Random Thought #1
I was looking at some photos of my niece's wedding cake and realized how amazingly skilled my sister and my nephew are...they created the wedding cake and the groom's cake, layered them, made icing, iced them, and decorated them. I may post photos of the cakes, despite saying I would post only one from the blessing of the marriage.
Random Thought #2
It is a law of nature: If I close my office to ensure that my staff will not have to cope with treacherous icing conditions on the roads (like I did today at about 11:00 am or so), there will be little to no icing conditions; if I do not close the office, driving conditions will be deadly.
Random Thought #3
Sixteen year-old washing machines can look like they are brand new, but trying to find parts for them is damn near impossible...it looks like we'll be getting a new one. But, new washers are deeper than older ones...and so will not fit in the same spaces. I think appliance manufacturers may be colluding with home remodelers. It's possible. Well, it IS possible!
Random Thought #4
A nice dish of creamed canned salmon over rice, with just the right amount of white pepper, is wonderful on a cold night. I'm stopping this post to enjoy just such a dish, in fact.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Shivering Laundromats!
This morning started out very warm...70 degrees...and remarkably humid. The early clouds burned off quickly and, by mid-morning, the sky was clear and bright. That lasted only a short while, though, as another set of clouds drifted in, setting off a series of rain showers.
The trees all over Dallas have been in a hurry to drop their leaves over the past week, so that almost all at once the streets and lawns are filled with massive piles of orange and brown and crimson debris. Such a sudden and dramatic drop is unusual, in my memory, and a little bewildering. Why all at once?
Late in the day we experienced what may have, in some odd fashion, precipitated the leaf dump. Just after 6:30 pm, as my wife and I were crossing the parking lot of a restaurant to join a couple for dinner, a cold, cold wind ripped into us. It was the cold front the meteorologists have been talking about for several days. "Get ready for an icy winter front," they told us, "and be on the lookout for ice and snow."
When we left the office at 6:15, the temperature was 74 degrees. By the time we finished dinner at about 7:30 (it was a quick one), the temperature had dropped to 51. According to Weather Underground, it's now hovering around 43 degrees.
While the cold snap could have been the perfect opportunity to come home, make a hot toddy, and get ready for the onslaught of winter in our nice, dry house, it was not to be tonight. My wife put in a load of laundry, only to notice a few moments later that water was pouring out from under the machine. A quick check of the hoses revealed no external leaks. A closer look revealed that the leak is inside the machine...possibly just a hose that needs replacement. But, the machine is 16 years old, so it may be time for a replacement. I'll take a look tomorrow afternoon, if I have enough strength to battle the monster and win my attempt to move it so I can open the back.
The clothes that were in the washer when it began its tantrum were soppy, soapy, and generally a mess. My wife was satisfied to let them sit overnight...we could take them out, put them on towels until they were dry enough to put in the dryer, and then dry them. I argued that it was not a good idea...I should take the wet mess to a laundromat and wash them to be sure the soap did not do any damage to the clothes as the soap dried into the fabric. She reluctantly agreed and insisted on going along. I found a laundromat nearby, by looking online, and we drove down to it. It has been years since I have used a laundromat; it brought back memories of being a nearly destitute student and subsequently a nearly destitute post-student worker. It also make me think that we too often get very, very isolated from the real world when we rely on the comforts and conveniences of home.
A trip to the laundromat made me think about how much it costs to wash a load of laundry ($1.75 for the smaller of the washers that were available) and how much of an effort it is to use a laundromat, versus the convenience of a laundry room in one's home or apartment building. Not only that, going to the laundromat forces one (if one is a middle-aged geezer) into an environment that is foreign...an environment in which most of the people are poor and live a completely different lifestyle than mine.
It would behoove people like me...and certainly those with far more money than I...to make it a point to get a reality check from time to time. Here are a few things that could bring the real world into sharper focus (I'm preaching here...cannot say I have done these things, but should):
There's more, of course, but you get the drift. I should take my own advice. I know it would bring the luxuries of my life into sharper perspective and teach me to better appreciate the challenges that face less fortunate people.
I'm climbing down now. Good night.
The trees all over Dallas have been in a hurry to drop their leaves over the past week, so that almost all at once the streets and lawns are filled with massive piles of orange and brown and crimson debris. Such a sudden and dramatic drop is unusual, in my memory, and a little bewildering. Why all at once?
Late in the day we experienced what may have, in some odd fashion, precipitated the leaf dump. Just after 6:30 pm, as my wife and I were crossing the parking lot of a restaurant to join a couple for dinner, a cold, cold wind ripped into us. It was the cold front the meteorologists have been talking about for several days. "Get ready for an icy winter front," they told us, "and be on the lookout for ice and snow."
When we left the office at 6:15, the temperature was 74 degrees. By the time we finished dinner at about 7:30 (it was a quick one), the temperature had dropped to 51. According to Weather Underground, it's now hovering around 43 degrees.
While the cold snap could have been the perfect opportunity to come home, make a hot toddy, and get ready for the onslaught of winter in our nice, dry house, it was not to be tonight. My wife put in a load of laundry, only to notice a few moments later that water was pouring out from under the machine. A quick check of the hoses revealed no external leaks. A closer look revealed that the leak is inside the machine...possibly just a hose that needs replacement. But, the machine is 16 years old, so it may be time for a replacement. I'll take a look tomorrow afternoon, if I have enough strength to battle the monster and win my attempt to move it so I can open the back.
The clothes that were in the washer when it began its tantrum were soppy, soapy, and generally a mess. My wife was satisfied to let them sit overnight...we could take them out, put them on towels until they were dry enough to put in the dryer, and then dry them. I argued that it was not a good idea...I should take the wet mess to a laundromat and wash them to be sure the soap did not do any damage to the clothes as the soap dried into the fabric. She reluctantly agreed and insisted on going along. I found a laundromat nearby, by looking online, and we drove down to it. It has been years since I have used a laundromat; it brought back memories of being a nearly destitute student and subsequently a nearly destitute post-student worker. It also make me think that we too often get very, very isolated from the real world when we rely on the comforts and conveniences of home.
A trip to the laundromat made me think about how much it costs to wash a load of laundry ($1.75 for the smaller of the washers that were available) and how much of an effort it is to use a laundromat, versus the convenience of a laundry room in one's home or apartment building. Not only that, going to the laundromat forces one (if one is a middle-aged geezer) into an environment that is foreign...an environment in which most of the people are poor and live a completely different lifestyle than mine.
It would behoove people like me...and certainly those with far more money than I...to make it a point to get a reality check from time to time. Here are a few things that could bring the real world into sharper focus (I'm preaching here...cannot say I have done these things, but should):
- Use a public laundromat for a month, in place of your own private washer and dryer;
- Do not use the dishwasher for a month, instead doing dishes by hand;
- Take public transportation to work for a month...especially if, like me, public transportation to the office requires a 2 hour time commitment one way, and changing vehicles at least 4 times and waiting at bus stops or light-rail stations for some time between rides;
- Rely on only the of-air television stations for news and entertainment...or, better yet, pretend the television is broken for a month;
- Make lunches to take to work every day for a month...something simple, like tuna sandwiches;
- Do not go out to restaurants for a month...or, if you must go, go to the cheapest places you can find and then only once or twice during the month;
- Turn off the computer and forget Internet access for a month...pretend you cannot afford it;
- When shopping for groceries, buy only what you absolutely must have...clip coupons like a madman and buy only what you can get cheap
There's more, of course, but you get the drift. I should take my own advice. I know it would bring the luxuries of my life into sharper perspective and teach me to better appreciate the challenges that face less fortunate people.
I'm climbing down now. Good night.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
5 Days of Silence and Then...
It's almost embarrassing that I have let five days go by without blogging. Obviously, I cannot relate all that has happened in these last five days, but will give a brief and utterly incomplete synopsis.
I took pictures, too. Lots of them. The only one I will post is this one, the 'bride' and 'groom' exchanging a kiss outside the church:
I enjoyed myself alot during the few days I was with my family. It was great to see brothers, sisters, niece, nephew, in-laws of various stripes, etc. I would like to do that more often. As a geezer, I see the value in it that I sometimes did not before.
My first book may be entitled, "Be a Good Geezer." People don't seem to understand the term as I intend it. I want my book to explain. It will explain more of me, too, and will reveal a softer side that only a few know about. Generally, I am a crusty old bastard, but just beneath the surface is someone most people would not know. He's the one who will actually write the book. He's the one who will offer the advice, give the guidance, and accept the ridicule of everyone around him for having written the book. All that having been said, I think my message and the way I want to say it can be breathtaking, if I have the right editor with the right motives and skills. What I have to say could inform the Democratic party's message, but probably won't. What I have to say is more likely to bring the fringe good people to the center of the table, and give them the audacity to say what they think.
If I ever write that book, look for a blinding condemnation of organized religion, coupled with a call for tolerance and appreciation and acceptance of the faithful. Look for a soft-hearted socialist with a hard-hearted insistence on financial performance and business performance. Look for someone who wants to offer tolerance and integration as ideals, but who will stop hard and firm at the more rigorous and more ridiculous tenets of any...of every...religion.
I want to write that book, because tonight I feel like I have something to say. We'll see if that lasts.
My friends, the Perils, are coping with snow and cold weather and things foreign and strange to me. According to the weatherpeople, my favorite wife and I can expect something akin to the Perils' experience in the not-too-distant future. But in Dallas, freezing temperatures mean ice...and ice means drunken drivers (and sober drivers who are paralyzed with fear when the temps drop below 50)...and that adds up to ugly. I hope Isbelita and Phil stay safe and warm and drink just enough warming alcohol to enjoy the scenery. I hope I can either plan to be in the office with a full contingent of staff...or incapable of getting in and, so, excused for my absence.
Let's see...what else? My sister from California and I had some really interesting conversations while she was visiting...philosophical interchanges and discussions of liberal and conservative philosophy and comments and conversations about living in foreign lands. I'm pumped about going to Mexico again soon. Maybe my lovely wife and I wlll stay this year...probably not, though. Unless we find a hotel to buy that we can afford...and that my sister wants to buy, as well.
I took pictures, too. Lots of them. The only one I will post is this one, the 'bride' and 'groom' exchanging a kiss outside the church:
I enjoyed myself alot during the few days I was with my family. It was great to see brothers, sisters, niece, nephew, in-laws of various stripes, etc. I would like to do that more often. As a geezer, I see the value in it that I sometimes did not before.
My first book may be entitled, "Be a Good Geezer." People don't seem to understand the term as I intend it. I want my book to explain. It will explain more of me, too, and will reveal a softer side that only a few know about. Generally, I am a crusty old bastard, but just beneath the surface is someone most people would not know. He's the one who will actually write the book. He's the one who will offer the advice, give the guidance, and accept the ridicule of everyone around him for having written the book. All that having been said, I think my message and the way I want to say it can be breathtaking, if I have the right editor with the right motives and skills. What I have to say could inform the Democratic party's message, but probably won't. What I have to say is more likely to bring the fringe good people to the center of the table, and give them the audacity to say what they think.
If I ever write that book, look for a blinding condemnation of organized religion, coupled with a call for tolerance and appreciation and acceptance of the faithful. Look for a soft-hearted socialist with a hard-hearted insistence on financial performance and business performance. Look for someone who wants to offer tolerance and integration as ideals, but who will stop hard and firm at the more rigorous and more ridiculous tenets of any...of every...religion.
I want to write that book, because tonight I feel like I have something to say. We'll see if that lasts.
My friends, the Perils, are coping with snow and cold weather and things foreign and strange to me. According to the weatherpeople, my favorite wife and I can expect something akin to the Perils' experience in the not-too-distant future. But in Dallas, freezing temperatures mean ice...and ice means drunken drivers (and sober drivers who are paralyzed with fear when the temps drop below 50)...and that adds up to ugly. I hope Isbelita and Phil stay safe and warm and drink just enough warming alcohol to enjoy the scenery. I hope I can either plan to be in the office with a full contingent of staff...or incapable of getting in and, so, excused for my absence.
Let's see...what else? My sister from California and I had some really interesting conversations while she was visiting...philosophical interchanges and discussions of liberal and conservative philosophy and comments and conversations about living in foreign lands. I'm pumped about going to Mexico again soon. Maybe my lovely wife and I wlll stay this year...probably not, though. Unless we find a hotel to buy that we can afford...and that my sister wants to buy, as well.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Traditional?
A non-traditional Thanksgiving morning so far...more like Spring cleaning. We started with a breakfast of poached eggs atop corned beef hash, then jumped into clean-up mode. The house is in dire need of much cleaning, and today is one of the first days in months that we've been in the mood. But, my wife tires easily and so she decided to take a nap a couple of hours ago. I continued with the cleaning energy until a short while ago...after this respite to write, I'll go back at it. We may have a turkey tenderloin later in the day...that's more traditional, I guess.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
3,000 Years Ago
Watch the sunrise, on a clear, cool morning, and try to imagine what that sunrise must have been like 3,000 years ago. Look at the ocean or a lake or an old-growth forest and imagine what they were like 3,000 years ago.
Imagine the earth without the trappings of civilization and try to imagine how clean and pure and uncluttered it was then.
Picture yourself where you are now, but turn back time 3,000 years, and imagine your life then.
Would a life defined by electricity and butane gas and SUVs and stainless steel gas grills and designer cloths have been imaginable then? Probably not. Would that life have been easy and uncomplicated? Probably not. But would life have been simpler and richer and more attuned the world around you...the world that lets you live or die? I think the answer is 'yes.'
I would love the opporunity to take a brief journey back in time to learn what it was really like. I know it would teach me things. I could impart wisdom I don't possess.
The point of this rambling? Try to look at every problem through a lens from the past. Interpret laws from an experienced perspective...a REALLY experienced perspective.
I don't have answers, but I have an idea...that everyone should listen to the the Christians, the Jews, the Muslims. Speak simply and directly an without pulling punches...we can deal with it.
Imagine the earth without the trappings of civilization and try to imagine how clean and pure and uncluttered it was then.
Picture yourself where you are now, but turn back time 3,000 years, and imagine your life then.
Would a life defined by electricity and butane gas and SUVs and stainless steel gas grills and designer cloths have been imaginable then? Probably not. Would that life have been easy and uncomplicated? Probably not. But would life have been simpler and richer and more attuned the world around you...the world that lets you live or die? I think the answer is 'yes.'
I would love the opporunity to take a brief journey back in time to learn what it was really like. I know it would teach me things. I could impart wisdom I don't possess.
The point of this rambling? Try to look at every problem through a lens from the past. Interpret laws from an experienced perspective...a REALLY experienced perspective.
I don't have answers, but I have an idea...that everyone should listen to the the Christians, the Jews, the Muslims. Speak simply and directly an without pulling punches...we can deal with it.
Thanky Happsgiving
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. Despite the fact that I consider it, on some level, to be a religious holiday, I consider it on another level to be simply a celebration of our good fortunes, even those that are interspersed with bad fortune.
I don't feel comfortable with religious holidays of any kind. I supposed religious holidays make me feel something akin to the way I'd feel if asked to preside over a ritual in which I expressed humble respect and awe of the powers of bamboo figurines...nuts. But, again, the people who buy into religious holidays...if they don't get in my face about it, that's OK. I still think there is a surprising amount of mass delusion going on...and it's the intelligent people in the midst of it that makes me feel embarrassed for them. OK, enough of that.
The weather has turned unseasonably warm, just in time for a Fall holiday...doesn't that just squeeze the celebration out of a rock! I do not like 70+ temperatures when it's supposed to be Fall. There should be a nip in the air. I spoke to a guy the other day from Dell, who talked to me about my notebook computer's hard disk. He lives in Nova Scotia, about 80 miles from Halifax, he said. He's a technical support person who happens to be in the hinterlands. He said the weather there was very cool and that it will quickly become much, much colder. He was intrigued with the idea of coming to Dallas; I suggested trading houses for a week, but I think he was focusing on the DST Short test that confirmed the death of my hard drive.
I've been thinking...what if I could outsource some of my company's functions to India? I know, globalization kills, but I'm serious. I've dealt with several technical support reps, etc. from India and many of them were absolutely fluent in English. They struck me as being very bright...capable enough to do most of the work my clients need. People in the U.S. who can do the kind of job I need are asking $65-$90K. I just cannot afford that. I think I could get someone in India for $30-$40K. Logistics would have to be worked out...but why not? People here seem to be in love with their own value, despite the fact that it's just not there for me. Most of this stuff can be done remotely, but...I don't know.
My two notebook computers still lay silent like corpses. Damn them! And over a long weekend!
Enough bellyaching! Have a happy Thanksgiving...be safe and love your family and friends.
I don't feel comfortable with religious holidays of any kind. I supposed religious holidays make me feel something akin to the way I'd feel if asked to preside over a ritual in which I expressed humble respect and awe of the powers of bamboo figurines...nuts. But, again, the people who buy into religious holidays...if they don't get in my face about it, that's OK. I still think there is a surprising amount of mass delusion going on...and it's the intelligent people in the midst of it that makes me feel embarrassed for them. OK, enough of that.
The weather has turned unseasonably warm, just in time for a Fall holiday...doesn't that just squeeze the celebration out of a rock! I do not like 70+ temperatures when it's supposed to be Fall. There should be a nip in the air. I spoke to a guy the other day from Dell, who talked to me about my notebook computer's hard disk. He lives in Nova Scotia, about 80 miles from Halifax, he said. He's a technical support person who happens to be in the hinterlands. He said the weather there was very cool and that it will quickly become much, much colder. He was intrigued with the idea of coming to Dallas; I suggested trading houses for a week, but I think he was focusing on the DST Short test that confirmed the death of my hard drive.
I've been thinking...what if I could outsource some of my company's functions to India? I know, globalization kills, but I'm serious. I've dealt with several technical support reps, etc. from India and many of them were absolutely fluent in English. They struck me as being very bright...capable enough to do most of the work my clients need. People in the U.S. who can do the kind of job I need are asking $65-$90K. I just cannot afford that. I think I could get someone in India for $30-$40K. Logistics would have to be worked out...but why not? People here seem to be in love with their own value, despite the fact that it's just not there for me. Most of this stuff can be done remotely, but...I don't know.
My two notebook computers still lay silent like corpses. Damn them! And over a long weekend!
Enough bellyaching! Have a happy Thanksgiving...be safe and love your family and friends.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Leaves
Leaves clog the street in front of my home and they clog the rain gutters all around the house. If I were able and willing to take a day off work, I'd clean out the gutters before rain and cold weather turn dry leaves into muck that will take hours to dislodge. If I were able and willing to take a day off work, I'd sweep the street and tidy up my lawn.
I've been unwilling to take time off. If I do, I'd miss that one time I am absolutely required. My clients would be upset. I'd have a revolt on my hands. Or not.
I do not know why I feel 'guilty' about coming home early or staying home on occasion. It's my company. I should get the perks from time to time. So should my wife. We spoke tonight about whether the close the office on the Friday before Christmas; the decision was NO, we don't want to give people the idea that they are entitled to more time than they earn. That's too bad. I'd like to do it, but she's right. Some people, including current staff, have a sense of entitlement about time off. I'm one with mixed feelings. I pay them to do a job and that pay is based on working a certain time-frame and accomplishing a certain set of performance criteria. But wouldn't it be nice to throw in a 'goodie' from time to time? It would, but having been a 'boss' for a lot of years, I know how many people take advantage of the little things. I'm a Democrat who has been Republicanized in some ways by little bastards who Republicans loathe and who Democrats seem to think don't exist.
My employee who had the brain tumor surgically removed...may have gone home today. If not, soon. Not sure about what the prognosis is...not sure she'll tell me.
I'm trying to introduce to my wife the idea that a trip to Italy and Croatia next year might be a good use of vacation time. I have to be subtle and I have to suggest a short window of time that does not interfere with a client's monthly meeting. Maybe we need to get rid of that client, or at least give someone else the responsibility for dealing with it so we can widen our window.
My periodic readers from Seattle haven't been by for awhile, nor have my periodic readers from California. That's OK. Just feeling a little unread. There have been plenty of posts of late that should have been unread. Maybe even this one. I'm feeling the leaves clogging up my brain.
I've been unwilling to take time off. If I do, I'd miss that one time I am absolutely required. My clients would be upset. I'd have a revolt on my hands. Or not.
I do not know why I feel 'guilty' about coming home early or staying home on occasion. It's my company. I should get the perks from time to time. So should my wife. We spoke tonight about whether the close the office on the Friday before Christmas; the decision was NO, we don't want to give people the idea that they are entitled to more time than they earn. That's too bad. I'd like to do it, but she's right. Some people, including current staff, have a sense of entitlement about time off. I'm one with mixed feelings. I pay them to do a job and that pay is based on working a certain time-frame and accomplishing a certain set of performance criteria. But wouldn't it be nice to throw in a 'goodie' from time to time? It would, but having been a 'boss' for a lot of years, I know how many people take advantage of the little things. I'm a Democrat who has been Republicanized in some ways by little bastards who Republicans loathe and who Democrats seem to think don't exist.
My employee who had the brain tumor surgically removed...may have gone home today. If not, soon. Not sure about what the prognosis is...not sure she'll tell me.
I'm trying to introduce to my wife the idea that a trip to Italy and Croatia next year might be a good use of vacation time. I have to be subtle and I have to suggest a short window of time that does not interfere with a client's monthly meeting. Maybe we need to get rid of that client, or at least give someone else the responsibility for dealing with it so we can widen our window.
My periodic readers from Seattle haven't been by for awhile, nor have my periodic readers from California. That's OK. Just feeling a little unread. There have been plenty of posts of late that should have been unread. Maybe even this one. I'm feeling the leaves clogging up my brain.