tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77934334210145876252024-02-19T07:27:45.382-05:00Never Let Them Hear You SweatI'm sure you've heard the phrase "they can hear you smile". Well they can hear you get nervous also. The customers I deal with will browbeat you into submission if you let them. Never show weakness.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14312018941073455590noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793433421014587625.post-9088728969436120722012-02-01T23:24:00.002-05:002012-02-01T23:34:40.919-05:00I hate it when I get myselfA student calls for assistance with a password problem.<br />
<br />
Me: "So where are you trying to log in from?" <br />
<br />
We were having trouble with one of our websites and I needed to know which site the student was trying to log into.<br />
<br />
Student: "The library."<br />
<br />
Ok. I asked for that. The student was not being a smart ass. It was an honest answer.<br />
<br />
Me: "I meant what address."<br />
<br />
Yes. That is exactly how I worded it. Obviously I did not learn my lesson with the first answer I received. I was hoping to get the web site address.<br />
<br />
Student: "I don't know. Let me check."<br />
<br />
<br />
I hear the student set the phone down. A few minutes later he picks the phone up and gives me the physical address for the school.<br />
<br />
(Face Palm)<br />
<face palm=""></face><br />
I really deserved that.<br />
<br />
Everyone I worked with got a good laugh at my expense. It would have been wrong to not share that call.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14312018941073455590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793433421014587625.post-11595104033950696122012-01-07T09:47:00.000-05:002012-01-07T09:47:59.360-05:00It's a New YearThings are finally settling down and I am getting used to my new job. The weather has been strange. Dearth and I played tennis on the 30th of December and again on New Years Day. It was warm enough for shorts and t-shirts (once you got warmed up).<br />
<br />
Last week the temperature was actually cold. Tuesday and Wednesday dropped below freezing. Now we are back up to tennis weather. <br />
<br />
Our New Years Eve was very exciting. Dearth was out with his girlfriend. Deb was not feeling well and went to bed around 9pm. I stayed up playing Skyrim (on the XBox) until Dearth got home (I'm a little silly that way). I did have a nice stiff drink (grapefruit juice on the rocks). What can I say? I'm a party animal.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14312018941073455590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793433421014587625.post-13454979594187002912011-12-27T16:18:00.000-05:002011-12-27T16:18:04.478-05:00Happy Christmas (a little late)We survived another Christmas. <br />
<br />
Dearth was even more excited this year than most. He was in bed by 9pm on Christmas Eve. He was given instructions to not wake us until after 5:30am. <br />
<br />
He woke us at 5:37am. We had a good time. The cats all chipped in where they could be the most disruptive.<br />
<br />
The highlight of the morning was pulling a joke on Dearth. All the presents, under the tree, were opened. We told Dearth to go out to the car and get another one of his presents out of the trunk. He went outside to get a 36 pack of Brisk (iced tea) with a bow on it. While he was doing that I moved the electric guitar (this is the gift he was hoping to find) on to the chair he had been sitting on. The reaction was priceless. The best part was that I didn't have to carry that heavy 36 pack into the apartment.<br />
<br />
I hope you all had a Merry Christmas also.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14312018941073455590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793433421014587625.post-81117459447560892342011-12-21T15:35:00.000-05:002011-12-21T15:35:02.683-05:00Good thing I had a bookI almost hate to post this after last year, but it is four days until Christmas. It is almost 70 degrees outside. Normally it is cooler.<br />
<br />
So what does this mean? Last night I woke up a 2am sweating. Athena was sleeping near (almost on) my head. Jo was stretched out the length of my legs. I was on the very edge of the bed. Topaz was sleeping in the middle of the 3 or 4 feet of open space between Jo and Deb.<br />
<br />
Fine. <br />
<br />
I got out of bed and went into the living room. I was reading <u>Changes</u> (book 12 in Jim Butcher's Dresden Files) and decided to get a few pages in. I finished the book at 4am. Oops. Oh well. Sleep isn't as important as finding out what happens to Harry Dresden.<br />
<br />
I get back to bed. No one has moved. I push Jo over and reclaim my comforter. I toss a bit getting comfortable under the blanket. Jo waits for me to settle and lays back down next to my legs. He makes a point of leaning against me and sliding down. This is to ensure he is as close as physically possible. I heat up fast and Jo's evil plan pays out. I kick most of the comforter off and he makes a nest of it. He puts a paw on my leg. I guess he just wanted to let me know that it was a good try.<br />
<br />
I over sleep. I rush out of bed, get showered and dressed for work. I kiss Deb good bye. Athena was still on the pillow and Jo was still in the middle of my comforter. Sigh...Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14312018941073455590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793433421014587625.post-32647177566559873212011-12-20T14:13:00.002-05:002011-12-20T14:13:34.234-05:00Sometimes Simple is BestThere is a place down the road from my new workplace. It is Tony’s Hotdogs. It is a little dive that reminds me of every “greasy spoon” eatery I have ever been in. The difference is the menu. They serve hotdogs, coffee, and four or five different flavors of soda.<br />
<br />
<br />
The hotdogs come with chili (no beans), mustard and onions. You have the option of holding the onions and/or the mustard. Cheese or sauerkraut may be added for a .15 fee (each). There are no sides. There are no desserts. If you want those you will need to go elsewhere.<br />
<br />
It is simple and fast. The two men behind the counter were friendly and efficient. The customers were mostly men and a lot of them were regulars (reading papers and chatting on a first name basis with the guys serving the dogs). <br />
<br />
The hotdogs were pretty good. They weren’t the best I’ve ever had, but I’ll go back. I don’t recommend asking for ketchup if you are over the age of 10 though.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14312018941073455590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793433421014587625.post-83215439791727081612011-12-14T14:21:00.002-05:002011-12-14T14:21:23.956-05:00Death WishesThe boy hasn’t been feeling well for the last few days. Today he went to school, but left early. Deb sent me a text.<br />
<br />
<br />
Deb: Your son said I need to color my hair because he feels old seeing my white hair… the back and sides are getting bad. This as we are in the school parking lot.<br />
<br />
Me: How long did it take him to walk home?Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14312018941073455590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793433421014587625.post-47562856686227132652011-12-08T22:54:00.000-05:002011-12-08T22:54:55.897-05:00An Evening in Front of the TubeWe were watching hockey on TV tonight. The Penguins were playing the Flyers. It is probably the only time we will all cheer for the Penguins. Deb is a Penguins fan, but Dearth and myself will cheer for them because they are playing the Flyers.<br />
<br />
One funny moment during the game was when the announcer described a great play made by a Pittsburg defenseman. I should note that Dearth and I constantly rib Deb about the Penguins players diving or taking dives (to draw penalties). The announcer says "He makes a terrific diving poke check!". Deb's eyes get big and she gets a bit indignant. "What?" We had to explain that a poke check is when you knock the puck away from the opposing team using the stick. Of course I couldn't let it go. "Diving poke checks can only be made by Penguins."<br />
<br />
I made sure she wasn't holding anything that could do me any harm. Dearth almost got kicked when he laughed though. It was a win win comment.<br />
<br />
Jo was sacked out during the game. Looking very comfy on one of the living room chairs (made for a human enjoyed by the feline). He manages to twist himself up on his back with his legs all going different directions. Dearth can't help but rub his belly a few times when he walks by him. "He looks too comfy not to mess with." He told me this as Jo caught him. A few claw marks and a couple noms to the knuckles showed him who was boss. To add insult to injury, everytime Dearth played with Jo's tummy the silly cat would reposition himself in a way that looked more comfy than the first.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14312018941073455590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793433421014587625.post-33035662159735957742011-12-03T09:24:00.000-05:002011-12-03T09:24:39.757-05:00Hockey games are so much funI am not a huge sports fan. I could not tell you the names of more than 10 or so professional players. It is not that I am not a loyal fan. I have just never seen the point. I do not receive a check from the team. In fact, they charge me to follow them. I have to pay for team logo items. I have to pay to watch them live. Nope, I like to watch, but I am by no means a rabid follower of any sport.<br />
<br />
Yesterday we scored tickets to see an Admirals game. They are a local hockey team and are fun to watch. Of all of the sports I like to watch hockey and soccer are my favorites. Both are none stop action and, once you learn the rules, are very interesting to follow.<br />
<br />
I left work and met the group at the game. We got the tickets through church and they all rode in the bus to the game.<br />
<br />
I was a little closer and arrived early. The plan was to meet at the fountain in front of the Scope.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBWiPIhVO6tFiwYm8LlRMW9B1fD54JBG9nR4uACQW3N76wh7aWR8mGTQXJt5lvbPiWjeqKyFZuqBsRQ5hNYCPHb3gnNTMbvE_3W4Jx_ysTA2yT69oELJMKm1fZf8-z7bhpuOPR0QUjOc/s1600/The+Scope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBWiPIhVO6tFiwYm8LlRMW9B1fD54JBG9nR4uACQW3N76wh7aWR8mGTQXJt5lvbPiWjeqKyFZuqBsRQ5hNYCPHb3gnNTMbvE_3W4Jx_ysTA2yT69oELJMKm1fZf8-z7bhpuOPR0QUjOc/s320/The+Scope.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
This picture gives you a little bit better idea of what it looks like up close.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BrIsQ873HWnsvok2wnoyTztXd-VVH7S17Pf3AyFZSvNf72YeD9DW37HY0mLEms2zGMpixfWm2cfEfzQlqsafeySFO4gRZa4ZneczQndUXovdk2yU70TxE4duX_82n7pItPcXN9m9vGs/s1600/The+Scope+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BrIsQ873HWnsvok2wnoyTztXd-VVH7S17Pf3AyFZSvNf72YeD9DW37HY0mLEms2zGMpixfWm2cfEfzQlqsafeySFO4gRZa4ZneczQndUXovdk2yU70TxE4duX_82n7pItPcXN9m9vGs/s320/The+Scope+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
There is a nice ledge to sit on and there were a lot of people moving around. There was also a trumpet player at the far corner of the fountain. He was a large black man. He dressed like a homeless person, but looked warm enough. The music was amazing. When I got closer he was playing with his eyes closed and looked like he was completely absorbed in his music. I put some money in his box and then moved away to watch the people.<br />
<br />
Most walked right by the man. They avoided looking at him. A few, mostly the ones with kids in tow, would walk slowly by watching him. None of them put any money in. The ones that did put money in would smile and say something if he wasn't playing at the time.<br />
<br />
The ones I enjoyed most were the college age students. They normally walked up, put money in the box, and then interact with him. The would speak with him normally touching the man's shoulder or back. Those scenes raised my spirits. The fact that the younger people would take the time to acknowledge the man, and speak to him, made my day. I think I enjoyed watching that more than the hockey game.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14312018941073455590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793433421014587625.post-40380412942924651642011-12-01T19:47:00.000-05:002011-12-01T19:47:13.104-05:00It sucks getting old...It doesn't happen often, but every now and then I feel quite old. Normally it is my son doing something like not knowing how to use a rotary phone, but today it is more of a physical thing. <br />
<br />
My back hurts. I don't think my chair, at work, has enough support. It may be that I am not getting enough excercise. Hell I'm getting tired just watching a hockey game on the television.<br />
<br />
My hands hurt. It has been getting cooler and the temperature change is making my arthritis act up. Sometimes it hurts to make a fist. I wince at a firm handshake.<br />
<br />
My knees hurt. Arthritis again. I was pretty hard on them with all of the sports I was involved with when I was younger.<br />
<br />
But, to tell you the truth. The thing that hurts me the most is my ego.<br />
<br />
Screw you body. Tomorrow I'm going to the gym.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14312018941073455590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793433421014587625.post-6751100946917466152011-11-30T21:07:00.000-05:002011-11-30T21:07:31.165-05:00Last One!Wow. I made it.<br />
<br />
I wasn't sure if I could keep to it or not, but I did. Now I just have to stick to my guns and keep posting. <br />
<br />
I thought that I would have more trouble than I did, but finding something to post about each day was not as difficult as I thought it would be. I'll admit that not all of the posts were high quality, but that isn't the point now is it?<br />
<br />
Posting everyday takes a slightly different mind set. I liked it. I think I will try it for a bit to see how it goes. See you next month!Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14312018941073455590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793433421014587625.post-37940138844480391272011-11-29T19:23:00.000-05:002011-11-29T19:23:46.125-05:00Fun at the new job...My job has changed. Or rather, my customer base has changed. Instead of working with newspaper reporters and editors I am working with college students and instructors.<br />
<br />
I'll admit. It is a bit refreshing.<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong. I loved most of the customers I dealt with at my last job, but they tended to be aggressive and difficult to deal with. <br />
<br />
Today I had a good laugh. An instructor called. He needed assistance installing software for one of his students. The software allowed the student to zoom in on text to make it easier to read. The instructor explained that the student was almost blind and needed the software to help him read. His major was Criminal Justice.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14312018941073455590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793433421014587625.post-14548609565268278022011-11-28T22:11:00.000-05:002011-11-28T22:11:21.482-05:00Small GroupOne huge advantage of working day shift is having a social life. Last week I was able to start attending small group again. This group watches a movie one week and discusses it the week after. Tonight was movie night and we watched "Radio". It is an amazing movie.<br />
<br />
This paticular small group is made up of people from our church. Normally there is a theme. For this group it is movies. This is a little outside of the box. A large number of small groups are more of a Bible study. During our discussions we talk about how the movie relates (or does not) to God and the Bible.<br />
<br />
We share a meal first, tonight it was spaghetti, and everyone brings a dish to pass. Then we socialize and eventually move on to the movie or the discussion. It is a lot of fun.<br />
<br />
Tonight, we were getting back into the car, when I thought. HOLY CRAP!!! I haven't had a chance to post yet. <br />
<br />
I hope God forgives me for that little slip up. Good night everyone.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14312018941073455590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793433421014587625.post-71106185016731148272011-11-27T18:19:00.000-05:002011-11-27T18:19:58.188-05:00Hunting has ChangedWhen I lived in Western New York I hunted quite a bit. I preferred small game hunting (especially rabbit and pheasant) over large game (deer).<br />
<br />
I have always found small game hunting more exciting and lot less work. The targets were always small and fast moving. You had to be on your toes. If you did score a rabbit or a bird you would field dress them, wrap the meat in a bread bag, put the bag in your pocket and continue to hunt.<br />
<br />
Large game (when I hunted) consisted more of sitting in a spot (well travelled by the deer) and shooting them if they happened by. I had a bad habit of falling asleep as I waited. I've seen many deer run off as I woke up with a start. If you do get a deer then you have to gut it and drag it back to your car or truck. Dragging an animal that weighs as much as you do is no fun. If you haven't had a stroke by the time you get back to your vehicle then you have to get it up on to the vehicle or into the trunk. If you are lucky you have come with a group of other hunters and they will usually help you (provided you don't rub in the fact that you got one and they did not). If you are unlucky... Well, that is what they make pain killers and muscle relaxers for. <br />
<br />
Today they have cell phones and gps units. I hear stories of people talking about a deer (via text) before taking the shot. That makes hunting much safer, but takes a little of the excitement out of it as well. Now I feel like my father talking about walking up hill both ways in the snow when he had to go to school.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14312018941073455590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793433421014587625.post-34546245748907619132011-11-26T19:51:00.001-05:002011-11-26T19:56:00.601-05:00Tree UpdateThe tree has been knocked over only once. Jo was trying to do his leopard imitation.<br />
<br />
Mostly it looks like this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQJVMSpA4FyWLeuc2Us3eSTGg-qDePWUiHDF4GurlcVaEarXo5wK483a_4-1oes16qkUU0F9vNytjRNYFFqTqPsLh574lxcSRaeN1R8_y1GdKm7Aix7BF1peEj-UzsjgiaGC284sAyuI/s1600/HPIM7510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQJVMSpA4FyWLeuc2Us3eSTGg-qDePWUiHDF4GurlcVaEarXo5wK483a_4-1oes16qkUU0F9vNytjRNYFFqTqPsLh574lxcSRaeN1R8_y1GdKm7Aix7BF1peEj-UzsjgiaGC284sAyuI/s320/HPIM7510.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Or this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXK9QTyupahO5F7wRgi5cRdrN3xI9r26MQmvxItqPQfJDc_tnv4J2QUi16jD4XTcjduShVSVaHCCJGYepXO9YG4m1thGliLBNUj2p0S-2mwppYdq3MsrZYfh5nWCwpxhcMsbBB-k9fTM/s1600/HPIM7511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXK9QTyupahO5F7wRgi5cRdrN3xI9r26MQmvxItqPQfJDc_tnv4J2QUi16jD4XTcjduShVSVaHCCJGYepXO9YG4m1thGliLBNUj2p0S-2mwppYdq3MsrZYfh5nWCwpxhcMsbBB-k9fTM/s320/HPIM7511.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
There have been 3 or 4 territorial disputes for the right to camp under the tree. At one point Athena and Joe were both there. It was very touch and go. Several boxing matches broke out.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFH0hnrjxuH3V7PUYVgx0johJ2imU9KIE-CWlwepQ9uI6eOtxb9OO7PQWdfhSKY88mLfidR8NXxISqFWxApgbF6lUicObj5BLcNAQPCElUzgeacfxPe_RnnojveqBiIqT_WlmIxrsxkg/s1600/HPIM7512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFH0hnrjxuH3V7PUYVgx0johJ2imU9KIE-CWlwepQ9uI6eOtxb9OO7PQWdfhSKY88mLfidR8NXxISqFWxApgbF6lUicObj5BLcNAQPCElUzgeacfxPe_RnnojveqBiIqT_WlmIxrsxkg/s320/HPIM7512.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think we will wait to decorate the tree for just a little while. I'm getting tired of saying "No Jo".</div>Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14312018941073455590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793433421014587625.post-14030433044824129812011-11-25T15:17:00.000-05:002011-11-25T15:17:47.616-05:00Lazy DayIt is nice today. The temperature is in the mid 60s and it is bright and sunny.<br />
<br />
I'm still not going shopping. Those people are nuts.<br />
<br />
We put the Christmas tree up this morning. All three cats helped in their own uniquely unhelpful ways.<br />
<br />
After it was up Jo parked his large body under the tree (which is sitting on top of our coffee table). He has only been down to eat, drink and use the bathroom. He goes right back when he is finished.<br />
<br />
We have only had to say "No Jo!" about 50 times thus far. Tomorrow we will trim the tree. That is when the real fun starts.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14312018941073455590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793433421014587625.post-39902337057956729912011-11-24T08:26:00.000-05:002011-11-24T08:26:28.599-05:00Happy ThanksgivingThis is the first Thanksgiving, in a very long time, that I will not have to work (or even have to worry about being called into work). It is strange and very cool at the same time.<br />
<br />
My pumpkin pies made it through the night without anyone walking or sitting on them. Last year Jo decided to do that. You can read that <a href="http://neversweat.blogspot.com/2010_11_01_archive.html">here</a> if you missed it.<br />
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We are going to our friend's for lunch and then another family will be at our home for dinner. We are also having cake for Deb's birthday. This year her birthday actually lands on Thanksgiving.<br />
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That makes her 29 this year. Yep. Because I'll be 29 in a few months and she is older than me. So yeah. 29...<br />
<br />
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Have a wonderful day.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14312018941073455590noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793433421014587625.post-83162945868803312722011-11-23T20:18:00.000-05:002011-11-23T20:18:40.722-05:00I Hate That GameThis morning Topaz (the oldest cat) woke me up to play her favorite game. It is the "pounce the moving hand under the pile of blankets" game. <br />
<br />
There are two comforters and a heavy blanket protecting the moving hand. She knows it is my hand and doesn't care. She will pounce, jump and dig a the blankets in order to catch me. She has no front claws and is very cute. I love watching the 14 year old cat play like a kitten.<br />
<br />
Enter Jo. Yes, he is more or less a kitten still (mentally). He also loves this game. He is a good boy and waits until Topaz is done. Then he pounces the pile of blankets. He does this for a few minutes and then removes the top comforter with his (very much clawed) front paw. The second one follows. Now there is just the heavy blanket protecting my hand from Jo. It is enough protection (it is doubled up).<br />
<br />
Deb says something to me at this point and I look up. Silly me. I feel 4 or 5 very sharp Jo claws go into the bottom of my hand. I yell in surprised pain. Bottom? I look and Jo's bottom is up in the air. One front leg is cocked under him. His head is tilted upside down and he has the other paw stretched out under the blanket to catch the offending hand.<br />
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Problem solving cat one. Inattentive human zero. I hate playing this game with him.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14312018941073455590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793433421014587625.post-87369684745872945712011-11-22T20:20:00.000-05:002011-11-22T20:20:27.442-05:00Facebook LaughesA friend of mine posted this on Facebook:<br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><em>Another Monday morning following yet another Redskins loss. Cowgirls fans are as annoying as ever; someone jacked my morning newspaper; and there is no milk for my CAP'N CRUNCH ... thank GOD I have a sense of humor. (LOL)</em></span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">I couldn't help myself. I had to reply to that.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><em>I can live with the Redskins losing. The Giants lost so I can simpathize. I can even put up with the missing newspaper, but dude! Someone is getting whooped for milkless captain crunch!</em></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">Sometimes conversations like this help you stay close to the folks you don't see often. I have had a ton of laughes with this man and it was fun to share in a little humor.</span></span>Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14312018941073455590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793433421014587625.post-87445318325623344252011-11-21T21:55:00.000-05:002011-11-21T21:55:34.082-05:00New Job Same PeopleI've been part of the work force for over 20 years (we'll just leave it at that). Most of my experience has been military, food service and information technology.<br />
<br />
Food service is probably the most diverse group. Young people, old people, middle aged people, dark skin, light skin and somewhere in between skin. The attitudes are mostly the same. Bad. This is not always true, but food service is not usually the target job for most people. So, most do not or will not give their all when working food service.<br />
<br />
The military is also very diverse. Every person is an individual and makes it a point to be that way, but, people in the military tend to be of similar mind sets. Very few accept criticism well. They will (usually) do what they are told when they are told to do it. They will bitch the entire time they are doing it. It is a job they love to hate.<br />
<br />
IT, although diverse as far as age and skin color go, are the same from job to job. I walked into my new job this morning and after 10 minutes I knew them. I had worked with everyone of these people over the last 10 years. Their faces were different, their names were different, but it was the same networking guy who knows everything. He knows everything because he just "gets it". There is the the guy/lady who runs around asking everyone else questions. There are the two guys in the corner that answer all of the questions. There are about 10 other stereotypes I could throw in, but you get it by now. <br />
<br />
It is a new job located in a different office. All of the people are the same. IT people are funny that way. I guess that is why I love IT.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14312018941073455590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793433421014587625.post-30325446137168748112011-11-20T08:30:00.000-05:002011-11-20T08:30:51.355-05:00They will drive me to an early graveYesterday morning I was in the kitchen for a couple of hours. Making biscuits, eggs and bean soup for later in the day. In the end I had one little burn on my finger from soup splashing on it.<br />
<br />
Dearth was helping with dishes for a grand total of about 10 minutes in the kitchen. During that time he managed to break a small bowl and get several cuts on the inside of his middle finger. Nothing serious, but it did require a band aid.<br />
<br />
Not to be outdone. Deb is making milk shakes and using a cheap ceramic handled ice cream scoop for a total of about 5 minutes. The handle breaks and she gashes her thumb. It is a good one and probably could have used a few stitches, but she settled for wrapping it well and putting a splint on it (to keep it from reopening).<br />
<br />
I ended up finishing the dishes, making the milkshakes and administering first aid. If I didn't know any better I would think they did these things to stay out of the kitchen.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14312018941073455590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793433421014587625.post-62566181475193149302011-11-19T10:13:00.000-05:002011-11-19T10:13:24.808-05:00The morning after...So my friend sent me a text this morning. He left his bag at the gym and wanted me to sit with his two girls while he went over to get it (they were still sleeping).<br />
<br />
I get dressed and walk out to get my shoes and jackets. The living room (the location of shoes, jackets and the front door) is covered with sleeping bodies. So I carefully step over the lot of them, get dressed and sit with the girls until my friend gets back.<br />
<br />
When I return they are still in the same spots. I normally make breakfast for everyone and today was no different. We had pancakes the night before (we thought it would be fun) so I made biscuits. Then I used to the metal ring, from the biscuit cutter, as a mold for the eggs.<br />
<br />
Fresh cheese, egg and biscuit sandwiches. I was a popular guy this morning.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14312018941073455590noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793433421014587625.post-60288084726036219302011-11-18T18:27:00.000-05:002011-11-18T18:27:17.801-05:00Not sure what happenedA friend of a friend was desperate. She has a new baby and a new puppy. She was going back to PA for a visit and her mother did not want the puppy up there. So the friend asked us to watch the poor puppy.<br />
<br />
I'm thinking that Topaz would hunt the thing all weekend (she has done this with other small dogs). Athena would probably pounce the puppy over and over (just to make sure everyone knew who was boss). I expected Joe to be civil, unless the puppy decided to play with him. Then it was up in the air. Jo is as likely to play as he is to nom the puppy's head if that happened.<br />
<br />
Then the lady calls. She is stuck in traffic and called her Mom back. She was all stressed out and had a very long drive. Her mom caved in and is letting her bring the pup.<br />
<br />
So we went from that to having four boys spending the night. <br />
<br />
And I thought the puppy was going to be chaotic.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14312018941073455590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793433421014587625.post-42911307028715186202011-11-17T16:28:00.000-05:002011-11-17T16:28:23.153-05:00I don't feel so bad nowI was actually a little cold today. It was rainy and in the lower 40s. It is supposed to be near freezing tonight.<br />
<br />
This was getting me down a little bit. I was really enjoying the sunny weather. Then I went to facebook and someone posted this picture from earlier today.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSG0YU6NaGZpRUGVIkTberTjoaLJFoshDD6e8XoGyZWlkcjsbXccJh74ZKkTe0QgCiLbNMa0D7xJcT5bLI8DDKSOd0Od9MO6vixE-f453zodqHSgedZxqX86hXKPUUucY2Kqpy4MLYWQ/s1600/snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSG0YU6NaGZpRUGVIkTberTjoaLJFoshDD6e8XoGyZWlkcjsbXccJh74ZKkTe0QgCiLbNMa0D7xJcT5bLI8DDKSOd0Od9MO6vixE-f453zodqHSgedZxqX86hXKPUUucY2Kqpy4MLYWQ/s320/snow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It is amazing how fast someone else's misery can cheer me up. I'm sorry if you are getting this weather up north, but better you than me.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14312018941073455590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793433421014587625.post-52984861793961042422011-11-16T14:52:00.001-05:002011-11-16T14:53:02.718-05:00Score One for Home Tech SupportDeb has been without her Kindle (e-reader) for 4 days now. It would not charge and then the screen froze up on her. In her defense, she has tried multiple chargers and even followed the instructions for a hard reboot of the device.<br />
<br />
Today she wanted me to talk to tech support for her. <br />
<br />
"Fine. Get the number for me."<br />
<br />
She had been attempting to do this without success.<br />
<br />
"Go to google.com and search Kindle tech support."<br />
<br />
She found the number almost instantly. She said something unflattering and then used an option to have them call us. The call came in just as she was handing the phone to me.<br />
<br />
I spoke to a pleasant fellow named Dennis. He asked me what the display was. I told him that it was on the screen saying that it needed to be charged. I also explained that we had tried several chargers without success. I plugged it in as I was explaining this. The charge light came on. <br />
<br />
I'm a hero. I fixed the Kindle. I thanked Dennis and he promised to call back tomorrow to make sure everything was ok.<br />
<br />
Deb has a look of shock and disbelief on her face. She straddles me (I'm sitting on the bed with my back to the wall) "I can't believe you just did that!"<br />
<br />
I give her one of my most innocent looks "What?"<br />
<br />
"I can't believe that stupid thing started charging as soon as you plugged it in!"<br />
<br />
"You know Deb? You are being pretty ungrateful. I did just fix your Kindle." I hold up the device. "You see? It is charging and it is no longer frozen."<br />
<br />
She smacks my shoulder. "That's not fair. It was not working!"<br />
<br />
"I know. I'm awesome."Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14312018941073455590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7793433421014587625.post-70004212117560343002011-11-15T20:06:00.000-05:002011-11-15T20:06:21.657-05:00The Last Overnight ShiftTonight is the last overnight shift I have to work (for a long time). I am moving to a new company. My job there will be similar to what I do now. The biggest difference is the opportunity to advance above and beyond the help desk.<br />
<br />
Another benefit is that they are not a 24/7 help desk. This means I get my weekends and holidays off and will never have to work later than 10pm or earlier than 7am.<br />
<br />
All I have to do now is ride out the rest of this week. This is going to be the longest week ever.Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14312018941073455590noreply@blogger.com0