I have a few events to cover

While I was trying to piece together one event -- the Friday Dave & JJ hosted a get together for everyone featuring the new arrivals Christopher and Joshua, with special guests the Quinmores, I found myself falling asleep on the keyboard. I still do not sleep well. Pardon me, it will take another day. Until then, I will write that it was fun and neat to see people again and little people for the first time.

Friday, brief as it was

Lori in quiet contemplation

Surprisingly, Dave showed the only cheese that I saw there.

Izzy swings!

Andrew was wondering what it was like outside
Carrie got a Christopher fix, and a baby fix

Jeff, Paula, and Joshua were happy to meet everyone
Mike finds the whole thing funny
Keith was animated
Wii kids had a good time, save that whole going-to-bed thing
I got the feeling that Jeff was a bit proud.
Dave held the house from falling.
JJ held Christopher who seemed happy to be included.
Mary would not smile for me.
Charlie among the many toys on the floor.
Keith struck a pose.
John looks down on photography.
Hmmm .. how clever.
William was quite but interested in the Wii games
This shot I couldn't pass.
Giant Mario

Well, I was late because ... I couldn't find out how to get there. Mike was obliging and helped some, then Dave took over and guided me the remainder of the way. It was great to see everyone again. Thanks Dave and JJ for hosting the get together!

My neice made it

Jenny's story

being called

Hey, uh ... we need fools, or I mean lackeys, or bodies -- to uh, help the whorehouse, I mean warehouse. So, I joined a small team and worked in warehouse today. Sadly, I was not wearing the most comfortable shoes for running around, nor the best-suited clothes for warehouse, dusty little dirty work. I did put in enough time again that my check will show OT.

Eyes heavy

Still ... poor sleep, noises never cease

problems left unsolved

work, learn

pangs of the past beleaguer me

"did you like teaching", answering yes

bills

time

scratches without an itch ... idle hands

projects

Sleep, invite me to a party no RSVP required

BYOD (dreams more important than beer)

What is my job

I'll first give you the short version. I am a phone rep (resentative) who fields calls for people needing parts and checking on parts. I know, it doesn't sound like a complex enough job to warrant much money.
The end of the week got better and I started doing more work.


The long version. Using a proprietary SQL I research parts, inventory and customer invoice and information finding the parts requested (often techs calling in don't have the part numbers or don't have the right numbers). I also have to find where orders are, why orders aren't shipping and find logistical solutions (inventory control). Now, couple with with having a glitchy SQL which is version 5.2 after people had years with version 2.3. The systems don't run the same.

The switch to the new system didn't import all the most recent data and so about 6 weeks of data (orders, invoices and the like) were not imported. They were not lost, but they are not available in the new system. To find prices for techs and mechanics, I have to refer to old printed material on discounts for people -- one large company gets 35% disc on items $200 +, etc. It is a lot to remember. Now, the interesting part of the job is that I have to find parts that are long-since retired from machines that are too old to run. I have had to go through schematics of appliances (breakdowns) finding old part numbers or descriptions and use the SQL to hopefully find a match. On Friday, I got to learn the magic of light bulb designation through dimensions and type all to answer one question.

I like my team. The number three guy in the company, who has the largest office on site (numbers 2 and 1 don't work in that building) is nice, motivational and down-to Earth. He interviewed me, but knows marketing and sales more than tech stuff like computers, SQL and more typical programming languages. In a few weeks I will earn hourly more than I did at PH, and thereafter every "hurdle" I pass, my raises come in.

I sit on my butt all day --- bad, but I do work and have little down time. When I first started they didn't have a computer for me that worked. On Friday, my headset for the phone failed. The servers they have running are maxed out due to the data transfer issues. When that is hammered out -- 9 weeks, about, the server will get faster and the work will be easier on everyone. It's nice that I have my own desk. It is 100% smoke free. The only food smell is from the lounge that reeks of microwave food.

The other funny thing about my job is listening to people who haven't mastered their only language English. Hey, ya'll gotter pah't det fit dis here gaskit? Yeah, I figger dat its dis won-AE-IE-OU-YU-THEN- sayvun-AEF-AN

So, that's 1AEIOU7FN, right?

For more complex math, please see Net clost *1.15, then try vendor cost does not equal List Price --> change in inventory management

++ now add returns, faxing, sales orders

later, quotes, new solicitation

Drunks of Hazard County

Go Go Kosovo!

Yeah, let freedom ring and may the democrat republic never waver, never yield! Go freedom!

Congratulations Kosovo! Spending my tax dollars on THAT nation makes sense!

moment of unrest

Playtime with the Cramers

Legendary disappointment

"I am Legend." --- many holes, much unexplained, not a feel good movie, lackuster ending, and they broke a rule in good movie making concerning animals. You just don't do it!

So ... this athiest is bad at math, right?

from the "Calculate Your God Delusion Index", I see that the authors can't draw a simple number line. That's funny! I'm not "Batshit crazy" and I can draw a number line. I found the first two levels of delusion interesting, then it fell into 'operational psychosis' at higher levels.

Well, the creators (ha ha) spent some time with this and still didn't get a number line right. Good going duds (not dudes).

Well deserved

I do wrong and deserve the berating I get. So, I deserve the Hell that I calming walk to visit.
It's a shame ... I'll miss Heaven.

On the same path, eagerly walking to Hell ...

I made the day of a girl who had a nasty one ... she called me wanting to thank me, so sweet

I turned on my phone too late (I turned it off at work in the afternoon to save my battery), a friend was in trouble and desperate. He was out of sorts ... confused (from alcohol or drugs) needing help. In the end, his distance too great for me to reach him quickly, I sent officers to do a wellness check on him. I will try again today to check on him.

I am a little help to a person feeling quite alone, okay make that a few people who feel alone and desperate. One particular girl is a survivor of many hellish child experiences. I will never forgo being her friend, as she needs friends. I just wish I could live a life where she could have a "safe haven" being free to walk in, sit, and talk with me.

Loneliness ... a sad curse. Apparently there is a vast amount of loneliness despite the number of people on the planet. Of course, if you can't be yourself around someone, then you are still alone from yourself.

I have met lost souls and persons with many pains casting long shadows on the ground. I have had the opportunity for some people to cast their shadow on me ... let go of some of the past, giving it to me to remember and them to forget. I never wanted the burden, but it is nice to take the load for someone so loaded and often so young.

If I existed only to carry the sadness of others, it would destroy me. I am thankfully that I am also reminded that I am loved despite my evil nature, despite that I do wrong. Being loved, truly loved, is what a soul ultimately wants.

looked into vacation idea ...

WHOA! Skip all that or at least one place I looked! It was nearly as expensive as Disney World.

dirty man

Talked dirty this morning ... "my lips touch yours ...", was naughty this evening on the phone with my special someone.

Yes, MR ... I am going to Hell, I got it.

I want to have different circumstances for sure, but it is what it is.

closer than before

I have had calls and txt messages from work more than when I worked there. It is nice to know that I was liked while I was there. I got a call from a cute girl ... nice that I made her day. I also spoke with another friend from work. She's great, but is stuck with her situation -- long time bf with waning interest in him. Frisky fun girl who never "sowed her wild oats" instead settled down quickly and perhaps too much so.

she had a bad day ...

nothing went right, frazzled ... sad

I did something right
and she cried

It isn't revenge, though she is the girl who made me cry. I showed her that despite her convictions ... someone does care and like it or not .. gives a damn!

.... pop, oh goody, we're online

I started my stark job with little hope or prospect. One woman, the team leader is a manic depressant -- scary mix as the moods are like drafts in a building. Whoa -- cool, whoa hot! Another guy there is large, not quite as strong as Bob in Incredibles, but looks equally silly hunched over the desk the space surrounding him like an ill-fitting suit. Another woman eats like a rabbit -- munch, much, much -- she's rail thin. Another woman there does the same thing -- real big. I guess life isn't fair.

Day four, I have a computer that works, somewhat. I have a phone system that has my name, and have all the programs that I should have. Apart from handling phone calls -- the bulk of the job, I have done all else ... entered in paperwork (Brazil's landmass worth of paperwork) including shipping, returns, invoices, faxing, (where are they) slips for shipments that are lost or late.

They moved from one system to another and there was a major problem with data transfer. About 6 weeks did not completely, and in some cases at all, load onto the new program. The program therefore made these items limbo -- did they ship, did they not ... back order?

This is partially why they need more people there. The backlog of fix this defeats the new business that they need. I am working on learning it all. Today I was able to pitch in and do some of the backlog. Anything to help the team and eventually move on to where I do sales and the potential for raises.

I like the team, but need to ask for an odd request of my direct super --
can I extend my hours there (not getting overtime) in order to have a more realistic lunch of 60 minutes?

We'll see how that goes. I will wait til I put in a week, I think.

Day 3 ...

I did a little more today. I got my computer and it was working. The problem is getting over the hurdle of the interface. There are four programs that they use. There is a fifth that many use, but it is the "old" system. Those who used it, love it and hate the new system.

The new program has advantages and disadvantages. It uses Windows capabilities and defeats other Windows capabilities. Because of the manner of data storage, the SQL is limited and needs more versatility and wildcards. What the users forget is that the system has to track down millions or billions of part numbers and correlate that to orders, inventory and more. Of course it should require some human-factor thinking (part number containing "7") should not be an allowable function -- consuming very valuable resources. On the same token, you may not know much about the part number so you should be able to do more with description, regardless whether you know the manufacturer.

This is also true if company A is bought be company B. Now, Company A might continue to produce the part and name it Company B; may manufacture a new part with Company A; outsource old part to Company C. This is where the complexity begins. Okay, I understand that some person may not know the part number, but they ought to have an idea what it is, right?

Part of my job will be finding parts for people who don't know the part numbers.
Another part of my job will be to order parts, ensuring that we have the parts (informing the customer approximae time of delivery) and getting prices.

The prices are the biggest mess of all.

Service Company F has a certain volume of business and gets __% off list price, unless ...
there is only a Net price listed
If the sale is a quote, numbers are rounded to integer dollars and freight is seemingly arbitrarily guessed.
I can see few instances when my team members actually calculate weight of parts for shipping.

I have a lot to learn, but I can, if given the chance, do much now.

last bit of last day

pick up G, for she doesn't have license or car (there)

drop off G for same reasons

got back round 10pm
tired on first day ... boring, not a good start

What stayed with me was feeling of love, hugs and kisses I got.
I'm an ass, bastard, jerk, putz, numbnutz, but still got rewards for effort, for trying (other than trying others' patience)

In my mind, would like to see one girl turn to novelist
one girl turn to nurse
one girl get her humor and childhood back -- then become a program manager for multiple facilities
one man finish his degree (after changing twice) to physics then marry the nurse

see one woman end her relationship with guy in favor of being a person more in control of her life (mother of two) and her defunct bf who is on the chronic fatigue side

In confession, strongly like one woman, have a fading crush on the program manager -- wish her my best

I would like to see the one girl develop into woman and defy all odds and be exceed her potential. Uncomfortable with herself and success, she will, for a long time, suffer

Chris

Chris Hogan

* thanks Dave

She

Little girl, baby ... I've never been a father, "daddy", uncle yes. Little girl seeks me out ... wants to write me. Again, I am spoken about in corners, shadows, "is it okay". It hurts that I can't call her "little girl", "daughter", "baby". Her generous nature is natural ... she doesn't know it hurts that others care about me. I hardly share a thing in my mind, let alone my true passions ... this little girl ... melts my heart


a stone giant brought to his knees

softy inside

Girl who would be woman ... the Nobel Peace Prize could not bring pride as great as this. "daddy" would melt me as sure as the sun a candle ... young friend, I cherish the moment I read your letter, you honor me with any letter even ... da da da "X"

I am touched

first day at work

I just watched someone work today. I nearly fell asleep. Hey, guys! Why don't you go ahead and let me work, eh?

burdon of youth

Here is Joshua! I'm sure that the grandparents will eventually let Jeff and Paula hold him.

I would like to post Christopher pictures, but ... I don't have any,

ahem, Dave, JJ?

sweet girl broke my heart

It was my last day with many people last night. There was a kid there who broke my heart completely apart. She asked me for my mailing address so that she could write me.

That hurt! It still hurts when I think of it.

Dear sweet girl. I hope I get to read something from her.

It was the gesture I'll remember ... even if she never writes.

She coupled it with hugs.

Again ... hurts that I never was a daddy, happy that I might have been a good man around some people. I was considered good role model at work and uncle to at least one person (not the aforementioned girl).

Like a marinette

I am cutting my strings from work. I hope to finally burst out into, first "F---ing hurray!" Then, "I've got no strings to hold me down..."




Italian version

Counting down

four
more
days

I was very naughty, bad, insolent, sent to the corner, bad, bad man


Oh, and I was asked, in the future, if I would like to attend a wedding (years in the making), perhaps in a wedding party. I, of course, accepted. The couple are two kids who met at work, happily twitter pated with each other.

You have new crap!

Well, no. It's old crap redone. I looked at cash last night... huh, $1500 short. I don't think so. I called the GM and surprise, surprise, surprise (Jim Neighbors as Gomer Pyle), somebody didn't enter in money. You'all accost me for errors when I get this? B---S---! Take that job and love, I ain't workin' there no more!

I have four days left and it is much like a man waiting parole ... "time, it take time..."+

I came in yesterday and a vital piece of equipment was ... not work, go figure! Later, the computer was as reliable as France as an ally in a war. I had to restart it. Pretty soon, the hillbilly state of affairs there will be clear. You have four computers and none of them work. How is this different than white trash and redneck?

+Scorpions, "Still Lovin' You"

feeling bad about it

No, I won't write about my "fling thing", but rather that a girl at work approached me, pouting, "You're leaving" and I am to feel guilty about it. I don't feel guilty for getting a better job -- no way! I feel sad that I will not directly see these people, and kids, grow and move on. It isn't like they don't plan on leaving anyway ... why should I feel guilty.

I care, and that is why I don't belong. I was reminded that I was one of a few people who cared, therefore unlike the other managers. I was an aberration, shock to the system. I didn't fit and had to go, better by choice.

I guess I'm Guilty, and not just of leaving.

days ago, a "wonderful" trip home

Later I got a white out. Nice.

dissolution solution

Be it Neil Diamond's "Love on the Rocks" or "To the Left" it is the commonplace for divorce. I am no exception. I will honestly type that my marriage was stupid ... doomed before its creation. We had a bad relationship and the marriage didn't miracle away any problems. It's almost better if the divorce happens early, as later there are so many deep wounds that by time the actual paperwork is complete, these once beloved happy couple are often caged pit dogs, fighting for survival.

I therefore have, with some reservations, respect for those who live together without marriage, for they can somewhat keep autonomy, never sharing their legal debt. I will also submit that marriage ought to be more difficult, since divorce itself is easy -- agreeing on division of assets, debt, and custody are the stumbling blocks.

I believe, men too, fall into the allure of the marriage being a fairy tale where wishes come true, hearts unite and arguments are few and far between. Then, cold fate moves in the house for a "short stay", a financial hardship, too many hours away from each other, interference from others -- ghosts taking their grizzly toll on a happy couple.

When you fall in deep, true love, the person should be so lovable that you would enjoy them, some limitations apply, if they were injured in an accident; jobless for a long time; shockingly opposite of you in a critical way (cleanliness vs sloppiness for example); luckless; suffering from a deflated ego, etc.

The marriage should be an equitable trade -- since the relationship isn't ONE person, then ONE person can't make all of the decisions. You love a person for who they are, their limitations notwithstanding. If you find that one true love -- not only who "rocks your world", but who would love you equally -- in fair weather, and bitter despair. Would you hold hands, hug, kiss, playfully talk, grow and die together if you were dirt poor -- incalculably rich? Would you call that person friend -- true friend, sharing every detail of your life with her/him?

Would you tell them the bad things you did; the good things you did; what you wanted to do; what you'd like to do? Could you ask them for a favor, be glad to do them a favor? I think the faith -- lack of fullness, wholeness, complete friendship is a big cause of marriage failures.

"Money problems" is often cited, but there are many happy poor couples, who hobble together, slowly, surely, hand in hand, together. Death of your one true love only means you have to wait to see them again. You can see that person again, with you, the voice, essence, being. A friend would tell you when you are wrong, support you in need, pick you up when you are down. A friend loves you, no matter your "faults", for who you are matters more.

If you have a friend who is a spouse, then you have a great thing, all other limitations can be "worked around". If your spouse was not a deep, close, personal friend, then you aren't close enough. If you have a "I don't share this" with your spouse ... mate, one true love, then with whom do you share it?

In my case, while I shared much of me -- she needed me for survival -- for her frailty was self-perpetuated. She favored her sadness. I could not call her a friend when she needed more than the two of us combined. She could not give for she always needed. She was not, in the end, a friend on whom I could rely, not nearly close enough.

I write this because of a recent divorce of friends who seemed like a good couple. I don't know their story. I know of another couple who may split and a different couple whose non-marriage is indicative of its invalidity.

Other cases is that you have couples who never really were honest with each other and others didn't explore each other -- who each was, knowing yourself first, the other person second -- that person finding out about you what you didn't know.

damn

Either through asexual reproduction or through other means, my bills are ... well, mating or something.

I paid you.

I'm his little brother.

Well, looking at the dollar figure I wouldn't call you the "little" brother.

more debt ... yeah!

It looks like I'll be asking for any and all overtime at my new job.

oregano sasperilla (speaking forward in reverse)

clocks cleaned out with brushes and haste, mind aflutter, bats flee their roost
my cluttered mind filled with messes old, present and new from work
finally I can sweep my mind free of them
lost to me
I am sad -- my ties to a few people will be severed
I am not sorry I am going, but rather sorry that I don't get to contact these good people

I know heartily they will not seek out me
____________________________
With a promise of a good day and time off for good behavior and work, I shall finish two resumes for people, begin again grant searching for business grants so that I might consult on my off hours

So much to do, 'so much to say, so much to say'+

+ Dave Matthews

pwescious

bloodshot eyes and a taste for conversation lead me to friends at Granite City tonight. I met up with friends I haven't seen in year and talked a good bit. Good news about Jeff & Paula -- Joshua was early. Congratulations to them, now three, this new family!

Gosh ... friends or be with new family ...
flip coin

huh, family came up first ... imagine that! Good choice!

Anyway, expensive, but neat Granite City was ok. I liked the staff, the night, the reminiscing and our happy spirits. With a short line of drinks I favored Miller Light, who would have guessed?

Anyway, it was great seeing Tim, Todd, Mike, Keith, Dave (who was able to get away). Cheers and may we met up again!

word to the wise

When at a hotel, do not rest your key card next to your cell phone or other credit cards as it may become demagnetized. I experienced this twice. I think I have learned my lesson.

Heat on high before I

Heat on high before I got here. I would guess about 95 degrees

fog rain pain... friend lost

fog rain pain... friend lost her job today. gloomy in so many ways. at least she knows she can call me. an ear

seeing eye kid

There was a family last night who came in, party of four ... one on a leash. Now, I've seen child leashes, generally something attached to the wrist, but some are on a harness (nylon or cotton/poly). This family had a leather leash, like a dog, attached to their child. I was filled with disgust. Look, I can understand that RARE children are otherwise very difficult to control. Resorting to a leather leash ... the issue lies not with the child, but the lack-of parenting.

to make some one happy ...

On my other arm I wrote, "Tigger Lover"

It is rough, not very good, but done in 3 minutes. It produced the desired effect ... a laugh, a smile.

short time there

I sense implications coming .. I'll accept them with gratitude.
"I'm going to hell", because I didn't want to drive back !stinking! town to return later in possibly bad !stinking! weather. "I'm going to hell" more likely because of doubt, not sin ... for redemption and salvation keeps you alive, not being good.

I'm going to use a hotel. I've stayed there before. It was quite comfortable. I like the ground floor better, but ... it is "all good". The staff there are friendly, sadly I've never had the chance to see the pool. My work hours eliminate my chance to relax fully at the hotel. It's clean, fresh, calm. It shall be my last stay in that town, to my knowledge. I missed out on the whirlpool room ... only $10 more.

Some other hotels within a block are $25 - $40 more. Yikes. I bid thee ado Worktown starts with W

Westchester, Washington, Williamsburg, Westboro, whatever

WTF and bad line of thinking

"would you have done it if her husband were standing there?

mmmno... no you wouldn't have.

hell... that's where you're goin'."

The recipient of the massage is not and has not been married. It's really charming that you should bring this up though.
If, when I held her arm across her belly so that I didn't touch her wrongfully, would that have been a problem?
If I mentioned that her boyfriend could finish other areas like her legs, as those were areas I wasn't doing, was that wrongful? If after the massage, she talks candidly about a personal doctor's appointment and her fears about it, is that wrongful?

I guess I should have pointed out the obvious that it wasn't sexual ... like the title said. I guess I should have written that I tried to get this young lady to think about a situation that was worrisome. In that I stated that I had stuff for her if she pursued the same vocation as I had (teaching).

I should have explained my wonder as to how someone could be so willing to be physically intimate with another person, yet be closed off -- telling little of themselves (herself), hidden in a "you wouldn't want to know", in other words, 'I'm not saying'. My point of the post was just that. How the @#%%@% you got going to hell for inappropriate conduct with a woman without her husband around is, well odd.

I'm happy you get to damn others. I wouldn't want the job. I'd never get it right.

Sloppy driver out of luck

I pulled into town and there was a car off the road on the exit ramp. The young driver was wearing only shorts. "I'm going to a basketball game" was his claim. His cell phone was about out. I let him borrow mine. He didn't have AAA, and called a friend to come pick him up to take him to the game. Bad luck, dude!

sensual, intimacy

There was no sex. I massaged someone at work today. She'd never had anyone massage her before. That's a damn shame -- she's sweet and great! I tried to soothe her -- relax her, rub away her pain. While her pain remained, she was soothed, calmed. I don't feel ashamed, but rather stronger.

should the need arise

Well, "I need" are the words, unspoken, but known. I've had an "I need" semi-permanent situation before. Rather like potholes on the street -- never enough, never complete, always, always, always. Hmmm.

In lighter news, I get the impression that I'll be missed, but despite the donation of my phone number, no one has called, so ... just a nice little thanks and out is fine.

Last flexing

Sunday 3:00 - 9:30
Monday 5:00 - close
Tuesday 11:00 - 5:00
Wednesday 5:00 - close
Thursday 5:00 - close
Friday 2:00 - 10:00
Saturday 5:00 - close
Sunday 4:00 - 9:00

late night

Nearly the last late night like this. I am counting the days.

Robert Lovely's great idea

Less then a dollar investment for a wholesome feeling.

What's so special about the second?

It's Groundhog Day ... again, and welcome to lovely Indiana where bouts of Winter are mild and generally just dreary with clouds and invisible sun. On the bright side, there are fewer accidents and there's generally a more upbeat atmosphere. Moreover, on a personal note this year is birth year of Christopher and Joshua+ as early as they are. So, six more weeks of moderate Winter like normal. I like this year so far. It has had many ups and few downs. Thanks God for the ups ... last year was a downer, for sure!

+ technically not yet as of this writing