Sunday, October 25, 2009
One of these days I'll get another post up here, but for now I'm adjusting to the new job that is still kicking my ass. I am in much better shape now than I was two weeks ago, but it's still exhausting. And it's exhuasting enough to cause me to lose 10 pounds over the last two weeks. I'm glad for the weight loss, but that's taking it off a bit too fast for my liking. For one thing, my pants won't stay up and I can't afford to buy new pants every two weeks... maybe I'll increase the beer and pizza consumption to slow things down a bit.
Monday, October 19, 2009
IS THIS WHAT A MIDLIFE CRISIS IS?
It is then it sucks balls.yesterday was a whirlwind of activity...in real time and on the web.Had several chats with friends and newly discovered friends / relatives of varying degrees of intensity.Saw my kids and grandkids.
I was so drained today...to quote the dark crystal "My essence" was gone.
I will be 50 at the end of next month...and frankly I surprised I made it to this milestone...god knows I stared death in the face many times and prevailed. I have so much to be grateful for.
I don't want a shiny red corvette or a trophy wife /girlfriend...none of that thank you very much.I would be happy with settled.Restless gets old.
But 50...motherfucker.
how did that happen?
I remember thinking 50 was old...haha.
One more time to the well of deep thoughts courtesy of the Who...
"Schizophrenic?I'm fucking Quadrophenic"!
It is then it sucks balls.yesterday was a whirlwind of activity...in real time and on the web.Had several chats with friends and newly discovered friends / relatives of varying degrees of intensity.Saw my kids and grandkids.
I was so drained today...to quote the dark crystal "My essence" was gone.
I will be 50 at the end of next month...and frankly I surprised I made it to this milestone...god knows I stared death in the face many times and prevailed. I have so much to be grateful for.
I don't want a shiny red corvette or a trophy wife /girlfriend...none of that thank you very much.I would be happy with settled.Restless gets old.
But 50...motherfucker.
how did that happen?
I remember thinking 50 was old...haha.
One more time to the well of deep thoughts courtesy of the Who...
"Schizophrenic?I'm fucking Quadrophenic"!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
I can still walk...
Last week I was a bit concerned how I was going to do today at work. I was so sore at the end of the day last Wednesday that I couldn't imagine being able to scan a third store on Thursday this week. But my muscles have adjusted somewhat and while I'm still feeling pretty sore today at the end of the workday, it's not near as bad after scanning for three days this week as it was after just two days last week. And to top things off, I tripped over a dog and stubbed a toe on a chair this morning before I went to work. It hurt like hell, but stubbed toes first thing in the morning usually do. I went to work and stood/walked/squatted for 6 hours straight, not giving it too much thought, but when I got home from work and took my shoe off I discovered my toe is purple/black, twice the size it should be and a bit more crooked than usual. Looks broken. Of course, it doesn't really matter if it's broken or not since there's nothing you can really do for a broken toe except stick some ice on it. Maybe tape it to a neighboring toe if that makes walking on it easier.
Well, that's enough blogging for now - I should probably go prop my foot up and put some ice on this toe - but later I want to talk about how amazed I am at the variety of products in the stores. Yeah, I've been shopping at these same stores that I scan for years, but shopping is not something I like to do and I never really paid much attention to just how much different stuff there is out there on those shelves. I'm the kind of person that goes in to get just what I need, do a little price comparison while I'm at it and then get the hell out of there as fast as possible. Now that it's my job to notice all the different things... well, it's been a real eye opener.
Last week I was a bit concerned how I was going to do today at work. I was so sore at the end of the day last Wednesday that I couldn't imagine being able to scan a third store on Thursday this week. But my muscles have adjusted somewhat and while I'm still feeling pretty sore today at the end of the workday, it's not near as bad after scanning for three days this week as it was after just two days last week. And to top things off, I tripped over a dog and stubbed a toe on a chair this morning before I went to work. It hurt like hell, but stubbed toes first thing in the morning usually do. I went to work and stood/walked/squatted for 6 hours straight, not giving it too much thought, but when I got home from work and took my shoe off I discovered my toe is purple/black, twice the size it should be and a bit more crooked than usual. Looks broken. Of course, it doesn't really matter if it's broken or not since there's nothing you can really do for a broken toe except stick some ice on it. Maybe tape it to a neighboring toe if that makes walking on it easier.
Well, that's enough blogging for now - I should probably go prop my foot up and put some ice on this toe - but later I want to talk about how amazed I am at the variety of products in the stores. Yeah, I've been shopping at these same stores that I scan for years, but shopping is not something I like to do and I never really paid much attention to just how much different stuff there is out there on those shelves. I'm the kind of person that goes in to get just what I need, do a little price comparison while I'm at it and then get the hell out of there as fast as possible. Now that it's my job to notice all the different things... well, it's been a real eye opener.
Monday, October 12, 2009
HELPLESS
Neil has always been a very important influence on my music and really, my life.I heard my first NY album when I was 12...Harvest...that was 37 years ago and he has been a constant in my life ever since.I can say that if he goes before I do I will weep uncontrollably.
This song was on the CSNY record Deja Vu when I first heard it...also around 12 years old and it still has the same effect on me.Chills down my spine and a lump in my throat.
It takes me back in time...every time I hear it.
When Buddy and I trekked to Colorado in 81 I played Decade the whole way there...singing my heart out and not caring who saw me.
Neil really nails it here...enjoy. :)
Neil has always been a very important influence on my music and really, my life.I heard my first NY album when I was 12...Harvest...that was 37 years ago and he has been a constant in my life ever since.I can say that if he goes before I do I will weep uncontrollably.
This song was on the CSNY record Deja Vu when I first heard it...also around 12 years old and it still has the same effect on me.Chills down my spine and a lump in my throat.
It takes me back in time...every time I hear it.
When Buddy and I trekked to Colorado in 81 I played Decade the whole way there...singing my heart out and not caring who saw me.
Neil really nails it here...enjoy. :)
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Potato Soup Again
We are pretty low on cash these days so a few days ago I picked up a bag of potatoes, a large yellow onion, a can of beef broth and some milk to make potato soup. We already had garlic at the house and I think I also added a bit of Italian seasoning in addition to the salt and pepper, not sure, but either way, it was tasty, cheap and perfect for the cool, rainy weather we've been having.
It was rainy and cool again today and we were still broke. I still had potatoes, but I had to make the soup a little different this time since we had no broth or milk so I created "Creamy Bacon Potato Soup".
3 Yukon Gold Potatoes, diced into small pieces
1/2 large yellow onion
1 or 2 cloves of garlic
6 slices of uncooked bacon
2 tablespoons of Worchestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Roux to thicken
Cover potatoes with water and cook on a slow boil until soft. In a separate pan, melt some butter. Chop the onion, garlic and raw bacon into small pieces. Cook these in the butter over very low heat until the onions are translucent and the bacon is done (it will not be crispy.) Turn down the heat on the potatoes to a simmer, mash them up a bit with a fork (but not too much) and add the onion/garlic/bacon mixture. Add Worchestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Simmer about 30 minutes while you make your roux. Add the roux and simmer another 15 or so before serving.
Nothing fancy, but cheap and tasty.
We are pretty low on cash these days so a few days ago I picked up a bag of potatoes, a large yellow onion, a can of beef broth and some milk to make potato soup. We already had garlic at the house and I think I also added a bit of Italian seasoning in addition to the salt and pepper, not sure, but either way, it was tasty, cheap and perfect for the cool, rainy weather we've been having.
It was rainy and cool again today and we were still broke. I still had potatoes, but I had to make the soup a little different this time since we had no broth or milk so I created "Creamy Bacon Potato Soup".
3 Yukon Gold Potatoes, diced into small pieces
1/2 large yellow onion
1 or 2 cloves of garlic
6 slices of uncooked bacon
2 tablespoons of Worchestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Roux to thicken
Cover potatoes with water and cook on a slow boil until soft. In a separate pan, melt some butter. Chop the onion, garlic and raw bacon into small pieces. Cook these in the butter over very low heat until the onions are translucent and the bacon is done (it will not be crispy.) Turn down the heat on the potatoes to a simmer, mash them up a bit with a fork (but not too much) and add the onion/garlic/bacon mixture. Add Worchestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Simmer about 30 minutes while you make your roux. Add the roux and simmer another 15 or so before serving.
Nothing fancy, but cheap and tasty.
Friday, October 09, 2009
Be Careful What You Wish For
I've never really liked the saying, "Be careful what you wish for." It seems to put a negative spin on wishing and I've always felt that one should wish or dream for as many wonderful things as possible. Remember how crappy it felt when you were a kid dreaming up something like being a ballerina or kick-ass soldier and some adult came along and messed it up with their comments? Well, maybe it didn't happen to you, but it certainly happened to me. And it wasn't just in the area of "what do you want to be when you grow up," but also happened to all sorts of wishes and wants. I went back and forth quite a bit as a kid between listening to what people had to say or ignoring them and doing what I wanted to do anyway. Of course, the "doing what I wanted to do" usually got me in a fair amount of trouble, but it was almost always worth it.
I had a fairly good handle on doing what I wanted during my teenage years, but once I became an adult, I got sucked in a bit by that "responsible adult" concept. That kept me pretty stuck until I had a major breakthrough in my thirties which caused me to hook up with Rob and start having fun again. But these last several years... not so much fun, mostly due to a job that sucked the life right out of me. Sure, financial woes played their part too, but it doesn't cost much money to have fun if you can just get past fretting about things you can't change. Or, in the case of my crappy job, thinking you can't change it because of this, that or the other.
Anyway, back to that old saying... when I was sending out reams of resumes each week, I was thinking a lot about what I wanted in a new job and wishing for certain things. I wanted a job that was close to the house. I wanted something part-time. I wanted something that paid at least $10/hour. I wanted something that would involve some physical activity so I wasn't sitting at a desk all day. I wanted a job with no phone calls to answer. I wanted something that didn't require me to be somewhere at a specific time or I'd get in trouble for being "tardy". I wanted something that used technology/computers in some way. I wanted something that didn't involve multi-tasking. I wanted a job that had clear-cut tasks with reasonable deadlines. I wanted a job that didn't require me to work every weekend. Now that's not a short list so imagine my surprise when the only job offer I received matched each and every one of those things.
Let's see, what can I tell you about my job? I signed a long confidentiality agreement, but I can tell you that I have a small laptop computer that has a touch screen and a barcode scanner which I take to various stores where I scan the products that are on the shelves. I do not work for the stores or the product vendors; it's an independent company that has been in business for a very long time, in fact, long before there were such things as portable computers and barcode scanners to make this job easier. Basically, I gather data and send it off to be sorted and analyzed. It's not as simple as it sounds and I've been told it takes 42 weeks to be fully trained. From what I've had to learn over the last two weeks for this one specific type of data gathering (and I'm still not fully trained on it) then I think that 42 weeks is probably an accurate statement. I've also met several of my coworkers, some of whom have been with the company for 4 or more years and were still enjoying their job. Imagine that.
At first, I didn't understand why they limit new hires to just 10 hours a week of in-store training, but now I definately know the reasoning behind it and it's not the large amount of training material that I need to memorize. It's because of the physical requirements of the job. My thigh muscles were so sore after working Tuesday and Wednesday that I could barely walk. Why the thighs? Well, picture a shelf at your local grocery or drugstore. Now imagine scanning all the different products on that shelf, reaching up to get the ones above your head, then squatting down to get the lower shelves. The reaching up, that's not so bad. But the squatting down at shelf after shelf is like doing squats at the gym, except I'm doing it for six hours instead of just 30 minutes. Some people bend over at the waist to reach those products, but with my back I can't do that. Between the squats and all the walking that I now do, I suspect I'm going to get my legs in shape like they were during my teenage years, back in the day when I used to piss the guys off because I could leg press way more weight than they could. Also, I should be able to keep up with Rob on the greenbelt in another month or so which happens to be one of the other things I was wishing for.
So, instead of "Be careful what you wish for," let's change that to "Be specific as possible about what you wish for." Because in retrospect, I should have set my wage requirements a bit higher.
I've never really liked the saying, "Be careful what you wish for." It seems to put a negative spin on wishing and I've always felt that one should wish or dream for as many wonderful things as possible. Remember how crappy it felt when you were a kid dreaming up something like being a ballerina or kick-ass soldier and some adult came along and messed it up with their comments? Well, maybe it didn't happen to you, but it certainly happened to me. And it wasn't just in the area of "what do you want to be when you grow up," but also happened to all sorts of wishes and wants. I went back and forth quite a bit as a kid between listening to what people had to say or ignoring them and doing what I wanted to do anyway. Of course, the "doing what I wanted to do" usually got me in a fair amount of trouble, but it was almost always worth it.
I had a fairly good handle on doing what I wanted during my teenage years, but once I became an adult, I got sucked in a bit by that "responsible adult" concept. That kept me pretty stuck until I had a major breakthrough in my thirties which caused me to hook up with Rob and start having fun again. But these last several years... not so much fun, mostly due to a job that sucked the life right out of me. Sure, financial woes played their part too, but it doesn't cost much money to have fun if you can just get past fretting about things you can't change. Or, in the case of my crappy job, thinking you can't change it because of this, that or the other.
Anyway, back to that old saying... when I was sending out reams of resumes each week, I was thinking a lot about what I wanted in a new job and wishing for certain things. I wanted a job that was close to the house. I wanted something part-time. I wanted something that paid at least $10/hour. I wanted something that would involve some physical activity so I wasn't sitting at a desk all day. I wanted a job with no phone calls to answer. I wanted something that didn't require me to be somewhere at a specific time or I'd get in trouble for being "tardy". I wanted something that used technology/computers in some way. I wanted something that didn't involve multi-tasking. I wanted a job that had clear-cut tasks with reasonable deadlines. I wanted a job that didn't require me to work every weekend. Now that's not a short list so imagine my surprise when the only job offer I received matched each and every one of those things.
Let's see, what can I tell you about my job? I signed a long confidentiality agreement, but I can tell you that I have a small laptop computer that has a touch screen and a barcode scanner which I take to various stores where I scan the products that are on the shelves. I do not work for the stores or the product vendors; it's an independent company that has been in business for a very long time, in fact, long before there were such things as portable computers and barcode scanners to make this job easier. Basically, I gather data and send it off to be sorted and analyzed. It's not as simple as it sounds and I've been told it takes 42 weeks to be fully trained. From what I've had to learn over the last two weeks for this one specific type of data gathering (and I'm still not fully trained on it) then I think that 42 weeks is probably an accurate statement. I've also met several of my coworkers, some of whom have been with the company for 4 or more years and were still enjoying their job. Imagine that.
At first, I didn't understand why they limit new hires to just 10 hours a week of in-store training, but now I definately know the reasoning behind it and it's not the large amount of training material that I need to memorize. It's because of the physical requirements of the job. My thigh muscles were so sore after working Tuesday and Wednesday that I could barely walk. Why the thighs? Well, picture a shelf at your local grocery or drugstore. Now imagine scanning all the different products on that shelf, reaching up to get the ones above your head, then squatting down to get the lower shelves. The reaching up, that's not so bad. But the squatting down at shelf after shelf is like doing squats at the gym, except I'm doing it for six hours instead of just 30 minutes. Some people bend over at the waist to reach those products, but with my back I can't do that. Between the squats and all the walking that I now do, I suspect I'm going to get my legs in shape like they were during my teenage years, back in the day when I used to piss the guys off because I could leg press way more weight than they could. Also, I should be able to keep up with Rob on the greenbelt in another month or so which happens to be one of the other things I was wishing for.
So, instead of "Be careful what you wish for," let's change that to "Be specific as possible about what you wish for." Because in retrospect, I should have set my wage requirements a bit higher.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
New job
I finally started that new job this morning. It was only a half-day of training, but it went very well. It was, by far, the best first day on the job that I've ever had and after spending over 30 years in the workforce, I've had quite a few first days on the job. There were a lot of things to like about this job that I found out in the interviews such as setting your own schedule, no desk work, no phone work and no boss standing there looking over your shoulder, but I wasn't sure how much I'd like the actual job duties. Now that I've gotten in there and done the work, I can say that I definitely like it. In fact, I might even love it. Seriously, I had a really good time today and I think I might have stumbled into my perfect job.
I finally started that new job this morning. It was only a half-day of training, but it went very well. It was, by far, the best first day on the job that I've ever had and after spending over 30 years in the workforce, I've had quite a few first days on the job. There were a lot of things to like about this job that I found out in the interviews such as setting your own schedule, no desk work, no phone work and no boss standing there looking over your shoulder, but I wasn't sure how much I'd like the actual job duties. Now that I've gotten in there and done the work, I can say that I definitely like it. In fact, I might even love it. Seriously, I had a really good time today and I think I might have stumbled into my perfect job.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Update
Still haven't started the new job due to various delays. Maybe next Thursday. The delay is wearing on me as are Rob's ghosts in the house. They need to stay over by his desk and stop wandering into my space and keeping me awake at night.
We had two weeks of much needed rain and with it cooler weather which was weird after all the heat we had this summer. I actually felt "cold" the other night, though it wasn't really cold, just in the 50's. Still, that's a far cry from the 80's just two weeks ago.
The rain and dark days these last two weeks had me not doing much of anything. A bit of laundry, wasting time on Facebook and napping. Maybe if the sun comes out next week I can get some stuff done around the house before I (hopefully) go back to work.
Halloween stuff has been in the stores now for several weeks - seems they stock it earlier and earlier every year. Found some cool skull lights to stick in the yard for super cheap and we are resisting the urge to stick them out there RIGHT NOW. Trying to wait until at least October 1st...
Still haven't started the new job due to various delays. Maybe next Thursday. The delay is wearing on me as are Rob's ghosts in the house. They need to stay over by his desk and stop wandering into my space and keeping me awake at night.
We had two weeks of much needed rain and with it cooler weather which was weird after all the heat we had this summer. I actually felt "cold" the other night, though it wasn't really cold, just in the 50's. Still, that's a far cry from the 80's just two weeks ago.
The rain and dark days these last two weeks had me not doing much of anything. A bit of laundry, wasting time on Facebook and napping. Maybe if the sun comes out next week I can get some stuff done around the house before I (hopefully) go back to work.
Halloween stuff has been in the stores now for several weeks - seems they stock it earlier and earlier every year. Found some cool skull lights to stick in the yard for super cheap and we are resisting the urge to stick them out there RIGHT NOW. Trying to wait until at least October 1st...
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
GHOSTS IN THE HOUSE
Tomorrow I am meeting someone from a long time ago for coffee...someone who has been on my mind for years.
Facebook is a mixed blessing to be sure...but so far it has been mostly good for me.
To embrace the past is a wonderful thing...closure...smiles and warm memories.
But there are ghosts in the house now...bouncing around bringing up memories.
and currently LT's mom is in ICU...I am so worried about him...I have never met his mom in 15 years of knowing him...he pretends to be ok but I know from my own experience he is not...I hold him in my heart.
And his mom.
I used to think Billy boy was a sap...so sentimental he could almost make me cry...well guess what ? he is and it does.and I love him for that.
he might be on to something after all.
I am a very lucky man....ghosts or not
Tomorrow I am meeting someone from a long time ago for coffee...someone who has been on my mind for years.
Facebook is a mixed blessing to be sure...but so far it has been mostly good for me.
To embrace the past is a wonderful thing...closure...smiles and warm memories.
But there are ghosts in the house now...bouncing around bringing up memories.
and currently LT's mom is in ICU...I am so worried about him...I have never met his mom in 15 years of knowing him...he pretends to be ok but I know from my own experience he is not...I hold him in my heart.
And his mom.
I used to think Billy boy was a sap...so sentimental he could almost make me cry...well guess what ? he is and it does.and I love him for that.
he might be on to something after all.
I am a very lucky man....ghosts or not
Friday, September 11, 2009
Soon to be Employed
I got a job offer. It's part-time and low pay but there are some really cool things about it provided the information I received during the interviews was accurate. Tentative start date is next Thursday for training.
I've had plenty of jobs where what I was told in the interview wasn't quite what I ended up actually doing so I'll save the job description for later after I've spent some time working. But I can tell you that it definitely does not involve spending any time on the phone or sitting behind a desk.
I got a job offer. It's part-time and low pay but there are some really cool things about it provided the information I received during the interviews was accurate. Tentative start date is next Thursday for training.
I've had plenty of jobs where what I was told in the interview wasn't quite what I ended up actually doing so I'll save the job description for later after I've spent some time working. But I can tell you that it definitely does not involve spending any time on the phone or sitting behind a desk.
Monday, September 07, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Shit Happens
It's amazing how my life can get so incredibly screwed up at times. If I had been aware of the things to come, I would never had quit my job, no matter how much I hated it. Ah well, I can't undo that now and I can only move on from here. Some possible good news is that I might have temporarily fixed my leaky car radiator with stop leak treatment. Not 100% positive since I was too low on gas to drive it long enough to find out, but I'll be borrowing some gas money from my folks tomorrow so we'll see if I can drive more than five miles away without having to add water. I know my folks will help me out, but I really have to find a job ASAP which is probably going to involve working at a call center again. If there is a hell and I get sent to it, then I can guarantee that it will involve a cubicle and a ringing phone with a headset.
It's amazing how my life can get so incredibly screwed up at times. If I had been aware of the things to come, I would never had quit my job, no matter how much I hated it. Ah well, I can't undo that now and I can only move on from here. Some possible good news is that I might have temporarily fixed my leaky car radiator with stop leak treatment. Not 100% positive since I was too low on gas to drive it long enough to find out, but I'll be borrowing some gas money from my folks tomorrow so we'll see if I can drive more than five miles away without having to add water. I know my folks will help me out, but I really have to find a job ASAP which is probably going to involve working at a call center again. If there is a hell and I get sent to it, then I can guarantee that it will involve a cubicle and a ringing phone with a headset.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
SO...AS I WAS SAYIN'...
I'm excited about going back to the family , but terrified about how I have to get there.
Flying to Colorado was traumatic enough...but 16-18 hours in the air? There's not enough xanax and vodka for that shit ( I jest )...I'll just have to suck it up and pray.
I won't be bringing that fucking travel charm I bought years ago...it's cursed with the 90's.
Today was my grandson Sean's 4th birthday...we had the big partay at Chuck E Cheese's crib.That rat sure knows how to throw a party.
It was fun , but I kept flashing back to when my ex took me there for a surprise on my birthday many years ago and I was an asshole about it...well not exactly an asshole, but I missed the point altogether and I wondered if she remembered ( she was there today ).She tried to do something nice and I totally missed the point.I get it now.
Anyway , Sean had the time of his life and Kenzie was totally into Chucky...it was funny ... see for yourself...
Pretty cool...eh?
So I keep rolling these thoughts around in my head...I get on a plane and 20 some odd hours later I'm in another country greeted by strangers...family.But strangers none the less...someone I don't recognize (unless it's my cousin Shelley) with a sign with my name on it. I have never been greeted with a sign with my name on it.I have never been anticipated like this in my life , and while it's very cool - it's also intimidating.
It's just a ball of confusion.
But I can say this...I will get on that plane and go back to the family.
I have to.
To be continued...
I'm excited about going back to the family , but terrified about how I have to get there.
Flying to Colorado was traumatic enough...but 16-18 hours in the air? There's not enough xanax and vodka for that shit ( I jest )...I'll just have to suck it up and pray.
I won't be bringing that fucking travel charm I bought years ago...it's cursed with the 90's.
Today was my grandson Sean's 4th birthday...we had the big partay at Chuck E Cheese's crib.That rat sure knows how to throw a party.
It was fun , but I kept flashing back to when my ex took me there for a surprise on my birthday many years ago and I was an asshole about it...well not exactly an asshole, but I missed the point altogether and I wondered if she remembered ( she was there today ).She tried to do something nice and I totally missed the point.I get it now.
Anyway , Sean had the time of his life and Kenzie was totally into Chucky...it was funny ... see for yourself...
Pretty cool...eh?
So I keep rolling these thoughts around in my head...I get on a plane and 20 some odd hours later I'm in another country greeted by strangers...family.But strangers none the less...someone I don't recognize (unless it's my cousin Shelley) with a sign with my name on it. I have never been greeted with a sign with my name on it.I have never been anticipated like this in my life , and while it's very cool - it's also intimidating.
It's just a ball of confusion.
But I can say this...I will get on that plane and go back to the family.
I have to.
To be continued...
Friday, August 28, 2009
AND AFTER A WHILE...
Sitting here listening to Pink Floyd Animals...After an evening across the street at my neighbors house.
There was a party going on at the rock-n-roll posers clubhouse across the Cul'at the same time and they draw a big crowd which means a bunch of cars crammed into an already dangerous stretch of road.
We took every opportunity to fuck with them...Made a guy move his truck from blocking my exit from the driveway ( in case of a pool emergency , of course ).
After that died down we began reminiscing about the history of our block and the changes that have occurred.
They're just kids to us...they have no clue about this neighborhood , but we do and we are (rightfully or not...highly offended).
At any rate this poser-fest gave us opportunity to remember what connects us and probably disconnects us from those clueless posers who just think we are old cranky bastards...I mean , we are that...but we are still cool once you get to know us (and/or don't block the driveway...importance is relative:P).
There is us here and our children , and our grandchildren, and our neighbors children and grandchildren...generations.
So I have this extended neighborhood family thing going on...buying into the concept that we are all connected somehow , all the while whoring around facebook , and low and behold I am suddenly reunited with my Mom's side of the family...you know...my mom the English woman war hero genius side of the family...she is lionized in my mind and inches from sainthood...she is Mom...
My cousin found me at the behest of our Aunty....how cool is that?
My Aunty Pat...soul survivor of all my Mom's brother's and Sister's...you know I have to see her...the sooner the better...not to mention the many other relatives ...some who remember me and some who just want to see a Texan (:)...sorry to disappoint...I am new Texan. I don't look like a redneck , but mess with me please ( enough posturing...).
So it looks like I'm going to England to be reunited with my family...I'm excited and terrified about the prospect.
To be continued...
Sitting here listening to Pink Floyd Animals...After an evening across the street at my neighbors house.
There was a party going on at the rock-n-roll posers clubhouse across the Cul'at the same time and they draw a big crowd which means a bunch of cars crammed into an already dangerous stretch of road.
We took every opportunity to fuck with them...Made a guy move his truck from blocking my exit from the driveway ( in case of a pool emergency , of course ).
After that died down we began reminiscing about the history of our block and the changes that have occurred.
They're just kids to us...they have no clue about this neighborhood , but we do and we are (rightfully or not...highly offended).
At any rate this poser-fest gave us opportunity to remember what connects us and probably disconnects us from those clueless posers who just think we are old cranky bastards...I mean , we are that...but we are still cool once you get to know us (and/or don't block the driveway...importance is relative:P).
There is us here and our children , and our grandchildren, and our neighbors children and grandchildren...generations.
So I have this extended neighborhood family thing going on...buying into the concept that we are all connected somehow , all the while whoring around facebook , and low and behold I am suddenly reunited with my Mom's side of the family...you know...my mom the English woman war hero genius side of the family...she is lionized in my mind and inches from sainthood...she is Mom...
My cousin found me at the behest of our Aunty....how cool is that?
My Aunty Pat...soul survivor of all my Mom's brother's and Sister's...you know I have to see her...the sooner the better...not to mention the many other relatives ...some who remember me and some who just want to see a Texan (:)...sorry to disappoint...I am new Texan. I don't look like a redneck , but mess with me please ( enough posturing...).
So it looks like I'm going to England to be reunited with my family...I'm excited and terrified about the prospect.
To be continued...
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Baked Eggs with an easy potato nest
There are a thousand ways to make baked eggs and I've made at least a few hundred varieties over the years. Today's baked eggs used frozen potato puffs (aka Tator Tots) for the bottom nest. I used the microwave to defrost these just long enough to be able to smash them into a nest in the bottom of the greased ramekin (about 3 minutes on defrost setting.) I then baked the potato nests for 15 minutes at 425 in our roaster oven. I don't always do this as a separate step, but today I wanted a crispier nest than you get if you bake it all together at once. This is also why I used the roaster oven instead of the regular oven. I like to bake my eggs at around 350 degrees and I can get the roaster oven temp down much quicker than the regular gas oven. After 10 minutes I pulled the potato nests out and left to cool slightly while the roaster oven temperature dropped. I then topped the nests with left over chili-con-queso and, of course, an egg. No additional seasoning this time; the chili-con-queso provided all that I needed. I baked these at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes.
It's a low-cost, low-effort breakfast and while not entirely healthy due to the frozen potatoes, using those instead of fresh shredded potato or left-over mashed potatoes does save some prep and cooking time.
There are a thousand ways to make baked eggs and I've made at least a few hundred varieties over the years. Today's baked eggs used frozen potato puffs (aka Tator Tots) for the bottom nest. I used the microwave to defrost these just long enough to be able to smash them into a nest in the bottom of the greased ramekin (about 3 minutes on defrost setting.) I then baked the potato nests for 15 minutes at 425 in our roaster oven. I don't always do this as a separate step, but today I wanted a crispier nest than you get if you bake it all together at once. This is also why I used the roaster oven instead of the regular oven. I like to bake my eggs at around 350 degrees and I can get the roaster oven temp down much quicker than the regular gas oven. After 10 minutes I pulled the potato nests out and left to cool slightly while the roaster oven temperature dropped. I then topped the nests with left over chili-con-queso and, of course, an egg. No additional seasoning this time; the chili-con-queso provided all that I needed. I baked these at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes.
It's a low-cost, low-effort breakfast and while not entirely healthy due to the frozen potatoes, using those instead of fresh shredded potato or left-over mashed potatoes does save some prep and cooking time.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Lunch!
I finally got the chance to have lunch with some friends from where I used to work.
One of them threw in the towel months before I did and truthfully had he still been working there, I probably wouldn't have quit when I did. The three of us had a great time catching up on things and bitching about the old workplace. And I was reminded that I could have a job at his new employer if I get desperate enough. The job itself is an awesome one that I would enjoy the heck out of, but the hours and commute are not so hot. I'd rarely see Rob since I'd be working nights and weekends and it's a long, long drive up north. There's also mandatory overtime and I'm not so sure about that although I've done plenty of 11 hour or longer workdays in the past. If nothing else comes my way in the next month, I'll have to consider that it might be a sign that I should take that job despite my misgivings. Time will tell...
I finally got the chance to have lunch with some friends from where I used to work.
One of them threw in the towel months before I did and truthfully had he still been working there, I probably wouldn't have quit when I did. The three of us had a great time catching up on things and bitching about the old workplace. And I was reminded that I could have a job at his new employer if I get desperate enough. The job itself is an awesome one that I would enjoy the heck out of, but the hours and commute are not so hot. I'd rarely see Rob since I'd be working nights and weekends and it's a long, long drive up north. There's also mandatory overtime and I'm not so sure about that although I've done plenty of 11 hour or longer workdays in the past. If nothing else comes my way in the next month, I'll have to consider that it might be a sign that I should take that job despite my misgivings. Time will tell...
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Ah, memories
I have many memories associated with the song "Waltz Across Texas" by Ernest Tubb, but my favorite is from when I was about 20 years old. I was at Chelsea Street Pup in Highland Mall with some friends of mine when an older gentleman graciously asked me to dance with him to this song. And waltz we did, up and down the aisles since there was no dance floor. I have no idea who he was and never saw him again, but it was truely a magical moment. I wonder if it was as memorable for him as it was for me.
I have many memories associated with the song "Waltz Across Texas" by Ernest Tubb, but my favorite is from when I was about 20 years old. I was at Chelsea Street Pup in Highland Mall with some friends of mine when an older gentleman graciously asked me to dance with him to this song. And waltz we did, up and down the aisles since there was no dance floor. I have no idea who he was and never saw him again, but it was truely a magical moment. I wonder if it was as memorable for him as it was for me.
Friday, August 21, 2009
THE WEEK(S) THAT WAS (WERE)
After almost 5 months in this new / old job I have developed relationships with most of my customers. Some have been contentious and revolving around problems with the pool.
Algae is a big issue since we have had this unrelenting heat and staying on top of it is a challenge.
But most have been amicable. I know what I'm doing and the pools look good , and the cool thing is , most of my customers say so.
And the dogs...I have dogs on my route that I don't wish to encounter , but mostly I have dogs that are happy to see me , and me them...they make me linger at stops loving on them , which makes for a longer day but hey...they are dog friends...I got to hang out.
it's image over substance too for me...I'm not ordinary. No one has asked where I did time or said anything about my appearance. I am always clean shaven and neatly dressed and I know how to be polite (thanks mom).Plus I'm older,and while that should have no bearing really...it's somewhat amazing that at 49 I can still do the job with the vim and vigor I did back in the day.
I consider myself very lucky to have fallen into this job what with the economy and all that...very lucky.
And to have the skill set that afforded me that luck.
On another level...I am in the pre pre pre planning stages of a trip to England to visit my long lost family. It's within reach providing they can give me a couch to sleep on :). Plus , I could maybe see my English internet friends while I'm over there...not sure about the geography but it's a bloody tiny island after all and how far could Gateshead be from Skegness ?
My son wants to go with me...I don't know how realistic that is but we'll see. Ann would have to stay behind cause of the pack :(
Speaking of the pack...Layla continues to come into her own and it's fun to be a part of it...her coming out so to speak...gaining trust and integrating her magic into our lives , she has been a welcome addition for all of us.
And finally , I have a ghost in my house...not a bad thing but a troubling thing that I have to sort out and find some balance...I know it'll work out to everyone's benefit , I'm just not quite sure how to get there.
Yet.
Yet is my word for now.
After almost 5 months in this new / old job I have developed relationships with most of my customers. Some have been contentious and revolving around problems with the pool.
Algae is a big issue since we have had this unrelenting heat and staying on top of it is a challenge.
But most have been amicable. I know what I'm doing and the pools look good , and the cool thing is , most of my customers say so.
And the dogs...I have dogs on my route that I don't wish to encounter , but mostly I have dogs that are happy to see me , and me them...they make me linger at stops loving on them , which makes for a longer day but hey...they are dog friends...I got to hang out.
it's image over substance too for me...I'm not ordinary. No one has asked where I did time or said anything about my appearance. I am always clean shaven and neatly dressed and I know how to be polite (thanks mom).Plus I'm older,and while that should have no bearing really...it's somewhat amazing that at 49 I can still do the job with the vim and vigor I did back in the day.
I consider myself very lucky to have fallen into this job what with the economy and all that...very lucky.
And to have the skill set that afforded me that luck.
On another level...I am in the pre pre pre planning stages of a trip to England to visit my long lost family. It's within reach providing they can give me a couch to sleep on :). Plus , I could maybe see my English internet friends while I'm over there...not sure about the geography but it's a bloody tiny island after all and how far could Gateshead be from Skegness ?
My son wants to go with me...I don't know how realistic that is but we'll see. Ann would have to stay behind cause of the pack :(
Speaking of the pack...Layla continues to come into her own and it's fun to be a part of it...her coming out so to speak...gaining trust and integrating her magic into our lives , she has been a welcome addition for all of us.
And finally , I have a ghost in my house...not a bad thing but a troubling thing that I have to sort out and find some balance...I know it'll work out to everyone's benefit , I'm just not quite sure how to get there.
Yet.
Yet is my word for now.
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