I haven't posted for over two months. Where have I been? I dunno, busy, tired, lost, at least my focus, my head, my ambitions. I did manage to switch employers. I'm now at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, which is oh so much better than RadioShack.
Today is December 23rd, and I just started a ten day stretch of vacation, six of which are paid! I've never had this much time off in December without being on welfare. I'm going to spend tomorrow finally decorating the house and cleaning, and maybe end the evening by driving through Interlochen and Diamond Loch looking at the rich peoples' Christmas light displays. Logan couldn't be bothered to put up any lights this year, not even his fantasy light display: a doe and buck making merry, if you get my drift. He laughs every time he talks about it. He'd make it just like those animatronic figures, with the hip motion going like a rabbit on the buck.
Anyway, my new job is so much better than my old job at RadioSucks. I mean RadioShack. I tried to find the website, radioshacksucks.com, but it looks like the corporate lawyers finally got it shut down. So much for first amendment rights. I did find out there is a Yahoo! group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/radioshacksucks/
Well, I don't have a lot to bitch about in regards to RadioShack. I mean, well, nothing specifically, that isn't pretty endemic: low pay, crappy benefits, neurotic supervisors, and a corporate mentality that crushes the spirit out of its employees.
So maybe you can understand why I'm so happy to be at UNTHSC. The pay is about the same as I was making at RS, but the benefits are so much better, and the atmosphere is lightyears ahead. It somehow makes a difference to me to be a part of something where people are striving to learn, to grow, and to make a difference. I may be just paying the bills, but the people for whom I'm paying them are much nicer people.
Well, it finally feels like winter now that we're experiencing temps in the teens and managed to get a peppering of snow yesterday. I lost my gloves, and thought I would freeze my hands off in the time it took me to walk from the parking garage to the building. This weather just ain't nach'rul. You'd think we was Yankees or sumpin.
Gotta go top off the cup of wassail. Nothing like cold weather to make a body want to get drunk and curl up on the couch with five cats and a grouchy old curmudgeon.
Merry Christmas, Y'all!!
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Friday, October 15, 2004
Spare the rod; just be honest.
I was raised in the late 60's and the 70's by very liberal parents who, I suppose, used an experimental method of discipline. That is to say, almost none at all. I was given very few rules, had no curfew, and few consequences for what most would consider misbehavior. The one concept I recall learning that has stuck with me is that lying is not only wrong, it is unfair. People make their decisions based upon what information they have at the time they make the decision, and if they are basing their decision on a lie, then the person who lied is the one who erred, not the person who ended up making a bad decision.
Learning how to behave is difficult enough, but even more so when one doesn't start to learn until, say, 25 years old.
But what always impressed upon me the most was my parents' disapproval. I was rarely spanked as a child, and I remember it only inspired anger and rebellion. But to see my mother cry over my bad behavior or to hear my father cluck his tongue and shake his head in disbelief, this caused me great regret and woe. So it is probably no suprise that I don't hold much faith in corporal punishment. I feel it is usually done in anger, and I don't like to let a child have that much control over my actions. I feel it rarely improves a child's behavior, and often makes it worse. I use it only in rare instances.
The father of my two youngest children has just the opposite belief. Hearing him tell tales of his childhood, I often wonder if this is because he was often spanked. He seems to spank the children over the smallest infraction. He is easily provoked by them, and would probably have lower blood pressure if he would realize they are children, not small adults.
But then again, I grew up with few rules, so what do I know?
What I believe is that while certain niceties help society to function (such as saying "please" and "thank you", for example), what really matters is being honest. My mother had a rule that if we kids did something wrong, and were asked about it, if we told the truth, all we had to do was make amends (which is sometimes the worst punishment of all). If we lied, and the lie was discovered, we got in trouble not only for the misdeed, but also for the lie.
If I comport myself in a fair and honest manner, then in my heart, I feel my behavior is irreproachable, even if my decisions turn out less than perfect. Having good judgement can sometimes be a gift, I suppose, but it usually comes by trial and error over time. I've learned (the hard way, of course), that it is sometimes easier to lie, but it is harder to keep up with the lies than it is to just tell the truth in the first place.
Well, I'm probably preaching to the choir, and I don't really feel like I'm getting anywhere with this discussion. It might be more interesting and serve the topic better to discuss actual examples, but I'm all out of time for now.
More later.
Learning how to behave is difficult enough, but even more so when one doesn't start to learn until, say, 25 years old.
But what always impressed upon me the most was my parents' disapproval. I was rarely spanked as a child, and I remember it only inspired anger and rebellion. But to see my mother cry over my bad behavior or to hear my father cluck his tongue and shake his head in disbelief, this caused me great regret and woe. So it is probably no suprise that I don't hold much faith in corporal punishment. I feel it is usually done in anger, and I don't like to let a child have that much control over my actions. I feel it rarely improves a child's behavior, and often makes it worse. I use it only in rare instances.
The father of my two youngest children has just the opposite belief. Hearing him tell tales of his childhood, I often wonder if this is because he was often spanked. He seems to spank the children over the smallest infraction. He is easily provoked by them, and would probably have lower blood pressure if he would realize they are children, not small adults.
But then again, I grew up with few rules, so what do I know?
What I believe is that while certain niceties help society to function (such as saying "please" and "thank you", for example), what really matters is being honest. My mother had a rule that if we kids did something wrong, and were asked about it, if we told the truth, all we had to do was make amends (which is sometimes the worst punishment of all). If we lied, and the lie was discovered, we got in trouble not only for the misdeed, but also for the lie.
If I comport myself in a fair and honest manner, then in my heart, I feel my behavior is irreproachable, even if my decisions turn out less than perfect. Having good judgement can sometimes be a gift, I suppose, but it usually comes by trial and error over time. I've learned (the hard way, of course), that it is sometimes easier to lie, but it is harder to keep up with the lies than it is to just tell the truth in the first place.
Well, I'm probably preaching to the choir, and I don't really feel like I'm getting anywhere with this discussion. It might be more interesting and serve the topic better to discuss actual examples, but I'm all out of time for now.
More later.
Thursday, October 14, 2004
A Day at the Quack Shack
I went to see the doctor today. The pain near my rib was diagnosed as "costal chondritis". Not exactly pleurisy, but close, I suppose. Also, the phlebotomist drew blood, and hit it on the second stick, so I was impressed. It often takes 6 or more tries, as my veins are deep. I'd have a hell of a time if I ever wanted to be a junkie. I had blood drawn to have my anemia and cholesterol checked. Last time (over two years ago) that they checked my cholesterol, it was high, but no action was recommended, so all I've done is try to eat more garlic and onions. If my cholesterol is still high, the doctor will prescribe medication.
I was given a shot of depo medrol (a steroid) for the rib thing and a prescription for naproxin EC for the pain. I suppose the cough I've been having can be treated with OTC meds. I'm actually starting to feel a little better, except for the injection site, which is beginning to throb.
While at the clinic, I had the doc look at the lumps on my right arm. They are probably lipomas, but since my insurance will pay for excision, and one of the lumps was removed a couple of years ago and has started regrowing, I'm going to have them removed on the 25th.
The doctor is actually a physician's assistant, and I like her quite well. She's at the clinic associated with the local medical school which used to be associated with the (now defunct) osteopathic hospital. I like that osteopaths will on occasion perform chiropractic procedures. A few years back, I had a pain in my shoulder that wouldn't go away. I finally went to the clinic to have it examined. The young male doctor I saw at the time opined it was caused by my carrying a heavy book bag, gave me a chiropractic adjustment, and the pain was immediately gone.
Well, I have to go herd cats -- make the kids gather their dirty clothes to wash. Actually herding cats might be easier. Guess I'll have to threaten the cutting of a peach switch. We have a peach tree right near the front door. The threat alone usually works.
Next time, if I remember, I'll delve into the whole concept of disciplining children.
I was given a shot of depo medrol (a steroid) for the rib thing and a prescription for naproxin EC for the pain. I suppose the cough I've been having can be treated with OTC meds. I'm actually starting to feel a little better, except for the injection site, which is beginning to throb.
While at the clinic, I had the doc look at the lumps on my right arm. They are probably lipomas, but since my insurance will pay for excision, and one of the lumps was removed a couple of years ago and has started regrowing, I'm going to have them removed on the 25th.
The doctor is actually a physician's assistant, and I like her quite well. She's at the clinic associated with the local medical school which used to be associated with the (now defunct) osteopathic hospital. I like that osteopaths will on occasion perform chiropractic procedures. A few years back, I had a pain in my shoulder that wouldn't go away. I finally went to the clinic to have it examined. The young male doctor I saw at the time opined it was caused by my carrying a heavy book bag, gave me a chiropractic adjustment, and the pain was immediately gone.
Well, I have to go herd cats -- make the kids gather their dirty clothes to wash. Actually herding cats might be easier. Guess I'll have to threaten the cutting of a peach switch. We have a peach tree right near the front door. The threat alone usually works.
Next time, if I remember, I'll delve into the whole concept of disciplining children.
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Saint Martha, pray for us
I just noticed the time stamp at the bottom of the page can be changed. I'm actually two hours ahead of what was previously posted, so I've fixed it. I'm not very observant sometimes.
I wanted to write more last night, but Gilmore Girls was on, followed by One Tree Hill, and then I had to watch old reruns of Whose Line is it Anyway, so my night was used up, vegging in front of the t.v. I didn't even bother to fold clothes. I was a bed potato, as I was not reclined on the couch.
Housework looms it ugly head, though. Tonight, all that's on (that I remember about right now) is CSI - New York. So it looks like I'll be rookydid into doing some laundry. Saint Martha is the patron saint of housewives. Pictures typically show her holding a tea kettle and stomping on a dragon. I perceive the dragon to be housework. So I guess I need to light a candle and pray for the intervention of Saint Martha in my struggle to clear a path through the house. More later.
I wanted to write more last night, but Gilmore Girls was on, followed by One Tree Hill, and then I had to watch old reruns of Whose Line is it Anyway, so my night was used up, vegging in front of the t.v. I didn't even bother to fold clothes. I was a bed potato, as I was not reclined on the couch.
Housework looms it ugly head, though. Tonight, all that's on (that I remember about right now) is CSI - New York. So it looks like I'll be rookydid into doing some laundry. Saint Martha is the patron saint of housewives. Pictures typically show her holding a tea kettle and stomping on a dragon. I perceive the dragon to be housework. So I guess I need to light a candle and pray for the intervention of Saint Martha in my struggle to clear a path through the house. More later.
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Another weekend with nothing accomplished....
Friday night, I spent a couple of hours on the computer, reading email, a newsgroup, and playing Age of Empires. It was raining, so the satellite was busy "searching for signal" all night.
Saturday, the kids and I went with Fiona and Heather to Old City Park in Dallas, as it was Girl Scout day, and Fiona is a Girl Scout. I think the kids liked picking pears from a tree and getting rock candy in the gift shop more than anything else. Looking at the old cabins and even the houses from the turn of the century, I was struck by how cluttered and complicated our lives have become. I think it's true that back then the emphasis was more on survival. Success was more a measure of one's abilities back then, I think, than it is today, where dumb luck and who one knows are far more important that doing what needed to be done.
Sunday, I mostly laid up in bed and felt bad. I don't know if it was getting out in the light mist Saturday, or what, but my side started hurting, and it got progressively worse. So bad, in fact, that I took Monday off to try to recuperate. It feels almost like I've got a bruised rib. When I take a deep breath, it sends an almost electric shock through my system, the pain is so intense. Logan opined as to whether it was a blood clot in my lung or perhaps pleurisy. I was running a low grade temperature, 99.6 F, and I still feel hot today at work, so I will try to get in to see the doctor Thursday if I'm not better tomorrow.
So no clothes got washed or put away, the dishes are still stacked to the ceiling, and the cat box needs to be cleaned. Not a productive weekend.
Saturday, the kids and I went with Fiona and Heather to Old City Park in Dallas, as it was Girl Scout day, and Fiona is a Girl Scout. I think the kids liked picking pears from a tree and getting rock candy in the gift shop more than anything else. Looking at the old cabins and even the houses from the turn of the century, I was struck by how cluttered and complicated our lives have become. I think it's true that back then the emphasis was more on survival. Success was more a measure of one's abilities back then, I think, than it is today, where dumb luck and who one knows are far more important that doing what needed to be done.
Sunday, I mostly laid up in bed and felt bad. I don't know if it was getting out in the light mist Saturday, or what, but my side started hurting, and it got progressively worse. So bad, in fact, that I took Monday off to try to recuperate. It feels almost like I've got a bruised rib. When I take a deep breath, it sends an almost electric shock through my system, the pain is so intense. Logan opined as to whether it was a blood clot in my lung or perhaps pleurisy. I was running a low grade temperature, 99.6 F, and I still feel hot today at work, so I will try to get in to see the doctor Thursday if I'm not better tomorrow.
So no clothes got washed or put away, the dishes are still stacked to the ceiling, and the cat box needs to be cleaned. Not a productive weekend.
Saturday, October 09, 2004
Friday, October 08, 2004
To Work or Not to Work....
Well, it's almost midnight, so if I'm going to get a word in edgewise for today, I've got to write fast. I've made a decision to transfer to a different department or quit at work. I can make almost double in Dallas what I'm making in Fort Worth, but it would mean a long commute, which I truly would like to avoid. Twenty years ago, I would have moved to Dallas in a heartbeat, but we'd have to fix up the house before we could sell it, and then there's the Dallas schools....
Why is it we can't see what it is we want to be when we grow up until we're already grown up? Well, not sure that I really am grown up just yet. I still have trouble keeping a rein on my spending, but I'm convinced that I don't want to be doing what I'm currently doing.
My job description is accounts payable clerk, but like I wrote in my profile, I'm a peon, a flunky, a functionary. I should have known better several months back when KcahsOidar told me I couldn't wear white socks to work. Any company concerned with my color of hosiery isn't paying enough attention to the bottom line.
Analyzing what I want vs. what I don't want in a job, I've concluded that short of being independently wealthy, I'd prefer to be a writer, a teacher, or a librarian. I'm tired of not having off work on days like Veterans' Day, Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, & etc. I want more time with my kids. They're growing up so fast that I can hardly remember what they were like as babies.
The big question is to work or not to work. My sweetie said I could quit working when I had my bills paid off, and I was almost there, but when my daughter was hit by a car this past summer, I spent lots of money (on credit cards, of course), buying things for her and taking her places when she got out of the hospital. So now I'm back to square one.
I miss being a stay at home mom, but money is an issue all the time. I hate not having my own money to spend as I see fit, and my SO is extremely tight. He has a sort of 1950's mentality about the way the house is run. Maybe I just need a little time off, then I'll feel recharged enough to get back in the work force. I was looking for a job when I found the one I have now, after all. I just wish I had found one that doesn't suck as much as this one does.
Well, gotta get to be now. More later.
Why is it we can't see what it is we want to be when we grow up until we're already grown up? Well, not sure that I really am grown up just yet. I still have trouble keeping a rein on my spending, but I'm convinced that I don't want to be doing what I'm currently doing.
My job description is accounts payable clerk, but like I wrote in my profile, I'm a peon, a flunky, a functionary. I should have known better several months back when KcahsOidar told me I couldn't wear white socks to work. Any company concerned with my color of hosiery isn't paying enough attention to the bottom line.
Analyzing what I want vs. what I don't want in a job, I've concluded that short of being independently wealthy, I'd prefer to be a writer, a teacher, or a librarian. I'm tired of not having off work on days like Veterans' Day, Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, & etc. I want more time with my kids. They're growing up so fast that I can hardly remember what they were like as babies.
The big question is to work or not to work. My sweetie said I could quit working when I had my bills paid off, and I was almost there, but when my daughter was hit by a car this past summer, I spent lots of money (on credit cards, of course), buying things for her and taking her places when she got out of the hospital. So now I'm back to square one.
I miss being a stay at home mom, but money is an issue all the time. I hate not having my own money to spend as I see fit, and my SO is extremely tight. He has a sort of 1950's mentality about the way the house is run. Maybe I just need a little time off, then I'll feel recharged enough to get back in the work force. I was looking for a job when I found the one I have now, after all. I just wish I had found one that doesn't suck as much as this one does.
Well, gotta get to be now. More later.
Thursday, October 07, 2004
quick blog at work
Ok, this will be short and sweet, since I'm at work.
Lots of friends keep urging me to write, so I'm going to practice here before sending anything off in hopes of publication (really, in order to get LOTS AND LOTS of rejection notices!).
Gotta go now. More later.
Lots of friends keep urging me to write, so I'm going to practice here before sending anything off in hopes of publication (really, in order to get LOTS AND LOTS of rejection notices!).
Gotta go now. More later.
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