Autumn Time In Quincy
6 years ago
Monday, July 11, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Recital 2011
Saturday night was this year's dance recital. My daughter did 4 numbers plus the opening. How she remembers all those moves is beyond me. This year I was part of the stage crew so I had an awesome view. I love watching her dance. She always has the biggest smile!
As I did last year, I also had some stage time. I did a tap routine that I really had a great time learning. We danced to a Frank Sinatra tune. I was a bit worried about this one since my partner tended to miss a lot of practice time. In fact at the dress rehearsal the night before, she stopped to look at the feet of the other couple. Not a good sign. Especially since as we stood in the wings waiting to go on, she was asking me questions about steps. She had me so confused by the time we went out. I tried explaining that it was not the time to start asking since I was trying to listen for my directions about curtains and other stage direction in my headset. I spent over an hour Saturday at home going over the dance alone just to refresh my memory. When we finally went on for the show I was pretty confident. Amazingly we hit every single step.
The second dance I was in was a goof number. It was me, my brother and my son doing this one. We did a hip hop dance to the Village People song "Macho Man" The first part of the song involved us strutting across the stage in very over sized clothes and fully padded. When we got to the other side we had to rip off the fat clothes and head back out in workout pants and a muscle shirt. Timing on this was critical since we had to hit a certain mark to go right into the dance. During dress rehearsal my son forgot to rip the velcro on his pants. He ended up stuck and struggling like a seal caught in a fish net. We totally blew the mark. So Saturday we spent a lot of time practicing quick strips. As we waited our turn on stage at the show we were all really nervous about making sure we timed it perfect. I am happy to say that we nailed that too! People laughed and we had fun.
If I can figure out how to rip video off Facebook I will share here. In the meantime, I plan to continue tapping through the next year. I have also requested a dance where I can actually dance with my daughter before she becomes a teenager and wants nothing to do with me!
As I did last year, I also had some stage time. I did a tap routine that I really had a great time learning. We danced to a Frank Sinatra tune. I was a bit worried about this one since my partner tended to miss a lot of practice time. In fact at the dress rehearsal the night before, she stopped to look at the feet of the other couple. Not a good sign. Especially since as we stood in the wings waiting to go on, she was asking me questions about steps. She had me so confused by the time we went out. I tried explaining that it was not the time to start asking since I was trying to listen for my directions about curtains and other stage direction in my headset. I spent over an hour Saturday at home going over the dance alone just to refresh my memory. When we finally went on for the show I was pretty confident. Amazingly we hit every single step.
The second dance I was in was a goof number. It was me, my brother and my son doing this one. We did a hip hop dance to the Village People song "Macho Man" The first part of the song involved us strutting across the stage in very over sized clothes and fully padded. When we got to the other side we had to rip off the fat clothes and head back out in workout pants and a muscle shirt. Timing on this was critical since we had to hit a certain mark to go right into the dance. During dress rehearsal my son forgot to rip the velcro on his pants. He ended up stuck and struggling like a seal caught in a fish net. We totally blew the mark. So Saturday we spent a lot of time practicing quick strips. As we waited our turn on stage at the show we were all really nervous about making sure we timed it perfect. I am happy to say that we nailed that too! People laughed and we had fun.
If I can figure out how to rip video off Facebook I will share here. In the meantime, I plan to continue tapping through the next year. I have also requested a dance where I can actually dance with my daughter before she becomes a teenager and wants nothing to do with me!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Music 4 My Monday
One of the best Taylor Swift songs ever. I would have to say that she is my favorite female country artist. It helps that she is mentioning my favorite male artist. lol
Friday, May 20, 2011
Rapture
So according to some religious group, tomorrow May 21, 2011, is supposed to be the beginning of the end of the world. They claim that Christ will return to the Earth and take the believers to Heaven. Once they are all safe and sound, the remaining folks on the planet will be subjected to 5 months of Hell on Earth until October when the the Earth is destroyed by fire. It should be pointed out that this same group originally predicted doomsday was going to be in 1994. When that didnt happen, they said they made a mistake in calculations. They claim to have corrected the mistakes.
Do you believe the prediction to be true? How will you spend your remaining time on Earth? Personally I don't believe the end is here. But, should I be wrong, at least the traffic Monday morning should be lighter.
Do you believe the prediction to be true? How will you spend your remaining time on Earth? Personally I don't believe the end is here. But, should I be wrong, at least the traffic Monday morning should be lighter.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Being alone....
I am the oldest of 3 kids. The first few years of my life I was an only child. Along came my brother and a few years after my sister. I grew to have friends in the neighborhood and life was quite social. I was a happy go lucky kid. Life was fairly normal. I guess as normal as one could expect when subjected to being mentally and sexually abused and having an alcoholic dad. (No it wasnt my dad that sexually abused me). Somehow I managed to make friends that I hung around with. things were going pretty well until I went to Middle School. It was at that time that I lost my best friend to a tragedy. I have posted about it before. I withdrew. I spent a lot of time alone after that. Because I had withdrawn and I happened to be the smallest kid in school, I took a lot of abuse at the hands of bullies.
It wasn't until college that I started coming out of my shell and letting people get close again. I made some friends. I dated a couple girls. Most were casual dates. there were only 2 girls I let myself get really close to. In fact they are the only two I have ever been intimate with. One I married, the other has remained a dear friend. Someone I had lost touch with over the years, but reconnected with a couple years ago. Though I have not heard from her in a number of months now. She has found happiness in her life and I am happy for her. Part of me still holds a special place for her and I wish her all the happiness in the world.
Of course none of that was really the point of this post. Though it does provide a bit of a back ground. As I sat down with my laptop today, I could see my reflection looking back at me and I wondered just who it was I was seeing. Somehow I have lost myself over the years. Sure I have made friends over the years.....or should I say I have befriended people? It seems that no matter what anyone ever says about always being there, we are very much alone in life. People have lives. They have their own dreams. Their own issues. Their own needs. I live in a home with a woman who is technically my wife, but is so wrapped up in herself that we all are very low priority. On top of that I hear all the time how she wants me out of the house. My kids are doing what kids do. They go about their lives learning and growing with the intention that someday they will be on their own. Friends are something I just dont seem to have. The few I did have have all moved to other parts of the country. And unless I pick up the phone I never hear from them. The same actually is true for my parents. If not for holidays or my dropping in, I would never hear from them.
I have others that I have connected with online. Several I have talked to outside of the confines of the internet. But, again, I don't really hear from any of them unless I speak up first. And even then much of the time a response is something that becomes optional to them. One or two of them I never speak to unless they need a shoulder to lean on. Where is my shoulder? Where is the type of friend you have expected me to be over the years when I look for that in you?
There is always reasons. "I have been depressed" "I have not felt like talking" "I have been really busy" "I saw that you messaged but when I actually do have time to respond, I forgot about you" (Sorry but, that last one really hurt). "You just don't understand" Yes I understand that your lives are full. I realize your life is hard. I realize I am simply someone many miles away and don't exactly fit into your schedule. But, have I ever turned my back on any of you? If you took a few minutes to find out how I am, you would see that my life is also busy. I have little time just like you. But, somehow I have always managed to find the time to say hi. Just to ask how you were doing. I always respond to messages. I make time to listen to you when you are down.
I am not mad. I am not trying to make anyone feel bad. I am not looking for sympathy either. Just venting.....I know that a few of you are going to read this and probably get defensive. And at least one of you is going to be pissed off at me. Maybe even stop talking to me for awhile. I probably wont know it anyway so I suppose it makes little difference. I am not asking you to change anyway. I just wanted to the chance to express how I am feeling today and since you were not about to ask, this was the option I had left. Hopefully you see it before I regret posting it and take it down. lol
It wasn't until college that I started coming out of my shell and letting people get close again. I made some friends. I dated a couple girls. Most were casual dates. there were only 2 girls I let myself get really close to. In fact they are the only two I have ever been intimate with. One I married, the other has remained a dear friend. Someone I had lost touch with over the years, but reconnected with a couple years ago. Though I have not heard from her in a number of months now. She has found happiness in her life and I am happy for her. Part of me still holds a special place for her and I wish her all the happiness in the world.
Of course none of that was really the point of this post. Though it does provide a bit of a back ground. As I sat down with my laptop today, I could see my reflection looking back at me and I wondered just who it was I was seeing. Somehow I have lost myself over the years. Sure I have made friends over the years.....or should I say I have befriended people? It seems that no matter what anyone ever says about always being there, we are very much alone in life. People have lives. They have their own dreams. Their own issues. Their own needs. I live in a home with a woman who is technically my wife, but is so wrapped up in herself that we all are very low priority. On top of that I hear all the time how she wants me out of the house. My kids are doing what kids do. They go about their lives learning and growing with the intention that someday they will be on their own. Friends are something I just dont seem to have. The few I did have have all moved to other parts of the country. And unless I pick up the phone I never hear from them. The same actually is true for my parents. If not for holidays or my dropping in, I would never hear from them.
I have others that I have connected with online. Several I have talked to outside of the confines of the internet. But, again, I don't really hear from any of them unless I speak up first. And even then much of the time a response is something that becomes optional to them. One or two of them I never speak to unless they need a shoulder to lean on. Where is my shoulder? Where is the type of friend you have expected me to be over the years when I look for that in you?
There is always reasons. "I have been depressed" "I have not felt like talking" "I have been really busy" "I saw that you messaged but when I actually do have time to respond, I forgot about you" (Sorry but, that last one really hurt). "You just don't understand" Yes I understand that your lives are full. I realize your life is hard. I realize I am simply someone many miles away and don't exactly fit into your schedule. But, have I ever turned my back on any of you? If you took a few minutes to find out how I am, you would see that my life is also busy. I have little time just like you. But, somehow I have always managed to find the time to say hi. Just to ask how you were doing. I always respond to messages. I make time to listen to you when you are down.
I am not mad. I am not trying to make anyone feel bad. I am not looking for sympathy either. Just venting.....I know that a few of you are going to read this and probably get defensive. And at least one of you is going to be pissed off at me. Maybe even stop talking to me for awhile. I probably wont know it anyway so I suppose it makes little difference. I am not asking you to change anyway. I just wanted to the chance to express how I am feeling today and since you were not about to ask, this was the option I had left. Hopefully you see it before I regret posting it and take it down. lol
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
I am beginning to hate going to the doctor
I was away camping this past weekend and I am glad. There is something about being out in nature that helps to calm over-stressed nerves. This weekend was one of those much needed stress reliefs. It was not originally planned that way, it just worked out.
Friday evening just before I left for the woods of the North Shore, I received a call from my doctor. I had been in for an abdominal sonogram recently and was waiting for the results. I wasn't worried about them finding anything. Too bad it didn't end up that way.
It appears I have fat infiltration of my liver and a cyst on one of my kidneys. The liver I am told can be remedied by losing weight and getting more exercise. Will take some will power but, I suppose I dont have much choice. The kidney has me a bit more concerned. They want to wait and see if it grows before deciding on how to treat it. Easy for them to say. I am the one that will sit here worried about it until then. I sure hope it turns out to be nothing. Sigh.......
Friday evening just before I left for the woods of the North Shore, I received a call from my doctor. I had been in for an abdominal sonogram recently and was waiting for the results. I wasn't worried about them finding anything. Too bad it didn't end up that way.
It appears I have fat infiltration of my liver and a cyst on one of my kidneys. The liver I am told can be remedied by losing weight and getting more exercise. Will take some will power but, I suppose I dont have much choice. The kidney has me a bit more concerned. They want to wait and see if it grows before deciding on how to treat it. Easy for them to say. I am the one that will sit here worried about it until then. I sure hope it turns out to be nothing. Sigh.......
Friday, April 1, 2011
April Fools!
I do enjoy a good prank once in awhile so I decided to have some fun. Let me start by saying the women in my office are not very computer savvy. So what better way to get them? I went in and took an instant screen shot of their desktops with the icons. I moved a number of them around before I took the pic. I then set that screen capture as their desktop image. And then rearranged the icons again. What you then have is duplicate icons all over the place but only one set that really works. Needless to say they were all panicking thinking they broke something.
There was one computer I could not get into in time so I needed to come up with another idea for her. So I sent her a text message that said the following:
"I didn't want to embarrass you in the office so I didn't say it outloud but, if you go to Street View on Google Earth you can see your house. You should really not stand so close to the window while topless!"
She was flipping out! She even gave me a look and asked "Really?" I just nodded yes and walked back into my office. She was all set to call her husband when someone else told her to look at the date. lol
I am at lunch right now. I am sure they are all sitting around trying to pay me back some how. We shall see. So what jokes did you pull today if any?
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
I see dead...defendants!
It has been rather crazy at work these days. It seems that with the approach of Spring, everyone gets outside to smell the fresh air, look around, soak up the sunshine, and bitch about their neighbors. The complaints are piling up.
I try to be understanding with people. Especially in this economy. It is not that people want to do things wrong, sometimes they just are against a wall. In any event, my job is to look at things fairly and objectively. If it is against the law I am bound to take action. I always give warnings first. Fail to correct the issue and I am forced to write a summons.
The first defendant decided about a year ago to build a pigeon coop...out of scrap material.....in his front yard. Needless to say, the neighbors are not exactly happy. After several warnings I was forced to write tickets. I went to the house to serve them and was greeted by the daughter-in-law. She advised me that the man I wrote, passed away roughly 4 months ago. Luckily she accepted responsibility since she never wanted it there to begin with.
Case 2: Business here has sidewalks that are busted up and uneven. Since it is a heavy pedestrian traffic area we warned them and then wrote summonses when the warnings went unanswered. When we served the tickets, the man who accepted them, who is not even the responsible party, burst out in tears and literally broke down crying hysterically. I pray he gets therapy and is not suicidal. One death is enough.
The next violator is a business owner. 2 years ago the municipality passed an ordinance which required all electric box signs must be removed on every business. No exceptions. This stemmed partly from the death of a fireman who was electrocuted to death when he touched one. It also is because the powers that be feel they look tacky. All signs were to be down by January 1, 2010. That was extended to this year because of the economy. We are going after the vacant stores first. I sent a letter to Mr. H advising him to take care of his stores. He called me and assured me he would remove them by last Tuesday. When that day came and went, I was ordered to write summonses. When we went to serve them to him last night, his wife broke down in tears and told us that Mr. H died about a week ago. Hmm...I am sensing a trend here.
Then we come to the fourth case. Also last night. Accessory apartments are legal here provided you get a permit. This home has had one up until 4 years ago. Letter after letter has gone unanswered to renew. The previous inspector simply ignored it. I finally took action and wrote the tickets. Go to serve them and get told by the daughter who now owns the home that she bought the house about a month ago when her dad passed away. Grrrr.....
Talking to our prosecutor today I was explaining to him about chasing ghosts lately. His response was, "Tom you seem to be a jinx and people you deal with in court end up dead. I don't think I feel comfortable talking to you." I know he was just kidding but, I think I may make his statement turn true when I beat him to death!......tm
I try to be understanding with people. Especially in this economy. It is not that people want to do things wrong, sometimes they just are against a wall. In any event, my job is to look at things fairly and objectively. If it is against the law I am bound to take action. I always give warnings first. Fail to correct the issue and I am forced to write a summons.
The first defendant decided about a year ago to build a pigeon coop...out of scrap material.....in his front yard. Needless to say, the neighbors are not exactly happy. After several warnings I was forced to write tickets. I went to the house to serve them and was greeted by the daughter-in-law. She advised me that the man I wrote, passed away roughly 4 months ago. Luckily she accepted responsibility since she never wanted it there to begin with.
Case 2: Business here has sidewalks that are busted up and uneven. Since it is a heavy pedestrian traffic area we warned them and then wrote summonses when the warnings went unanswered. When we served the tickets, the man who accepted them, who is not even the responsible party, burst out in tears and literally broke down crying hysterically. I pray he gets therapy and is not suicidal. One death is enough.
The next violator is a business owner. 2 years ago the municipality passed an ordinance which required all electric box signs must be removed on every business. No exceptions. This stemmed partly from the death of a fireman who was electrocuted to death when he touched one. It also is because the powers that be feel they look tacky. All signs were to be down by January 1, 2010. That was extended to this year because of the economy. We are going after the vacant stores first. I sent a letter to Mr. H advising him to take care of his stores. He called me and assured me he would remove them by last Tuesday. When that day came and went, I was ordered to write summonses. When we went to serve them to him last night, his wife broke down in tears and told us that Mr. H died about a week ago. Hmm...I am sensing a trend here.
Then we come to the fourth case. Also last night. Accessory apartments are legal here provided you get a permit. This home has had one up until 4 years ago. Letter after letter has gone unanswered to renew. The previous inspector simply ignored it. I finally took action and wrote the tickets. Go to serve them and get told by the daughter who now owns the home that she bought the house about a month ago when her dad passed away. Grrrr.....
Talking to our prosecutor today I was explaining to him about chasing ghosts lately. His response was, "Tom you seem to be a jinx and people you deal with in court end up dead. I don't think I feel comfortable talking to you." I know he was just kidding but, I think I may make his statement turn true when I beat him to death!......tm
Monday, March 14, 2011
It must be Monday......
I have never been a fan of Monday. It is days like today that remind me why. It started off like pretty much every other day. With the small exception of needing to get my body to acknowledge the time change. I got dressed and made it to work on time. My coffee was good and I was getting things done. And then in walked Mrs. F.
Apparently Mrs. F is not capable of understanding why she is not allowed a third kitchen in her home. She did file the papers for permission for it, but she was denied by the board. As we always do, we sent out her denial to her. This morning she decided to come into the office to scream at me for it. I am used to upset people bitching at me. I can handle it. I remained calm and advised her that she had two choices. She could comply and remove the kitchen or she could contact an attorney and that she may have legal avenues she can follow. Neither option was what she wanted to hear.Eventually she did leave but, was definitely not happy.
About an hour later I was outside in the parking lot. I car pulled up and the driver was asking me some questions. I noticed a second vehicle pull into the lot at a rather high speed. The driver of that vehicle got out of the car and came over to me screaming like crazy. I was trying to calm this person down so I could understand the problem. She would just not stop. She kept getting right into my face and spitting at me. Despite repeated efforts to back her off and calm down, she persisted. I was able to piece together that she is the daughter of Mrs. F from this morning. I excused myself from the driver that I was originally talking to and concentrated on the irate woman. She stormed off at one point and when the Tax Assessor came out the side door she went off on him. The poor man is in his late 80s and is in really poor health. The last thing he needed was to be badgered over something he has nothing to do with. So, I walked over to retake control of the situation. At that point she was back to spitting in my face and then she grabbed me. She did not want to let go. Now, I certainly was not about to punch this woman but, I also do not like being grabbed. Especially on a flight of stairs. I told her to let go of me immediately or I would be calling the Police. One of my other co-workers came outside and dragged me inside. They knew at this point I was pissed. I do not blame them for removing me from the situation.
Someone who happened to be witnessing the whole scene did notify the police. They showed up quickly and took control of the scene. I did not go back outside but, I heard that she continued to carry on and eventually was in tears. The officer did manage to calm her down and he sent her on her way. I filed an incident report within my own department and I will leave it at that. She did not harm me in any way so I will not bother pressing charges. Hopefully she went home and seriously thought about how bad that could have turned out if I had her arrested. Though somehow I doubt she did.....yep, it is Monday!
Apparently Mrs. F is not capable of understanding why she is not allowed a third kitchen in her home. She did file the papers for permission for it, but she was denied by the board. As we always do, we sent out her denial to her. This morning she decided to come into the office to scream at me for it. I am used to upset people bitching at me. I can handle it. I remained calm and advised her that she had two choices. She could comply and remove the kitchen or she could contact an attorney and that she may have legal avenues she can follow. Neither option was what she wanted to hear.Eventually she did leave but, was definitely not happy.
About an hour later I was outside in the parking lot. I car pulled up and the driver was asking me some questions. I noticed a second vehicle pull into the lot at a rather high speed. The driver of that vehicle got out of the car and came over to me screaming like crazy. I was trying to calm this person down so I could understand the problem. She would just not stop. She kept getting right into my face and spitting at me. Despite repeated efforts to back her off and calm down, she persisted. I was able to piece together that she is the daughter of Mrs. F from this morning. I excused myself from the driver that I was originally talking to and concentrated on the irate woman. She stormed off at one point and when the Tax Assessor came out the side door she went off on him. The poor man is in his late 80s and is in really poor health. The last thing he needed was to be badgered over something he has nothing to do with. So, I walked over to retake control of the situation. At that point she was back to spitting in my face and then she grabbed me. She did not want to let go. Now, I certainly was not about to punch this woman but, I also do not like being grabbed. Especially on a flight of stairs. I told her to let go of me immediately or I would be calling the Police. One of my other co-workers came outside and dragged me inside. They knew at this point I was pissed. I do not blame them for removing me from the situation.
Someone who happened to be witnessing the whole scene did notify the police. They showed up quickly and took control of the scene. I did not go back outside but, I heard that she continued to carry on and eventually was in tears. The officer did manage to calm her down and he sent her on her way. I filed an incident report within my own department and I will leave it at that. She did not harm me in any way so I will not bother pressing charges. Hopefully she went home and seriously thought about how bad that could have turned out if I had her arrested. Though somehow I doubt she did.....yep, it is Monday!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Thought 4 My Thursday
Even the strongest rock will crumble
if neglected long enough.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Some bands should never perform live, but......
not in the case of Bon Jovi. Friday night my wife and I headed into New York City to catch his concert. I have never been a big fan but, the wife is. When the chance came along to get the tickets she was like a kid on Christmas morning. I agreed to buy them for her. Originally I suggested she get her sister to go along. It didn't work out. So, I ended up going with her.
I decided to really make a date out of this. I had off on Friday and so did she. I took her out for a nice sushi dinner before we hopped on the train into the city. We got to NYC a little early so we grabbed something from Starbucks and walked up 7th Ave and back down 8th until it was time to head to Madison Square Garden for the show. We were off to the side of the stage in what turned out to be really amazing seats. See the pics below.
For weeks before the concert my kids and I had been teasing her saying things like, "Bon Jovi called off his show due to illness. We are seeing the Wiggles instead!" When the 7:30 scheduled start time came and went, I started to wonder if maybe I was going to be right. At 8:00 the lights went down and the band took the stage. The sold out crowd went nuts. What happened after that turned out to be one of the best concerts I have ever been to. Second only to Phil Collins. Bon Jovi performed for over 2 hours, pretty much non stop. He said good night at about 10:15. The lights went dark and stayed that way for about 5 minutes. The crowd was going nuts. He came back out and did 3 encores for a total of another hour of nonstop music. All totaled he and the band gave us over 3 hours of the most amazing singing and the band was awesome.
If Bon Jovi ever plays in your area, the effort to get tickets is totally worth it! If you ask my wife, just watching him shake his butt was worth the price. lol I am still catching myself humming his songs now. I hear him on the radio and actually think he sounds better live.
I decided to really make a date out of this. I had off on Friday and so did she. I took her out for a nice sushi dinner before we hopped on the train into the city. We got to NYC a little early so we grabbed something from Starbucks and walked up 7th Ave and back down 8th until it was time to head to Madison Square Garden for the show. We were off to the side of the stage in what turned out to be really amazing seats. See the pics below.
For weeks before the concert my kids and I had been teasing her saying things like, "Bon Jovi called off his show due to illness. We are seeing the Wiggles instead!" When the 7:30 scheduled start time came and went, I started to wonder if maybe I was going to be right. At 8:00 the lights went down and the band took the stage. The sold out crowd went nuts. What happened after that turned out to be one of the best concerts I have ever been to. Second only to Phil Collins. Bon Jovi performed for over 2 hours, pretty much non stop. He said good night at about 10:15. The lights went dark and stayed that way for about 5 minutes. The crowd was going nuts. He came back out and did 3 encores for a total of another hour of nonstop music. All totaled he and the band gave us over 3 hours of the most amazing singing and the band was awesome.
If Bon Jovi ever plays in your area, the effort to get tickets is totally worth it! If you ask my wife, just watching him shake his butt was worth the price. lol I am still catching myself humming his songs now. I hear him on the radio and actually think he sounds better live.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
This could very well be my year!
Every year people all over the world say the same thing, "This is going to be my year!" I know I do it. Well, this year could be that year.
For the last few years at work I have watched one of the people that have been there for years, get away with doing less and less. It seemed he would spend the majority of his time working on his own personal matters and his work load was getting pushed off. So, when he announced that he planned to retire in November, no one was going to stand in his way. He furthered the effort by asking the administration if he could retire and then come back as a part timer. He said he would have no problem doing the job in 15 hours a week. That was the ultimate slap in the face to the municipality. Suddenly everyone was asking why he was being paid full time for a job he now says he could do in less than half the time? This was the chance I needed.
I put together a presentation which showed the municipality how they could save close to $60,000 a year by consolidating several areas in the department. Part of that was by allowing me to take on the other guy's work. I would still do my job, but I would incorporate his into my day as well. I have covered for him in the past when he was on medical leave anyway so I knew I could handle the added load. It took some negotiations, but I am happy to say that as of January 3rd, I am now in the new title of "Senior Inspector" I am keeping up with all of the work and things are actually streamlined more efficiently for the public. And the best part of it all is I got a salary increase of 33% to go with the new title. I have also been promised another $5,000 a year within the next 2 years. This is above and beyond any contractual raises. Sure my day is a little more hectic, but it is all quite worth it.
Since I have more or less relieved my wife of the responsibility of managing the budget, things are looking a lot brighter. Her "creative accounting" methods always had us behind. Of course she is tossing one wrench into the works already but, I refuse to allow it to take away from finally getting ahead. I plan to use some of this new income to take my kids back to Disney in 2012. That should put a smile on their faces! :)
For the last few years at work I have watched one of the people that have been there for years, get away with doing less and less. It seemed he would spend the majority of his time working on his own personal matters and his work load was getting pushed off. So, when he announced that he planned to retire in November, no one was going to stand in his way. He furthered the effort by asking the administration if he could retire and then come back as a part timer. He said he would have no problem doing the job in 15 hours a week. That was the ultimate slap in the face to the municipality. Suddenly everyone was asking why he was being paid full time for a job he now says he could do in less than half the time? This was the chance I needed.
I put together a presentation which showed the municipality how they could save close to $60,000 a year by consolidating several areas in the department. Part of that was by allowing me to take on the other guy's work. I would still do my job, but I would incorporate his into my day as well. I have covered for him in the past when he was on medical leave anyway so I knew I could handle the added load. It took some negotiations, but I am happy to say that as of January 3rd, I am now in the new title of "Senior Inspector" I am keeping up with all of the work and things are actually streamlined more efficiently for the public. And the best part of it all is I got a salary increase of 33% to go with the new title. I have also been promised another $5,000 a year within the next 2 years. This is above and beyond any contractual raises. Sure my day is a little more hectic, but it is all quite worth it.
Since I have more or less relieved my wife of the responsibility of managing the budget, things are looking a lot brighter. Her "creative accounting" methods always had us behind. Of course she is tossing one wrench into the works already but, I refuse to allow it to take away from finally getting ahead. I plan to use some of this new income to take my kids back to Disney in 2012. That should put a smile on their faces! :)
Monday, January 17, 2011
Music 4 My Monday
We tend to take for granted the people that give us that freedom. They are miles from home in places where they are hated just because of the flag they wear on their sleeve. They didn't have to do it. They chose to. Think about that for a minute.....they CHOSE TO! They know the risks involved. They know that freedom is not free. Yet, back home we all just go about our lives without ever so much as a thought to the soldiers until we hear some story on the news.
In the next couple weeks, the son of my best friend will leave his small town in the heartland of America and travel to Iraq. Why? Because he CHOSE to serve his country. Because he CHOSE to give of himself so that the rest of us could be FREE! Free to enjoy our lives. "Free as we'll ever be"
May God be with you Kody. May He be by your side always and protect you as you allow the rest of us to enjoy the freedom you believe so much in. I look forward to the day you return and get to enjoy that freedom with us. I know I am one American that is proud of you and those that have gone before you, and those that will go after you.
"Free" (Official Music Video)
Zac Brown Band | Myspace Music Videos
Friday, January 14, 2011
What's your sign? I used to be a Cancer
I am not one to put much faith in Signs of the Zodiac. I will read my horoscope sometimes or those descriptions of the characteristics of my sign. Purely for fun. I don't live by them. Being born on July 8th, I am a Cancer. Wait, let me correct that. I used to be a Cancer. It seems I am now a Gemini.
This is the Zodiac as some astrologers believe it should be:
ARIES = APRIL 19 - MAY 13
TAURUS = MAY 14 - JUNE 19
GEMINI = JUNE 20 - JULY 20
CANCER = JULY 21 - AUG 9
LEO = AUGUST 10 - SEPTEMBER 15
VIRGO = SEPTEMBER 16 - OCTOBER 30
LIBRA = OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 22
SCORPIO = NOVEMBER 23 - NOVEMBER 29
OPHIUCHUS = NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 17
SAGITTARIUS = DECEMBER 18 - JANUARY 18
CAPRICORN = JANUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 15
AQUARIUS = FEBRUARY 16 - MARCH 11
PISCES = MARCH 12 - APRIL 18
TAURUS = MAY 14 - JUNE 19
GEMINI = JUNE 20 - JULY 20
CANCER = JULY 21 - AUG 9
LEO = AUGUST 10 - SEPTEMBER 15
VIRGO = SEPTEMBER 16 - OCTOBER 30
LIBRA = OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 22
SCORPIO = NOVEMBER 23 - NOVEMBER 29
OPHIUCHUS = NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 17
SAGITTARIUS = DECEMBER 18 - JANUARY 18
CAPRICORN = JANUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 15
AQUARIUS = FEBRUARY 16 - MARCH 11
PISCES = MARCH 12 - APRIL 18
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Wait, you said how much?
Don't get me wrong, I love snow. At least some snow. Tonight we are supposed to get anywhere from 12" to 20" of the white stuff though. That gets to be a bit excessive and hard to cope with. It makes it difficult to get to work. If I was going to be home tonight I would not care. Just like the day after Christmas when we got about a foot. I was home, work was canceled on Monday, and I had no place important to be. Tonight is a bit different.
Tonight I have to be at the other municipality from 8:30 to 3:30 AM. Then I am due back at the first municipality tomorrow at 8 AM. I normally get home by 4 AM and get about 3 hours sleep in between. This is after working all day Today. Now toss in the snow. I will be lucky to get home by 4:30. Then I will have to be up by about 6 in order to dig out and be on the road. Of course I am assuming the plow will have at least made one pass on my street. Last time it snowed, we did not see a plow until Weds night some time. Luckily most of the neighbors had driven up and down and at least compressed the snow enough to drive on by Tuesday morning.
My choices are this, go home in between and hope for the best. Or, I can leave the night job and drive straight to the day job. I have a key to the building so I am able to get inside. And I could probably get a couple hours sleep on the floor. And while the latter may sound like the better option, I have to consider that work may be canceled tomorrow. If that happens I would be stuck driving the 20 miles home and still unsure if the street was plowed enough for me to get to my house. I guess I will have to wait and make my decision as the night wears on and base it on the weather.
on a side note: My younger son turns 15 today. Happy Birthday MyTy! (Yes it is just a nickname. lol)
Tonight I have to be at the other municipality from 8:30 to 3:30 AM. Then I am due back at the first municipality tomorrow at 8 AM. I normally get home by 4 AM and get about 3 hours sleep in between. This is after working all day Today. Now toss in the snow. I will be lucky to get home by 4:30. Then I will have to be up by about 6 in order to dig out and be on the road. Of course I am assuming the plow will have at least made one pass on my street. Last time it snowed, we did not see a plow until Weds night some time. Luckily most of the neighbors had driven up and down and at least compressed the snow enough to drive on by Tuesday morning.
My choices are this, go home in between and hope for the best. Or, I can leave the night job and drive straight to the day job. I have a key to the building so I am able to get inside. And I could probably get a couple hours sleep on the floor. And while the latter may sound like the better option, I have to consider that work may be canceled tomorrow. If that happens I would be stuck driving the 20 miles home and still unsure if the street was plowed enough for me to get to my house. I guess I will have to wait and make my decision as the night wears on and base it on the weather.
on a side note: My younger son turns 15 today. Happy Birthday MyTy! (Yes it is just a nickname. lol)
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Hope this is not too steamy
My Romance Novel, modern day version
He grasped me firmly but gently just above my elbow and guided me into a room, his room. Then he quietly shut the door and we were alone. He approached me soundlessly, from behind, and spoke in a low, reassuring voice close to my ear.
"Just relax."
Without warning, he reached down and I felt his strong, calloused hands start at my ankles, gently probing, and moving upward along my calves slowly but steadily. My breath caught in my throat. I knew I should be afraid, but somehow I didn't care. His touch was so experienced, so sure. When his hands moved up onto my thighs, I gave a slight shudder, and partly closed my eyes.
My pulse was pounding. I felt his knowing fingers caress my abdomen, my ribcage. And then, as he cupped my firm, full breasts in his hands, I inhaled sharply. Probing, searching, knowing what he wanted, he brought his hands to my shoulders, slid them down my tingling spine and into my panties. Although I knew nothing about this man, I felt oddly trusting and expectant.
This is a man, I thought. A man used to taking charge. A man not used to taking `no' for an answer. A man who would tell me what he wanted. A man who would look into my soul and say ...
"Okay, ma'am,".
"All done." "You can board your flight now."
(Sorry. I could help but to share this with you. I laughed my @$$ off)
He grasped me firmly but gently just above my elbow and guided me into a room, his room. Then he quietly shut the door and we were alone. He approached me soundlessly, from behind, and spoke in a low, reassuring voice close to my ear.
"Just relax."
Without warning, he reached down and I felt his strong, calloused hands start at my ankles, gently probing, and moving upward along my calves slowly but steadily. My breath caught in my throat. I knew I should be afraid, but somehow I didn't care. His touch was so experienced, so sure. When his hands moved up onto my thighs, I gave a slight shudder, and partly closed my eyes.
My pulse was pounding. I felt his knowing fingers caress my abdomen, my ribcage. And then, as he cupped my firm, full breasts in his hands, I inhaled sharply. Probing, searching, knowing what he wanted, he brought his hands to my shoulders, slid them down my tingling spine and into my panties. Although I knew nothing about this man, I felt oddly trusting and expectant.
This is a man, I thought. A man used to taking charge. A man not used to taking `no' for an answer. A man who would tell me what he wanted. A man who would look into my soul and say ...
"Okay, ma'am,".
"All done." "You can board your flight now."
(Sorry. I could help but to share this with you. I laughed my @$$ off)
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