That's all I have to say. Well, that's rarely true that it would be ALL I have to say.
The week started slow and is ending with a bang. LOTS of work to do. Yesterday my head was spinning.
Just wanted to share. More tomorrow.
February 25, 2005
February 22, 2005
ANNOUNCEMENT: More friends on TV
Tonight (Tuesday) watch David Ackert “NYPD Blue”, guest starring , February 22nd on ABC at 10pm.
Rick Hall is going to be on an episode of Without A Trace airing Thursday night on CBS at 10pm PT/ET, I assume 9pm CT. He plays a cop in a hostage scene. You might remember him most recently as the umpire in last summer's Claritin (Claritin Clear) commercial.
Thursday's show shouldn't conflict with your viewing of The Apprentice on NBC at 9pm to see another actor/friend Angie.
Rick Hall is going to be on an episode of Without A Trace airing Thursday night on CBS at 10pm PT/ET, I assume 9pm CT. He plays a cop in a hostage scene. You might remember him most recently as the umpire in last summer's Claritin (Claritin Clear) commercial.
Thursday's show shouldn't conflict with your viewing of The Apprentice on NBC at 9pm to see another actor/friend Angie.
News funny and Silverlake home slide
This morning, I woke up at 5am. Not sure why. I couldn't go to sleep, so I surfed the Internet and started to download Toontown. Toontown is a multi-player game that is sooo much fun. It took the installer about 45 minutes. So far, it has taken the Toontorial over an hour to download. I am hoping that is only because it is the first time to install on my machine. If it takes this long to load in the future, no Toontown for me!
I was watching the Today Show, and Katie Couric had a Brussells location interview with Chris Bartlett, who is a European Counsel for Bush while he is in Europe. Funny thing was, she hadn't started the interview yet, when I channel flipped to ABC, where he was being interviewed by Charlie what's his name, talking away. I flipped back to NBC and Chris was simultaneously talking to Katie. Same topic, different conversation. I was flipping back and forth to see if I could hear him repeat himself. No such luck. I am sure you guys (like Deb) can explain it better how this happens. I assume the in studio reporters are asking pre-screened questions. Or it was tapped back to back. Chris did address both Charlie and Katie by name. I thought that was clever. The magic of TV.
Another interesting thing on the show was about the rain in California. It is almost one of the top five worst rainstorms in recorded history. Wow! And I am missing it all. I think fondly of MagLank Lake. I also have visions of the San Fernando Valley streets flooding. I can't say I miss that. There was a couple (I am sure they are a "couple") from Silverlake who were interviewed by Matt Lauer. Their home slid down the hillside in the middle of the night. They got out okay with their dog. One of the guys, Andy, was living in Santa Monica during the Los Angeles earthquake of the 1990s. His building on the beach collapsed. Poor guy. The 101 Freeway is also closed because of the storms. I am pretty sure it is up in the Ventura-Santa Barbara area where it happened earlier this year. I will check in with Gail and Ma/Pa with that.
Oh - Saturday (I think I forgot to mention this) I talked to my tax guy. This morning I filled out the paperwork I need to send to him. I think I will have it in the mail tomorrow. I am hoping to get any kind of a refund back. I didn't take much out in November and December for being a contractor, so if I owe, that will suck.
I expect I should get ready for work now. It's after 7:30. I think I will be in work by 8, which means I can leave at 5. Yippee!!
I was watching the Today Show, and Katie Couric had a Brussells location interview with Chris Bartlett, who is a European Counsel for Bush while he is in Europe. Funny thing was, she hadn't started the interview yet, when I channel flipped to ABC, where he was being interviewed by Charlie what's his name, talking away. I flipped back to NBC and Chris was simultaneously talking to Katie. Same topic, different conversation. I was flipping back and forth to see if I could hear him repeat himself. No such luck. I am sure you guys (like Deb) can explain it better how this happens. I assume the in studio reporters are asking pre-screened questions. Or it was tapped back to back. Chris did address both Charlie and Katie by name. I thought that was clever. The magic of TV.
Another interesting thing on the show was about the rain in California. It is almost one of the top five worst rainstorms in recorded history. Wow! And I am missing it all. I think fondly of MagLank Lake. I also have visions of the San Fernando Valley streets flooding. I can't say I miss that. There was a couple (I am sure they are a "couple") from Silverlake who were interviewed by Matt Lauer. Their home slid down the hillside in the middle of the night. They got out okay with their dog. One of the guys, Andy, was living in Santa Monica during the Los Angeles earthquake of the 1990s. His building on the beach collapsed. Poor guy. The 101 Freeway is also closed because of the storms. I am pretty sure it is up in the Ventura-Santa Barbara area where it happened earlier this year. I will check in with Gail and Ma/Pa with that.
Oh - Saturday (I think I forgot to mention this) I talked to my tax guy. This morning I filled out the paperwork I need to send to him. I think I will have it in the mail tomorrow. I am hoping to get any kind of a refund back. I didn't take much out in November and December for being a contractor, so if I owe, that will suck.
I expect I should get ready for work now. It's after 7:30. I think I will be in work by 8, which means I can leave at 5. Yippee!!
February 21, 2005
Just when I thought it was over, LA1 returns...
This morning, I got six emails from LA1. Three were about outstanding issues. Two were reiterating the first three and the sixth, I have included below for your pleasure. He is in blue, I am in green. I changed the names to protect the stupid. Notice that I don't have a closing salutation. No "regards", "best wishes" or even "from". No initials. I don't always do that when I am writing back to somebody. Plus, the issue he is referring to wasn't reported until Friday afternoon. Our programmers don't work on the weekends and as of 3am Saturday morning when he wrote me, hadn't fixed his issue.
He exhausts me. But my favorite part is in the elipses...
-----Original Message-----From: LA1 : Monday, February 21, 2005 10:49 AMTo: Mrs. Han Solo Subject: RE: Authorize me Baby
Thank you,
Can you be a little more personal.....ice....your part of the family now....act like it....Thanks for the update.
LA1
Mrs. Han Solo wrote:
The programmer has been assigned the task and will either remove the / or fix the programming error. I will let you know when it is done, so you can check it again.
-----Original Message-----From: LA1 : Saturday, February 19, 2005 3:05 AMTo: Mrs. Han Solo Subject: RE: Authorize me Baby
Mrs. Han Solo,
Your programmer never removed the slash between month and year on X.net. Please have that done ASAP. I wonder how many memberships we lost due to that problem.
Thank you.
LA1
He exhausts me. But my favorite part is in the elipses...
-----Original Message-----From: LA1 : Monday, February 21, 2005 10:49 AMTo: Mrs. Han Solo Subject: RE: Authorize me Baby
Thank you,
Can you be a little more personal.....ice....your part of the family now....act like it....Thanks for the update.
LA1
Mrs. Han Solo wrote:
The programmer has been assigned the task and will either remove the / or fix the programming error. I will let you know when it is done, so you can check it again.
-----Original Message-----From: LA1 : Saturday, February 19, 2005 3:05 AMTo: Mrs. Han Solo Subject: RE: Authorize me Baby
Mrs. Han Solo,
Your programmer never removed the slash between month and year on X.net. Please have that done ASAP. I wonder how many memberships we lost due to that problem.
Thank you.
LA1
February 20, 2005
Goodbyes, movies and deep thoughts
I am really quite over the drama of LA1. A great and glorious thing has occurred.
Also, in sadness, we say goodbye to Sandra Dee. She died today at the young age of 63.
Friday, we completed the tasks I had been assigned with for LA1. I spoke with him on the phone and verified with him that those tasks were completed to his approval. As we spoke, he asked me again to marry him and told me again that he was in love with me. I said,”Stop.” He said,”What?” I said,”It’s inappropriate.” He says,”Are you kidding me?” I said,”No, I’m not.” He tells me what a good looking guy he is and I repeated myself. I told him to stop immediately. I was just moments away of hanging up the phone. But he got the message. We continued talking and not another word of love or plane tickets to LA or marriage was spoken. He did say that he would have to find a way to find another project for me. I told him that our support department could help him from now on. I said,”Other than a follow up call now and then, we are done. That’s it. My team has completed the work on your project.” He was a little shocked, I think. What a grand and glorious way to start the weekend!
After work, I came home and watched one of my Netflix movies which is also nominated for an Academy Award. – The Weeping Camel is a documentary that is filmed in Mongolia. There is a family of sheep and camel herders who are assisting the camel mothers in the birth of their babies. One mother (a first time birther) is popping out an unusual white camel. Live camel births are not a beautiful site, no matter what your views are on the beauty of childbirth. The poor mama is trying to stand, trying to walk while the poor baby has his front legs sticking out and his head. Both are covered by the placenta. It is one of the grossest sites on film I have ever seen. Then the mama is laying on her side, and the baby is coming out more. The herders are pulling the baby out. There is a gush of placenta and whoosh – the rest of the camel is out. If you can get through that part, just wait until you see what happens next. Not gross, but tragic. The mama camel doesn’t want anything to do with her baby. They bring the baby to the mama. Nothing except a knee to the poor camel. They bring the mama to the baby. She sniffs for two seconds and wanders into the desert. They have to hand feed the baby because his mama won’t let him nurse. No matter what the family tries to do, the mother camel, who must be going through one major postpartum depression, continues to reject the baby. The baby whines for his mamma, who would rather be wandering around the desert than caring for her baby. They decide to bring in a violinist from some cultural center. The teenage boy and his brother (who was probably about 10) ride their camels off into the Gobi desert. I guess if you live there, you know the terrain and it wouldn’t be a problem. I was looking at it thinking there is no way on earth I would send my two boys out into the vast dessert like that. No way. I wonder how they can tell where they are in the bright daylight with no obvious markers around. It’s amazing to me how they know. Anyhoo, they go to the town (population of probably 200 max) and find a violinist to help them with the camel. They meet a pair of seniors who take them to the cultural center to find the music teacher. Later, they go to the marketplace to find batteries for their grandfather. At the marketplace, the little kid is swayed by the tv, computer and fancy technologies. When he gets back home, he asks his dad for a tv. Grandpa asks him what would he want with that devil? Then he ads, “You would sit in from of it all day and would do nothing but watch glass images.” Ain’t that the truth! Soon the violinist comes and plays while the herder mother sings. Believe it or not, the music tames the mama camel and her baby can finally be fed. Such a happy ending. Now that I have told you the whole story, you probably won’t see the movie. As you can see, I was quite entranced by the whole thing.
SATURDAY
I lost .2 lbs. Every ounce counts. Seriously. It made me happy that I didn’t gain. After the WW experience, I met Elissa at the Roxy so we could see another Academy Award nominee, “Hotel Rwanda”, a compelling story about the Rwanda massacres in 1994. It was based on the story of a hotel manager, played by Don Cheadle. I saw the real hotel manager and UN commander interviewed on Charlie Rose. Both of them seemed please with the film version. Of course artistic license was taken here and there, but both men seemed pleased with the results. It was a horrific and dark event in our world’s history. And extremely tragic that the United States among other nations, turned a blind eye to what was going on there. I would go on about the story, but I also feel I shouldn’t misrepresent anything there. I know, very different than the “Weeping Camel” story, eh? I thought the acting was very good and the story was well written. It was one of the best movies I have seen this year. After the movie, Elissa and I had to walk around for a bit as the movie was so heavy and affected us both so much. After we parted ways, I went home and did the dishes. I watched “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi”. I did have to forward through some of the ROTJ because the Ewoks were pretty unbearable. Here are a couple of comments about both movies. I know some of you have talked with me about this, but it’s bee ages since I have seen these movies. I thought seeing the “revised/enhanced” versions on DVD would sit better with me, but for the most part, nope.
- Star Wars – I don’t mind some of the extra creatures on Tatooine, but I still don’t get Greedo shooting Han first. I watched it frame by frame and it was painful. It looks so “added”.
- What’s with dubbing Boba Fett’s voice so he sounds like the New Zealander dude Jango Fett (?) from the new movies? It was lame.
- ROTJ – If Luke, the powerful Jedi knight was able to open the great, huge door at Jabba’s palace, why can’t he open the iron gate that is holding him in when he is battling the big thing in the pit? Where are his powers now?
- If Yoda was the dude who trained Obi Wan, like Obi Wan says several times, who the hell is Qui Gon? You know, Liam Neeson? I NEVER got that one.
- ROTJ – When Luke tells Leia that they are brother and sister, why doesn’t she comment on how icky it was that he had the hots for her not so many years ago, and that she gave him a not-so-sisterly kiss on Hoth? (I have always had a problem with that one. Also, Han never comments on it either.)
- BIGGEST PEEVE – So , I am watching ROTJ and had been warned by Carrie that old, fat Anakin was replaced by young, hot Hayden Christianson’s Anakin. I couldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it for myself. Okay, there I am, watching Luke take off his dear ol’ dying dad’s mask. I thought, “Is this where it is going to be?” Nope. It’s the old, bald, fat British actor we have all seen and loved. (Sorry for not knowing his name…) So, I continue watching to see the horror that lied ahead. At the end of the movie when Luke is looking at the spirits of Obi Wan and Yoda. Who should appear? That’s right – Hayden as Anakin. So, if Hayden is Anakin at his best looking, why isn’t Obi Wan? For that matter, why not just dub Obi Wan’s voice so it matches the younger version? You want a through line, George Lucas? How about that?
- Don’t get me started about the Force and what George did to that one. Yoda explained it as did Obi Wan. Why didn’t George and his writers ever watch the original movies or read the scripts to get the history straight? I will never understand.
I was glad to see them, despite George’s “enhancements”. I will never be fond of Ewoks.
SUNDAY
Also, in sadness, we say goodbye to Sandra Dee. She died today at the young age of 63.
February 16, 2005
LA1 has professed his love for me
That's right.
"...I'm in love with you, and I haven't ever met you..."
"You are a little dominating, aren't you?" Me - "Not really. Only with certain clients." Him: ha ha ha
I was just so taken off guard by him. Actual phone words. Ewwww. I am not really flattered by it. Disturbed actually. I have been very professional with him. He has told me where he lives (roughly - me being from LA and all), that he has a kid (and why don't I?) and that he wants to fly me to CA to visit him. All of that I can deal with. Fine. I laugh. There are clients who I am a little bossy to, because that's the only way they are going to hear the information. There are also clients who I am sarcastic with. Some who I talk to about the weather, grandkids, movies, football. But this just floors me. I need to figure out the right approach with him.
"...I'm in love with you, and I haven't ever met you..."
"You are a little dominating, aren't you?" Me - "Not really. Only with certain clients." Him: ha ha ha
I was just so taken off guard by him. Actual phone words. Ewwww. I am not really flattered by it. Disturbed actually. I have been very professional with him. He has told me where he lives (roughly - me being from LA and all), that he has a kid (and why don't I?) and that he wants to fly me to CA to visit him. All of that I can deal with. Fine. I laugh. There are clients who I am a little bossy to, because that's the only way they are going to hear the information. There are also clients who I am sarcastic with. Some who I talk to about the weather, grandkids, movies, football. But this just floors me. I need to figure out the right approach with him.
February 14, 2005
OMIGAWD - LA1 is off his rocker!
As you know, dear readers, I have a desparate client who is having separation anxiety because I am only working on a tiny portion of his site. I guess after spending two or three months with him on the phone and via email, he is in love with me. As you know, he did ask me to be the mother of his toddler. Nice, huh? But the email I got from him today was...er...flattering?
"...If you want to come visit LA let me know. If you let me take you to dinner it's on me, the ticket that is. You gotta buy dinner. Let me know. Thanks."
Buy me a ticket to LA? Wouldn't that be nice? But I think not. Besides that it would be ethically wrong (client-vendor relationship) he bugs the crap out of me. And then there is the awkward business of if I did go on his dime, what his expectations are. I know I am not alone. Carrie told me that one of her clients in MO invited her out for a visit. I don't know if he has a crush on her like I think LA1 does on me. I do know that he didn't invite her to be a mother to his kid(s). I just don't know how to respond. I think If I do, I will tell him thanks, but no thanks. Ick.
"...If you want to come visit LA let me know. If you let me take you to dinner it's on me, the ticket that is. You gotta buy dinner. Let me know. Thanks."
Buy me a ticket to LA? Wouldn't that be nice? But I think not. Besides that it would be ethically wrong (client-vendor relationship) he bugs the crap out of me. And then there is the awkward business of if I did go on his dime, what his expectations are. I know I am not alone. Carrie told me that one of her clients in MO invited her out for a visit. I don't know if he has a crush on her like I think LA1 does on me. I do know that he didn't invite her to be a mother to his kid(s). I just don't know how to respond. I think If I do, I will tell him thanks, but no thanks. Ick.
Weekend recap - thrills and chills (of course!)
Saturday
I went to WW and gained. Poop on a stick. But, as I have said before, if you don't follow the program, you won't lose weight. I don't think the bread, popcorn and junk food I had during the week helped. After that, I did errands, including window shopping for a desk. I am desparate for a desk. No luck. I have some ideas though. I then went to the movies at the Roxy and saw "A Very Long Engagement" (French flick) and 30 minutes later, saw "Bad Education" (Spanish flick). The French flick was pretty good. It was a WW1 story, starring Audrey Tataou. And it sorta had a happy ending. I don't know which Oscars it is up for, but I thought it was shot really beautifully. Bad Education is by Pedro Almondovar - the Spanish director who was a key player in launching Antonio Banderas' career. Almondovar is a great director. He makes movies that contain subject matter that makes one uncomfortable and makes you think. I really don't agree with the NC-17 rating that the damn MPAA slapped on it. I guess they did that because there was some semi-graphic homosexual scene. But there were no schlongs seen. I don't get how they rate movies. In "Sideways" there was some creepy dude running around naked. That wasn't sexually appealing, to be sure. But it is okay for movies to show women full-frontally naked and it is okay for movies to show guts and gore and only get a R rating. But when it comes to showing the male anatomy, you can bet your booties it might just get an NC-17. I think Saving Private Ryan should have had an NC-17 for the disturbing graphic violence. But there are so many kids today that see rated R films, that nothing is left to "protect" them from except for sex. I could go on and on with this rant, but I have more exciting information to share with you.
Sunday
Went to church and realized that since I have been here I have done almost no volunteer work. That is so not like me. It will change. There is a shelter a few blocks away that I am going to call this week to see what they need help with. There are other option, that I will explore as well. I really enjoyed the work I did with COV - it just makes me feel better about myself and my situation. I also really like helping people. It was a good thing to realize about what I need to do while I am here in Vermont. After that, I went on a quest to find decorations for my Oscar party. I think there are 6 people who are coming. That's a party, that's fa shizzle. I found a great store in Williston (don't I sound like a native?) called IParty. I went up to the sales chick and asked if there were any awards type decorations. She showed me a 3'x4' display with signage, clapboards, plates with tuxedos, and those silly fake Oscar statues. I even found gold stars! I was in heaven! What joy! What bliss! I couldn't have asked for more. It was EXACTLY what I was looking for. I bought more crap than I really should have (of course.) I then went to Verizon and made a payment. That stung a bit. I had a bad phone plan - 3000 minutes. I never used that much, so it was a big monthly waste. I changed the plan to the smallest amount - 400 minutes. Since the only person I really talk to on that phone for any length of time is Gail, even the 400 is too much, I bet. Gail is with Verizon too, so it is nice and free for us. At least I have nationwide coverage. I am stuck on that plan until November. I think at that time, I might either switch to a Vermont number or cancel it altogether. It's too far away to tell at this point. I digress. After the exciting trip to Verizon, I went to Michaels and bought confetti for the Oscar party with my 40% off discount. It was thrilling.
Burlington was having a Winterfest event wharfside, so I went to check that out. It was an absolutely GORGEOUS day! The sun was shining really brightly and the air was crisp and cold (I think it was in the 20s.) I parked up the street from the ECHO Center (marine aquarium thingy for me to check out later) and walked around the pier and boardwalk. There was snow covering the icey lake. Lots of people out there playing, and a few cross country skiiers. Kids and dogs. On the boardwalk, there were snow and ice sculptures. I took pics that one day, I will post here. There were about 10 big snow sculptures with signs showing the drawing they were based on and who carved. The ice sculptures ranged from abstracts to lips, guitar, and a train. I think the train was one of the neatest to see. I think I was there for about an hour. It was nice just being out in the sunshine, even though it was bloody cold.
Then I went home to watch some of the Star Wars Special Edition that Carrie had loaned me. I watched all of the Special Feature disk. Whew! So much information. Most of it I knew already, being a slight Star Wars geek. It was very humorous to see how the production spinned the world of George Lucas. There were several times when he was talking about giving up duties and letting others take over, only to take back the control since it wasn't done the way he wanted it. CONTROL ISSUES, GEORGE. YOU ARE A CONTROL FREAK. But heck, because of his control issues, he created an empire and a huge fan following. Nothing wrong with wanting to control your vision, but I think the documentaries did shine some light on what a controlling bastard he must be. Of course, me, being in love with Han Solo, I was riveted. The home movies were cool to see as well as behind the scenes photos. I was also excited to hear people talk about the good and the bad of the filming of two of my most favorite movies of all time. And seeing people I have actually met. There was one shot I swear had you, Tiff. I am so sure, I rewound and freeze-framed it just to check. THAT was cool. I plan on watching the trilogy this week. I was resistant to buy it since I feel (and always will) that the remastered, modified versions out on DVD are not the original movie. I don't mind some of the added and cleaned up special effects. I really need to stop myself. I will be on a really long tangent if I continue. Let's just say that I am really looking forward to seeing Episode 4 and 5 on DVD (inspite of what GL did to Han - and you people KNOW what I am talking about!)
I went to my first night of bowling in Colchester. There is a nice sized bowling alley near the Costco there. I had heard about a special they were running for league playing for 14 weeks where in the end, I get a ball and bag!! I figure I might be able to get some work people to join me in a league. If not, I think I will still play. I suck at bowling, but that's because I never do it. If I get 70, that's a good game. I was hooked up to play with Eric and Ashley - a brother and sister team who own their own balls and shoes. Ashley is as big as my thumb. She was there because her boyfriend is playing on another team. They weren't much for talking, but I tid tell them I sucked at the beginning so they didn't get their expectations up. We played three games. I think my first game was 80ish, second was better at 120, with the last one being 76. I had a blast! The shoes are $3 a game, so I am buying a pair on Ebay so I don't have to waste the money on shoes. I will also bring my own snacks and drinks. I will ask people at work to see if they want to join me. It was a hoot! ( I know I already said it was a blast, but I want you understand that I had a great time.) It will give me something to look forward to during the week. They have a league starting on Thursdays, but I think we will do the Sunday night thing.
The evening ended with watching Desparate Housewives on ABC. That's about it.
I went to WW and gained. Poop on a stick. But, as I have said before, if you don't follow the program, you won't lose weight. I don't think the bread, popcorn and junk food I had during the week helped. After that, I did errands, including window shopping for a desk. I am desparate for a desk. No luck. I have some ideas though. I then went to the movies at the Roxy and saw "A Very Long Engagement" (French flick) and 30 minutes later, saw "Bad Education" (Spanish flick). The French flick was pretty good. It was a WW1 story, starring Audrey Tataou. And it sorta had a happy ending. I don't know which Oscars it is up for, but I thought it was shot really beautifully. Bad Education is by Pedro Almondovar - the Spanish director who was a key player in launching Antonio Banderas' career. Almondovar is a great director. He makes movies that contain subject matter that makes one uncomfortable and makes you think. I really don't agree with the NC-17 rating that the damn MPAA slapped on it. I guess they did that because there was some semi-graphic homosexual scene. But there were no schlongs seen. I don't get how they rate movies. In "Sideways" there was some creepy dude running around naked. That wasn't sexually appealing, to be sure. But it is okay for movies to show women full-frontally naked and it is okay for movies to show guts and gore and only get a R rating. But when it comes to showing the male anatomy, you can bet your booties it might just get an NC-17. I think Saving Private Ryan should have had an NC-17 for the disturbing graphic violence. But there are so many kids today that see rated R films, that nothing is left to "protect" them from except for sex. I could go on and on with this rant, but I have more exciting information to share with you.
Sunday
Went to church and realized that since I have been here I have done almost no volunteer work. That is so not like me. It will change. There is a shelter a few blocks away that I am going to call this week to see what they need help with. There are other option, that I will explore as well. I really enjoyed the work I did with COV - it just makes me feel better about myself and my situation. I also really like helping people. It was a good thing to realize about what I need to do while I am here in Vermont. After that, I went on a quest to find decorations for my Oscar party. I think there are 6 people who are coming. That's a party, that's fa shizzle. I found a great store in Williston (don't I sound like a native?) called IParty. I went up to the sales chick and asked if there were any awards type decorations. She showed me a 3'x4' display with signage, clapboards, plates with tuxedos, and those silly fake Oscar statues. I even found gold stars! I was in heaven! What joy! What bliss! I couldn't have asked for more. It was EXACTLY what I was looking for. I bought more crap than I really should have (of course.) I then went to Verizon and made a payment. That stung a bit. I had a bad phone plan - 3000 minutes. I never used that much, so it was a big monthly waste. I changed the plan to the smallest amount - 400 minutes. Since the only person I really talk to on that phone for any length of time is Gail, even the 400 is too much, I bet. Gail is with Verizon too, so it is nice and free for us. At least I have nationwide coverage. I am stuck on that plan until November. I think at that time, I might either switch to a Vermont number or cancel it altogether. It's too far away to tell at this point. I digress. After the exciting trip to Verizon, I went to Michaels and bought confetti for the Oscar party with my 40% off discount. It was thrilling.
Burlington was having a Winterfest event wharfside, so I went to check that out. It was an absolutely GORGEOUS day! The sun was shining really brightly and the air was crisp and cold (I think it was in the 20s.) I parked up the street from the ECHO Center (marine aquarium thingy for me to check out later) and walked around the pier and boardwalk. There was snow covering the icey lake. Lots of people out there playing, and a few cross country skiiers. Kids and dogs. On the boardwalk, there were snow and ice sculptures. I took pics that one day, I will post here. There were about 10 big snow sculptures with signs showing the drawing they were based on and who carved. The ice sculptures ranged from abstracts to lips, guitar, and a train. I think the train was one of the neatest to see. I think I was there for about an hour. It was nice just being out in the sunshine, even though it was bloody cold.
Then I went home to watch some of the Star Wars Special Edition that Carrie had loaned me. I watched all of the Special Feature disk. Whew! So much information. Most of it I knew already, being a slight Star Wars geek. It was very humorous to see how the production spinned the world of George Lucas. There were several times when he was talking about giving up duties and letting others take over, only to take back the control since it wasn't done the way he wanted it. CONTROL ISSUES, GEORGE. YOU ARE A CONTROL FREAK. But heck, because of his control issues, he created an empire and a huge fan following. Nothing wrong with wanting to control your vision, but I think the documentaries did shine some light on what a controlling bastard he must be. Of course, me, being in love with Han Solo, I was riveted. The home movies were cool to see as well as behind the scenes photos. I was also excited to hear people talk about the good and the bad of the filming of two of my most favorite movies of all time. And seeing people I have actually met. There was one shot I swear had you, Tiff. I am so sure, I rewound and freeze-framed it just to check. THAT was cool. I plan on watching the trilogy this week. I was resistant to buy it since I feel (and always will) that the remastered, modified versions out on DVD are not the original movie. I don't mind some of the added and cleaned up special effects. I really need to stop myself. I will be on a really long tangent if I continue. Let's just say that I am really looking forward to seeing Episode 4 and 5 on DVD (inspite of what GL did to Han - and you people KNOW what I am talking about!)
I went to my first night of bowling in Colchester. There is a nice sized bowling alley near the Costco there. I had heard about a special they were running for league playing for 14 weeks where in the end, I get a ball and bag!! I figure I might be able to get some work people to join me in a league. If not, I think I will still play. I suck at bowling, but that's because I never do it. If I get 70, that's a good game. I was hooked up to play with Eric and Ashley - a brother and sister team who own their own balls and shoes. Ashley is as big as my thumb. She was there because her boyfriend is playing on another team. They weren't much for talking, but I tid tell them I sucked at the beginning so they didn't get their expectations up. We played three games. I think my first game was 80ish, second was better at 120, with the last one being 76. I had a blast! The shoes are $3 a game, so I am buying a pair on Ebay so I don't have to waste the money on shoes. I will also bring my own snacks and drinks. I will ask people at work to see if they want to join me. It was a hoot! ( I know I already said it was a blast, but I want you understand that I had a great time.) It will give me something to look forward to during the week. They have a league starting on Thursdays, but I think we will do the Sunday night thing.
The evening ended with watching Desparate Housewives on ABC. That's about it.
February 11, 2005
Snow is glorious, the weekend, and Death of a Brilliant Man
Snow, glorious, sparkling, bright, white... snow. I love it! I will find a snow activity to do. Maybe I will walk to the mall? Maybe I will make snowpeople? Who knows? The world is mine for the taking.
The weekend is here and Burlington is doing a Winterfest thingy. I will be checking it out. I am really looking forward to it. There are suppose to be ice sculptures, ice skating, live music, food and all kinds of merriment. Just the thing I need. I have been feeling rather depressed. It's about the job, apartment or Vermont. I just really miss my friends. Yeah, yeah. You'll make new friends. Go out and get into activities that force you to meet people. So I am making steps towards that. 1. I am going to join a bowling league. 2. I am joining a gym. You are probably saying to yourself, "Wait a minute - Mrs. Han Solo! You don't bowl! You don't excercise (except for that tri training." That's right. It's a whole new me. There are bowling lanes not too far away from my neighborhood that are offering joining a league for a weekly fee of about $10. AND they provide balls. I figure why not? I can be the best bowler Mrs. Han Solo can be. And as for the gym, I have been saying for months that I will join to I can start my tri training again. The big plan is that when I am feeling like I have nothing to do, I go to the gym. I think getting into the Bowling will also give me a sense of being and purpose. That all said, I am still depressed. I just hide it well. I miss my long time friends. I am really thankful that I have friends here who I can talk to and do stuff with. But it's not the same as hanging out with Doug and Steve or VeAnn and Michael. Or calling up Gail and going to Leonore's. I can't just talk with Babs or Annie about my infatuations while sipping a Starbucks. Not happening.
Sad news today. Famed playwright Arthur Miller died. I remember reading "The Crucible" when I was in high school. I was really moved by it. I have a vivid memory of walking out into the living room with the play in my hand and talking to my family about it. It is a fantastic story. Not just the historical point, but the political message Miller was sending out when he wrote it. I had no idea at the time of my high school reading of it. Recently, I saw a great PBS program on Eli Kazan and Arthur Miller's relationship. They had been friends for years then during the McCarthy trials, had a huge falling out (mostly because of Eli's reporting friends as commies) and it took decades to repair the friendship. Miller wrote "The Crucible" in response to the McCarthy hearings. I wasn't as affected when I read "Death of a Salesman," but I do think about Willy Loman from time to time. Miller certainly led a full and robust life. If I live to be 89, will I be able to look back on my life and say the same thing?
The weekend is here and Burlington is doing a Winterfest thingy. I will be checking it out. I am really looking forward to it. There are suppose to be ice sculptures, ice skating, live music, food and all kinds of merriment. Just the thing I need. I have been feeling rather depressed. It's about the job, apartment or Vermont. I just really miss my friends. Yeah, yeah. You'll make new friends. Go out and get into activities that force you to meet people. So I am making steps towards that. 1. I am going to join a bowling league. 2. I am joining a gym. You are probably saying to yourself, "Wait a minute - Mrs. Han Solo! You don't bowl! You don't excercise (except for that tri training." That's right. It's a whole new me. There are bowling lanes not too far away from my neighborhood that are offering joining a league for a weekly fee of about $10. AND they provide balls. I figure why not? I can be the best bowler Mrs. Han Solo can be. And as for the gym, I have been saying for months that I will join to I can start my tri training again. The big plan is that when I am feeling like I have nothing to do, I go to the gym. I think getting into the Bowling will also give me a sense of being and purpose. That all said, I am still depressed. I just hide it well. I miss my long time friends. I am really thankful that I have friends here who I can talk to and do stuff with. But it's not the same as hanging out with Doug and Steve or VeAnn and Michael. Or calling up Gail and going to Leonore's. I can't just talk with Babs or Annie about my infatuations while sipping a Starbucks. Not happening.
Sad news today. Famed playwright Arthur Miller died. I remember reading "The Crucible" when I was in high school. I was really moved by it. I have a vivid memory of walking out into the living room with the play in my hand and talking to my family about it. It is a fantastic story. Not just the historical point, but the political message Miller was sending out when he wrote it. I had no idea at the time of my high school reading of it. Recently, I saw a great PBS program on Eli Kazan and Arthur Miller's relationship. They had been friends for years then during the McCarthy trials, had a huge falling out (mostly because of Eli's reporting friends as commies) and it took decades to repair the friendship. Miller wrote "The Crucible" in response to the McCarthy hearings. I wasn't as affected when I read "Death of a Salesman," but I do think about Willy Loman from time to time. Miller certainly led a full and robust life. If I live to be 89, will I be able to look back on my life and say the same thing?
The office is practically empty. And what's with LA1?
Because most of them are snowboarding this morning! We got a nice, big snow dump over the last 24 hrs. It is gorgeous outside. The big cheeses like to snowboard, so a bunch of people take the mornings off like this to go to Stowe. I hear Stowe is gorgeous. Maybe I will go this weekend. Maybe I will go sledding. I really need to find something snowy to do.
What's with LA1? I have pretty much stopped working for him (thankfully) and he is off in the capable hands of ouor support department. He had an issue about something we had forgotten to do, so I told support I would work on it. Per usual, he sends me multiple emails. My favorite quote today is "I was wondering if you forgot about me already...broke my heart." You are thinking, "Gee, Mrs. Han Solo, aren't you flattered?" Golly no. It creeps me out.
What's with LA1? I have pretty much stopped working for him (thankfully) and he is off in the capable hands of ouor support department. He had an issue about something we had forgotten to do, so I told support I would work on it. Per usual, he sends me multiple emails. My favorite quote today is "I was wondering if you forgot about me already...broke my heart." You are thinking, "Gee, Mrs. Han Solo, aren't you flattered?" Golly no. It creeps me out.
February 09, 2005
HAPPY BELATED BDAY DAD!
I was looking back on my post about the weekend and forgot to mention something. Sunday was my dear dad's 75th birthday! A big HAPPY BIRTHDAY shout out to him!!
BEAR HAS SOLD + flowers
I sold the bear for $230ish! Crazy, no? I hope the buyer pays me tonight, so I can ship it out tomorrow. That will be great.
Also, I got a lovely arrangement of tulips from my folks for Valentine's Day. Both the folks and flowers are wonderful. Thanks Ma and Pa! They are proudly displayed on my desk.
Also, I got a lovely arrangement of tulips from my folks for Valentine's Day. Both the folks and flowers are wonderful. Thanks Ma and Pa! They are proudly displayed on my desk.
VT teddy bear
As of this morning, my Vermont Teddy Bear is selling for $207.50! I am sooo excited! I just hope the Paypal and shipping works out. That would really suck if there were complications. I just can't believe people are so into these bears that they would spend this much money on it. Even if George Lucas had an Indiana or Star Wars sale on some crap Harrison Ford wore, I wouldn't buy it. I would admire it, but please! I already have so much crap in my storage and apartment... Anyhow, I am glad the people are excited. You can check out the sale for the next 24 hours at Mrs. Han Solo's Overpriced Teddy Bear.
February 07, 2005
Movies, ditching, Dad and Superbowl
I had such an exciting Friday, I can't remember what happened. Maybe during my drunken stupor I bet on the horses at Del Mar. Maybe I ran around naked in Battery Park. I just can't remember. It was THAT exciting. I think I watched one of my Netflix DVDs. Yes, that's what I did. It was part 4 (I think) of the BBC series Sharpe, starring Sean Bean. As there are a total of 14 in the series, I have lots more to see.
Saturday
I woke up too late to get to WW on time, so I didn't go. I did some errands, including visiting that wonderful store, Big Lots. I did my laundry. I talked on the phone. I went to the movies in the afternoon and saw The Aviator, directed by Martin Scorcese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio as the tortured, brilliant Howard Hughes. Now, I didn't say Leo was brilliant. But I do think it was one of the better Scorcese films I have seen. I thought Leo (all things considered) did a pretty good job. Sure, his look and voice weren't like Howard Hughes nor did Howard slip into the level of gross craziness in the 40s that was represented in the film (artistic license?) but I thought the acting, sets, costumes, music editing, special effects were all good for a solid, big bang of a movie. Cate Blanchett did a great job as Kate Hepburn. I think it showed the HH crazies well, even if it wasn't at the right time of his life. I am proud to say that I have seen the Spruce Goose aka Hercules. It was a huge plane, that's for sure. It was a great Saturday matinee movie. I didn't feel I was sitting in a three hour film.
After the movie, I did some errands and made dinner. I was in for a night of more tv and crocheting. I also began working on my tissue box crafts.
Sunday
I ditched church, waking up too late to go again. It was a gorgeous day out and I drove around and did some errands. I met Carrie to see The Wedding Date, starring Deborah Messing and Dermot Mulroney. It was a better version of Pretty Woman (could have been called Pretty Man...) unlike Pretty Woman, there was no reason for us to feel sorry for the Pretty Man because he was a high priced call-boy, not hooker (though technically he was a male hooker.) Anyhow, for a hooker-falling-in-love with the payer it was a sweet, sappy movie. Makes me wish I could afford $6,000 to go on a date with Dermot Mulroney. Sheesh! Imagine my friends' suprise when I bring him to my class reunion. "Where did you meet him?" "The yellow pages." (quote from the movie.) Of course in my world, my friends would know that was no joke, and I probably really did get him from the yellow pages. Sad, isn't it? Still... it makes a girl think. I suppose, like in the movie, I could plan this great and grand story. I would have to find somebody a little earthy though because if I brought Dermot (or is it Dermont?) to the class reunion, people wouldn't buy it. You know what I am talking about. If I brought some hunky dude home, people would really wonder. I need to find me a slovenly, ugly man. Hmm. That gives me something to think about. I suppose if I was really, really pathetic I would bring some dude home with me for the class reunion. I wonder how often people do that? On one hand, I think it would be really funny. But the joke would be for just me. The people at the reunion (all Kerry, Dianne, Stephanie, Liz and Michelles aside) wouldn't have a clue. They also wouldn't care. What a dumb ass idea for a movie! Sheesh!
Sunday cont.... So after the whole movie thing, I went aimlessly wandering around to craft stores to find material to make curtains with. It gets really bright in my bedroom, and though I am as fond of the sunshine as the next SoCalGal, it is bloody bright! As I am so desparate for company, I bought myself a betta fish. He is adorable though. He is blue and white. Smaller than the last one I had. He's got a nice, big bowl to play in. I have a pet!! After that excitement, I went over to Elissa's house for a Superbowl party. Thankfully, her peeps weren't hardcore football fans. We ate, drank, chatted and played card games. It was great! I had a really good time. Rocky made a delicious chili - a perfect Superbowl food! The game was kinda boring, as were most of the commercials. There were afew that were pretty funny with monkeys.
So, I have posted my teddy bear on Ebay. As of tonight, It is going for $159. I am hoping in the next two days it bumps up to $300! THAT would be splendid.
Saturday
I woke up too late to get to WW on time, so I didn't go. I did some errands, including visiting that wonderful store, Big Lots. I did my laundry. I talked on the phone. I went to the movies in the afternoon and saw The Aviator, directed by Martin Scorcese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio as the tortured, brilliant Howard Hughes. Now, I didn't say Leo was brilliant. But I do think it was one of the better Scorcese films I have seen. I thought Leo (all things considered) did a pretty good job. Sure, his look and voice weren't like Howard Hughes nor did Howard slip into the level of gross craziness in the 40s that was represented in the film (artistic license?) but I thought the acting, sets, costumes, music editing, special effects were all good for a solid, big bang of a movie. Cate Blanchett did a great job as Kate Hepburn. I think it showed the HH crazies well, even if it wasn't at the right time of his life. I am proud to say that I have seen the Spruce Goose aka Hercules. It was a huge plane, that's for sure. It was a great Saturday matinee movie. I didn't feel I was sitting in a three hour film.
After the movie, I did some errands and made dinner. I was in for a night of more tv and crocheting. I also began working on my tissue box crafts.
Sunday
I ditched church, waking up too late to go again. It was a gorgeous day out and I drove around and did some errands. I met Carrie to see The Wedding Date, starring Deborah Messing and Dermot Mulroney. It was a better version of Pretty Woman (could have been called Pretty Man...) unlike Pretty Woman, there was no reason for us to feel sorry for the Pretty Man because he was a high priced call-boy, not hooker (though technically he was a male hooker.) Anyhow, for a hooker-falling-in-love with the payer it was a sweet, sappy movie. Makes me wish I could afford $6,000 to go on a date with Dermot Mulroney. Sheesh! Imagine my friends' suprise when I bring him to my class reunion. "Where did you meet him?" "The yellow pages." (quote from the movie.) Of course in my world, my friends would know that was no joke, and I probably really did get him from the yellow pages. Sad, isn't it? Still... it makes a girl think. I suppose, like in the movie, I could plan this great and grand story. I would have to find somebody a little earthy though because if I brought Dermot (or is it Dermont?) to the class reunion, people wouldn't buy it. You know what I am talking about. If I brought some hunky dude home, people would really wonder. I need to find me a slovenly, ugly man. Hmm. That gives me something to think about. I suppose if I was really, really pathetic I would bring some dude home with me for the class reunion. I wonder how often people do that? On one hand, I think it would be really funny. But the joke would be for just me. The people at the reunion (all Kerry, Dianne, Stephanie, Liz and Michelles aside) wouldn't have a clue. They also wouldn't care. What a dumb ass idea for a movie! Sheesh!
Sunday cont.... So after the whole movie thing, I went aimlessly wandering around to craft stores to find material to make curtains with. It gets really bright in my bedroom, and though I am as fond of the sunshine as the next SoCalGal, it is bloody bright! As I am so desparate for company, I bought myself a betta fish. He is adorable though. He is blue and white. Smaller than the last one I had. He's got a nice, big bowl to play in. I have a pet!! After that excitement, I went over to Elissa's house for a Superbowl party. Thankfully, her peeps weren't hardcore football fans. We ate, drank, chatted and played card games. It was great! I had a really good time. Rocky made a delicious chili - a perfect Superbowl food! The game was kinda boring, as were most of the commercials. There were afew that were pretty funny with monkeys.
So, I have posted my teddy bear on Ebay. As of tonight, It is going for $159. I am hoping in the next two days it bumps up to $300! THAT would be splendid.
February 03, 2005
State of the Union, the boa, phones and LA1
Here are the highlights from my evening last night and my day today:
- I finished the scarf I started in mid-January. It's long, and about four inches wide. Very soft. Colors are gray, green, brownish red. If you want it, it's yours. Email me your address. I am making another one, since there isn't much else to do in winter at night with a loooow budget.
- I went to the movies last night after work thinking I would escape the State of the Union presentation. I saw Closer, which is nominated for a few Academy Awards. It stars Natalie Portman, Jude Law, Clive Owens and Julia Roberts. Really souless charaters. I thought the acting was pretty good. Natalie is nominated I think. The people in the movie were unfaithful, unappologetic and seemed insincere when they were appologizing. I was glad that it didn't have a happy ending. But if all the characters died in an accident together, I wouldn't have cared a crap. It was directed by Mike Nichols. The music, sets, writing - not so good. Basically it sucked. If you saw it and liked it, please comment.
- State of the Union - I came home from the dismal movie and saw that my VCR was recording. I thought I was recording Alias and that the SoUA was over. Nope. I tried to turn the VCR off. It wouldn't go. I tried ejecting the tape. No go. I tried deleting the recording in progress. Nothing. I was then compelled to watch. I did. It sounded very similar to what Bush had said during his previous state of the union address. He did beat to death the Social Security topic. I was also annoyed with the pandering to sympathy by showing the people with their fingertips inked and the poor couple who lost their son in Iraq. The clapping throughout the speech was entertaining. It was like watching a football game where the winning team's fans jump up and cheer each time they score. When Bush was talking about some of the issues only half of the crowd would stand and cheer. Hilarious. Those Democrats certainly want to show they are a divided bunch. I was glad it was only about an hour long. I did appreciate the Democratic rebuttle, though it was too short. What do other countries think about this? At one point, Bush was promoting peace and understanding. Telling us that we want other governments to choose how they want to rule. HA! My arse he does. When he brought up North Korea I wondered about an earlier news story I heard where a political analyst was discussing how the US government is so focused on the Middle East, they are neglecting what's happening in North Korea. We hear nothing about it in the news. Our news is only focused on Iraq and "terrorism". It's embarassing. I love watching the BBC World news because they talk about the WORLD.
- Our team returned from a big convention in New Orleans. We should be getting lots of great business from the event. One of the guys, Greg A., brought me back a sparkly, red, feather boa AND the most ugly ceramic pair of married gators with the names Al & Susan underneath. It is a truly hideously lovely gift. And the folks around are quite jealous over the boa. I LOVE the boa!!!
- Speaking of work, LA1 called me three times today and talked to our support team and sent me three emails. He is such a needy, picky and annoying person. We had a pleasant enough conversation, but if he only knew how annoying he is... It took up so much of my time today trying to deal with his site. (Read as a pirate - "Argh! If I were captain, I woudst throw his arse off the plank!")
- Verizon - I was told by the people at the Verizon store that I had to call on the 3rd to change my calling plan. Not on the 2nd, not on the 4th. The 3rd. So I did. And I changed my plan. It should cut my Feb bill down from $150 to $40!!! Yippee!!! Of course I still have unlimited nights and weekends. I also have unlimited long distance. I am happy. Really happy.
- The Apprentice - We shall see what is in store for Angie tonight!! Very exciting!!!
February 02, 2005
Thoughts of nothingness
Here I am. It's the end of the work day, and before I start out on my long journey home, I thought I would take a moment to blog.
I have nothing. Nothing to say. Per usual, I can ramble, and howdy. It's times like these that make me think about just how brilliant Seinfeld (the show) was. Afterall, it was about nothing. Does that mean I am brilliant? Well, we know I am.
I did get the go-ahead to plan my Oscar party. I will be co-hosting it with Elissa and her husband Rocky. Lucky for them, I don't know anbody but work people, so it will be a small goup. I sent out the email to get an idea of who would be interested. We shall see. I am already planning the decorations. I need to budget it out. I think I will find some red carpet somewhere. That would be a nice touch.
GROSSNESS AND TOO MUCH PERSONAL INFORMATION IS ABOUT TO FOLLOW:
Two words for what's happening in my life -
(Some of you know EXACTLY what I am talking about and so I won't explain it to the rest of you.)
I really have nothing more to say except that this is my blog, and if I say things that offend now and then, my appologies. But this is MY blog (I think it is the hormones talking. Pay no attention.)
I have nothing. Nothing to say. Per usual, I can ramble, and howdy. It's times like these that make me think about just how brilliant Seinfeld (the show) was. Afterall, it was about nothing. Does that mean I am brilliant? Well, we know I am.
I did get the go-ahead to plan my Oscar party. I will be co-hosting it with Elissa and her husband Rocky. Lucky for them, I don't know anbody but work people, so it will be a small goup. I sent out the email to get an idea of who would be interested. We shall see. I am already planning the decorations. I need to budget it out. I think I will find some red carpet somewhere. That would be a nice touch.
GROSSNESS AND TOO MUCH PERSONAL INFORMATION IS ABOUT TO FOLLOW:
Two words for what's happening in my life -
- leeches
- pain
(Some of you know EXACTLY what I am talking about and so I won't explain it to the rest of you.)
I really have nothing more to say except that this is my blog, and if I say things that offend now and then, my appologies. But this is MY blog (I think it is the hormones talking. Pay no attention.)
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