now ... ie: equitable trade.

In secondary news, I think the mgr in training has seen a good dose of, "what the ..." with business and general laziness on the part of the long-timers who'd rather talk than work. Maybe now he'll ask less often, "what's wrong?"

Surprise!

Doorbell rings, are you listening. Rings again, eyes are glistening. A wake-up now sight, startled with fright -- one-time neighbor came a visitin' at the door.

A one-time neighbor came into town. She lives in Arizona now, but is visiting for about a week. Her son, who apparently lives in Cincinnatti, came a ringin' the doorbell.

I was back from work ... 3:30 maybe. Man, was I beat! The somewhat early surprise guest was welcome, but I wasn't much of a conversationalist. Tired ... tired I was. He was looking around the old 'hood and was waiting to meet up with his mom in town ... no such luck yet.

It was sad to see him in such straights ... depressed and recently in a car wreck -- thankfully not visibily broken, but had breastbone and cartilidge injuries from the accident and airbag deployment. The driver at fault, while cited on the scene, is now arguing no fault. Anyway, away from his accident, he enjoyed company for a bit and still ... now, I'm sleepy.

Chewy on slide

Chewy on slide
Originally uploaded by MDH, II

Puppy's venture into the big wide world. She already loves baths and water ... now if she can master steps and slides -- "WEEEEE!"

photo courtesy of someone else who had my camera at the time.

Moonraker

Lois returned after 67 laser shots were fired at her eyes. You'd think with all that she'd have a Hollywood check for the stunt work, but all she got were blinders for the sun. Yeesh!

She's fine and in no real pain.

hate 2 wait

Well, Marcus was the wonderful phone operator today. I got to make a call to Thomas' friend for Thomas thought he might be late for golf. Lois had an eye appointment today, at 10.

At 12:30, Thomas calls to report to me that they are "in a holding pattern" waiting for the 'short' out-patient laser surgery for Lois. Thomas has golf today, followed by hosting poker tonight. In a wirlwind of dizziness and God's plain intervention --- I'm off work today. I get to pitch in where needed -- in this case assembly procedures and prep work as well as the aforementioned telephone operation.

As of this writing ... I don't know Jack about Lois' surgery.

Plants with seasonal affective disorder

Lois has two winter cacti and apparently they are confused or depressed. During the Winter they do not bloom. During Spring, singular white flowers show. Now that Spring is quite done, they are not blooming. I suppose, insects like butterflies travel from the frozen North to the South happen to be in the desert during Winter, hence the flower for pollenation.

It just is quirky ... somehow the temperature is just right during Spring.

Day's guest

Thomas and Lois had over a friend, who was a long-time neighbor. The three of them had a good time, and I believe that Shirley is staying in town for Germanfest, as she normally does.

bbrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaaaaap!

Bethy greets me on the phone.

So silly!

Needing cheering

Debbie's call last night was also frot with tears ...


so, damn it, I bring you bright family pictures to hopefully make you smile.

cards out, painting in

Well, Thomas and Lois wrote down cards with friends on Friday, but ... oops, wrong date. So, today Thomas started the last bit of painting, since there weren't any doctors' appointments today. He started out winded and in the end, was winded.

Hopefully, Thomas and Lois will have a good deal of fun with cards ...
Thomas on Tuesday, hosting poker, and Lois and Thomas meeting friends for guys vs girls cards they do nearly every month or every other month.

To date, the guys have not finished "on top" in points in over 20 dates.

Bills, bills, bills

Verizon "FIOS" (fiber-optic) offers tri-package, but so far has lied. It is competing with Comcast. When you have money-grubbing vs money-grubbing and no price competition, the consumer loses.

Thomas found out that the TV (one of the three parts) is not yet ready. So ... my solution, call them, inform them of their contractual obligation -- TV, they have little/no chance of winning an argument or any case.

The media is a monster and would love to chew on a big company ... therein is a better "threat" as it were. If they fail to comply with their part of the contract and obligation ... sue and send documention to the media. Verizon will pay you to never do it. They'd lose too much.

Numb'rs

Thomas came back from doctors with good numbers, lower PSA levels and a clear reading on his chest. Now, Lois is still playing roller coaster with Coumadin, but that's not likely to change, but she's in no danger! The week is good for them and the weekend looks "up".

Marcus is still going to work, but having difficulty finding affordable housing. Cripes! Buying a house does make more sense. When monthly rent is nearly a mortgage, I'd say the law should step in and put a crack down (smack down) on extortion via apartment agencies.

Now if I had a schload of money, that's what I'd do.