Time "Well" Spent

Oh yes, the holidays. I've had the last week off of work and I'm sure we can all rant about the great way's we would spend that wonderful time. Let's take a trip down memory lane on how I've managed to spend this valuable time - shall we?

Saturday (Dec. 22)
Sunday
Monday - Polish off the xmas shopping, make a couple of gifts (I'll share photo's at a later date), and head over to mom's place. Do traditional stuff with mom and brother.

Tuesday - What else?

Tuesday Morning - Start filling under the weather.

Tuesday Evening to present - In BED!!! This sucks.

I've finally started getting a little appetite back today and was actually able to stir around - some. I was going to go to a new years party tomorrow, but that's not going to happen now. If I'm awake, I'll have to settle for Dick Clark (or whoever).

Well more notes later, I'm starting to feel weak and light headed again.

Happy New Year's folks.
Mighty

Ho Ho Ho

Here's both a negative and positive post at the same time - if that could possibly be done.

For the negative side, I saw a new "proud parent" bumper sticker the other day. I'm sure it's not new,but it read "I am the proud parent of a Presidential physical fitness award winner." Come on folks, dispense with all these "proud parent" bumper stickers. What really counts is how you conduct yourself around your children. Showing them a sense of well being and belonging, and actually teaching them a set of moral standards. I think that would go a lot farther than a bumper sticker.

On the positive side, it's time to head off to mom's place. It's about a 40 minute drive. Got to load the car with Christmas goodies first.

No matter how you spend this time of year, whether or not there is any religious significance involved, I hope the time you spend will be fulfilling.

Cheers!

Free!

I am FREE.
At least for a few weeks anyway.
What's next?
Don't know.
Oh wait.
I do know . . .
Shopping for xmas gifts.
And making some.
It's that time of year.
Only two weeks left.
OK folks.
Gotta roll with it!
The rush is on.

Quick Note

And it's Friday I tell you! Yeah, but I bet you already knew that. Well there's news to post, but not taken much time tonight to spill my guts. See, here's the deal. I have my final exam in Statics and Dynamics next Tuesday at 12:30pm. Here's the good news between now and then - 1) Holiday Party tomorrow night as part of a Meetup event, 2) Work is having their annual holiday potluck on Monday (I'm a sucker for potlucks), and 3) I'm taking Monday afternoon and Tuesday off to study. Now . . . the bad news between now and then - 1) I've got to study!, 2) There's other things I'd rather be doing this weekend, and 3) I'll miss the annual Luncheon with the top dog at some swank restaurant Tuesday due to my Final Exam! This is free - swank food folks. Unfair! Oh well. I'll live. Maybe they can get me a to-go box. Hmmmm.

Otherwise, it's off to study land. At least I'll be having a little fun this weekend to offset the pain. Not all bad ya know.

Sweet dreams folks.

Frazzled Daze

The big day is over! I had my third test today in my Statics and Dynamics class. And I actually think I did really well on it. We'll find out on Monday.

Today though, has been a strange day on the personal front. The day started fine as I woke up by alarm clock at 4am as I have for the last several weeks. I laid there longer than normal though, around an hour and a half thinking about problems and reviewing stuff in my head. I started getting sleepy around 9, and decided to take a short cat nap, something I've dubbed "Take 9." I have a timer with me on the couch set for nine minutes and after I stop squirming under the blanket, hit start and drift away. Does wonders I tell ya - EXCEPT for today. I came out of it with the shakes and chills. I just can't figure it out. This crap lasted through the test and carried on through lunch afterwards. It finally started going away when I went for a long walk after eating lunch. Another side affect stuck around a little longer - that is feeling down on myself, depressed if you want to call it that. That finally went away later at work once I got my head wrapped around some work problems.

So I felt good heading out of work and toward the gym. I skipped my late afternoon meal since I wanted to get my ass in the gym to cure the day. The gym was going to be my therapist since the earlier part of the day was so frazzled and I had not been in the gym for about nine day's. So much for therapy. While there, I went into another one of my heavy breathing, numb hands and feet modes. This is something I've been working with the doctor on and he thinks I'm hyperventilating. So this episode happened to be a hard hitter. Hard enough that the gym staff called 911. Things ended up fine and I left on my own accord. One interesting question was randomly asked was "Have you had your blood sugar checked?" "No."

So hence began a web search when I got home (and after I ate I tell ya). "Low blood sugar." Funny thing is a few of the symptoms listed are what I was experiencing. Interesting. Two conditions that can bring it on an episode - skipping a meal and strenuous exercise. Hmmmmm.

So I guess the next step is to do more research into that and mention it to my doctor.

Well will you look at that - it's 11:05 "PM." Well past my bedtime. - Cheers.

Thanksgiving Surprise

After a couple of day's at my mom's place, here is a surprise to report - show is more like it . . .
And the day after.
And the temps? Since you all know how much I like cold weather, I won't bother going there.

Overall, had a good stay at mom's house. Did some shopping on Friday and Saturday. Just a little poking around. Nothing serious. Of course, that will change as we get closer to the BIG day. But for now - light action.

Well short note here. Supper is out of the oven and is a combination of several recipes and my creative mind. If it actually turns out, I'll post something later in the week. Cheers!

Happy Happy

Happy Happy You What Day it is You Should Be Happy Day !!!

of Kelly Chow is coming and you know your gonna love very morsel of it. At least I will. Why you ask? Because it's MOM's meal. Just can't beat it. Sitting here writing this while I try to get a glimpseClarkson's video 'Never Again.' Looks like my connection just isn't fast enough. Damn! Sound comes through great thanks to K's awesome speaker donation, but the video has a lot to be desired. Now I'm in Kelly mode and will just HAVE to listen to her on the way to mom's place. It just won't be the same with out her. I mean her - yeah, her. Ya know?

Anyways, went out last night to the bar for some music and hang'en out. The band was good and the conversation was good. This was part of a Meatup event. I've attended several of these. Works out pretty good. Meet some new folks and relax. And bedtime you might be asking? 2AM. I know, EARLY for some of you. But well past my bedtime as of late since I've been hitting the sack around 9:30 or so for the past six or so weeks. Now I've just got to learn the how to make a Singapore Sling. None of the bar hands knew it or could find it. So I had to settle for a Brandy Sling. Which they were able to find in there handy book.

OK, what else is new. Oh! The local Macy's is opening at 4 am tomorrow. 4 am. Mark your calender. Turn the alarm off. Sleep in for a change. I'll be examining the back of my eyelids thank you very much.

Let's see . . . since the weather has started cooling off here, I have yet to turn on the heater. I've hit a new record low in my place - 55 this morning. Burr. And today's high is only going to be around 48. Where'd this come from all of a sudden. Up until this Monday, the daytime temps have been in the upper 60's to low 70's. TALK about spoiled! Now we might get snow this weekend. And here I was, naive as I am, thinking that with the unusually warm weather, I'd be bagging luminaries in a tee-shirt. I'm disappointed now.

Well I suppose it is time to put the finishing touches on this post and head off to mom's place. She lives in Rio Rancho. It will take me about 35 to 45 minutes to get there. But not until I send an email to The Peak radio station asking them for a play list from last night. On the drive home, I heard a new song. Gotta know ya know.

Cheers all and have a wonderful day. And oh, don't forget your body armor tomorrow. and first aid kit. and cell phone with 911 speed dial. and credit card. and . . .

No Words

Take care K.

Dreamland

I decided to treat myself to sleeping in this morning - 5:30! How late. What I ended up doing afterwards was dosing off and on for quite a while longer. In the process, I had the following series of dreams . . .

(1) I walk into my lab at work, which is normally very clean, and find a number of small messes. Now this in-of-itself is not unusual since both myself and my lab partner leave messes lying about for the various projects we work on. More so my partner than myself. Although sometimes, my partners messes frustrate me - sometimes. Anyways, as I'm looking about working on a project, I'm getting increasingly frustrated at a mess left behind that's hampering my ability to find some items, and have the space to work on my project in an area of the lab. My frustration and anger increases. At some point, I'm super frazzled while I look on the table for something. Then, I look up and to my left and find this whole row of new (well old) tools lined up like their new wild projects that my partner is dreaming up. A minor panic mode kicks in.

(2) Then, instantly, I'm giving a large group of people a tour of the lab. Some adults, but mostly children. Around, say 4 to 6 years old. Well at this instant, we are all headed towards the exit door and I turn around (I'm leading) and all of the people are taking their lab gowns off! See, I work in a cleanroom environment where we have to wear gowns for particulate control. Well, I'm like - WHAT ARE YOU PEOPLE DOING! The gowns are pretty much all off. OK! Let's get everyone out of here. As they are all out, I take one last pass around the lab to see that no one is left and looking down one long hall, I see a toddler, walking around in diapers only, waiving around the lab equipment. I walk over and pick up the child, and proceed to the exit. Then . . .

(3) Flash to me holding the toddler and a baby while still in my cleanroom gown. A woman, in street cloths with no gown, AND we are in the clean lab, is standing next to me and we are both smiling and giggling over how cute the kids are!

Go figure!
I think (1) has to do with what seems to be my increasing insecurities over how I think my boss [might] shows favoritism towards my partner regarding the work myself and he tend to focus on. As far as (2) and (3) go, your guess is as good as mine.

I hear, They hear!

OK, so I've just got to comment on a story this morning on NPR news. It was about some lawsuit against the government saying they are breaking the law by eve dropping on phone lines and now they want some anonymity regarding tapping into emails and web based phone services. All this due to national security.

Well, some folks are very against that.

Here's my two cents - what if you lost someone close and dear due to some radical asshole? Who cares where this asshole came from! al-Qaida, some religious sect, who knows? YOU are going to ask yourself what the government is doing and why they did not foresee this prick coming your way.

THIS is what the government is doing. To think that your individual daily events, while important at your level, could surpass the mundane as seen among the masses is unthinkable.

Think about it.

Chill'en

Oh lookie, it's Friday. Chill'en at home. Tomorrow is my last Saturday class and I'm looking forward to getting my Saturday mornings back. Unfortunately, that means I'll probably not utilize the time wisely. Oh well.

What's on tap for the weekend? Let's see . . . as mentioned, the Saturday class in the morning, a study session afterwards, then I'll spend the eventing with K. Sunday? Laundry !! Yuck. Gotta do it. My folks might come over. We are considering seeing the University of New Mexico Women's Basketball team play. They have a game in the afternoon. But haven't decided yet.

Meanwhile, my test Thursday went crappy. I'll see how I did on Tuesday. Surely, better than my first test - and were not going there, so just keep your curiosity to yourself, okay?

Well, time to sit back on the couch and chill.

I Predict

I predict - Boston Red Sox win in 4.

Paparazzi

How funny . . . Jessica Biel tells the paparazzi to "Get a Job." Story here. What a truth seeker. Perhaps Dreamer is more like it.

Knee Me

Here we are back in the saddle on a Saturday afternoon / evening. Nothing much new on the home front except that I started going to the doctor last week for some physical therapy on my left knee. It's just a "bulge" if you will on my knee. Doctor said its fluid buildup and he could probably just drain it, but most likely it would return. So he said physical therapy is the way to go.

Anyways, reading the contract you have to sign before they will treat you has this interesting statement that revolves around the indication that some of the Physicians, Residents, Medical Students, and Nurses may be that of independent contractors:

(1) I have received adequate notification of this relationship and that the hospital is released from liability and is not legally responsible for the acts or omissions of such individuals.

(2) The hospital has not represented or taken any other action to induce me to believe that the physicians, residents, medical students and nurses are employees or agents of the hospital.

Hmmm. Talk about wiping your hands clean.

Survay

Okay ladies, here's the question I'm curious about. Yes, I'm inhuman for asking the question, but I'm - curious . . .

When guy's stare at you, do you like it? Scorn it? Else? And if we don't look or stare at you? What then?

Please !!! I'm too young to die over this question.

Curious George Signing off.

Balloons !!!

More balloons folks. The weather was cold but darn nice and the balloons headed North as usual. So I got in the car and headed that way too. Click on the pics for a larger view.

Left - Right Balloons

And it's Saturday night here in the land of my apartment in the middle of the desert that has been modified through the advent of modern technological advances that allow us mortals to live in the desert with the ease and comfort of running water, shelter, waste management, modern electricity, in the comfort of artificial environmental weather controls.

Don't ask.

Anyways, as stated in a recent post, the Balloon Fiesta is going on here. Here's a couple of photo's from last weekend. They actually came down in my direction. That is, traveled south. Usually, they travel north - in the direction of my mom's place. So this was a welcome change.

I haven't decided if I'm going to the mass ascension tomorrow. It will be the last day of the Fiesta. We'll see how I feel in the morning and for that matter, how the studies are going. I'm doing well on the homework front, but I cannot start slacking too much. Wait - slack ??? Oh! That's my middle name.

On the sleep front, that finally caught up with me on Wednesday night. So much for getting up early to on Thursday to study. But wait!! Bout two came again Thursday night. I think I made a connection though to body temperature - ie, getting hot. After tossing and turning for an hour, I shed some covers, opened the window, and nighty-night. Sleep tight.

Ummmmm, oh yes. What a coincidence of this to happen. In my Saturday class on College Success last week, we studied the different types of learners. Well later in the week, a coworker emailed the following website here. Check it out! Find out if your a dominant right brain or left brain person. Pretty COOL.

Question?

Why can't I sleep? Here's the drill folks.

Day - Bed - Wake
Sunday - 10 - 2:30am
Monday - 10:30 - 2:30am
Tuesday - 11:00 - 3:30am

What's up with this crap? Granted I do have the alarm set for 4am to score a little study time before I get ready for work, but - this is ain't happening. By the time the alarm really does go off, I'm feeling too beat to get up!

What Gives.

College Success

Oh what a busy day. It all started off with the start of a short five week course at CNM on College Success. It's a one credit hour course that will meet on Saturday's fro 9 - 12 at their Montoya Campus.
Even though I've been going to school for centuries, I figure I can't loose by taking this class. I'm sure there will be something to learn on time management, study skills, memory skills, learning styles, and other related topics. My general philosophy is to go into every class with an open mind. For if you close it like a know-it-all, then you truly will learn nothing.

Then it was lunch and study for a few hours. Stop at the store, swing by home for a bite to eat, then laundry. And here we are folks. What a Day!

So you might be saying, "How boring. Normal life!" Ok, Ok, cut me a little slack here. I could mention how it's been somewhat windy all day, but I won't. I could talk about getting up at 4:30 this morning, but nah. How about that the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta started today. Missed it because they were up and down by 8:30 and I was Mr. Bookworm.

How about this little tid-bit while I listen to Kelly Clarkson's How I feel. The Universities Crime report came out. Let's look at some reported figures for the 2006 year, shall we. Burglary - 55. Motor Vehicle Theft - 69. And how about this figure: Liquor Law Violations - 23. Somehow, I don't believe it. That figures fudged I tell ya.

Then I could babble about this new singles club I went too on Thursday night. The topic of the event . . . . Online Profiles. A real blast! Pass around profiles and critique them. Of course, I did not bring mine because the original description for the event was suppose to be on your "online profile photo." "So bring your camera!" Well, something different in the end. No mates, but meat some interesting folks.

What else, what else - Harry Potters playing at the dollar theater. Might check it out later this week. No class next Thursday as the University is having Fall Break. Two day's off of classes. It won't be long enough.

Well, I think that just about wraps up the week. Until next time . . .

IBS
Move forward with vigor. For nothing happens when you stand still.

Vote When?

Today was voting day. Just one city councillor seat to fill and a bunch of city bonds and city charter proposition changes. It's a catch 22 type of voting. Not many voters show up because the items to vote for do not constitute anything major. But if you wait for these types of things to show up on a major voting ticket, people will complain that there's too much crap to vote on. Just can't win.

Anyways, I'd like to comment on the bonds. Regardless of the bond - parks, libraries, transportation, etc., they all seem to have the same look and feel:

'Shall the City of ? issue $$$ of its general obligation bonds to design, develop, study, construct, modernize, automate, renovate, rehabilitate, recondition, landscape, furnish, enhance and otherwise improve, and to acquire land, vehicles, apparatus, and equipment for [said institution].'

Makes it easy. Just read the institution and you know the rest.

Online

A fun little country song about us and our "online" identity.

Brad Pasley - Online

I work down at the Pizza Pit
And I drive an old Hyundai
I still live with my mom and dad
I'm 5 foot 3 and overweight
I'm a sci-fi fanatic
A mild asthmatic
And I've never been to second base
But there's whole ‘nother me
That you need to see
Go checkout MySpace

'Cause online I'm out in Hollywood
I'm 6 foot 5 and I look damn good
I drive a Maserati
I'm a black-belt in karate
And I love a good glass of wine
It turns girls on that I’m mysterious
I tell them I don't want nothing serious
'Cause even on a slow day
I could have a three way
Chat with two women at one time
I’m so much cooler online
So much cooler online

When I get home I kiss my mom
Online Lyrics on http://www.lyricsmania.com
And she fixes me a snack
And I head down to my basement bedroom
And fire up my Mac
In real life the only time I’ve ever even been to L.A
Is when I got the chance with the marching band
To play tuba in the Rose Parade

Online I live in Malibu
I pose for Calvin Klein, I've been in GQ
I'm single and I'm rich
And I've got a set of six pack abs that would blow your mind
It turns girls on that I’m mysterious
I tell them I don't want nothing serious
'Cause even on a slow day
I could have a three way
Chat with two women at one time
I’m so much cooler online
So much cooler online

When you got my kind of stats
It’s hard to get a date
Let alone a real girlfriend
But I grow another foot and I lose a bunch of weight
Every time I login

Online
I’m out in Hollywood
I’m 6 foot 5 and I look damn good
Even on a slow day
I could have a three way
Chat with two women at one time
I’m so much cooler online
Yeah, I’m cooler online
I’m so much cooler online
Yeah, I’m cooler online

Yeah, I’m cooler online

Yeah, I’ll see ya online

Sleep What?

And just what do you do when you wake up at 3:30am in the morning? Even though you didn't get to bed until midnight. First you lay there for an hour, unable to fall asleep.
Then you decide to study a bit. Two hours perhaps. Then, luckily, sleepy head kicks in. So you crash for another couple of hours. Wake up around 8:30. Lay there for another 30 minutes. Then get the day started.

What's up for today. Homework, grocery shopping, gym, folks house. Yes, supper is on the way.

Hope your Sunday is a good one.

The Day in Review

Let's start with late last night.
- Go to bed at 9:30 in homework frustration.

Today
- Wake up at 3:45am.
- Move bones.
- Roll to floor about 4:15.
- Hit the homework.
- Although sleeeeeepy, manage to have one of the best study sessions I've had yet. Crap made since and I even solved two problems from homework due today.
- Head out the door to class shortly after 10.
- Class at 11.
- No. Comprende. el. Formula. What is this guy saying?
- Blood pressure check at student health center. Was good: 115/67.
- Lunch. Brown bag. Mighty standard.
- Study session in lower section of UNM's Zimmerman Library.
- Frosty. Why does it have to be this cool down here?
- Decent study session! Alert, focused, well . . . . as long as the ladies didn't force me to look at them.
- Gym! Finally got my ass back in there. Sunday was my first day in a year. Now my second. Hard parts over.
- Head back to work at 6:30.
- Find co-worker still there and chit-chat work and personal stuff.
- Home.
- Eat.
- Now.

Plan
- Try repeat tonight and in the morning till I have to head out for work. But not before I study a little geometry tonight.

(publishers note: recall that Thursday has become my day off of work with the new 4/10 work schedule.)

Memory Lane

Well today was the last day of the 2007 New Mexico State Fair. Although I did not go this weekend, there's no reason I can't take a trip down memory lane. Won't you join me?

Lost and Forgotten

Ever dig in the back of your refrigerator? And wonder . . .
"How long has THAT been there?"
And then polished it off anyway after a few sample sips. Then noticed . . . And wondered . . .
Maybe I shouldn't have.

Ahhhh Kellie

Oh Yeah!!! After last Saturday's dismal - disappointing performance from Tanya Tucker at the State Fair Rodeo, Kellie Pickler MORE than made up for Tanya.
No fancy appearance, no stunts . . .
Just a simple announcers introduction.
And she delivered alright. Pounding out her one hit that I'm aware of, but also doing a number of cover songs. Dolly's '9 to 5' was one.
And she has a voice I tell ya. That Southern twang shines through. If she comes around here again, I'll probably go see her. Now . . . I wonder if sales of her CD in the Albuquerque metro went up during this last week? Hmmmm, the world my never know. I think I'll help those sales figures. I wonder if she's - single.

Like I'd get anywhere.

Weekend Challenges

Dear God. This again!

That time of the month.
Never ending.
Fuck'en gum. How do you get this shit out. Perhaps Shout will save me. Stuck to my backpack waiting for the shuttle bus at school. Transfer to shirt. Ah Crap!
Suck'en up floor space.
And when it's all over, perhaps a little rest bit. But not before I get some homework done!
The mission starts tomorrow - with - - WORK. On a weekend even. How did I get sucked into this? Turns out me and this other guy have been trying to schedule some work on this analytical equipment. While he has had plenty of time, this week has been a "no-go" for me. Next week ain't look'en any better. So here we go folks.

And the Winner IS

And my winning prize at the Raffle . . .
I'll store this with the utmost of pride. Make sure it hangs flat sandwiched between other shirts. Never iron it. And most of all, boldly keep it a secret.

After class today, I rolled by the Electrical Engineering building on campus and smelled - smelled the sweet odor of grill food. Turns out that the EE department was having a fund raising barbecue today. A pleasant surprise on my part. For two bucks, I got a hamburger, chips, and can soda. And . . . . . a raffle ticket. I WON! Other prizes that I missed was another shirt (oh darn), two 2-gig thumb drives, and a 2-gig Ipod. Oh well, maybe next time.

My favorite beverage:

Iced Tea
3 quarts water
3 tea bags

Bring one quart water to boil. Add tea bags. Boil one minute, steep 8 minutes. Pour in pitcher with other two quarts water. Chill. Indulge!

A Treasure

Ahh the State Fair. I have more photo's but find myself needing to get ready to go out in a bit for to nights rodeo and music show with Kellie Pickler. She has got to make up for last nights show with Tanya Tucker. I did not enjoy her show at at all. She came out riding on a horse waving and all. Nice, but what's up with the fancy entrance and all. Then she got on stage wearing a skin tight black suit that just did not match her figure. And that hair! Got to do something with it. And I did not appreciate her overall demeanor on stage. Miss Pickler has some making up to do.

I did not take my camera to the show not wanting to risk having to take a bus ride back to the car and all. I found out its OK, so I'll get some shots tonight.

I've been studying all day but wanted to at least share this treasure from the fair. I feel this one requires a post of it's own.

Pencil artwork from Luis Mora in the 12th grade. I could not find a specific school he was from other than that the school is in the Gadsden Independent School District. What a picture!!! I'd love to have it on MY wall. I'm happy though that I got the picture and can share it with you all.

Anyways, the folks will be here soon. Got to change and eat a little something. Will share some pictures later.

Cheers.

Crazy Birds

Eating lunch yesterday at the Duck Pond on the University campus brought this up close and personal visit:

That one guy on the right has me dead in his sights. "Like - Look at me - Look at me! I'm a starrrr!"


Things are going pretty good at the moment. Work was a busy busy day. Spent most of the day in frustration working on this one tool. I'll comment that "It's Working" and leave it at that. Some folks might not approve of my solution . . . but HEY!! "It'sssssss Working!"

So what's on tap for the weekend? R-O-D-E-O. Yep, country concert at the New Mexico State Fair. Going both Saturday and Sunday. Two - count'em two shows. Tanya Tucker on Sat. and Kellie Pickler on Sunday. And so just how do you feel after a heck tic day at work and a shot or two of Cognac Camus Grand V.S.O.P. Brandy? Not to mention thinking about the need to do school work this weekend and pop into work for a short bit tomorrow along with the two shows Saturday and Sunday evening with the folks and do some grocery shopping with me, myself, and I and . . . and . . . and

It's enough to make ya go crazy I tell ya.

Mood

Well I'm in a mood right now. What sums up my cure is probably the following header from Carries blog:

If you are pained by external things, it is not they that disturb you, but your own judgment of them. And it is in your power to wipe out that judgment now.

http://quotes.zaadz.com/Marcus_Aurelius

Parade Today

Ahh the opening of the 2007 New Mexico State Fair. What would a Fair be without an opening parade?

The marching bands were there

So was the military
And the accompanying ROTC.
There were plenty of princesses
and low riders.
The fancy cars came out too.
There were a number of dance groups mov'en around
along with this funny car. What a feat!
And there were other assorted, traditional parade stuff . . .



And then, there was the aftermath! Get me out of here - please.