Actually, I despise fishing.
No really ...the whole thing.
You would think that I might like the whole lawn chair and the edge of the lake thing - but no.
Let's discuss.
First, I despise bait. Could be worms, could be that fake stuff - no matter. I don't like it.
Next, I have an irrational fear of fish hooks.
I do.
I am certain they will flail about and get hooked into me somehow - most likely in my eye.
Finally - I do not enjoy sitting in the woods. I do not like insects, dirt, animals, and the close proximity of untamed foliage.
Hold back the nature please.
I much prefer having a refreshing cocktail right here on my civilized patio ...which is technically outside... but with easy access to our modern indoor plumbing.
So no, I am not currently fishing.
I am a little distracted tho.
So posting will be sporadic at best.
Is anyone out there?
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
on the road...
I am on the road peeps.
Still trying to get the new work laptop to behave - so no posting for now.
cheers.
Still trying to get the new work laptop to behave - so no posting for now.
cheers.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Friday
tip-o-day
Tomorrow is Valentines Day.
I believe Valentines Day was invented by Hallmark.
Aren't they clever.
But far be it for me to pass up an excuse to have chocolate, and possibly some bubbly.
So my tip for you today is - go buy some chocolate and bubbly.
Share these with someone.
Anyone will do.
Enjoy.
Tomorrow is Valentines Day.
I believe Valentines Day was invented by Hallmark.
Aren't they clever.
But far be it for me to pass up an excuse to have chocolate, and possibly some bubbly.
So my tip for you today is - go buy some chocolate and bubbly.
Share these with someone.
Anyone will do.
Enjoy.
Monday, February 09, 2009
back in the saddle
Now that's what a first day is supposed to be like.
There were meetings, and conference calls, and some paper work. Introductions, and tours. And of course some requisite down times - you know, where there is really not alot you can be doing and the folks who need to be showing you what to do really need to get some of their own work done. Those times were you read through the intranet site or the employee handbook.
The people are friendly, the environment is tidy and corporate - just the way weese likes her environments.
My new company makes a product... an actual product... you can hold in your hand and buy at a store. This is very unique for me as I have always worked for software companies. Today I met people who had been with this company for over 30 years. I have never worked for a company that's even been around for that long. What is really exciting is later this week I get to spend a day on a delivery truck, to get to understand that side of the business.
I am so excited.
I wonder if they'll let me wear a uniform. :)
There were meetings, and conference calls, and some paper work. Introductions, and tours. And of course some requisite down times - you know, where there is really not alot you can be doing and the folks who need to be showing you what to do really need to get some of their own work done. Those times were you read through the intranet site or the employee handbook.
The people are friendly, the environment is tidy and corporate - just the way weese likes her environments.
My new company makes a product... an actual product... you can hold in your hand and buy at a store. This is very unique for me as I have always worked for software companies. Today I met people who had been with this company for over 30 years. I have never worked for a company that's even been around for that long. What is really exciting is later this week I get to spend a day on a delivery truck, to get to understand that side of the business.
I am so excited.
I wonder if they'll let me wear a uniform. :)
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Friday
tip-o-day
I got this handy tip from a very helpful woman during my unemployment hearing.
Since over 7% of everyone is currently out of work -- filing your online continued claim form on Sundays has gotten a bit bogged down. So for a quick convenient filing - why not watch a good movie on Saturday night, get a bowl of popcorn and a cup of tea and settle in around 10:00 or 10:30 for your show. When your movie ends after midnight, logon and file. Whala!
Or ... watch a movie Sunday night and file just before midnight.
Tho for me, this will be my last Sunday filing.
I am back to work on Monday at a new job!
I got this handy tip from a very helpful woman during my unemployment hearing.
Since over 7% of everyone is currently out of work -- filing your online continued claim form on Sundays has gotten a bit bogged down. So for a quick convenient filing - why not watch a good movie on Saturday night, get a bowl of popcorn and a cup of tea and settle in around 10:00 or 10:30 for your show. When your movie ends after midnight, logon and file. Whala!
Or ... watch a movie Sunday night and file just before midnight.
Tho for me, this will be my last Sunday filing.
I am back to work on Monday at a new job!
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
be careful what you wish for
Ok... who is the wise guy out there wishing for more snow.
Knock it off.
Knock it off.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Month-aversary
Yesterday was our monthaversary.
There has been a little bag of ice sitting out on the back stoop ever since our wedding night. It's been pretty cold up here.
Just yesterday it melted.
Guess the honeymoon is over.
There has been a little bag of ice sitting out on the back stoop ever since our wedding night. It's been pretty cold up here.
Just yesterday it melted.
Guess the honeymoon is over.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Another FREE cat?
It was at least three days that we can remember hearing the meowing every time we ventured outside. These outside trips were brief because of the bitter cold. We might run out to the wood pile to replenish our supply - or perhaps a jaunt out to fetch the mail. We both heard the meowing. It seemed strange - but we thought perhaps someone close by got a new cat that was meowing to be let in.
Finally, one morning while I was making several trips to the curb for our towns annual dump pickup (one of my favorite town activities) I kept hearing the meowing over and over. So I stopped, tilted my ear toward the sound and waited.
There... there it was again.
I scanned the cold snowy lawns and stoops... but then ...wait - there it was again - the sound was high, not on the ground, and I finally spotted him way up in a tree. Luckily his black coat stood out against the grayness of the winter day.
The tree was in our neighbors yard, and very close to the next house up the street. I was surprised that no one had heard him after all these days. I immediately called Animal Control. That's what they do...right? They get cats out of trees.
I waited and waited for a call back from the officer.
But the phone didn't ring.
All the while I was keeping my working wife informed with email updates - you know, cuz at least someone here has a job.
She suggested I go over with a bowl of food. I was skeptical.
But decided to give it a go.
As I approached the tree the cat became very excited. By moving around the tree with the plate of food I was able to coax him down in the right direction. He tumbled a bit but hit the ground safely and then practically lept into my arms. After he ate the plate of food ravenously, he allowed me to pick him up. He was just skin and bones. Clearly I had to bring him home to feed him more.
He seemed to prefer not to be carried but followed me home like a puppy. When I opened the door he walked in with no hesitation, like he lived there all his life and was finally home.
I put down another plate of food and still he ate ravenously.
He met the FREE dog. There was some hissing. Tho she was extremely well behaved and courteous around our guest.
My eager wife came home. The cat LOVED her instantly.
And so we spent the evening making him comfortable and warm and safe. Sure that he had spent at least 3 if not 4 nights in a tree when the temps were hovering around 10°.
Or should I say he spent the evening making himself comfortable... me still in my painting clothes - tho I didn't get much painting done this day.
Everything was going swimmingly - until of course my asthmatic wife couldn't breath. Not to mention the fact that Ferris is also allergic.
We knew from the start that no matter how much the cat settled in - we needed to find him another home.
So I called every vet in town and all the rescue places asking if anyone was missing a very cuddly black cat.
I posted signs around the neighborhood. Then we settled the cat into a nice bed in the basement - so we could get some dander reprieve.
What to do ...what to do?
That's when I got an email. From a blogger. A blogger who said she and her family wanted a cat!!
We made arrangements, I loaded the little guy into a carrier and off we went.
Perhaps it was the carrier, perhaps it was the hot sun, maybe not being able to see out the windows... but my little friend lost everything he'd eaten that day.
In the carrier.
I had no paper towels.
We pulled over to clean up - I sacrificed a scarf from the glove box and a map of Orange County. The cat waited until I had most of the mess cleaned up then came out of the carrier and got quietly into the backseat where he rode the rest of the way, happily watching the world go by.
We got to his new home and he jumped out of the car with me, and walked into their house just like it was his own.
I hear he is doing just fine. He now has a cat friend, more dog friends and kids to play with. Surely a rich and loving environment.
Doncha just love happy endings.
Finally, one morning while I was making several trips to the curb for our towns annual dump pickup (one of my favorite town activities) I kept hearing the meowing over and over. So I stopped, tilted my ear toward the sound and waited.
There... there it was again.
I scanned the cold snowy lawns and stoops... but then ...wait - there it was again - the sound was high, not on the ground, and I finally spotted him way up in a tree. Luckily his black coat stood out against the grayness of the winter day.
The tree was in our neighbors yard, and very close to the next house up the street. I was surprised that no one had heard him after all these days. I immediately called Animal Control. That's what they do...right? They get cats out of trees.
I waited and waited for a call back from the officer.
But the phone didn't ring.
All the while I was keeping my working wife informed with email updates - you know, cuz at least someone here has a job.
She suggested I go over with a bowl of food. I was skeptical.
But decided to give it a go.
As I approached the tree the cat became very excited. By moving around the tree with the plate of food I was able to coax him down in the right direction. He tumbled a bit but hit the ground safely and then practically lept into my arms. After he ate the plate of food ravenously, he allowed me to pick him up. He was just skin and bones. Clearly I had to bring him home to feed him more.
He seemed to prefer not to be carried but followed me home like a puppy. When I opened the door he walked in with no hesitation, like he lived there all his life and was finally home.
I put down another plate of food and still he ate ravenously.
He met the FREE dog. There was some hissing. Tho she was extremely well behaved and courteous around our guest.
My eager wife came home. The cat LOVED her instantly.
And so we spent the evening making him comfortable and warm and safe. Sure that he had spent at least 3 if not 4 nights in a tree when the temps were hovering around 10°.
Or should I say he spent the evening making himself comfortable... me still in my painting clothes - tho I didn't get much painting done this day.
Everything was going swimmingly - until of course my asthmatic wife couldn't breath. Not to mention the fact that Ferris is also allergic.
We knew from the start that no matter how much the cat settled in - we needed to find him another home.
So I called every vet in town and all the rescue places asking if anyone was missing a very cuddly black cat.
I posted signs around the neighborhood. Then we settled the cat into a nice bed in the basement - so we could get some dander reprieve.
What to do ...what to do?
That's when I got an email. From a blogger. A blogger who said she and her family wanted a cat!!
We made arrangements, I loaded the little guy into a carrier and off we went.
Perhaps it was the carrier, perhaps it was the hot sun, maybe not being able to see out the windows... but my little friend lost everything he'd eaten that day.
In the carrier.
I had no paper towels.
We pulled over to clean up - I sacrificed a scarf from the glove box and a map of Orange County. The cat waited until I had most of the mess cleaned up then came out of the carrier and got quietly into the backseat where he rode the rest of the way, happily watching the world go by.
We got to his new home and he jumped out of the car with me, and walked into their house just like it was his own.
I hear he is doing just fine. He now has a cat friend, more dog friends and kids to play with. Surely a rich and loving environment.
Doncha just love happy endings.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Friday
tip-o-day
It's a good idea to carry some paper towels and a small plastic bag in your car. Stick them in the trunk or under the seat out of the way. This way you are always ready for the unexpected to happen.
You never know when you may need to wipe up a spill, and you be totally prepared if say... a passenger succumbs to a little motion sickness.
It's a good idea to carry some paper towels and a small plastic bag in your car. Stick them in the trunk or under the seat out of the way. This way you are always ready for the unexpected to happen.
You never know when you may need to wipe up a spill, and you be totally prepared if say... a passenger succumbs to a little motion sickness.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Just waiting for the phone to ring
I just posted signs around the neighborhood.
As soon as I can get this cat off my lap perhaps I can post more pics of the whole story.
For now... here's just one more... for Val. :)
Monday, January 26, 2009
meow
It's a good thing I don't have a job yet.
For the last couple days my attentive wife and I have been hearing a cat meowing somewhere close by. It's not our feral ... she makes absolutely no sounds. If you're feral - that's just smart.
Today I sighted the cat.
He is in a tree in our neighbors yard.
o dear.
I think he may have been up there for days.
And its been below 10 degrees at night.
o dear.
I've called the police. I hope they show up soon.
UPDATE:
I got the cat out of the tree.
He was VERY hungry.
He is in my kitchen now.
eek.
For the last couple days my attentive wife and I have been hearing a cat meowing somewhere close by. It's not our feral ... she makes absolutely no sounds. If you're feral - that's just smart.
Today I sighted the cat.
He is in a tree in our neighbors yard.
o dear.
I think he may have been up there for days.
And its been below 10 degrees at night.
o dear.
I've called the police. I hope they show up soon.
UPDATE:
I got the cat out of the tree.
He was VERY hungry.
He is in my kitchen now.
eek.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Friday
tip-o-day
Today in New England we are having a mini January thaw. It's just the one day, so we'll have to make time to take advantage of it.
Try not to miss these little gifts. Be sure and get outside on days like this to soak up your fair share of vitamin D. Even if you happen to have a job... where you might have a busy work day, take a walk to get your lunch - or if you have a luncheon meeting - steal 5 minutes from your afternoon to step outside the office and walk around the parking lot.
You will be pleasantly surprised at how much better you feel after just a short time in the sunshine.
Today in New England we are having a mini January thaw. It's just the one day, so we'll have to make time to take advantage of it.
Try not to miss these little gifts. Be sure and get outside on days like this to soak up your fair share of vitamin D. Even if you happen to have a job... where you might have a busy work day, take a walk to get your lunch - or if you have a luncheon meeting - steal 5 minutes from your afternoon to step outside the office and walk around the parking lot.
You will be pleasantly surprised at how much better you feel after just a short time in the sunshine.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
a new economy
So what would you do if you had no job and alot of time on your hands?
Home improvment?
Well, that's what I would do of course.
Current projects include, but are not limited too, revamps of our basement and attic.
You know... keeping your basement and attic spaces free of clutter and organized is good for your Chi. When these areas are not kept tidy it can have an effect on your mood, your attitude and your well being. These in turn affect all aspects of your life.
Also - I am doing my part for America. Its important in these hard economic times to keep the economy moving along. To pull our weight I am internet shopping today for major appliances. These include (and are also not limited too) a refrigerator, a laptop, a shopvac, and a sewing machine. (If anyone has sewing machine advice - please let me know. This is uncharted territory.)
Now I've got to go apply for unemployment. I mean... somebody has to pay for all this stuff.
Home improvment?
Well, that's what I would do of course.
Current projects include, but are not limited too, revamps of our basement and attic.
You know... keeping your basement and attic spaces free of clutter and organized is good for your Chi. When these areas are not kept tidy it can have an effect on your mood, your attitude and your well being. These in turn affect all aspects of your life.
Also - I am doing my part for America. Its important in these hard economic times to keep the economy moving along. To pull our weight I am internet shopping today for major appliances. These include (and are also not limited too) a refrigerator, a laptop, a shopvac, and a sewing machine. (If anyone has sewing machine advice - please let me know. This is uncharted territory.)
Now I've got to go apply for unemployment. I mean... somebody has to pay for all this stuff.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
One man's garbage... is still really garbage.
Sometime back in the 70's there were these ad campaigns to get dumb Americans to stop tossing their trash around. I am sure you remember the commercial made famous by the single tear rolling down the weather beaten face of a Native American.
Personally, I never really understood why people would toss around trash in the first place. Why is it we need to be told not to be slobs?
Anyway... it was around that time when I read an article about the dangers of those plastic ring things which hold a six pack of soda cans together. These were invented because Americans are evidently too lazy to purchase individual cans of soda. Well these items of 'convenience' were wreaking havoc out in the Nature. Animals were becoming entangled in them or even strangled by them. The plastic was too strong for them to break free of. And of course - plastic lasts forever.
This broke my heart.
Since that day, if I ever encounter one of those little nasties - I cut them into several pieces. Granted - it's still evil plastic, but at least little animals won't get hurt by playing with it.
Ok.. so now here we were last month setting up our Christmas tree. And it was wrapped in that ubiquitous tree 'netting'.
This netting totally freaked me out.
I mean just look at it.
This is clearly some dangerous stuff.
I kept thinking of the baby animals.
I had to save the animals.
And so I started snipping... and snipping... and snipping
Until I had a pile of teeny tiny little plastic bits.
The bits were everywhere. They were all over the table, stuck to the chairs, spilled onto the floor... they were on my socks and my sleeves. They were very tiny bits.
I am still finding them -a month later.
But the baby animals are safe.
So I feel better.
Personally, I never really understood why people would toss around trash in the first place. Why is it we need to be told not to be slobs?
Anyway... it was around that time when I read an article about the dangers of those plastic ring things which hold a six pack of soda cans together. These were invented because Americans are evidently too lazy to purchase individual cans of soda. Well these items of 'convenience' were wreaking havoc out in the Nature. Animals were becoming entangled in them or even strangled by them. The plastic was too strong for them to break free of. And of course - plastic lasts forever.
This broke my heart.
Since that day, if I ever encounter one of those little nasties - I cut them into several pieces. Granted - it's still evil plastic, but at least little animals won't get hurt by playing with it.
Ok.. so now here we were last month setting up our Christmas tree. And it was wrapped in that ubiquitous tree 'netting'.
This netting totally freaked me out.
I mean just look at it.
This is clearly some dangerous stuff.I kept thinking of the baby animals.
I had to save the animals.
And so I started snipping... and snipping... and snipping
Until I had a pile of teeny tiny little plastic bits.
The bits were everywhere. They were all over the table, stuck to the chairs, spilled onto the floor... they were on my socks and my sleeves. They were very tiny bits.
I am still finding them -a month later.
But the baby animals are safe.
So I feel better.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
when endings can be beginnings or beginnings end up as endings...
Yeah... I quit the new job.
Now I need another new job.
Really I think I just preferred being unemployed. Hey - I am married now, so my wife has to support me... right?
Now I need another new job.
Really I think I just preferred being unemployed. Hey - I am married now, so my wife has to support me... right?
Monday, January 12, 2009
...and endings
We lost this huge birch in the ice storm last week.
We actually sorta 'stole' this tree from some field somewhere. We had just moved into our house (about 20 years ago) and really wanted a birch tree. So we plucked a little sapling and took it home. Over the years my green-thumbed wife has moved it around the yard a couple times.
It finally ended up in on of our favorite spots in the back yard. We had a bench there, placed so strategically that you could sit naked and not be seen by any or our neighbors.
Looks like our spring projects are starting to line themselves up.
Monday, January 05, 2009
new beginnings
no no no... not about the marriage.
We've been at that a long time, remember.
Oh, but ... thank you all very, very much for your well wishes. And know that we want to have a celebratory cocktail with each and every one of you. Seriously.
ok... about the beginnings.
I am totally wiped out tonight. Why?
I started a new job today.
whew.
My head nearly exploded by the time I came home this evening. My legally- married wife poured me a glass (or glasses) of wine.
I am sipping that now.
I am decompressing.
And I am very, very behind on all your blogs... going to catch up now.
We've been at that a long time, remember.
Oh, but ... thank you all very, very much for your well wishes. And know that we want to have a celebratory cocktail with each and every one of you. Seriously.
ok... about the beginnings.
I am totally wiped out tonight. Why?
I started a new job today.
whew.
My head nearly exploded by the time I came home this evening. My legally- married wife poured me a glass (or glasses) of wine.
I am sipping that now.
I am decompressing.
And I am very, very behind on all your blogs... going to catch up now.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
It's all about the beni's
When I lost my job in November... hmm, "lost" - I didn't technically 'lose' anything.
I mean..you 'lose' your keys, you can 'lose' weight...but if I lost my job -- wouldn't that mean I might find it again.
Anyway... I digress.
Technically, I was an employee until Friday, January 2nd. Which means that our health benefits were good until that date. Years ago when I started with this company they were very progressive in their support of domestic partnership benefits which even allowed us to have Ferris on the plan.
So, the week before Christmas my hard working wife inquired at her job only to find that since Connecticut laws have changed - companies now require same sex couples be married to be eligible for benefits.
Hmm, ok - no problem. We'll visit the town hall sign some papers and hey... what the heck we'll take the kids out to dinner to celebrate.
It would be our 'marriage of convenience.'
Welp... when our dearest friends Betsy and Sammy heard of our plans - they would have none of that.
With a week to plan and organize and acquire - these two warm and wonderfully amazing people, with artistic help from Sue (and accomplices Kate and Karen) turned our home into a veritable marriage wonderland.
We then contacted our oldest friends in the world, Elaina and Alan, who knew us when we were first falling in love - back in the 80's with our big hair and parachute pants. Elaina is a Rabbi and we wanted to know if she would be able to marry us in a civil ceremony.
After some legal investigating - she left a simple message on our machine days before the wedding.
"Yay, yay, yay!"
And so on January 2nd, 2009 in front of our families and a small group of friends-
we were married by a Rabbi
and Bets.
We love them more than we can express.
We exchanged ALL of the rings we have given each other over the years.
Our kids helped out by holding all the rings...
And we took turns telling the story of each one.
And now... finally, when I speak of my many-adjectived wife - she really is, legally and binding, with all the benefits...
my wife.
the special, stunning, sexy, sultry, silly, seven
I mean..you 'lose' your keys, you can 'lose' weight...but if I lost my job -- wouldn't that mean I might find it again.
Anyway... I digress.
Technically, I was an employee until Friday, January 2nd. Which means that our health benefits were good until that date. Years ago when I started with this company they were very progressive in their support of domestic partnership benefits which even allowed us to have Ferris on the plan.
So, the week before Christmas my hard working wife inquired at her job only to find that since Connecticut laws have changed - companies now require same sex couples be married to be eligible for benefits.
Hmm, ok - no problem. We'll visit the town hall sign some papers and hey... what the heck we'll take the kids out to dinner to celebrate.
It would be our 'marriage of convenience.'
Welp... when our dearest friends Betsy and Sammy heard of our plans - they would have none of that.
With a week to plan and organize and acquire - these two warm and wonderfully amazing people, with artistic help from Sue (and accomplices Kate and Karen) turned our home into a veritable marriage wonderland.
We then contacted our oldest friends in the world, Elaina and Alan, who knew us when we were first falling in love - back in the 80's with our big hair and parachute pants. Elaina is a Rabbi and we wanted to know if she would be able to marry us in a civil ceremony.
After some legal investigating - she left a simple message on our machine days before the wedding.
"Yay, yay, yay!"
And so on January 2nd, 2009 in front of our families and a small group of friends-
we were married by a Rabbi
In our home - made magical with tasty food, stunning flowers and love
put together by
Sammy
put together by
and Bets.
We love them more than we can express.
We exchanged ALL of the rings we have given each other over the years.
Our kids helped out by holding all the rings...
And we took turns telling the story of each one.
And now... finally, when I speak of my many-adjectived wife - she really is, legally and binding, with all the benefits...
my wife.
the special, stunning, sexy, sultry, silly, seven
in birth order no less...
sue, my wife, weese, karen, bets, kate, sammy
maybe later in the week I will tell you about the beer pong game...
sue, my wife, weese, karen, bets, kate, sammy
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Happy Happy Joy Joy
oops...did I forget to wish everyone a happy holiday?
eek. we've been a little busy.
more on that soon.
eek. we've been a little busy.
more on that soon.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Didja hear the one about...
News comes to me slowly, and my main news source is conversation, so I don't blog about it much.
But did you hear this...
source: Philippe Naughton
I think Mr. Pope-head is forgetting that the biggest driving force behind saving the rainforest is those damned tree-hugging gays.
But did you hear this...
"Pope Benedict was accused of stoking homophobia today after a speech in which he declared that saving humanity from homosexuality was just as important as saving the rainforest from destruction."
source: Philippe Naughton
I think Mr. Pope-head is forgetting that the biggest driving force behind saving the rainforest is those damned tree-hugging gays.
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