This will be short, as I'm still letting it all sink in. I am experiencing an amazing mix of emotions and have yet to figure out how to put it all into words. In short, I'm speechless. I can tell you I sobbed tears of joy last night, and have had a few more tears trickle down as I have watched the news today.
I'll write more in the coming days, as I come to terms with what our nation has actually done, and can put more thought into the proper words to express my elation.
President Barack Obama...has a nice ring to it, doesn't it.
Yes We Did!
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Saturday, October 04, 2008
A Big Fat Karma Sandwich
13 years ago, today, I, along with most of America, wondered how in the hell that damn jury in LA voted 'not guilty'. We realized how inept Marcia Clark really was. And that if you have $10mil to drop on a "Dream Team" of legal-eagles, that you could basically buy your freedom. "If the glove doesn't fit, you must acquit!" (Johnny Cochran, RIP)
Not that it affects me in any way, but finally, he got what he deserved. I have some mixed feelings, though...the Browns and Goldmans finally get to see him behind bars (possibly for the rest of his life), but not for the death of their children. They will never see another dime of the money they won in the Wrongful Death suit. But his life as he knows it is over, and I hope that gives them some sense of karmic justice after all these years. On a completely different note...damn, that man was a hell of a running back.
Remember the old joke? "I'm changing my breakfast drink...'cause O.J. will kill ya."
Not that it affects me in any way, but finally, he got what he deserved. I have some mixed feelings, though...the Browns and Goldmans finally get to see him behind bars (possibly for the rest of his life), but not for the death of their children. They will never see another dime of the money they won in the Wrongful Death suit. But his life as he knows it is over, and I hope that gives them some sense of karmic justice after all these years. On a completely different note...damn, that man was a hell of a running back.
Remember the old joke? "I'm changing my breakfast drink...'cause O.J. will kill ya."
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Firefox 3.0
Sweet Jeebus, I love the new Firefox. That's all, I just thought I'd let everyone know so they can upgrade, too. I cannot believe how much faster it is! Much easier to navigate, too.
If you aren't using Firefox, why not?
No, I'm not a shill for Mozilla. It's just rare that something gets upgraded and I'm actually happy with it. Usually, they get rid of the functional stuff in the previous versions and replace it with stuff that looks nicer, but doesn't make a lick of sense and requires multiple steps to do what could be done with one click.
If you aren't using Firefox, why not?
No, I'm not a shill for Mozilla. It's just rare that something gets upgraded and I'm actually happy with it. Usually, they get rid of the functional stuff in the previous versions and replace it with stuff that looks nicer, but doesn't make a lick of sense and requires multiple steps to do what could be done with one click.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
The Link
As the news of Ted Kennedy's brain tumor broke today, I realized I'm not ready to lose him. I'm young; I wasn't around during Camelot, or for RFK. So Teddy is my link to that time of hope and change. I'm not ready to give up that link. We need more Ted Kennedys - men and women who are unapologetically liberal and aren't afraid to take a stand, even when it isn't popular. I know he's had his problems (as have most people) but the good has far outweighed the bad.
Tonight, my thoughts are with Ted, the entire Kennedy family, and with our country, who needs this link to our past. May he live long, the Last Brother.
Tonight, my thoughts are with Ted, the entire Kennedy family, and with our country, who needs this link to our past. May he live long, the Last Brother.
Friday, April 04, 2008
ZOMG!!! NKOTB!!!
I feel like I'm 10 years old again! They're Back!!!!!!!
Donnie, Jordan, Jonathan, Danny and Joey!!!!!
Too bad I threw out all of that memorabilia about 15 years ago...thought I'd gotten too old for it. Heh.
Donnie, Jordan, Jonathan, Danny and Joey!!!!!
Too bad I threw out all of that memorabilia about 15 years ago...thought I'd gotten too old for it. Heh.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
The Last Straw - An Epiphany
I honestly couldn’t decide who to support for the nomination after Chris Dodd dropped out. I really, really couldn’t. I was so proud to be part of the Democratic Party during this historic primary season. I was so completely unable to commit to either candidate that I couldn’t even bring myself to caucus for one or the other on Super Duper Monster Tuesday. I still hadn’t decided by last week.
But now, I’ve made up my mind. And with such conviction that I cannot believe it took me so long to pull my head out of my butt. What finally did it for me?
The claiming of 35 years of experience didn’t do it…
The SNL skit didn’t do it…
The Somalian picture didn’t do it…
The “Is Obama a Muslim?” answer didn’t do it…
The “3am” ad didn’t do it…
The offering of the #2 spot to the #1 candidate by the #2 candidate didn’t do it…
Even the Ferraro comments didn’t do it…
It was the moment today, right after work, when my brain connected all of these things together. I realized that Hillary has run a Republican campaign. She’s used every Rovian tactic in the book, and even a few things that would make the Swift Boaters blush. The math makes it nearly impossible for her to win with the support of the people, and she seems hellbent on taking the Democratic Party down with her when she finally falls. Rove must be so proud.
At the same time, it occurred to me that Obama represents a new kind of politics, even if I don’t fully agree with him and really wish he’d be more aggressive in his healthcare policies. He represents what the Netroots have been trying to do since Dean. He is truly people powered, and seems to have no emotional attachment to the Old Guard. Clinton represents politics-as-usual. For her, it’s all about winning…nothing else, nothing more. It’s not about what’s best for the party, or the country, but what’s best for her and her machine. She is stuck in the old smoky-room mentality where the party elders decide who’s going to be the nominee, and she can’t seem to handle being beat by the people. She’s determined to bring the party down with her when she goes.
After Iowa, I put some serious thought into who I wanted as a candidate. I landed in Hillary’s camp to begin with, for no other reason than I wanted a woman in the White House. I know I was being sexist, I admitted it then, and I admit it now. On all policy questions, I felt the two candidates balanced out; that both had shortcomings and both had strengths and that they were roughly equal in the big scheme, and that either was light-years ahead of anything the knuckle-draggers would pull out of their asses. But I couldn’t bring my self to caucus for her because I knew my reasons were impure. I loved Obama’s vitality and charisma, but knew that if I caucused for him, it wouldn’t be because I thought he was the better person, it would have been because I didn’t want to solidify my sexism by voting for the woman. (I had some regrets about my lack of caucus initially, but since Obama won my precinct by such a wide margin, one more vote for him wouldn’t have mattered.)
Now, I’m so set against Hillary and her tactics that I am actually disgusted with her. At first, when she began her scorched-earth campaign, I made excuses for her. I told people, and truly felt, that I was still all for her, but just didn’t like the people she was surrounding herself with. Then, today, in the midst of my epiphany, I realized these were the same people she’d surround herself with in the White House, and I just couldn’t handle it. Having Mark Penn on your campaign is a judgment call, and a bad one at that. And that’s her judgment.
I was truly, madly, deeply, and still am, in love with the thought of a woman in the White House…just not this woman. I am beginning to understand the people who say they won’t vote for her in the GE, even if it means McCain will win. I would never, ever, say or do that, but I understand how they’ve come to that drastic conclusion.
This isn’t meant to be a “your candidate sucks” post. I do not fault people who support Hillary. That’s the beauty of democracy. The purpose of this post is to chronicle the thoughts that crossed my mind before and since finally choosing my candidate.
So, FWIW, I hereby endorse Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination, and of course, the presidency.
But now, I’ve made up my mind. And with such conviction that I cannot believe it took me so long to pull my head out of my butt. What finally did it for me?
The claiming of 35 years of experience didn’t do it…
The SNL skit didn’t do it…
The Somalian picture didn’t do it…
The “Is Obama a Muslim?” answer didn’t do it…
The “3am” ad didn’t do it…
The offering of the #2 spot to the #1 candidate by the #2 candidate didn’t do it…
Even the Ferraro comments didn’t do it…
It was the moment today, right after work, when my brain connected all of these things together. I realized that Hillary has run a Republican campaign. She’s used every Rovian tactic in the book, and even a few things that would make the Swift Boaters blush. The math makes it nearly impossible for her to win with the support of the people, and she seems hellbent on taking the Democratic Party down with her when she finally falls. Rove must be so proud.
At the same time, it occurred to me that Obama represents a new kind of politics, even if I don’t fully agree with him and really wish he’d be more aggressive in his healthcare policies. He represents what the Netroots have been trying to do since Dean. He is truly people powered, and seems to have no emotional attachment to the Old Guard. Clinton represents politics-as-usual. For her, it’s all about winning…nothing else, nothing more. It’s not about what’s best for the party, or the country, but what’s best for her and her machine. She is stuck in the old smoky-room mentality where the party elders decide who’s going to be the nominee, and she can’t seem to handle being beat by the people. She’s determined to bring the party down with her when she goes.
After Iowa, I put some serious thought into who I wanted as a candidate. I landed in Hillary’s camp to begin with, for no other reason than I wanted a woman in the White House. I know I was being sexist, I admitted it then, and I admit it now. On all policy questions, I felt the two candidates balanced out; that both had shortcomings and both had strengths and that they were roughly equal in the big scheme, and that either was light-years ahead of anything the knuckle-draggers would pull out of their asses. But I couldn’t bring my self to caucus for her because I knew my reasons were impure. I loved Obama’s vitality and charisma, but knew that if I caucused for him, it wouldn’t be because I thought he was the better person, it would have been because I didn’t want to solidify my sexism by voting for the woman. (I had some regrets about my lack of caucus initially, but since Obama won my precinct by such a wide margin, one more vote for him wouldn’t have mattered.)
Now, I’m so set against Hillary and her tactics that I am actually disgusted with her. At first, when she began her scorched-earth campaign, I made excuses for her. I told people, and truly felt, that I was still all for her, but just didn’t like the people she was surrounding herself with. Then, today, in the midst of my epiphany, I realized these were the same people she’d surround herself with in the White House, and I just couldn’t handle it. Having Mark Penn on your campaign is a judgment call, and a bad one at that. And that’s her judgment.
I was truly, madly, deeply, and still am, in love with the thought of a woman in the White House…just not this woman. I am beginning to understand the people who say they won’t vote for her in the GE, even if it means McCain will win. I would never, ever, say or do that, but I understand how they’ve come to that drastic conclusion.
This isn’t meant to be a “your candidate sucks” post. I do not fault people who support Hillary. That’s the beauty of democracy. The purpose of this post is to chronicle the thoughts that crossed my mind before and since finally choosing my candidate.
So, FWIW, I hereby endorse Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination, and of course, the presidency.
Friday, January 18, 2008
The Story of My Life
As many people know by now, I got rid of the Red Rocket about a month ago since it was pretty much useless all last winter, and this winter was shaping up to be about the same. I decided it was time to get a more sensible vehicle...an SUV. Well, the night I picked up my new 4X4, they were calling for snow, and of course none came. But here's the kicker...we've not gotten a snow storm large enough since then to justify the use of the 4 wheel drive.
I am opposed to SUV's in general, but determined that after the Hell that was last winter, I needed to suck it up and get one. So I chose a nice 08 Xterra with the Off Road package to replace the Altima, thinking that with the Off Road package we'd use it for camping and such, and it wouldn't be a Barbie Truck. But this is ridiculous. By the time I got the Xterra, there had already been a few days this winter when the Altima was doomed to the garage. But since then, the only time I've even had it in 4 wheel drive was to be a smart ass and park on top of a snow bank in the parking lot at work.
Last winter, beginning the week before Christmas and extending through February, we had about 6 major snow storms (with more than 6" of snow each), two of those were more than a foot, and another (the first one) was almost 2 1/2 feet. There was snow on the ground for 2 consecutive months, every day. The Altima was in the garage from December 21 to February 6. I couldn't get the damned thing out of the driveway because of the ice buildup on the street. (Of course, with my luck, the day that I finally got it out of the garage, some dipshit in a mini-van decided to pop a U-turn out of the right hand turn lane while I was beside her, and T-boned me. She might just be the biggest dumbass I've ever met.)
Needless to say, I didn't want to go through that crap again, especially since this year, we no longer have the 'spare' 4Runner that we had last year (having sold it when Dill got his new truck), so we only had enough vehicles for each of us to have one available. Dill was also worried that me and the Altima would end up in the ditch, and not necessarily because of the snow. But now, I have a 4 wheel drive that is usable in any weather, but can no longer spin the tires all the way through 3rd gear. I guess it's a trade-off. I got safety, security, off road capabilities and 31" Bridgestone All Terrains instead of speed, handling, gas mileage, and 18" low profile speed rated Yokohama summer tires.
I'm not gonna lie, I miss the Altima. I had a blast in that car, it just wasn't made for year round driving in Colorado. I made it through 3 winters with the previous Maxima with snow tires on the stock 17" rims, but the brakes were too big on the Altima to put 17" rims and snow tires on, and they don't make 18" snow tires under $1K a set.
I love my new truck, it's got tons of room, it's not slow (ironically, it has the same horsepower as the Altima, but is a good 1.5 seconds slower to 60), it looks great, has a kick-ass Rockford Fosgate stereo with iPod interface, and is quite possibly the most utilitarian SUV ever built. I think I'll be happy with it for a long time. It'll be great if we do as planned, and take it to Moab this summer. But, dammit, I bought it because I needed something to get around in the snow, and the damned snow won't come. I want to play in the snow!!! I want to be able to get around in the snow while other people are stuck!!! I want to roll my eyes at people who bought cars that are a bad idea for this area!!!
Once again, I try to think something through and fate comes back and laughs her ass off at me.
...And that's the story of my life.
I am opposed to SUV's in general, but determined that after the Hell that was last winter, I needed to suck it up and get one. So I chose a nice 08 Xterra with the Off Road package to replace the Altima, thinking that with the Off Road package we'd use it for camping and such, and it wouldn't be a Barbie Truck. But this is ridiculous. By the time I got the Xterra, there had already been a few days this winter when the Altima was doomed to the garage. But since then, the only time I've even had it in 4 wheel drive was to be a smart ass and park on top of a snow bank in the parking lot at work.
Last winter, beginning the week before Christmas and extending through February, we had about 6 major snow storms (with more than 6" of snow each), two of those were more than a foot, and another (the first one) was almost 2 1/2 feet. There was snow on the ground for 2 consecutive months, every day. The Altima was in the garage from December 21 to February 6. I couldn't get the damned thing out of the driveway because of the ice buildup on the street. (Of course, with my luck, the day that I finally got it out of the garage, some dipshit in a mini-van decided to pop a U-turn out of the right hand turn lane while I was beside her, and T-boned me. She might just be the biggest dumbass I've ever met.)
Needless to say, I didn't want to go through that crap again, especially since this year, we no longer have the 'spare' 4Runner that we had last year (having sold it when Dill got his new truck), so we only had enough vehicles for each of us to have one available. Dill was also worried that me and the Altima would end up in the ditch, and not necessarily because of the snow. But now, I have a 4 wheel drive that is usable in any weather, but can no longer spin the tires all the way through 3rd gear. I guess it's a trade-off. I got safety, security, off road capabilities and 31" Bridgestone All Terrains instead of speed, handling, gas mileage, and 18" low profile speed rated Yokohama summer tires.
I'm not gonna lie, I miss the Altima. I had a blast in that car, it just wasn't made for year round driving in Colorado. I made it through 3 winters with the previous Maxima with snow tires on the stock 17" rims, but the brakes were too big on the Altima to put 17" rims and snow tires on, and they don't make 18" snow tires under $1K a set.
I love my new truck, it's got tons of room, it's not slow (ironically, it has the same horsepower as the Altima, but is a good 1.5 seconds slower to 60), it looks great, has a kick-ass Rockford Fosgate stereo with iPod interface, and is quite possibly the most utilitarian SUV ever built. I think I'll be happy with it for a long time. It'll be great if we do as planned, and take it to Moab this summer. But, dammit, I bought it because I needed something to get around in the snow, and the damned snow won't come. I want to play in the snow!!! I want to be able to get around in the snow while other people are stuck!!! I want to roll my eyes at people who bought cars that are a bad idea for this area!!!
Once again, I try to think something through and fate comes back and laughs her ass off at me.
...And that's the story of my life.
Friday, November 02, 2007
A Novel Idea...
Why can't the Democratic Presidential candidates spend half as much time and energy attacking the Republicans as they do each other? Instead, they'd much rather tar and feather each other, making it that much harder to win the general election, than to go after who the real political enemy is. It just doesn't make any sense.
I just received a forwarded e-mail from one Dem candidate's state chairmen that was a joke (not the least bit funny, by the way) about another of the Dem candidates. I'm ready to rip his head off and sink their campaign because of it.
Aarrgh!!!
I just received a forwarded e-mail from one Dem candidate's state chairmen that was a joke (not the least bit funny, by the way) about another of the Dem candidates. I'm ready to rip his head off and sink their campaign because of it.
Aarrgh!!!
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Good Riddance
I have been told my entire life that one is not to speak badly of the dead, as they can no longer defend themselves. I have determined in the course of the last several hours that piece of wisdom is a crock of shit. I will not apologize for what I am about to say, nor will I sugar coat it for fear of someone getting the vapors. If you can't handle brutal honesty, stop reading right here.
Jerry Falwell died today, and I feel the world is a better place because of it. The man was a horrible specimen of the human race, and we are a better people now that he is gone. The man made his life about hate. Nothing more. Just hate. Hate for women, Jews, homosexuals, blacks, and generally everyone that didn't fit his narrow, misguided ideal of "White Anglo-Saxon Protestants". Evangelical Protestants to be exact.
The man was a pimple on humanity's ass. He preyed upon the ignorant and uninformed. He was a sexist, racist, bigoted Bastard. He used lies and smears to further his political goals...all in the name of God.
Some may say that I am being crude, callous, or even evil, but guess what...That's what he was in life, and therefore is what he deserves in death. He spent his entire existence demonizing others. The man does not even deserve a mere "rest in peace". He hurt too many people in too many ways to ever receive one iota of remorse from me. He was a monster. The only condolences I feel I can express is that I'm sorry Earth was 'graced' with his presence for so long. I guess only the good die young.
So, good riddance, Mr. Moral Majority. You darkened this world for too long. May you rot in Hell.
*For once in my life, I truly hope that there is an afterlife. Because if there is, then Falwell has just had a very rude awakening.
**I know speaking of him in this tone and with this invective may lower me to his level. But, there is no other way to honestly eulogize the man. My other option was to simply say nothing at all, but those of you who know me, know that was never really an option.
Jerry Falwell died today, and I feel the world is a better place because of it. The man was a horrible specimen of the human race, and we are a better people now that he is gone. The man made his life about hate. Nothing more. Just hate. Hate for women, Jews, homosexuals, blacks, and generally everyone that didn't fit his narrow, misguided ideal of "White Anglo-Saxon Protestants". Evangelical Protestants to be exact.
The man was a pimple on humanity's ass. He preyed upon the ignorant and uninformed. He was a sexist, racist, bigoted Bastard. He used lies and smears to further his political goals...all in the name of God.
Some may say that I am being crude, callous, or even evil, but guess what...That's what he was in life, and therefore is what he deserves in death. He spent his entire existence demonizing others. The man does not even deserve a mere "rest in peace". He hurt too many people in too many ways to ever receive one iota of remorse from me. He was a monster. The only condolences I feel I can express is that I'm sorry Earth was 'graced' with his presence for so long. I guess only the good die young.
So, good riddance, Mr. Moral Majority. You darkened this world for too long. May you rot in Hell.
*For once in my life, I truly hope that there is an afterlife. Because if there is, then Falwell has just had a very rude awakening.
**I know speaking of him in this tone and with this invective may lower me to his level. But, there is no other way to honestly eulogize the man. My other option was to simply say nothing at all, but those of you who know me, know that was never really an option.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
So it goes...
Sometimes the pool-pah exceeds the power of humans to comment. -Bokonon (Cat's Cradle)
Kurt's up in Heaven now.
Rest in peace Mr. Vonnegut
1922-2007
Kurt's up in Heaven now.
Rest in peace Mr. Vonnegut
1922-2007
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Merry Fitzmas to One and All!!!
That's all that really needs to be said. Short, sweet, and to the point...
MERRY FITZMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!
MERRY FITZMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
I have a confession to make...
I don't know how to say this other than to just come out and say it. So, here goes...
<>
I'm a closeted Hillary fan. There, I said it. Yes, you heard me right, I want Hillary to be President of the United States of America. Every time I think of the possibility of a woman in the Oval Office, I get a lump in my throat. I'm not saying that she's the best woman for the job, but she's the most viable woman we've ever had enter the race, and dammit, I want her to win. I don't plan to work for her in the primaries, because I'm a huge John Edwards fan, but I can't help but want her to win. For all women everywhere, for me, for future generations, for all the feminists that fought for equality (and still are). I want to prove that this is not a man's world after all, and that a woman can be the leader of the free world. I think she'd do a great job, especially relative to anything the knuckle-draggers can pull out of their wing-nut asses. Is she the most in-line with my beliefs? No, but dammit, for purely selfish reasons, I want a woman to win, and this appears to be our chance. I just want to hear the phrase "Madam President" as she enters a room.
As a side note, if she were to win, would protocol dictate that she and the Big Dawg be called "The Presidents Clinton"?
As for my post the other day about people on the left who immediately started saying why they wouldn't vote for her in the general election, that was before I came to this realization that I want her to win. I had an epiphany of sorts since then. I still maintain that anyone who doesn't vote for whoever the candidate ultimately is, is in essence voting for the Republican. My feelings on that matter will never change. My reasoning behind this is simple, see: Nader, Ralph. I will vote for whomever the Democrats put on the ticket...even if it's "The Last Honest Man". (Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go throw up, the thought of voting for Lieberman is more than my upchuck reflex can handle.)
Saturday, January 20, 2007
On Hillary Hating...
So, Hillary announced her ’08 candidacy today. And now, just hours later, the blogs are full of people screaming that they will never vote for her, even if she gets the nomination. Well, I’ve got something to say to those people. I’m going to say it very slowly and clearly so that everyone can get it through their self-involved, ego-laden, holier-than-thou brains…
IF HILLARY GETS THE NOMINATION, YOU WILL VOTE FOR HER. WHY? BECAUSE IF YOU DON’T VOTE AT ALL OR YOU VOTE THIRD PARTY, THEN YOU ARE VOTING FOR THE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE. NO MATTER HOW BAD YOU THINK HILLARY IS, SHE IS STILL BETTER THAN A REPUBLICAN. SO SIT DOWN, SHUT THE FUCK UP, AND ON ELECTION DAY 2008, CAST YOUR VOTE FOR HER OR LOSE YOUR FUCKING RIGHT TO SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THE STATE OF THIS COUNTRY.
It’s as simple as that. I’m so sick and tired of this mentality in the progressive activism circles. Because no matter how bad you think she is…she’s still a better choice than St. McCain, Guiliani, Brownback, Romney, or whoever else the knuckledraggers can pull out of their ass for 2008.
So, get over yourself. If you don’t like her, work against her in the primaries. But if, and it’s a long shot, she gets the nomination, you WILL support her. To do otherwise is treasonous to your causes.
It’s not “all about you”. Remember, we are all in this together, and a center-left candidate is always better than a far-right wing nut.
IF HILLARY GETS THE NOMINATION, YOU WILL VOTE FOR HER. WHY? BECAUSE IF YOU DON’T VOTE AT ALL OR YOU VOTE THIRD PARTY, THEN YOU ARE VOTING FOR THE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE. NO MATTER HOW BAD YOU THINK HILLARY IS, SHE IS STILL BETTER THAN A REPUBLICAN. SO SIT DOWN, SHUT THE FUCK UP, AND ON ELECTION DAY 2008, CAST YOUR VOTE FOR HER OR LOSE YOUR FUCKING RIGHT TO SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THE STATE OF THIS COUNTRY.
It’s as simple as that. I’m so sick and tired of this mentality in the progressive activism circles. Because no matter how bad you think she is…she’s still a better choice than St. McCain, Guiliani, Brownback, Romney, or whoever else the knuckledraggers can pull out of their ass for 2008.
So, get over yourself. If you don’t like her, work against her in the primaries. But if, and it’s a long shot, she gets the nomination, you WILL support her. To do otherwise is treasonous to your causes.
It’s not “all about you”. Remember, we are all in this together, and a center-left candidate is always better than a far-right wing nut.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
I can't write on demand...
I've determined that the main reason I am incapable of keeping this blog up to date is that I can't write on demand. I have to have a reason to blog and a post forming in my head before I can even manage to get a few words typed. I've tried and tried to do daily updates, but I just can't manage it. I always manage to start a post, but since I haven't really been inspired by its contents, I cannot finish it.
I've got tons of drafts saved, but they aren't complete. Nor will they ever be. So, I've decided to just write whenever my creative juices flow, and not try to force it. This works very well, considering most of my posts are "rants" and they seem to do better as a 'stream of consciousness' type thing. So, when ever I manage to be inspired to write, I will. Otherwise, it may be weeks or even months between posts.
I guess I just can't force creativity.
I've got tons of drafts saved, but they aren't complete. Nor will they ever be. So, I've decided to just write whenever my creative juices flow, and not try to force it. This works very well, considering most of my posts are "rants" and they seem to do better as a 'stream of consciousness' type thing. So, when ever I manage to be inspired to write, I will. Otherwise, it may be weeks or even months between posts.
I guess I just can't force creativity.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Live Blogging a Customer Service/Tech Support Call
So, I had to call my ISP tech support/customer service regarding my DSL modem. It has decided to be a total pain in my ass the last few days. Apparently, it likes to change all of it’s settings anytime you try to do anything with it. I waited til late in the evening to make the call, like 10pm, with hopes that there wouldn’t be much of a wait time. There wasn’t hardly any wait at all. That is the only thing that went my way though.
First of all, I obviously got someone who is not based in the US, to put it mildly. I had to have her repeat everything numerous times because her accent was so thick. I’m used to this level of customer “unservice” by now, but good Lord, this is ridiculous.
The real problems started when she asked what Operating System I am using. I told her Mac OS 10. She got silent and asked why I had switched from Windows XP. I flatly told her it was because I had gotten a new computer. This is where the real fun began…
She was nice enough to inform me that she didn’t know anything about the Mac OS. Then casually asked if it was a laptop or desktop. I told her desktop and she seemed even more confused. Then I was put on hold for what seemed like forever while she tried to find someone who knows anything about Mac. This is where I began to get pissed. The problem is in the modem. It has absolutely nothing to do with the computer’s settings. The modem is just randomly disconnecting itself from the internet. If she would have listened, or been able to understand basic English, I could have been off the phone 15 minutes ago. But, no, she heard Mac, and commenced to freak out. When she finally came back on the line, she told me they couldn’t help me because they don’t do Mac support. I had to explain to her very slowly and clearly that the problem that I’m having has nothing to do with the computer; the problem is in the modem. The computer is doing what it is supposed to do.
After several more minutes of trying to explain this to her, she told me she was going to transfer me to a different department to address my concerns. At this point I’m getting very pissed and I can feel my blood pressure beginning to rise. It is not good for customer service agents when my blood pressure begins to rise. I used to work in customer service and I understand what they have to go through, but there is no excuse for incompetence. Nor is there any excuse for having agents who can’t speak the language they are supposed to communicate in. Not only must they communicate, but they must be able to speak in technical terms. This girl can’t. That’s for damn sure. I’ve called this ISP before and gotten someone overseas. But in those cases, the person spoke better English, and at least knew something about the subject matter. I’ve never had problems with this company like this.
Basically she heard “Wireless” and “Mac” and freaked out, so she never actually heard the real problem. The problem is the modem has disconnected itself from the DSL. (Luckily, our city-wide WiFi is about to launch so I can drop these fools and pick up the KiteNet service from the city. (For about ½ as much as this ISP). Unfortunately, I’m stuck with these fools for at least another month, or until the WiFi goes live. )
So, she comes back on the line and is still hung up on the whole wireless thing. I’ve now asked her to transfer me to someone who can actually understand the issue and do something about it. She’s checking with her “team leader.” Now, she wants to send me a new modem, she thinks the modem is bad. Funny thing is, that is always their response. Every single time I’ve called them over the last 1 ½ years (since I’ve had this service) they’ve tried to say the modem was bad. Every single time they have been wrong. They just don’t want to deal with it, so they think it’s easier to tell me it’s the modem, send me a new one, and punt it to the next poor rep that gets my call when the new modem has the same problem as the first. BECAUSE THE PROBLEM ISN’T A BAD MODEM, THE PROBLEM ISN’T MY COMPUTER, THE PROBLEM ISN’T THE WIRELESS, THE PROBLEM ISN’T MAC OS 10, THE PROBLEM IS THE FREAKING SETTINGS ON THE MODEM, AND SOMETHING WITHIN IT THAT WON’T LET IT RESET WITHOUT GOING BACK TO DEFAULT. AAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!
Still on hold…still on hold… still on hold… still on hold… still on hold… still on hold…
She’s back…still obsessed with the wireless. I told her for the fifteenth time that I’m not having a problem with the wireless. The computer can connect to the modem wirelessly. Not a single freakin’ problem there. The problem is that when I reset the modem to enable the security settings, the modem itself no longer recognizes the DSL connection. Now, I’m on hold AGAIN while she tries to get in touch with some other department. Every single time that I have tried to explain the problem to her, she has pulled this same shit.
On hold…still on hold…still on hold…still on hold…still on hold…I think I may hang up and call back to try to get someone with a better understanding of English and technical matters. You better damn well believe that this ISP is going to hear from me about this.
I guess this has turned into some weird live-blog. Oddly, it’s very calming to write what is happening in real time. It’s helping me get through the really freakin’ long holds without losing my mind. Maybe I should have done this the week of Christmas when I was fighting with Best Buy and UPS. Speaking of those two…don’t ever use either one. Their customer service sucks and they couldn’t care less about their customers. On the 3rd day that I contacted Best Buy, I spent 2 ½ hrs on hold before I finally got a human being. At one point, someone actually picked up the line then hung up. But that is a whole other saga.
Well, we finally got it resolved. Somehow, someway, the password for the ISP in the DSL modem settings had reverted to all lowercase letters. God only knows why. She, of course, wasn’t able to tell me why or how that had happened, considering that I hadn’t been in that part of the setup when I did the wireless connection. All of that to find out that I was right the entire time (as always). I’m kind of pissed because on of the first things she had me do was verify that stupid password according to what was in setup. She said it was fine then. Before I could get off the phone with her, she had to “recap” our conversation including all the steps that we took to correct the problem. I HATE dealing with tech support!!!
Tune in next time…I just sent off for a rebate…I’m sure there will be many fireworks involved in that transaction. (There has been every other time I’ve ever submitted a rebate. I actually consider it a bonus if I actually get the damn thing).
First of all, I obviously got someone who is not based in the US, to put it mildly. I had to have her repeat everything numerous times because her accent was so thick. I’m used to this level of customer “unservice” by now, but good Lord, this is ridiculous.
The real problems started when she asked what Operating System I am using. I told her Mac OS 10. She got silent and asked why I had switched from Windows XP. I flatly told her it was because I had gotten a new computer. This is where the real fun began…
She was nice enough to inform me that she didn’t know anything about the Mac OS. Then casually asked if it was a laptop or desktop. I told her desktop and she seemed even more confused. Then I was put on hold for what seemed like forever while she tried to find someone who knows anything about Mac. This is where I began to get pissed. The problem is in the modem. It has absolutely nothing to do with the computer’s settings. The modem is just randomly disconnecting itself from the internet. If she would have listened, or been able to understand basic English, I could have been off the phone 15 minutes ago. But, no, she heard Mac, and commenced to freak out. When she finally came back on the line, she told me they couldn’t help me because they don’t do Mac support. I had to explain to her very slowly and clearly that the problem that I’m having has nothing to do with the computer; the problem is in the modem. The computer is doing what it is supposed to do.
After several more minutes of trying to explain this to her, she told me she was going to transfer me to a different department to address my concerns. At this point I’m getting very pissed and I can feel my blood pressure beginning to rise. It is not good for customer service agents when my blood pressure begins to rise. I used to work in customer service and I understand what they have to go through, but there is no excuse for incompetence. Nor is there any excuse for having agents who can’t speak the language they are supposed to communicate in. Not only must they communicate, but they must be able to speak in technical terms. This girl can’t. That’s for damn sure. I’ve called this ISP before and gotten someone overseas. But in those cases, the person spoke better English, and at least knew something about the subject matter. I’ve never had problems with this company like this.
Basically she heard “Wireless” and “Mac” and freaked out, so she never actually heard the real problem. The problem is the modem has disconnected itself from the DSL. (Luckily, our city-wide WiFi is about to launch so I can drop these fools and pick up the KiteNet service from the city. (For about ½ as much as this ISP). Unfortunately, I’m stuck with these fools for at least another month, or until the WiFi goes live. )
As a side note, (while I’m on hold), I cannot believe that my little Podunk city is actually going to have city-wide WiFi.) It’s one hell of a set up. They say that the monthly service will be about $20, and you may have to have a modem to boost the signal in some areas, but holy crap, it’s freakin’ city-wide WiFi. In Longmont, of all places. Boulder doesn’t even have city-wide, and they are a hell of a lot more progressive than this town.
So, she comes back on the line and is still hung up on the whole wireless thing. I’ve now asked her to transfer me to someone who can actually understand the issue and do something about it. She’s checking with her “team leader.” Now, she wants to send me a new modem, she thinks the modem is bad. Funny thing is, that is always their response. Every single time I’ve called them over the last 1 ½ years (since I’ve had this service) they’ve tried to say the modem was bad. Every single time they have been wrong. They just don’t want to deal with it, so they think it’s easier to tell me it’s the modem, send me a new one, and punt it to the next poor rep that gets my call when the new modem has the same problem as the first. BECAUSE THE PROBLEM ISN’T A BAD MODEM, THE PROBLEM ISN’T MY COMPUTER, THE PROBLEM ISN’T THE WIRELESS, THE PROBLEM ISN’T MAC OS 10, THE PROBLEM IS THE FREAKING SETTINGS ON THE MODEM, AND SOMETHING WITHIN IT THAT WON’T LET IT RESET WITHOUT GOING BACK TO DEFAULT. AAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!
Still on hold…still on hold… still on hold… still on hold… still on hold… still on hold…
She’s back…still obsessed with the wireless. I told her for the fifteenth time that I’m not having a problem with the wireless. The computer can connect to the modem wirelessly. Not a single freakin’ problem there. The problem is that when I reset the modem to enable the security settings, the modem itself no longer recognizes the DSL connection. Now, I’m on hold AGAIN while she tries to get in touch with some other department. Every single time that I have tried to explain the problem to her, she has pulled this same shit.
On hold…still on hold…still on hold…still on hold…still on hold…I think I may hang up and call back to try to get someone with a better understanding of English and technical matters. You better damn well believe that this ISP is going to hear from me about this.
I guess this has turned into some weird live-blog. Oddly, it’s very calming to write what is happening in real time. It’s helping me get through the really freakin’ long holds without losing my mind. Maybe I should have done this the week of Christmas when I was fighting with Best Buy and UPS. Speaking of those two…don’t ever use either one. Their customer service sucks and they couldn’t care less about their customers. On the 3rd day that I contacted Best Buy, I spent 2 ½ hrs on hold before I finally got a human being. At one point, someone actually picked up the line then hung up. But that is a whole other saga.
Well, we finally got it resolved. Somehow, someway, the password for the ISP in the DSL modem settings had reverted to all lowercase letters. God only knows why. She, of course, wasn’t able to tell me why or how that had happened, considering that I hadn’t been in that part of the setup when I did the wireless connection. All of that to find out that I was right the entire time (as always). I’m kind of pissed because on of the first things she had me do was verify that stupid password according to what was in setup. She said it was fine then. Before I could get off the phone with her, she had to “recap” our conversation including all the steps that we took to correct the problem. I HATE dealing with tech support!!!
Tune in next time…I just sent off for a rebate…I’m sure there will be many fireworks involved in that transaction. (There has been every other time I’ve ever submitted a rebate. I actually consider it a bonus if I actually get the damn thing).
Thursday, December 21, 2006
The Blizzard and the Boss
As I sit here tonight, I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders. My little shoulders. No, it's not even because of Bush this time. This time the problem is snow. Lots and lots of snow. And all that it seems to represent.
I'm gonna ramble, I'm gonna complain, but ultimately, I hope to make my point.
In the middle of the "Holiday Blizzard 2006", as the news channels are calling it, (they are apparently required to name every storm that produces more than a dusting of snow) I've come to realize all that snow represents. Let me begin by explaining how my awakening happened...
This morning, when my fantastic boss finally let us leave work, two hours after we should have been allowed to, I drove home at a whopping 15mph in white-out conditions, in a front wheel drive sports-car with good, but not 'snow' tires. After sliding several times and worrying about the jackasses around me, I made it to my street. Unfortunately, I live at the top of a nice little incline, and so had to park my car at the bottom of the hill and walk the last 1/2 mile. In a blizzard. Gusting wind. Snow, ankle deep. In high heels. I did quite a bit of thinking on that 10 minute walk. Mostly to keep my mind off of the fact that I couldn't feel my feet, except for the ice that was forming in my arches.
I began to think about my amazing boss, and how at 9:30 this morning, when one of our project managers, who was on the interstate, called and said we had to leave right then or it was going to be too dangerous, he just shrugged it off. Then, 20 minutes later, when one of our foremen called and said the same thing, he still shrugged it off and said we could stick it out until 2:00. Finally, he was overruled by our Op Mgr, who at 10:30 said "Shut it down". When I called back into the shop, to let my brilliant boss know that yes, I'd made it home, and thanks for nothing since I had to hike in a blizzard to get home, he actually had the gonads to ask if I thought I'd be able to make it in tomorrow, and if not, could I get a ride in with someone. I laughed and informed him that no one is going anywhere tomorrow morning. He said he'd be in, cause his big ass' gas-guzzlin', over-sized, "Bush-Cheney" bumper-stickered, SUV could get through anything. I hope he gets stuck.
I'll stop rambling and get to my point. The mere fact that anyone seems to think that the accounting office of a construction company needs to be open during a blizzard is a stunning example of how far this country has slid down hill. That bosses are actually expecting people to risk life, limb, and property to make sure that a deposit gets posted or an invoice gets mailed befuddles me. When did I give my soul to that company, or any company. All that matters is the bottom line. To hell with the snow, screw CDOT, they don't know what they're doing when the shut down the interstate. How dare they say we peons can't go into work in 26" of snow.
The fact is, everything is being reduced to the bottom line. No matter how a company gets there, how dangerous their methods, how warped their motives, nor how psycho their demands, they are just racing to the bottom. All ends justify their means, according to them. I already work longer hours than I used to, with more (many more) duties, and come next week, I'll get a nice little pat on the back, an "atta-girl" and a raise that will equal about 1/2 of a cost of living increase. And I will act gracious. For this, I was expected to risk my well-being to go into work? I don't think so.
Maybe you'll say I have a bad attitude, but I'm sick and tired of being treated as a mere pawn in some screwed up Titans-of-Industry game. I'm sick and tired of knowing that I am making less now than I was in 2000. I'm tired of seeing my middle-class status slip from my fingers helplessly. Yeah, sure I could get a second job, but the point is, I shouldn't have to. No one should have to. My husband is already working his ass off traveling 75% of the time just so we can make enough money to live a decent life. But, when he is bouncing around the country at the whim of a boss with too much money and too much spare time, how are we supposed to enjoy that life.
If this is middle-class, I don't want to even think about what the less fortunate have to deal with. This country didn't use to be like this. It was never equal, it was never fair, but at least everyone had a chance, however small it may be. Now, we are all slowly sinking to the bottom, with no one to pull us out. And no ropes or ladders to help ourselves.
If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, but if you teach him to fish, you feed him for life. That's all fine and dandy, but it'd be nice if you provided him with a rod, some bait, and maybe even a fish to feed him till he gets the hang of it.
If we require anything of our leaders, it should be a safety net, workplace protections, and labor-friendly policies. Because without workers out there busting butt everyday, there would not be a United States. There wouldn't be anything, except maybe the snow. Piling up, smothering us all, slowly and surely.
I'm gonna ramble, I'm gonna complain, but ultimately, I hope to make my point.
In the middle of the "Holiday Blizzard 2006", as the news channels are calling it, (they are apparently required to name every storm that produces more than a dusting of snow) I've come to realize all that snow represents. Let me begin by explaining how my awakening happened...
This morning, when my fantastic boss finally let us leave work, two hours after we should have been allowed to, I drove home at a whopping 15mph in white-out conditions, in a front wheel drive sports-car with good, but not 'snow' tires. After sliding several times and worrying about the jackasses around me, I made it to my street. Unfortunately, I live at the top of a nice little incline, and so had to park my car at the bottom of the hill and walk the last 1/2 mile. In a blizzard. Gusting wind. Snow, ankle deep. In high heels. I did quite a bit of thinking on that 10 minute walk. Mostly to keep my mind off of the fact that I couldn't feel my feet, except for the ice that was forming in my arches.
I began to think about my amazing boss, and how at 9:30 this morning, when one of our project managers, who was on the interstate, called and said we had to leave right then or it was going to be too dangerous, he just shrugged it off. Then, 20 minutes later, when one of our foremen called and said the same thing, he still shrugged it off and said we could stick it out until 2:00. Finally, he was overruled by our Op Mgr, who at 10:30 said "Shut it down". When I called back into the shop, to let my brilliant boss know that yes, I'd made it home, and thanks for nothing since I had to hike in a blizzard to get home, he actually had the gonads to ask if I thought I'd be able to make it in tomorrow, and if not, could I get a ride in with someone. I laughed and informed him that no one is going anywhere tomorrow morning. He said he'd be in, cause his big ass' gas-guzzlin', over-sized, "Bush-Cheney" bumper-stickered, SUV could get through anything. I hope he gets stuck.
I'll stop rambling and get to my point. The mere fact that anyone seems to think that the accounting office of a construction company needs to be open during a blizzard is a stunning example of how far this country has slid down hill. That bosses are actually expecting people to risk life, limb, and property to make sure that a deposit gets posted or an invoice gets mailed befuddles me. When did I give my soul to that company, or any company. All that matters is the bottom line. To hell with the snow, screw CDOT, they don't know what they're doing when the shut down the interstate. How dare they say we peons can't go into work in 26" of snow.
The fact is, everything is being reduced to the bottom line. No matter how a company gets there, how dangerous their methods, how warped their motives, nor how psycho their demands, they are just racing to the bottom. All ends justify their means, according to them. I already work longer hours than I used to, with more (many more) duties, and come next week, I'll get a nice little pat on the back, an "atta-girl" and a raise that will equal about 1/2 of a cost of living increase. And I will act gracious. For this, I was expected to risk my well-being to go into work? I don't think so.
Maybe you'll say I have a bad attitude, but I'm sick and tired of being treated as a mere pawn in some screwed up Titans-of-Industry game. I'm sick and tired of knowing that I am making less now than I was in 2000. I'm tired of seeing my middle-class status slip from my fingers helplessly. Yeah, sure I could get a second job, but the point is, I shouldn't have to. No one should have to. My husband is already working his ass off traveling 75% of the time just so we can make enough money to live a decent life. But, when he is bouncing around the country at the whim of a boss with too much money and too much spare time, how are we supposed to enjoy that life.
If this is middle-class, I don't want to even think about what the less fortunate have to deal with. This country didn't use to be like this. It was never equal, it was never fair, but at least everyone had a chance, however small it may be. Now, we are all slowly sinking to the bottom, with no one to pull us out. And no ropes or ladders to help ourselves.
If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, but if you teach him to fish, you feed him for life. That's all fine and dandy, but it'd be nice if you provided him with a rod, some bait, and maybe even a fish to feed him till he gets the hang of it.
If we require anything of our leaders, it should be a safety net, workplace protections, and labor-friendly policies. Because without workers out there busting butt everyday, there would not be a United States. There wouldn't be anything, except maybe the snow. Piling up, smothering us all, slowly and surely.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
We Did It!
Well, we did it. We actually did it. We took the House, the Senate, the Governorships, and the State Legislatures. We worked our asses off, and we did it.
We troll rated Bush and the GOP last night into oblivion. We took their Mojo, and their TU status and barely left them enough to avoid the Autoban from getting them. We rendered them irrelevant and told them where they could shove it.
We flung recipes for economic uplift, national security, and universal healthcare. We threw pie in their faces. Then we woke up this morning with smiles on our faces and forced them to eat crow.
We did it, all of us, the grassroots, the netroots, the activists, and the Dem leadership. We came together(for the most part) and we did it.
To quote Howard Dean from The Daily Show tonight…
…”Boo-Ya!!!”
We troll rated Bush and the GOP last night into oblivion. We took their Mojo, and their TU status and barely left them enough to avoid the Autoban from getting them. We rendered them irrelevant and told them where they could shove it.
We flung recipes for economic uplift, national security, and universal healthcare. We threw pie in their faces. Then we woke up this morning with smiles on our faces and forced them to eat crow.
We did it, all of us, the grassroots, the netroots, the activists, and the Dem leadership. We came together(for the most part) and we did it.
To quote Howard Dean from The Daily Show tonight…
…”Boo-Ya!!!”
Saturday, November 04, 2006
ELECTION NIGHT VICTORY PARTY
November 7, 2006 (Election Day)
7:30pm-11:00pm at the Boulder Broker.
555 30th Street
Boulder CO 80303
Map & Directions
We'll be Live-blogging the event on the Boulder County Democrats Website. We'll also be following the coverage on various liberal blogs, such as DailyKos, SquareState, and any others which have good coverage, discussions, and analysis of the elections.
Bloggers scheduled for the night include, WeatherDem, Squirrel2634, msobel, and billythegeek.
There will be a cash bar, free food, videos, election results, wi-fi access, and music.
So, come on down and celebrate (hopefully) when we take our country back.
7:30pm-11:00pm at the Boulder Broker.
555 30th Street
Boulder CO 80303
Map & Directions
We'll be Live-blogging the event on the Boulder County Democrats Website. We'll also be following the coverage on various liberal blogs, such as DailyKos, SquareState, and any others which have good coverage, discussions, and analysis of the elections.
Bloggers scheduled for the night include, WeatherDem, Squirrel2634, msobel, and billythegeek.
There will be a cash bar, free food, videos, election results, wi-fi access, and music.
So, come on down and celebrate (hopefully) when we take our country back.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
The Republicans That Must Be Defeated
An attempt by the Netroots to influence the elections with technology. The Goopers did it in 2004. Now, it's our turn.
For background and more information see here, here, and here.
--AZ-Sen: Jon Kyl
--AZ-01: Rick Renzi
--AZ-05: J.D. Hayworth
--CA-04: John Doolittle
--CA-11: Richard Pombo
--CA-50: Brian Bilbray
--CO-04: Marilyn Musgrave
--CO-05: Doug Lamborn
--CO-07: Rick O'Donnell
--CT-04: Christopher Shays
--FL-13: Vernon Buchanan
--FL-16: Joe Negron
--FL-22: Clay Shaw
--ID-01: Bill Sali
--IL-06: Peter Roskam
--IL-10: Mark Kirk
--IL-14: Dennis Hastert
--IN-02: Chris Chocola
--IN-08: John Hostettler
--IA-01: Mike Whalen
--KS-02: Jim Ryun
--KY-03: Anne Northup
--KY-04: Geoff Davis
--MD-Sen: Michael Steele
--MN-01: Gil Gutknecht
--MN-06: Michele Bachmann
--MO-Sen: Jim Talent
--MT-Sen: Conrad Burns
--NV-03: Jon Porter
--NH-02: Charlie Bass
--NJ-07: Mike Ferguson
--NM-01: Heather Wilson
--NY-03: Peter King
--NY-20: John Sweeney
--NY-26: Tom Reynolds
--NY-29: Randy Kuhl
--NC-08: Robin Hayes
--NC-11: Charles Taylor
--OH-01: Steve Chabot
--OH-02: Jean Schmidt
--OH-15: Deborah Pryce
--OH-18: Joy Padgett
--PA-04: Melissa Hart
--PA-07: Curt Weldon
--PA-08: Mike Fitzpatrick
--PA-10: Don Sherwood
--RI-Sen: Lincoln Chafee
--TN-Sen: Bob Corker
--VA-Sen: George Allen
--VA-10: Frank Wolf
--WA-Sen: Mike McGavick
--WA-08: Dave Reichert
For background and more information see here, here, and here.
--AZ-Sen: Jon Kyl
--AZ-01: Rick Renzi
--AZ-05: J.D. Hayworth
--CA-04: John Doolittle
--CA-11: Richard Pombo
--CA-50: Brian Bilbray
--CO-04: Marilyn Musgrave
--CO-05: Doug Lamborn
--CO-07: Rick O'Donnell
--CT-04: Christopher Shays
--FL-13: Vernon Buchanan
--FL-16: Joe Negron
--FL-22: Clay Shaw
--ID-01: Bill Sali
--IL-06: Peter Roskam
--IL-10: Mark Kirk
--IL-14: Dennis Hastert
--IN-02: Chris Chocola
--IN-08: John Hostettler
--IA-01: Mike Whalen
--KS-02: Jim Ryun
--KY-03: Anne Northup
--KY-04: Geoff Davis
--MD-Sen: Michael Steele
--MN-01: Gil Gutknecht
--MN-06: Michele Bachmann
--MO-Sen: Jim Talent
--MT-Sen: Conrad Burns
--NV-03: Jon Porter
--NH-02: Charlie Bass
--NJ-07: Mike Ferguson
--NM-01: Heather Wilson
--NY-03: Peter King
--NY-20: John Sweeney
--NY-26: Tom Reynolds
--NY-29: Randy Kuhl
--NC-08: Robin Hayes
--NC-11: Charles Taylor
--OH-01: Steve Chabot
--OH-02: Jean Schmidt
--OH-15: Deborah Pryce
--OH-18: Joy Padgett
--PA-04: Melissa Hart
--PA-07: Curt Weldon
--PA-08: Mike Fitzpatrick
--PA-10: Don Sherwood
--RI-Sen: Lincoln Chafee
--TN-Sen: Bob Corker
--VA-Sen: George Allen
--VA-10: Frank Wolf
--WA-Sen: Mike McGavick
--WA-08: Dave Reichert
Saturday, August 26, 2006
On Work, Stress, and Writing
So, it’s been something like 6 months since I’ve posted on here. I’ve not had much time to do anything other than eat, sleep, and work.
Of course, it doesn’t help that I’m in some kind of funk, could even be called mild depression.
You see, in March my husband had to accept a job out of state for economic reasons. (It was either take the job, or dive head first into financial ruin) The job was expected to last until late June or early July. Needless to say, the job is still going, and looks like it will for at least another month or two. I’ve only seen him for a couple of days every 4-6 weeks since he’s been gone. The whole time, the question of whether or not we would be relocating has been hanging over our heads. The damned question has still not been answered.
To pile things on even further, I’ve been swamped at work with no relief in sight. There are other stress factors involved in that, including, but not limited to, the fact that I’ve determined through market research that I am approximately 50% underpaid for what I do. I love my job though, and love most of the people I work with, with about 3 exceptions. I’m also learning that a boob-job can get you paid more and advance you further than good old-fashioned brains. I have to wonder how large of implants I’d have to get in order to get the raise I deserve. Of course, none of this matters if we have to relocate. If we don’t have to relocate, then I may have some leverage to get the money I deserve. I’ve found out over the last few weeks that I have a couple of very strong advocates for my gripes.
I hope you can understand why I’ve not been updating this like I should. I’ve got several long posts started that I have yet to finish. And I’ve got a ‘manifesto’ that deals with my beliefs that is in progress, and I’m quite proud of what is done so far.
Please bear with me, I hope to get up-to-date in the next week or so.
Thanks,
Squirrel
Of course, it doesn’t help that I’m in some kind of funk, could even be called mild depression.
You see, in March my husband had to accept a job out of state for economic reasons. (It was either take the job, or dive head first into financial ruin) The job was expected to last until late June or early July. Needless to say, the job is still going, and looks like it will for at least another month or two. I’ve only seen him for a couple of days every 4-6 weeks since he’s been gone. The whole time, the question of whether or not we would be relocating has been hanging over our heads. The damned question has still not been answered.
To pile things on even further, I’ve been swamped at work with no relief in sight. There are other stress factors involved in that, including, but not limited to, the fact that I’ve determined through market research that I am approximately 50% underpaid for what I do. I love my job though, and love most of the people I work with, with about 3 exceptions. I’m also learning that a boob-job can get you paid more and advance you further than good old-fashioned brains. I have to wonder how large of implants I’d have to get in order to get the raise I deserve. Of course, none of this matters if we have to relocate. If we don’t have to relocate, then I may have some leverage to get the money I deserve. I’ve found out over the last few weeks that I have a couple of very strong advocates for my gripes.
I hope you can understand why I’ve not been updating this like I should. I’ve got several long posts started that I have yet to finish. And I’ve got a ‘manifesto’ that deals with my beliefs that is in progress, and I’m quite proud of what is done so far.
Please bear with me, I hope to get up-to-date in the next week or so.
Thanks,
Squirrel
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