leaving with: nothing but my wits (also a book, a few changes of clothes, a little cash, and a desire to party the dickens out of this independence day weekend)
returning with: a hangover, a sunburn, a cowboy hat, a different book, and a refreshed enthusiasm for all things work-related (HA!)
in the meantime, enjoy the links, and try not to think too much about my FIVE DAY WEEKEND VACATION CELEBRATION IN TEXAS WITH SEX, DRUGS, ROCK AND ROLL, MUSIC, DANCING, AND FIREWORKS (ok, so probably no dancing or sex, but many fireworks)
enjoy working friday and tuesday.
but really, enjoy celebrating our independence.
-Tom
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Lately
I cannot believe I have to come in to work tomorrow. That is ridiculous. My brain isn't working.
Also I can't believe John didn't post the conversation we had about this very subject. It was "hilario." Well, ok, I'm only guessing it was funny, it may have been nothing but drivel, perhaps even incorrectly spelled drivel. If that is the case, kudos to John for not posting. If it is not the case, if I am right, then you all missed an opportunity to read more of/about me, for which I know you will be very angry at (not with) John. So, John, I hope for your sake that it wasn't funny, I would not wish hordes of angry readers upon any blogger, but especially upon you.
No, that's a lie, I would definitely wish hordes of angry readers on some blogger, but none spring to mind (as my mind is performing sluggishly, on this, the second-to-last-day-before-I-get-the-hell- out-of-here). And, by the way John, I saved the conversation. So when I do get a chance to read it with a working brain we'll both know if it was funny, and then my friend we shall see. We shall see who is right, and who is dead.
With my ponderously slow brain (no, really, ponderously slow - it took two minutes to spell that phonetically) I have done zero work. Ask me what I was supposed to finish before leaving for VACATION. I'll tell you:
-- archive the Ireland fund -- archive the Treasury fund -- archive the new-guy-who-quit-after-two-months's funds -- start report for training focus group -- finish report for training focus group -- meet with training focus group (three times) -- present finished training project -- complete employee self-evaluation for semi-annual managerial reveiw --
I have completed none of those tasks. I have started none of those tasks. I am doing a bang-up job.
Happy almost vacation to all of us.
-Tom
Also I can't believe John didn't post the conversation we had about this very subject. It was "hilario." Well, ok, I'm only guessing it was funny, it may have been nothing but drivel, perhaps even incorrectly spelled drivel. If that is the case, kudos to John for not posting. If it is not the case, if I am right, then you all missed an opportunity to read more of/about me, for which I know you will be very angry at (not with) John. So, John, I hope for your sake that it wasn't funny, I would not wish hordes of angry readers upon any blogger, but especially upon you.
No, that's a lie, I would definitely wish hordes of angry readers on some blogger, but none spring to mind (as my mind is performing sluggishly, on this, the second-to-last-day-before-I-get-the-hell- out-of-here). And, by the way John, I saved the conversation. So when I do get a chance to read it with a working brain we'll both know if it was funny, and then my friend we shall see. We shall see who is right, and who is dead.
With my ponderously slow brain (no, really, ponderously slow - it took two minutes to spell that phonetically) I have done zero work. Ask me what I was supposed to finish before leaving for VACATION. I'll tell you:
-- archive the Ireland fund -- archive the Treasury fund -- archive the new-guy-who-quit-after-two-months's funds -- start report for training focus group -- finish report for training focus group -- meet with training focus group (three times) -- present finished training project -- complete employee self-evaluation for semi-annual managerial reveiw --
I have completed none of those tasks. I have started none of those tasks. I am doing a bang-up job.
Happy almost vacation to all of us.
-Tom
It's a writer's block, get it?
Gah. I can't write.
Ok, it's not so much I can't write, as...I can't write.
Dammit.
Vacation. The word seems to hang in the air before me, a semi-transparent reminder that this is a four day work week, followed by a five-day no-work-for-five-days weekend, followed by a three-day work week. This floating hallucination is a terribly effective distraction from any and all work that is on my desk today. Also, the online scrabble game isn't helping any.
Which, maybe, is why I can't write. You see, at first, it was a game, a way to kill a little time before rates came in, and it was fine. Then, Skippy, a cubicle buddy of mine challenged me to a game. It was all over then. I fell right from "I'm only here because I'm a recent college grad and this is a steady paycheck, and oh, also it's airconditioned, so why not show up everyday, and as long as I'm here I'll do work, because it's easy and I'm good at it" to "Hey, listen pal, I graduated from college after having cruised, cruised, through four years in a very difficult major, and I know, I know, I'm smarter than you, just because, well, I'm smarter than just about everybody, you know? so of course I'm better at scrabble than you are, because let's be honest, you couldn't possilbly compete with me in a tic-tac-toe tournament, much less a sophisticated word-building game based on language and the participants' command thereof. bring it"
[abrreviated: from "Work? meh." to "assumed superiority," and in about three seconds flat]
So now scrabble's taking up a lot of my time. I stare at my inbox waiting for Skippy's next play. "Sin" ha. How does "Lozenge" sound? That's right, triple letter score on the 'z' and double word score. I'm also taking points for "Sing" because that's where I put my 'g' thanks.
BAM.
Ok, it's not so much I can't write, as...I can't write.
Dammit.
Vacation. The word seems to hang in the air before me, a semi-transparent reminder that this is a four day work week, followed by a five-day no-work-for-five-days weekend, followed by a three-day work week. This floating hallucination is a terribly effective distraction from any and all work that is on my desk today. Also, the online scrabble game isn't helping any.
Which, maybe, is why I can't write. You see, at first, it was a game, a way to kill a little time before rates came in, and it was fine. Then, Skippy, a cubicle buddy of mine challenged me to a game. It was all over then. I fell right from "I'm only here because I'm a recent college grad and this is a steady paycheck, and oh, also it's airconditioned, so why not show up everyday, and as long as I'm here I'll do work, because it's easy and I'm good at it" to "Hey, listen pal, I graduated from college after having cruised, cruised, through four years in a very difficult major, and I know, I know, I'm smarter than you, just because, well, I'm smarter than just about everybody, you know? so of course I'm better at scrabble than you are, because let's be honest, you couldn't possilbly compete with me in a tic-tac-toe tournament, much less a sophisticated word-building game based on language and the participants' command thereof. bring it"
[abrreviated: from "Work? meh." to "assumed superiority," and in about three seconds flat]
So now scrabble's taking up a lot of my time. I stare at my inbox waiting for Skippy's next play. "Sin" ha. How does "Lozenge" sound? That's right, triple letter score on the 'z' and double word score. I'm also taking points for "Sing" because that's where I put my 'g' thanks.
BAM.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
I can see clearly now
Two bits
The price of a shave and a haircut.
Are you all excited? Are you dying to see what it looks like? Are you relieved the locks have been shorn?
I'm convinced I look good in any situation, with any length hair, in any style.
Others are convinced I look better with short hair.
Well, others, today is your day. So get excited.
Stay tuned for illustrations
-Tom
recommended downloads:
Paul Simon, Kodachrome
and
Matt Nathanson, Wings
Are you all excited? Are you dying to see what it looks like? Are you relieved the locks have been shorn?
I'm convinced I look good in any situation, with any length hair, in any style.
Others are convinced I look better with short hair.
Well, others, today is your day. So get excited.
Stay tuned for illustrations
-Tom
recommended downloads:
Paul Simon, Kodachrome
and
Matt Nathanson, Wings
Monday, June 27, 2005
Locked-in
My mind has locked itself into Beach Mode. I'd forgotten the feel of sunburnt skin, of sand between the toes, of sun-streaked hair. I'd forgotten the feel of sunblock, plus heat, plus salt. I'd forgotten how much fun tossing a frisbee is.
But, like a hypnotist's victim awaking from a trance, at the snap of the fingers I remember again, and that's where I'm stuck now, permanently.
I figure it will take about three weeks for the office day-to-day to wash this feeling out of me, and probably about half that time for the sunburn to fade.
"Hey there, you get some color this weekend? eh? eh?"
"Yeah. I did. What did you do? Watch cable in air-conditioned comfort? Jackass. I did have a good weekend. You can take your James Bond marathon and shove it."
Back in beach mode. What a fun mode to be in.
and now some quick bullet points:
1. new profile pic is me with long hair, take note, because tomorrow's it's getting cut.
2. surprise party pics, for those who participated (and for those who wished they had), are up on my flickr page.
3. Sox are doing well, sweeping the Indians and the Phillies in a 6-0 road trip.
4. the tops of my feet are sunburnt, so's my neck, arms, and legs, but the feet hurt the most.
-Tom
recommended download:
Marcy Playground, Dog And His Master
But, like a hypnotist's victim awaking from a trance, at the snap of the fingers I remember again, and that's where I'm stuck now, permanently.
I figure it will take about three weeks for the office day-to-day to wash this feeling out of me, and probably about half that time for the sunburn to fade.
"Hey there, you get some color this weekend? eh? eh?"
"Yeah. I did. What did you do? Watch cable in air-conditioned comfort? Jackass. I did have a good weekend. You can take your James Bond marathon and shove it."
Back in beach mode. What a fun mode to be in.
and now some quick bullet points:
1. new profile pic is me with long hair, take note, because tomorrow's it's getting cut.
2. surprise party pics, for those who participated (and for those who wished they had), are up on my flickr page.
3. Sox are doing well, sweeping the Indians and the Phillies in a 6-0 road trip.
4. the tops of my feet are sunburnt, so's my neck, arms, and legs, but the feet hurt the most.
-Tom
recommended download:
Marcy Playground, Dog And His Master
Friday, June 24, 2005
Wiffleball
Wiffleball is dominating my free time now. I play when I get home from work (7-ish) until we can't see anymore (9:30-ish). Every few days we start talking about adding floodlights to the side of the house so we can play night games. I doubt the neighbor hood wouuld appreciate this, especially since playing wiffleball inevitably leads to yelling of all sorts (elated, angry, frustrated, general yelling-for-no-reason). We would most certainly be keeping them awake or interfering with their tv time.
I think we must be a little better than other wiffleballers. They play on grass, nicely-kept lawns, ground that is flat and consistent. We don't. After tearing up the tree in the front yard the area between the pitchers "mound" and shortstop is bumpy, uneven, and hazardous to ankles everywhere. After construction vehicles driving over the lawn all winter and spring the batter's box and first base line are uneven and below the level of the third base line. The changing ground cover affects play as well: the grass has been worn down to bare dirt on the pitcher's mound, batter's box, and first base line; between first and second the grass is particularly thick and slow. The first base line (running along the neighbor's driveway) has three small trees hanging over the basepath, just tall enough to take out your eye. The field is small too. Only about twenty-five feet from home to the sidewalk. Hitting it that far used to be a big deal, then we grew up. The homerun line is now past the opposite sidewalk, the street is live, and play is almost never stopped to allow cars to pass by.
It is the ultimate summer game.
-Tom
recommended download:
Marcy Playground, Sherry Fraser, and A Cloaking Robe Of Elven Kind
I think we must be a little better than other wiffleballers. They play on grass, nicely-kept lawns, ground that is flat and consistent. We don't. After tearing up the tree in the front yard the area between the pitchers "mound" and shortstop is bumpy, uneven, and hazardous to ankles everywhere. After construction vehicles driving over the lawn all winter and spring the batter's box and first base line are uneven and below the level of the third base line. The changing ground cover affects play as well: the grass has been worn down to bare dirt on the pitcher's mound, batter's box, and first base line; between first and second the grass is particularly thick and slow. The first base line (running along the neighbor's driveway) has three small trees hanging over the basepath, just tall enough to take out your eye. The field is small too. Only about twenty-five feet from home to the sidewalk. Hitting it that far used to be a big deal, then we grew up. The homerun line is now past the opposite sidewalk, the street is live, and play is almost never stopped to allow cars to pass by.
It is the ultimate summer game.
-Tom
recommended download:
Marcy Playground, Sherry Fraser, and A Cloaking Robe Of Elven Kind
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Fire Engine Red
Why are fire engines red?
Well, books are read. Magazines are read, too. Two and two are four, four and four are eight, eight and four are twelve. There are twelve inches in a ruler. Queen Elizabeth was a ruler. Queen Elizabeth was also a ship. Ships sail the seas. Fish swim in the seas. Fish have fins, Fins fought the Russians, Russians are called Reds, fire engines are always rushin', and that's why they're red.
Today is Thursday, June 23rd, 2005. Today is day three. Good morning.
I've tied out my morning income, a problem we had last night didn't roll-forward to this morning, so we're good. The mistake we made last night that needs to be fixed today is a small one, so that's no big deal. Yesterday's "Orange" post is the most-commented on post to date. Thanks to all you commentors.
In the next two weeks the employee semi-annual review is coming up. Our remaining manager now has the entire group to review, doubling his responsibilty. His reviews are expected to be late this time around.
Also in the next two weeks I will be going to Texas (again!). This marks my second trip to the Lone Star State, and the first time visiting another state during a national holiday. I promise to try and remember to take lots of pictures.
Also in the next two weeks I will be getting a haircut, probably just before I go to Texas. And speaking of Texas, who watched last night's Real World Austin? They all got cowboy hats.
And when I get back, planning for the afternoon of drunken fun-instead-of-work begins in earnest. Date: Friday, July 22nd. Mark your calendars, ask for the afternoon off, get ready to get stupid drunk on a day you would normally be working.
-Tom
recommended download:
Marcy Playground, Blood in Alphabet Soup, and Bye, Bye
ps. the riddle starting today's post will give you a clue to the color of the truck I'd like to get.
Well, books are read. Magazines are read, too. Two and two are four, four and four are eight, eight and four are twelve. There are twelve inches in a ruler. Queen Elizabeth was a ruler. Queen Elizabeth was also a ship. Ships sail the seas. Fish swim in the seas. Fish have fins, Fins fought the Russians, Russians are called Reds, fire engines are always rushin', and that's why they're red.
Today is Thursday, June 23rd, 2005. Today is day three. Good morning.
I've tied out my morning income, a problem we had last night didn't roll-forward to this morning, so we're good. The mistake we made last night that needs to be fixed today is a small one, so that's no big deal. Yesterday's "Orange" post is the most-commented on post to date. Thanks to all you commentors.
In the next two weeks the employee semi-annual review is coming up. Our remaining manager now has the entire group to review, doubling his responsibilty. His reviews are expected to be late this time around.
Also in the next two weeks I will be going to Texas (again!). This marks my second trip to the Lone Star State, and the first time visiting another state during a national holiday. I promise to try and remember to take lots of pictures.
Also in the next two weeks I will be getting a haircut, probably just before I go to Texas. And speaking of Texas, who watched last night's Real World Austin? They all got cowboy hats.
And when I get back, planning for the afternoon of drunken fun-instead-of-work begins in earnest. Date: Friday, July 22nd. Mark your calendars, ask for the afternoon off, get ready to get stupid drunk on a day you would normally be working.
-Tom
recommended download:
Marcy Playground, Blood in Alphabet Soup, and Bye, Bye
ps. the riddle starting today's post will give you a clue to the color of the truck I'd like to get.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Stretching my creative muscles
To: All Readers
Subject: THE PLAN
We will pick a friday. Some friday that is good for everyone. [read: some friday when everyone involved will be in the country, and, specifically, in boston]
We will all request that friday afternoon off. Or, we will just skip out of work. (I leave that decision to the individual's sense of propriety).
That friday, noon, we will gather at a pre-determined drinking establishment, and drink ourselves silly.
that is THE PLAN. rsvp in the comments section. date and location tbd by number and enthusiasm of respondents. respond early, respond often.
*this offer open to any resident of the continental united states or canada, provided they will be in boston on the appropriate day and time. please do not let living in another state put you off, whether you've lived there your whole life, or just moved there this week.
-Tom
recommended download: Rick Springfield, Jesse's Girl
Subject: THE PLAN
We will pick a friday. Some friday that is good for everyone. [read: some friday when everyone involved will be in the country, and, specifically, in boston]
We will all request that friday afternoon off. Or, we will just skip out of work. (I leave that decision to the individual's sense of propriety).
That friday, noon, we will gather at a pre-determined drinking establishment, and drink ourselves silly.
that is THE PLAN. rsvp in the comments section. date and location tbd by number and enthusiasm of respondents. respond early, respond often.
*this offer open to any resident of the continental united states or canada, provided they will be in boston on the appropriate day and time. please do not let living in another state put you off, whether you've lived there your whole life, or just moved there this week.
-Tom
recommended download: Rick Springfield, Jesse's Girl
Unpossible
Reading here at work would be a nice thing to do. Even if the book weren't very good, it would, at least, be something different (unless it's a book about work, but who are we kidding, I'd never read that book). The real trouble is finding a very good book. Like now. Because then I have to sit here and not read it, and think about not reading it. It's a fate worse than work.
Work, it's something I can handle. Many people out there, as I understand it, bear working because they believe, or recognize, that it is necessary. I don't. Well, conceptually, I guess I can understand that work is necessary, but I haven't accepted it, I haven't made it my own. I think I come to work because it's expected (this is also the reason I ranked so high in my high school class, scored so well on my SATs, got that scholarship and worked so hard to keep it). I am a slave to other people's expectations. It's true.
My progress is driven by outside forces. For example, I think I would like to go to graduate school. But I haven't. However, were there a person in my life, a parent maybe, who has for years expected me to go on and earn a masters degree in higher education adminsitration then I have no doubt I would be well into my second year of a good program at a well-regarded school.
Or, if I were expected to be driving a certain car, this whole "car thing" would not be a big deal, it wouldn't be a deal at all. I'd've purchased a car months ago and would be making my monthly payments on time.
Expectations speak louder than words. But no one is speaking to me now.
I may have to do some thinking.
-Tom
recommended download: Rolling Stones, Satisfaction
Work, it's something I can handle. Many people out there, as I understand it, bear working because they believe, or recognize, that it is necessary. I don't. Well, conceptually, I guess I can understand that work is necessary, but I haven't accepted it, I haven't made it my own. I think I come to work because it's expected (this is also the reason I ranked so high in my high school class, scored so well on my SATs, got that scholarship and worked so hard to keep it). I am a slave to other people's expectations. It's true.
My progress is driven by outside forces. For example, I think I would like to go to graduate school. But I haven't. However, were there a person in my life, a parent maybe, who has for years expected me to go on and earn a masters degree in higher education adminsitration then I have no doubt I would be well into my second year of a good program at a well-regarded school.
Or, if I were expected to be driving a certain car, this whole "car thing" would not be a big deal, it wouldn't be a deal at all. I'd've purchased a car months ago and would be making my monthly payments on time.
Expectations speak louder than words. But no one is speaking to me now.
I may have to do some thinking.
-Tom
recommended download: Rolling Stones, Satisfaction
I'm not waving, I'm drowning
Hey readers.
I'm just trying to place myself today. On a usual day I know my attitude by the time I get into the shower. At that time I have about fifteen minutes of getting ready that I can use to adjust or change that attitude (these fifteen minutes are most useful if I wake up in a negative place, it's quick to replace a foul mood with a good mood). Today, though, it's a little different. I'm already at work and I still don't know how I'm feeling.
So, I thought, as long as I have nothing to do, and no strong feelings about doing it, I should post.
Welcome to my ambiguity.
I can speak from personal experience. Attitudes are cyclical. Weeks of optimism can be followed by a period of negativity and pessimism. I do my best to watch for these moods, and head them off when I can. It is good, sometimes, to let the bad days come. Better to be a pessimist for a time now than to suppress negative feelings forever. Then, sunlight.
So, I don't know if I'm between stages here, maybe I'm just in stasis. It's tough to tell, it's too soon. Later on today I may have figured it out.
-Tom
recommended download
Bob Schneider, The Other Side, and The World Exploded Into Love
I'm just trying to place myself today. On a usual day I know my attitude by the time I get into the shower. At that time I have about fifteen minutes of getting ready that I can use to adjust or change that attitude (these fifteen minutes are most useful if I wake up in a negative place, it's quick to replace a foul mood with a good mood). Today, though, it's a little different. I'm already at work and I still don't know how I'm feeling.
So, I thought, as long as I have nothing to do, and no strong feelings about doing it, I should post.
Welcome to my ambiguity.
I can speak from personal experience. Attitudes are cyclical. Weeks of optimism can be followed by a period of negativity and pessimism. I do my best to watch for these moods, and head them off when I can. It is good, sometimes, to let the bad days come. Better to be a pessimist for a time now than to suppress negative feelings forever. Then, sunlight.
So, I don't know if I'm between stages here, maybe I'm just in stasis. It's tough to tell, it's too soon. Later on today I may have figured it out.
-Tom
recommended download
Bob Schneider, The Other Side, and The World Exploded Into Love
Monday, June 20, 2005
So, I've got nothing to do.
I've got nothing to do. And when I have nothing to do, I post. (You may recall last week's four-post thursday.)
I'm going to get my hair cut very soon ADINA ARE YOU READING THIS? very soon I say. I am keeping it long, but instead of leaving it as is (ridiculously unmanageable) I will be taking it in a new direction (manageable and cool-looking). I hope all of you can turn out for the glorious result. Appt. with hair-care professional tbd.
In related news, if I don't like the new haircut I will be cutting all of it off, a la sophmore year of college, when, if any of you recall, I looked ridiculous. That's right, I'll be going from one extreme to the other. On the other hand, my cranium is perfectly round, so maybe it won't be such a bad look. (Yeah, it will. Somebody please talk me out of this before it happens, thank you.)
In unrelated news, thanks to the three commentors who commented on my car decision. With GMC's new promotion the crew-cab 4wd I was looking at is only like 20K. Which is cheaper than the 29K Grand Cherokee. So, new argument. Crew-cab or Extended cab? and why?
In even more unrelated news: I've always considered myself different from the general populace. In high school I thought I was higher up the social/intellectual/existential pyramid than everyone else. In college I finally found people who were on the same step I was (and a few a step or two higher, you'd know who you are if you're modesty and humility weren't preventing it). Now, post college, I am begining to think I am vastly different from everyone else on the planet, and a small piece of me wonders if that makes me harder to relate to, and consequently, get to know better, and consequently befriend or, bemorethanfriend. Imagine a situation where everyone is a car. Coupes, sedans, trucks, convertibles, etc. Four wheels, headlights, steering wheel. Then, along rolls a motorcycle. It's got a motor, it's got wheels, it's aparent that it is a means of transportation, but very very different from the norm. I'm not saying people who drive cars can't learn to drive a motorcycle, I hope they can. I'm saying, it would be very easy for someone familiar with cars, even if they were only familiar with one certain type of car, to move to another car and drive it easily, adapt, and get to know a different car. Easy. I'm saying it's probably not so easy for that car person to adapt to an unknown, unfamiliar moving vehicle. Would some be hesitant to ride the bike if there were a perfectly ordinary car sitting right next to it, something they know and are familiar with? and what if the bike needed a haircut?
-Tom
recommended download
The Old 97's, Let The Idiot Speak
I'm going to get my hair cut very soon ADINA ARE YOU READING THIS? very soon I say. I am keeping it long, but instead of leaving it as is (ridiculously unmanageable) I will be taking it in a new direction (manageable and cool-looking). I hope all of you can turn out for the glorious result. Appt. with hair-care professional tbd.
In related news, if I don't like the new haircut I will be cutting all of it off, a la sophmore year of college, when, if any of you recall, I looked ridiculous. That's right, I'll be going from one extreme to the other. On the other hand, my cranium is perfectly round, so maybe it won't be such a bad look. (Yeah, it will. Somebody please talk me out of this before it happens, thank you.)
In unrelated news, thanks to the three commentors who commented on my car decision. With GMC's new promotion the crew-cab 4wd I was looking at is only like 20K. Which is cheaper than the 29K Grand Cherokee. So, new argument. Crew-cab or Extended cab? and why?
In even more unrelated news: I've always considered myself different from the general populace. In high school I thought I was higher up the social/intellectual/existential pyramid than everyone else. In college I finally found people who were on the same step I was (and a few a step or two higher, you'd know who you are if you're modesty and humility weren't preventing it). Now, post college, I am begining to think I am vastly different from everyone else on the planet, and a small piece of me wonders if that makes me harder to relate to, and consequently, get to know better, and consequently befriend or, bemorethanfriend. Imagine a situation where everyone is a car. Coupes, sedans, trucks, convertibles, etc. Four wheels, headlights, steering wheel. Then, along rolls a motorcycle. It's got a motor, it's got wheels, it's aparent that it is a means of transportation, but very very different from the norm. I'm not saying people who drive cars can't learn to drive a motorcycle, I hope they can. I'm saying, it would be very easy for someone familiar with cars, even if they were only familiar with one certain type of car, to move to another car and drive it easily, adapt, and get to know a different car. Easy. I'm saying it's probably not so easy for that car person to adapt to an unknown, unfamiliar moving vehicle. Would some be hesitant to ride the bike if there were a perfectly ordinary car sitting right next to it, something they know and are familiar with? and what if the bike needed a haircut?
-Tom
recommended download
The Old 97's, Let The Idiot Speak
Indecision
I am plagued with indecision. I have not, cannot settle on a car. If I could, I think the whole car-buying thing would get easier.
This is the same problem I have with grad school. I wouldn't have any trouble applying, getting in, taking loans and what-have-you IF I COULD JUST PICK SOMETHING TO STUDY.
Stupid school. At some point they must have taught us how to make decisions, and I'm pretty certain now that I was sleeping through that lecture.
For now, maybe a vote. Jeep Grand Cherokee (2004, or 2005) or a pickup, like the Chevy Colorado (crew cab, 4wd).
-Tom
This is the same problem I have with grad school. I wouldn't have any trouble applying, getting in, taking loans and what-have-you IF I COULD JUST PICK SOMETHING TO STUDY.
Stupid school. At some point they must have taught us how to make decisions, and I'm pretty certain now that I was sleeping through that lecture.
For now, maybe a vote. Jeep Grand Cherokee (2004, or 2005) or a pickup, like the Chevy Colorado (crew cab, 4wd).
-Tom
A Good Night's Sleep
Space! I'm tired. I haven't been getting enough sleep. I don't have anyone to blame but myself; and I do blame myself. It's entirely my fault.
My intentions are good. In bed by midnight, sleep until eight. That's a solid eight hours. The late bedtime allows watching of late night television, like the daily show, or the simpsons, or sportscenter, or whatever. The late wake-up call of the alarm still gives enough time to shower, dress, eat, and get to the T on time.
But I still don't get eight hours of sleep.
See, I like to read. Also, I like music. These are the things that suffer wakefulness. Almost every night I retire with a book to read. Almost every night I have my iPod with me. I read and listen to music hours past midnight, usually drifting off near two. It happens all the time.
So, last night, I decided to try something new. I went to bed at ten-thirty. I took with me my book and my iPod. I read and listened to music for about two hours. The plan was to drift off after this nightly read. But no. Instead, I stayed up another hour or two and continued to read.
So, is sacrificing sleep really worth a few more pages? I'd say yes. I'm a big fan of reading.
This just means I'll have to start working on a way to sneak a nap in at work.
-Tom
recommended download:
The Old 97's, Am I Too Late, and Designs On You
My intentions are good. In bed by midnight, sleep until eight. That's a solid eight hours. The late bedtime allows watching of late night television, like the daily show, or the simpsons, or sportscenter, or whatever. The late wake-up call of the alarm still gives enough time to shower, dress, eat, and get to the T on time.
But I still don't get eight hours of sleep.
See, I like to read. Also, I like music. These are the things that suffer wakefulness. Almost every night I retire with a book to read. Almost every night I have my iPod with me. I read and listen to music hours past midnight, usually drifting off near two. It happens all the time.
So, last night, I decided to try something new. I went to bed at ten-thirty. I took with me my book and my iPod. I read and listened to music for about two hours. The plan was to drift off after this nightly read. But no. Instead, I stayed up another hour or two and continued to read.
So, is sacrificing sleep really worth a few more pages? I'd say yes. I'm a big fan of reading.
This just means I'll have to start working on a way to sneak a nap in at work.
-Tom
recommended download:
The Old 97's, Am I Too Late, and Designs On You
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Take another little piece of my heart
I've got a lot of love to give. You want some? Just ask, or just do something nice for no reason, or just be cool, or just smile, or be cute, or be a part of my life in any way shape or form. Take a piece of my heart, there is plenty to go around.
I do not need, nor do I ask for, anything in return. Adoration? A following? A small piece of your own heart, or attention, or favor? Nope. Nothing.
Everyone in the world is perfect.
-Tom
recommended download
The Old 97's, Adelaide, and Friends Forever
I do not need, nor do I ask for, anything in return. Adoration? A following? A small piece of your own heart, or attention, or favor? Nope. Nothing.
Everyone in the world is perfect.
-Tom
recommended download
The Old 97's, Adelaide, and Friends Forever
Friday, June 17, 2005
Just take it!
It's cold here in the office. I assume their justification for the excessive use of the air conditioning is the impending arrival of summer. I assume also, that they are unaware that it is forty-five degrees (farenheit) outside. They are, aparently, unfeeling.
However, I have received two very nice emails today. First, from the budget review guy...and I paraphrase: "I wanted to double back on the money funds – great job on these budgets. It certainly makes the review a lot easier when they are in good shape and properly completed and documented! The early delivery is definitely appreciated as well!!! Keep up the good work!"
Note the three exclamation points. Go me.
Then, an email from my manager, who had been cc-ed on the budget email: "Good job. We'll sit down to discuss the senior position when I get back."
It may be cold here in the office, but warm feelings of gladness and accomplishment keep me company.
-Tom
recommended download: Janis Joplin, Piece Of My Heart
However, I have received two very nice emails today. First, from the budget review guy...and I paraphrase: "I wanted to double back on the money funds – great job on these budgets. It certainly makes the review a lot easier when they are in good shape and properly completed and documented! The early delivery is definitely appreciated as well!!! Keep up the good work!"
Note the three exclamation points. Go me.
Then, an email from my manager, who had been cc-ed on the budget email: "Good job. We'll sit down to discuss the senior position when I get back."
It may be cold here in the office, but warm feelings of gladness and accomplishment keep me company.
-Tom
recommended download: Janis Joplin, Piece Of My Heart
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Duffless
The new fund mix can't come soon enough. I'm getting bored again.
This is the same boredom that prompted me to start this web log. That's a lot of boredom.
I just handed in my tax-free funds. I now have one and one half hours to do nothing until the taxables finish. Zero to do. I can't even keep myself busy with budgets, because I finished them all. I can't keep myself busy with archiving because I finished it all.
No, that's a lie. I still have the Ireland fund to archive. But the real kicker is, Claude, the new guy that was here for three months and quit, he didn't do any archiving while he was here. Because the whole time he was here he was planning to leave. There are several stacks of paper on his desk, well, many more than "several" actually. These stacks of paper are the backups that need to be archived. Sorted by fund, then by date. Then boxed, and labeled. It will be three or four afternoons work. I refuse to do it.
But, we just heard that we're getting a new kid mid-July, and we're also picking up a high school intern at the same time. Since the high schooler isn't legally allowed to work on the funds directly he will instead be archiving. Because I say so. It will be nice to outrank someone again.
I could really go for a coffee and breakfast sandwhich. But I won't. Because I've already eaten my unhealthy-food-quotient for the week. Also, I'm saving my money to go drinking friday, or to the movies. (Batman, in case you were wondering) (and I know you were because I got like six comments asking what movie I wanted to see, and at least one of them -you know who you are- reffered to Batman Begins as Batman Returns, which is an entirely different movie).
I am tempted to launch into a discussion of why Batman Returns was not a terrible movie, based mainly on my appreciation of val kilmer's body of work, and my appreciation of nicole kidman's body. If anyone would like to see such a post please let me know. It may end up here anyway. We'll see.
This day would be much easier to get through if they let me read here at my desk. Stupid Pilgrims.
-Tom
recommended download:
Nelly, Ride With Me
This is the same boredom that prompted me to start this web log. That's a lot of boredom.
I just handed in my tax-free funds. I now have one and one half hours to do nothing until the taxables finish. Zero to do. I can't even keep myself busy with budgets, because I finished them all. I can't keep myself busy with archiving because I finished it all.
No, that's a lie. I still have the Ireland fund to archive. But the real kicker is, Claude, the new guy that was here for three months and quit, he didn't do any archiving while he was here. Because the whole time he was here he was planning to leave. There are several stacks of paper on his desk, well, many more than "several" actually. These stacks of paper are the backups that need to be archived. Sorted by fund, then by date. Then boxed, and labeled. It will be three or four afternoons work. I refuse to do it.
But, we just heard that we're getting a new kid mid-July, and we're also picking up a high school intern at the same time. Since the high schooler isn't legally allowed to work on the funds directly he will instead be archiving. Because I say so. It will be nice to outrank someone again.
I could really go for a coffee and breakfast sandwhich. But I won't. Because I've already eaten my unhealthy-food-quotient for the week. Also, I'm saving my money to go drinking friday, or to the movies. (Batman, in case you were wondering) (and I know you were because I got like six comments asking what movie I wanted to see, and at least one of them -you know who you are- reffered to Batman Begins as Batman Returns, which is an entirely different movie).
I am tempted to launch into a discussion of why Batman Returns was not a terrible movie, based mainly on my appreciation of val kilmer's body of work, and my appreciation of nicole kidman's body. If anyone would like to see such a post please let me know. It may end up here anyway. We'll see.
This day would be much easier to get through if they let me read here at my desk. Stupid Pilgrims.
-Tom
recommended download:
Nelly, Ride With Me
Victory is, again, mine
The Random Muse is no longer blocked.
Thanks, IT guys.
Now how about craigslist so I can get that ping pong table?
-tom
recommended download:
Queen, Fat-Bottomed Girls, and, Get Down, Make Love
Van Halen, Jump, Panama, and Higher
Thanks, IT guys.
Now how about craigslist so I can get that ping pong table?
-tom
recommended download:
Queen, Fat-Bottomed Girls, and, Get Down, Make Love
Van Halen, Jump, Panama, and Higher
Talking about work
Or, more accurately, talking about non-work, or un-work, or whatever you'd like to call it.
Today at 3:00PM I am attending a scheduled meeting of this focus group thing that I was volunteered for. ("for which I was volunteered." I'm just pointing out that I know the grammatically correct form, but that I choose not to exercise it.) We are meeting to discuss the progress of the project. I forget what the project is.
No, no, I'm kidding. I didn't forget. We're supposed to make like a training manual for newhires, or a training schedule, or something with training and newbies. This is the same group that met once, on the busiest day I've had in three months, and bitched about their managers. (Until the stupid girl who thinks she's Paris Hilton showed up, then she just dominated the conversation with none-of-us-even-remember because we were all clawing our eyes out or covering our ears instead of listening to her talk. damn she's stupid.)
The next week I received an email announcing meeting #2 at 11:00AM the following day.
The following day I forgot and skipped the meeting. I didn't know I'd skipped the meeting until the next day when I ran through my inbox again and saw the email. Oh well.
Today, 3:00PM meeting #3. Unless everyone else also missed meeting #2, in which case this would be meeting #2 Redux. Which I'm ok with.
At today's meeting we will not be doing any of our normal work. We will also not be doing any other kind of work, because these meetings are a total waste of time. We don't even have a deadline, and buddy, if you expect me to get anything done without a deadline, you have misplaced those expectations.
The way I see it, we'll have two more meetings with no itinerary, no goal, and nothing to show for them. Then, head honcho guy will figure out that we need some sort of motivation, like a deadline, and try to get us in gear. (Actually, he may have already figured this out, it might be nice to get a deadline today.) After the deadline is handed out, we'll skip a week, then meet twice a week for two weeks and throw something together. The final copy of our proposal, or checklist, or outline, or whatever will undoubtedly be written by the most senior member of the focus group, because I'm certainly not going to do it, and neither are my compadres. It will be weak and wishy-washy, and non-committal at best, or totally right and simple and clear at worst (because if someone sees something that is simple and clear and easily understood it gets shredded, and then: all these meetings for nothing). Then kicked to the higher ups, who will have a chance to read my name at the bottom of the page, and then, overcome with my accomplishments, and those of the rest of the focus group, give us all raises and new titles.
So that's at three o'clock.
-Tom
recommended download:
The Offspring, Gotta Get Away, and Something To Believe In
Today at 3:00PM I am attending a scheduled meeting of this focus group thing that I was volunteered for. ("for which I was volunteered." I'm just pointing out that I know the grammatically correct form, but that I choose not to exercise it.) We are meeting to discuss the progress of the project. I forget what the project is.
No, no, I'm kidding. I didn't forget. We're supposed to make like a training manual for newhires, or a training schedule, or something with training and newbies. This is the same group that met once, on the busiest day I've had in three months, and bitched about their managers. (Until the stupid girl who thinks she's Paris Hilton showed up, then she just dominated the conversation with none-of-us-even-remember because we were all clawing our eyes out or covering our ears instead of listening to her talk. damn she's stupid.)
The next week I received an email announcing meeting #2 at 11:00AM the following day.
The following day I forgot and skipped the meeting. I didn't know I'd skipped the meeting until the next day when I ran through my inbox again and saw the email. Oh well.
Today, 3:00PM meeting #3. Unless everyone else also missed meeting #2, in which case this would be meeting #2 Redux. Which I'm ok with.
At today's meeting we will not be doing any of our normal work. We will also not be doing any other kind of work, because these meetings are a total waste of time. We don't even have a deadline, and buddy, if you expect me to get anything done without a deadline, you have misplaced those expectations.
The way I see it, we'll have two more meetings with no itinerary, no goal, and nothing to show for them. Then, head honcho guy will figure out that we need some sort of motivation, like a deadline, and try to get us in gear. (Actually, he may have already figured this out, it might be nice to get a deadline today.) After the deadline is handed out, we'll skip a week, then meet twice a week for two weeks and throw something together. The final copy of our proposal, or checklist, or outline, or whatever will undoubtedly be written by the most senior member of the focus group, because I'm certainly not going to do it, and neither are my compadres. It will be weak and wishy-washy, and non-committal at best, or totally right and simple and clear at worst (because if someone sees something that is simple and clear and easily understood it gets shredded, and then: all these meetings for nothing). Then kicked to the higher ups, who will have a chance to read my name at the bottom of the page, and then, overcome with my accomplishments, and those of the rest of the focus group, give us all raises and new titles.
So that's at three o'clock.
-Tom
recommended download:
The Offspring, Gotta Get Away, and Something To Believe In
Kiss
Dear new people who are reading my blog, Where did you come from? How did you find me? Sincerely, Tom
Down to business.
I've just handed in the last budget due for this month, and, for today at least, have a light work load. Soon they will be redistributing funds, changing assignments, and mixing it up, so I may end up with something more difficult, or more time consuming. I look forward to that day.
In the meantime I will be doing all those things that I've been doing to kill time since I got here, like doodle, take long lunches, zone out, and post entries here about coworkers.
Books seem to have taken over our recent conversations. Jonathan has begun reading one of the Star Wars books, and, to his chagrin, he is enjoying it. Mike, Jonathan's manager, is reading an off-the-shelf crime novel since he's run out of Grisham books. The rest of that cash group is eagerly awaiting the release of the next Harry Potter (and the half-blood prince). I continue my foray into science fiction, having purchased last night Foundation and Empire, Second Foundation, and Foundation's Edge. I also got the next two books in the Dune series, Children of Dune, and God Emperor of Dune. Lastly, I purchased a Lawrence Block crime novel, and a Raymond Chandler novel, The High Window. I look forward to reading them all.
Very soon I will be visiting the movie theater, I believe first on my list of summer-blockbuster-movies-to-see is Batman Begins. Lords of Dogtown is still high on the list, and I recommend watching the documentary also ("Dogtown and Z-boys"). The rest of the list are those films that I'd like to see but probably won't get around to seeing; films like Cinderella Man, and Kingdom of Heaven.
Now, back to not working.
Love,
Tom
recommended downloads:
Brian Webb, Martha
No Use For A Name, Beth (KISS cover)
Down to business.
I've just handed in the last budget due for this month, and, for today at least, have a light work load. Soon they will be redistributing funds, changing assignments, and mixing it up, so I may end up with something more difficult, or more time consuming. I look forward to that day.
In the meantime I will be doing all those things that I've been doing to kill time since I got here, like doodle, take long lunches, zone out, and post entries here about coworkers.
Books seem to have taken over our recent conversations. Jonathan has begun reading one of the Star Wars books, and, to his chagrin, he is enjoying it. Mike, Jonathan's manager, is reading an off-the-shelf crime novel since he's run out of Grisham books. The rest of that cash group is eagerly awaiting the release of the next Harry Potter (and the half-blood prince). I continue my foray into science fiction, having purchased last night Foundation and Empire, Second Foundation, and Foundation's Edge. I also got the next two books in the Dune series, Children of Dune, and God Emperor of Dune. Lastly, I purchased a Lawrence Block crime novel, and a Raymond Chandler novel, The High Window. I look forward to reading them all.
Very soon I will be visiting the movie theater, I believe first on my list of summer-blockbuster-movies-to-see is Batman Begins. Lords of Dogtown is still high on the list, and I recommend watching the documentary also ("Dogtown and Z-boys"). The rest of the list are those films that I'd like to see but probably won't get around to seeing; films like Cinderella Man, and Kingdom of Heaven.
Now, back to not working.
Love,
Tom
recommended downloads:
Brian Webb, Martha
No Use For A Name, Beth (KISS cover)
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Gold teeth, and a curse of this town
I am posting this at 3:42 PM. There are two hours and eighteen minutes left in the work day.
and I am booooooooored. So I thought you should all hear about. Thanks for tuning in. (really, I mean that, I do appreciate your readership immensely.)
After work today I was thinking about going to see a movie (because I didn't yesterday). However, I remembered a really great reason not to go see a movie after work today, or, in fact, any monday-through-thursday from now until probably forever.
The Orange Line is replacing signals, and that means bussing from Sullivan to Oak Grove Mondays through Thursdays after 7:00 PM until the project is done (from now until forever). And, since a movie means getting on the train after 7:00PM, the movie also means bussing. And I hate the bus.
Friday I may go see a movie. Friday is also the weekend, so maybe other people will be up for the movies too. Or grabbing a beer and watching the Sox at a local brewery. I'm usually up for anything, especially on fridays.
Today, instead of the cinema, I am going to the bookstore (Borders I think, maybe Barnes & Noble) to pick up more books. Currently I am reading Asimov's Foundation series so I'll get a few of those, and if I can find them I'll get the next two books in Frank Herbert's Dune series. I'm also waiting for the next Dennis Lehane paperback (they're making another of his novels into a movie), and for the next Robert B. Parker paperback.
Also, my hair looks ridiculously good long.
-Tom
recommended download:
The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Aeroplane
and I am booooooooored. So I thought you should all hear about. Thanks for tuning in. (really, I mean that, I do appreciate your readership immensely.)
After work today I was thinking about going to see a movie (because I didn't yesterday). However, I remembered a really great reason not to go see a movie after work today, or, in fact, any monday-through-thursday from now until probably forever.
The Orange Line is replacing signals, and that means bussing from Sullivan to Oak Grove Mondays through Thursdays after 7:00 PM until the project is done (from now until forever). And, since a movie means getting on the train after 7:00PM, the movie also means bussing. And I hate the bus.
Friday I may go see a movie. Friday is also the weekend, so maybe other people will be up for the movies too. Or grabbing a beer and watching the Sox at a local brewery. I'm usually up for anything, especially on fridays.
Today, instead of the cinema, I am going to the bookstore (Borders I think, maybe Barnes & Noble) to pick up more books. Currently I am reading Asimov's Foundation series so I'll get a few of those, and if I can find them I'll get the next two books in Frank Herbert's Dune series. I'm also waiting for the next Dennis Lehane paperback (they're making another of his novels into a movie), and for the next Robert B. Parker paperback.
Also, my hair looks ridiculously good long.
-Tom
recommended download:
The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Aeroplane
signed, Fred O'Connor
So how cool is it to post a comment on blogger? I'll tell you, it's wicked cool. Try it, if you haven't already. Click on "comments" and write in whatever you think - but that's not even the best part.
The best part comes next. "Choose an identity"
Wow.
That's not something you can do in real life. You can be anybody you want to be. That is awesome. Philosophically, I mean. It's better than those "choose your own adventure" books. (which I always hated reading, and ended up choosing to run away from danger any chance I got, because that inevitably led to an early death, and therefore, a quick end to the story.) Complete freedom to assume any identity you want.
Today, I'm me. Tomorrow, who knows?
-Tom
recommended download: The Who, I'm A Boy
I was going to recommend Stephen Kellogg, Who Am I, but I didn't.
The best part comes next. "Choose an identity"
Wow.
That's not something you can do in real life. You can be anybody you want to be. That is awesome. Philosophically, I mean. It's better than those "choose your own adventure" books. (which I always hated reading, and ended up choosing to run away from danger any chance I got, because that inevitably led to an early death, and therefore, a quick end to the story.) Complete freedom to assume any identity you want.
Today, I'm me. Tomorrow, who knows?
-Tom
recommended download: The Who, I'm A Boy
I was going to recommend Stephen Kellogg, Who Am I, but I didn't.
Cure-all
I woke up this morning thinking about what I was going to post here today. I was too tired to give that much thought. Also, I was too tired to remember what it was I was thinking about posting. So I'm posting this instead.
Almost the entire staff has dissapeared for a client meeting. There are two of us left here, and neither of us is doing any work. This is exactly the kind of attitude that I hope will get me the promotion I applied for. (and, by the way, the application process was easy. all I had to do was send an email to my manager "I heard there's a position opening up, I'd like to be considered for the job." and that was it.) I dont' yet know when I'll hear about it, but, on the other hand, I don't know when I'll hear about that raise they mentioned either.
In other good work news: Yesterday I got my nameplate. It is now proudly displayed in my cubicle for all the world to see (actually the only person who can see it is Jonathan, the opie&anthony fan, because his cubicle is directly across from mine.)
Speaking of cubicles, mine is three walls and an open side, if I knocked down one wall would it become a triangular-prism-icle? or if I added a wall would it then be a quinticle?
Finally, in blogger related news: plunkbiggio has reported Biggio's plunk #263. Congratulations. We (me) here at weblog have discovered a new reader (shoutout reader - see previous post's comments). The Random Muse is still blocked. And Defective Yeti, it turns out, has the same sort of crush I have on mightygirl (check today's post). Donny and John have updated today, and I'm sure Adina, Felecia, Lindsay, Jackie, and Kelly will soon.
I expect the rest of my group and the managers will be back in a few minutes from their (no doubt productive) meeting with the client. So I'm going to start working on my budgets, so as not to look like a slacker.
Sincerely,
Tom
recommended downloads:
The Cure, Friday I'm In Love
Jude, Cuba
Jill Sobule, I'm Gonna Be A Supermodel
and
Weird Al, The Saga Begins
p.s. recommended download for Kelly - Des'ree, You Gotta Be (see if you can pick out the relevant lyric)
Almost the entire staff has dissapeared for a client meeting. There are two of us left here, and neither of us is doing any work. This is exactly the kind of attitude that I hope will get me the promotion I applied for. (and, by the way, the application process was easy. all I had to do was send an email to my manager "I heard there's a position opening up, I'd like to be considered for the job." and that was it.) I dont' yet know when I'll hear about it, but, on the other hand, I don't know when I'll hear about that raise they mentioned either.
In other good work news: Yesterday I got my nameplate. It is now proudly displayed in my cubicle for all the world to see (actually the only person who can see it is Jonathan, the opie&anthony fan, because his cubicle is directly across from mine.)
Speaking of cubicles, mine is three walls and an open side, if I knocked down one wall would it become a triangular-prism-icle? or if I added a wall would it then be a quinticle?
Finally, in blogger related news: plunkbiggio has reported Biggio's plunk #263. Congratulations. We (me) here at weblog have discovered a new reader (shoutout reader - see previous post's comments). The Random Muse is still blocked. And Defective Yeti, it turns out, has the same sort of crush I have on mightygirl (check today's post). Donny and John have updated today, and I'm sure Adina, Felecia, Lindsay, Jackie, and Kelly will soon.
I expect the rest of my group and the managers will be back in a few minutes from their (no doubt productive) meeting with the client. So I'm going to start working on my budgets, so as not to look like a slacker.
Sincerely,
Tom
recommended downloads:
The Cure, Friday I'm In Love
Jude, Cuba
Jill Sobule, I'm Gonna Be A Supermodel
and
Weird Al, The Saga Begins
p.s. recommended download for Kelly - Des'ree, You Gotta Be (see if you can pick out the relevant lyric)
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
summerland 2
so, it's summer. and cute girl? freckles. freckles everywhere.
it's adorable.
-t
recommended downloads:
The Old 97's, Melt Show, and Designs On You
Rhett Miller, Things That Dissapear
it's adorable.
-t
recommended downloads:
The Old 97's, Melt Show, and Designs On You
Rhett Miller, Things That Dissapear
Summerland
if I had time, I might die in your water
today it's back to work.
dentist appt. before work (one cavity)
meeting @ 10:30
derived yield checks all morning
skip out for a doctor's appt.
back in time to tie out funds
then...maybe a movie after work? I gotta tell you, I'm really thinking about it.
really, having the best theater in the city thirty seconds from my cubicle is a pretty great thing.
and is anyone else excited about the rain?
passing thunershowers all day.
that would be the sweet.
-tom
recommended downloads:
Everclear, Summerland, and Heartspark Dollarsign
Rhett Miller, Erica (Live)
Counting Crows, River Shannon
today it's back to work.
dentist appt. before work (one cavity)
meeting @ 10:30
derived yield checks all morning
skip out for a doctor's appt.
back in time to tie out funds
then...maybe a movie after work? I gotta tell you, I'm really thinking about it.
really, having the best theater in the city thirty seconds from my cubicle is a pretty great thing.
and is anyone else excited about the rain?
passing thunershowers all day.
that would be the sweet.
-tom
recommended downloads:
Everclear, Summerland, and Heartspark Dollarsign
Rhett Miller, Erica (Live)
Counting Crows, River Shannon
Monday, June 13, 2005
I blame Dick
Ok, there are two people in this story and I'm going to use pseudonyms. The guy is Dick. The girl is Sarah.
I hate, and love, the summer. This came to me earlier tonight, on the ride home graciously offered to me by two friends who shall remain nameless (because there are only two people in this story). It's the summer months. It's also during those weeks that formerly comprised Christmas break. Also, it happens sometimes just randomly during the year. You know what I'm talking about: lovestruck. Damn the romantic in me.
This really sucks when there is no object of affection. Then it turns into depressing, bitter (sometimes), lonliness. But not this time, this time, there is an object of my affection, and her name is Sarah.
But see, as it is always the case, Sarah has no idea, and no interest in being the object of my affection, she has no interest in affecting me in any way. As is always the case.
I blame Dick. It's his fault. Not the romantic waxing of my conscious mind, that's my fault. It's his fault that Sarah's involved.
For a while I sort of liked Sarah, thought she was pretty cool, but nothing happened. She moved on, found a guy, dated the guy, years passed. I also dated some girls. One... liked the company of other men a little too much, one was short, one was psycho, one was pretty cool but hated me because I was a jerk.
Anyway. I find myself again, unattached. I see Dick a little while ago. Dick mentions Sarah once had a thing for me. Dick tells me he's spoken to Sarah, and that she liked me, once, back in the day. This is at the time that I thought she was pretty cool. And Dick knew both of these things. And he did not inform either party (Sarah or myself). Days pass. Dick mentions he saw Sarah yesterday, told her about that time that she and I liked each other but didn't know it, but he knew it and didnt' say anything then, but he is now. And then Dick tells me that Sarah said right now, she would think about liking me again, if not for this guy she just met and thinks she likes. Because she's been out on a few dates with him. But if not for him, then she'd be giving me a look.
Honestly. You know Dick, if you'd mentioned this mutual attraction two years ago Sarah and I may already have had a go at it, and found out how it ends... But no, now she's dating some guy, I'm caught up in the summer fever, and she has no idea. Unless, Dick, you've already told her. But whatever. The point of the story isn't that I like a girl.
The point of the story is that I like liking girls. I like the emotional rollercoaster that runs my brain. It's a good time. I feel, therefore I am.
Anyway, it's Dick's fault. Stupid Dick.
-t
This sort of feeling is why I say things like "if you have a secret crush on me, today is a good day to tell me." word.
I hate, and love, the summer. This came to me earlier tonight, on the ride home graciously offered to me by two friends who shall remain nameless (because there are only two people in this story). It's the summer months. It's also during those weeks that formerly comprised Christmas break. Also, it happens sometimes just randomly during the year. You know what I'm talking about: lovestruck. Damn the romantic in me.
This really sucks when there is no object of affection. Then it turns into depressing, bitter (sometimes), lonliness. But not this time, this time, there is an object of my affection, and her name is Sarah.
But see, as it is always the case, Sarah has no idea, and no interest in being the object of my affection, she has no interest in affecting me in any way. As is always the case.
I blame Dick. It's his fault. Not the romantic waxing of my conscious mind, that's my fault. It's his fault that Sarah's involved.
For a while I sort of liked Sarah, thought she was pretty cool, but nothing happened. She moved on, found a guy, dated the guy, years passed. I also dated some girls. One... liked the company of other men a little too much, one was short, one was psycho, one was pretty cool but hated me because I was a jerk.
Anyway. I find myself again, unattached. I see Dick a little while ago. Dick mentions Sarah once had a thing for me. Dick tells me he's spoken to Sarah, and that she liked me, once, back in the day. This is at the time that I thought she was pretty cool. And Dick knew both of these things. And he did not inform either party (Sarah or myself). Days pass. Dick mentions he saw Sarah yesterday, told her about that time that she and I liked each other but didn't know it, but he knew it and didnt' say anything then, but he is now. And then Dick tells me that Sarah said right now, she would think about liking me again, if not for this guy she just met and thinks she likes. Because she's been out on a few dates with him. But if not for him, then she'd be giving me a look.
Honestly. You know Dick, if you'd mentioned this mutual attraction two years ago Sarah and I may already have had a go at it, and found out how it ends... But no, now she's dating some guy, I'm caught up in the summer fever, and she has no idea. Unless, Dick, you've already told her. But whatever. The point of the story isn't that I like a girl.
The point of the story is that I like liking girls. I like the emotional rollercoaster that runs my brain. It's a good time. I feel, therefore I am.
Anyway, it's Dick's fault. Stupid Dick.
-t
This sort of feeling is why I say things like "if you have a secret crush on me, today is a good day to tell me." word.
Hey IT guys, I know you're reading this everyday so here is a big FUCK YOU, for you IT guys
Hey, IT guys who work at my company. FUCK YOU. That's right I said it. I'm on to you now you know. I've figured out your little game. So I'm sending a big Fuck You, from yours truly, to your whole staff.
You blocked the email sites, and I got by. I use my work email address now. I know you like it that way because you can scan and read everything that touches my In-and-OutBox. You get off on that don't you IT guys? Don't you?
You blocked ebay, because you couldn't handle it. Because you wanted me spending more time emailing, so you would have more correspondence to slake your voyeuristic thirsts. But I got by.
Then you blocked craigslist. I grew more and more upset. Because now I can no longer laugh at slimy personals (there is, after all, a little voyeur in everyone), I can no longer search for used ping pong tables. IT guys, I didn't spend a lot of time on craigslist, but you blocked it anyway. You're just exercising your power on whims, trifles. I know you're reading this IT guys.
I've long suspected it. Obviously you have a log of the urls this IP address visits, no doubt this site is high on that list. You checked it out. You thought it would be a hoot to read up on the new guy. I bet it was. Did you spend any time trying to figure out my pseudonyms? Trying to match my descriptions of coworkers and their fake blog-names to the real thing? An amusing afternoon game I'd wager.
I know you're reading this, IT guys, because you just blocked The Random Muse. Get your laughs in now. Go ahead, I'll allow it. Chuckle to yourselves, "we'll block his links, one-by-one," chuckle, enjoy it while it lasts.
Who's next? Mighty Girl? Aha. You were thinking that, weren't you? You were thinking of blocking her next. But now that I've guessed you're reading, will you continue with the plan? If you do block her then you've just confirmed your readership. Or do you wait, try and play it cool, stay safe, in the shadows of the ones and zeros you call home. That's right, run. Run and hide with your brackets and backslashes. Take your command-line prompts and retreat to the IT guy break-room. I'm on to you. And you should be scared.
Because now, IT guys, now I have something I've lacked for a long while. I have motivation. A purpose. Drive. I'm going to hack your system. That's right, I said it. I'm going devote some serious time and energy to the art of hacking. I'm going to be good. Real good, and when the time is right, I'm going to infiltrate your system. The monitors will become the monitored. I am going to hover over your shoulders. I am going to slip through your firewalls, I am going to rewrite programs, re-seed random number generators, reuse code in ways you cannot possibly imagine.
And all the while IT guys, all the while? I'm going to begin a campaign to work my way up the corporate ladder, to establish myself in a position that has authority over your office. And IT guys? I'm going to take it all away. Your perks, your freedoms, your privacy.
IT guys. FUCK YOU.
-Tom
You blocked the email sites, and I got by. I use my work email address now. I know you like it that way because you can scan and read everything that touches my In-and-OutBox. You get off on that don't you IT guys? Don't you?
You blocked ebay, because you couldn't handle it. Because you wanted me spending more time emailing, so you would have more correspondence to slake your voyeuristic thirsts. But I got by.
Then you blocked craigslist. I grew more and more upset. Because now I can no longer laugh at slimy personals (there is, after all, a little voyeur in everyone), I can no longer search for used ping pong tables. IT guys, I didn't spend a lot of time on craigslist, but you blocked it anyway. You're just exercising your power on whims, trifles. I know you're reading this IT guys.
I've long suspected it. Obviously you have a log of the urls this IP address visits, no doubt this site is high on that list. You checked it out. You thought it would be a hoot to read up on the new guy. I bet it was. Did you spend any time trying to figure out my pseudonyms? Trying to match my descriptions of coworkers and their fake blog-names to the real thing? An amusing afternoon game I'd wager.
I know you're reading this, IT guys, because you just blocked The Random Muse. Get your laughs in now. Go ahead, I'll allow it. Chuckle to yourselves, "we'll block his links, one-by-one," chuckle, enjoy it while it lasts.
Who's next? Mighty Girl? Aha. You were thinking that, weren't you? You were thinking of blocking her next. But now that I've guessed you're reading, will you continue with the plan? If you do block her then you've just confirmed your readership. Or do you wait, try and play it cool, stay safe, in the shadows of the ones and zeros you call home. That's right, run. Run and hide with your brackets and backslashes. Take your command-line prompts and retreat to the IT guy break-room. I'm on to you. And you should be scared.
Because now, IT guys, now I have something I've lacked for a long while. I have motivation. A purpose. Drive. I'm going to hack your system. That's right, I said it. I'm going devote some serious time and energy to the art of hacking. I'm going to be good. Real good, and when the time is right, I'm going to infiltrate your system. The monitors will become the monitored. I am going to hover over your shoulders. I am going to slip through your firewalls, I am going to rewrite programs, re-seed random number generators, reuse code in ways you cannot possibly imagine.
And all the while IT guys, all the while? I'm going to begin a campaign to work my way up the corporate ladder, to establish myself in a position that has authority over your office. And IT guys? I'm going to take it all away. Your perks, your freedoms, your privacy.
IT guys. FUCK YOU.
-Tom
What's going on here
**
Danny's been quoting Monty Python for a week now. Mostly the part about the "farcical aquatic ceremony."
It's been pretty hot out lately. Very humid too.
We've played lots of wiffleball.
I was invited to a club friday night (and didn't go).
I was supposed to meet some friends Saturday night, but they changed their plans (and I didn't go).
I've seen Dustin Hoffman's MTV Movie Awards acceptance speech six times this weekend.
I've seen the Red Sox (finally) win one against the Cubs (way to go staff-veteran Wakefield) .
I watched Young Guns three times, Back to the Future (I and II) twice.
And I've played about six hours of N64 with Timmy and Danny.
It was a pretty good weekend.
Oh, also, the remainder (and therefore the majority) of my time this past weekend was spent among great literary company. New tpb's from comicopia, the last of Orson Scott Card's Shadow trilogy, and the begining of Isaac Asimov's Foundation series.
**
Today at work they took another fund away from me. I'm down to three easy tax-frees and two not-so-easy taxables. Budgets continue to occupy my time.
-Tom
recommended download: The Old 97's, Melt Show
Danny's been quoting Monty Python for a week now. Mostly the part about the "farcical aquatic ceremony."
It's been pretty hot out lately. Very humid too.
We've played lots of wiffleball.
I was invited to a club friday night (and didn't go).
I was supposed to meet some friends Saturday night, but they changed their plans (and I didn't go).
I've seen Dustin Hoffman's MTV Movie Awards acceptance speech six times this weekend.
I've seen the Red Sox (finally) win one against the Cubs (way to go staff-veteran Wakefield) .
I watched Young Guns three times, Back to the Future (I and II) twice.
And I've played about six hours of N64 with Timmy and Danny.
It was a pretty good weekend.
Oh, also, the remainder (and therefore the majority) of my time this past weekend was spent among great literary company. New tpb's from comicopia, the last of Orson Scott Card's Shadow trilogy, and the begining of Isaac Asimov's Foundation series.
**
Today at work they took another fund away from me. I'm down to three easy tax-frees and two not-so-easy taxables. Budgets continue to occupy my time.
-Tom
recommended download: The Old 97's, Melt Show
Friday, June 10, 2005
Climate control
Scattered thoughts
* coworker talking about how much he loves central air and not having it growing up has now developed a dependence on it.
* coworkers bashing the sox, because it's 11-2 right now and even maddux hit a home run.
* earlier today had trouble logging in to a website, concluded the possiblity my password had been hacked was high. realized using first name is not the best idea for a password. tonight I will reset all passwords.
* the office is hot and sticky all-of-a-sudden. they've either shut off the air-conditioning, broken it, or I am melting.
*realizing new coworker is maybe a moron, scatter-brain, or ditz having overheard phone conversation where bastille day was explained to her and she still didn't get it.
* thinking this post was just an excuse to recommend a song that's running through my head
-tom**
recommended download: roots manuva, dreamy days
**(no longer used as a password)
* coworker talking about how much he loves central air and not having it growing up has now developed a dependence on it.
* coworkers bashing the sox, because it's 11-2 right now and even maddux hit a home run.
* earlier today had trouble logging in to a website, concluded the possiblity my password had been hacked was high. realized using first name is not the best idea for a password. tonight I will reset all passwords.
* the office is hot and sticky all-of-a-sudden. they've either shut off the air-conditioning, broken it, or I am melting.
*realizing new coworker is maybe a moron, scatter-brain, or ditz having overheard phone conversation where bastille day was explained to her and she still didn't get it.
* thinking this post was just an excuse to recommend a song that's running through my head
-tom**
recommended download: roots manuva, dreamy days
**(no longer used as a password)
Third time's the charm
So, twice now I've posted about being stuck in the revolving doors. (once, twice, two times a lady). It happened again Wednesday.
But this time it was my fault.
I went out to lunch, and sort of just walked around for a while. I stopped in Borders and bought a few new books (Shadow Puppets, Prelude to Foundation, Foundation, and Sins Past). Then I went and grabbed a slice of pizza and a drink, and then I headed back into the building.
The items I was carrying were unwieldy. The pizza was hot, and the oil was soaking through the paper bag. The drink was covered in condensation and slipping out of my hands. The books were in a bag in the other hand. I had no free hand to get my security card to swipe into the door. So when I got up to the door I had to do a little juggling (which I can do, btw) to free up a hand. While I was transferring the pizza to one hand, and the drink to the crook of my elbow, and reaching for the security ID I took my eyes off the door. That was my mistake.
As soon as I had fished the ID out of my pocket I swiped and stepped into the door. I had not seen the person on the other side trying to exit while I was rearranging my purchases. We got stuck. But! having been in this situation before, I was prepared. I simply pushed the door through its rotation and entered the building. Cool, calm, collected, and covered in drink condensation, pizza oil, and dropping books left and right.
Next time, I'll just have more hands.
-Tom
recommended download:
Stephen Kellogg, Who Am I
But this time it was my fault.
I went out to lunch, and sort of just walked around for a while. I stopped in Borders and bought a few new books (Shadow Puppets, Prelude to Foundation, Foundation, and Sins Past). Then I went and grabbed a slice of pizza and a drink, and then I headed back into the building.
The items I was carrying were unwieldy. The pizza was hot, and the oil was soaking through the paper bag. The drink was covered in condensation and slipping out of my hands. The books were in a bag in the other hand. I had no free hand to get my security card to swipe into the door. So when I got up to the door I had to do a little juggling (which I can do, btw) to free up a hand. While I was transferring the pizza to one hand, and the drink to the crook of my elbow, and reaching for the security ID I took my eyes off the door. That was my mistake.
As soon as I had fished the ID out of my pocket I swiped and stepped into the door. I had not seen the person on the other side trying to exit while I was rearranging my purchases. We got stuck. But! having been in this situation before, I was prepared. I simply pushed the door through its rotation and entered the building. Cool, calm, collected, and covered in drink condensation, pizza oil, and dropping books left and right.
Next time, I'll just have more hands.
-Tom
recommended download:
Stephen Kellogg, Who Am I
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Spearmint v. Winterfresh
So, I'm not what you'd call a gum-chewer. I chew gum ocassionally. Mostly, I chew Winterfresh. I always chew sugar-free (I've had some issues with too much sugar in my diet, love it as I do). I usually chew Extra.
So, the past few packs (like, a half a pack a week, tops) I've been chewing Extra Sugar-free Winterfresh gum. It comes in a blue pack, the gum is white-ish. It tastes like whatever winterfresh is supposed to taste like. It's pretty good.
Well, yesterday, I decided to switch it up, give Spearmint a try. And folks, what is up with the neon-yellow colored gum? It is strange. My first thought went something like "is radioactive gum safe to eat?" Weird looking gum. Also, no lasting power. None. Pop it in your mouth, spearmint (not a bad flavor, but I've decided, it's no winterfresh), and then...nothing. Two chews, flavor's out the window.
So I'll buzz through this pack, and when I'm done, I'm going back to the white-ish, longer lasting, non-mutagenic winterfresh.
-Tom
recommended download: Don Hertzfeldt's short animated flick, Ah, L'amour
So, the past few packs (like, a half a pack a week, tops) I've been chewing Extra Sugar-free Winterfresh gum. It comes in a blue pack, the gum is white-ish. It tastes like whatever winterfresh is supposed to taste like. It's pretty good.
Well, yesterday, I decided to switch it up, give Spearmint a try. And folks, what is up with the neon-yellow colored gum? It is strange. My first thought went something like "is radioactive gum safe to eat?" Weird looking gum. Also, no lasting power. None. Pop it in your mouth, spearmint (not a bad flavor, but I've decided, it's no winterfresh), and then...nothing. Two chews, flavor's out the window.
So I'll buzz through this pack, and when I'm done, I'm going back to the white-ish, longer lasting, non-mutagenic winterfresh.
-Tom
recommended download: Don Hertzfeldt's short animated flick, Ah, L'amour
That time I was generous
So I was just reading Midwestgrrl's latest and hit that link she has in there to read the back story, and it reminded me of something that happened just a few weeks ago.
It's not something I'd remember readily, because I was plastered at the time.
It was night. I was drunk. I was walking to the train.
I was approached by what seemed to be a very normal person. She seemed also to be a little distraught. Middle-aged, clutching her jacket, she said "Excuse me, I don't normally beg for money, but I need seventeen dollars to get home tonight and blah blah blah"
Like I said, I was plastered.
So I reached into my pocket for one of the two bills I knew I had. A twenty-dollar bill, and a one-dollar bill. I figured, why not give her a buck? And I pull out the twenty and hand it to her. Not because I see it's the twenty and I'm afraid stopping, reaching back into my pocket and giving her a "here's a dollar is really all that I have, except for this twenty in my other hand," but because I'm like "fuck it, take the twenty, I'll only spend it on coffee or donuts or a hamburger or something."
And she was like, amazed. Like, she wanted to hug me. Since I'd covered her transportation costs and left her enough for a large hazelnut coffee from dunkin' donuts. But I took off, because it's one thing to be accidentally overgenerous to a strange woman at night in boston, and it's quite another to be drunk and get a bear hug from a strange woman at night in boston because you just handed her some cash. She was still thanking me while I was walking away. I was all, "buzz off lady, now I just want to go home."
-tom
recommened download:
Pushstars, Millionaire
It's not something I'd remember readily, because I was plastered at the time.
It was night. I was drunk. I was walking to the train.
I was approached by what seemed to be a very normal person. She seemed also to be a little distraught. Middle-aged, clutching her jacket, she said "Excuse me, I don't normally beg for money, but I need seventeen dollars to get home tonight and blah blah blah"
Like I said, I was plastered.
So I reached into my pocket for one of the two bills I knew I had. A twenty-dollar bill, and a one-dollar bill. I figured, why not give her a buck? And I pull out the twenty and hand it to her. Not because I see it's the twenty and I'm afraid stopping, reaching back into my pocket and giving her a "here's a dollar is really all that I have, except for this twenty in my other hand," but because I'm like "fuck it, take the twenty, I'll only spend it on coffee or donuts or a hamburger or something."
And she was like, amazed. Like, she wanted to hug me. Since I'd covered her transportation costs and left her enough for a large hazelnut coffee from dunkin' donuts. But I took off, because it's one thing to be accidentally overgenerous to a strange woman at night in boston, and it's quite another to be drunk and get a bear hug from a strange woman at night in boston because you just handed her some cash. She was still thanking me while I was walking away. I was all, "buzz off lady, now I just want to go home."
-tom
recommened download:
Pushstars, Millionaire
Oh, king, eh - very nice. And how'd you get that, then? By exploiting the workers!
wtf, readers, wtf.
Now, viruses - Have you heard about this? - viruses. They are these, like, computer programs, that like, mess with your computer. They're everywhere man. They just like, float around the internet. Click on a thing, and you can get infected. It's actually, actually very noble of them, I think. I think it's very noble of these IT guys to try and protect us from these viruses. What do they get in return? Nothing. No recognition, no money, they do it out of the goodness of their hearts.
They know, they know that a generation that grew up online, a generation that helped write most of the content that exists online, can't recognize funny hyperlinks when they see them. These IT guys, they're smart. They know that regular internet users just go around blindy clicking and downloading without a thought or care as to the virulent potential of strange files. That's why they block all those websites.
It's not to prevent you from accessing email (yahoomail.com, gmail.com, hotmail.com). It's to protect you from accessing virus-encoded email. You've all heard the stories: that kid sister of a friend you had in college, starzz&8utterflyz89@yahoomail.com, who still forwards chain emails to you at work sent a fun online quiz and when you clicked the hyperlink a virus got in allowing hackers access to the identities and PINs of eight thousand credit card holders. Then, there was that one time, in India, where a guy bought a thing on ebay and crashed the World Bank. And that other time, when a poor college graduate was looking for cheap housing in boston on craigslist which caused every computer in his building to explode simultaneously killing three and wounding seventeen others (two of them vice presidents).
Oh, wait, what was that? That never happened? RIGHT. I mean come on. WHAT THE HELL IS YOUR PROBLEM IT GUYS?
They blocked craigslist. How am I supposed to look for stuff I need cheap? hmm? I can't get a ping pong table unless I pay retail? Is that it? Amazon's ok? But I can't search for apartments...ON A TEXT-BASED HTML WEBSITE? W.T.F. (mate).
block email - annoying? yes. makes sense? yes. email's a bitch. loaded with spam and viruses. I get it.
block ebay? what? how is that harmful? maybe to my paycheck.
and now craigslist?! WTF is your problem?
gah. so listen up. STOP BLOCKING SITES THAT I LIKE TO VISIT. A generation of internet savy employees ARE NOT GOING TO DOWNLOAD ANY VIRUSES.
ESPECIALLY NOT FROM AN AUCTION OF Star Wars memorabilia OR THE APARTMENT LISTINGS ON CRAIGLIST.
-tom
recommended downloads:
Pearl Jam, Garden, and Go
We're knights of the round table, our shows... are for---mid-able
Though many times, we're given rhymes, that are quite un-sing-able
It's a happy time in Camelot, we sing from the diaphragm a lot!!
Now, viruses - Have you heard about this? - viruses. They are these, like, computer programs, that like, mess with your computer. They're everywhere man. They just like, float around the internet. Click on a thing, and you can get infected. It's actually, actually very noble of them, I think. I think it's very noble of these IT guys to try and protect us from these viruses. What do they get in return? Nothing. No recognition, no money, they do it out of the goodness of their hearts.
They know, they know that a generation that grew up online, a generation that helped write most of the content that exists online, can't recognize funny hyperlinks when they see them. These IT guys, they're smart. They know that regular internet users just go around blindy clicking and downloading without a thought or care as to the virulent potential of strange files. That's why they block all those websites.
It's not to prevent you from accessing email (yahoomail.com, gmail.com, hotmail.com). It's to protect you from accessing virus-encoded email. You've all heard the stories: that kid sister of a friend you had in college, starzz&8utterflyz89@yahoomail.com, who still forwards chain emails to you at work sent a fun online quiz and when you clicked the hyperlink a virus got in allowing hackers access to the identities and PINs of eight thousand credit card holders. Then, there was that one time, in India, where a guy bought a thing on ebay and crashed the World Bank. And that other time, when a poor college graduate was looking for cheap housing in boston on craigslist which caused every computer in his building to explode simultaneously killing three and wounding seventeen others (two of them vice presidents).
Oh, wait, what was that? That never happened? RIGHT. I mean come on. WHAT THE HELL IS YOUR PROBLEM IT GUYS?
They blocked craigslist. How am I supposed to look for stuff I need cheap? hmm? I can't get a ping pong table unless I pay retail? Is that it? Amazon's ok? But I can't search for apartments...ON A TEXT-BASED HTML WEBSITE? W.T.F. (mate).
block email - annoying? yes. makes sense? yes. email's a bitch. loaded with spam and viruses. I get it.
block ebay? what? how is that harmful? maybe to my paycheck.
and now craigslist?! WTF is your problem?
gah. so listen up. STOP BLOCKING SITES THAT I LIKE TO VISIT. A generation of internet savy employees ARE NOT GOING TO DOWNLOAD ANY VIRUSES.
ESPECIALLY NOT FROM AN AUCTION OF Star Wars memorabilia OR THE APARTMENT LISTINGS ON CRAIGLIST.
-tom
recommended downloads:
Pearl Jam, Garden, and Go
We're knights of the round table, our shows... are for---mid-able
Though many times, we're given rhymes, that are quite un-sing-able
It's a happy time in Camelot, we sing from the diaphragm a lot!!
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
on The Amazing Spider-man 8: Sins Past
AWESOME that was maybe the best twist ever
and it was even better because I had NO IDEA IT WAS COMING
see, this isn't the stuff you expect, you just don't expect it, from the spiderman titles. you expect: bad guy, probably animal-related; something scienc-y; biff, pow; threat to aunt may; semi-clever twist, usually involving a the sciency thing and using it in a new way to defeat the bad guy; end of story
BUT NOTHING THIS GOOD HAS HAPPENED IN A LONG WHILE. I mean, come on, that whole "clone" thing...that was misguided
BUT THIS, THIS IS INCREDIBLE
I just had to put the book down because it was so good. This is almost like in Reservoir Dogs when Mr. Orange says that thing. I had to stop the movie and like, just take it in for a while before I watched the end.
THIS WAS GREAT!
-tom
recommended download:
Sarah Harmer, Dogs and Thunder
Bush, Come Down
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
The bad stuff that happens and nobody notices
So hello readers. I've been doing a little thinking. (not a lot, I doubt I could get away with a lot of thinking in this corporately-charged environment, it's quite stifling). I've been thinking about you bloggers out there. Mostly about you anonymous bloggers out there that I've never met and don't know personally (or e-personally). There is some pretty serious blogging going on out there.
Like, skipping around, trying to find things to read, I've read some blogs authored by psych patients, by cancer patients, by divorcees, by near-divorcees, and wow man, there is some serious shit going on.
So, right here, this post, this is as serious as you'll see me get. Ever. This is the post where I mention bad things that could happen, and then tell you what you would read if bad things like that ever happened to me or people with whom I am close.
Bad things like:
death - this is a big one. there are many degrees, I will start small.
death of a pet, like a fish -- this probably earns a sentence or two in a post by way of setting a scene, or as "something that happened leading up to the subject of this post." for example, we've got a fish at home that hasn't been fed in I think three weeks and it's still kicking (or flipping its fins), it's sort of like the fish that will never die.
death of a pet, like a dog -- probably mentioned in a short, sad, post, just to keep people informed.
death of a person, esp. a loved one -- you will never ever hear about this. ever. I don't like sad things, I like bringing them to people even less.
bodily injury - this is happens sometimes
scrapes, bruises, general falling-down -- this will certainly get posted about, like the time danny jumped a fence and had to go get stitches.
life-threatening bodily injury -- like a life-altering paralysis. you won't see it here folks. much to grave.
sadness, despair, hate, rage, anger, fear - basically, for you star wars nuts, all the emotions that lead to the dark side. I'm not a big fan of these emotions. so they won't get much of a mention. frustration may be the exception, but that's really less about the dark side and more about blocking the light side, it's a force-neutralizer.
So, as a rule, if something bad happens, you won't know about it. I like it like that. If something good happens, you will hear about it. And, it may be true that limiting the content of the blog may also limit its impact, especially its dramatic impact, well, tough. I'd much rather sacrifice drama to promote the inane and immaterial. A person is just as happy as he makes his mind up to be...and so is his blog.
-Tom
recommended download: Dave Matthews Band, 41
Like, skipping around, trying to find things to read, I've read some blogs authored by psych patients, by cancer patients, by divorcees, by near-divorcees, and wow man, there is some serious shit going on.
So, right here, this post, this is as serious as you'll see me get. Ever. This is the post where I mention bad things that could happen, and then tell you what you would read if bad things like that ever happened to me or people with whom I am close.
Bad things like:
death - this is a big one. there are many degrees, I will start small.
death of a pet, like a fish -- this probably earns a sentence or two in a post by way of setting a scene, or as "something that happened leading up to the subject of this post." for example, we've got a fish at home that hasn't been fed in I think three weeks and it's still kicking (or flipping its fins), it's sort of like the fish that will never die.
death of a pet, like a dog -- probably mentioned in a short, sad, post, just to keep people informed.
death of a person, esp. a loved one -- you will never ever hear about this. ever. I don't like sad things, I like bringing them to people even less.
bodily injury - this is happens sometimes
scrapes, bruises, general falling-down -- this will certainly get posted about, like the time danny jumped a fence and had to go get stitches.
life-threatening bodily injury -- like a life-altering paralysis. you won't see it here folks. much to grave.
sadness, despair, hate, rage, anger, fear - basically, for you star wars nuts, all the emotions that lead to the dark side. I'm not a big fan of these emotions. so they won't get much of a mention. frustration may be the exception, but that's really less about the dark side and more about blocking the light side, it's a force-neutralizer.
So, as a rule, if something bad happens, you won't know about it. I like it like that. If something good happens, you will hear about it. And, it may be true that limiting the content of the blog may also limit its impact, especially its dramatic impact, well, tough. I'd much rather sacrifice drama to promote the inane and immaterial. A person is just as happy as he makes his mind up to be...and so is his blog.
-Tom
recommended download: Dave Matthews Band, 41
It's days like this that burn me
On the train in today I sat across from a babysitter with two small boys. They were maybe five and three. The five year old was all over the place, every time a train passed in the opposite direction he'd exclaim "WOW! A train!" The three year old was busy climbing out of the stroller.
The commuter next to the five year old started talking to him about the trains, like the "special train" they use to pull other trains, and the train they use to plow the snow off the tracks. I thought that if I had been talking to the kid I would not have told him the giant blue building with the purple stripe housed trains, but that it was a base for flying saucers. The three year old stole the babysitter's sunglasses and was trying to eat them.
I enjoyed the commute...but I've always loved trains.
-Tom
recommended download:
Bob Schneider, Big Blue Sea, and God Is My Friend
The commuter next to the five year old started talking to him about the trains, like the "special train" they use to pull other trains, and the train they use to plow the snow off the tracks. I thought that if I had been talking to the kid I would not have told him the giant blue building with the purple stripe housed trains, but that it was a base for flying saucers. The three year old stole the babysitter's sunglasses and was trying to eat them.
I enjoyed the commute...but I've always loved trains.
-Tom
recommended download:
Bob Schneider, Big Blue Sea, and God Is My Friend
Monday, June 06, 2005
That's the Power of Love
Music can save me. And has. One a number of ocassions. Like today. Music saved me today.
Things went wrong today. Music saved me on the ride home. This playlist:
Counting Crows, Omaha (twice)
Good Charlotte, The Story Of My Old Man
Mitch and Mickey, A Kiss At The End Of The Rainbow (twice)
The Offspring, Walla Walla
Pearl Jam, Porch
Bob Seager, Turn The Page (Live)
-Dennis, there's some lovely filth over here!
tom
recommended download, that playlist
Things went wrong today. Music saved me on the ride home. This playlist:
Counting Crows, Omaha (twice)
Good Charlotte, The Story Of My Old Man
Mitch and Mickey, A Kiss At The End Of The Rainbow (twice)
The Offspring, Walla Walla
Pearl Jam, Porch
Bob Seager, Turn The Page (Live)
-Dennis, there's some lovely filth over here!
tom
recommended download, that playlist
Help, help! I'm bein' repressed!
Weekend wrap-up:
Friday night: baseball, see previous post for pics
Saturday: slept in, left at 2pm for a performance of the Macaroni Family Circus in Middletown CT, an act in which my cousin Nathan plays a big role (Dr. Melvin the absent-minded circus doctor). Nathan and his buddies wowed the crowd with juggling, club passing, acrobatics/contortions, and a sick diablo act. It was a good show with amazingly skilled kids and well played humor (grabbing a "volunteer" from the audience for the club passing bit Dr. Melvin gave him a helmet with a dramatically delivered "this helmet is of course, ... for your protection").
We then bombed back to the city to get my mom to work, doing about 95 mph the whole way back. Also, we almost ran out of gas trying to get back home. It was very close, but we made it.
Sunday: We watched Miracle and then we watched Monty Python and the Holy Grail, def one of the top three comedies ever. I will be quoting that movie for a couple weeks. "He can leap about..., look at the bones!"
Maybe he was dictating,
-tom
recommended download: Yellowcard
Friday night: baseball, see previous post for pics
Saturday: slept in, left at 2pm for a performance of the Macaroni Family Circus in Middletown CT, an act in which my cousin Nathan plays a big role (Dr. Melvin the absent-minded circus doctor). Nathan and his buddies wowed the crowd with juggling, club passing, acrobatics/contortions, and a sick diablo act. It was a good show with amazingly skilled kids and well played humor (grabbing a "volunteer" from the audience for the club passing bit Dr. Melvin gave him a helmet with a dramatically delivered "this helmet is of course, ... for your protection").
We then bombed back to the city to get my mom to work, doing about 95 mph the whole way back. Also, we almost ran out of gas trying to get back home. It was very close, but we made it.
Sunday: We watched Miracle and then we watched Monty Python and the Holy Grail, def one of the top three comedies ever. I will be quoting that movie for a couple weeks. "He can leap about..., look at the bones!"
Maybe he was dictating,
-tom
recommended download: Yellowcard
Saturday, June 04, 2005
Friday, June 03, 2005
The stove is hot, don't touch the stove
See, the existence of the list sort of makes me want to read the books on the list.
"HUMAN EVENTS asked a panel of 15 conservative scholars and public policy leaders to help us compile a list of the Ten Most Harmful Books of the 19th and 20th Centuries....Appropriately, The Communist Manifesto, by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, earned the highest aggregate score and the No. 1 listing." -humaneventsonline
-Tom
recommended download:
Dropkick Murphys, Gonna Be A Blackout
"HUMAN EVENTS asked a panel of 15 conservative scholars and public policy leaders to help us compile a list of the Ten Most Harmful Books of the 19th and 20th Centuries....Appropriately, The Communist Manifesto, by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, earned the highest aggregate score and the No. 1 listing." -humaneventsonline
-Tom
recommended download:
Dropkick Murphys, Gonna Be A Blackout
Thursday, June 02, 2005
oh good lord, is this...WORK?
Yes. Work. LOTS OF WORK.
Listen, I don't know where you're coming from, but this isn't what I signed up for. No sir. No sir, thank you, it is not.
You want me to work? I apologize, I'm just not getting this: Come in (on time). Turn on computer. Do productive and professional things efficiently without a break or slacking off until quitting time. Really. I mean, really. Really?
I'm stymied. *** *** ***
I'm working A TON now. This isn't really what I signed up for...but I guess this is what they think I signed up for, or what they think I can handle... and don't get me wrong here, I can totally handle it...but just barely. Barely.
Like, this is Work-To-The-Max. You know that bit Seinfeld does, about extra-strength pain-killers? "Extra-strength, advanced-strength, pretty soon it'll be 'figure out what will kill me...and then back it off a little bit." Yeah, that's where I am now.
HOW MUCH WORK CAN BE CRAMMED INTO ONE SEVEN POINT SEVEN FIVE HOUR DAY?
GUUAAAAUUUGGGHHHHHH!
Folks, it's a lot of work. Zero downtime. None. I probably won't even sign on today. Like, at all. I might have to eat lunch at my desk today, if I have enough time to leave the building to get lunch. THERE IS SO MUCH TO BE DONE!
a quick synopsis: Manager's called for jury duty, Chuck has the day off, Blitzen's last day was yesterday, Booger will probably call in AGAIN (sidenote: just learned that he is on his second probationary period, what the hell is going on there), leaving four of us plus one manager (the one who didn't quit and isn't at jury duty, the one who doesn't know anything about budgets, feeders, or expenses and guess-what-no-don't-guess-I'll-tell-you the work I am doing is soley budgets feeders and expense related so he'll be almost no help) four of us, from an original staff of twelve to do the regular work of twelve plus budgets - without - the manager that knows budgets and basically did most of the tricky ones himself.
I'm amazed. Please tell me you people out there don't like, do this amount of work on a regular basis. I could probably only handle this for like, two days of the year, and really only if the next day was a vacation day plus my birthday, or you know, if I'm going to a Red Sox game right after work and then the weekend. (by the way, today after work I'm going to a Red Sox game, and then it's the weekend.)
BAM
-Tom
recommended download:
The Eagles, Take It Easy (I was watching the Eagles Farewell Tour last night ;)
Listen, I don't know where you're coming from, but this isn't what I signed up for. No sir. No sir, thank you, it is not.
You want me to work? I apologize, I'm just not getting this: Come in (on time). Turn on computer. Do productive and professional things efficiently without a break or slacking off until quitting time. Really. I mean, really. Really?
I'm stymied. *** *** ***
I'm working A TON now. This isn't really what I signed up for...but I guess this is what they think I signed up for, or what they think I can handle... and don't get me wrong here, I can totally handle it...but just barely. Barely.
Like, this is Work-To-The-Max. You know that bit Seinfeld does, about extra-strength pain-killers? "Extra-strength, advanced-strength, pretty soon it'll be 'figure out what will kill me...and then back it off a little bit." Yeah, that's where I am now.
HOW MUCH WORK CAN BE CRAMMED INTO ONE SEVEN POINT SEVEN FIVE HOUR DAY?
GUUAAAAUUUGGGHHHHHH!
Folks, it's a lot of work. Zero downtime. None. I probably won't even sign on today. Like, at all. I might have to eat lunch at my desk today, if I have enough time to leave the building to get lunch. THERE IS SO MUCH TO BE DONE!
a quick synopsis: Manager's called for jury duty, Chuck has the day off, Blitzen's last day was yesterday, Booger will probably call in AGAIN (sidenote: just learned that he is on his second probationary period, what the hell is going on there), leaving four of us plus one manager (the one who didn't quit and isn't at jury duty, the one who doesn't know anything about budgets, feeders, or expenses and guess-what-no-don't-guess-I'll-tell-you the work I am doing is soley budgets feeders and expense related so he'll be almost no help) four of us, from an original staff of twelve to do the regular work of twelve plus budgets - without - the manager that knows budgets and basically did most of the tricky ones himself.
I'm amazed. Please tell me you people out there don't like, do this amount of work on a regular basis. I could probably only handle this for like, two days of the year, and really only if the next day was a vacation day plus my birthday, or you know, if I'm going to a Red Sox game right after work and then the weekend. (by the way, today after work I'm going to a Red Sox game, and then it's the weekend.)
BAM
-Tom
recommended download:
The Eagles, Take It Easy (I was watching the Eagles Farewell Tour last night ;)
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Yeah, you know what, I'm too tired to post
I'm just way too tired. I blame MarioKart until 1 AM. Just think how tired I'm going to be when I finally get the Nintendo revolution and can play Double Dash to my heart's content.
There is a lot of stuff going on around me, metaphorically, that I feel like I should comment on. Lots of lives dramatically changing. Changing relationships, changing jobs, changing apartments, and it feels like this is all significant, like there is something big at work and I should be talking about it. I'm too tired to think it through, though. There is something big at work. It is affecting everyone. Bigger than "this is my first summer without a summer vacation because now I have a job." That's a one-liner, a punchline, a joke. It kinda seems like whatever is happening is happening BIG.
So instead of trying to think about and then explain what may be going on, I'm going to list people that things are going on to, so maybe later I can come back when my brain is working on the same plane of reality and I can try and figure things out:
Kelly, John, Kate, Lindsay, Felecia, Donny, Ray, Kat, Dan, Joe, Dan, Carolyn, me, Ashley, Ann, and Catherine.
-tgme
recommended download:
Lucky Boys Confusion, Ordinary
There is a lot of stuff going on around me, metaphorically, that I feel like I should comment on. Lots of lives dramatically changing. Changing relationships, changing jobs, changing apartments, and it feels like this is all significant, like there is something big at work and I should be talking about it. I'm too tired to think it through, though. There is something big at work. It is affecting everyone. Bigger than "this is my first summer without a summer vacation because now I have a job." That's a one-liner, a punchline, a joke. It kinda seems like whatever is happening is happening BIG.
So instead of trying to think about and then explain what may be going on, I'm going to list people that things are going on to, so maybe later I can come back when my brain is working on the same plane of reality and I can try and figure things out:
Kelly, John, Kate, Lindsay, Felecia, Donny, Ray, Kat, Dan, Joe, Dan, Carolyn, me, Ashley, Ann, and Catherine.
-tgme
recommended download:
Lucky Boys Confusion, Ordinary
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