Not much to tell, but it's somewhat significant.
I haven't heard from Rick yet, and I was getting a little worried that the whole thing might fizzle out. Even with everything that's happened, nothing has really happened. I haven't performed, money hasn't been discussed, and no one is telling me to run out and get an agent. This is all still in the "wildest dream" category.
Friday night, Tracey and I went to Flappers for the latest installment of Donita's Comedy Education. A couple of the comics were good, the others so-so. Any time I see any comic, good or bad, I learn something.
Throughout the show, Rick popped in and out to serve the customers, or just to watch. He gave me a nice hello as he breezed by. So, ok, he hasn't forgotten who I am. After the show, on the way out, he shook my hand and said, "Nice to see you here. It'll be better to see you up there." I smiled and said, "Well, I'm just waiting to hear from you." He said, "You'll be getting an email from me very soon." I thanked him and left. What a relief! The dream is still on track.
And I practice, practice, practice...
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Deven and Joel
We saw their show on Friday night. What great fun! Everyone should see Deven and Joel.
Deven Green and Joel Bryant are a married couple and comedy duo. She's tall, lanky and gorgeous, he's compact and rather hunky. On stage their physical contrast is striking, and it works really well in their act. Deven uses her body in a way that seems to extend the height of the stage to the ceiling. She's like a beautiful spider monkey.
Once they hit the stage their energy is nonstop. They toss the focus back and forth like comedy ping-pong. Everything they do is tight and purposeful, and they have total command of the room. The way they relate to each other is charming, and you really feel that you're watching two people who are in love and who love performing together.
For one bit they invite a couple from the audience to come up on stage. One night Lindsay and Kyle were that couple. The couple stands next to a table that has a hotel desk bell (for correct answers) and an electric buzzer (for wrong answers). Deven and Joel go into a little scenario and make statements about the couple, and they will hit either the bell or the buzzer to move the story forward. It's pretty funny. At one point the husband and wife were whacking that bell almost constantly in response to the silliest statements. The room roared.
They did this thing I've seen on Who's Line is it Anyway, where they'll hand microphones to a couple of audience members and have them provide the sound effects for the story. That's always a risky thing to do, because you never know if those people will understand what they're supposed to do. It took some prompting, but eventually they got it rolling. The woman who had a mike never did get it, but Deven and Joel used that and made it funny anyway.
The whole show was really fun. Deven sang a couple of her mash-ups and played her uke. Later in the show they did a funny and rather touching pantomime about the evolution of their relationship. I'd like to see them as often as I can.
They're coming to Claremont next month.
Deven Green and Joel Bryant are a married couple and comedy duo. She's tall, lanky and gorgeous, he's compact and rather hunky. On stage their physical contrast is striking, and it works really well in their act. Deven uses her body in a way that seems to extend the height of the stage to the ceiling. She's like a beautiful spider monkey.
Once they hit the stage their energy is nonstop. They toss the focus back and forth like comedy ping-pong. Everything they do is tight and purposeful, and they have total command of the room. The way they relate to each other is charming, and you really feel that you're watching two people who are in love and who love performing together.
For one bit they invite a couple from the audience to come up on stage. One night Lindsay and Kyle were that couple. The couple stands next to a table that has a hotel desk bell (for correct answers) and an electric buzzer (for wrong answers). Deven and Joel go into a little scenario and make statements about the couple, and they will hit either the bell or the buzzer to move the story forward. It's pretty funny. At one point the husband and wife were whacking that bell almost constantly in response to the silliest statements. The room roared.
They did this thing I've seen on Who's Line is it Anyway, where they'll hand microphones to a couple of audience members and have them provide the sound effects for the story. That's always a risky thing to do, because you never know if those people will understand what they're supposed to do. It took some prompting, but eventually they got it rolling. The woman who had a mike never did get it, but Deven and Joel used that and made it funny anyway.
The whole show was really fun. Deven sang a couple of her mash-ups and played her uke. Later in the show they did a funny and rather touching pantomime about the evolution of their relationship. I'd like to see them as often as I can.
They're coming to Claremont next month.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
I'm in!
Holy moley!
Tracey and I went to Claremont this evening for my audition. It wasn't really an audition, because I already auditioned, but I didn't know that that's what I was doing. This was just so the manager of the Claremont Flappers could hear what I do so he could figure out how or where to place me. Still, that didn't keep me from being nervous and jumpy. So, I guess it's kinda good that things worked out the way they did.
Rick, the manager, wasn't there this evening, so I ended up performing for Onely (pronounced Oh-nellie), who is kind of like the assistant manager. I'm not sure what Onely's title is. Anyway, she's a sweet little gal and she does a lot to help run the place. There was only one other comic there to audition, so I performed for three people- Tracey, Onely and young dude. The performance was video taped. I sang Phone Sex. I felt pretty good about how I did.
When I was finished, Onely was very enthusiastic. She said she'd pass her recommendation along to Rick. She said she was sure they'd want me to perform there. Tracey and I left and went to dinner. Later we went back to see tonight's show. While we were waiting to go in, Rick came out and talked to me a little. He said he was disappointed that he missed my audition. I told him I'm available any time if he wants to see me. He said he was trying to massage the show a little so he could give me seven minutes to perform (what, like, tonight??? YES!).
The headliner tonight was Willie Barcena. Good lord, he KILLED. Johnny Rogue was the emcee, and Omar Covarrubias was the featured performer. He's a magician, and he was very good. Willie Barcena was supposed to do 45 minutes, but he went for well over an hour. Ohmygod, we were laughing so hard. My face hurt!
Afterward, Rick said he was sorry he couldn't get me on. Jeez, I didn't care! We'd had such a good time. He said that for sure I'll be performing, he's just not sure right now just when. It'll probably be this Friday or next. He'll let me know.
And when he does, I'll let all of you know.
Tracey and I went to Claremont this evening for my audition. It wasn't really an audition, because I already auditioned, but I didn't know that that's what I was doing. This was just so the manager of the Claremont Flappers could hear what I do so he could figure out how or where to place me. Still, that didn't keep me from being nervous and jumpy. So, I guess it's kinda good that things worked out the way they did.
Rick, the manager, wasn't there this evening, so I ended up performing for Onely (pronounced Oh-nellie), who is kind of like the assistant manager. I'm not sure what Onely's title is. Anyway, she's a sweet little gal and she does a lot to help run the place. There was only one other comic there to audition, so I performed for three people- Tracey, Onely and young dude. The performance was video taped. I sang Phone Sex. I felt pretty good about how I did.
When I was finished, Onely was very enthusiastic. She said she'd pass her recommendation along to Rick. She said she was sure they'd want me to perform there. Tracey and I left and went to dinner. Later we went back to see tonight's show. While we were waiting to go in, Rick came out and talked to me a little. He said he was disappointed that he missed my audition. I told him I'm available any time if he wants to see me. He said he was trying to massage the show a little so he could give me seven minutes to perform (what, like, tonight??? YES!).
The headliner tonight was Willie Barcena. Good lord, he KILLED. Johnny Rogue was the emcee, and Omar Covarrubias was the featured performer. He's a magician, and he was very good. Willie Barcena was supposed to do 45 minutes, but he went for well over an hour. Ohmygod, we were laughing so hard. My face hurt!
Afterward, Rick said he was sorry he couldn't get me on. Jeez, I didn't care! We'd had such a good time. He said that for sure I'll be performing, he's just not sure right now just when. It'll probably be this Friday or next. He'll let me know.
And when he does, I'll let all of you know.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Studying comedy
Ok, if I'm going to do this thing (Whatever it is. I still don't know) I'm going to have to incorporate some stand-up into it. I do need to have an act. I can't just get up there and sing songs. As a performer, one thing I NEVER had a desire to do is stand-up. I'm waaay too fragile. And chicken.
So, I'm now studying how to be a comedian. Flappers offers classes in improv and stand-up, and I would love to take them once I find out where this is going, but these classes are $300 a pop. I do think it would be helpful to take a class. I can be funny and I have written some funny songs, but how does one write jokes? I've been a smart-ass all my life, but I can tell you from personal experience that people don't always appreciate my sense of humor.
So, I'm going to immerse myself in the comedy world, at least as much as I can afford. Last night I went to Flappers Claremont for a Habitat for Humanity benefit show. There were four comics with Michael Rayner as the headliner. I guess I should be writing down the names of all these comics so I can remember them. I'm glad I went because the whole evening was very instructive.
The first three comics (two women and a guy) were uneven and only mildly funny. One woman joked about being red-headed and very white. You can only take that so far. The other woman, who was also the emcee, joked about dating and how creepy she is. Hmmm. Her jokes felt like she wrote them after goofing around with her friends and then writing down what they laughed at. They fell pretty flat. The third comic was a Middle Eastern guy who was a bit funnier. Still, he danced around the race thing, which seemed to make people uncomfortable (mostly older people in the audience). The race thing is tricky. The race thing is advanced.
The fourth opening comic was Jason Dudey, gay guy who really was quite funny. He talked about several subjects, and his point of view was skewed a bit sideways. His jokes were funnier.
I had seen Michael Rayner before, but I can't remember where. Anyway, look him up on Youtube. I'm having trouble posting a link here. He's a nerdy-looking juggler, and he's freaking hilarious. He opened by making a chicken out of a towel. Pretty silly trick. Then he got out an old-fashioned tennis racket and a couple of sticks. He got the racket up in the air and kept it there by knocking it between the sticks. It really looked like it was going to slip, but it never did. He balanced a wheelbarrow on his chin, and he spun a cheeseburger on a parasol. Everything he did had a loose and uncontrolled look to it, which made you think he wasn't going to be able to pull it off. I enjoyed that. He disguised his skill. The jokes were good and his delivery was loud and silly.
So, what can I do with this info? I don't need a lot of jokes, and they don't even need to be all that funny. They just can't fall flat. The jokes will serve as a transition between the songs. I've messed around with banter, but it was always just me goofing around with the audience. That's ok, and it works, but I think I need to step it up a little. I just need to figure out what will work for me.
In the meantime, I'll enjoy going to comedy shows. A lot of them.
So, I'm now studying how to be a comedian. Flappers offers classes in improv and stand-up, and I would love to take them once I find out where this is going, but these classes are $300 a pop. I do think it would be helpful to take a class. I can be funny and I have written some funny songs, but how does one write jokes? I've been a smart-ass all my life, but I can tell you from personal experience that people don't always appreciate my sense of humor.
So, I'm going to immerse myself in the comedy world, at least as much as I can afford. Last night I went to Flappers Claremont for a Habitat for Humanity benefit show. There were four comics with Michael Rayner as the headliner. I guess I should be writing down the names of all these comics so I can remember them. I'm glad I went because the whole evening was very instructive.
The first three comics (two women and a guy) were uneven and only mildly funny. One woman joked about being red-headed and very white. You can only take that so far. The other woman, who was also the emcee, joked about dating and how creepy she is. Hmmm. Her jokes felt like she wrote them after goofing around with her friends and then writing down what they laughed at. They fell pretty flat. The third comic was a Middle Eastern guy who was a bit funnier. Still, he danced around the race thing, which seemed to make people uncomfortable (mostly older people in the audience). The race thing is tricky. The race thing is advanced.
The fourth opening comic was Jason Dudey, gay guy who really was quite funny. He talked about several subjects, and his point of view was skewed a bit sideways. His jokes were funnier.
I had seen Michael Rayner before, but I can't remember where. Anyway, look him up on Youtube. I'm having trouble posting a link here. He's a nerdy-looking juggler, and he's freaking hilarious. He opened by making a chicken out of a towel. Pretty silly trick. Then he got out an old-fashioned tennis racket and a couple of sticks. He got the racket up in the air and kept it there by knocking it between the sticks. It really looked like it was going to slip, but it never did. He balanced a wheelbarrow on his chin, and he spun a cheeseburger on a parasol. Everything he did had a loose and uncontrolled look to it, which made you think he wasn't going to be able to pull it off. I enjoyed that. He disguised his skill. The jokes were good and his delivery was loud and silly.
So, what can I do with this info? I don't need a lot of jokes, and they don't even need to be all that funny. They just can't fall flat. The jokes will serve as a transition between the songs. I've messed around with banter, but it was always just me goofing around with the audience. That's ok, and it works, but I think I need to step it up a little. I just need to figure out what will work for me.
In the meantime, I'll enjoy going to comedy shows. A lot of them.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
This is getting good.
Tonight Tracey and I went to the Claremont Flappers to check out how they do their auditions. I had read on their website that they take the first 25 comics that sign up on the audition list. I've been thinking about what song to do for my first audition. Do I hit 'em with my big guns (Phone Sex), or save that for the second round, if I make it? Are my other songs funny enough to compete with 24 other comics? Should I attempt to tell a couple jokes before I start singing? How the hell do I do that? Yes, I've been doing a lot of thinking about this whole process.
When Tracey and I got there we were the only ones in the lobby. Then, two young guys came in and signed the sign up sheet on the counter. Just before we went in another young man showed up. So that was it. Three guys auditioning and Tracey and me just there to watch. I didn't bring my uke. I wanted more time to practice. I planned to audition next Saturday.
The manager (name's Rick) came in and explained how things are done. He's a friendly guy with a very positive vibe. Each of the young guys got up and did their three minutes. One was certainly a beginner, but the other two were more polished. After each one performed, Rick would give them a critique. He was kind and encouraging. Afterward he asked if anyone had any questions. I spoke up and said, "Hi, Rick. I sent you an email. My name is Donita Smith.." He cut me off and said, "Oh yeah. You're in." He said he'd been to the Burbank club and Deven had "hunted him down" just so she could tell him about me. I couldn't keep a lid on my emotions this time. I welled up and had to brush away a few tears. We talked a bit more after that and I gave him my contact info. He said to come next week with my uke and be prepared to do more than one song.
He explained how the process works. After the auditions he meets with the other managers and the owners and gives them his notes. Then they all decide how each comic will proceed. They might have them enter a contest, or if they're good enough, stick them into a show. The way he talked it sounded like I might be considered for something a bit more fast tracked, based on what Deven had told him about me. I'll know more next week.
After we left Flappers, Tracey and I had dinner at Walter's in the village. She and I are both marveling at how this whole thing has unfolded. We walk into a bar, I spot a ukulele on a chair, and POW! I've been set on a path! Deven is my angel.
I am SO looking forward to this! The atmosphere there was so relaxed and friendly. All that pressure I had put on myself has disappeared. This is going to be just plain fun. I'm very excited and VERY HAPPY. Something good is happening to me.
Monday, August 08, 2011
Comedy!
Wow. You just never know.
Ok. I've been writing these comedic songs for the last four years. I'm not at all prolific. I've written four good songs in four years. Lately I've been trying to come up with a way to get them out faster so I can actually put a show together for myself. I have ten songs that are in different stages of completion. They're all good ideas that will make killer songs if I can ever whip them into shape. But for now they sit in a file.
I've been doing my four complete songs at the local open mike and they've been very well received. People laugh, a lot, so I know they're good. I've been thinking I might even be able to put a little bit together and be an opening act for a comic show. Hey, I can dream.
Last night Tracey and I went to see Bobcat Goldthwaite at Flappers in L.A. Kyle worked as an extra in Bobcat's newest movie. He and Lindsay also had a meeting with him several months ago to discuss doing some storyboarding work for him. Kyle's family is visiting from New York, so this was going to be a fun evening hanging out with all the Carrozzas, seeing and possibly meeting Bobcat, and having an all around good time together.
Tracey and I arrived at Flappers a little early. I needed to pee, so we went directly into the bar. As I passed the stage on the way to the bathroom, I noticed a ukulele sitting on a chair. I thought, hmm, ukulele, cool. When I came out there was a young woman on stage getting ready to start her act. She and I started chatting (She's very friendly. Name's Deven) and I mentioned that I play uke and sing. She asked what I do and I told her mostly covers and I have a few of my own comedic songs. She started her act which consisted mostly of some very funny song mash-ups with some jokes thrown in here and there. We kept chatting during her performance, which was very casual and laid back. Then she asked me to come up and do a song. Wow! On stage at Flappers! Tracey and I couldn't believe what was happening.
I sat down and got through just a couple lines of my newest song, Phone Sex, when Lindsay and all the Carrozzas came in. Lindsay later told me they had been waiting outside the bar for us and then decided to go in. They were very surprised to see me on stage with a ukulele and a spotlight shining down on me! I wish I had a photo of all their faces when they saw me up there. Man, it was funny. They were kind of stunned. We hugged hello and I got back into my song.
I ended up doing all four of my songs. People laughed and it was all good and fun. Afterward, Deven told me I should audition for the club. I told her that Kyle also writes and performs comedy songs and she encouraged both of us to audition. She felt certain that the both of us could easily win. Top prize is $500 and three minutes on the main stage. Pretty cool.
Then (!) I was approached by the bar manager. He introduced himself and said. "I heard you say you're from Riverside. Flappers has a club in Claremont. Would you like to perform there? Give me your contact information and I'll give it to the guy who books the acts there. You have a good voice and you're very funny."
EEEKK!!!!!!
It was all I could do to keep from bursting into tears. Holy shit. This is exactly what I've been wanting to do! And even if nothing comes of it, I will always remember the surreal awesomeness of that moment.
So, we'll see. Kyle and I will audition for sure. Deven is now a Facebook friend. She sent me some more info about auditioning and getting in touch with the Claremont people.
Oh yeah. Bobcat was great. Didn't get to meet him, but we laughed our asses off. There was a really good comedian just before Bobcat. Young guy with Tourette's. He was really good. Good show, yadda, yadda, yadda...
I am basking in a glow.
Ok. I've been writing these comedic songs for the last four years. I'm not at all prolific. I've written four good songs in four years. Lately I've been trying to come up with a way to get them out faster so I can actually put a show together for myself. I have ten songs that are in different stages of completion. They're all good ideas that will make killer songs if I can ever whip them into shape. But for now they sit in a file.
I've been doing my four complete songs at the local open mike and they've been very well received. People laugh, a lot, so I know they're good. I've been thinking I might even be able to put a little bit together and be an opening act for a comic show. Hey, I can dream.
Last night Tracey and I went to see Bobcat Goldthwaite at Flappers in L.A. Kyle worked as an extra in Bobcat's newest movie. He and Lindsay also had a meeting with him several months ago to discuss doing some storyboarding work for him. Kyle's family is visiting from New York, so this was going to be a fun evening hanging out with all the Carrozzas, seeing and possibly meeting Bobcat, and having an all around good time together.
Tracey and I arrived at Flappers a little early. I needed to pee, so we went directly into the bar. As I passed the stage on the way to the bathroom, I noticed a ukulele sitting on a chair. I thought, hmm, ukulele, cool. When I came out there was a young woman on stage getting ready to start her act. She and I started chatting (She's very friendly. Name's Deven) and I mentioned that I play uke and sing. She asked what I do and I told her mostly covers and I have a few of my own comedic songs. She started her act which consisted mostly of some very funny song mash-ups with some jokes thrown in here and there. We kept chatting during her performance, which was very casual and laid back. Then she asked me to come up and do a song. Wow! On stage at Flappers! Tracey and I couldn't believe what was happening.
I sat down and got through just a couple lines of my newest song, Phone Sex, when Lindsay and all the Carrozzas came in. Lindsay later told me they had been waiting outside the bar for us and then decided to go in. They were very surprised to see me on stage with a ukulele and a spotlight shining down on me! I wish I had a photo of all their faces when they saw me up there. Man, it was funny. They were kind of stunned. We hugged hello and I got back into my song.
I ended up doing all four of my songs. People laughed and it was all good and fun. Afterward, Deven told me I should audition for the club. I told her that Kyle also writes and performs comedy songs and she encouraged both of us to audition. She felt certain that the both of us could easily win. Top prize is $500 and three minutes on the main stage. Pretty cool.
Then (!) I was approached by the bar manager. He introduced himself and said. "I heard you say you're from Riverside. Flappers has a club in Claremont. Would you like to perform there? Give me your contact information and I'll give it to the guy who books the acts there. You have a good voice and you're very funny."
EEEKK!!!!!!
It was all I could do to keep from bursting into tears. Holy shit. This is exactly what I've been wanting to do! And even if nothing comes of it, I will always remember the surreal awesomeness of that moment.
So, we'll see. Kyle and I will audition for sure. Deven is now a Facebook friend. She sent me some more info about auditioning and getting in touch with the Claremont people.
Oh yeah. Bobcat was great. Didn't get to meet him, but we laughed our asses off. There was a really good comedian just before Bobcat. Young guy with Tourette's. He was really good. Good show, yadda, yadda, yadda...
I am basking in a glow.
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Tiredness
I need to take pictures of al I've accomplished in the last few days. I've been a workin' fool. This ol' body is a-squawkin'.
I've been working on getting the front planting bed in shape. That day trip to Palm Springs inspired me. I bought 1,500 pounds of nice 2-3 inch river pebbles. So far I've used about 2/3 of the truckload. I'll probably need more to do the second planting bed in front of the kitchen window. I edged the bed with concrete edgers and lined it with landscape cloth. I've got one layer of rocks down and it looks like I'll have enough to put down a second. I have lots of plants already, but today I went to Louie's and bought a few more. It's all nice, deserty stuff. Ken and Sherri are giving me a fountain they don't anymore. I'll put that in the front corner of the bed. I'm pleased with the progress.
I think it'll all cost around $500 by the time I'm done. Two front planting beds, front porch patio, and fix the lawn. Then my neighbors won't be worried about their property values. When I'm ready to do my big cement project I can re-use that river rock. It feels good to get some things done.
I've been working on getting the front planting bed in shape. That day trip to Palm Springs inspired me. I bought 1,500 pounds of nice 2-3 inch river pebbles. So far I've used about 2/3 of the truckload. I'll probably need more to do the second planting bed in front of the kitchen window. I edged the bed with concrete edgers and lined it with landscape cloth. I've got one layer of rocks down and it looks like I'll have enough to put down a second. I have lots of plants already, but today I went to Louie's and bought a few more. It's all nice, deserty stuff. Ken and Sherri are giving me a fountain they don't anymore. I'll put that in the front corner of the bed. I'm pleased with the progress.
I think it'll all cost around $500 by the time I'm done. Two front planting beds, front porch patio, and fix the lawn. Then my neighbors won't be worried about their property values. When I'm ready to do my big cement project I can re-use that river rock. It feels good to get some things done.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Wow, it's been a while.
That last post. So full of optimism. Oh well, it's my nature. I always think my fabulous life is waiting just around the corner.
I didn't get that job. I've had two more interviews since then and didn't get those either. I really didn't think it would take this long. Damn. All I want to do is work and live and do something fun every once in a while.
I'm taking English 1A this semester. I just finished my research paper. It's due on Monday. After that I have two more essays and then we're done. I have not enjoyed this class. The teacher has us jumping through too many hoops. It's been one big pain in the ass.
Today I went to Home Depot and bought a few plants and some supplies. I decided since I can't afford to realize my completely awesome front yard design, I can at least throw down a couple hundred bucks and make it pretty. Hector had fixed my sprinklers, but a couple of them broke right away so I need to get him back here. I want to get the lawn in shape and put in a couple of planting beds. Right now a friend of Paige's is staying with us so I'm going to have him (name's Ray) help me with the heavy work. There's still a lot of gravel imbedded in the soil, so we'll need to dig that out before any planting can be done.
These are not good times right now. I think getting the front yard looking good will help my spirits. Once I'm through with school I'm going to step up my job search efforts. Look for me at the Dollar Store.
Yes, I know I'm complaining.
I didn't get that job. I've had two more interviews since then and didn't get those either. I really didn't think it would take this long. Damn. All I want to do is work and live and do something fun every once in a while.
I'm taking English 1A this semester. I just finished my research paper. It's due on Monday. After that I have two more essays and then we're done. I have not enjoyed this class. The teacher has us jumping through too many hoops. It's been one big pain in the ass.
Today I went to Home Depot and bought a few plants and some supplies. I decided since I can't afford to realize my completely awesome front yard design, I can at least throw down a couple hundred bucks and make it pretty. Hector had fixed my sprinklers, but a couple of them broke right away so I need to get him back here. I want to get the lawn in shape and put in a couple of planting beds. Right now a friend of Paige's is staying with us so I'm going to have him (name's Ray) help me with the heavy work. There's still a lot of gravel imbedded in the soil, so we'll need to dig that out before any planting can be done.
These are not good times right now. I think getting the front yard looking good will help my spirits. Once I'm through with school I'm going to step up my job search efforts. Look for me at the Dollar Store.
Yes, I know I'm complaining.
Saturday, March 05, 2011
Catching up
Let's see...
I'm taking English 1A this semester. I don't like it. Oh well.
I had a job interview the other day at Moreno Valley College. I feel good about this one. I did really well. I should be hearing back from them around the 15th. The position is Enrollment Assistant. If I get it I'll be helping students enroll for college. It's part-time, but the pay is much better than it was at DSPS and I'll get more hours. No benefits, but I'd be making about twice as much as I did at that last job. It might just be enough. Anyway, it would be another good chunk of experience to add to the resume and if a better position becomes available in Admissions, I'd be a frontrunner.
Bill started running an open mike at Back to the Grind a few weeks ago. It's really taking off. We've got some good regulars (and some lame ones). Ours goes from 7 to 9pm on Tuesday nights. Then a couple doors down at Worthington's they have an open mike that starts at 10. Jessica said that Tuesdays have really gotten busy there since the BttG open mike started. I must tell Bill that he's boosted business at Worthington's.
Dean came for a visit a couple weeks ago. It's the first time she's been out since Jim's death. She'd never seen my new house. It was a good visit. She came out on the train. I think I might do that next time I go to Texas. She gave me a great idea for my bathroom project. Instead of putting a cabinet in I'm going to have that space plumbed for a stackable washer/dryer. The front bathroom will be the laundry room. Then I'll turn that kitchen space into a pantry. And IF I get that MoVal job I'll have the money to do it!
I've been working in the back yard a lot lately. I had Hector here a few weeks ago cleaning out the junk and trimming everything and fixing the sprinklers. I want to get that yard back in shape. I redid the brick border going around the citrus trees and rabbit cage. It should now do a better job of containing water for the trees. I'm working on leveling the ground so I can more easily mow back there. Once I'm satisfied with it I'll throw some grass seed around. When I get another chunk of cash I'll have Hector install some automatic irrigation on the slope above the retaining wall. Then I'll cover that space with lantana. I'll also plant some fruit trees, shrubs and flowers. Gonna have a pretty yard someday.
I'm so glad I reconnected with Hector. It's great to have a handyman I can trust.
Emotionally I'm feeling pretty good these days. Still unemployed, but feeling hopeful. I think leaving that awful DSPS job has improved my outlook. I've made some new friends. I feel happy and more confident. But I've got to get back to working on my physical well-being. Exercise, bitch! And once I'm working again I want to see about getting into the dating scene. Yep. That idea isn't quite so foreign to me anymore.
Tra-la-la! Spring is here, pretty much anyway. I bought some fabric for bedroom curtains. Gonna paint some rooms. I'm making a BIG pile of garage sale items. That will happen sometime in May. I also want to get rid of Jim's keyboards and sound equipment. It's time.
Yep. Good stuff on the horizon.
I'm taking English 1A this semester. I don't like it. Oh well.
I had a job interview the other day at Moreno Valley College. I feel good about this one. I did really well. I should be hearing back from them around the 15th. The position is Enrollment Assistant. If I get it I'll be helping students enroll for college. It's part-time, but the pay is much better than it was at DSPS and I'll get more hours. No benefits, but I'd be making about twice as much as I did at that last job. It might just be enough. Anyway, it would be another good chunk of experience to add to the resume and if a better position becomes available in Admissions, I'd be a frontrunner.
Bill started running an open mike at Back to the Grind a few weeks ago. It's really taking off. We've got some good regulars (and some lame ones). Ours goes from 7 to 9pm on Tuesday nights. Then a couple doors down at Worthington's they have an open mike that starts at 10. Jessica said that Tuesdays have really gotten busy there since the BttG open mike started. I must tell Bill that he's boosted business at Worthington's.
Dean came for a visit a couple weeks ago. It's the first time she's been out since Jim's death. She'd never seen my new house. It was a good visit. She came out on the train. I think I might do that next time I go to Texas. She gave me a great idea for my bathroom project. Instead of putting a cabinet in I'm going to have that space plumbed for a stackable washer/dryer. The front bathroom will be the laundry room. Then I'll turn that kitchen space into a pantry. And IF I get that MoVal job I'll have the money to do it!
I've been working in the back yard a lot lately. I had Hector here a few weeks ago cleaning out the junk and trimming everything and fixing the sprinklers. I want to get that yard back in shape. I redid the brick border going around the citrus trees and rabbit cage. It should now do a better job of containing water for the trees. I'm working on leveling the ground so I can more easily mow back there. Once I'm satisfied with it I'll throw some grass seed around. When I get another chunk of cash I'll have Hector install some automatic irrigation on the slope above the retaining wall. Then I'll cover that space with lantana. I'll also plant some fruit trees, shrubs and flowers. Gonna have a pretty yard someday.
I'm so glad I reconnected with Hector. It's great to have a handyman I can trust.
Emotionally I'm feeling pretty good these days. Still unemployed, but feeling hopeful. I think leaving that awful DSPS job has improved my outlook. I've made some new friends. I feel happy and more confident. But I've got to get back to working on my physical well-being. Exercise, bitch! And once I'm working again I want to see about getting into the dating scene. Yep. That idea isn't quite so foreign to me anymore.
Tra-la-la! Spring is here, pretty much anyway. I bought some fabric for bedroom curtains. Gonna paint some rooms. I'm making a BIG pile of garage sale items. That will happen sometime in May. I also want to get rid of Jim's keyboards and sound equipment. It's time.
Yep. Good stuff on the horizon.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Dream
I've got to get this down before it slips away.
I was somewhere in the Middle East. I was with a caravan of some kind, traveling with, I dunno, a band of thieves maybe? They had several gold bars they were transporting in this odd casket made of stone, which doesn't make any sense at all since gold is so heavy. Why carry it in a box made of stone? One of the guys foolishly let some thug types know that we were carrying gold. We were safe as long as we stayed together and no one fell asleep. We were trying to quickly come up with a plan for hiding the gold and getting the hell out of there.
We were staying in a hut of some kind. Domestic animals were everywhere, like you see in the movies. Cattle, goats and dogs were tied up or walking around. One black goat kept coming into the hut. Every time I shooed it out it tried to bite my finger. I was thinking, jeez, these aren't like petting zoo goats. These are mean goats. Anyway...
Suddenly we were all in my dad's house, which wasn't on the farm, but on a busy highway somewhere in Oregon. Now the band of thieves were gone and my family was there, but we were still trying to figure out where to hide the gold before the mafia guys showed up to take it. How appropriate that we were in Dad's house. I was looking around and found an elephant figurine that had a hollow space in the base. Good place to hide something, but not several gold bars. I decided to take a walk and think about where a good hiding place would be.
I left the house and headed for the park. I realized I had left wearing only my nightgown. I felt like an idiot strolling through the park in my nightie. Then I remembered I had a friend who does concrete casting. We could hide the gold in some of her large garden ornaments. I headed for her garden ornament factory. She wasn't there so I went back to the house.
As I was crossing the street an older gentleman in a car slowed down and wanted to talk to me. I kept going towards the house and told him to come on in (I really wanted to get dressed). He asked my name and said he had a special delivery for me. It was a paper lunch bag, folded flat so it could be used as an envelope. It was from my grandmother, Nana.
In it was a very complicated pile of papers. A letter from Nana, some coupons, a postcard of the Titanic, and what looked like a magazine article. We (my family and the old delivery guy) kept going through the papers, reading and trying to figure it out. From Nana's weird letter we sort of figured out the story. Years before when I had visited her in Texas, I had brought my portfolio and some of my gift wrap paper. I had given some to a guy that owned a big department store. Nana had entered some contest and won. She was surprised when her prize arrived wrapped in some of my paper. She also learned that the owner had entered me in a sweepstakes and I had won. But we couldn't figure out what my prize was.
Then, in the package of papers we found a little plastic toy police car. We also noticed a picture of that same toy car on one of the papers from the store. The deal was you put a battery in the police car and flipped a switch. If the lights went on and a siren went off it meant you won. Of course, no one could find a battery.
I left and went to this fast food place. It was crowded. This small woman came in and for some reason she was really angry with me and wanted to fight. I tried talking to her but she started swinging punches so I had to fight her. She was so small I had no trouble subduing her. But she kept swinging, so I dragged her around the floor for a while. There was a Christmas tree in the corner, so I tipped it over, stuck her on top and pushed it upright. That took the fight out of her.
I stepped up to the counter to get something to drink. I turned around and Bobby Moynihan from SNL was in line behind me. Then a woman stepped up who had a similar pile of papers about a sweepstakes. It was the same contest. Her pile was incomplete and she didn't have the little police car.
We were trying to figure it all out when I woke up.
I was somewhere in the Middle East. I was with a caravan of some kind, traveling with, I dunno, a band of thieves maybe? They had several gold bars they were transporting in this odd casket made of stone, which doesn't make any sense at all since gold is so heavy. Why carry it in a box made of stone? One of the guys foolishly let some thug types know that we were carrying gold. We were safe as long as we stayed together and no one fell asleep. We were trying to quickly come up with a plan for hiding the gold and getting the hell out of there.
We were staying in a hut of some kind. Domestic animals were everywhere, like you see in the movies. Cattle, goats and dogs were tied up or walking around. One black goat kept coming into the hut. Every time I shooed it out it tried to bite my finger. I was thinking, jeez, these aren't like petting zoo goats. These are mean goats. Anyway...
Suddenly we were all in my dad's house, which wasn't on the farm, but on a busy highway somewhere in Oregon. Now the band of thieves were gone and my family was there, but we were still trying to figure out where to hide the gold before the mafia guys showed up to take it. How appropriate that we were in Dad's house. I was looking around and found an elephant figurine that had a hollow space in the base. Good place to hide something, but not several gold bars. I decided to take a walk and think about where a good hiding place would be.
I left the house and headed for the park. I realized I had left wearing only my nightgown. I felt like an idiot strolling through the park in my nightie. Then I remembered I had a friend who does concrete casting. We could hide the gold in some of her large garden ornaments. I headed for her garden ornament factory. She wasn't there so I went back to the house.
As I was crossing the street an older gentleman in a car slowed down and wanted to talk to me. I kept going towards the house and told him to come on in (I really wanted to get dressed). He asked my name and said he had a special delivery for me. It was a paper lunch bag, folded flat so it could be used as an envelope. It was from my grandmother, Nana.
In it was a very complicated pile of papers. A letter from Nana, some coupons, a postcard of the Titanic, and what looked like a magazine article. We (my family and the old delivery guy) kept going through the papers, reading and trying to figure it out. From Nana's weird letter we sort of figured out the story. Years before when I had visited her in Texas, I had brought my portfolio and some of my gift wrap paper. I had given some to a guy that owned a big department store. Nana had entered some contest and won. She was surprised when her prize arrived wrapped in some of my paper. She also learned that the owner had entered me in a sweepstakes and I had won. But we couldn't figure out what my prize was.
Then, in the package of papers we found a little plastic toy police car. We also noticed a picture of that same toy car on one of the papers from the store. The deal was you put a battery in the police car and flipped a switch. If the lights went on and a siren went off it meant you won. Of course, no one could find a battery.
I left and went to this fast food place. It was crowded. This small woman came in and for some reason she was really angry with me and wanted to fight. I tried talking to her but she started swinging punches so I had to fight her. She was so small I had no trouble subduing her. But she kept swinging, so I dragged her around the floor for a while. There was a Christmas tree in the corner, so I tipped it over, stuck her on top and pushed it upright. That took the fight out of her.
I stepped up to the counter to get something to drink. I turned around and Bobby Moynihan from SNL was in line behind me. Then a woman stepped up who had a similar pile of papers about a sweepstakes. It was the same contest. Her pile was incomplete and she didn't have the little police car.
We were trying to figure it all out when I woke up.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Hoo boy. I screwed up.
Got a big, fat letter from the IRS. They say I owe almost $2,000 tacked on to last year's taxes. I compared their info to my tax return and discovered there was one statement that didn't get included. It's from one of my investment accounts. I called my tax guy to discuss it with him, but I already knew I was screwed. He just confirmed it. I must pay.
Gonna be more careful this year.
Gonna be more careful this year.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Water hates me.
Water is not a friendly element for me. Sure, I need it to survive, but right now I'm finding it hard to be grateful. I think it's keeping me alive just so it can fuck with me.
The drain for the washing machine clogs up from time to time. A guy at Home Depot suggested this drain cleaner that works better than anything I've ever tried. This stuff is the shit. It works. Usually when the drain clogs I can hear water dribbling out the top of the pipe. Not a big problem. I just add some miracle de-clogger and in ten minutes we're good to go. Well, last night when Paige was doing laundry I heard water blasting out of that pipe. I ran into the kitchen and found a fountain shooting up about two feet! EEK! Usually when the pipe is clogged I can start/stop the washer to get the tub drained before pouring in the de-clogger. Nope. Damn, there was soooo much water on the floor.
De-clogger ain't workin'. Right now I have the washer completely unhooked and pulled away from the wall. The dryer is also pulled out. I figure while I'm working on the washer I might as well change the dryer vent tube (3 years old). I'm going to have to unhook the whole drain assembly and try reaming it out myself. If that fails then call the plumber. Ugh!
Speaking of the plumber. I need him to come out and take a look at the brand new shower valve that was installed a few weeks ago. The shower won't turn completely off and it constantly dribbles. THAT was supposed to be something that I could completely cross off my list, my freakin' LONG list of shit this house needs.
Other ways that water hates me-
A leaky sink faucet in the other bathroom
A kitchen faucet that runs at glacial speed
Broken sprinkler heads
Leaky roof
A yard on the side of a hill that drains towards the house when it rains
A brand new windshield wiper that failed within days of installation
A post-menopausal bladder that demands an available toilet within ten paces or else.
Yes, I know that all these problems are mechanical and not really water's fault. But I'm not letting water off the hook. Air doesn't give me much trouble, except for when it's whistling through my crappy windows. Earth behaves itself rather well, and so far fire seems to know its place, although I know these two could really wreak havoc if they choose to get uppity.
Ok, time to get back to that washer. But first I need a drink.
The drain for the washing machine clogs up from time to time. A guy at Home Depot suggested this drain cleaner that works better than anything I've ever tried. This stuff is the shit. It works. Usually when the drain clogs I can hear water dribbling out the top of the pipe. Not a big problem. I just add some miracle de-clogger and in ten minutes we're good to go. Well, last night when Paige was doing laundry I heard water blasting out of that pipe. I ran into the kitchen and found a fountain shooting up about two feet! EEK! Usually when the pipe is clogged I can start/stop the washer to get the tub drained before pouring in the de-clogger. Nope. Damn, there was soooo much water on the floor.
De-clogger ain't workin'. Right now I have the washer completely unhooked and pulled away from the wall. The dryer is also pulled out. I figure while I'm working on the washer I might as well change the dryer vent tube (3 years old). I'm going to have to unhook the whole drain assembly and try reaming it out myself. If that fails then call the plumber. Ugh!
Speaking of the plumber. I need him to come out and take a look at the brand new shower valve that was installed a few weeks ago. The shower won't turn completely off and it constantly dribbles. THAT was supposed to be something that I could completely cross off my list, my freakin' LONG list of shit this house needs.
Other ways that water hates me-
A leaky sink faucet in the other bathroom
A kitchen faucet that runs at glacial speed
Broken sprinkler heads
Leaky roof
A yard on the side of a hill that drains towards the house when it rains
A brand new windshield wiper that failed within days of installation
A post-menopausal bladder that demands an available toilet within ten paces or else.
Yes, I know that all these problems are mechanical and not really water's fault. But I'm not letting water off the hook. Air doesn't give me much trouble, except for when it's whistling through my crappy windows. Earth behaves itself rather well, and so far fire seems to know its place, although I know these two could really wreak havoc if they choose to get uppity.
Ok, time to get back to that washer. But first I need a drink.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Heh!
I just read all my posts from 2005. Holy shit! How did we get through that year without losing our minds?
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Had myself a good bawl.
It was awesome. Man, I wish I could do that more often. I get to feeling so stuck and aimless and restless and blocked. I walk around feeling like I'd love to have a good cry but it never seems to bubble up to the surface. This one came from out of nowhere (well, not really), just snuck up on me fast. And even while I was in the throes of it I was glad it showed up.
I just got back from the family Christmas thing in San Luis Obispo. Dede brought out some things that came from Dad's house for us all to go through. There was a box of cards and stuff from when Mom died. She also has Dad's date books from 1960 on until 2007 or so. I knew that Dad had kept date books, but I thought that was only in the later years when he needed help remembering things. I was never aware of the earlier books. They mostly dealt with running his businesses, so I figure he probably kept them in his briefcase and only used them while at work. Anyway, I don't remember seeing them when I was growing up.
We read through three of them. These were the ones from the years when Drew, Dede and Stacey were born. I think we all wanted to see how Dad recorded these major life events and maybe even hoped for some insights, or at least a nice story. Nope. Just one line for Stacey's birth. And the page for Drew's birthday was torn out. I don't remember what was written about Dede. Anyway...
But the rest of the pages were filled with notes about his business. He recorded purchases of gasoline and oil changes. He listed the restaurants where he would take clients for breakfast or lunch back in his salesman days. He wrote about some of the things that needed to be done, or what had been done to maintain his trucks and other equipment. He also wrote notes to himself about motivational techniques and ways to deal with (manipulate) customers. When he was relaxed and just making a to-do list the handwriting was even and clearly legible. When he was writing his raging thoughts about ways to improve himself the writing was more harsh and pointed and strayed through the lines of the page. It was like he was trying to get the words down as fast as he could before losing his train of thought. These same ideas were repeated over and over throughout the books, throughout the years, and he always talked about the things he should do to improve himself, and not so much about what he had actually accomplished. I wish he could have acknowledged his own successes in that quest.
I'll connect this all later.
Before Christmas we had some very heavy rains. I noticed a big stain on the ceiling of the tv room. Shit. The roof is leaking. And since we've been back I see the stain has been joined by a few more. I don't know how bad the leak is or how much it will cost to have it fixed, but I do know that when this roof was put on the old gravel roof was left in place. It seems like everything the previous owners did to this place was half-assed. This roof is about ten years old. It shouldn't be leaking.
I've already got some major projects that need to be done. I didn't figure on having to get a new roof. I'm now unemployed, but I have some cash reserves. I was hoping to hang onto as much of that as I can, but I'll do whatever needs to be done to preserve this house. This roof situation is one more thing to add to the list of things that are getting me down right now. I don't think my mind is functioning all that well these days. When things get like this I'm reminded of how much I depended on Jim. I miss my partner. Neither of us was all that good on our own, but together we got things done. We were very good that way.
After wasting most of today watching tv, reading and goofing off on the computer I decided I really need to get out of this house. Earlier I did do something that might help me get out of this funk, or at least help me organize my thoughts and give me some direction. I made a form to help me stay focused and motivated for the next few months while I'm trying to get some very important things accomplished, namely, searching for a job, working on my bathroom, and getting myself prepared for gastric bypass surgery. Lately I've been spinning my wheels on all three. I printed out several copies of the form and put them in a binder. In that binder are copies of my resume and different cover letters to go with the different positions I've applied for. I also have copies of my letters of reference. I'm hoping all this will help me to be more organized with this job search.
I decided to go see True Grit. I took a shower and went into my room to get ready to go. I kept thinking about my stuck situation and thought maybe I should stop by Staples and get one of those Dad date books before I go to the movie. As soon as that thought hit me I was overcome with a blast of emotion. I let loose with a good one. I haven't cried like that in quite a while. I was a little worried the neighbors might hear me! Oh man, I needed that. Really, I feel better.
I know I'll be able to handle what I need to handle. I don't want to spend the money, but at least I have it. As I sat on my bed recovering from my excellent wail I was thinking I could really use a mentor or a counselor or someone like that. A non-spiritual spiritual advisor. I don't want a therapist (at least not right now), but it would be nice to have some wise person to talk things out with who wouldn't want to muck up the conversation with God talk, or advice on crystals and herbs. Years ago I took a meditation class from a Buddhist nun. That was pretty cool. It made me feel very peaceful and clear, but I wasn't always keen on her beliefs. Buddhists aren't ever supposed to get angry about anything, and I think that sometimes getting royally pissed off is the appropriate response for some situations.
Ok, I'm going to dry my hair and go to the movies. And buy a datebook.
I just got back from the family Christmas thing in San Luis Obispo. Dede brought out some things that came from Dad's house for us all to go through. There was a box of cards and stuff from when Mom died. She also has Dad's date books from 1960 on until 2007 or so. I knew that Dad had kept date books, but I thought that was only in the later years when he needed help remembering things. I was never aware of the earlier books. They mostly dealt with running his businesses, so I figure he probably kept them in his briefcase and only used them while at work. Anyway, I don't remember seeing them when I was growing up.
We read through three of them. These were the ones from the years when Drew, Dede and Stacey were born. I think we all wanted to see how Dad recorded these major life events and maybe even hoped for some insights, or at least a nice story. Nope. Just one line for Stacey's birth. And the page for Drew's birthday was torn out. I don't remember what was written about Dede. Anyway...
But the rest of the pages were filled with notes about his business. He recorded purchases of gasoline and oil changes. He listed the restaurants where he would take clients for breakfast or lunch back in his salesman days. He wrote about some of the things that needed to be done, or what had been done to maintain his trucks and other equipment. He also wrote notes to himself about motivational techniques and ways to deal with (manipulate) customers. When he was relaxed and just making a to-do list the handwriting was even and clearly legible. When he was writing his raging thoughts about ways to improve himself the writing was more harsh and pointed and strayed through the lines of the page. It was like he was trying to get the words down as fast as he could before losing his train of thought. These same ideas were repeated over and over throughout the books, throughout the years, and he always talked about the things he should do to improve himself, and not so much about what he had actually accomplished. I wish he could have acknowledged his own successes in that quest.
I'll connect this all later.
Before Christmas we had some very heavy rains. I noticed a big stain on the ceiling of the tv room. Shit. The roof is leaking. And since we've been back I see the stain has been joined by a few more. I don't know how bad the leak is or how much it will cost to have it fixed, but I do know that when this roof was put on the old gravel roof was left in place. It seems like everything the previous owners did to this place was half-assed. This roof is about ten years old. It shouldn't be leaking.
I've already got some major projects that need to be done. I didn't figure on having to get a new roof. I'm now unemployed, but I have some cash reserves. I was hoping to hang onto as much of that as I can, but I'll do whatever needs to be done to preserve this house. This roof situation is one more thing to add to the list of things that are getting me down right now. I don't think my mind is functioning all that well these days. When things get like this I'm reminded of how much I depended on Jim. I miss my partner. Neither of us was all that good on our own, but together we got things done. We were very good that way.
After wasting most of today watching tv, reading and goofing off on the computer I decided I really need to get out of this house. Earlier I did do something that might help me get out of this funk, or at least help me organize my thoughts and give me some direction. I made a form to help me stay focused and motivated for the next few months while I'm trying to get some very important things accomplished, namely, searching for a job, working on my bathroom, and getting myself prepared for gastric bypass surgery. Lately I've been spinning my wheels on all three. I printed out several copies of the form and put them in a binder. In that binder are copies of my resume and different cover letters to go with the different positions I've applied for. I also have copies of my letters of reference. I'm hoping all this will help me to be more organized with this job search.
I decided to go see True Grit. I took a shower and went into my room to get ready to go. I kept thinking about my stuck situation and thought maybe I should stop by Staples and get one of those Dad date books before I go to the movie. As soon as that thought hit me I was overcome with a blast of emotion. I let loose with a good one. I haven't cried like that in quite a while. I was a little worried the neighbors might hear me! Oh man, I needed that. Really, I feel better.
I know I'll be able to handle what I need to handle. I don't want to spend the money, but at least I have it. As I sat on my bed recovering from my excellent wail I was thinking I could really use a mentor or a counselor or someone like that. A non-spiritual spiritual advisor. I don't want a therapist (at least not right now), but it would be nice to have some wise person to talk things out with who wouldn't want to muck up the conversation with God talk, or advice on crystals and herbs. Years ago I took a meditation class from a Buddhist nun. That was pretty cool. It made me feel very peaceful and clear, but I wasn't always keen on her beliefs. Buddhists aren't ever supposed to get angry about anything, and I think that sometimes getting royally pissed off is the appropriate response for some situations.
Ok, I'm going to dry my hair and go to the movies. And buy a datebook.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Blogging from "work".
There's not a whole lot I can do right now. I'm waiting for Vacant to show up. Remember her? There are some reports that need to be done but they're in a program I don't have access to. She was supposed to be here an hour ago. So, I'm wasting your tax dollars and mine surfing the tubes and blogging.
Yesterday I had lunch at Marie Callender's. When the waiter came to my table he addressed me as "Miss". Ok, this is a pet peeve. To all young men out there- Do NOT call a middle-aged woman Miss. You might think we'd be flattered by that, but it just feels weird. I'm 54 years old and solidly in the Ma'am category. I've been getting Ma'am since I was in my twenties and reall, it's ok. The first time was a bit jarring but I quickly got over it.
I think they handle this better in the South. Women young and old are addressed as Ma'am and no one even thinks about it. Older men will often address younger men as "Sir". It's a sign of mutual respect. A little Southern gentility wouldn't be a bad idea all around.
It also bothers me when a younger female addresses a much older female as honey or sweetie. Maybe she's tring to be comforting, like in a hospital setting, but to me it's disrespectful. It sounds almost like a tactic to keep elderly patients docile and submissive. Maybe some old ladies like being treated that way, but I'd guess that most do not. Honey and sweetie are terms that are too forward and familiar for someone who was raised during an era when manners and customs were more formal. It is the privilege of the older woman to refer to the younger woman in that way.
Besides, the only people who can get away with that are gay men.
So, young man, don't call me Miss. Ma'am is perfectly acceptable. So is Your Majesty.
Yesterday I had lunch at Marie Callender's. When the waiter came to my table he addressed me as "Miss". Ok, this is a pet peeve. To all young men out there- Do NOT call a middle-aged woman Miss. You might think we'd be flattered by that, but it just feels weird. I'm 54 years old and solidly in the Ma'am category. I've been getting Ma'am since I was in my twenties and reall, it's ok. The first time was a bit jarring but I quickly got over it.
I think they handle this better in the South. Women young and old are addressed as Ma'am and no one even thinks about it. Older men will often address younger men as "Sir". It's a sign of mutual respect. A little Southern gentility wouldn't be a bad idea all around.
It also bothers me when a younger female addresses a much older female as honey or sweetie. Maybe she's tring to be comforting, like in a hospital setting, but to me it's disrespectful. It sounds almost like a tactic to keep elderly patients docile and submissive. Maybe some old ladies like being treated that way, but I'd guess that most do not. Honey and sweetie are terms that are too forward and familiar for someone who was raised during an era when manners and customs were more formal. It is the privilege of the older woman to refer to the younger woman in that way.
Besides, the only people who can get away with that are gay men.
So, young man, don't call me Miss. Ma'am is perfectly acceptable. So is Your Majesty.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Facebook killed my blog.
But it's not totally dead yet.
It's raining, like, big time. There's a leak in my roof. I'm hoping it doesn't develop into something big and ugly before I can afford to get it fixed, which might be quite a long time. My job at RCC ends on Thursday, maybe even tomorrow if I get all my work done and if I feel like getting the hell out of there. Really I've checked out of that place, mentally and emotionally. I just don't give a shit.
I've been applying here and there, all online. My resume has been updated and I think it's in pretty good shape. I've applied for several jobs at RCC, but I think I'll never get an interview there. I just haven't yet figured out which hoop they want me to jump through. RCC has become a dead end, but I'll still keep applying. So yeah, after this week I'll be unemployed. Feels weird.
I'm in my usual Christmas funk. I never used to be that way. It's been creeping up the last few years. I just don't get into it anymore. I like our little family's Christmas Eve and I love going to Dede's. I just don't like what the rest of the world does with Christmas. And, of course, the whole thing would be more fun if I had money to spend. But we're in the home stretch now. January is just around the corner, but January isn't without its baggage. So, after the 18th I can settle in and start enjoying the new year?
I'll be starting school again. Just a walking class to satisfy the PE requirement and to get me closer to the front of the line for Spring registration. If you miss one major semester you fall off the face of the planet. I'm glad to be going to school again.
I need to find a way to be happy again. There are some very good things happening in my life, and they're helping me to have some happy and contented moments, but the general picture isn't that good. Fear is creeping in again. Procrastination has me by the ankles. The inertia sofa beckons.
SO! I blog! Wow! I just realized that this IS helping me to feel better. I do enjoy writing. I enjoy the creative act of getting it all down in a way that entertains me (and you). Ok, that's one treatment for this funk I can try.
I feel like I need something to look forward to. It would also help if I felt like I was in control of some aspects of my life. Ok, so make plans. Going to school is good. Exercise is good. Taking this class means I'll be walking every day for six weeks straight. I was thinking it might be fun to volunteer at KVCR. Just a thought.
Ok, what are some other positive things I can include in my life?
Joining the Claremont ukulele group (I haven't played much in months).
Work on the house. Progress on the front bathroom is kind of actually happening.
Diet (New Years resolution anyone?). No, really, I have to to qualify for bariatric surgery.
Make some art, bitch!
Wow, that rain is really coming down.
It's raining, like, big time. There's a leak in my roof. I'm hoping it doesn't develop into something big and ugly before I can afford to get it fixed, which might be quite a long time. My job at RCC ends on Thursday, maybe even tomorrow if I get all my work done and if I feel like getting the hell out of there. Really I've checked out of that place, mentally and emotionally. I just don't give a shit.
I've been applying here and there, all online. My resume has been updated and I think it's in pretty good shape. I've applied for several jobs at RCC, but I think I'll never get an interview there. I just haven't yet figured out which hoop they want me to jump through. RCC has become a dead end, but I'll still keep applying. So yeah, after this week I'll be unemployed. Feels weird.
I'm in my usual Christmas funk. I never used to be that way. It's been creeping up the last few years. I just don't get into it anymore. I like our little family's Christmas Eve and I love going to Dede's. I just don't like what the rest of the world does with Christmas. And, of course, the whole thing would be more fun if I had money to spend. But we're in the home stretch now. January is just around the corner, but January isn't without its baggage. So, after the 18th I can settle in and start enjoying the new year?
I'll be starting school again. Just a walking class to satisfy the PE requirement and to get me closer to the front of the line for Spring registration. If you miss one major semester you fall off the face of the planet. I'm glad to be going to school again.
I need to find a way to be happy again. There are some very good things happening in my life, and they're helping me to have some happy and contented moments, but the general picture isn't that good. Fear is creeping in again. Procrastination has me by the ankles. The inertia sofa beckons.
SO! I blog! Wow! I just realized that this IS helping me to feel better. I do enjoy writing. I enjoy the creative act of getting it all down in a way that entertains me (and you). Ok, that's one treatment for this funk I can try.
I feel like I need something to look forward to. It would also help if I felt like I was in control of some aspects of my life. Ok, so make plans. Going to school is good. Exercise is good. Taking this class means I'll be walking every day for six weeks straight. I was thinking it might be fun to volunteer at KVCR. Just a thought.
Ok, what are some other positive things I can include in my life?
Joining the Claremont ukulele group (I haven't played much in months).
Work on the house. Progress on the front bathroom is kind of actually happening.
Diet (New Years resolution anyone?). No, really, I have to to qualify for bariatric surgery.
Make some art, bitch!
Wow, that rain is really coming down.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Recent stuff
I'm back to dieting and getting more exercise. Paige recently joined Bally's fitness and she got them to give me a free three month membership. It's a pretty nice gym and I really like the staff. They have a pool. I'll probably join their water aerobics class on Saturday mornings. One very cool thing they have is Zumba classes. You have to pay $5 per class, which is the only thing that costs extra. I'm guessing it's because they have to pay the Zumba people to be able to offer the class and use the Zumba name. Anyway, it's worth it. Last night I attended my first class. It's a lot of fun! I'm looking forward to being able to do all those moves more fully. Right now my back and knees can't handle it. The music and most of the dance moves are mostly Latin, but I recognized some African steps and some belly dancing. I was amazed that I lasted the whole hour. It's actually pretty easy once the steps are broken down. And the intensity is up to you.
My job at DSPS is ending in December. I've already applied for some of the new postings at RCC. Recently more positions have opened up and there are several that I think I'm qualified to do. But there's a lot of competition still so I gotta keep plugging away at it. I'm also going to apply at Kaiser.
At the end of this month Tracey and I are flying to Washington DC to meet up with Dean and KC to go to the Rally to Restore Sanity. I think it's going to be a blast! Anyway, no matter what happens at the rally, we'll all have fun. Gotta figure out where the good sushi places are in DC.
I guess that's it for now.
My job at DSPS is ending in December. I've already applied for some of the new postings at RCC. Recently more positions have opened up and there are several that I think I'm qualified to do. But there's a lot of competition still so I gotta keep plugging away at it. I'm also going to apply at Kaiser.
At the end of this month Tracey and I are flying to Washington DC to meet up with Dean and KC to go to the Rally to Restore Sanity. I think it's going to be a blast! Anyway, no matter what happens at the rally, we'll all have fun. Gotta figure out where the good sushi places are in DC.
I guess that's it for now.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Blogging from work
No big news, I'm just goofing off.
Work continues to be a complete waste of time. Sorry, taxpayers. We're all pretty sure the grant won't be renewed, so this job will end the middle of December. I've updated my resume and I'm going to go down to Kaiser to drop it off and take the typing test. I've been told that I have a pretty decent chance of getting a job there. We'll see.
I'm creeping along with the work on my house. I have the big bathroom cabinet all cleaned out and ready for demo. I might start that on Friday. It's my birthday this weekend so I won't get very much work done. Woo-hoo, we're goin' to Joe's! Anyway, I want to get the cabinet ripped out so the plumber can come and work his magic. After work today I'm going to the (newly discovered by me) Habitat for Humanity Restore store. It's their salvage place. I'm hoping to find a pantry cabinet that will work well in that bathroom. If I can find something there it will be more than awesome. I can't afford something nice right now.
Even if I can't find a replacement cabinet right away it won't be so bad. That space used to be a closet, so the interior is already nicely finished. All I would need to do is put in some shelves and put up a curtain and it wouldn't look bad. I could continue with fixing up the bathroom without feeling like I was dealing with a gaping hole. Realizing that has given me the courage to dive right in with a crowbar and hammer.
Ok, enough goofing off.
Work continues to be a complete waste of time. Sorry, taxpayers. We're all pretty sure the grant won't be renewed, so this job will end the middle of December. I've updated my resume and I'm going to go down to Kaiser to drop it off and take the typing test. I've been told that I have a pretty decent chance of getting a job there. We'll see.
I'm creeping along with the work on my house. I have the big bathroom cabinet all cleaned out and ready for demo. I might start that on Friday. It's my birthday this weekend so I won't get very much work done. Woo-hoo, we're goin' to Joe's! Anyway, I want to get the cabinet ripped out so the plumber can come and work his magic. After work today I'm going to the (newly discovered by me) Habitat for Humanity Restore store. It's their salvage place. I'm hoping to find a pantry cabinet that will work well in that bathroom. If I can find something there it will be more than awesome. I can't afford something nice right now.
Even if I can't find a replacement cabinet right away it won't be so bad. That space used to be a closet, so the interior is already nicely finished. All I would need to do is put in some shelves and put up a curtain and it wouldn't look bad. I could continue with fixing up the bathroom without feeling like I was dealing with a gaping hole. Realizing that has given me the courage to dive right in with a crowbar and hammer.
Ok, enough goofing off.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Wow. A big push.
Kind of strange. We've made some progress with the house that almost doesn't feel like progress because nothing got painted or ripped out.
This morning the plumber came to have a look at the job. After discussing it I decided that I'm going to rip out the bathroom cupboard and install a proper cabinet. I wanted to do that anyway, but I was hoping I could put it off. The bathroom project just got bigger. The plumber is going to email the estimate to me.
I moved all the pet food storage cans out to the sun room. Lio is not pleased. I've been wanting to get those big cans out of the kitchen for a while. It looks much better in there now. I worked on cleaning the garage for a while. You can't really see the progress at this point, but it's there. Got rid of a lot of stuff.
Tonight Paige and I FINALLY assembled her bed. I had been planning to get a new mattress and give her my old one. It's killing my back but she likes it. I've been on the look out for a new bed, but I haven't found one that I like. When I can afford it I'm going to get a latex mattress. I tried one out a couple weeks ago when Tracey and I were out shopping. Oh man, it was heaven! But it was about $1,800. I think I know where I can get one cheaper. Anyway, I had told Paige that when we get her bed put together she can have my mattress. Well, that happened this evening. So, tonight I'll be sleeping on one of the inflatables. Probably will be for a while.
Ooh, I'm getting excited about this bathroom project. Here's the big ol' list-
Get the valves fixed, shower and sink.
Rip out the old vanity and sink.
Repair the tile under the vanity.
Repair the huge, gaping hole in the wall where the shower leak ruined the plaster.
Take out the toilet.
Repair the plaster near the floor that was damaged when the washing machine leaked.
Install new baseboards.
Assemble the new vanity and medicine cabinet.
Paint.
Get a new toilet and install.
Install new large cabinet.
Install new vanity, sink and medicine cabinet.
Get a new light fixture.
Window treatment and decorating.
Someday a new shower door.
Wow.
This morning the plumber came to have a look at the job. After discussing it I decided that I'm going to rip out the bathroom cupboard and install a proper cabinet. I wanted to do that anyway, but I was hoping I could put it off. The bathroom project just got bigger. The plumber is going to email the estimate to me.
I moved all the pet food storage cans out to the sun room. Lio is not pleased. I've been wanting to get those big cans out of the kitchen for a while. It looks much better in there now. I worked on cleaning the garage for a while. You can't really see the progress at this point, but it's there. Got rid of a lot of stuff.
Tonight Paige and I FINALLY assembled her bed. I had been planning to get a new mattress and give her my old one. It's killing my back but she likes it. I've been on the look out for a new bed, but I haven't found one that I like. When I can afford it I'm going to get a latex mattress. I tried one out a couple weeks ago when Tracey and I were out shopping. Oh man, it was heaven! But it was about $1,800. I think I know where I can get one cheaper. Anyway, I had told Paige that when we get her bed put together she can have my mattress. Well, that happened this evening. So, tonight I'll be sleeping on one of the inflatables. Probably will be for a while.
Ooh, I'm getting excited about this bathroom project. Here's the big ol' list-
Get the valves fixed, shower and sink.
Rip out the old vanity and sink.
Repair the tile under the vanity.
Repair the huge, gaping hole in the wall where the shower leak ruined the plaster.
Take out the toilet.
Repair the plaster near the floor that was damaged when the washing machine leaked.
Install new baseboards.
Assemble the new vanity and medicine cabinet.
Paint.
Get a new toilet and install.
Install new large cabinet.
Install new vanity, sink and medicine cabinet.
Get a new light fixture.
Window treatment and decorating.
Someday a new shower door.
Wow.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Poor, neglected blog
I think Facebook has killed my blog. Evil Facebook. Pretty dumb since this is the place where I live. This blog has gotten me through the toughest of times. I love being able to go back and read some of the old posts. I'm amazed at some of the things we went through, and so glad to be on the other side of it all. Still, even when I was going through the worst of it, there was plenty to laugh about.
This phase of my life doesn't seem to have much of an identity. I went through those years of being Daughter and Caregiver of Crazy Alzheimer's Dad, and then Grieving Widow. Pretty potent shit. Now things are foggier and more bogged down. Kinda swampy. That tough stuff was tough, but at least there was life in it. This? I don't really know what this is.
I'm such a blob. Physically, things have been difficult. My back was giving me a lot of trouble (fixed for now), and I've been inconsistent with getting exercise. My body and I aren't such good friends right now. I'm kind of ok with it, because that situation will soon change. Other parts of my life are blobby as well. The house still overwhelms me, but I've been enjoying getting some work done. I've been marking things off my to-do list, which feels pretty good. Some things are moving in a good direction, others are stagnant. I've been getting back to my old mantra- More out than in, more out than in... Today I took a carload of stuff to donate to the Ramona cheer squad's rummage sale. Yes, it's come to this. I've donated to cheerleaders.
The blobbiest thing of all is my shitty job. Man, I wish just one person there knew what it's all about. Those of us who are new certainly don't know, but damn, shouldn't the people who've been there twenty years have it down by now? There's no real leadership in that office. No unity or caring. No teamwork. Everyone is just doing their own job.
Today I snuck off to an empty office and poked around looking at job postings and websites. Technically it's kosher, because that's part of what we do. But I wasn't trying to find a job for someone else. I filled out the job search page on the Kaiser website. It didn't come up with a single match for the criteria I entered. Getting the hell out of the DSPS office is going to take some time.
This isn't the lowest point of my life. Things are hovering just below the neutral line. It's time for a kick in the ass. A big, juicy project would help. I've barely touched my uke in the last couple months. I guess I just need something to get excited about. Ok, that's it. I'm calling a plumber tomorrow. Time to take on that front bathroom.
This phase of my life doesn't seem to have much of an identity. I went through those years of being Daughter and Caregiver of Crazy Alzheimer's Dad, and then Grieving Widow. Pretty potent shit. Now things are foggier and more bogged down. Kinda swampy. That tough stuff was tough, but at least there was life in it. This? I don't really know what this is.
I'm such a blob. Physically, things have been difficult. My back was giving me a lot of trouble (fixed for now), and I've been inconsistent with getting exercise. My body and I aren't such good friends right now. I'm kind of ok with it, because that situation will soon change. Other parts of my life are blobby as well. The house still overwhelms me, but I've been enjoying getting some work done. I've been marking things off my to-do list, which feels pretty good. Some things are moving in a good direction, others are stagnant. I've been getting back to my old mantra- More out than in, more out than in... Today I took a carload of stuff to donate to the Ramona cheer squad's rummage sale. Yes, it's come to this. I've donated to cheerleaders.
The blobbiest thing of all is my shitty job. Man, I wish just one person there knew what it's all about. Those of us who are new certainly don't know, but damn, shouldn't the people who've been there twenty years have it down by now? There's no real leadership in that office. No unity or caring. No teamwork. Everyone is just doing their own job.
Today I snuck off to an empty office and poked around looking at job postings and websites. Technically it's kosher, because that's part of what we do. But I wasn't trying to find a job for someone else. I filled out the job search page on the Kaiser website. It didn't come up with a single match for the criteria I entered. Getting the hell out of the DSPS office is going to take some time.
This isn't the lowest point of my life. Things are hovering just below the neutral line. It's time for a kick in the ass. A big, juicy project would help. I've barely touched my uke in the last couple months. I guess I just need something to get excited about. Ok, that's it. I'm calling a plumber tomorrow. Time to take on that front bathroom.
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