Arrgghh. I feel lousy. And I'm gonna feel worse by tomorrow. I can just feel the towering wave of sickiness waiting to engulf me the minute I let my guard down. Guuuuh.
I'm already coughing and sniffling. I just feel sick, you know?
I want soup.
And I have to sit through a whole day's worth of health and safety training today. Every time I cough, people think it's funny to make some sort of remark like "don't get near me!" or "ooh, bird flu!" or some other example of office humour that makes me want to never laugh again.
However, last night I made the super-decadent 4 cheese mac n' cheese. I made it a BIT healthier with 2% milk instead of 1/2 and 1/2, and whole wheat pasta, but still. Man was it good. So, so much cheese. If anyone wants the recipe, I can give it to you. It's hella easy.
Now I must go back into the conference room. I know you all wish you could come with me.
At least I now have a nifty new terrible towel to stick in my back pocket, which will help get me through the day. Thinking of how much the Steelers are going to kick ass. Mmm.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Friday, January 27, 2006
Aaaah! Performance Review!
Time for our annual performance review. I know it'll be fine, but I'm just a bit worried. In addition to our bosses, we also get reviews from other people we work with. Except we have to pick who gives us reviews. It's always so difficult to try to figure out who to pick. You want a good review, obviously, but you also want the person to have enough experience with you to have something substantive to say. But not bad.
It's also hard to know what to think when you're picked to give someone else a review, because you're trying to figure out what they were thinking when they picked you to give them a review. Do they think you'll give them a good review? Were they out of other people to ask? Do they want you to be honest and objective because maybe they're a better person than you and really think that a performance review is a good opportunity for growth and improvement? Or did they think you'd be too rushed to do a complete job and are banking on you doing a crappy job?
Ah, Machiavelli. Thank goodness you gave us a word to use when talking about office politics.
It's also hard to know what to think when you're picked to give someone else a review, because you're trying to figure out what they were thinking when they picked you to give them a review. Do they think you'll give them a good review? Were they out of other people to ask? Do they want you to be honest and objective because maybe they're a better person than you and really think that a performance review is a good opportunity for growth and improvement? Or did they think you'd be too rushed to do a complete job and are banking on you doing a crappy job?
Ah, Machiavelli. Thank goodness you gave us a word to use when talking about office politics.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Finally!
Pittsburgh once again has cause to cry out Super Steelers!
For those of you who may not understand this, I come from Pittsburgh, where the Steelers are just a part of the culture. I know it doesn't seem like I'm the kind of person to get worked up about football, but then, you're probably not from a place where football is such an ingrained part of life. When I was home this Christmas, I was once again amazed at how many people wear Steelers stuff every single day, football season or not; game day or not. It's part of life, you know? To the extent where my semi-sister Melanie even got excited about the game, and she's all snobby and lives in Brooklyn and goes to like art shows and stuff. It's in our blood, practically. Syracuse is NOT like this at all. We have SU, but it's certainly not as pervasive as the Steelers are in the 'Burgh.
Also, we actually have a good shot at winning this year *squeal!*!! Having Bowl party either at my house or at my friend's (she has TiVo!). You're all invited :)
In other news, bank has cleared up the problem, but by the end of the month, I'll definitely no longer be banking with them. Turns out someone entered my acccount number instead of the amount of the check, then to fix that, debited my account for that $2,000,000. The debit went through before the credit, hence the fact my account was negative $2,000,000 and basically unuseable. They're going to rebate those fees and stuff, but for heaven's sake! I've banked with HSBC for a good long while, and nothing like this has ever, EVER happened! Yeesh.
For those of you who may not understand this, I come from Pittsburgh, where the Steelers are just a part of the culture. I know it doesn't seem like I'm the kind of person to get worked up about football, but then, you're probably not from a place where football is such an ingrained part of life. When I was home this Christmas, I was once again amazed at how many people wear Steelers stuff every single day, football season or not; game day or not. It's part of life, you know? To the extent where my semi-sister Melanie even got excited about the game, and she's all snobby and lives in Brooklyn and goes to like art shows and stuff. It's in our blood, practically. Syracuse is NOT like this at all. We have SU, but it's certainly not as pervasive as the Steelers are in the 'Burgh.
Also, we actually have a good shot at winning this year *squeal!*!! Having Bowl party either at my house or at my friend's (she has TiVo!). You're all invited :)
In other news, bank has cleared up the problem, but by the end of the month, I'll definitely no longer be banking with them. Turns out someone entered my acccount number instead of the amount of the check, then to fix that, debited my account for that $2,000,000. The debit went through before the credit, hence the fact my account was negative $2,000,000 and basically unuseable. They're going to rebate those fees and stuff, but for heaven's sake! I've banked with HSBC for a good long while, and nothing like this has ever, EVER happened! Yeesh.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
ARGH! I HAVE NO MONEY!!
My company was bought by a large holdings company. There is aparently a third company who handles payroll, and they LOST my ENTIRE company's data file. Nobody got their direct deposits on Friday like we should have. They issued us live checks, but my bank put a hold on it because it's out of state, even though I told them there was an 800 number they could call to avoid putting a hold on it. The bank argued and argued with me until I gave up in disgust. I've not had a bad experience with HSBC before, but I also haven't had any really good experiences, either. Even ordering checks, I always felt like I was really inconveniencing the person on the other end. I think it might be time to switch banks.
Now I still have no money. Also, I owe lots on my corporate AMEX, which is totally not my fault, either, and I could've paid most of the bill last Friday if my paycheck was direct deposited properly. ARGH. I'm so godsdamned frustrated it's not even funny.
In other news, my Grammy is pretty much done for. Not to be crude about it. She's very frail, and doing surgery or anything might wind up being way more trouble than it's worth. To be totally honest, when I saw how weak and old and just not good she looked over Christmas, I sort of started trying to get used to the idea of life without her. But like I said, she's really had a very good, long life.
I really wish people would quit with the sickness already. Also, my mom's cousin has breast cancer, so good thoughts for her, too.
I'm running out of good thoughts, though. Also, my sleep, health, and sense of humour are suffering this week. I really want this to be over. Not just the money part.
Well, happy new year.
Addendum: Just checked my account balance over the phone to see if my paycheck has cleared, and was told that my account is $2 MILLION dollars in the hole. I asked them what the hell is going on, and they told me there was some error or something. Well, duh.
Now I still have no money. Also, I owe lots on my corporate AMEX, which is totally not my fault, either, and I could've paid most of the bill last Friday if my paycheck was direct deposited properly. ARGH. I'm so godsdamned frustrated it's not even funny.
In other news, my Grammy is pretty much done for. Not to be crude about it. She's very frail, and doing surgery or anything might wind up being way more trouble than it's worth. To be totally honest, when I saw how weak and old and just not good she looked over Christmas, I sort of started trying to get used to the idea of life without her. But like I said, she's really had a very good, long life.
I really wish people would quit with the sickness already. Also, my mom's cousin has breast cancer, so good thoughts for her, too.
I'm running out of good thoughts, though. Also, my sleep, health, and sense of humour are suffering this week. I really want this to be over. Not just the money part.
Well, happy new year.
Addendum: Just checked my account balance over the phone to see if my paycheck has cleared, and was told that my account is $2 MILLION dollars in the hole. I asked them what the hell is going on, and they told me there was some error or something. Well, duh.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Wistful sigh...
Good thoughts go out to our gramma, who is in the hospital with a mass on her pancreas. I've been told that pancreatic cancer is not easy to treat, plus the woman is something like 87 years old, so frankly, we'd better start getting used to the idea that she may not make it. Although, I have to say, she's had a good run. If there's anyone who can pass away peacefully in the knowledge that she did the best she could, all the time, and had a positive impact on people, it's her. She's pretty neat.
I was remarking last night with Joel about how I feel sad, yes, but not cheated when someone elderly dies. I think when I'm that old, I'll have had about enough, so just give me some pillows and internet access and let me go. I can't stand the thought of being kept alive and in pain just... just because, as far as I can tell. What a terrible thing. If I'm 90 years old, I know there's not a damn bit of good that a feeding tube will ultimately do me. Just let me have a bit of dignity and peace, ok? Anyway, these are my thoughts today. Later skater.
I was remarking last night with Joel about how I feel sad, yes, but not cheated when someone elderly dies. I think when I'm that old, I'll have had about enough, so just give me some pillows and internet access and let me go. I can't stand the thought of being kept alive and in pain just... just because, as far as I can tell. What a terrible thing. If I'm 90 years old, I know there's not a damn bit of good that a feeding tube will ultimately do me. Just let me have a bit of dignity and peace, ok? Anyway, these are my thoughts today. Later skater.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Dreamy...
I had this really erotic dream last night that is just staying with me all day. You know what I mean? Just keeps popping into my head. Very sexy, it was. Anyway, I was hooking up kinkily with this guy (not a bad phrase there, you have to admit). Not the Joelster, sorry to say. But I've been thinking about it all today, trying to figure out who it could be. Bald, sort of pale, with these big black tattoos, especially on his .... hm ... on his chest ... and arms. And hm. Did I have an erotic dream about Spider Jerusalem?
Monday, January 09, 2006
Oops...
I just realized I've been going through life with comment moderation on. I was all sad 'cause I thought nobody was commenting on my poor blog, but it turns out I'm just a little dumb. Oh, these computer things and their interwebnet. Grr.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Thought you'd like this...
I loves me some Dan Savage, and usually find him entertaining, thought-provoking, and well-written. This is quite good:
Joking about Christianity isn't evidence that I'm intolerant—hell, I'm perfectly willing to tolerate Christians. I have never, for instance, attempted to prevent Christians from marrying each other, or tried to stop them from adopting children, or worked to make it illegal for them to hold certain jobs. I don't threaten to boycott companies that market their products to Christians, and I don't organize letter-writing campaigns to complain about Christian characters on television.
Joking about Christianity isn't evidence that I'm intolerant—hell, I'm perfectly willing to tolerate Christians. I have never, for instance, attempted to prevent Christians from marrying each other, or tried to stop them from adopting children, or worked to make it illegal for them to hold certain jobs. I don't threaten to boycott companies that market their products to Christians, and I don't organize letter-writing campaigns to complain about Christian characters on television.
Critical Thinking vs. Science Education
A lot of people keep harping on how the US needs better science education in its schools. This is inaccurate. We need a total change in how science is taught in schools, moving away from a collection of facts and towards teaching students critical thinking skills. I didn't have any exposure to critical thinking until the Amazing Professor Gorovitz at Syracuse University. I took a class with him called "Decision Making," but what it really was was critical thinking. Add onto that the geology classes, and the office cleanout of retiring professor of geology and locally renowned skeptic and cyclist Bryce Hand (where I first encountered Skeptical Inquirer), and you get, well me.
But my point is that I'd still be floating along thinking "yes, of course we know all that, but I still feel there's something more out there, I mean, we don't know everything..." if my education in geology hadn't been assisted by my education in how to think.
Just throwing money at public schools for computers and fancy interactive lessons isn't going to solve the problem. Those kids are still going out into the world with no idea how to tell truth from untruth, how to do their own research and not listen to the first person who comes along.
This is about more than creationism or alien abductions or crystal powers. People who lack critical thinking skills are at risk of making bad consumer decisions. They can be duped into spending their money unwisely at best or dangerously at worst. They can be tempted with promises of miracle cancer treatments at the expense of real medicine, can be assured that the perpetual energy device they're investing their savings in will have a 300% return, or that the preacher guy on TV really, really needs their money, even if they can't really afford to give it away.
So teach kids how to think before they get out into the world.
Maybe later this week, I'll post on the horrific concept of "what harm does it do?"
But my point is that I'd still be floating along thinking "yes, of course we know all that, but I still feel there's something more out there, I mean, we don't know everything..." if my education in geology hadn't been assisted by my education in how to think.
Just throwing money at public schools for computers and fancy interactive lessons isn't going to solve the problem. Those kids are still going out into the world with no idea how to tell truth from untruth, how to do their own research and not listen to the first person who comes along.
This is about more than creationism or alien abductions or crystal powers. People who lack critical thinking skills are at risk of making bad consumer decisions. They can be duped into spending their money unwisely at best or dangerously at worst. They can be tempted with promises of miracle cancer treatments at the expense of real medicine, can be assured that the perpetual energy device they're investing their savings in will have a 300% return, or that the preacher guy on TV really, really needs their money, even if they can't really afford to give it away.
So teach kids how to think before they get out into the world.
Maybe later this week, I'll post on the horrific concept of "what harm does it do?"
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
They say work is its own reward. How frightening.
Well, here I am sitting at my computer at the end of the day, knowing, KNOWING that the rest of the week is going to suck. Suck bad. It's cold, damp, and the next week is going to be 12 hour days outside in the dirt and wet. I know it's what I signed on for, and when I'm not working 12 hour days outside in the dirt and wet, I get antsy. But still.
On an even grimmer side, I thought you might all like to know that the Joelster's mum isn't doing so hot. Like, in the sense that they're not even going to bother with another round of chemo, because it will tax her body and not do any good, they don't think. So she's going home from the hospital today, and her and Joel have some scary, unpleasant realities to discuss this week. Luckily, I have a rental car this week, so Joel's able to head down there. But still. Send warm fuzzy thoughts. It doesn't help that Joelster's mum and his gramma are at odds almost constantly, and that Joel's gramma needs more mental propping up than Joel's mom. Which is frustrating for Joel's mum because she's the one who's terminally ill, so that's awkward.
Anyway, time for burritos and time with my new birthday friend :D Have a lovely day.
On an even grimmer side, I thought you might all like to know that the Joelster's mum isn't doing so hot. Like, in the sense that they're not even going to bother with another round of chemo, because it will tax her body and not do any good, they don't think. So she's going home from the hospital today, and her and Joel have some scary, unpleasant realities to discuss this week. Luckily, I have a rental car this week, so Joel's able to head down there. But still. Send warm fuzzy thoughts. It doesn't help that Joelster's mum and his gramma are at odds almost constantly, and that Joel's gramma needs more mental propping up than Joel's mom. Which is frustrating for Joel's mum because she's the one who's terminally ill, so that's awkward.
Anyway, time for burritos and time with my new birthday friend :D Have a lovely day.
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