Did you ever have an existence the meaning of which you questioned constantly? A tedious job that has only odd and infrequent scraps of satisfaction? To be called into meetings that have no real value whatsoever, but just to frustrate you because they make you miss your spin class? To be competent, therefore the recipient of other people’s work, yet still no respect? That job you wish you could quit but have to continue because your living expenses demand it and won’t be appeased until you render lots of money to them? To be making what most would consider a decent living and still have to worry about money? To be writing essays like crazy for umpteen scholarships and wonder if it ends up an enormous waste of time and effort, not to mention elevated stress levels, because they’ll choose more “needy” or “relevant” students to support? And despite all efforts to the contrary, will probably end up with lots of debt and the need to get some stupid, frustrating, mind-numbing G/O/O/D (get out of debt) job when you finally graduate?
That’s it – I’m getting a boob job, a nose job, a lobotomy, start living a depraved, drugged existence out in LA (Los Angeles? Latin America?) or wherever. I might wanna add some illegitimate offspring to the mix. I really think that’s the answer. Uh-huh.
The one thing I’d like to see right now is some shred of gosh darned real progress in my life.
End depressing rant.
UPDATE, 4:47pm: And what's really special is getting overcharged for a prescription that I've been getting for over two years. Why, you ask? Because the bone-headed pharmacy monkeys didn't do their job! I'm telling you, a life of crime is looking really sweet right now. Heck, I can just steal my prescriptions! And what's this noise about Medicaid paying for Viagra for sex offenders (hat tip: Jeff at Kinshasa on the Potomac)??? You know, because they really need it. Arrghhh!
FURTHER UPDATE, 5/25/05, 2:22pm: Called down there again to the pharmacy and spoke with a nice gentleman who initiated a credit to my credit card for the overcharged amount above. I will go pick up the receipt tomorrow morning. Now, let's see if it's as easy as that. But to his credit, he was polite and even apologized for the mistake. Now, yes, it's inconvenient for me, but at least I got closure.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Peeves du Jour
What’s irking me today:
Drivers, usually driving big clunky gas-guzzling SUVs, who stop directly over the crosswalk. It’s bad enough that you don’t care about the environment or foreign dependency on oil, but do you have to block my way across the street? Do you care that I must walk into traffic because you didn’t have the consideration to stop where you were supposed to? NO, you’re TOO SPECIAL.
Book club members who initially signed up for the once-monthly thang, but need teeth-pulling in order to respond to a simple email (make that 3) asking if you’re in fact going to attend. Are you too SPECIAL to be courteous? Clearly. And if your schedule doesn’t permit you to attend a Book Club with any regularity, or if you no longer want to be a member, why don’t you just SAY SO?
Serial carelessness about simple things. If you can’t get those “trivial” things right, or more to the point, rush through the tasks without thinking about the effects of your carelessness, who says you’re going to be able to do more complex things correctly? Yeh, it’s a work-related grouse, but hey, I have to spend the majority of my waking hours at work, so yeh, it affects me. And wastes my time when I have to correct your mistakes. But I guess you’re too SPECIAL to concern yourself with such small potatoes.
Parents who take their small children on the Metro during rush hour. Ok, I understand if you’re so strapped for cash that you cannot afford a car (so, how can you afford children?), but if you’re going to drag the little ones with you on your commute, please make sure they’re safe. Last evening there was a major Charlie Foxtrot situation on the Metro, wall-to-wall commuters trying to get home and pissed because of the delay, and you’re dragging your undersized human by the hand, not really making sure he’s not clocked by said exasperated, tired, irritated adults? You need to re-evaluate your transportation strategy here.
End rant, end communication; Accounting Principles II beckons with its siren song.
Drivers, usually driving big clunky gas-guzzling SUVs, who stop directly over the crosswalk. It’s bad enough that you don’t care about the environment or foreign dependency on oil, but do you have to block my way across the street? Do you care that I must walk into traffic because you didn’t have the consideration to stop where you were supposed to? NO, you’re TOO SPECIAL.
Book club members who initially signed up for the once-monthly thang, but need teeth-pulling in order to respond to a simple email (make that 3) asking if you’re in fact going to attend. Are you too SPECIAL to be courteous? Clearly. And if your schedule doesn’t permit you to attend a Book Club with any regularity, or if you no longer want to be a member, why don’t you just SAY SO?
Serial carelessness about simple things. If you can’t get those “trivial” things right, or more to the point, rush through the tasks without thinking about the effects of your carelessness, who says you’re going to be able to do more complex things correctly? Yeh, it’s a work-related grouse, but hey, I have to spend the majority of my waking hours at work, so yeh, it affects me. And wastes my time when I have to correct your mistakes. But I guess you’re too SPECIAL to concern yourself with such small potatoes.
Parents who take their small children on the Metro during rush hour. Ok, I understand if you’re so strapped for cash that you cannot afford a car (so, how can you afford children?), but if you’re going to drag the little ones with you on your commute, please make sure they’re safe. Last evening there was a major Charlie Foxtrot situation on the Metro, wall-to-wall commuters trying to get home and pissed because of the delay, and you’re dragging your undersized human by the hand, not really making sure he’s not clocked by said exasperated, tired, irritated adults? You need to re-evaluate your transportation strategy here.
End rant, end communication; Accounting Principles II beckons with its siren song.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Life as Blog-Fodder
Ok, so I want to save some money by bringing lunch to work. I’m trying to go the whole week without going out to get lunch. Uh-huh. Monday was really good – leftover yummy pot roast DH Jeff made, carrots & tea. Yesterday was fortuitous: my gym was handing out mini-subs and smoothies, ergo lunch! With carrots and raisins. And water. Today was truly sad: half a stale bagel, you-guessed-it, carrots and tea. Ran out of raisins. Now, mind you, I could have broken down and bought something instead of gnawing on that bagel, but 1) I must reach my goal and 2) I can whine about it on my blog.
Next, I’m trying to get into better shape for our Key West vacation/honeymoon. I’m currently doing 2 spin classes per week, weights and miscellaneous cardio. Now, my stamina is great and I could probably kill someone with my legs…and I still have bloop around the middle and thighs. I’ve decreased alcohol intake, am eating even more vegetables, laying off the lattes, and still have bloop. What’s up with that? Sure, I could give up alcohol, and everything I actually enjoy eating and monitor my portions to death, but I have enough sucky things I have to do, I don’t need to ruin food too. I will work it out though – I will not embarrass myself at the beach!!!
And oh, I really need to get more sleep. 1am is not an acceptable bed-time, especially every night. Or morning, that is.
Still plugging away at the scholarship apps. How many ways can I say “I’m a good and worthy student with lots of wonderful, heartfelt values, so give me money – because I WANT it, so you GIVE it”? And why does doing something good and worthy always seem to be a hassle demanding all sorts of time, effort, money, extraordinary time management, and renders truckfuls of self-doubt, anxiety and fear, while criminals, druggies, child abusers and breeder-parasites don’t ever seem to have regular and fierce tummy aches or worry about anything?
Life as blog-fodder – dig in, the slush is tepid!
Next, I’m trying to get into better shape for our Key West vacation/honeymoon. I’m currently doing 2 spin classes per week, weights and miscellaneous cardio. Now, my stamina is great and I could probably kill someone with my legs…and I still have bloop around the middle and thighs. I’ve decreased alcohol intake, am eating even more vegetables, laying off the lattes, and still have bloop. What’s up with that? Sure, I could give up alcohol, and everything I actually enjoy eating and monitor my portions to death, but I have enough sucky things I have to do, I don’t need to ruin food too. I will work it out though – I will not embarrass myself at the beach!!!
And oh, I really need to get more sleep. 1am is not an acceptable bed-time, especially every night. Or morning, that is.
Still plugging away at the scholarship apps. How many ways can I say “I’m a good and worthy student with lots of wonderful, heartfelt values, so give me money – because I WANT it, so you GIVE it”? And why does doing something good and worthy always seem to be a hassle demanding all sorts of time, effort, money, extraordinary time management, and renders truckfuls of self-doubt, anxiety and fear, while criminals, druggies, child abusers and breeder-parasites don’t ever seem to have regular and fierce tummy aches or worry about anything?
Life as blog-fodder – dig in, the slush is tepid!
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Confused Insects
The BDA factor was a 4.0 this morning on the Metro – not the worst (like Sundays at Whole Foods), but BDAs wandering like disoriented bugs. This leads to an interesting and pertinent anecdote. Years ago, BJ (before Jeff), I dated a guy who was charged by his parents to take care of their house while they were overseas. Generally, this guy was responsible unlike the ne’er-do-well brother-as-squatter and his squatter girlfriend. At one point, the squatter couple moved out. After cleaning their bedroom, the next thing former boyfriend did was to call an exterminator for the odious roach problem. The guy started with the kitchen and did the spraying, commenting (ok, I’m telling this 2nd hand) that in a few minutes, all the roaches would start heading up the walls to the ceiling and as the spray really kicked in, they would fall down dead. Former boyfriend said this in fact occurred just as the bug guy said it would – and an eerie thing it was to watch this transpire. I’m always reminded of this story when I see human bugs wondering slowly and disorientedly in the metro system or wherever. I’m just glad they can’t climb the walls.
Friday, May 13, 2005
General Notes on Friday the 13th - Rambling
I've been totally spazzing for the last week whence I realized that I don't have that much money saved up for sustenance during my school-hood & I'll have to find a part-time job (this means interviewing - yech!) & what I'll call the "X-Factor" of stress-causing agents that will keep my stomach in knots until, let's say, end of June. Now, those of you who know me realize that there's always something about which I'm spazzing. It goes in waves. I then generally settle down, realizing that all's well and things will work out. That, and DH Jeff talks me down.
Well, I was sufficiently jazzed last night when I found out that I aced my Accounting exam - and got most of the extra credit right. Why just do well when you totally go over the top? This was the first exam of the class and it's really good to come out swinging. Plus, this is good practice for when I do school full-time.
Which leads me to my next thought - you must be asking, if you are going into forensics, Renee, why are you taking accounting courses? Well, let me tell you 1) there's always something new one can learn & especially when your company is subsidizing it and 2) one learns more about oneself in these endeavors. Case in point, I realize that 1) accounting makes sense to me because it's orderly and logical and 2) if forensics doesn't work out for me, I know I could successfully go into accounting. Always good to know the options.
When cooling off from spazzing, I realize how lucky I am to have all these caring folks in my life & how generous and thoughtful they have been to me! Blessings upon all of you - you know who you are! Also, blessings to the Powers That Be for sending me free samples of stuff I can actually use and for leaving all that spare change on the streets for me to collect and save. And furthermore, blessings upon the creators of compound interest! Blessings upon readers of & commenters on my blog - you rock & also lift my spirits! Finally, blessings upon any scholarship funds who would take an interest in a really self-motivated leaf-turner and fund my studies - your investment will not be in vain.
Ok, I have to throw in some sort of bitchy comment here. Why is that people move so slowly? I mean gosh, don't you people have meaningful things and people to go to? Don't tell me you enjoy hanging out in the Metrorail system! And why are you hesitating when getting on an escalator (BDA alert!!!)? It's not moving that fast - hop on, then arrange yourself. Oh, the temptation to give you a little shove to keep you moving! And those of you females who think stillettos are practical when traveling (teetering) on the subway - are wrong! Oh, and to be not-just-a-little catty, those impractical stillettos (only practical if 1) you don't have to actually walk in them and 2) if you're in the sort of business wherein you could claim the expense as a deduction) don't reduce the size of your ass - try stairmaster instead and save your feet. Just saying.
I gotta go work. Be talking to you!
Well, I was sufficiently jazzed last night when I found out that I aced my Accounting exam - and got most of the extra credit right. Why just do well when you totally go over the top? This was the first exam of the class and it's really good to come out swinging. Plus, this is good practice for when I do school full-time.
Which leads me to my next thought - you must be asking, if you are going into forensics, Renee, why are you taking accounting courses? Well, let me tell you 1) there's always something new one can learn & especially when your company is subsidizing it and 2) one learns more about oneself in these endeavors. Case in point, I realize that 1) accounting makes sense to me because it's orderly and logical and 2) if forensics doesn't work out for me, I know I could successfully go into accounting. Always good to know the options.
When cooling off from spazzing, I realize how lucky I am to have all these caring folks in my life & how generous and thoughtful they have been to me! Blessings upon all of you - you know who you are! Also, blessings to the Powers That Be for sending me free samples of stuff I can actually use and for leaving all that spare change on the streets for me to collect and save. And furthermore, blessings upon the creators of compound interest! Blessings upon readers of & commenters on my blog - you rock & also lift my spirits! Finally, blessings upon any scholarship funds who would take an interest in a really self-motivated leaf-turner and fund my studies - your investment will not be in vain.
Ok, I have to throw in some sort of bitchy comment here. Why is that people move so slowly? I mean gosh, don't you people have meaningful things and people to go to? Don't tell me you enjoy hanging out in the Metrorail system! And why are you hesitating when getting on an escalator (BDA alert!!!)? It's not moving that fast - hop on, then arrange yourself. Oh, the temptation to give you a little shove to keep you moving! And those of you females who think stillettos are practical when traveling (teetering) on the subway - are wrong! Oh, and to be not-just-a-little catty, those impractical stillettos (only practical if 1) you don't have to actually walk in them and 2) if you're in the sort of business wherein you could claim the expense as a deduction) don't reduce the size of your ass - try stairmaster instead and save your feet. Just saying.
I gotta go work. Be talking to you!
Monday, April 25, 2005
New Acronym: BDA and BDA ratings
Being a perpetual and many times captive observer of human behavior, I've developed a rating system for public places and situations: the BDA and the BDA factor. BDA is "Big Dumb Animals," therefore, a BDA factor would indicate the concentration of said BDAs in a given locale. The rating would be 1 to 5, 5 being the thickest concentration thereof (in this city, there's no such thing as a zero BDA rating, trust me).
A concrete example: yesterday (Sunday) Jeff & I were at Fresh Fields and the BDA factor was a 5. Folks leaving their carts in the middle of the aisles while browsing, kamakazi parents careening their strollers (with tots) to get an edge in, FF employees choosing that incredibly busy time to restock everything, cross-cutting with their huge meat and produce trucks. Then there are the lost souls, who wander aimlessly with their carts, looking for enlightenment to crack them with the Clue Bat. Oh, if only!
Rant over, I must work.
A concrete example: yesterday (Sunday) Jeff & I were at Fresh Fields and the BDA factor was a 5. Folks leaving their carts in the middle of the aisles while browsing, kamakazi parents careening their strollers (with tots) to get an edge in, FF employees choosing that incredibly busy time to restock everything, cross-cutting with their huge meat and produce trucks. Then there are the lost souls, who wander aimlessly with their carts, looking for enlightenment to crack them with the Clue Bat. Oh, if only!
Rant over, I must work.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
The Myth of Liberal Tolerance
Stuff happening lately, perp'd by you guessed it - liberals:
Pie-throwing at conservative speakers at universities. Ann Coulter has a good piece about this current phenomenon (hat-tip: Michelle Malkin).
"Kill Bush" t-shirts and the like that were until recently offered by CafePress. See Michelle Malkin's piece on that business here.
These things are UNACCEPTABLE. In a civilized society, how are these things tolerated? Yet, I don't here a lot of public (specifically dem/lib) outcry for decency & civility, ie, against this sort of behavior. One would think that these activities would make the rest of you look bad & like a bunch of angry cavemen. Is this the type of constituency you're trying to attract/maintain? Do you really believe that this is acceptable "free speech"? If so, remain silent. Hey, you're digging your own grave (think another Republican victory in 2008). If not, get off your fannies and say something.
Pie-throwing at conservative speakers at universities. Ann Coulter has a good piece about this current phenomenon (hat-tip: Michelle Malkin).
"Kill Bush" t-shirts and the like that were until recently offered by CafePress. See Michelle Malkin's piece on that business here.
These things are UNACCEPTABLE. In a civilized society, how are these things tolerated? Yet, I don't here a lot of public (specifically dem/lib) outcry for decency & civility, ie, against this sort of behavior. One would think that these activities would make the rest of you look bad & like a bunch of angry cavemen. Is this the type of constituency you're trying to attract/maintain? Do you really believe that this is acceptable "free speech"? If so, remain silent. Hey, you're digging your own grave (think another Republican victory in 2008). If not, get off your fannies and say something.
Friday, April 08, 2005
Notes
Now I know it for sure - I'm lactose intolerant. This week I tried both lattes & mochas with soy milk & let me just say - no tummy aches, no icky feeling, just good frufru coffee. I'm so sold!!! You just have to experience what lactose discomfort ISN'T, to truly understand what you've been suffering. For those of you who haven't tried soy milk, the taste is different from regular milk, but it tastes nutty, so no biggie there.
Just read Patricia Highsmith's The Talented Mr. Ripley and by the end of the book, I was rooting for the sociopath. Good writer to make a law-and-order type like myself want the bad guy to succeed.
Ok now, I must go work or something.
Just read Patricia Highsmith's The Talented Mr. Ripley and by the end of the book, I was rooting for the sociopath. Good writer to make a law-and-order type like myself want the bad guy to succeed.
Ok now, I must go work or something.
School Update
Well, now I'm deep in the throes of my education funding (financial aid) campaign.
Some good stuff: my years of paying taxes in Virginia have paid off: I'm likely to get some grant money for being a good little resident. Cool.
But...I'm far from my goal of debt-free education. Sure I'm eligible for loans, but I'm getting too old for debt (or just too irritated by it). So...I'm applying for EVERYTHING that involves grant and or scholarship money - or just money in general. If you know of some leads, pls let me know about them!!! Just not the ones that involve sexual servitude - I'm against that.
This also means that I will now engaging in shameless blog fundraising. Be expecting tip jars, Amazon links, and within reason, advertisements. I NEED MONEY to go to school, buy my books, pay my lab fees, and stay in our apartment. Did I mention that I DO NOT want to move? Sure, the place is pricey, but we don't even own a car & besides, DH Jeff & I like it so much. You understand, don't you?
Oh, and I do apologize for this, I've put some of my dear family & friends' emails on the scholarship contests' lists so you'll now be receiving spam from online universities promising an MBA in 6 months. Sorry, sorry, sorry! Just delete them.
Look, my little supporters (of various kinds), you're not just doing it for me, you're also doing it for the community at large! For those of you unfamiliar with my current mission, the field of study is Criminal Justice/forensic science, to eventually catch a bad guy with a partial thumbprint on the inside of a glove, and effectively prosecute his ass. You get the picture - making sure Gotham City is safe for the tax-paying, law-abiding Gothamites. I can do it with your support!!!
I'll also try to actually blog more often to keep you entertained. Ok, end communication.
Some good stuff: my years of paying taxes in Virginia have paid off: I'm likely to get some grant money for being a good little resident. Cool.
But...I'm far from my goal of debt-free education. Sure I'm eligible for loans, but I'm getting too old for debt (or just too irritated by it). So...I'm applying for EVERYTHING that involves grant and or scholarship money - or just money in general. If you know of some leads, pls let me know about them!!! Just not the ones that involve sexual servitude - I'm against that.
This also means that I will now engaging in shameless blog fundraising. Be expecting tip jars, Amazon links, and within reason, advertisements. I NEED MONEY to go to school, buy my books, pay my lab fees, and stay in our apartment. Did I mention that I DO NOT want to move? Sure, the place is pricey, but we don't even own a car & besides, DH Jeff & I like it so much. You understand, don't you?
Oh, and I do apologize for this, I've put some of my dear family & friends' emails on the scholarship contests' lists so you'll now be receiving spam from online universities promising an MBA in 6 months. Sorry, sorry, sorry! Just delete them.
Look, my little supporters (of various kinds), you're not just doing it for me, you're also doing it for the community at large! For those of you unfamiliar with my current mission, the field of study is Criminal Justice/forensic science, to eventually catch a bad guy with a partial thumbprint on the inside of a glove, and effectively prosecute his ass. You get the picture - making sure Gotham City is safe for the tax-paying, law-abiding Gothamites. I can do it with your support!!!
I'll also try to actually blog more often to keep you entertained. Ok, end communication.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Metro Blues...Shared
Jim over at the Eleven Day Empire waxes philosophic over crummy Metro passengers & motorists. There was some mention of working for food pellets that I found particularly funny. Mmm, yummy food pellets.
As you well know, readers, I have my own beefs about Metro denizens and have, on multiple occasions been almost been run over by motorists unconcerned with the little red light in full view, or the Homo sapien trying to cross the street. I really agree with his assessment and will add my own two cents.
While I hate pushing and shoving, I equally hate when people move in slow motion down the escalator or when boarding the trains. These are not disabled people nor are they all morbidly obese. And ok, I'm all for taking it easy, but you realize, I do have to get to work at SOME point, no? You do realize the world doesn't revolve around YOUR comfort or whims, no? You do realize that there are more people than just YOU trying to get to work or home, no?
And those of you who believe you're SPECIAL and block train entrances because YOU don't want to fight the mob at your stop - now that's when pushing and shoving are permissible, because clearly, you are totally SELF-ABSORBED and need to be hit with a Cluebat. I myself move in and allow others ingress, and still manage to exit at my stop. Now, there's never a question of my being able to exit, mind you, but generally, a simple "excuse me" is sufficient to create an open path out.
Consideration for others, people, let's give it a try.
As you well know, readers, I have my own beefs about Metro denizens and have, on multiple occasions been almost been run over by motorists unconcerned with the little red light in full view, or the Homo sapien trying to cross the street. I really agree with his assessment and will add my own two cents.
While I hate pushing and shoving, I equally hate when people move in slow motion down the escalator or when boarding the trains. These are not disabled people nor are they all morbidly obese. And ok, I'm all for taking it easy, but you realize, I do have to get to work at SOME point, no? You do realize the world doesn't revolve around YOUR comfort or whims, no? You do realize that there are more people than just YOU trying to get to work or home, no?
And those of you who believe you're SPECIAL and block train entrances because YOU don't want to fight the mob at your stop - now that's when pushing and shoving are permissible, because clearly, you are totally SELF-ABSORBED and need to be hit with a Cluebat. I myself move in and allow others ingress, and still manage to exit at my stop. Now, there's never a question of my being able to exit, mind you, but generally, a simple "excuse me" is sufficient to create an open path out.
Consideration for others, people, let's give it a try.
Blissful Baths
About a month ago, I started taking baths again. Now before you say "ew," I do actually take showers, but until recently have denied myself the simple, cheap & totally accessible luxury of bubble baths. Like oh, yeh, I don't have time for them! The good news is - I found I actually do.
Like this morning, I was out-of-sorts after not having slept well, having woken up twenty times to pee, having anxiety dreams when I was asleep, dear husband stealing covers the entire night, taking a look out the window this morning at the rainy-crummy weather and my general disgruntlement at having-to-work-at-all-but-especially-today. I decided to call in "late" (as opposed to "sick" or "dead") and have a bath. OH MY GOD! I think I've established a new paradigm. I don't think I've ever had a bath in the morning! The story ends well, with me in a MUCH improved state of mind, turning up at the office at 11:20. OK, so I can't do this every day, but it worked wonders today.
Like this morning, I was out-of-sorts after not having slept well, having woken up twenty times to pee, having anxiety dreams when I was asleep, dear husband stealing covers the entire night, taking a look out the window this morning at the rainy-crummy weather and my general disgruntlement at having-to-work-at-all-but-especially-today. I decided to call in "late" (as opposed to "sick" or "dead") and have a bath. OH MY GOD! I think I've established a new paradigm. I don't think I've ever had a bath in the morning! The story ends well, with me in a MUCH improved state of mind, turning up at the office at 11:20. OK, so I can't do this every day, but it worked wonders today.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Things Worse than Death
Whilst Death is final and such, some things are worse than actually dying. Here are a few:
- Being Terri Schiavo. Period.
- Being Terri Schiavo and having an inkling about what's going on around her, namely that her scumbag husband wants to starve her to death so he can take her money for himself, the tart he's screwing and their illegitimate offspring.
-Being Terri Schiavo, and slowly & painfully starving and dehydrating, being cognizant of the above circumstances.
Lately, I saw Wit, a movie with Emma Thompson about a woman dealing with aggressive ovarian cancer and the nature of her "treatment" (otherwise known as "torture"). What the character goes thru during her illness and dealings with the medical establishment is exactly "worse than death." Very intense and actually witty protrayal by Thompson. It's really worth a see and at around $8 on Amazon.com, worth at least one see and pass it on.
Another worse than death perspective is staying at the same job for 30 years, with the same irritating conditions, the same stupid office politics, no authority to do anything - and the same constant fear that they're going to fire you at any moment.
What's not worse than death: completing a FAFSA so I can get Federal Funds to stop work and go to school; bed picnics which involve (now, get your mind out of the gutter!) reading leisurely while drinking wine and eating a yummy snack of olives, crusty bread, cheese & veggies - of course, with your honey; admitting you've had a problem with depression & doing something about it; weaning yourself off that "something" and feeling pretty good - and optimistic; taking a class just for the heck of it - and finding you learned a lot about the bigger picture. Now you go make your own list.
It's amazing how much is really under your control.
- Being Terri Schiavo. Period.
- Being Terri Schiavo and having an inkling about what's going on around her, namely that her scumbag husband wants to starve her to death so he can take her money for himself, the tart he's screwing and their illegitimate offspring.
-Being Terri Schiavo, and slowly & painfully starving and dehydrating, being cognizant of the above circumstances.
Lately, I saw Wit, a movie with Emma Thompson about a woman dealing with aggressive ovarian cancer and the nature of her "treatment" (otherwise known as "torture"). What the character goes thru during her illness and dealings with the medical establishment is exactly "worse than death." Very intense and actually witty protrayal by Thompson. It's really worth a see and at around $8 on Amazon.com, worth at least one see and pass it on.
Another worse than death perspective is staying at the same job for 30 years, with the same irritating conditions, the same stupid office politics, no authority to do anything - and the same constant fear that they're going to fire you at any moment.
What's not worse than death: completing a FAFSA so I can get Federal Funds to stop work and go to school; bed picnics which involve (now, get your mind out of the gutter!) reading leisurely while drinking wine and eating a yummy snack of olives, crusty bread, cheese & veggies - of course, with your honey; admitting you've had a problem with depression & doing something about it; weaning yourself off that "something" and feeling pretty good - and optimistic; taking a class just for the heck of it - and finding you learned a lot about the bigger picture. Now you go make your own list.
It's amazing how much is really under your control.
Friday, February 25, 2005
Electric Kisses
So, one evening Jeff & I engaged in a full-on-the-lips kiss, there was generated (heh, get it?) a visual and auditory electrical spark. Now although I would like to think that we're so hot for each other that the physical world was giving testimony to our love, I figure it was actually because of the extra-dry air in our apartment.
Monday, February 07, 2005
Depressing...
...is this article in the Post today about the prevalence of HIV among African American women. (Insert sarcasm here) Um, I'm sure it's my fault in some way for being a whitey or semi-whitey, rich (although no car, no kids, no home-ownership), well-educated (Look! I can actually balance my checkbook!) that Af-Am women are ALLOWING themselves to become infected with HIV. You just know that I'll be paying for more social programs so that Af-Am women feel better about themselves can say "no glove, no love." Wait a minute - that phrase would be too white and elitist and not fully respectful of their culture! Mea maxima culpa!(end sarcasm here) Read the damn article yourself! I'm now very depressed!
And the thing, dear readers, is that I can't manage to have any sympathy at all for these folks. I mean you need to be pretty blankety-blank stupid to insist on unprotected sex with a guy who's TOLD you he's HIV+.
And another thing, how can anyone in their right mind find a crackhead jailbird remotely attractive? Enough to have unprotected sex with him for two years. Sounds like a real catch! Where can I find one?
You know, it must be nice to be that cluelessly stupid and reckless, just going with whatever impulse you have in life. And I mean both the "men" and the "women" in question. Well, ok, now, why should I (or any taxpayer) wish to drop more money for these self-perpetuating social programs to treat and sustain these infected and infectious people and their bastard (and equally infected) progeny - when so many of them will NEVER take responsibility for their actions, will NEVER teach their children anything worth knowing and the problem will just go on and on?
My final word for today on this is that HIV is not like Smallpox - you can't get it just by being in the same room with someone - AND the ways to prevent HIV infection are REALLY simple.
And the thing, dear readers, is that I can't manage to have any sympathy at all for these folks. I mean you need to be pretty blankety-blank stupid to insist on unprotected sex with a guy who's TOLD you he's HIV+.
And another thing, how can anyone in their right mind find a crackhead jailbird remotely attractive? Enough to have unprotected sex with him for two years. Sounds like a real catch! Where can I find one?
You know, it must be nice to be that cluelessly stupid and reckless, just going with whatever impulse you have in life. And I mean both the "men" and the "women" in question. Well, ok, now, why should I (or any taxpayer) wish to drop more money for these self-perpetuating social programs to treat and sustain these infected and infectious people and their bastard (and equally infected) progeny - when so many of them will NEVER take responsibility for their actions, will NEVER teach their children anything worth knowing and the problem will just go on and on?
My final word for today on this is that HIV is not like Smallpox - you can't get it just by being in the same room with someone - AND the ways to prevent HIV infection are REALLY simple.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
I GIVE UP
I just read an article that my honey sent me which analyzed Bush's plan for "privatized" Social Security accounts. Let me make this as clear as I possibly can: Bush's plan has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with:
-privatization
-personal retirement savings accounts
-individualized anything
-actual benefit to the taxpayer who would opt-in
Brass Tacks (or Tax, get it, huhhuh): The plan would allow individuals to invest up to 4% (up to a cap of $1,000/yr) of their SS taxes in a "personal" account which would offer more or less the same type of investment vehicles as the Thrift Savings Plan (stock funds, bond funds, mixed funds, and the like). So far so good, then comes the kicker: upon retirement, the individual would be able to receive any money over 3%. So...the government would get a cut of 3% right off the top. Why? Something to do with leveling the playing field for those who opt out of the plan and collect the guaranteed benefit only. WHAT?! WHY? They've CHOSEN to opt out and that should not effect a penalty on the part of the "opt-inners." Also, as you might expect, the O/Is' guaranteed benefit is reduced by some as-yet unspecified amount.
The way I read it is that if your gains totalled 3%, then you would have gained NOTHING over the traditional Social Security plan - because THE GOV'T has taken a cut because THEY CAN. This is a TERRIBLE plan and WOULD NOT give participants ANY REAL advantage. This CANNOT be construed as a personal savings account in any sense of the word, because savings accounts don't generally take away money you've earned. This is not privatization because again, you don't get to keep all you've earned; you choose the funds, but have NO control over the extortion.
Gaack. More BIG GOVERNMENT - and from a Republican! Shameful!
NB: Let's see if I can come up with a link to the article I read.
-privatization
-personal retirement savings accounts
-individualized anything
-actual benefit to the taxpayer who would opt-in
Brass Tacks (or Tax, get it, huhhuh): The plan would allow individuals to invest up to 4% (up to a cap of $1,000/yr) of their SS taxes in a "personal" account which would offer more or less the same type of investment vehicles as the Thrift Savings Plan (stock funds, bond funds, mixed funds, and the like). So far so good, then comes the kicker: upon retirement, the individual would be able to receive any money over 3%. So...the government would get a cut of 3% right off the top. Why? Something to do with leveling the playing field for those who opt out of the plan and collect the guaranteed benefit only. WHAT?! WHY? They've CHOSEN to opt out and that should not effect a penalty on the part of the "opt-inners." Also, as you might expect, the O/Is' guaranteed benefit is reduced by some as-yet unspecified amount.
The way I read it is that if your gains totalled 3%, then you would have gained NOTHING over the traditional Social Security plan - because THE GOV'T has taken a cut because THEY CAN. This is a TERRIBLE plan and WOULD NOT give participants ANY REAL advantage. This CANNOT be construed as a personal savings account in any sense of the word, because savings accounts don't generally take away money you've earned. This is not privatization because again, you don't get to keep all you've earned; you choose the funds, but have NO control over the extortion.
Gaack. More BIG GOVERNMENT - and from a Republican! Shameful!
NB: Let's see if I can come up with a link to the article I read.
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Damn you, Winter!
I've got it! I have Seasonal Affective Disorder (heh: SAD)! That, or I'm really a bear and desperately need to hibernate. I just want to sleep. It's cold and yucky here. Wahhh...Zzzzzz. Oh, wait a minute, I have to work to sustain our expensive and very comfortable cave-I mean-apartment. Damn. Damn work, damn Winter, damn cold. I also must have Work Affective Syndrome Terminal Ennui (snort! - WASTE), 'cause this whole work just isn't lighting my fire.
Well, here's a really good blog by a gal who was actually fired because of something she wrote on her blog. Funny & good story-teller.
Well, here's a really good blog by a gal who was actually fired because of something she wrote on her blog. Funny & good story-teller.
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Michelle Malkin's Hate Mail
Ok, I know what I just posted but I must put a link to this - Michelle shares some of the truly heinous hate mail she's rec'd of late. It's truly vile & leads one to wonder - what kind of people have the time and compulsion to write this kind of stuff? Who are they? Can we excise them from the human race now? It's truly edifying to see the dregs the left calls its own.
Piss-Poor Blogging
Because of my evident inability to blog on a frequent basis, I've decided to commit to a once weekly post. Quality (hopefully) rather than quantity. Let's see how that works out...
Monday, December 20, 2004
Idiot Motorists & My (2nd) Brush with Death
Those of you idiot motorists out there (and you know who you are) who don't bother to check the crosswalk when turning - be warned! I'm going on a pedestrian jihad!
Last night I was almost run over by one of you, who evidently didn't notice the red light or the little white walkie man giving me the friggin' RIGHT OF WAY. It took you several seconds and your car bumping into me...I guess eventually you would have had to have noticed...to realize there was a living adult human crossing in front of you. Ah, but I'm sure whatever was causing you to rush on a Sunday night -booze, stupidity, lust, some dumb reality show, all of the above - was MUCH more important than traffic safety.
My first brush with death occurred catty-corned to this incident. Jeff and I were crossing the street, me bringing up the rear, when some asshead was turning while looking the other way. I was on his hood before he noticed. Jeff read him the riot act but good! That was actually funny.
The moral of this story is that just because you didn't maim/kill me these two times doesn't mean the next time - oh, and I'm sure there will be a next time - it won't happen. So...be warned, you stupid, brain-dead motorists - the next time I cross the street after dark, I'm carrying a bat!
Last night I was almost run over by one of you, who evidently didn't notice the red light or the little white walkie man giving me the friggin' RIGHT OF WAY. It took you several seconds and your car bumping into me...I guess eventually you would have had to have noticed...to realize there was a living adult human crossing in front of you. Ah, but I'm sure whatever was causing you to rush on a Sunday night -booze, stupidity, lust, some dumb reality show, all of the above - was MUCH more important than traffic safety.
My first brush with death occurred catty-corned to this incident. Jeff and I were crossing the street, me bringing up the rear, when some asshead was turning while looking the other way. I was on his hood before he noticed. Jeff read him the riot act but good! That was actually funny.
The moral of this story is that just because you didn't maim/kill me these two times doesn't mean the next time - oh, and I'm sure there will be a next time - it won't happen. So...be warned, you stupid, brain-dead motorists - the next time I cross the street after dark, I'm carrying a bat!
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Nutrition Alert: Eat Your Fiber!
There's a great article in the Post today about the positive effects of fiber. Now, I see friends and coworkers push aside veggies and the like. For shame! One point is that many chronic ailments can be aleviated or totally avoided by getting enough dietary fiber. Your health and well-being is in large part up to you. Read the article for the whole story.
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