Yep. Still here. Still taking notes, and still meaning to write here.
Real Life is a pain (but, you know that); a LOT going on, which seems to actually change all the time while being the same every day, if that's possible. I've been working on a somewhat long post, which will be put up soon. I will say, it's something I've been thinking about for quite a while.
See you soon.
Well, here it is. The end of another year.
Whoopie.
Yes, I know. I'm woefully behind. I don't really have any excuses, other than Life Itself getting in the way. I've started a few notes on things that have been going on that I've wanted to talk about, but then, something else gets in the way, and it gets pushed back. Over and over again. But, looking back at them, I've realized that they were nothing more than things pretty much everyone has heard or seen, so no point in going over them again. I them tried to get 'reflective', but that didn't go anywhere, either. So, delete delete delete. Now, I'm dropping a post to say, I'm not going to go off on topics that seemingly are happening in the news in front of everyone as much anymore, because I don't think people want to hear about those too much. But,that may change. (Oh, who am I kidding? Of course it will!)
I've been taking notes on things that come across my mind a lot; I just have to put them into some sort of coherent order. Not as easy as you'd think....
I will, however, wish you all a good New Year's, and hope next will be better....but I kind of doubt it.
Good thoughts, good prayers, good feelings to one and all.Keep your spirits up, and let's make 2026 better than 2025 was.
As Red Green would say, "Remember, I'm pullin' for ya; we're all in this together."
Hey.
Been WAY too long, I know. I've been taking notes about different things happening, when I get 'an idea of what to write' pops up, but every time I do, something else comes up, and supersedes it. More tariffs, assassination, destruction of OUR property for an expensive vanity project that will most likely not be used much-if at all- after it's done...too much to go through. It doesn't help that there have been personal things getting in the way, either. fingers crossed, and all that.
Keeping it short, as (to be honest) I'm 'not feeling it' right now. But, writing WILL go on. Just have a bit to wait, is all.
Hey everyone.
Been quite busy recently, and as such, I've been lax. My apologies on that.
I've been putting thoughts down when I can, and trying to make them sound coherent. Trouble is, things keep coming up and derailing things. So, a short note, to say I'll have something in a couple of days.
Stay tuned.
Well. Another year is gone, and a new one upon us. Hurrah, and all that.
A lot has gone on, and it seems like more 'fun and thrills' are on the way. I haven't posted for a bit (yes, my error), but if I make any resolutions (which, by the way, I don't), it's to spout off more.
So, here's to more stuff to throw out here, and hopefully it won't be too annoying.
But no promises on that....
Well, they kept their word!
The place I was a contract worker for, officially hired me on! It's a good feeling, especially when you consider I'll be hitting the ol' Retirement Age within ten years (Really? Yes, really!) But, I plan on hanging on a bit after, if I can. It's the least I can do for them, since they actually want me there. It's a good feeling, let me tell you.To give you an idea of why I'm happy to be here, here's a list of jobs I've had (at least those off the top of my head):
*Custodial
*Retail (comic book shop, toy store (two different ones), Sharper Image-type store, curtain retailer)
*Food service (McDonald's, cook for a small restaurant, steakhouse dishwasher/cleanup (my first job, by the way!))
*Weatherproofing school buildings
*Manufacturing (making de-burring tools for steel, insulating exhaust systems, making tire-pressure gauges, industrial lifts (current job))
Yes, that's 13 jobs I've had in my life (at least those I can remember). Some of them are no longer around, and a few were for the summer while I was in school. But now, I (hopefully!) will not have to look anymore. It's a good feeling.
And here's hoping your situation is a good one, as well.
Guess who has a new job? Go on, take a guess.
Yep. Me!
What am I doing now? Manufacturing lift systems for a local company. I like the work, and the people. At the moment, it's contractual ('temp'), but it's a contract-for-hire, which means they want me there permanently. Nice!
Now, why am I here? well....
It has to do with three prior jobs (I'll call the companies 'A', 'B', 'C' and 'D').
Now, 'A' was one I started in 2010, working on climate controls. I loved the work, and got along with a good deal of the people working there (Hello, if you're reading this!). But, as it was foreign-owned, it got bought out by another company, who moved it out of the country. So, after 'the band broke up' (after about 7 years), it was time to look around again.
As luck would have it, 'B' was looking for people. It was a company that was insulating exhaust systems, and was next to 'A', and was being used by them as a overflow warehouse. Nice! Plus, I was with a few people from 'A' as well!
But.....
'B' was owned also by a foreign company, but its office was in another state. Long and somewhat convoluted story short, mid-August 2023 (with THREE of us working there, not including the supervisor), we were told that one was leaving, and the doors were shutting at the end of the year. But, they 'graciously' offered the two of us left that we could join them their; the other guy said 'Yes', I said 'No'. So, two down (this one, after 5 years)....
Then.....
'C' was looking for a few people. By this time, I'm back as a contract person, and was brought into this other place. Which, was in the same building 'A' was in! They made tire pressure gauges mainly for big rig semi trucks and other industrial vehicles. The materials were very similar to what we used at 'A', so I had no problem there. Plus, myself and another contract got along great with our co-workers, who really wanted us to be hired, as a LOT as planning on coming in. What could go wrong?
Well.....
After three weeks, on Good Friday, I got a text from the service, saying that my 'Contract had been fulfilled', and not to report to work on Monday.
W
T
F
???
I texted the floor supervisor, and he verified it. All done.
So, Monday early, I went there to turn my keycard in. I told my co-workers what had happened, and they were stunned! They WANTED us there, because it was going to ramp up a LOT. They said they'd contact the supervisor and try to 'get it straightened out' and let me and the other person know.
No luck. Struck out.
But.....
A few days later, the service contacted me, and told me of this other place, that makes lifts. Would I be interested?
Of course! I didn't have anything else going on.
Well, I went there, met the people, looked it over, and here I am! The best part? Even though I'm still not 'official' yet, they treat me like I am. Should have come here first!
While I wish that 'A' were still around, and I was working with the people who made it enjoyable, I'm glad I'm at a place I feel good about. Even though I keep in touch, I'd still like to see and talk to them every day. They made the work enjoyable, and I'm glad I met them.
So, here's to you, my Work Family. Miss you, and think about you.
And I hope you do, as well.
Well.
How have you all been? I hope you're all doing well. Myself? Well, not bad. Some interesting things have been going on recently, but I'm not at liberty to discuss them just yet. Don't worry, nothing bad. Just....interesting.
On a personal level, I've been trying to keep up with my hobbies. Mainly, model building. I don't have the area I need for any indoor painting, so I have to either move the car out of the garage, or wait until the weather's nicer and spray outside. They say that the joy in a journey is more in the actual journey itself, rather than the destination. Which is good, because my journeys take a lot longer than I'd like them to sometimes....
And, I've been listening to a podcast I really enjoy, called 'Time Suck'. It's by the comedian Dan Cummins (who also has a second podcast he does with his wife Lynze called 'Scared To Death'), and it touches on all sorts of strange, weird, and sometimes tragic (and terrible) subjects. The episodes are here. The earlier ones are about half an hour long, and the later ones around two hours plus. Just a heads up, though...he peppers them with references to past shows (usually with characters from them), and he likes to swear. A lot. So, NSFW, unless you have earbuds or headphones. He also has merchandise. Because, of course he does. :)
Well, that seems to be it for this chapter's TED Talk. Join me next time, when I might have something interesting, funny, or informative to say.
Or not. :)
Well, here it is...the beginning of March, 2024. Very very little snow on the ground (if any, depending on where you live), warm temperatures (it hit 72 degrees Fahrenheit here about a week ago, if that!), and people wearing short pants, and no coats. Heaven.
Except, it's not supposed to be like this right now. It's supposed to be snowy and cold, with freezing winds and ice on the trees. Why? Because lakes and rivers like snow - it helps 'feed' them. Plus the cold helps to kill off molds and other allergens, keeping us from getting too sick. And do I have to mention it kills the bugs no one wants to deal with year round? Yes, it sucks, but it's necessary for things to work right. We need that stuff here, because it helps us in the long run. Besides, my main worry right now, is are we going to get SLAMMED soon? You know, the Balance is upset, so Nature will 'correct' it kind of thing. It could still happen. Which is why I recommend you still be prepared to dress warmly, and take a coat, even if it doesn't look like you'll need one. Be prepared, as the Scouts say.
Just don't be too surprised if it happens. Better safe than sorry!
Well, here it is.
At the writing of this post, it's near the end of January 2024. Around this time, people are either bearing down and following their resolutions, or have pretty much given up on them. You know 'resolutions', right? Those declarations that people make about what they want to do in the New Year? Whether it's "I'm going to the gym more", or "I'm going to start eating healthier!", or " Maybe I'll try not to wish death on that person at work I hate so much. At least a little bit". Whatever it is, it's meant to create a 'New Me!'. It's a promise you make to yourself, but sometimes it's not easy to keep. So, many people just take a "Next year for sure!" attitude when they don't carry it out. Nothing wrong with that. Do what you can, when you can.
Speaking of resolutions, want to see a list of mine? Well, here you are:
Yep, I don't have any. That's because I don't do them. Why? Well, because I feel that if you want to do something (especially if it's something to make you healthier), you shouldn't wait to do it. If you decide in, say, May, that you want to eat better, why would you wait? Do it then, not wait 7+ months to start it. Better health shouldn't have to wait. Same with hitting the gym. Yes, I know that sometimes money is the issue, and people would rather wait until after the holidays to start something that costs money (because they need to pay off said holidays). But if you can afford it (or it doesn't cost anything), do it or start it NOW, rather than later. You'll be glad you did.
As for me, I've never done them. Don't need them. If I want or need to do something, I don't like to wait. Let's be honest. If you need a coat at the beginning of winter, why would you wait to get it at Christmas? Because you have to buy others presents, and you've figured, "Eh. Just get everything at once. That's fine."?
NO. Get your coat FIRST, THEN worry about the other stuff. Don't inconvenience yourself for the sake of others when it comes to things like this. "I don't have the money to do that! I have to wait until I get my extra cash for the holidays!" NO. They can wait. So what if your cousin's-girlfriend's-brother's-nephew doesn't get a PlayGamer 77 (with the built-in Facial Recognition package ONLY AVAILABLE ON OUR PURPLE/GREEN/YELLOW CONSOLE FOR A LIMITED TIME!!!!!) from you. Let someone else be the 'cool relative'. If they don't like it, too damn bad. Don't resolve to "Get a new coat sometime next year. Eventually...". Get it when you need it. Period.
That being said, if you do them, great. No worries. But, ask yourself, "Do I want to wait, or do I have to wait?". There's the difference. If you have to, then you have to. No judgment. But if you want to, just give it a re-think. You may be glad you did.
Hey, everyone. How's it going? Doing fine? Hope so. Me? Well....not too bad. I'll hit you with a long-ish post after the New Year. Don't want to harsh you out right now. Goodness knows we've had a right fair amount of that during the last several months. Fighting, lawsuits, deaths (celebrity and others), ups, downs, ins, outs, lefts, rights, forwards, backwards - way too much to discuss here. I can honestly say that we don't need any more interesting things happening next year; although, we'll probably get more of the same. I think we're good on 'surprises' and what-not. Let's have a good, not-so-crazy year in 2024, okay?
So, let's be safe, happy, and hopefully better off. As Red Green said:
"I'm pullin' for ya. We're all in this together."
I have a habit of writing things down a lot; if a thought or idea hits me, I'll try to jot it down for later. Here's a selection of said thoughts I've accumulated over time.
Enjoy!
***Never give yourself a reason to not do something. Putting something off doesn't make it go away - it just makes it harder to finish.
***Never underestimate the power of a kind thought, word, or deed.
***Don't be afraid to 'color outside the lines'. That's where the fun usually is.
***One of the hardest things about dealing with people is having patience. It may be a virtue, but sometimes it makes you wonder if it's worthwhile. Especially when it feels like the odds are stacked against you. After all, how many times can you deal with someone who just doesn't want to understand what you're telling them?
***Your children are NOT your 'friends'. They're your children. Your job is to raise them, help them learn and mature, and make sure that they know right from wrong. They are a part of you, and they reflect what they are exposed to. It's not your responsibility to hang out with them, to party with them, to act like you're "one of the gang" with them. They need your love and your guidance, not for you to drink with them and act like 'the Cool Parent'. Be understanding of their wants and needs. Help them through the rough times, and share the good times with them. Build them up by being what they NEED, not what you think they want.
***Always check the coin returns on vending machines. Change is still money.
***"Love what you do, and do what you love. If you do that, then your work isn't really work!"
Yes, it is. If you have to produce something, have deadlines, have to actually do something in exchange for a paycheck, then it's work. It might be fun, exciting, challenging, etc., but it's still making a living. I don't want my work to be *FUN*!!!; I want it to be something separate from 'fun'. I enjoy 'Fun'. I tolerate 'Work'.
***Put the shopping cart into the corral at the store. At least put it out the way of where a car has to drive. Show a little sense, huh people?
***Never ask a question you really don't want to know the answer to.
***"Please" and "Thank you" aren't dirty words. They can be magic words, however. Said with sincerity they can actually work *Magic*! Try it! You may be surprised!
***Let the car pass you on the road, okay? Playing "NONE SHALL PASS!" on the road can be at best, troublesome. At worst, fatal. Just let them do it, and save yourself some trouble.
***I love watching the sun rise on a nice, clear day. I just wish it wasn't so early. Couldn't it rise at noon or so sometimes?
***Nothing lasts forever. People, places, things, animals, plants...one day the sun will set on every thing, and that will be that. Before it happens, though, make the most of things. LIVE. EXPLORE. EXPERIENCE. BE. Let yourself become enlightened with what's around you. Be curious about the world, but also be aware of your surroundings, both internal as well as external. Know your limits. See them, recognize them, acknowledge them.
And push past them anyway.
***Only YOU, are responsible for YOU. Who you are, what you are, what you want to be or accomplish...these things are for you to decide. Know who you are. And be what you will. There's only one You. So be the best You you can.
***If anyone ever gives you advice, remember this:
You are under no obligation to follow it. If you feel it's right for you, then by all means, take it. If not, then don't. And don't feel bad for not following it. It's your life and your decision. And don't let people try to make you feel bad for not taking it. If it's so good, let them follow it.
*****Here Endeth The TED Talk for today.*****
WE DO NOT NEED CHRISTMAS MUSIC TO START PLAYING THE DAY AFTER HALLOWE'EN! IT IS NOT FESTIVE, IT IS ANNOYING AND NOT CONDUCIVE TO GETTING ME IN THE HOLIDAY MOOD! IT IS THE SAME MUSIC, ALMOST PLAYED IN THE SAME ORDER, EVERY YEAR! THE SONGS I WANT TO HEAR, THEY EITHER DON'T PLAY ENOUGH OR NOT AT ALL!
I ESPECIALLY DON'T NEED TO HEAR THE SEVENTEENTH VERSION OF 'THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY' PLAYED FOR THE TWELFTH TIME IN FOUR DAYS! VARY THE MUSIC, OR JUST STOP IT!
PLUS, WE ALSO DON'T NEED MULTIPLE STATIONS FOLLOWING SUIT! ONE IS BAD ENOUGH! DO YOU LISTEN TO IT AFTER DECEMBER 25? NO? WELL, TRADITIONALLY CHRISTMAS STILL EXTENDS INTO JANUARY! THAT'S WHY IT'S THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS! EITHER DO IT 'RIGHT' OR NOT AT ALL!
*Ahhh* Well, that was fun. Sorry. It had to be said!
Been shopping recently? Going out to pick up your essentials, like food, toiletries, maybe shoes or clothes? As you go through the aisles, looking at the selections, do you encounter Them? Who? Why, Them, of course. The other shoppers who for some reason seem to think that the store belongs to Them and Them alone. They cut in front of others, leave their cart in the aisle (many times right in the middle) while They go three aisles down to look for something. And, woe be unto you if you dare - YOU DARE!!!1! - to touch Their Precious. They have no concept of others, or of courtesy. They will stand in front of the things that you want to get to, and become selectively deaf when you say, "Excuse me". Even better, They'll grab just about all of something, emptying the shelf, and act as if it's perfectly fine to deny others. And, be careful if YOU get the thing before They do, because then the sighing starts. Like you did it on purpose, just to inconvenience Them. But, at least you don't work at the store. That's a special kind of hell altogether, with way too many examples to put here. But I thing you can guess (maybe even seen it firsthand).
I used to work in retail, but not anymore. Luckily, I've never been the target of the ire of Them. But I've seen it in play a lot. And it's not pretty.
You see, there's an adage that comes up concerning working in a sales-related field: "The customer is always right!" It means that the Customer is SACRED, and the staff need to bend over backwards to make Them as happy and content as possible, so that they continue to shop at your establishment, and maybe recommend their friends and family to do the same. It's thought by many to be a Sales Rule of Law: no matter what, the Customer is king!
Too bad it isn't.
According to grammarist.com,
The timeless aphorism “The customer is always right” is widely attributed to Harry Gordon Selfridge, the founder of the popular Selfridge’s department store located in London. Wisconsin-born Selfridge introduced the phrase in the early 1900s to encourage employees to prioritize customer satisfaction and create an environment where customers felt valued and respected. It was all part of his marketing and brand establishment.
But, some sources also attribute the saying to other business magnates of the era, like César Ritz, who was the founder of the famous Ritz Hotel. He actually coined the phrase as “Le client n’a jamais tort,” which translates as “the customer is never wrong.”
In other words, it's just a marketing ploy. But, the trouble is, people have taken it and run rampant with the concept, thinking that retail people have no choice but to kiss their ass. And They get VERY angry when they don't. Which makes it rough for everyone.
Look, I get it. It's frustrating when you can't find what you want, and even more so when you can't find anyone to help you. And sometimes the staff is not very helpful; there are times I've heard people tell of workers walking away from them when they need help. But it's still not an excuse to go off and throw out attitude at them or other shoppers. Just leave. Go elsewhere. If it happens enough, the store will have to take steps to improve things, if they want to stay open. Don't blame everyone on site, just because of one or two people. Shop at a different place; that's the best way to prove you mean business, not verbally (and sometimes physically) assaulting someone. Be an adult, okay?
And the next time you abandon your cart in the aisle, it's moving to the back of the store. Hide and Seek, anyone?
Watch out, I'm highly caffeinated, and somewhat annoyed.
Sorry for the lag; life's been going at a rate I wasn't expecting; plus, a LOT has been going on in the world, as you might know. Indictments, lawsuits in the news, deaths (some more 'enjoyable' than others), and just plain old tomfoolery. So, what (you might ask) is "annoying you" today?
People in general, really.
This was going to be focused on one thing or other, but with too much between posts, it's a little hard to keep up. So, people it is!
Ever since things opened up since the pandemic, people went from "ME! ME! MEEEE!!!" from before, to "Oh no! We need to help each other!!" during, to " We need to work together to get things back on track!" and ended up right back at "ME! ME! MEEEE!!" Seeing it first hand is a lot different than hearing about it. We've had people drive like no one else is on the roads (not a good thing , what with all of the construction going on around here); passing on the wrong side, cutting people off, turning without any signal at the literal last minute - you know, morons. It also includes people who back out of parking spaces without looking behind them, or hovering to take a spot, without leaving enough space for the person to get out of it. You can't park, if I can't leave. You know, morons.
But the ones who bother me more than most, are the non-handicapped people abusing handicapped spots. You've seen them; they pull into them and "run in for just a minute!" Meanwhile, someone who *needs* it, has to wait or find another spot. Sometimes they end up getting ticketed, which is funny if they see the police writing it up, because they try to explain as to why they're justified in breaking the law "for just a minute!"
When I worked at a local mall in retail years ago, I saw retribution in action. A person who needed the spot was heading for one, and some girl sped up the aisle the wrong way, just to snag it. No permit, no tag. She didn't need the spot, she just wanted it. He stopped by her, and seemed to be telling her to move her car, while she just walked off "for just a minute". When she was inside, he got out, took his key, and wrote something on her driver's side door. He saw me, told me I didn't see anything (which I nodded at), and drove off. I didn't go to see what he wrote, because I didn't want to be accused of doing it. Now, I don't condone vandalism as a means of replying to stupidity, but in this case, I'll allow it.
This is shorter than I originally wanted it to be, because there's a LOT about this subject that gets me going. So, I'll spare you. For now.
Until we meet again, just remember, be nice to each other. We're all we got.
Once upon a time, on April 7, 2023, a judge in Texas (U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, by name) decreed that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had no right in approving an abortion medication known as mifepristone, a pill that has been on the market for over twenty years. He said that the FDA succumbed to political pressure when it approved it, and that the reasoning behind it was 'unsound'. A decision made by someone with zero medical experience, made this decision.
On the day that this was written, the Supreme Court (who was tasked with making a ruling on whether or not it should stand) delivered their verdict on the matter: they blocked his decision. Which means that it's still available for now; however, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has scheduled oral arguments in the case for May 17, 2023. Which means that will probably be back in the Supreme Court. Again. (The vote, by the way, was 5-to-2.)
Now, the big question: why do I, as a male, care about this? I can't get pregnant, therefore, why do I feel that I should have an opinion on this at all?
Simple.
Because I believe that a woman should have the right to choose what's best for *HER*, without someone else (especially a man who will never be in the same position as her) making that choice for them. Now, should a father make the decision for their minor daughter? In that case, I hope that common sense will prevail. Let's be honest, I really don't think that any girl wants to be a mother at 12. Especially if she's been assaulted (Double especially if it was by a family member).
Now, before anyone wants to try and throw what they think is their logical counter-opinion at me... unless you're willing to adopt and raise these kids, you might want to think twice before you try the whole "They need to have a child, to know the joy of motherhood! They'll change their minds after the birth!" angle. It's not right to FORCE a girl or woman to have a child, any more than it's right to FORCE them not to. Discussion and reflection should always be a part of these decisions. Jumping the gun is no good for anyone. And besides, it's not an easy thing for a woman to choose to do. They know the risks and the feelings inherent with the procedure. Screaming at them to follow your views aren't helpful. Talking is. Do that, before you judge them. See where their thoughts are before you condemn them. Like they say, if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.
On a final note....if you still feel that it's wrong, ask yourself, "Why are we punishing and threatening the women in this? Aren't the men involved in the pregnancy also part of this? Shouldn't THEY be punished, as well?"
Congratulations. You've figured it out.
Well well well. Alcohol, huh?
You've probably heard of the little mini-firestorm recently, where transgender actress Dylan Mulvaney made a short video, where she shows off a can of Bud Light with her face on it. She simply said some nice things about it, and they sent it to her. So, she showed it off. No worries, right?
Wrong.
All of a sudden, people freaked out! They've decided to stop selling at their concert venues, their bars, one moronic lunatic even shot some up, out of fear of...I don't know what. All of them called the beer 'Woke' (that catch phrase that people like to toss around, without really knowing what it means). Some even claimed that "It's no longer welcome in my home! I drink THIS now!", with pics of the inside of their fridge, with different alcohol (which, by the way, was still made by Anheuser-Busch, the makers of-yep-Bud Light. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find something not associated with A-B in some way. There's even some clown marketing a Very Right Wing Choice (not the real name), that he says is the BETTER CHOICE FOR TRUE AMERICANS!!!, or some such nonsense. Guess who has connections to the brewery where it's made? Go on, take a shot!
But, it seems that BL isn't the only casualty....seems some yahoo found out that his drink of choice, Jack Daniels *gasp* DID A THING WITH DRAG a few years ago. Seems they did a thing with RuPaul's Drag Race, and well, this guy went nuts! Read it here, because it's hilarious.
You know what's really weird? The people destroying this stuff, already bought it. It's like when people were burning sports jerseys and smashing coffee makers not long ago: It's YOUR stuff! You paid for it! And now, you're trowing a tantrum for the sole purpose of getting attention. And when the camera is off, what then? While they might not buy the same jersey, I'll bet they went out and bought another coffee maker. Idiots.
The bottom line is this: Dylan only got ONE CAN of Bud Light. ONE. There isn't any in the stores with her picture on them! You can't buy a case of them, or even just one. All of this, over ONE PERSON, over ONE CAN. Talk about sensitive snowflakes....
Besides, it's not important who or what is on the can. What matters is what's inside.
You know, like people.....
Well. It seems that we now have a new holiday to celebrate!
As of 2023, March 30th will now be known as: I-Day! Or, if you like.....
