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Fun Stuff => CHATTER => Topic started by: Masterpiece on 29 Jan 2015, 23:35

Title: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Masterpiece on 29 Jan 2015, 23:35
Blog Thread 5: The blog, the whole blog and nothing but the blog, so help me Jephzibah?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 12 Mar 2015, 12:50
(http://i.imgur.com/Okx1DvO.jpg)

Wait, I'm a day early for Friday the 13th. Whoops.

Starting this one now while the last one (https://forums.questionablecontent.net/index.php/topic,28618.0.html) has a few days of inactivity.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: jwhouk on 12 Mar 2015, 14:26
Had we gotten to the post limit already?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Pilchard123 on 12 Mar 2015, 15:25
There isn't a limit, per se, but IIRC pwh said that the forum software goes funny if the number of pages gets too high.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 12 Mar 2015, 15:47
Nothing obvious happens, but performance implications become much more marked at something around that size.  So it's not critical so much as good practice.  The other forum I'm active on uses a limit corresponding to a mere 40 of our pages, but I think that's over cautious.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 12 Mar 2015, 16:31
The standard seems to be between 90 - 100 based on other thread remakes.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: jwhouk on 12 Mar 2015, 18:45
Hockey related forum does it only at 1k posts, so there's that.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Masterpiece on 12 Mar 2015, 19:30
Since the blog thread is overflowing, can I make a new blog thread?
Blog Thread 5: The blog, the whole blog and nothing but the blog, so help me Jephzibah?

silently sobs
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Grognard on 12 Mar 2015, 19:31
I haven't blogged regularly in months.
it has been hard to try and get back in the groove.



!phrasing!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 13 Mar 2015, 02:26
silently sobs

Better now?

(Welu, I hope you don't mind!  We have to cosset our poor delicate souls.)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: The Seldom Killer on 13 Mar 2015, 03:41
Since the blog thread is overflowing, can I make a new blog thread?
Blog Thread 5: The blog, the whole blog and nothing but the blog, so help me Jephzibah?

silently sobs

OK, I totally get where your coming from and I hope we can find a way to move past this together. However, and I hope you will treat this with the gravitas this deserves, can I borrow your TARDIS. I may have made a small mistake that umm... Look, it's better for everyone if I correct it.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Masterpiece on 13 Mar 2015, 03:51
:) I wasn't able to quote and quoting wasn't possible without adding a date. I just entered a random number.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: The Seldom Killer on 13 Mar 2015, 04:04
OK, but I'm watching you. If I see you swanning about in a bow tie we're going to have words.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 13 Mar 2015, 06:51
I apologise, Masterpiece. *petpet*
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Aziraphale on 13 Mar 2015, 09:07
I haven't blogged regularly in months.
it has been hard to try and get back in the groove.



!phrasing!

Months? I have two that I've been neglecting, one for about four years and one for two (though as soon as I find the time, I have a list of stuff a mile long to write about). And I'm thinking of starting a third. Why do I do these things to myself?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Masterpiece on 13 Mar 2015, 09:47
silently sobs

Better now?

Only now saw what you did. It helps. :)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: ankhtahr on 13 Mar 2015, 18:37
I just ordered one of these:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/91G9hjtMyEL._SL1500_.jpg)

Don't judge me.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 13 Mar 2015, 18:48
silently sobs

Better now?

(Welu, I hope you don't mind!  We have to cosset our poor delicate souls.)

I hadn't actually realised what was done at first.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 16 Mar 2015, 04:45
Obviously I am not sufficiently superstitious to be worried by Friday the Thirteenth.  But Microsoft certainly seemed to be trying to make me so:  We've just had two successive Fri/13s, and on both occasions I have been besieged with problems caused by faulty updates issued by MS earlier that week.

Get them right Microsoft!!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Masterpiece on 16 Mar 2015, 10:02
I am in Berlin. As always, it is as awesome and similarly scary as I remember.

I bought my sister a MacBook Pro. I feel like a sellout.

This message is coming from Tapatalk inside my phone!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 16 Mar 2015, 16:20
Just spent a couple of hours of my evening uninstalling the MS update KB3002657 from a bundle of servers to correct problems with authentication affecting VPNs, RDP, remote file shares, and more.

Like the similarly disruptive Outlook issue in last month's updates (which I was able to patch with a firewall rule), this is fall-out from the recent breaking of SSL protocols and ciphers and patches to disable them.  The title of this account gives the picture:

https://www.pickysysadmin.ca/2015/03/11/kb3002657-breaks-everything/ (https://www.pickysysadmin.ca/2015/03/11/kb3002657-breaks-everything/)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Grognard on 16 Mar 2015, 19:46
one of the few times I'm happy to work on a Gov't network.
99% of MS bullshit fail updates just DONT make it through to us.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: osaka on 17 Mar 2015, 07:14
Today, a man that has shaped a great part of my life from the other side of the radio transmitter has died. Jazz historian and radio speaker, Juan Claudio Cifuentes (or "Cifu" as he liked to be called) died at the age of 74.

Which was surprising because he aired his show last night.

May he be with the jazz legends, wherever he may be.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Thrillho on 17 Mar 2015, 08:23
He is listening to some live Coltrane/Davis interplay as we speak.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: osaka on 17 Mar 2015, 09:41
Indeed he is.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Aimless on 18 Mar 2015, 16:23
Three bedrooms? Wonderful plans??


(click to show/hide)

No babies! Not quite yet! But that comment made us both so warm and fuzzy inside :) no, wonderful plans inspired by apartmenttherapy.com and my long list of ideas for renovation, decoration, furniture-making etc... and, for the ginger, plans involving seeds and dirt and an army of clay pots.

In bloggy news, I've had an odd week. I was expecting to be in charge of many difficult patients and instead I'm in charge of a very small number of patients only one of which is complicated (medically speaking), freeing up a great deal of time and energy. Even so I am constantly tired because I've been going to bed late again. We're feeling v good but stressed out about moving, upcoming trip etc. But still there's an odd kind of peace... spring feels like it's gonna be good, and summer even better. I am expecting to get confirmation for a new job this week and I also learned just recently that I'll get to attend a national neurology conference that our clinic is arranging :) ie. I get a week off for it and I don't have to pay. I won't get to attend one day (unfortunately one of the most interesting days, but I'm not eligible) but it's really really nice and I'm v happy about it :) <3
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 18 Mar 2015, 16:30
Babies can be an endless source of amusement, if you're lucky.  A friend sent me this in an email yesterday (about his four-month-old child):

Quote
Yes, all is well. Little Martha has started swimming lessons already and managed to sleep through the first two in their entirety! Subsequently she has made better progress once waking up for the lessons.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: The Seldom Killer on 22 Mar 2015, 11:26
I've been having a pretty good weekend. Yesterday I went to the Sheffield Adventure Film Festival which is always great fun and really inspiring. Today I went out cycling and had the first "good" ride since early winter. I came home and after lunch spent some time mooching in the garden with my wife making it generally a bit better. It got neglected last year and this year we want it to be accessible and bit nicer.

Alas I've rather marred the weekend. Yesterday I got a bit frustrated with our old over and ended up punching it in the clock. Today it doesn't work at all. It seems the only problem I've solved is not needing to buy a new oven. Fuck.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Metope on 22 Mar 2015, 11:54
My boyfriend left today. It sucks every time one of us has to leave, but at least this time I know that next time we'll see each other it'll be forever. I just want to buy that one way ticket now, but I'm not supposed to do it until I have my passport back with the visa in it, so I'll have to wait until it gets here. It was sent from the U.S. Embassy in Stockholm late last week, so it'll be here soon. I think I've decided on a date too: August 3rd. Until then I'll keep working my stupid job every week.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Loki on 22 Mar 2015, 12:48
August 3rd? That's when I moved to Germany!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Metope on 22 Mar 2015, 13:02
Woo moving day! Where did you move from? I guess I just assumed you were German.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Loki on 22 Mar 2015, 13:15
The country of polar bears, vodka and balalaikas.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Metope on 22 Mar 2015, 13:18
I did not know that! You learn something new every day.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 22 Mar 2015, 15:16
So it's two weeks until I move to Wisconsin, and I'm making my final plans for how to actually get there, but I'm not sure my old beater of a '93 Taurus can actually make it. I'm planning on replacing the car after I get to Wisconsin, but I don't want to do it right now in case I need the money I would be spending on a down payment. So, my choices, as far as I can see, are:

1) Put everything in the car, drive the car there, and take the risk of getting stuck in cornfields in Iowa with no cell phone reception.
2) Get rid of the car somehow, rent a car, drive that to Wisconsin, drop it off, and then get by without a car until I can get a new one. (Added cost due to the one-way car rental: ~ $500)
3) Rent a U-Haul and tow my car there (Added cost due to the U-Haul: ~ $750)

In terms of money, choice 1 is the clear one (plus I'm probably being overly pessimistic about my current car), though it doesn't exactly give me peace of mind. Choice 2 has the disadvantage of not being able to use my car after I get there. Choice 3 is the most expensive, but at least I wouldn't be taking the risk of getting stuck somewhere and I'd still have my car after I get there.

I feel like I'm playing Oregon Trail again.  :psyduck:
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Pilchard123 on 22 Mar 2015, 15:24
The country of polar bears, vodka and balalaikas.

Be***um?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: jwhouk on 22 Mar 2015, 15:46
So it's two weeks until I move to Wisconsin, and I'm making my final plans for how to actually get there, but I'm not sure my old beater of a '93 Taurus can actually make it. I'm planning on replacing the car after I get to Wisconsin, but I don't want to do it right now in case I need the money I would be spending on a down payment. So, my choices, as far as I can see, are:

1) Put everything in the car, drive the car there, and take the risk of getting stuck in cornfields in Iowa with no cell phone reception.
2) Get rid of the car somehow, rent a car, drive that to Wisconsin, drop it off, and then get by without a car until I can get a new one. (Added cost due to the one-way car rental: ~ $500)
3) Rent a U-Haul and tow my car there (Added cost due to the U-Haul: ~ $750)

In terms of money, choice 1 is the clear one (plus I'm probably being overly pessimistic about my current car), though it doesn't exactly give me peace of mind. Choice 2 has the disadvantage of not being able to use my car after I get there. Choice 3 is the most expensive, but at least I wouldn't be taking the risk of getting stuck somewhere and I'd still have my car after I get there.

I feel like I'm playing Oregon Trail again.  :psyduck:
Also keep in mind this week is going to see one last winter storm come through, so things are gonna be messy, esp. if you drive up along the Military Ridge on 151.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 22 Mar 2015, 16:23
That should hopefully be out of the way by April 3, though, right?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: jwhouk on 22 Mar 2015, 17:42
Long range forecasts aren't very reliable 'round here lol.

I had it snow on the day that I moved up here to North Central Wisconsin - on May 1st.  :psyduck:

Good luck on your drive, whatever you choose. And if you cross the Wapsinicon River, take a picture for me. ;)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 22 Mar 2015, 17:47
After thinking about it some more (and doing a bunch of calculations), I'm leaning toward option 3. I think I'd rather spend the money to avoid the risk of getting stuck somewhere. Plus it'll be a whole lot easier to fit my stuff in a U-Haul than in my car.

Long range forecasts aren't very reliable 'round here lol.

I had it snow on the day that I moved up here to North Central Wisconsin - on May 1st.  :psyduck:

Good luck on your drive, whatever you choose. And if you cross the Wapsinicon River, take a picture for me. ;)
I'm planning on taking US-151 into Madison. I don't know the geography of the area well enough to know if that'll cross the river.

The full route is I-35 from Oklahoma to Des Moines, IA, then I-80, I-380, US-30, and finally US-151. With some more complications potentially added to avoid rush hour in Kansas City.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: jwhouk on 22 Mar 2015, 18:30
You'll cross it just outside of Cedar Rapids on 151.

The countryside down in SW Wisconsin is beautiful. My mom's mom's family hailed from Mineral Point.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 22 Mar 2015, 18:56
Ah, okay. I found it on the map. Near Anamosa, Iowa. I'll have to keep an eye out for it.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Grognard on 22 Mar 2015, 20:45
another option: take it to a reputable mechanic.  Insist youre on a tight, tight budget and ask him to check out the car for anything that would leave you stranded.  ask him to make it as reliable as can be.
budget: $250

items that be covered by that much: Belts, Hoses, Brakes, ignition, tires.

He should be able to give you a solid diagnostic and estimate.

the hard part is finding a reputable local mechanic.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Loki on 23 Mar 2015, 01:44
The country of polar bears, vodka and balalaikas.

Be***um?
I have never seen a polar bear in Belgium, tyvm.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Active Madness on 23 Mar 2015, 03:40
As someone who is somewhat lactose intolerant and can't handle much fat, eating a whole tub of icecream was a terrible idea. Awesome, yet terrible.

So totally worth the agony.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Masterpiece on 25 Mar 2015, 10:50
It's weird, the first time in a very long while, I've reached the end of the month and I have absolutely no financial worries. My rent I paid for in advance, which relieved the main burden, but even then, my bank account shows a balance normally occurring at mid-month, and I have two significant paychecks incoming before I'd normally run out of that money. Feels totally weird, like any moment some random thing will happen and I'll have to pay my soul. Also, it's causing me to make impulse purchases. Case of Strawberry Cider I've wanted for years but couldn't because I hadn't moved my fridge into my room yet? Yes please.

At least I'm not buying game conso- THANKS FOR THAT WONDERFUL IDEA, BRAIN.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: ankhtahr on 25 Mar 2015, 12:28
Heh. I hope I can finally mention my financial troubles to my father. I'll visit my father again tomorrow and will be back after the weekend. I currently owe my flatmate around 400€, and have about 300€ of open bills. I'll receive around 250€ somewhere around Friday.

Thing is, my father was supposed to give me 440€ as security deposit gor my flat, around half a year ago. Due to some miscommunication and because I failed to ask for it, my father hasn't paid yet.


In more happy news: I totally look forward to the ninth of April.  :roll:
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 25 Mar 2015, 12:33
another option: take it to a reputable mechanic.  Insist youre on a tight, tight budget and ask him to check out the car for anything that would leave you stranded.  ask him to make it as reliable as can be.
budget: $250

items that be covered by that much: Belts, Hoses, Brakes, ignition, tires.

He should be able to give you a solid diagnostic and estimate.

the hard part is finding a reputable local mechanic.
I have an appointment to get it checked out on Saturday. I'm still tempted to go with option 3 (the U-Haul truck), though, since I'm going to have to buy furniture for my new apartment (my old one was furnished, so I don't already have any), and the truck would be useful for getting the furniture there.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Pilchard123 on 25 Mar 2015, 12:43
At least I'm not buying game conso- THANKS FOR THAT WONDERFUL IDEA, BRAIN.

If you want to get some games, the current Humble Bundle looks good. I already had Eufloria and Shadowrun Returns, both of which I would say make it worthwhile on their own, though Eufloria is not everyone's cup of tea.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Masterpiece on 25 Mar 2015, 12:45
The thing is, the games I want are console exclusives.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Masterpiece on 25 Mar 2015, 12:46
In more happy news: I totally look forward to the ninth of April.  :roll:

Weird coincidence. I do too! :3
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 25 Mar 2015, 12:48
I'm looking forward to the 3rd of April.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: ankhtahr on 25 Mar 2015, 12:53
In more happy news: I totally look forward to the ninth of April.  :roll:

Weird coincidence. I do too! :3
Funny how that works, isn't it?  :-D

But there's even an additional reason. The concert's gonna be amazing.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Masterpiece on 25 Mar 2015, 14:56
:P

This message is coming from Tapatalk inside my phone!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Half Empty Coffee Cup on 25 Mar 2015, 16:27
It's weird, the first time in a very long while, I've reached the end of the month and I have absolutely no financial worries. My rent I paid for in advance, which relieved the main burden, but even then, my bank account shows a balance normally occurring at mid-month, and I have two significant paychecks incoming before I'd normally run out of that money. Feels totally weird, like any moment some random thing will happen and I'll have to pay my soul. Also, it's causing me to make impulse purchases. Case of Strawberry Cider I've wanted for years but couldn't because I hadn't moved my fridge into my room yet? Yes please.

At least I'm not buying game conso- THANKS FOR THAT WONDERFUL IDEA, BRAIN.
Not to pry, but have you set up a rainy-day fund for yourself?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Masterpiece on 25 Mar 2015, 16:44
You mean my savings account? Yes.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Lines on 25 Mar 2015, 17:58
Work has been not so great so far this week. BUT I give no shits because on Sunday we are going on VACATION. On another CONTINENT. FUCK YEAH.

(http://media.giphy.com/media/10bxTLrpJNS0PC/giphy.gif)

But yeah, people familiar with Amsterdam, Berlin, Munich, Lucern, Bern, and Geneva, I am up for suggestions on things to look at. Most of our trip is pretty much planned out, so I dunno about meetups, but if there is a shop or place to eat that I should go to, let me know.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 25 Mar 2015, 18:14
For ten days in the middle of April I shall be in Cuba - need to see it before it becomes updated.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Masterpiece on 25 Mar 2015, 18:50
Munich? Send me a pm if you want to pay a visit.

This message is coming from Tapatalk inside my phone!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Lines on 25 Mar 2015, 18:55
I shall! Munich is probably our top DO ALL THE THINGS stop because Michael loves Munich and didn't get to do pretty much anything he wanted to do while he was there briefly a few years ago. (Amsterdam is pretty much my SEE ALL THE ART destination. I may never leave the museums.)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Masterpiece on 25 Mar 2015, 20:20
If you need a good eatery, I can recommend places. The Hofbräuhaus is not one of them (grossly overpriced and not the best Munich Beer).
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Lines on 25 Mar 2015, 20:23
I'm not a beer drinker and funny enough the other Hofbrauhaus is really close to where I live. So I'm definitely up for suggestions.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Masterpiece on 25 Mar 2015, 20:31
Well the other place is also a Beer brewery, but the food is also excellent. And the atmosphere is amazing.
Title: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Metope on 26 Mar 2015, 01:37
If you want to go to a secret, actual speakeasy in Amsterdam, I know a guy

Edit. Never mind, it's not there anymore. I was in Amsterdam in 2009 so it's been a while
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Lines on 26 Mar 2015, 03:40
Well the other place is also a Beer brewery, but the food is also excellent. And the atmosphere is amazing.

Michael drinks beer. I'm very used to breweries. :) What's it called?

And Kris, boo.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Metope on 26 Mar 2015, 04:23
I know, it was so great! But yeah, some of the best stuff in Amsterdam for art lovers is the most obvious stuff. The Van Gogh museum is my favorite!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: YourBuddyBill on 26 Mar 2015, 06:14
You folks are so cultured. I envy you. (yes seriously)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Masterpiece on 26 Mar 2015, 06:42
Linds, it's called Augustiner Bräustuben.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Lines on 26 Mar 2015, 07:31
Thanks! I'll look it up!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: jwhouk on 26 Mar 2015, 11:35
$750 and no car for the wife until Tuesday.

Oh, and I have to go in for a pair of injections to my lower back on the 10th.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: ankhtahr on 26 Mar 2015, 18:14
I'm very seriously considering volunteering for the German Technische Hilfswerk (short THW). It's a volunteer based civil protection organisation of the German government, providing technical assistance for fire departments, law enforcement and for disaster relieve.

If I volunteered I'd receive a few months of basic training, after which I'd be qualified for active duty. I'd receive a pager, and if that pager goes off I'd have to leave whatever it is I'm doing to go and assist. After the basic training I'd probably join one of the specialist units and receive specialised training with that unit's equipment (common units are "illumination" or "debris clearance"). Maybe (especially because I'm a university student) I'd receive courses in leadership and become a group leader. One of my flatmates is a voluntary firefighter, and they often work together with the THW. According to him the local THW is full of students, and because the students often leave Karlsruhe when they have their degree, they are always looking for new members.

The technical aspect would be interesting, but the companionship and leadership aspects are even more interesting. My paternal grandfather was a non-commissioned officer of the Bundeswehr (he grew up after the war, and worked his way up to the rank of Oberstabsfeldwebel (NATO equivalent OR-9)), my father was an officer of the reserve. Because of conscription he had the choice to either enlist for basic training for 18 months, or to volunteer for 24 months of officer training with full pay. He decided to volunteer and according to him, his officer training has helped him immensely for his career. He has learnt a lot about leadership and team management, and about self assurance. Because conscription has been abolished I wasn't drafted, and if I chose to volunteer for military service I'd have to enlist for 4 years or more. I wouldn't even consider that. But volunteering for the THW? That seems like a very useful experience, and also like something I'd enjoy. I enjoy helping, and this is a great way I could help people.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Grognard on 27 Mar 2015, 21:22
I highly encourage Civil Service Volunteerism.

my Son&Heir is doing Volunteer Firefighter now.

20 years ago, I did Police Reserve.

Our experience has been very rewarding.
... and it looks great on a resume.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: hedgie on 27 Mar 2015, 21:45
Agreed.  One of my friends has two things that really stand out.  One is his master's degree from Oxford, the other is his work for the US Forest Service.  It is largely the latter that got him where he is now.  I think that at some point in their lives, everyone should have to serve others, whether it's in public service, like you're talking about, or in the service industry.  Both are also good places to meet people from all walks of life.  Given your skills, it might even get you the job you want, and possibly dates.  I have lost count of the opportunities that I refused because I was only 80% qualified for that just landed in my lap for serving others well.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: KingOfIreland on 28 Mar 2015, 10:28
Oh man. I'm starting an into it over it/generic indie-or-emo-as-you-prefer style band with some friends of mine soon. Writing music. This is possibly the first blog thread worthy thing I've had to say for years. Man, two hand tapping melodies over chunky chords is so much fun. Our drummer is insane and co lead vocalist with a friend of mine, we're still looking for a rhythm guitarist and I have a bassist in mind. So cool.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Thrillho on 28 Mar 2015, 11:11
If I lived near you brah, I'd be rhythm guitarring the shit out of your anus.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 28 Mar 2015, 16:35
another option: take it to a reputable mechanic.  Insist youre on a tight, tight budget and ask him to check out the car for anything that would leave you stranded.  ask him to make it as reliable as can be.
budget: $250

items that be covered by that much: Belts, Hoses, Brakes, ignition, tires.

He should be able to give you a solid diagnostic and estimate.

the hard part is finding a reputable local mechanic.
I have an appointment to get it checked out on Saturday. I'm still tempted to go with option 3 (the U-Haul truck), though, since I'm going to have to buy furniture for my new apartment (my old one was furnished, so I don't already have any), and the truck would be useful for getting the furniture there.
So it turns out the noise I was hearing and the engine running warmer than normal were both because the water pump was failing...
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Half Empty Coffee Cup on 28 Mar 2015, 17:02
If I lived near you brah, I'd be rhythm guitarring the shit out of your anus.
I don't think he's interested in hearing you play the brown note.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: YourBuddyBill on 28 Mar 2015, 21:13
If I lived near you brah, I'd be rhythm guitarring the shit out of your anus.
I don't think he's interested in hearing you play the brown note.
I can't decide whether to turn the hose on you or demand a new pair of sides.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Masterpiece on 28 Mar 2015, 21:14
Can't sleep. Won't even try. Rewrote my OKCupid profile. Don't even know why I still bother with that.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: YourBuddyBill on 28 Mar 2015, 21:18
I had that problem a few times before. Each time it turned out I had mistaken my morning meds for my evening ones. At that point, it's usually better for me to half-lie-down (pillow placed such that i can push my head against it, which helps with the headaches), take some Advil (helps with the headaches), and play some video games to take my mind off the fact that I'm so goddamn tired (which unfortunately doesn't help with the headaches, but hey, at least i'm not also bored).
Also I've gone back to sites I've been missing from for years just to update profiles. Which is odd. I still won't touch my old profile on one particular past hangout though, I had a fit all over that place.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Metope on 29 Mar 2015, 02:53
So I won't be moving to the states August 3rd, I'll be moving July 29th, four months from today exactly! I got my visa back and it expires August 4th, I figured flying in the day before was cutting it a bit close. Anyway, I booked my ticket! This is happening!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Lines on 29 Mar 2015, 04:30
Yay!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Thrillho on 29 Mar 2015, 06:29
If I lived near you brah, I'd be rhythm guitarring the shit out of your anus.
I don't think he's interested in hearing you play the brown note.

How about the pink note?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Half Empty Coffee Cup on 29 Mar 2015, 13:10
That one's a crowdpleaser.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: KingOfIreland on 29 Mar 2015, 21:41
That got very weird all of a sudden.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: BeoPuppy on 30 Mar 2015, 03:29
[meme]
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Masterpiece on 01 Apr 2015, 09:44
I am currently sitting in front of my PC, listening to Kraftwerk music, drinking my whisky and dancing on my chair.

Neko knows how that looks like.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: ankhtahr on 01 Apr 2015, 12:38
On my way home. According to shipment tracking the package my mother sent me, containing my PS3 was delivered to a neighbor. Yay!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Aziraphale on 01 Apr 2015, 16:35
I am currently sitting in front of my PC, listening to Kraftwerk music, drinking my whisky and dancing on my chair.

Neko knows how that looks like.

For some reason, I wouldn't think to pair whisky with Kraftwerk. :)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 01 Apr 2015, 17:45
The graduate student who is taking over my experiment has finally realized how little he knows about it and has been asking me questions constantly today. Would have been better if he had started asking questions a lot earlier, considering I'm leaving in less than a week.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Masterpiece on 01 Apr 2015, 17:53
I am currently sitting in front of my PC, listening to Kraftwerk music, drinking my whisky and dancing on my chair.

Neko knows how that looks like.

For some reason, I wouldn't think to pair whisky with Kraftwerk. :)
It's Ankhs fault
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: explicit on 01 Apr 2015, 18:00
I'm doing my first class as a teacher tomorrow. This one is just in front of the other orientation group members, but it's still something, right?

I'll be teaching solar array construction. Simplified, of course, seeing as I'll be teaching 3-8th graders.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 03 Apr 2015, 06:40
Quick post to say I got back last night. Trip was amazing.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 03 Apr 2015, 07:46
My thesis defense is today. I'm a little nervous, but mostly excited for it.  :-D
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Aziraphale on 03 Apr 2015, 12:14
Good luck, Cesium.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Thrillho on 03 Apr 2015, 14:34
Quick post to say I got back last night. Trip was amazing.

I hate you.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 03 Apr 2015, 15:07
Yeah, I've been getting that a lot lately.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 03 Apr 2015, 15:12
Good luck, Cesium.
Thanks. I passed. Once I turn in my thesis on Monday, I'll be a doctor (not the kind that helps people, though).  :-D
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Metope on 03 Apr 2015, 15:38
Oh wow, that's pretty huge! Well done and congrats!!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: ev4n on 03 Apr 2015, 15:46
Grats Cs
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: celticgeek on 03 Apr 2015, 17:21
Llongyfarchiadau, cesium133!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 03 Apr 2015, 20:12
The molecules my thesis discussed were called "trilobite" molecules because their wavefunction sort of looks like a trilobite fossil. So as a graduation present my advisor got me a literal trilobite fossil. :)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CBttZgFUEAEkuQU.jpg)

All in all, today was a pretty freaking awesome day.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Grognard on 03 Apr 2015, 21:54
YAY and CONGRATS to you, Doctor Cesium....
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: explicit on 03 Apr 2015, 22:09
I'm going to chug this beer in your honor. I was going to chug it anyway, but I'll give you the dedication. :D
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 03 Apr 2015, 22:44
Whoo!!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Pilchard123 on 04 Apr 2015, 01:36
Guys, we may be witnessing the formative stages of a super villain here! Why aren't you more worried?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Half Empty Coffee Cup on 04 Apr 2015, 02:19
Because we won't be first against the wall when Doctor Cesium takes over the world.

Sorry, Pilchard, that distinction belongs to you.

(Congrats, Cesium!)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Pilchard123 on 04 Apr 2015, 03:40
 :-o
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: The Seldom Killer on 04 Apr 2015, 03:49
Extra points to HECC for calling it as it is.

In bloggage  I fell down the stairs yesterday and split my elbow open. Very painful and has kind of ruined my plans for Easter. Mrs SK is being appropriately sympathetic.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: osaka on 04 Apr 2015, 04:56
Gratz doc. :D
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 04 Apr 2015, 07:17
Guys, we may be witnessing the formative stages of a super villain here! Why aren't you more worried?
Nah, I'm not a mad scientist.

Okay, I may be a little angry sometimes.  :claireface:

...

Fine, I'm a mad scientist.  :evil:
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Loki on 04 Apr 2015, 08:01
Don't make the Doc mad. You wouldn't like him mad.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: explicit on 04 Apr 2015, 10:55
Okay, question time. I have to name this little tiki-mask guy for work and I can't think of anything good. Any ideas? It hasta be appropriate seeing as I'll be using it with kids.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Lines on 05 Apr 2015, 04:45
What kind of job is it? (What would you be doing with the kids?)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: explicit on 05 Apr 2015, 08:35
I'm a teacher in loose terms. Outdoor environmental educator works a bit better to describe it.

It's mostly used for team-building games and it's just a little device a lot of the teachers use to give the kids a bit more responsibility in a fun way.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: jwhouk on 05 Apr 2015, 09:03

The molecules my thesis discussed were called "trilobite" molecules because their wavefunction sort of looks like a trilobite fossil. So as a graduation present my advisor got me a literal trilobite fossil. :)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CBttZgFUEAEkuQU.jpg)

All in all, today was a pretty freaking awesome day.

...Does Agatha know you have one of those?

And where's your fancy het? ;)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 05 Apr 2015, 09:42
Not having read Girl Genius, I had to look up that reference. And I only get the fancy hat if I go to the graduation ceremony in May, but I'm going to be in Wisconsin by then, and I'm not planning on making the trip back for it.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Pilchard123 on 05 Apr 2015, 09:58
But hyu need your nize hat! Odderwize, how iz hyu goink to be a goot spark?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Carl-E on 05 Apr 2015, 14:41
Happy Easter! 

We have fun with our eggs...

(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8699/17046580355_1f9c61db40.jpg)

(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8735/16839160897_8496c16f63.jpg)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: lepetitfromage on 05 Apr 2015, 16:14
Congrats, Cesium!!

Carl......the minion egg. I love it!! Happy Easter back atcha   :-D
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: SubaruStephen on 05 Apr 2015, 19:04
Guys, we may be witnessing the formative stages of a super villain here! Why aren't you more worried?

I'm not worried, he's heading to my neck of the woods. I'll keep an eye on him for you and if he starts building a death ray, I'll Macgyver an Iron Man(shaped) suit to stop his dastardly plans.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Grognard on 05 Apr 2015, 21:15
Doctor Cesium needs a new avatar... my suggestion:

(http://www.scopeofscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/delorean_back2future_drbrown2.jpg)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 05 Apr 2015, 21:25
I dunno, I kinda think it should be QC-related. How about this one?  :-D

(Also, do avatars with transparent backgrounds not work correctly on the forum for some reason?)

edit -- rereading the strips from that era, I noticed that Jeph thanks Science (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2137) for the jargon he used in those strips. I wonder if he read the article I had published in Science that came out on Friday. And if he understood any of it...
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Loki on 05 Apr 2015, 23:50
Doc C, just FYI, on my mobile browser the avatar has a black background. I remember this from the days of Internet Explorer 6 with transparent PNGs...
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: BeoPuppy on 06 Apr 2015, 01:27
We have a bouncy castle.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Pilchard123 on 06 Apr 2015, 05:45
My avatar has a transparent background, so I guess you may have just done something wrong. Did you actually save it transparent?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 06 Apr 2015, 05:49
Apparently it works if I upload it to imgur and then link to it, but not if I upload it directly to the forum.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 06 Apr 2015, 12:32
Because the image you provided is bigger than our avatar size, it was resized when the forum stored it and that lost the transparency.  Now you have provided it as a link, the resizing is left to the browser, which does it right.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 06 Apr 2015, 12:57
Ah, okay. I knew the software resized it at some point, but I didn't realize that was what was causing the problem.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Active Madness on 08 Apr 2015, 02:04
The molecules my thesis discussed were called "trilobite" molecules because their wavefunction sort of looks like a trilobite fossil. So as a graduation present my advisor got me a literal trilobite fossil. :)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CBttZgFUEAEkuQU.jpg)

All in all, today was a pretty freaking awesome day.

That's a good looking trilobite!

Do you know what species it is?

Also, congrats!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 08 Apr 2015, 09:06
I'm sorry if my posting a bit all over the show recently and in the near future. Life is all go at the moment.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Lines on 08 Apr 2015, 09:56
Visiting Europe has made me realize (even more so) just how stupid of a place America is. Lots of green energy? Lots of trains for travel? Bike lanes slightly separate from the street? Beer is cheaper than soda? Real food? (Trivial things. I already know about the big ones.)

I will miss my friends, but I can make new ones. I wanna move to the better side of the Atlantic.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Metope on 08 Apr 2015, 10:34
There's an opening in Norway now that I'm leaving. Fair warning though: beer is not cheaper than soda in this country.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: The Seldom Killer on 08 Apr 2015, 11:02
I support this exchange. If we must lose one forumite from the evil leftpondians, we should at least recruit another in return.

Join us Linds. Join the dark side. (The sun's setting over here, nothing sinister like)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: osaka on 08 Apr 2015, 11:22
Linds, whatever you do, DON'T MOVE TO SPAIN. It might be alluring with our (against all odds) effective socialized healthcare, but that's the only decent thing about this place.

Ok, also that our social life is shifted about 3 hours into the night, which is great. But that's it.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 08 Apr 2015, 12:01
My Partner and I fell in love with San Jose a bit to the point we checked house prices. In the next few years, maybe.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 08 Apr 2015, 16:16
That's a good looking trilobite!

Do you know what species it is?

Also, congrats!
Flexicalymene retorsa, from Indiana.


Good luck on your drive, whatever you choose. And if you cross the Wapsinicon River, take a picture for me. ;)
Here you go:
(http://i.imgur.com/1IsTeAa.jpg)

As for my worries about my car, it ran like a champ. No problems at all.

I do seem to have arrived before my furniture, though, so I'm currently sitting on the floor while typing this...
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: jwhouk on 08 Apr 2015, 17:08
Nice! Welcome to the People's Republic of Walkerstan, Sponsored by Koch Industries!

I hope you don't mind that I shared that photo with the appropriate persons on the Wapsi forum...
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 09 Apr 2015, 20:59
Nice! Welcome to the People's Republic of Walkerstan, Sponsored by Koch Industries!

I hope you don't mind that I shared that photo with the appropriate persons on the Wapsi forum...
No problem. I took a few more pictures if you want them...
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: jwhouk on 09 Apr 2015, 22:35

Nice! Welcome to the People's Republic of Walkerstan, Sponsored by Koch Industries!

I hope you don't mind that I shared that photo with the appropriate persons on the Wapsi forum...
No problem. I took a few more pictures if you want them...
Sure thing!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Lines on 09 Apr 2015, 23:40
I support this exchange. If we must lose one forumite from the evil leftpondians, we should at least recruit another in return.

Join us Linds. Join the dark side. (The sun's setting over here, nothing sinister like)

SO TEMPTING.

Re: Spain- I'd like to visit, but not live there.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: The Seldom Killer on 10 Apr 2015, 02:21
I support this exchange. If we must lose one forumite from the evil leftpondians, we should at least recruit another in return.

Join us Linds. Join the dark side. (The sun's setting over here, nothing sinister like)

SO TEMPTING.

Re: Spain- I'd like to visit, but not live there.

Come to the Free Ridings of Yorkshire, it's the best country in the world. Plus our Best is pretty good too and goes well with a BEST.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: ankhtahr on 10 Apr 2015, 10:12
I actually forgot the ticket for the GY!BE concert here.

Maybe I'll buy a ticket for the concert in Strasbourg, with a little luck I'll be able to visit it from therapy.


In other news, a childhood friend of my roommate (he's from Munich) just gave me his Beyerdynamic T90 to test them out. Those are the most amazing headphones I've ever heard. It's unbelievable. Too bad I can't afford them at all. I can't even afford the DT880 I've always wanted to get. Still, amazing headphones.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Lines on 10 Apr 2015, 13:17
Tomorrow is our last full day in Switzerland/Europe. I don't wanna go home. T-T
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Masterpiece on 10 Apr 2015, 16:26
Don't.

This message is coming from Tapatalk inside my phone!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Lines on 11 Apr 2015, 13:24
Kind of have to. Also I miss my cats. And my friends. Definitely not work, though. :P
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Metope on 11 Apr 2015, 17:15
I will miss my cat so much when I move  :-(

...and also my family and friends, I guess.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Masterpiece on 11 Apr 2015, 17:34
Family and friends at okay, but you can't pet a cat over the internet! I understand your mentality 100%.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 12 Apr 2015, 04:45
I will miss my cat so much when I move  :-(

...and also my family and friends, I guess.

That's how I felt when I was away, except replace "cat" with "dog and guinea pigs".
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: ankhtahr on 12 Apr 2015, 08:00
Geckoes :(
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 12 Apr 2015, 14:14
Off to Cuba (at 5am); back in a couple of weeks. :-D
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Akima on 12 Apr 2015, 15:30
Vaya con Dios amigo!

Edit: Annoying page-break.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Carl-E on 12 Apr 2015, 15:42
I did a thing last night...

(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8696/17126838085_a5f65b4ab4_o.jpg)

I'm a member of the Blair Concert Chorale.  Second tenor.  We combined with two university choirs and another local singing choir for nearly 180 voices strong, along with our local 65 piece symphony orchestra. 

It was amazing.  Two and a half months of rehearsals separately (our group is about 45 members).  Last Monday we had the first rehearsal with the combined choirs, and it was almost overpowering.  Friday was the first rehearsal with the orchestra and soloists (all professionals).  When the Turkish march began, and the tenor solo started, I was weeping.  I just have no words. 

One last rehearsal Saturday afternoon before the performance to get used to the space - the church holds about a thousand, and it was nearly full - I'd guess between 850 and 900 in the audience, which is serious money for the symphony (it, like out chorale, is non-profit).  I was seated behind the contra-bassoon. 

All the practice was worth it, though.  We nailed the performance, got a good 5 minute ovation.  I'm now able to hit notes in full voice that were only in my falsetto range in the past.  I never thought I'd make it up to a high F, now I've got G, A, and B flat. 

My wife gets aggravated with all the time put into this, especially since I'm still looking for full time work.  She's right, extra-curricular stuff should take a backseat, but it's hard to explain just what this meant to me.  What singing means in general.  Without making music, I think I'd be too depressed to do much of anything.  And this is a dream I've had since college.  Of course, back then I was a baritone...
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Lines on 12 Apr 2015, 16:02
Carl, that is amazing! I haven't sung in a choir since high school, but I miss it a lot and I know the rush you're talking about. It is time consuming, but sometimes you need to feed your soul and music definitely does that. I'm glad you had such a wonderful experience. :)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Redball on 12 Apr 2015, 16:26
Oh my God, Carl, what an experience! Weeping while performing is a curse and a blessing, but I'd never want to be so laid back as to remain dry-eyed. And from baritone to second tenor! I can only wish. I went the other way when I retired from work and two choirs. When I returned to one of them, I could no longer handle the tenor. That group memorizes its music, so I had to memorize the baritone/bass. And if nothing we're singing in a season (Christmas gigs in Renaissance costume) brings a tear to my eye, I feel a little cheated.
The Beethoven 9th was hard on the voice as a tenor. I was lucky enough to do it twice, the last with the Detroit Symphony and Järvi around 1995 or so. I'm still in the Christmas-gig a cappella group back in Detroit, but singing in church near Kalamazoo. But we've been in Tucson since mid-February, and the church here, close to the UA campus, has an excellent music program. So we did the Rutter Requiem for Palm Sunday with a small instrumental ensemble. That's a tear-full. With all the spring singing, it seemed that my tenor range might be returning. That'd be interesting; and tenors definitely have more fun.
We need this kind of singing for our souls, Carl, and you more than I. Don't stop.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: explicit on 18 Apr 2015, 12:34
I'll be teaching a meditation class next week. So that's cool... never even tried mediation myself, so I guess we're all going to learn something.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Akima on 21 Apr 2015, 15:18
I don't know if there have been any reports out there in the wider world about the storms that have been hammering Sydney for the last few days, but I just thought I'd drop a line saying that I'm fine and my home is still in one piece. We were without electricity for eighteen hours yesterday, but that was restored early yesterday evening.

I'll be teaching a meditation class next week. So that's cool... never even tried mediation myself, so I guess we're all going to learn something.
Meditation is part of my daily routine, though only in the zuòchán (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zazen) style, so if you have questions, I might be able to help.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: KingOfIreland on 25 Apr 2015, 04:37
So basically my job has become a miserable hell and my bosses refuse to do anything about the ridiculous working situation we have there. Meanwhile, my desktop has finally given up the ghost for good, I haven't been paid properly for three months and my laptop is overheating constantly. Not the best of months so far. I've decided I have little choice but to quit the job, since I can no longer afford my train tickets, but this will mean I'm fucked in terms of income for the next while.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Masterpiece on 08 May 2015, 17:44
I started a new diary. It's an arbitrary moment, but it feels like the start of a new era.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: The Seldom Killer on 05 Jun 2015, 07:09
I've just handed in notice on my job. There's another month to go before I leave but I'm feeling the relief already.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 12 Jun 2015, 14:39
Putting this in the blog thread instead of the complaints thread, since with some time I think it's become more funny than infuriating...

So I've been at at a conference this week. Awesome conference (though the food at the banquet sucked, and I sort of wish I hadn't stayed to see the talk by the grad student who took over my old experiment when I graduated  :psyduck: ), but getting to the conference was a trip through hell and back. On Monday, I boarded a plane in Madison and we went 2/3 of the way to Chicago before the pilot announced that O'Hare was closed because of storms and we were being diverted back to Madison. They told us to stay on the plane, because we were leaving again as soon as the storms cleared. Five hours later, we finally left and flew to Chicago. Of course, I had missed my connection, so they rebooked me for another flight to Columbus. That flight was already one hour late, and became later and later, until it was finally cancelled at 1 AM. No hotel rooms were available, so I had to stay the night at O'Hare. United didn't have any flights available on Tuesday to Columbus, so they rebooked me on Delta. At 5 PM on Tuesday, a full day after I was supposed to arrive, I finally got to Columbus, went to the hotel and tried to check in. They gave away my reservation, so I had no hotel room. Luckily, a grad student had an extra bed in his room, so I didn't have to sleep in the lobby during the conference.  :psyduck:

edit -- this was funnier to me this morning. Now I'm stuck at the fucking shithole that is O'Hare Airport again. The airline even gave me false hope by giving me a hotel voucher... to a hotel that doesn't have any rooms available. And food vouchers... for places that aren't open.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Grognard on 15 Jun 2015, 17:40
you could be stuck in a Canadian Army barracks.... :(
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: The Seldom Killer on 22 Jun 2015, 05:35
Someone tried to break into our house on Saturday night while we were fast asleep. Luckily for us they didn't succeed but they did manage to trash the lock on the back door. The insurance company are now dragging their heels over getting it fixed and won't have someone round until tomorrow. It's just a ballache compounded by the sense of powerlessness you get when you're a victim of someone that you can't see, can't understand and can't rationalise. Fortunately for us they managed to trash it to the point that you can't actually get the door unlocked but in a way, that's worse. I live in Yorkshire where basically the back door is the front door. Mrs SK is away tonight as well so I reckon I'll wake up to every little sound. Also panicking about the large number of high value bikes we have in the house. Hoping there won't be a second attempt on entry.

On the good news side of things, in the aftermath of discovering this, I went out for a ride to relieve a bit of stress. Went up a hill so hard I overtook and dropped a Mercedes. OK, it was part of a vintage car rally but still, it's a nice little brag. #roadiedouchebag
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Akima on 22 Jun 2015, 15:46
There is no accounting for the minds of burglars. Years ago, someone tried to break into our home while we were out by, apparently, pounding on the front door lock with a hammer. The metal face of the lock, and the door around the lock, were covered with hammer-dents, and it must have made a lot of noise. Why not just break a window?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Grognard on 22 Jun 2015, 18:45
our old house was burglarized several years ago.
guaranteed juveniles (based on physical evidence, etc)

but they trashed the back door and couldn't get it open.
smashed a window that even is very high up for me.
and eventually got someone (not a juvie) to kick in the front door.

they stole several odds and ends, a ring left on the bedside table, an antique blackpowder rifle, and our document safe with all the birth certs, marriage licesnse, car titles and old love letters.  All the stolen stuff only totaled $1000.

However, the damage done to the window and doors totaled $3000.

that, and the letters and the antiques are personally priceless.

We KNOW and the Sheriff KNOW who did it: just couldn't prove it.

I hate criminals.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Detachable Felix on 22 Jun 2015, 20:10
I have two major assessments and an exam all in the next couple of days. Suffice to say, this is me right now
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: The Seldom Killer on 23 Jun 2015, 00:11
There is no accounting for the minds of burglars.

There mostly is. It's mostly drugs.

I should, know, it's part of what the office I work in deals with. It doesn't make it easier though, I'm just left wondering which of the little scrotes on our clients list it probably was, what they were planning. Alas the one benefit of knowing more is a greater understanding just how little you know.

Fun fact for those of you who have ever been the victim of an acquisitive crime. We in the westernized world are currently dealing with a small epidemic of drug related blindness and visual degeneration. Drugs make you blind? Nope. Heroin and other intravenously injected drugs disolve better in an acidic solution. The cheapest and easiest to buy functional acidic solution is lemon juice. Lemon juice naturally contains a fungus that, when injected interavenously, likes to grow on the inside of the eyeball among other places.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 27 Jun 2015, 08:55
I decided to get a car to replace my old car that went south last month. I'm going to be picking it up from the dealership this afternoon. My favorite part of the process so far was when I contacted them to tell them which car I was looking at, and the sales guy's response was "You actually want a car with a manual transmission?" (yes, especially when it's $2000 cheaper)  :roll:
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Pilchard123 on 27 Jun 2015, 09:11
"Yes, because I can drive"
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: osaka on 27 Jun 2015, 09:36
I thought that manual transmission cars would be more expensive in the states, since EVERYONE uses auto.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 27 Jun 2015, 12:14
Picked the car up from the dealership, and it turns out I'm rustier at driving a manual than I thought I'd be. Mainly, it's I haven't gotten the feel of the stick in that car and accidentally put it in the wrong gear a couple times (mostly shifting into 5th when I was trying to shift into 3rd).

I thought that manual transmission cars would be more expensive in the states, since EVERYONE uses auto.
The dealerships keep some manuals around for the people who want them, but often discount them because they have a hard time selling them.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: osaka on 27 Jun 2015, 16:35
That can also happen just swapping cars. When I grab my sis' Nissan Pixo everything is really close together, and my dad's BX 5th gear feels as if it's in an entirely different zip code to 3rd.

My old subaru had a really stern gearshift, but it was at the perfect position. I miss that vehicle :(
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 27 Jun 2015, 16:57
I just managed to stall the car out for the first time... stopped at a stop sign and accidentally shifted into 3rd instead of 1st.

Oh, and I found out that the button I thought locked the doors doesn't (it locks the back door only). I really should read the manual, but would I be a good experimental physicist if I did?  :psyduck:
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: jwhouk on 27 Jun 2015, 17:11
I owned one car with a manual tranny. Got rid of it because the clutch was close to burning out.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: celticgeek on 27 Jun 2015, 17:25

Oh, and I found out that the button I thought locked the doors doesn't (it locks the back door only). I really should read the manual, but would I be a good experimental physicist if I did?  :psyduck:

If all else fails, read the manual.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: hedgie on 27 Jun 2015, 18:39
I owned one car with a manual tranny. Got rid of it because the clutch was close to burning out.

I didn't even lock my first car because the clutch was so bad that no one else could drive the damned thing.  Then again, most thieves couldn't even operate a standard transmission if their lives depended on it.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 27 Jun 2015, 18:40
That was one motivation to get the manual instead of an automatic.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Grognard on 28 Jun 2015, 07:08
I'm in the process of selling Son&Heir's first vehicle.
it's a manual, and is one of the reasons I bought it in the first place.
I wanted him to have that experience and knowledge.
but keeping the old hunkajunk running is way expensive.

I just picked up a 2 dr coupe, 4 cyl. automatic for $1100. gets great MPG. same age as his truck.
his first observation was "that is a girl car"
my reply:  "I know. which means it is in better shape than your truck."
my big, strong, firefighter, redneck son still drove it home, festooned with pink, yellow and blue flower stickers. :D
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: 94ssd on 18 Jul 2015, 16:45
So I was going to put this in the complaints thread, but it's really only like 1/10th a complaint.

I'm tech directing a play, and I just agreed to help out the set designer by driving to a town 2 hours away tomorrow to pick up chairs.

The complaint part is that tomorrow was going to be my one day of relaxation in the next two weeks, and I know that 4 straight hours on the road will be damn tiring.

But here's the upside: I love driving. Going on a road trip with friends is fun, and driving alone is one of the best stress relievers for me. It's weird, even though I have an apartment and that apartment has a bedroom, driving is the only time I really feel like I'm alone. I've had a pretty damn stressful summer, and there were days when I would have loved to drive on the Parkway until I got lost, or just taken a day trip somewhere to see a play, or a friend, or just for the drive.

But two of my sources of stress have been how tight money is, and how unbelievably busy I've been, so that hasn't really been a possibility. But I get to drive, alone, for four hours tomorrow, and it's all on the company's dime. So I'm actually looking forward to it, even if it does mess with my plans to sleep in all day.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: 94ssd on 19 Jul 2015, 07:24
I should say - for those wondering why I need to drive 2 hours away to get chairs - we need 6 identical, old-looking school chairs. We called furniture and antique stores in the area and got further and further away until we found them.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 21 Jul 2015, 15:04
I guess this is a blog topic. Was looking up family ancestry stuff and found these two old news stories from the county my Mammy's family lived in for many a-year.

October 19, 1854

A CHILD EATEN BY A SOW--Last week a fine child belonging to a person named CONAGHTY, residing in the townland of Kill, near Kilnaleck, was left alone in the house, some occasion calling the rest of the family out for a time. The first that returned, met a sow outside the door, having in its mouth the child, quite dead, and already half devoured.

THE TURNIP--We have seen a specimen of the turnip crop grown by Dr. KELLY, of this town, on the farm which he holds from MR. M'LENIHAN, of Ballyhaise. The specimen now before us weights 111bs. in measure- ment it is 30½ by 25½ inches. The seed was purchased from Mr. Edward KENNEDY, Cavan, and sowed in June last. It is the white stone turnip. The manure was guano. Mr. M'LENIHAN deserves high credit for the encouragement he gives his tenants to grow green crops, and improve upon the agriculture of bye gone years.


They were together so the juxtaposition caught my attention.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Aimless on 24 Jul 2015, 03:39
I guess this is a blog topic. Was looking up family ancestry stuff and found these two old news stories from the county my Mammy's family lived in for many a-year.

October 19, 1854

A CHILD EATEN BY A SOW--Last week a fine child belonging to a person named CONAGHTY, residing in the townland of Kill, near Kilnaleck, was left alone in the house, some occasion calling the rest of the family out for a time. The first that returned, met a sow outside the door, having in its mouth the child, quite dead, and already half devoured.

THE TURNIP--We have seen a specimen of the turnip crop grown by Dr. KELLY, of this town, on the farm which he holds from MR. M'LENIHAN, of Ballyhaise. The specimen now before us weights 111bs. in measure- ment it is 30½ by 25½ inches. The seed was purchased from Mr. Edward KENNEDY, Cavan, and sowed in June last. It is the white stone turnip. The manure was guano. Mr. M'LENIHAN deserves high credit for the encouragement he gives his tenants to grow green crops, and improve upon the agriculture of bye gone years.


They were together so the juxtaposition caught my attention.

God how I wish they'd start writing in that style again <3
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: 94ssd on 28 Jul 2015, 14:58
Today's lesson: always shop around.

This year has not been good to poor old Eugene, my car. There was the time the power steering stopped working, in May I had to replace the muffler, and then there was the incident where a window got shattered by rocks. During the trip that I was so plussed about in my last post, I had a blowout on the highway.

Digression: The drive was still a good experience regardless. When I heard the tire pop the closest place for me to turn off was a scenic overlook. I had my spare and my jack, but I don't know what happened to my lug wrench, so I had to call for help. That was a relaxing hour and a half, although I had a hard time telling AAA where I was.

Anyway, I figured as long as I avoided anymore road trips, I could use my donut spare for a little while, but yesterday I noticed another tire was worn down to the belt. I've kept my car parked since then for fear of the other tire blowing out, opting to make the 45 minute walk to work instead. After work, I walked into my usual tire shop, and for two tires, plus labor and an alignment (which even I know I need if I had two tires wear down in the same fashion in short succession), they gave me an estimate of just under $200. Considering I went in there thinking "if this costs more than 250 I'm fucked," I was fine to take that an make an appointment at the nearest available date - Monday.

But on my walk back while trying to decide where to get dinner, I noticed another tire place, not sure if it's new or just never caught my attention before, so I decided to go in. There I was informed that they don't charge for mounting or alignment, freeing me up to get better tires and still save money. Plus they were able to get me in for tomorrow, freeing me up from having to walk to my "day job" and saving me from having to inconvenience one of my friends more than once (since I have to arrive 30 minutes earlier than he does) to get to rehearsals in the evening (the rehearsal space is 10 miles away, not really walkable)

So also, never assume that just because a place is familiar to you that it is actually the best value.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Grognard on 01 Aug 2015, 21:40
Good for You.

Maintenance on vehicles is most maddening.

EVERY year in February, they'll all need repairs.

I SWEAR. they must know it is tax refund time.  :(
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 01 Aug 2015, 21:43
The cars' computers are programmed to cause components to fail in February, when the car repair industry knows that people are getting tax refunds.

Either that, or winter is just hard on cars.  :roll:
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Grognard on 01 Aug 2015, 22:13
I'll tend to believe the prior rather than the latter.

no matter where I've lived, North or South, harsh or mild winter ... it's the same.

always in February.  :(
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: 94ssd on 03 Aug 2015, 13:25
I saw my new apartment today. I've christened it the Cupboard Under the Stairs. Both because as a studio it's about the size of your average broom closet (as I knew it would be), and because it is actually under the staircase to the upper level.

Despite the fact that if a prisoner were put in a cell as small as this apartment he'd have grounds to sue, and despite the hellish change in management issues, it does have a couple distinct perks. First, of course, is the reason I bought it, which is that it's a fairly low-rent place located downtown and only a block away from campus. Could I have gotten a bigger apartment and still been downtown? Yes. Would I be a block further down the street in a slum of a building and still be paying higher rent? Also yes.

What was unexpected was that the carpet, oven, and refrigerator were brand new, and as I was walking in they were putting new vents in (for the heat, it just has a window unit for a/c). Also, it is remarkably well shaded. It is hot as hell out today, but there are some trees right outside my door and it was so much cooler inside even with the air and the ceiling fan off. Also there's a decent view...out the one window.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 05 Aug 2015, 12:22
I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn last night.

It was the night before.

Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 06 Aug 2015, 10:58
Hard work week. Eight days in a row, finishing with two days of double shifts.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: jwhouk on 06 Aug 2015, 12:23

Hard work week. Eight days in a row, finishing with two days of double shifts.

So, when did you start working at my workplace?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 06 Aug 2015, 13:03
It's the hazard of being an unofficial relief worker. :(
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: 94ssd on 06 Aug 2015, 16:22
More enthusing about the apartment, cupboard like though it may be. So it's a block away from the main street in town, up a slight hill. I was worried about walking that hill, but there are some steps right outside my front door that lead down to the main street. Whether those steps will be usable in the winter remains to be seen, it depends on if the town 'owns' them or if they're part of the same property the building is on.

Anyway, once you get down those steps (which are a joke compared to some of the ones on campus) it is an absolutely BEAUTIFUL walk to the theatre building. I love our downtown. These days you see old, small town main street buildings like vtthese boarded up and in ruins, but here that steert is just so alive. And there's wonderful mountain views. I'm going to enjoy walking past the buskers, art sellers, graffiti, and dogs to get to class every day.

I could afford an apartment in a good location, or a good apartment, but not both. And since this is a decent apartment in the most perfect location in town I can think of, I've decided to love it. I just have to come to terms with the fact that my landlord is the enemy here.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: jwhouk on 06 Aug 2015, 17:59
It's the hazard of being an unofficial relief worker. :(

Or a government employee for a thankless regime.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Lines on 08 Aug 2015, 15:29
I just sent off my resume to the local art museum. My current job doesn't know I'm looking for a new job (well, some of my coworkers do). My inside scream sounds like this:

Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Thrillho on 08 Aug 2015, 16:49
Back from Paris. It was fucking amazing. More to follow when I can be arsed.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 17 Aug 2015, 21:42
Kicked ass at bar trivia tonight. Especially considering I was competing by myself in a team competition. And my useless knowledge of national anthems and such became useful in an unexpected way... I got a question about the movie Ravenous correct (I w the only person in the bar who had heard of the movie) because its theme song is Hail Columbia...
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 06 Sep 2015, 13:30
Tried and failed to go to Devils Lake State Park today. I didn't consider that it was Labor Day weekend, and the park was so full of people that they weren't letting anyone else in.  :psyduck: But on the way there, I was passed by the Google Street View wagon, so in however long it takes them to process their photos, my car may appear on U.S. Route 12 near Sauk City, WI...
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: 94ssd on 06 Sep 2015, 22:54
I bought curtains today. I had been avoiding it for want of energy to install them. But as much as I don't think people are peeking through my blinds as they walk by, it's nice to know they aren't. It makes the whole 'living in front of a busy sidewalk' thing easier. There's a bar that's across the street and a few buildings down and it got rowdy last night, I'm a heavy sleeper (fortunate because the fire station is a block away) so not enough that it woke me up, but enough to make me think it's probably time. Hopefully they'll also help keep it cooler in here, it's been really hot this week by mountain standards anyway.

I also bought $90 worth of bland diet food, which should be plenty for the next two weeks plus a couple transition days. I'm slowly but surely getting used to life without caffeine. So maybe this ulcer is the kick in the ass I need to cut it out for good. I tried to for Lent a couple years ago (yes I still give things up for Lent even though I'm not religious, it's a personal development thing, okay) and I actually couldn't. It's the only time I couldn't follow through. In the past I've given up video games, social media, television, fast food...but caffeine was too hard. I got headaches, I felt irritable. But along with a thousand other things it's on the 4 page list of what I can and cannot have. I'm not really getting headaches, I'm just more tired during the day. And I can't decide if I'm surly due to lack of caffeine or just because the pain has made me that way.

The diet and medicines have helped. I spent most of Thursday doubled over in pain, barely able to keep water down. Right now the pain is just sort of there and I've been keeping my bland, starchy food down just fine since Friday. Hopefully it will be gone completely before long, but I'll still have to stick out the two weeks. But with any luck it won't be any longer than that.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Thrillho on 08 Sep 2015, 13:31
New avatar!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Pilchard123 on 08 Sep 2015, 14:56
Is that a Game Grumps/Tokemon pic?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Thrillho on 08 Sep 2015, 15:45
It is exactly that.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: 94ssd on 13 Sep 2015, 06:48
Slept in my car last night. I suppose I should give context. Our school's 24 hour play festival was on Friday/yesterday. I chose to write (unfortunately didn't get picked, but there was heavy competition this year) and be the all-festival sound designer. Which means that I was one of those lucky few that was actually awake for the full 24 hours. My only caffeine intake that whole time came from one cup of herbal tea because I still can't drink much else. Well, we do the show, it goes great, we get dinner together. At this point it's 9 PM on Saturday, and I'd been awake since 6 AM on Friday. I finally drive back to my apartment, but I'm so tired I don't move for a really long time. I'm just sitting there catching up on the hundred emails I'd gotten and ignored during the past 24 hours, and then I just sort of drifted off into sleep. I woke up at 4 AM to my legs cramping because of the position I was in, and then went into my apartment.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 22 Sep 2015, 03:46
My wife and I have started the process of registering to provide temporary accommodation to a refugee.

http://oxford.cityofsanctuary.org/ (http://oxford.cityofsanctuary.org/)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: explicit on 05 Oct 2015, 21:26
I think it'd be neat to mention to everybody that I'm teaching kids from Northampton this week.

Don't have much time to be around, but... ya know... neat...
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: BeoPuppy on 01 Nov 2015, 11:49
I sold four paintings. It's fun to sell paintings. And profitable.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Masterpiece on 06 Nov 2015, 13:17
New gear!

(http://i.imgur.com/Hydpa5S.jpg)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Grognard on 06 Nov 2015, 21:08
SWEET GEAR.

Much Jelly.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Carl-E on 07 Nov 2015, 14:29
So, worst month ever.  Got stuck in two parallel 16 week classes, get paid at the beginning and at the end, so no teaching paycheck for three months.  The three other jobs don't cover expenses, and my mom can't help anymore. 

I've applied at a phone bank job (support for DirecTV) where my daughter works.  The pay's only $11/hour, but that's still better than I make at two of my other jobs, and it's full time (40 hours / week) with "benefits" (i.e. they pay for some of your insurance).  I've got a phone interview scheduled for Tuesday.  I'd keep on teaching online, too.  Maybe the sexton job also, we'll see. 

Meanwhile, the owner of the beer barn is trying to figure out how to fire her lazy accountant of a brother in law, and would give me his hours.  I told her I was applying for a full time job, and she sort of changed the subject.  She won't do anything until he finishes the corporate taxes (due Nov 15th). 

She's been talking about making me manager for two years now, but I don't see it happening, really.  I think I'd be happier managing the beer barn, but it would only be about 30 hours a week, and no bennies.  So I'd still be broke and uninsured (I'm 54, it's not a good time of life to be uninsured). 

Unless she could up the pay, I'd have to say no.  And that hurts a bit.  As a family business, it's become a big part of my life.  Thing is, her family's totally dysfunctional.  I'm better off out, but I feel really bad about it, like I'm abandoning a friend and her business.  he place won't fall apart without me there, but it sure won't run as smoothly - I've been doing a lot. 

 :-P

Why does what should be good news make me feel so lousy? 
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Loki on 08 Nov 2015, 00:11
Because most of us don't know when it's better to call it quits for self protection, and society conditions us to put the needs of others above our own, which doesn't work out in the long run.

Either that or you have empathy.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Carl-E on 08 Nov 2015, 17:57
Well, I have lost a lot of weight working there and at Macy's. 

And my blood pressure's up. 

Ah, stress...
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Grognard on 08 Nov 2015, 19:26
GEICO is hiring call center associates.
$12.50/hr to start and the bennies are decent.

but when compared to the cost of living in Northern VA ... $12.50 sorta sucks.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Carl-E on 10 Nov 2015, 16:47
Cost of living is one of the few good things about central (i.e. middle of nowhere) PA. 
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Pilchard123 on 11 Nov 2015, 00:13
You're not in the middle of nowhere. You said it yourself, you're in the middle of Pennsylvania!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 11 Nov 2015, 05:34
But what if Pennsylvania is nowhere?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Grognard on 11 Nov 2015, 20:19
I visit Lancaster about once a year for a gaming convention & My MiL is from Gettysburg.

I like PA.  Its a pretty state.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: jwhouk on 11 Nov 2015, 23:24
I resent that, Carl. 'Cause everyone KNOWS that I live in the middle of nowhere.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: hedgie on 11 Nov 2015, 23:39
Oh, c'mon, everybody knows that everything in the continental US that isn't the West Coast, or East Coast north of DC is flyover country.

</arrogantcalifornian>
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 12 Nov 2015, 09:19
The only true Middle Of Nowhere:

(http://38.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lie5l9M8Re1qhsdllo1_500.gif)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Carl-E on 18 Nov 2015, 17:02
The only true Middle Of Nowhere:

(http://38.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lie5l9M8Re1qhsdllo1_500.gif)

Looks like my backyard!  Only I have more gravemarkers for dead pets.   :-D

OK, update.  I go in tomorrow morning for an "assessment", which is basically a typing test and some basic math  :roll:

The 6 week training starts Nov 30th.  Basically, short of a major implosion, I have a job.  I've given notice at the Beer Barn, and received the owner's blessings with a hug and a "your the best employee I've ever had".  Keeping the online teaching, and probably the church job wit hreduced hours.  Waiting until black Friday to give notice at Macy's (I'm already scheduled through then). 

Parallel to this has beeen the following; Thursday night my daughter's feeding tube pulled out in her sleep.  by the time she woke up Friday and noticed it, her stoma had closed.  We went to the emergency room and they admitted her in the hope that the endoscopy suite would be used for an emergency, and they could slip her in. 

It wasn't, and she waited until Monday morning. 

Unfortunately, with the scar tissue, he couldn't put in the same type feeding tube, which was the only one on hand.  So he used whatever they had handy, which was 20 gauge instead of 14, and goes into the wrong part of the digestive tract.  For you medical types, she had a J tube (the Jejunum, the first compartment past the stomach) but they put in a gastric (stomach) tube.  So she can't take any formula. 

They want to correct it, but there's fluid building up around her kidneys, and they won't do anything until they know what's going on.  Just in case, they've kept her NPO (no food or drink) so she can go straight into surgery.  This means she's had no nutrition since Thursday, and is in constant, excruciating pain. 

At least they're keeping her fairly well drugged up.  And yes, that's the only good thing so far.  Her mother's ready to strangle the next doctor who looks at her cockeyed with a "suggestion".  There are only two people in that entire fucking hospital who know her history, and we've been having to ride rough-shod over the rest of them.  It's been an exhausting week, with no end in sight yet. 

Never a dull moment! 

PS - for those of you not familiar with my daughter's issues, well - I was going to link to a summary I've written before, but I need to find it first... back in a minute. 

Found it!  https://forums.questionablecontent.net/index.php/topic,28618.msg1143700.html#msg1143700

There have been some changes - she's 22 now, and some of the problems with the last exacerbation I mentioned in that post actually resolved themselves - the drop foot and the little eating she was able to do came back.  She lost several of her teeth, though, since she doesn't retain any calcium (parathyroid glands were damaged when the thyroid came out, they absorb calcium).  She has really nice partial dentures, though...

:grin:
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 18 Nov 2015, 20:17
If I had an administrative password for the real world I'd fix it.

Remember the hug jar.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Carl-E on 20 Nov 2015, 18:49
She's finally out of the hospital, as of yesterday, and I passed the assessment (which was actually a call center sim) with flying colors.  I am now one piss-test away from employment.  My mother's delighted. 

Oh, and we got a letter from her insurer (the state medicaid supplier) saying that since she was just there for "observation" after the surgery, they won't cover it.  I guess all the complications, specialist's orders and pain management don't count...

My wife's reaction was, "Oh, hell no!".  She'll be on the phone Monday.  They have no idea who they just tried messing with!   :laugh:
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: explicit on 23 Nov 2015, 20:38
I'm done with work and have decided to post again cause I have the time. So, ya know... pretty cool.

Not sure If I'm gonna continue teaching now that my contract is up, but I will look into more permanent work. In the meantime I'll be taking some classes.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 27 Nov 2015, 16:08
My son, his children, (third) bride, bride's parents and sister:

(https://cassland.org/images/Wedding3.jpg)

Bride and parents are all pianists, like my son.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Akima on 27 Nov 2015, 16:38
I feel tempted to say that their even temperaments will be key to their relationship, but these things are never so black and white, so maybe I'm trying to be too clavier.

Best wishes to them.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Metope on 27 Nov 2015, 17:40
Echoing in on the best wishes, they look great together. Congrats!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 07 Dec 2015, 07:51
And more personally, I decided to retire at the end of March - Easter in effect.  Today I delivered my resignation to formalise this.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 12 Dec 2015, 18:07
Congratulations!

I am nestled in a sleeper compartment on the train with Christmas lights in the window and a 4G hotspot connecting me to the outside world.

EDIT: The only coffee remaining in the hotel room this morning was decaf. We were running late and I knew my key card wasn't going to work to let me back in if I left the room. My wife was asleep so the options of knocking to have her let me in, or propping the door open, were not available.

So I tried to do the morning routine without coffee. Big mistake.

Packing up, I went to put the cap back on the shaving cream in my travel kit. It was very difficult to install. I finally succeeded. Turns out it was the cap for something else. So I had to remove it. This was even harder than putting in on was.

Slapstick ensued. My wife was awake by this point so we even tried playing tug of war with one of us holding the cap and the other holding the can.

"We're a tool using species", I reasoned, and went over to where my Swiss Army knife was and tried to pry off the cap.

This involved a lot of force. Enough force, in fact, to puncture the pressurized can of shaving cream.

Sofa, coffee table, that day's change of clothes, my wife's side of the bed, the rug, and the walls all got sprayed.

I left an extra tip for housekeeping after doing my best to clean up.

EDIT: Today I grabbed a cup to fill it with water. I grabbed it quickly. Too quickly, since it was already full. Fortunately it landed in the sink. There have been a lot of things like that this trip. I did remember to turn on an app which guides me through breathing and imagery exercises. Multiple attempts to tap the start button all failed. I savored the irony.

EDIT: While running an errand to fix another problem, a new one started. Something jumped out of my pocket onto the sidewalk. Mirabilie dictu, I was alert enough to feel it go and turn around to grab it. As I reached for it, not before, I realized it was my wallet. This is downtown, in a famously rough city. Narrow escape there.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 10 Jan 2016, 07:02
These last couple work weeks have sucked and I have one more, at least, to go but my bank balance is pretty satisfying right now. Plus now it's after Christmas I'm not already planning on where all my money goes before I receive it. Fukken hate being a growed upper.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 02 Mar 2016, 09:26
My grandson in Germany has been recommended to move on to Gymnasium when he changes school; I gather this is a good thing.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 10 Mar 2016, 10:58
Brother got surgery on his knee today. Went well. Glad he finally got it and can start healing his knee properly after years.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 12 Mar 2016, 12:15
(https://cassland.org/images/LostPackage(not).png)

I guess they want me to tell them whether to return the money (about £400 for that lot, as there are three large SSDs in there) or send me the same again.

Thing is, it was actually delivered two days ago...
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Loki on 18 Mar 2016, 01:20
My grandson in Germany has been recommended to move on to Gymnasium when he changes school; I gather this is a good thing.
Congratulations!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 18 Mar 2016, 01:56
It seems his modest language skills pull his points down so he's one under the usual requirement.  But in spite of that he is being recommended for the faster stream, and with some extras as well (I can't remember the term).  It sounds like the sort of pressure that would be good for him, honestly.

Also, this fits better going to the Gymnasium nearest where he is now (near his father's place) rather than another in the next town (near his mother's place); this will provide welcome stability as well.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Akima on 19 Mar 2016, 04:44
It is most curious that Germans name part of their school-system after a place where Greek men ran about naked.

Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Metope on 19 Mar 2016, 05:38
I dunno, judging from the high school I went to it seems pretty fitting.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Grognard on 19 Mar 2016, 21:59
well, it is official.

my son has been accepted to Eastern Kentucky University.
with a 75% scholarship to boot.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Akima on 22 Mar 2016, 15:07
Congratulations to him!
We have a saying: 敬贤礼士, or
"Revere the virtuous; honour scholarship"
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Grognard on 22 Mar 2016, 20:15
thanks.

I'm excited for him and worried about all the details and money and moving him and...  and...

small wonder my Dad went gray while I was off to school.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: explicit on 22 Mar 2016, 22:13
Off the top of my head, the Hilltoppers?

Anyway, we got a kitten yesterday. Her name is Pepper. We weren't planning on getting one (we just put down our cat, like, literally two days before), but someone insisted.

ATM, she has pure charcoal hair and green eyes and about 10 inches long. She's clearly still a bit scared, but she seems to be warming up to us fast. I didn't really want another cat (I'm just a dog person, is all), but it's hard to not like a kitty.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 23 Mar 2016, 15:24
Tomorrow will be my last day at work ever - think of that!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Grognard on 23 Mar 2016, 22:00
after my day at work....

I'm very jealous & you deserve your retirement very much.

Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: jwhouk on 24 Mar 2016, 09:55
after my day at work....

I'm very jealous & you deserve your retirement very much.

Ditto.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Metope on 24 Mar 2016, 17:01
Congrats on your well earned retirement, Paul!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Carl-E on 07 Apr 2016, 20:51
Hi.  The call center job's going OK.  Still teaching, and timing the classes better so income's a little less sporadic.  Still sexton at the church, too. 

And I never quit Macy's, either.  I go in once a week or so to help with the truck.  This week it was today. 


And I nearly wound up in the hospital.  Nearly as in, about 4 inches off.  I was in the trailer picking up a box to put onto the roller conveyor, and out of the corner of my eye saw a box near the bottom of a stack beside me collapse under the weight of the boxes above.  About 7 boxes weighing between 20 and 30 lbs (mostly clothing) came down as a single unit, grazing my arm and shaking the entire trailer.  Two boxes actually bounced off the conveyor, and the top box impaled itself on one of the conveyor's wheels.  It took two of us to remove it. 

I've studied physics, I know the forces at work.  I know when a stack's dangerous, when and how to disable the stored kinetic forces and get the hell out of the way.  But this... well, the stack was fine. 

The box that collapsed was 4 inches high, and had one fucking pair of jeans in them.  Lots of boxes get crushed, and stacks topple all the time, but this is the first time it happened while I was there. 

The rational thing to do would have been to walk out right then and there.  I didn't.  Don't know why. 




God, I'm stupid. 
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 25 Apr 2016, 13:53
Spent time hanging out with a friend I haven't seen for a while and his nearly two year old son. My phrasing is going to sound really bad but it's cool to have seen this baby become a person, with expressions and a personality and mannerisms other than just cry, eat, poop, sleep. Still don't really know how to interact with him but I only see him two or three times a year, which has added to the feeling of only seeing big jumps in growing and not incremental daily ones. Maybe next time I see him we'll have a kind of conversation, since that was a little out of his range today. It was nice to see him take a liking to me despite my uncertainty.

Although when it comes to the idea of my own I do still feel my uterus curling up on itself in protest. (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1672=) More dogs and guinea pigs instead please.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Carl-E on 03 May 2016, 07:03
Considering your avatar, I think you're safe. 

At least you know where they come from, which is more than I can say of some of the tweens having kids around here...

And yes, the local junior high's child care center is now up and running.  That's grades 7, 8 and 9, ages 12 - 15. 



Welcome to Appalachia. 
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Kugai on 04 May 2016, 22:23
OK, here's the gen on yours truly for the week so far

I got a leg infection possibly caused by a Spider bite last weekend.

And wound up in A&E at Hutt Hospital at 9:40pm last night till around 4am this morning (took that long before the Docs saw me)

I'm on a course of Antibiotics and, as you can imagine, I'm a bit bleah today - tired and grumpy - but I'm starting to feel a lot better and will be taking things easy over the next few days, so if I'm not as active as I usually am Online, you can understand why.

Dammit!!! And it's my 54th Birthday next Monday too!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Carl-E on 10 May 2016, 22:09
Oh that's right, I forgot.  I'm only about 2 months older than you...

Mt daughter wound up with a black abscess from a spider bite that actually needed surgery to be removed, and the wound needed to be packed with antibiotic-soaked bandaging to get it to close back up. 

She was bitten in bed. 


Nasty little arthropods...
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Kugai on 12 May 2016, 16:59
Yeah, had an acquaintance that that happened to.

Lot better now.  Redness all but gone and it ain't tender anymore.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 18 May 2016, 13:16
You recall I reported before Christmas that I was sold a stolen potter's wheel via ebay?  Well, the police have arrested one suspect and are preparing to arrest others in connection with this (mine was not the only transaction involved).  It's nice to know that the perpetrators have been caught.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: jwhouk on 18 May 2016, 13:32
You're still out a potter's wheel, though, right?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 18 May 2016, 13:40
You're still out a potter's wheel, though, right?

No; did I not report more at the time?  I got a refund from PayPal, and negotiated to buy the wheel already in my possession from its true owner at a reduced price, though not as cheap as before (but I paid no shipping as PayPal had also refunded that!).

Here it is:
(https://cassland.org/images/Pottery3.jpg)
(https://cassland.org/images/Pottery7.jpg)

In the new pottery studio:
(https://cassland.org/images/Pottery4.jpg)
(https://cassland.org/images/Pottery1.jpg)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: jwhouk on 18 May 2016, 16:54
So much stuff has been happening in my corner of the Universe over the last six months, I'm amazed I can remember my name.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Akima on 23 May 2016, 05:44
It's nice to know that the perpetrators have been caught.
I can't help thinking they should be buried on Potters Field.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 23 May 2016, 06:28
Nice one!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: jwhouk on 23 May 2016, 09:05
For 30 pieces of silver?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Orkboy on 23 May 2016, 10:17
I started a blog, but no one reads it, so I'm metaphorically muttering to myself in a corner.  Still, writing it gives me something to do, and without something to do, I go a bit mad. 
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Blue Kitty on 25 May 2016, 13:55
I got really excited cause this hospital was honestly considering me for a position with them, and this would mean I can get out of my current job and do something with my degree/certification. Finally got a phone interview going only to learn that the place I was applying for was a 4 hour drive away because Michigan is dumb and has cities with similar names. Thankfully I learned this at the top of the interview and not after a half an hour.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 01 Jul 2016, 14:17
The bugs from hell did this to me:
http://imgur.com/a/BZS7I

They will never be able to do it again.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 02 Aug 2016, 16:43
New avatar. Temp. Maybe not. Moving on from pointing out dicks for now.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: explicit on 02 Aug 2016, 17:56
New avatar. Temp. Maybe not. Moving on from pointing out dicks for now.

But then how will I know if something/one is a dick now?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 02 Aug 2016, 18:25
Let your heart be your guide. It will tell you if the dick is there.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 09 Aug 2016, 09:48
I saw a piece of silk embroidery from Suzhou, which I gather is about an hour from Akima's birthplace.

If you had told me that the human race was being replaced by a superior species, and that this artwork was a sample of what they could do and proof that they were beyond human, I would have believed you.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Akima on 10 Aug 2016, 03:56
Yes, Suzhou (苏州 Soo-Joe) is 100km or so from Shanghai. It's an attractive place, with a lot of old buildings along canals. It's a popular tourist destination, so in places it's a bit tacky, but it still has a lot of charm, and anywhere sampans still ply the waterways warms my Huangpu-waterfront heart.
(https://www.travelchinaguide.com/images/photogallery/2015/0709160746.jpg)

Silk embroidery has been an established art-form in China for many centuries, with the oldest surviving piece coming from a tomb built in the 5th century BCE, I think. Suzhou is particularly renowned, and is the centre of one of the four main styles of embroidery, Su Xiu (苏绣, soo-shiu).
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: dr. nervioso on 03 Sep 2016, 12:19
My parents lived in Suzhou for a year. I am a little bit bummed that I never was able to visit, but then again, I don't think I would have enjoyed it that much. After a few days I probably would be stressed out by the crowds and the traffic. Same reason why I don't plan on living in NYC or LA.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 24 Sep 2016, 15:35
I got good news on a biopsy report. It wasn't the carcinoma that two doctors had suspected.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 24 Sep 2016, 16:36
Good-oh!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 29 Sep 2016, 05:17
Saw dentist this morning; having tooth out after lunch.  It'll be the first tooth I've lost, but it has become a nuisance.  Still, coward that I am, it scares me a little (that's my emotional reaction, not rational).
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: hedgie on 29 Sep 2016, 08:20
You can have one of mine.  I have extra.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 01 Oct 2016, 02:46
The stitches are out at the biopsy site. Also, my dad has been able to resume solid food after the surgery and complications that led to my first airplane flight since the strip-search machines went in, for the trip I had to cut short in order to fly back for the biopsy.

"The 'Time' project was our last, best hope to keep everything from happening at once. It failed."

Most recently I made a batch of chocolate chip chocolate fudge cookies.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 01 Oct 2016, 05:01
I should have reported back: the extraction was a non-event.  Out of the dentist's surgery in 20 minutes; no pain after; mouth feels more comfortable straight off.  I just have to remember to bias my eating to the other side until I eventually forget and find it doesn't matter any more.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 01 Oct 2016, 14:07
Hooray! So the NHS fixed the problems they had with dental care a while back?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 01 Oct 2016, 14:54
Did they?  I didn't really notice.  Well, there was a time when it was hard to find a dentist to do work on NHS terms, but that's fine now, I think.  So my extraction cost £54 (which includes the examination, which would have been £20 on its own). 

The way the charging works is that there is a set cost (3 bands: £20, £54, £234) per course of treatment, the cost being determined by the most expensive item.  So, examination: £20; fillings, root canal, extraction: £54; crowns and bridges £234.  But the charge is for all the items recommended for the course of treatment - so if I'd needed all four wisdom teeth out at once, for instance, that's still one charge of £54.  And when I had three crowns, that was one charge of whatever the scale was 15 or so years ago (but I couldn't have had white ones on those terms, which I didn't care about).  But unlike eyes, teeth get no exemption for age.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 13 Oct 2016, 17:13
Guys, I made a mistake. I've very suddenly ended up in a situation where I need a new car and I have a budget to get one and I think I've fallen in love and I don't get it. I don't even have it or have seen it in person but after hours of searching it was like, "YES! You!" The last time I felt something like this was when I got my engagement ring. I don't even care about cars but now I'm going to be really disappointed if I can't get this one specifically.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 14 Oct 2016, 17:03
Update: Insurance would be too expensive. Poop.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Thrillho on 23 Oct 2016, 11:41
So I've been kind of... a satellite floating around this forum for the past couple of months. Many, many things have gone on with me in that time and if I was to split them into all the relevant threads it would cover panic, depression, TMI, relationship and probably a couple more along the way. And it's long, so I am spoiling it.
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 23 Oct 2016, 14:14
Sounds like a good situation and I'm glad you've found something that is working for you. :)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: sitnspin on 23 Oct 2016, 22:42
So I've been kind of... a satellite floating around this forum for the past couple of months. Many, many things have gone on with me in that time and if I was to split them into all the relevant threads it would cover panic, depression, TMI, relationship and probably a couple more along the way. And it's long, so I am spoiling it.
(click to show/hide)
I felt like that for years after my wife died. Saw pieces of her everywhere, in everything. Places we'd go together, things we did together, movies we watched together, foods we ate together, music we listened to together. It felt like drowning at times, drowning in a sea of memories. Like trying to find water in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by her but never being able to touch her. It still happens sometimes, I'll be going along with my day, perfectly fine, and then I'll see or hear or think of something that reminds me of her and it's like getting kicked in the stomach. It doesn't happen as often now, and that is both a relief and deeply saddening. On the one hand, I am healing and letting go of my grief, and on the other hand it's like I'm slowly losing what little I have left of her.

I am glad things are turning around for you. I hope this new situation works out. You deserve a place to feel safe and welcome
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: ankhtahr on 25 Oct 2016, 14:23
So, uhm, I'm still around. I'm still really busy, have a lot of people demanding my time, and I still don't have much time for this place. I'm sorry, all you friendly people, I'll be back.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Akima on 25 Oct 2016, 15:34
I'm glad. We've missed you. :)

I am glad things are turning around for you. I hope this new situation works out. You deserve a place to feel safe and welcome
Just saying "this" seems inadequate. You're a good guy, and an important part of the community here, and I'm glad things are turning around for you.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 25 Oct 2016, 16:16
Hodges and I live very near to each other,

Quite apart from that present coincidence, I know [Thrillho's town] well.  It was my first wife's family home, and my own family had friends there from my earliest childhood (I have a memory of getting lost there when supposedly meeting my family off a bus at the age of 9, and a local bobbie [policeman] setting this crying young person on the right track - I'd caught a bus that took a different route).  I even lived there myself for a couple of years.

It's a very pleasant country town, but like so many such is devoid of anything much going on for, well, people of any age, really.  And yes, it's small - I can see that unhappy reminders would be impossible to avoid.  Moving to a new base is clearly indicated.

(PM me if I can help - but note that I am about to be out of the country for the next several weeks)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Thrillho on 26 Oct 2016, 06:44
Thanks for the offer hodges.

Now that I think about it, this town was also the place where my divorce happened, so it's got two layers of bad memories attached to it.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: LTK on 04 Dec 2016, 05:08
I met an actual libertarian today and had a chat with him. He couldn't fit the stereotype better, talked about using pick-up-artist methods in business relationships. He seemed to be almost entirely devoid of morals. It's a strange feeling to encounter someone who is in many ways very similar to you, but diametrically opposed to everything you hold dear. I think I'll call it 'platonic hate'.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 12 Dec 2016, 20:51
I stayed at a Holiday Inn last night.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Thrillho on 15 Dec 2016, 00:45
I stayed at a Holiday Inn last night.

HOLY SHIT

HOW WAS IT?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 15 Dec 2016, 01:02
Much like any other Holiday Inn, I presume?  That's the thing about chains - uniformity.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 06 Jan 2017, 13:08
HA ha ha HA ha ha . *eyebrows*
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Grognard on 12 Jan 2017, 19:25
I stay at Hampton Inns and Hilton properties.
they are uniformly (boring) Good.
not because I'm a snob or wealthy. 
It's simply all the others I've stayed at were uniformly BAD. Horrendous.
When I open the room door, and the smell makes ME think of dead bodies... I ain't staying there.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 15 Jan 2017, 10:07
It appears that just seven months after I reported it and over fifteen months since it was first noted by the community, Tumblr have fixed their IPv6 configuration which was preventing me seeing about half the Alice Grove comics (and a bunch of other stuff).  One less cause to grumble, I guess.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 21 Jan 2017, 14:55
My legs are sore but I'm feeling better.

The Women's March in my area drew a diverse crowd and had unanimously friendly spectators.

I hate crowds but this is a time for being outside my comfort zone.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Akima on 25 Jan 2017, 19:28
Happy Australia Day, everyone:
"We are one, but we are many
 And from all the lands on earth we come
 We share a dream and sing with one voice:
 I am, you are, we are Australian."
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Thrillho on 30 Jan 2017, 14:28
So a life update from me forthcoming shortly. If you can't be arsed to read all of it, and Lord knows I don't blame you, if you have any insight into the following question, then please do help:

I'm going to New York in two weeks, for a six-day work trip. I will be outside a lot. We're taking a boat on the Hudson at some point. I have not prepared whatsoever for this for reasons I will go into later on, but yeah... I've never been to New York or even the US before, so HALP. WHAT DO I NEED? WHAT DO I PACK? AHHHHH?

Anyway, boring life rambles.

(click to show/hide)

Now please help me with New York! I have on my list of things to buy, thermal gloves, thermal underwear and top of some sort to be worn under my clothes, and possibly even a thermal snood, and a decent coat because mine, as much as I love it, will not do the job.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 12 Mar 2017, 17:43
Visiting Orlando, Florida in a couple weeks. Most of the days already are filled with stuff but not sure what to do on the free days. Research makes it look a bit hard to get around without a car so hopefully can find some places to stay most of the day.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 05 Apr 2017, 09:25
There's a deer lying down in my back yard as though it were safe at home.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 08 Apr 2017, 02:10
Orlando was a lot of fun. It was a bit of pain to get around because had to taxi everywhere. Needed that holiday more than I even realised.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Grognard on 11 Apr 2017, 21:10
when in Orlando, we get the cheapest tiniest rental car we can fit everyone into.
last time was a Mitsubishi ...something.  I think the Fiat was bigger.
but it was still cheaper than the taxi.
nnot by much, but had the bonus of not waiting and independence.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 11 Apr 2017, 21:38
If I was a much more confident driver I might have considered renting a car. Definitely saw the appeal.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Case on 12 Apr 2017, 13:13
Just found out that my given- and last name together anagram to 'crazes and lush'. I may need to have a word with the parental units ...
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Grognard on 13 Apr 2017, 20:49
sounds like skeletons in the family closet.

or stoners.

there's moonshiners in mine.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: SubaruStephen on 23 Apr 2017, 15:55
I lifted 1440 lbs today.



Not all at once, 36 40lb bags of topsoil that I needed to fix the damage to my lawn caused by the heavy machinery that the plumbers used to rip out my driveway last autumn.

(I know that's a really bad run on sentence, but I'm tired and don't care)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Masterpiece on 02 May 2017, 00:58
Person in front of me in my lecture is reading QC. Hehe.

(http://i.imgur.com/U0sRb8P.jpg)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Pilchard123 on 02 May 2017, 14:10
I'm going to Ireland for a friend's wedding on Thursday! :D I'll be there for for a week and a bit - anyone know some good places to go around central Ireland?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 29 May 2017, 18:30
I sneezed and my back went out.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 29 May 2017, 18:47
Been there, mate.  :cry:

Feel better soon.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 27 Sep 2017, 23:49
My wife and I went out to dinner tonight at the restaurant where we got engaged twenty years ago and booked the same table we had that night.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 02 Oct 2017, 14:50
Putting this here rather than anxiety/stress because while I'm full of that, it's the good productive kind. Lots of emails today.

Couple last minute invites too. Had a dress fitting and there's a bit more needed done than expected but not a scary amount.
I've been pushing my waking hour forward bit by bit to prepare for the 4:30am start which is going to be the hardest part of the day. I'm working every day to and including Saturday which helps push me.

As well as work, I had my fitting today. Have a therapy appointment Wednesday. Lunch with man of honour and a vet appointment on Thursday. Dentist on Friday. Only little appointments but they add to the busy feeling.

Can't wait till the day properly starts. Having the schedule lined up, while being prepared for the day to do its own thing, helps settle me a lot. I can shut down that critical voice in my head by looking at that timetable pretty effectively.

Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 07 Oct 2017, 15:16
While getting my dress fitting the person said, "I think that boob needs to be higher." I responded, "No, the other one is just bigger."
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 08 Oct 2017, 19:58
It's already October 9 for our European and Australian members.

October 9 ten years ago is when I registered my account.

I have been here ten years. It is a strange thought.

This place has stretched my mind and introduced me to some remarkable people, including one who is the kind you don't meet just every lifetime.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Metope on 11 Oct 2017, 21:52
You've been here longer than I have! My 10 year anniversary is coming up in January. I'm not around much these days, but I pop in from time to time.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: celticgeek on 11 Oct 2017, 22:17
I just checked, and I have been on here a little over eleven years.
How time flies when you're having fun.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Pilchard123 on 12 Oct 2017, 00:43
including one who is the kind you don't meet just every lifetime.

Is it Akima, and is that a Mulan joke?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 12 Oct 2017, 01:11
I assumed he meant ZoeB (sorry Akima!); but both are worthy candidates.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Pilchard123 on 13 Oct 2017, 01:10
That's what I thought as well, but then I saw that (possible) joke.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 14 Oct 2017, 22:48
The 20th anniversary party went off OK. The centerpiece was my wife and I singing a duet of "Save the Best for Last". I took singing lessons starting earlier this year so I'd be able to do that.  My singing tutor came to the party. Several people there complimented him on his work.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 20 Oct 2017, 19:29
I'm sick. It's frying my mind. Earlier today I started a search for a cap I'd been wearing to combat the chills. (Not just any chills. I'm wearing a lopapeysa indoors and am not really comfortable).

The eventual outcome of the search was that I was still wearing the cap.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Case on 21 Oct 2017, 05:18
The 20th anniversary party went off OK. The centerpiece was my wife and I singing a duet of "Save the Best for Last". I took singing lessons starting earlier this year so I'd be able to do that.  My singing tutor came to the party. Several people there complimented him on his work.

Yay!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 22 Oct 2017, 19:26
Today I was reading a book about overcoming insomnia and fell asleep.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: JoeCovenant on 23 Oct 2017, 04:46
Today I was reading a book about overcoming insomnia and fell asleep.

IT WORKED !!

:)

(The last chapter actually says.. "If you got here and did not fall asleep - please buy my next book "TRULY Overcoming Insomnia!" "  :)  )
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Patrick on 03 Nov 2017, 01:51
Call it hubris, call it confidence, call it anything you like so long as you don't call it late for dinner. I'm fairly confident there's some folks here who still remember me, so I'd like to check in and say hi, and also fill you in on what's been going on. Don't know why I feel so sentimental, or why I feel inclined to drop this on y'all, I just kinda wanna.

Now, the question is where to start.

I honestly can't remember where my life was at when I posted here last. I was probably still working that dead-end job at the glorified liquor store, aka BevMo. Well, I quit that. I took a summer off in order to revisit my old haunt of Sitka, Alaska, and worked in the seafood processing industry up there. I had the greatest summer of my entire life while I was there, made some amazing friends, made some equally amazing (and sometimes equally stupid) decisions, came home in one piece, and immediately found a girlfriend and a different job.

The new job was at a coffee shop in the middle of the downtown area of my town (at the time). I'd been going there for years, had some friends who worked there. The previous management (with whom I'd had beef) had quit, which afforded me the opportunity of getting my foot in the door. Got the job, no problem. Things were cool, until I realized just how poorly the place was run. I used to come home from work and literally collapse onto my bed crying, it was that bad. And this was just a couple months after I'd spent a whole summer in Alaska getting coated in fish guts and fluids, working 16+ hour days, taking Adderall in the mornings just to wake the fuck up and getting obliterated on cheap plastic bottle whiskey so I could numb my aching body enough to go to sleep. That's how bad this coffee job was, it actually was worse than Alaska.

I wound up losing that job because I took to the store's employees-only Facebook page and compared him to Hitler in a hilarious meme. I regret nothing.

Literally the next day, after posting a status on my personal FB page about having two thumbs and being jobless, I was offered an interview by a friend who was the GM of the restaurant across the street, which is a local landmark and institution. I aced the interview, I quickly worked my way into being the kitchen expeditor (expo), and worked there for a year.

Some of y'all may remember that my dad and I didn't always get along. Well, during this time I spent working at the restaurant, we had both started making earnest, genuine efforts to fix that. It was working beautifully. Holidays first, then weekends, then weekdays, occasionally just shooting the shit over the phone or via text. Then, we found out he was sick. And shortly afterward, we found out how sick: pancreatic cancer. If you don't know much about pancreatic cancer, let me school you some: It's fast. It's efficient. It's everything you want from a machine or an employee, and nothing you want from a lethal disease. From the time he was diagnosed until he drew his last breath, it might have been six weeks. I don't know who had it easier, me or him. Because at least he isn't hurting anymore, and I've never stopped hurting. But at least I'm alive, so I've got that going for me? Who fuckin knows man. It gets easier to deal with, but it's no picnic, I'll tell you that.

Two months passed, and after two roommates had come and gone from my then-girlfriend's and my apartment, my living situation became more complicated: she left me. The $2k/month lease was entirely my responsibility in fact, even though she was still on the lease. This led to some complications, and when the lease was up to be renewed, I couldn't. So I moved in with a lifelong friend in nearby Oakland, California. If you're wondering, I still haven't entirely forgiven her for leaving me, but I also was well aware that I couldn't have really blamed her anyway. But yeah. Oakland! Not a small town. A city. With three major league sports teams and a reputation for violent crime, which is often exaggerated but not entirely without precedent. It's Oakland. You live here or you don't. I live here.

So I moved. The commute became economically burdensome, so I found a new job at a restaurant nearby, and dropped the one in my hometown (which pained me greatly; during my personal difficulties, especially my dad's sickness and death, they had treated me with the utmost love and care, for which I am eternally grateful). I've been working at my new restaurant for about half a year now, and it's not horrible, but it doesn't have the same homey feel. It can't. It's a totally different beast. But it's endurable, at least until I can find something I'm passionate about, that pays better, that has more stability, maybe benefits if I pray to the right god, all that fun shit.

At the end of September, I found out that one of my dearest, oldest friends, with whom I'd lost touch for about a year, died of a heroin overdose. I returned (as I often have) to Livermore, this time to visit an old haunt of ours, and poured out a 32oz Miller High Life at the top of the hill where we'd spent several fun times together. Afterward, I visited a mutual friend of his and mine, to maybe share some comfort together. After that, I went to my favorite bar, the same one where I still work once a week. The last place I ever hung out with him. I ordered two beers, one for me and one for him. I downed mine while I poured his out onto the back patio. I ran into another friend of his and mine, who wasn't informed of his passing yet. I did my duty and shared this horrible information with him. We embraced as brothers.

While my friend and I held each other, a stranger walked up to me, a young woman with blue-green hair. My face was soaked in tears. I saw her walk out, and was immediately somewhat embarrassed to have been seen by a stranger in such a state. All she said to me was, "Can I give you a hug?" I accepted.

She and I have been dating for about 6 weeks now.

To fill in some other details, I have my own band now. Some of you may remember my old band Troubador, and I recall that a fair handful of you contributed to our Kickstarter for our first (and, unfortunately, only) album. Well, sadly, we're no more. But I have a new band called Save Laika. I write all the songs. I have a bassist and a drummer who I love immensely, and who are also incredibly gifted naturally. They don't have the time to be as disciplined as me, simply because I have the luxury of being a working musician, and they have to supplement their musicianship with Work That Feels Like Work. Regardless, they're great, and they're my brothers.

Overall, it's been a hell of a last few years. There isn't much that remains the same in my life as the last time I checked in, aside from the fact that I'm still a music addict, I'm still in California, I'm still a cis-hetero white dude who does his best (and sometimes, regrettably, fails) to make space for folks who aren't like me, and I still have absolutely zero tolerance for bullshit.

In any case, I don't imagine I'll be spending much time here. Not because of the heated way in which I left the forums last time, and not because I don't love the folks I know who are still here,, and honestly not even anything personal at all. It's because I lead a pretty busy life, and because I've been working on paying less attention to Greater Social Media, and more attention to the people I can interact with more intimately. I feel like my meat-life persona has historically been more of a micro thing while my online persona has been more of a macro thing, and I have been enjoying some nice results by reversing the two, and also maybe finding a good middle ground that favors meat-life a little more.

I sincerely hope that all of you are doing well. Whether we've historically gotten along or not, whether we agree on anything or not, I hope you're all happy, and that you're being the best people you can be. Preferably at the same time :)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 03 Nov 2017, 03:24
That was a hell of a read. Thanks very much for coming here and sharing. Even though we're on other social media, it's nice to hear more of the story than it not-so-easily allows to be told.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: celticgeek on 03 Nov 2017, 10:06
Welcome back, Patrick!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Jimor on 04 Nov 2017, 09:30
Hey dude, welcome back!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 06 Nov 2017, 07:12
It came up in my Facebook memories a few days ago that I openly posted I was nonbinary back in 2015. I didn't realise it was that long ago because I felt it two or three years before that. It took me almost a year to even talk to my partner about it. It's weird to remember learning about NB identities and immediately connecting to the idea but still having to take time to be comfortable calling myself NB.

Thankfully it's been met mainly with support and a little bit of confused but still accepting silence from others. At least that how I chose to take it.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Patrick on 11 Nov 2017, 03:40
Thanks for the welcome back. It seems like this thread is less active than it used to be. Is the same true of the forum?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 11 Nov 2017, 04:43
It's still quite active.  People are tending to put their thoughts into more specific threads rather than this general one, though.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Akima on 19 Nov 2017, 18:09
I'm fairly confident there's some folks here who still remember me, so I'd like to check in and say hi, and also fill you in on what's been going on. Don't know why I feel so sentimental, or why I feel inclined to drop this on y'all, I just kinda wanna.
I've never forgotten you! And I'm so glad you came by to let us know how your life is going.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 05 Dec 2017, 22:25
The inventor of the nerve block deserves a statue on every street corner.

I woke up from having my shoulder sliced open to the bone to find my pain level at 0.

It won't last but I receive it with gratitude.

Now comes the month or two of virtual house arrest since driving will be, um, questionable.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 05 Dec 2017, 22:29
Just when the weather has started to turn crappy, I've lost my right glove...

Update: the lost and found for the local bus system had it. Got it back.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 09 Dec 2017, 12:15
Took my first shower in a week. Morale booster!

Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 20 Dec 2017, 20:55
The scary thing is that I am always just one or two steps from turning into someone selfish and peevish.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: JoeCovenant on 21 Dec 2017, 02:16
The scary thing is that I am always just one or two steps from turning into someone selfish and peevish.

Accchhh, I think most people are the same when it comes to that.
Don't beat yourself up about it

 :wink:
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 21 Dec 2017, 09:37
I think the difference maker is that you're concerned about that happening so you can try to make steps so it won't happen.

I don't think you're any where near that close to that situation though.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 21 Dec 2017, 09:56
In essence selfishness is what keeps us alive.  Awareness of that is what enables us to become civilised.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 24 Dec 2017, 19:24
Eye opener for me. This is a mild and temporary disability and even at that uses up spoons in a hurry. From now on I will know that someone with a serious or permanent disability may be running on spoon overdraft.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 28 Dec 2017, 15:25
I stayed at a Holiday Inn last night.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Akima on 02 Jan 2018, 14:04
A Holiday Inn for the holidays?

I don't know where Holiday Inn ranks among chain-motels in the USA. When I used to travel regularly to the USA for work, the company always stuck me with Best Western.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: jwhouk on 02 Jan 2018, 15:25
They're a lot better than they used to be. Nowadays, Motel 6 and Super 8 are hit/miss properties.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Grognard on 03 Jan 2018, 22:12
I highly recommend HAMPTON INN.
They're a property of the Hilton chains.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 11 Jan 2018, 01:38
I've got my pain control down to regular strength Tylenol! This started out with sleep being interrupted by pain breaking through some heavy-duty drugs that I was glad to discontinue.

Trying to figure out a way to thank and reward my microscopic repair crews for their hard and apparently successful work. "Good osteoblasts! Have some osteoblast biscuits!" seems to miss the mark. I've been showering them with supplemental nutrients to support their work. Maybe in their world that's enough.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 18 Jan 2018, 07:05
I finally found a "fix" for the old 30" Apple Cinema display that I acquired a couple of years ago.  Most of the time, it flickers or just simply turns off.  However, taping a small piece of kitchen foil over the touch-sensitive on/off button cures this.  So now I am using a 2560x1600 display :D

I also had to put my old display card back in my new machine, because the on-board video, while actually more capable, cannot output this resolution on a plug that I can use with the display (even with a converter).  Not throwing things out is good...

The usage which will most benefit from this is my audio editing; but it's a pretty impressive thing to have on my desk anyway.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 20 Jan 2018, 21:42
The followup appointment with the surgeon was entirely good news. Yes, having a two-pound lifting limit for two weeks is good news -- infinitely better than having the arm in a sling.

Typing two-handed now, and tied my shoes normally yesterday. Even driving (with limits).
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 04 Feb 2018, 10:12
My streaming server can now stream live TV and radio (I have 145 channels on Freeview here) to any computer in the house, and to mobile devices when out. It has four tuners, so several shows at once is allowed. This is off air, not Internet.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 04 Feb 2018, 10:49
*checks TV*
I can get 39 over-the-air channels here. 14 are religious stations and home shopping stations that I have removed from the channel lineup. Of the 25 remaining stations, most play reruns of old TV shows.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 04 Feb 2018, 11:59
Well, some are duplicates running an hour behind (to help catchup or recording with insufficient tuners), a few are SD/HD duplicates, and a couple of dozen are radio.  And we have the shopping channels as well (and some adult ones in there).  Of things we might actually want to watch, though, we still probably have more than you indicate.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 06 Feb 2018, 12:04
I have just started recording to disk my video of an opera performance I put on in 1989.

My first wife and I started an opera group (and my present wife, as one of her pupils, took part).  The first few performances I recorded audio only.  Then for a couple more I put up a static video camera, and for the last I manned it to zoom and pan.  Then we split up.

The recording can be played on any video, but none other than the original could ever play the audio channels properly.  However, my wife kept that, and later when I asked to borrow it only a few years later, it was broken and disposed of.  Then three years ago I found on ebay a working example of the exact same original video deck - and it plays the tapes perfectly!  But it's taken me until today to get working a means of recording the output in my computer.

It's now going through Rossini's An Italian Girl in Algiers.  Also to come: Mozart's Don Giovanni (when I've fixed the broken tape) and Die Zauberflöte.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: dr. nervioso on 14 Feb 2018, 00:26
Y'know, I keep on meaning to come back on here especially since my IRL life has become socially desolate, but it keeps on slipping my mind.

My life right now is currently kind of crappy. I'm living in Northern Michigan. I tried and failed (literally all of my classes) to get a computer science degree. Right now, I'm trying to figure what I can do to advance my career with merely a Bachelor's in psychology and no actual job experience.

In terms of my social life- it's  nearly nonexistent right now. Which I've sort of gotten used to, but the world at the moment constantly reminds me of my lack of social support. I am grateful for my parents, at least they're still there for me.

I've been trying to push through all of this with optimism, like I usually do, but it's not working as well as usually does. Even setting current events aside, my life has been consistently sliding down into the abyss for years, and I have never been able to get it back up. My main concern is that my life will stay on this trajectory and I won't recover.

After writing this, I'm starting to realize that this should probably go into the pessimism and depression thread in relate, but it's late and I'm just suprised that I was able to finish this without going on a wild tangent or giving up.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: LTK on 16 Feb 2018, 09:08
Home is where you've personalised the router's SSID.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 25 Feb 2018, 06:23
Ooops - Vivien just put petrol in our diesel car...

I did that once over 20 years ago, but that was away from home at midnight on a Saturday - cost an arm and a leg to get lifted from the petrol station and taken to the depot for draining out.  This time she managed to get back home from the local garage...
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Ignominious on 25 Feb 2018, 11:10
I think you"ll still need to get drained out.

Usually you can get moving again on the diesel still in the sustem but, once you stop with the petrol in the mix, you won't get started again. I'd imagine a few hundred quid the get fixed.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 25 Feb 2018, 15:08
£238 - tomorrow morning.
Plus £50 for the fuel that's going down the drain (metaphorically).

I know about it all from last time, which being at night away from home cost £350 - 20 years ago - for a lift-tow to the depot where they sorted it in the small hours...  At least that time I realised before turning the engine, so the fuel feed and injectors were still full of the right stuff.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: JoeCovenant on 26 Feb 2018, 02:59
I've only ever done that once...
And I was SO lucky that I had only just started to pump the petrol when I realised "This nozzle isn't black!"
So, I only had the minimum spend in the tank, and then utterly filled it with diesel... then shook the car as hard as I could !! :)

I was dreading starting it up though, just in case, but every website I could find (standing away from the pumps!) said it 'should' be alright for so small an amount...

<phew!>
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 10 Mar 2018, 15:43
I've discovered that I love telling people I kept my name after getting married. I thought it would be more frustrating dealing with the assumptions but confidently saying, "My name is [Name]." Keeps getting this slightly taken aback response, where people are clearly confused and/or disapproving but can't/won't say anything outright damning.
I don't usually like making people feel awkward or weird but there's something satisfying about being assertive about who I am.

I tend to get the same questions.

Why?
Why not? I like my name.

What name will your children have?
We're not having children. (Gets a bonus taken aback response)

How?
This is the most confusing. I just... Didn't change my name.

But what does your Partner think?
Not that it really matters because it's my name, but they completely support me.

I personally prefer the symbolism that we are two separate people who have chosen to be together. I can understand the idea of wanting to become one or symbolise being family, but I didn't feel the need to change my name to feel like we are family.

All that said it might be an issue when we're on holiday with my brother. That might lead to more confusing situations being with one person who has the same name but I'm married to the person with the different name. I guess it'll just be more chances to say, "Actually.... 8-)"
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: War Sparrow on 11 Mar 2018, 20:34
Is that really a thing? People ask that?

I mean, sure most of the people I know changed their name, but it's not that uncommon not to. Possibly it's the Quebecois influence. I just can't imagine asking something like that.
Good on you for sticking to your guns.

Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 11 Mar 2018, 22:55
In 1969 my first wife would have kept her name if she'd liked it - but she disliked it, so she changed.  In 1992 we never even considered the possibility of my second wife changing her name.

It appears that the (UK) banks are finding difficulties as they attempt to make money-laundering harder.  One man who changed his name to his wife's had particular difficulties - and his employer even refused to honour the change.  Another woman had changed her name, but still used her old name professionally (a common thing, I'd suggest), but her bank said they were no longer prepared to accept payments in two names.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Cornelius on 12 Mar 2018, 01:35
This is always somewhat puzzling for me, as changing your name when getting married, is very much the exception over here. As in, I can't think of even one person having done so.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 12 Mar 2018, 01:45
In the five marriages, including mine, that happened in my social circle in the past year, three the wife changed name, one both partners went for double-barrelled surname, and we're the only to keep our names.

I find a lot of people I've met tend to say they support keeping your name or both partners taking both surnames, but for some reason they have to change their name because the tradition applies to them. It's ultimately each person's choice, but tradition still has a strong influence.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Cornelius on 12 Mar 2018, 01:54
I suppose there's that. The tradition here is to just keep your own name.

There has been some discussion on which name to pass on to children, though, and last year, the law was changed to allow the parents to choose which surname, or both, to give their children. If they can't agree on that, it defaults to the one that comes first in the alphabet. Most people stick to tradition, though, and go with the father's surname.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: LTK on 24 Mar 2018, 12:15
I've already had to learn basic woodworking and metalworking since moving in here, and now I can add electrical engineering to the list, which was a little more of an iffy process since I was risking more  than a power tool accident, namely frying a €400 washing machine, the fuses, and maybe myself. The reason I couldn't simply plug it into a wall socket is that I'm supposed to install it in the bathroom, which has a special pullcord-connection for safety reasons, with the humidity and all. Of course, nobody told me this. When I ordered this thing I even paid extra for installation service, and when the guys came to haul it in they were like "cord's too short, can't connect this" and left. Paid them for nothing and still couldn't wash.

Following the advice of people on the internet, I decided not to simply power the washing machine with an extension cord from the nearest wall plug because that might have started a fire or something, and went about doing things the proper way. I first bought a few meters of cable, stripped the ends, and then noticed I had no idea how to connect bare wires to the part where the power cable connects to the washing machine. So I had to learn about terminals and crimping, which is hard when you sort of know what those things are but not the actual words for them. Bought a box of 100 terminals for the three I needed, and attached them.

Then it was just a matter of connecting the stripped wires on the other end to the pullcord-connection, which was much more difficult than it had to be, because I had to turn off the power so I wouldn't electrocute myself in the process. Fortunately that blood-loss-induced bout of stupidity from earlier didn't last, otherwise I might have forgotten to do that. But that did mean I had to connect three wires to a socket that was practically against the ceiling with no light except from that of my phone flashlight. It was a bit of a pain in the ass.

Nevertheless, I got it done, and before flipping the power back on I double-checked whether I connected the brown and blue wires properly, because one's supposed to go on the bit labeled L and the other on the N. Turns out I did mix this up and I connected them properly. I don't know what would have happened if I connected the phase wire to the neutral connector and powered it on, but I'm guessing something would have gone 'pop'.

TL;DR: I now have a washing machine and I didn't electrocute myself, hooray!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 24 Mar 2018, 13:24
Phase and neutral are largely interchangeable in AC power systems - that's how two pin plugs can be OK.  Mixing up phase or neutral with earth, on the other hand is a pop scenario (phase will give a bigger pop).
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: LTK on 24 Mar 2018, 14:03
Oh of course, I hadn't even considered that. If someone asked me which way the plug should go into a socket I'd look at them like they were crazy, but if I'm faced with the same question when looking at a machine's insides and I have to connect a tiny clamp to a tiny metal lip, suddenly it starts to seem like a real conundrum. Fortunately the earth connector was down to the side somewhere and it was impossible to mix it up with the phase or neutral.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Thrillho on 24 Mar 2018, 15:03
Just came out to my sister because I am ramping up to coming out to my mum. Fuuuuuuuuuuuck.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 25 Mar 2018, 04:56
Hope it goes well.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 30 Mar 2018, 15:44
I have injured my dominant hand. I was lifting something heavy, lost my grip and it bent my ring finger backwards. No major or lasting damage thankfully but I was in A&E for just under two hours and they told me to keep it taped and iced fit a few days. So a very efficient hospital visit at least and it'll hopefully be mostly better before my flight Tuesday morning.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 11 Apr 2018, 11:02
Flying home today. It's been a great week. Never thought I'd be able to go to Wrestlemania, never mind four and getting to visit New Orleans twice. My brother came for this one and that added a lot to the excitement.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 11 Apr 2018, 21:31
Just came out to my sister because I am ramping up to coming out to my mum. Fuuuuuuuuuuuck.

Best wishes and virtual support!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 24 May 2018, 01:32
A sad story, for me.

Some of you will recall that my son Nic is a concert pianist of considerable repute.  His talent became apparent with the remarkable development of his playing from start to the highest level of school exam (what we call "Grade 8" in the UK) in barely five years in his first boarding school.  His piano teacher for most of that time was obviously a major aid to this development.  However, only a couple of years later he was jailed briefly for inappropriate behaviour with minors; we, and Nic, had never seen any evidence of this, and provided character reference documents at his trial. 

We met him a few times over the next couple of decades, not least for birthday meals (his birthday is the same as Nic's); and on one occasion early in Nic's professional career he and Nic played the piano and harmonium together in a London performance of Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle, of which I have a recording.

But now, after all this time, this:
http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/13360028.Swimming_pool_pervert_who_filmed_boys_changing_is_jailed/ (http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/13360028.Swimming_pool_pervert_who_filmed_boys_changing_is_jailed/)
We feel sadly let down; but his contribution to Nic's musical development remains as genuine now as it has always been.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 30 Jul 2018, 15:49
So, on Saturday one of my great grandchildren had a fifth birthday party; it turned out to be the biggest family occasion for quite some years. Family members present were two great grandchildren, four grandchildren (and one boyfriend), two children (and spouses), ex-wife (and spouse), my wife and me.

I won't bore you with photos (lucky you!).
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 12 Aug 2018, 01:23
I injured my back in a new way. Could take around two weeks to heal. I'm trying to learn from past errors and ask for help doing things and even time off work, but it's not easy. I know though if I don't a two week injury will become a four week injury or longer. I'm physically and emotionally drained and it's only been four days.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 20 Aug 2018, 03:46
I just got a sales email from Tapatalk offering to move this forum onto their hosted platform (at a price, of course).  Before ignoring it, I noticed the following paragraph:
Quote
Tapatalk Groups is an end-to-end, fully managed community platform. With your online community on Tapatalk Groups, you get services such as Social Sign On, Spam Prevention, Questionable Content Detection, Ability to accept Member Donations, Premium Membership Subscription, Automatic Newsletters, SEO and more, to help you to run a great, sustainable community.

"Questionable Content Detection"!  What can they mean...?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 24 Sep 2018, 15:33
I'm feeling really miserable today. Like existential hating myself and my life miserable, but also my tits look amazing today. I don't know what to do with this combination of feelings. I tried taking selfies and while my tits look great, everything else is just exuding sadness.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: JoeCovenant on 25 Sep 2018, 00:47
I'm feeling really miserable today. Like existential hating myself and my life miserable, but also my tits look amazing today. I don't know what to do with this combination of feelings. I tried taking selfies and while my tits look great, everything else is just exuding sadness.

Dunno whether to like this or not !!

Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cybersmurf on 25 Sep 2018, 00:55
I'm feeling really miserable today. Like existential hating myself and my life miserable, but also my tits look amazing today. I don't know what to do with this combination of feelings. I tried taking selfies and while my tits look great, everything else is just exuding sadness.

At least your boobs look good. If my boobs looked good I'd have a problem, since i'm a guy.

Last night I had a serious bout of feeling lonely. It's not like I don't have friends or anything, it's just something different entirely. So I somehwat get the miserable part.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: JoeCovenant on 25 Sep 2018, 01:16
I'm feeling really miserable today. Like existential hating myself and my life miserable, but also my tits look amazing today. I don't know what to do with this combination of feelings. I tried taking selfies and while my tits look great, everything else is just exuding sadness.

At least your boobs look good. If my boobs looked good I'd have a problem, since i'm a guy.

Last night I had a serious bout of feeling lonely. It's not like I don't have friends or anything, it's just something different entirely. So I somehwat get the miserable part.

There's a Charlie Brown strip which talks about feeling lonely in a crowd of people.
It's one of those incredible foible's of the human mind.
I'm in a better place financially, career-wise, in my authour-ly pursuits, relationship-wise etc etc etc...

But Just yesterday I was telling my wife that I felt inexplicably fed-up... Not depressed, just... a bit meh.
I have NO reasons to feel in such a way... (Well... apparent inability to drop any weight, aside)
The brain's an amazing thing, huh?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cybersmurf on 25 Sep 2018, 03:12
I'm Austrian. We Austrians, and probably especially the Viennese are known to be grumpy, complaining about anything. If you ask them how they are, there's always something wrong. You can tell whether they're actually good or not by what they're complaining about.

I think there's a "too good to be true" mechanism built into our brains. Makes us vigilant constantly. In case nature sends some predators or some other catastrophies our way. A mechanism that's making it worse for us, mostly, these days.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 06 Oct 2018, 16:39
This has been a week but right now I want to focus on the positive that for at least this week and maybe next week, I have had the most money in my savings account in a long ass time. I have, at least till my car insurance gets paid, reached my goal for the first time this year. It was a relief to get my insurance reminder this year and be like, "Aw, this is shit." instead of, "Oh fuck, how am I going to do this?"
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: de_la_Nae on 19 Oct 2018, 12:16
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: de_la_Nae on 22 Oct 2018, 08:11
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 01 Nov 2018, 08:07
A couple of days ago I went to this concert (https://wigmore-hall.org.uk/whats-on/nicolas-hodges-201810301930). 

On the way back in the bus I was watching RahXephon on my phone.  As we approached Oxford, the two students sitting next to me hesitantly asked what I was watching.  When I told them they were duly surprised that I could know about anime, let alone one they themselves didn't know.  We went on to have a brief but intense chat which was quite fun.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: JoeCovenant on 05 Nov 2018, 00:25
...When I told them they were duly surprised that I could know about anime, let alone one they themselves didn't know. 

Why...???

 :?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: de_la_Nae on 05 Nov 2018, 02:27
Paul's old.  :angel: :angel: :evil: :angel:
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: JoeCovenant on 06 Nov 2018, 00:46
Paul's old.  :angel: :angel: :evil: :angel:

Ahhhh that old chestnut...
Hmmm... Last DeeCon (Dundee Comic Convention) I was at there were the usual people milling around in various costumes etc, and this twelve year old... (Okay, maybe about 19) thought it would be cute to explain to the old man what "CosPlay" was...

I listened to the condescension for about 30 seconds then said "Sweetheart, I was playing Frank 'n' Furter before you were born..."
I'm sure the look on her face was down to being slammed, and NOT the sudden image of this 55 year old dude in full basque and make-up !  :)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 06 Nov 2018, 15:28
Early morning (for me) tomorrow - taking our little boy-dog to the vet for the snip.  :cry: :evil:
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: LeeC on 22 Nov 2018, 10:37
Watched the Macy's Parade on TV with my wife and daughter. I think My wife may be pregnant.

Context: when she was pregnant with my daughter she was so emotional that she ugly cried almost every 10 minutes when watching Moana.

Well the commercials caused several ugly cry moments which I started noting down a la the gay geese meme (https://i.imgur.com/NuhsgPV.jpg):

A commercial where a little girl wants to buy her mommy this expensive necklace from the jeweler but she has a tiny amount of money in her piggy bank so her dad sneakily buys it and puts the daughter's name on it in the from field. The mom opens the gift and thanks the little girl who smiles and gives her a big hug. Seeing her dad giving her a wink. My wife starts ugly crying. "That's so sweet" she managed to say between sobs.

Some time later during another commercial break: A kid is pulling a Paul Revere and is running through the whole neighborhood yelling for kids to come because "he's going to do it!" With many kids in tow, they enter this house where a special needs kid in his wheelchair game system beats a video game and everyone cheers for him and start doing a victory dance. My wife ugly cries again.
"Why are crying?" I asked.
she turns to me and sobbingly answered "He has friends!"

She almost lost it but kept composed during the Allstate thank you card to rescuers and firefighters but she kept it together.

About an hour later another commercial played. It was a woman getting a new perfume and meeting a guy. It cuts to them buying a Christmas tree in a lot and she's sneaking up to drop a snowball on his head while he's crouching and petting his golden retriever. Without turning around, he asks her if she found anything she liked yet and she just drops snowball to the ground because she got caught before she could do it. Then it cuts to him in their house with the dog and he's just sitting in the living room listening to music when she comes home quiet as a mouse trying to sneak by him and he says "welcome home." "How did you know it was me?" she asked and he just smiled. Then it cuts to her running out of the perfume and looking sad. Then it cuts to the man back at the store from the begging of the commercial wearing black sun-blocker glasses and his seeing eye dog buying more perfume and surprising her with it on Christmas day. My wife started bawling like a child. I asked her "Why are you crying?
"He was blind"

And finally near the end of the parade, there was a commercial I completely missed since I was looking at my phone and she just sobbed. I looked up and the commercial had already changed. I asked her what happened and she replied "Mom's on space station!" I laughed and asked her to explain. While sobbing she explained how the mom was on the space station and couldn't be there for the holidays for her kid so the kid sent her a snow globe and stuff to turn the space station into a snow globe.

So yeah, I think she may be pregnant or at the very least in a very emotional state.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Thrillho on 22 Nov 2018, 15:06
One of my partners would cry at every single one of those.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: JoeCovenant on 23 Nov 2018, 00:54
Watched the Macy's Parade on TV with my wife and daughter. I think My wife may be pregnant.

Context: ....
(EXCUSE SNIPPAGE!)

So yeah, I think she may be pregnant or at the very least in a very emotional state.

Test her with this one...

(Aawwwwhh!)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 04 Dec 2018, 08:46
A decades-long friend called a little after midnight and said he's been on dialysis for three years, just got a donor, and could I drive him to the hospital for his checkin 7-3/4 hours after the phone call and feed his cats while he's in the hospital.

I agreed to feed the cats and started processing it all.

I feel a little bad consigning someone to Lyft for something like that but he's about 20 miles away from me.

(Yes, he does have other friends. Everyone else is out of town. It's not like you get to schedule things like this.)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: de_la_Nae on 04 Dec 2018, 18:56
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: War Sparrow on 04 Dec 2018, 19:18
I'm sorry about your dad, De_la_Nae. And the people you love, but can't support (for good reasons; that's not a criticism).
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 05 Dec 2018, 10:21
My friend is back on email and reports wanting to piss all the time. I have a vague impression it didn't go perfectly but it's solid good news.

I will add having two good kidneys to my daily recitation of causes for gratitude.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: de_la_Nae on 05 Dec 2018, 11:15
WS: Thank you. It is... what it is.

IICIH: I don't have much experience, but I don't get the impression many kidney transplants go 'perfectly'. Here's hoping, though. much easier than the dialysis machine, if you can help it at all
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 06 Dec 2018, 12:15
So far this week I have managed:

A refund of £130 for Duty and VAT incorrectly assessed on the return of a microphone I owned from repair in the USA;
A refund of about £1600 of overpaid income tax (they gave me an incorrect tax code at the start of the tax year);
Ordered a very rare second-hand CD I've been looking for for the past eight years;
Been sent a rip of another (even more rare) CD which I discovered that a person I once did a favour for had a copy of.

Quite a good week, I feel.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: JoeCovenant on 07 Dec 2018, 02:55
So far this week I have managed:

A refund of £130 for Duty and VAT incorrectly assessed on the return of a microphone I owned from repair in the USA;
A refund of about £1600 of overpaid income tax (they gave me an incorrect tax code at the start of the tax year);
Ordered a very rare second-hand CD I've been looking for for the past eight years;
Been sent a rip of another (even more rare) CD which I discovered that a person I once did a favour for had a copy of.

Quite a good week, I feel.

yeahyeahyeah..

but WHAT WERE THE CDs!!!!!????
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Thrillho on 07 Dec 2018, 04:38
Thank you Joe, for voicing the question screaming inside me.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 07 Dec 2018, 05:44
On this page (https://ambisonic.info/mirabilis), MRCD 905 (ordered) and MMSCD 3 (ripped).

They are recordings of organs made using Ambisonics by a man who is now owner and MD of one of this country's oldest organ building businesses (Willis organs).
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: JoeCovenant on 10 Dec 2018, 01:23
On this page (https://ambisonic.info/mirabilis), MRCD 905 (ordered) and MMSCD 3 (ripped).

They are recordings of organs made using Ambisonics by a man who is now owner and MD of one of this country's oldest organ building businesses (Willis organs).

Wow - That's some specialist sounds right there!

Hang on... the owner of Willis Organs is called David...?
This is a 'Classical' Level troll, isn't it!!  :-D
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 10 Dec 2018, 02:00
Willis is not an uncommon name, so combinations come up...

My mother's maiden name was Willis (she was descended from the Dr Willis (https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portraitLarge/mw70281/Francis-Willis?LinkID=mp04858&role=sit&rNo=2)* who attended King George III); but more unusually, my paternal grandfather's first name was also Willis - so I have some old music copies inscribed "Willis Hodges".

* I have an original of that print.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Patrick on 20 Dec 2018, 05:13
Fuck when's the last time I posted

This coming Sunday is the last day I will be working at my current job, where I've been for 1.5 years. I'm quitting because I got tired of being yelled at for no reason by the bar manager, who is not only doing so out of his jurisdiction, but for absolutely no reason. Which he would know, if he spent any time in the kitchen whatsoever aside from whenever he decides to throw a tantrum.

I would have complained to management, but the managers are him, his wife, and his parents-in-law. I can't very well complain to him, since I don't trust him to not be a total pile of garbage about it. And I can't very well talk to the rest of management, because they're obviously pretty invested in him, and they have absolutely the worst track record when it comes to communication. So I didn't see the point. Instead, I punched a wall in the bathroom. Instead of breaking a hole through drywall, though, I wound up hitting a stud, and denting the drywall about a half inch deep. And I'm no doctor, but I've broken bones before, and I'm pretty positive I've got a fractured knuckle. In my dominant hand, no less. The knuckle looks slightly out of place, and it still hurts and is slightly swollen over 10 days later. I'd love to go see a doctor about it, but I don't get enough hours for benefits, and I've spent the last year supporting my girlfriend while she tries to find work that doesn't abuse her (and it took the entire year, because men are trash).

The next day, I put in my 2 weeks' notice. I didn't even have anything lined up. I still haven't found anything, but to be frank, I haven't been looking too hard.

Shit. I don't even have any friends IRL anymore because of this fucking job taking up all weekend nights. All my musician friends think I hate them or something.

I never want to work a dinner service again as long as I live.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: de_la_Nae on 20 Dec 2018, 14:19
So first thing: damn man, that sucks, sorry you've had to deal with this shit.

second thing: hey! we didn't talk much at all, but i was literally thinking about you (among other people) a night or two ago. I'm glad to hear you're still in the world, Patrick.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 20 Dec 2018, 17:25
Well, the forum's spam protection just had a workout - the second-level check which comes in after the Turing test questions has blocked 56 attempts to make a new account in the last hour.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: de_la_Nae on 20 Dec 2018, 22:17
oof, Paul. Determined bot is determined.



Spent today hauling a cargo van-load of furniture. I have a bed now! well, once i finish dragging it all up the stairs and putting it together. But I'm looking forward to it, been sleeping on a pad on the floor for the last few years and bit weary of it.

course my out-of-shape, disabled body is a wee bit miffed at me right now, and tomorrow's probably just gonna be a fatigue haze, but fuckin' worth it.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: de_la_Nae on 21 Dec 2018, 03:11
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 29 Dec 2018, 04:53
My wife gave that a thumbs up.

Yesterday for the first time in over ten years since I signed up here, I finally met a forum member in person. My wife and I had a delightful visit with de_la_Nae.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Morituri on 05 Jan 2019, 17:33
@de_la_nae: 

Congrats on having a bed.  Definitely worth it, even if you have to get one special made.  Sleeping on a pad on the floor, or on beds you can't quite lie down properly in is, well, not quite "miserable" - more like inconvenient or annoying - but over the long term it can contribute to a nagging feeling that you're not quite able to fully participate in the benefits of human civilization.

And that's an unpleasant feeling.  It can lead to depression or make depression worse.  So it's worth correcting these little "inconvenient" or "annoying" things as the opportunities arise.  Their importance is individually small but the effect of many such little nagging things is something to just stop, as soon as you possibly can.

But, short form:  Congrats on getting yourself a proper bed.  Sometimes small things have more importance than it seems.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Case on 06 Jan 2019, 07:19
Spent today hauling a cargo van-load of furniture. I have a bed now! well, once i finish draggi it all up the stairs and putting it together. But I'm looking forward to it, been sleeping on a pad on the floor for the last few years and bit weary of it.

course my out-of-shape, disabled body is a wee bit miffed at me right now, and tomorrow's probably just gonna be a fatigue haze, but fuckin' worth it.

Belated congrats on the bed!

My back remembers sleeping on a pad for a few months ( :-() , so yay for well-deserved creature comfort!  :laugh:
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 09 Jan 2019, 18:49
One of the benefits of traveling a long distance Amtrak route is meals like surf and turf. They're included in the ticket price for sleeping car passengers.

Unless, of course, the kitchen has a malfunction that can't be repaired and you spend 48 hours eating whatever the train crew can get delivered to a stop in the middle of nowhere.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 09 Jan 2019, 18:54
I've always gone coach on Amtrak. I usually ate candy bars and drank soda from the cafe car. (Healthy diet right there)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 16 Jan 2019, 10:43
If you can sleep in a seat and sneak into the showers, that's way cheaper.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 13 Mar 2019, 20:10
Today I had a real stupid moment. I went with one of the grad students from our lab to a lecture on the other side of the campus. On the way back, we passed by where I normally park my car (I park far from the lab building since the parking spot is close to a Pokestop  :venonat:). I looked, and noticed my car wasn't there, and wondered aloud, "wait, where's my car?" I was driving it.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Jimor on 14 Mar 2019, 01:51
That takes "where's my glasses?" to like 5 new levels...
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Morituri on 14 Mar 2019, 21:20
Are pokestops still a thing?  (I had never heard the word, but I assume it has something to do with Pokemon Go, which is no longer generating any media attention....)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Cornelius on 15 Mar 2019, 00:44
Apparently yes. It just so happens yesterday a human interest show ran a report on a man who goes out every night just to play Pokémon Go.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Pilchard123 on 15 Mar 2019, 02:08
He does something harmless that he enjoys? What a freak!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Cornelius on 15 Mar 2019, 02:33
Well, it's part of a series of people being out and about at night. They're casting a fairly wide net; road workers, call girls, nurses, homeless, market vendors, butchers, artists, private investigators, night clubs, dark rooms. It's a bit sensationalist. I just happened to catch the beginning of the first episode yesterday evening, but I'm not going to watch the rest of it. I don't like the reporter/host, nor his style of reporting. Tellingly, most places he made a series, he's emphatically no longer welcome.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 15 Mar 2019, 11:13
Are pokestops still a thing?  (I had never heard the word, but I assume it has something to do with Pokemon Go, which is no longer generating any media attention....)
What, I'm only allowed to play a game if it attracts media attention?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Morituri on 15 Mar 2019, 21:50
Sorry, of course you're allowed. The context was more "does that game even still exist" than "is it still popular." 

I haven't seen any evidence in the last year that the game still existed; I was moderately surprised that the company hasn't actually folded it up, shut down the servers, and moved on to the next title. 
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 01 Apr 2019, 07:31
Trivia corner.  In 1984, while a prince, the new Emperor designate of Japan was at Oxford University.  During that time he sang in the chamber choir which I also sang in (the same one I sing in again now, in fact), and I made a recording of the choir in which it is likely that he took part.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: JoeCovenant on 02 Apr 2019, 08:18
Trivia corner.  In 1984, while a prince, the new Emperor designate of Japan was at Oxford University.  During that time he sang in the chamber choir which I also sang in (the same one I sing in again now, in fact), and I made a recording of the choir in which it is likely that he took part.

Throw that onto Japanese ebay and you'll make a MINT"

Sorry.. what I meant was...

Ooh! That sounds nice, might I have a copy....??

 :parrot:
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 02 Apr 2019, 10:06
You can listen. (https://cassland.org/sounds/1984-07-00_MusicForSummer/)

A Japanese broadcaster has been sniffing around, but probably wants spoken recollections.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cybersmurf on 09 Apr 2019, 11:26
That recording is older than me  :-o
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 06 May 2019, 20:43
Today I "met" another forum member, when ZoeB had time for a Skype call.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 08 May 2019, 14:51
I've wrote and deleted a bunch of posts over the last few months about life and the work going on in my house and how so far 2019 is kicking me when I'm down a lot so far.

Today though, actually this last week and since my birthday, I'm announcing as the turning point. The second half of this year is shaping up to be much improved and I'm gonna stay optimistic.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 25 May 2019, 15:04
May it be so!

I have now dined with Zoe in a virtual sense. She felt very awkward having scones and jam while we were on a Skype call until I offered to eat something myself.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 26 May 2019, 12:46
Following on from the second half of 2019 being better, I attended an audition for the local theatre group and it went so bad.

I went to the wrong place because searching for the right place kept bringing up the wrong place. I immediately emailed the contact I had to let them know I'd be late. Eventually I thought of ringing my friend who has worked with this group before and she helped me. I got there thirty minutes late.
They were in the middle of warm ups for the dance part and I took what I thought was an empty spot but it was actually next to the instructors cause I assumed there was only one instructor but nope.
I knew the dance bit would be my weakest bit but I did okay I think for my ability.
Did the acting but next, I think I did the best at that.
Then the singing bit, which I thought would be where I could redeem myself a bit but I forgot the words three times. The people were super friendly and helped me out.

I sent an email after I left apologising again for being late and thanks for the opportunity.

The positive: I'm upset with myself and I'm gonna need to cry it out but I can say I tried. I'm managing to laugh at myself and the situation and Partner said a couple years ago I would be in pieces now. I'm not though, more just tired. I'm handling this situation way better than I'd have been able to even compared to my mental state last year. Last year I wouldn't have considered going for an audition of any kind at all.

Bonus positive: There's no way the next one can go worse.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 29 May 2019, 15:35
Double post because surprise development: They sent an email asking me to send a video of me singing another song to see how it sounds so they haven't totally discounted me :psyduck:
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Thrillho on 29 May 2019, 15:40
Amazing!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Ignominious on 31 May 2019, 11:16
May it be so!

I have now dined with Zoe in a virtual sense. She felt very awkward having scones and jam while we were on a Skype call until I offered to eat something myself.

I keep thinking that as an otherwise internet competent person that I should really, as some point, Skype someone. Even my comparatively luddite parents Skype on the reg.

Then I remember that chatting on AIM used to give me horrendous anxiety and even WhatsApp plucks at that particular nerve a bit.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Morituri on 05 Jun 2019, 08:51
I've turned down three different magazine interviews now because they wanted to do them via Skype.  I didn't actually, you know, *tell* them that's the reason why; I just never got back to them after they left the message saying they wanted to do it via Skype.

Ergh.  I'm fine with email, have a hard enough time being social in person but can manage it, dislike and am awkward in phone calls, and just ...  can't work up enough lack-of-disgust-at-the-idea to deal with video calls, even when I know I probably should.



Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 05 Jun 2019, 17:35
My experience with Skype is that I don't have to worry about whether I can be social in it, because I can never get the damn thing working in the first place. The old version worked, but the version that came with Windows 10 (which is now the only version allowed) has never worked for me.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Patrick on 09 Jun 2019, 01:42
Double post because surprise development: They sent an email asking me to send a video of me singing another song to see how it sounds so they haven't totally discounted me :psyduck:

I know I'm a little behind here, but I hope you get a callback. Nothing satisfies quite the same as being validated that way.

---

Dear Blerg Threrd,

Things are going better. A lot better. I've found and quit two jobs since my last post in this thread. I'm now on job #3, at a bike shop that was founded in my hometown. This particular location is a 25 minute drive from my house, and is almost never made difficult by traffic (I'm heading in a direction opposite what would take me to San Francisco, so I don't have to fight the Tech Bros). I have a fuckton of stuff I'm going to have to learn over time, but I'm excited for the opportunity. It's full time with benefits, the pay's half decent ($16.50/hr until I get trained up on stuff), and I don't have to pay for bridge tolls or parking like I was doing when I worked in San Francisco for the last few months. Things are really looking up that way.

My poor girlfriend's in ill health, as per usual. Headache for a year and a half now, and it's a real doozy. She's had bloodwork, neurologist, CAT scan, and she has an MRI scheduled for later this month. And oh yeah we're American and don't have insurance of course, because fuck the labor class (I'm growing more and more communist with every passing hour).

As for my spare time, I spend most of it playing video games. I've hardly touched my guitar in weeks, months, a year. Running that weekly jam night for 7 years was a great way to kill my joy for playing. I still write stuff from time to time, but it's all getting simpler. More and more of it happens on my electric 12 string though, which I think is pretty cool. Nobody plays those anymore. Maybe there's a market.

This week would have been my dad's 69th birthday. I wish he was still around to make the required wisecracks about it. I think the only real regret I have in life is the fact that he and I spent so much of our lives angry at each other. We were getting to be pretty damn cool with each other right before we found out he was sick. God is going to have to answer to me for this someday.

All in all, I'm alright I guess. Pretty depressed all the time. Can't remember the last time I was Really Happy for longer than 5 minutes. I have my moments. I need therapy and maybe medication. I guess we'll see what happens there when my insurance kicks in with this new job.

Until next time,
-Pat
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Thrillho on 23 Jun 2019, 08:28
Pat, one day I am coming to the West Coast, and we are hanging out.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Patrick on 01 Jul 2019, 22:06
Pat, one day I am coming to the West Coast, and we are hanging out.

Too right, old friend. I think you'll be staying with us.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 21 Jul 2019, 22:34
A few weeks ago I encountered a considerate Lexus driver. I was turning left across busy traffic and she stopped short of the intersection to leave room for the turn.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Patrick on 24 Jul 2019, 01:11
A few weeks ago I encountered a considerate Lexus driver. I was turning left across busy traffic and she stopped short of the intersection to leave room for the turn.

I once met a considerate Prius driver. I was driving down a back road, and they pulled over onto the shoulder to let me by in my Mini so I could haul ass at an unreasonable pace. I was so grateful.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Thrillho on 28 Jul 2019, 04:54
So after a long, long, long, long process of building up to it...

I am finally out to everyone in my family. As both a queer person and part of an extant poly relationship.

The feeling of liberation has been truly extraordinary. And I hope one day I can stop feeling ashamed for how long it took me, but that's gonna be part of what therapy's for!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Patrick on 28 Jul 2019, 14:01
I know this maybe doesn't help, but... why feel ashamed for taking your time? That can be an extremely volatile reveal, and I'm proud of you for doing it at all. You deserve to do things at your own pace regardless of what it is. Congratulations on taking a huge weight off your shoulders. I know it's not an easy process, even if I can't personally identify, and I'm proud as hell to be your friend.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Thrillho on 28 Jul 2019, 14:17
Goddamn Pat I love you.

Link me to all your albums since Troubador. I still spin that regularly.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Patrick on 30 Jul 2019, 18:00
ain't made any to be honest, i've guested on a couple Sun Kin tracks since then. i have some recordings that aren't out yet from Save Laika, but the band broke up last May lol.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: de_la_Nae on 31 Jul 2019, 07:50
hitting the road and will be vaguely unreachable for the rest of the week. wish me luck!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 31 Jul 2019, 08:11
So happy for you Thrillho!

Luck wished, Nae!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Akima on 01 Aug 2019, 05:44
Until next time,-Pat
Great to hear from you, Patrick. Bike shops are cool places.
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Akima on 01 Aug 2019, 05:48
The feeling of liberation has been truly extraordinary.
:) :) :) :) :)
And as others have said, there's no reason to be ashamed. There is a season for things
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 01 Aug 2019, 08:09
Yesterday I found out that my project got funding. $200k. For this fiscal year. Which ends September 16.  :psyduck:
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Cornelius on 01 Aug 2019, 12:09
Time to start spending, I say.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 01 Aug 2019, 19:20
The hard part isn't going to be finding something to spend it on. We need to buy a lot of stuff for that project, and it'll add up to a lot more than that amount. The hard part is finding stuff to order with a short enough lead time that we can get it by September 16, so it can count toward this fiscal year.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Morituri on 01 Aug 2019, 21:24
I'm surprised you have to receive it by the funding date.  I'd have guessed you only needed to pay for it.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 01 Aug 2019, 22:29
Nope. Gotta have it in hand by September 16 for it to count for this fiscal year (which technically ends October 1). It's the federal government, what can you do...
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Cornelius on 02 Aug 2019, 04:20
Actually having to have it delivered does sound a bit strange. Over here, mostly, having ordered counts, and can be carried over to the next fiscal year for payment. But then, that's due to a technical peculiarity in our budget structure, that some people woul like to see gone sooner than later.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Wingy on 02 Aug 2019, 10:22
Following on from the second half of 2019 being better, I attended an audition for the local theatre group and it went so bad.
Any audition attended is a good audition.  Break a leg on the next one!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Patrick on 04 Aug 2019, 02:55
Until next time,-Pat
Great to hear from you, Patrick. Bike shops are cool places.
(click to show/hide)

As a former bicycle commuter, I still love cycling, but the shop was unfortunately super toxic. I would love to work in another though.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: de_la_Nae on 05 Aug 2019, 13:02
Got in safely from my trip last night. was a good visit to some friends, for a few days. coulda been better, coulda been a lot worse.

my brother got back safely from his adventure to Gencon, too. and he brought me back a Pintsize sketch from Jeph! along with a couple other little goodies, including some fantastically gay dice.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Patrick on 07 Aug 2019, 13:27
i start another new job tomorrow, but my new boss hasn't sent me the starting schedule he promised me. *sigh* one of these days my life won't be a hectic mess.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Thrillho on 17 Aug 2019, 12:06
It can really sometimes feel like a tiny bit of hope can be crushed so quickly by the reality around it.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Patrick on 17 Aug 2019, 15:35
It can really sometimes feel like a tiny bit of hope can be crushed so quickly by the reality around it.

I feel that, old friend.

On one hand, I started my new job. On the other hand, my girlfriend and I broke up. Almost made it 2 years, our anniversary would have been next month. Weirdly enough, we're still probably going to live together because... well, why would I want to live with anyone else? We still love each other dearly, we just... aren't romantically in love.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Thrillho on 17 Aug 2019, 15:44
That fucking sucks, man. Sounds like a mature approach to the breakup at least. Are you guys locked into a housing contract?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Patrick on 18 Aug 2019, 11:19
By law, no, but it just makes more sense to. Me and our roommate are the only ones with income due to her inability to work in a typical job (chronic illness, may have mentioned before? I forget), but she does some office work for him and she also maintains the house to the best of her ability. Her pain is debilitating for her at times, but none of us complain about/fail to appreciate her contribution. I just wish it didn't get in the way of her enjoying more of what life has to offer. And obviously, none of that is why we broke up.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Thrillho on 18 Aug 2019, 12:52
Jesus Christ Pat the maturity level in that post is just goddamn sickening

Do you remember we used to be on this forum when we were still CHILDREN for fuck's sake?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 18 Aug 2019, 13:42
You even had "Kid" as part of your user name then.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Thrillho on 18 Aug 2019, 14:09
Ah yes, the Bad Old Days.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: TheEvilDog on 18 Aug 2019, 14:30
People change, so do names. You pick up something from the forums, probably a virus. And somewhere along the way, you learn something, you become a little older and a little wiser and your perspective of the world changes.

And then you too can complain about the little gobshites that make their way around after you.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 30 Aug 2019, 02:50
Crossing the road the modern way:

(https://media.ouest-france.fr/v1/pictures/9a9e993060477fcb68e7d415a9b2e2de-le-mans-un-passage-pieton-aux-couleurs-lgbt-inaugure_6.jpg?width=1260&height=708&focuspoint=61%2C44&cropresize=1&client_id=bpeditorial&sign=a42a1c66dd21bf5157d83288f6cec62a5b3566891368b6ba7db04e3c07752035)

https://www.ouest-france.fr/pays-de-la-loire/le-mans-72000/le-mans-un-passage-pieton-aux-couleurs-lgbt-inaugure-6366861 (https://www.ouest-france.fr/pays-de-la-loire/le-mans-72000/le-mans-un-passage-pieton-aux-couleurs-lgbt-inaugure-6366861)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Patrick on 01 Sep 2019, 10:18
soooo my roommate is kicking me out. ada's gone off to stay with his girlfriend, and took the kitty. it's because she wants space to deal with her feelings, which i get. don't know why my roommate's kicking me out though. but boy is that fuckin great.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Patrick on 01 Sep 2019, 10:25
and... holy fuck, yeah, it's crazy to me that i can be posting this on the same forum i used to shitpost on, back before shitposting had a name. shit i think my participation here even predates rickrolling.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Thrillho on 01 Sep 2019, 12:45
It does. Rick Rolling was 2008 I believe.

Shitty behaviour by your room mate. I thought you had some stability.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Patrick on 01 Sep 2019, 21:23
me too. there we go thinking again.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Patrick on 06 Sep 2019, 23:39
hey here's a great bit of news: i've been selected, alongside 4 of my squadmates, to participate in closed beta testing for the flight sim game i've sunk over 800 hours of my life into. i can't give any more details about it than that, but it's a much needed pick me up. also, i got my first full paycheck from my new job, and... mmmm baby keep that shit coming! nice to feel some financial relief coming.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Patrick on 13 Sep 2019, 17:18
AAAAAAAAAAND back to bad news: got fired 2 days ago

fucking kill me pls
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 25 Sep 2019, 12:50
Woke up at 3am last night and thought, "That sounds like rain... But inside?"
Water tank in attic has a hole in it, water was leaking through the ceiling in two areas. Got the tank empty and have no running water. Have to completely replace the tank which thankfully will happen tomorrow. Got a couple bottles of water from mum to get us through the night.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: TheEvilDog on 25 Sep 2019, 13:23
Ouch, sorry to hear that. Hope everything gets sorted

I got a patio door replaced yesterday. The guys did a really quick job, got everything sorted...until I asked why there were this plastic wedges holding the door panes in place. "Oh yeah, turns out you're supposed to have 28mm glass for the double glazing and someone mistook the 8 for a 0. Long story short, it'll be about 2 weeks to get the new glass cut."

So while I technically have a working sliding door...I also have half a door...
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Wingy on 26 Sep 2019, 04:55
Woke up at 3am last night and thought, "That sounds like rain... But inside?"
Yuck.  I hope it's all taken care of expeditiously.

I've got a similar story involving a roofing job and stepping out of bed into mud.  Inside the house, on the bedroom floor.  <cue the original Danger Mouse: "Well, there's only one thing for it, Penfold."  "What's that, Chief?"  "Panic!">

[Edit to get quote accurate, though the sense was right all along.]
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 27 Sep 2019, 15:01
Got the new tank in. The hallway needs some cleaning cause it's carpet and got soaked but we've got running water again!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Patrick on 09 Oct 2019, 03:21
So I moved back to my hometown (ugh), but I have a nice roommate and the rent is cheap, and there's SIX KITTIES OMFG YESSSS. And I got my old job back at the restaurant where I worked back in 2016. I had stopped by there for a beer, and one of the managers came up to me and said, "Hey, if you wanna work here again, we'd love to have you! Just say the word!" Next day, I texted him, said the word, and I start soon.

This time around, I'm making it my goal to spend as little time away from home/work as possible. Or at least, stay away from the people I used to hang out with, who only ever wanted to do stuff involving booze. I like drinking way too much, so I need to not be around those folks anymore.

To be honest, the older I get, the less I really want to be friends with people IRL. Like, I still have those people that I'm close to, and I love them, and I'll still hang out with them. The ones who are actually good for me. But I'm not the social butterfly I once was. I'm not interested in making lots of new friends. I just wanna stream when I play flight sims, write and play my music with my new band, and love on these kitties.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Thrillho on 09 Oct 2019, 09:09
I super empathise with that last bit.

I would like to see people too, a little, but like... please just come to my house.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 27 Oct 2019, 01:02
I've been to cuddle parties two nights in a row. One host supplied a weighted blanket along with giant stuffies.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Patrick on 28 Oct 2019, 03:15
It's been a little under a month since I updated, but a decent amount has happened. I started back at my old restaurant, and it's a lot like riding a bike. You don't really forget how to do it. With old age and world-weariness has come a lack of motivation to chase skirts (you would not believe how sexually charged a restaurant workplace can be unless you've worked in one) and so I'm staying out of trouble. I do have a crush, but I'm still not really over my breakup, so I'm just gonna continue doing what I do best: stay home and mind my own business.

My band's going really well. Got a super rough demo recorded at our last practice (just a stereo mic in the corner of the room to record everything), but as rough as the quality actually is, it proves to us that we have something special going on that goes beyond just playing together in the moment. Our set is about 30 minutes of original music, which is really impressive for only playing together for 2-3 months. We're looking for shows in the Bay Area as we speak. We had one booked, but we found out that it doesn't pay, so we bounced out immediately.

My hyper atheist, anti-christian ass played guitar for a church service this morning. It wasn't an awful experience, but I still wore my Iron Maiden t-shirt underneath my flannel. $150 is coming my way in a week in return. Can't complain too much about getting paid like that for a single gig.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 30 Oct 2019, 23:21
Cool things! May there be many more.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 03 Dec 2019, 19:46
I missed making my 20,000th post a thank you to everyone, but thanks to a reminder from Mr. Numbers I only missed it by a little.

I have met extraordinary people here and had my mind expanded considerably and learned new skills.

I offer my deep appreciation to everyone I have learned from.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: JoeCovenant on 04 Dec 2019, 02:07
I offer my deep appreciation to everyone I have learned from.

Hey!
What about those of us you just wanna punch!??
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Morituri on 05 Dec 2019, 12:29
I offer my deep appreciation to everyone I have learned from.
What about those of us you just wanna punch!??

It's amazing, but if IICIH is much like me, then those are mostly the same set of people. 
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 05 Dec 2019, 15:37
True - being able to learn from those you disagree with is as important as learning from those you do agree with.  It's also harder.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Akima on 05 Dec 2019, 16:00
Truer words were never spoken.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 05 Dec 2019, 20:10
I have learned a great deal from Akima's respectful but unsparing arguments with me.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Akima on 07 Dec 2019, 21:06
You have altogether too high an opinion of me.

I have learned a great deal from people in this forum, some of them sadly departed.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Patrick on 12 Dec 2019, 23:59
I've had the privilege of learning a lot from people around here. I first joined this forum with a lot of toxic beliefs and behaviors, and over the years, and through everybody's immense patience, I've unlearned a significant number of em. Wish I'd done that sooner.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Patrick on 13 Dec 2019, 00:06
Oh yeah. I have a new band called Tacky Art (might have mentioned before), and we're playing our first show on the night of the winter solstice. It's gonna be a really fun time, I think. It's in Alameda, CA, just outside of Oakland, so I'm really hoping some of my friends from my 2 years living in Oakland will be able to come to it!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Dngrsone on 13 Dec 2019, 02:01
(https://i.redd.it/w13gzc8539441.png)

This person looks familiar, FSR
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Patrick on 20 Dec 2019, 03:32
Despite some idiotic complications of the American medical system, I am alive, and doing relatively well. I have my band's first show coming up soon. I have a couple different girls who I am friends with, who seem to be romantically interested in me at the same time (which is something I've never knowingly experienced before). One of them is coming to my band's first show. The other, we have plans to spend time together right after Christmas, and then again for New Year's Eve (and my birthday is New Year's Day). And, something that may surprise people who knew me back before I was properly socialized: I am really excited to spend time with these women, whether they fuck me or not. It's just nice to have the company of people I like. Fuck, I wish I had known 15 years ago that this was a thing I could enjoy innocently.

I have a job I love, working for people I respect and admire, with a team I am happy to support. It doesn't pay well, but there's some things money can't buy, right? Especially in America. However, I'm considering taking a morning job, and telling my current gig that I can only work evening shifts. Because this is America; don't catch me slippin up. Medical debt, credit debt, personal debt, it can all cripple you. And I have a plan for a trade school + career by the time I'm 32. I am determined to make it, and I'm not about to let any of those things slow me down.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 20 Dec 2019, 06:56
Go for it!

I stayed at a Holiday Inn last night.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Patrick on 22 Dec 2019, 19:31
Band's first show was last night. The girl who was supposed to come with me ghosted me, which didn't put me in the best headspace going into the show, but the minute I pulled up to the venue and loaded in, all that disappeared. A whole bunch of friends came to see us play, and the other band brought lots of folks too. We completely rocked the piss out of our set, and the whole rest of the night felt like a victory lap.

I'm very grateful to have today and tomorrow off. For a guy who doesn't move around much onstage, that sure took a lot out of me.

I stayed at a Holiday Inn last night.

How was that?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 23 Dec 2019, 11:04
Congrats!

The room was clean and had enough outlets and USB slots in usable places.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 24 Dec 2019, 20:19
There wasn't any snow on Christmas Eve.

When I told my father that a friend in Australia had asked me to send him Christmas wishes, he deadpanned "Does she have snow?". My dad's deadpan is something that has to be seen to be believed. Of course he knows the seasons are reversed in the land where everything is umop apisdn.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 01 Feb 2020, 13:36
So I've been messing around with making a Jeopardy-style lockout buzzer system. I'm currently coding a program for practicing ringing in the buzzer. The goal is to have a synthesized voice read the question to you, then you have to ring in within a certain amount of time. I'm also considering maybe adding in voice recognition for answering the clues, but that's probably not worth the trouble. I'm using clues that I downloaded from j-archive.com to populate its database. And I've been learning some things from them  :psyduck: (this is a Baseball clue, $100):

(https://imgur.com/Tu1C0Cw.jpg)

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Patrick on 19 Feb 2020, 01:08
ok so a lot of shit has happened since my last

so my ex was in possession of my dad's entire record collection, which he left to me when he died. she also had my great-grandpa's gold pocket watch, of immeasurable sentimental value (and probably of some serious financial value, since it was solid gold besides the inner workings). welp. all of that shit went to goodwill, because apparently me coming every week to grab what i could fit into my mini cooper wasn't evidence enough that i valued it sincerely. so. if i wind up in prison, y'all know why (jk, but fuck if i haven't entertained some shitty thoughts in my head that i would never actually act upon).

anyway. it's been crazy in my life since then. my car registration is overdue because i'm poor. i just added $1500 to my medical debt because i dared to be born with asthma in the United States of Go Fuck Yourself You Pathetic Sick Piece Of Shit. i have a band and we're doing decently well, despite having only played 2 shows ever. i still work in a restaurant, and we had a busy last week, and i love every coworker i have except for one person, who can lick my scummy boots.

my mental state: questionable, on a good day, but overall i think i'll be alright maybe? fuck knows at this point. i might be trying to repress my real feelings about the shit i'm dealing with, because that's just how i have always operated, but everyone knows how that always ends up. i just don't know what i can possibly do that would reset things back to the way they were 7 months ago, so that i can have a more favorable avalanche of garbage pile its way into my mouth than the one i've got now.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: LeeC on 04 Apr 2020, 14:26
Not sure where to post this, so I'll stick it here:

Since moving to Massachusetts, we've encountered a lot of wildlife in our yard. The second or third night here, I could hear owls just outside the house. One was on one side of the house, and another on the other side. They were talking to each other. I checked out what kind of owls they were, and based on the hooting of the owls in the area, it matches the great horned owl.

There are also rabbits. Not only did I see one outside the living room window one night, but I have found their droppings in the yard.

This morning I saw a fox trot across the street. When I looked in my neighbors backyard, following the path of the fox, hoping to see it again; I saw a rabbit, cotton tail up and in flight, dart across the yard and hide under the neighbor's house. The fox trotted on by, looking for it but the rabbit hid well and it went into the woods behind my yard.

My wife has seen a full flock of turkeys (12-13) waddling around in the morning just down the street on her way to work (this was shortly before COVID-19 started locking down the state). I too have seen them waddling in yards or crossing the street in the morning in groups of 2 or 3.

Our second week in our new house there was 7 deer in the backyard. I took my oldest onto the deck so she could watch. She thought they were big dogs and kept saying "Hello woof woof" over and over again. This spooked them and they cautiously retreated in the woods. Watching us from afar as they left in an orderly fashion.

On another day, feeling cabin fever-ish, I took both girls outside. The oldest was walking around, while I had the youngest strapped to my chest. we were hanging out by the side of the house with the water and power meters, when I turned around and saw what I thought was a squirrel facing me. I took a couple of steps towards it (it was about 40-yards away) to see if I could get closer, but instead of turning tale and running, it sucked its head back into the ground. It was at that point I realized it was no squirrel, but a gopher! I walked over and sure enough it was a hole. I talked with one of the neighbors today, trying to see what they do to keep the animals off their lawns, and she said gophers are not known to be around here and it was probably a vole or a woodchuck. Looking them up and the vole seems too small for what I saw (it was just a head) and the woodchuck seems too big. So who knows what it is.

There has also been a fairly large flock of seagulls circling the street since we moved in. About 30-40 seagulls in total, just a big dense circle above our street. Not sure why.

Based on the neighborhood app we have installed, there is a pig farm between our town and the town next to us. Depending on which way the wind blows, sometimes just walking outside smells like a farm...or sewage. Apparently when the wind blows the opposite direction, the other town gets to "enjoy" the smell too. This has caused both towns to complain but as far as I can tell nothing can be done since its private property. Its going to be fun going outside in the summer, depending on which way the wind blows...
 :roll:
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 04 Apr 2020, 14:37
Yesterday the weather was very nice, so I moved my computer out onto my balcony and did my work outside. The entrance to my apartment complex is on a roundabout, so I got to watch some of the dumbest of the greater Chicago area's drivers try to navigate that. At one point, I saw four deer wandering on the other side of the roundabout, and at least four morons in cars who came to a complete stop in the middle of the roundabout to gawk at them. Then later I watched as a truck was navigating the roundabout and some shithead wanted to pass the truck, so he went the wrong way around the roundabout... and still got stuck behind the truck because he failed to beat the truck to the other side.

Today, I drove to a restaurant to pick up dinner, and on the way back into the apartment complex, I saw something laying in the middle of the road, moving around. Turned out it was two ducks having sex in the middle of the road.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: LeeC on 19 Apr 2020, 07:18
On another day, feeling cabin fever-ish, I took both girls outside. The oldest was walking around, while I had the youngest strapped to my chest. we were hanging out by the side of the house with the water and power meters, when I turned around and saw what I thought was a squirrel facing me. I took a couple of steps towards it (it was about 40-yards away) to see if I could get closer, but instead of turning tale and running, it sucked its head back into the ground. It was at that point I realized it was no squirrel, but a gopher! I walked over and sure enough it was a hole. I talked with one of the neighbors today, trying to see what they do to keep the animals off their lawns, and she said gophers are not known to be around here and it was probably a vole or a woodchuck. Looking them up and the vole seems too small for what I saw (it was just a head) and the woodchuck seems too big. So who knows what it is.
I finally got a good look at it. It is absolutely NOT a woodchuck, groundhog, etc. Its a motherfucking Weasel!!! More specifically a Fisher which are the second largest of the weasel family behind the otter.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Loki on 23 Apr 2020, 00:22
Jesus Christ Pat the maturity level in that post is just goddamn sickening

Do you remember we used to be on this forum when we were still CHILDREN for fuck's sake?

This is completely weird.

I mean, I have had a real job, earning real monay, for over a year now.

I remember posting here when I had my first relationship, before graduating high-school. (There was university inbetween that.)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Thrillho on 23 Apr 2020, 11:19
And you met a girlfriend of mine I have not been with in over three years.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: jwhouk on 24 Apr 2020, 08:05
After a bit of prodding, I am now the owner of a used 2015 Buick Encore Premium (you Brits would probably know it better as the Vauxhall/Opel Mokka). When new, this thing was top-of-the-line for a "CUV" (compact utility vehicle), with all the bells and whistles (some of which I haven't figured out yet).
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Patrick on 06 May 2020, 00:55
Being inside 24/7 makes my bedroom feel very claustrophobic. It was never very big anyway.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 28 May 2020, 13:56
Just for the hell of it, I bought a set of "dominoes" (though they aren't really, because they don't have pips) for setting up and knocking down.

Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 29 May 2020, 13:03
It finally happened. I went into the pharmacy and they said, "Hi Welu! Your wee prescription?" without me saying anything.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Thrillho on 29 May 2020, 13:09
I find things like that comforting even when they're attached to traumatic events. Which is weird because I hate everyone.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Pilchard123 on 29 May 2020, 14:55
Was it a small prescription, a prescription for wee, or a prescription *of* wee?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 30 May 2020, 10:04
I find things like that comforting even when they're attached to traumatic events. Which is weird because I hate everyone.

I'm kinda surprised it took this long really. I go in at least two or three times a month picking up mine or my parents' prescriptions. Although then I remember how many people come into my shop every day and I would never able to pick them out of a line up if I had to.

Was it a small prescription, a prescription for wee, or a prescription *of* wee?
A small prescription.  :lol:
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Patrick on 02 Jun 2020, 21:14
In the last week, I've attented two BLM protests, and it's been some of the most meaningful shit I've ever done. There's a certain adrenaline rush that happens when you stand between black/brown people and a line of cops, hoping to protect the former against racist violence in a town that has never been famous for treating those people well (Oakland), and coming back to my current town and participating in peaceful protests there. I won't lie and say I wasn't a little scared, but it was fuckin worth it. I realize that this is what I'm here for. I have loved the people of Oakland for a long time, and I'll be back to help them again tomorrow. They always treated me so well. Now it's my turn.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Thrillho on 03 Jun 2020, 01:39
In the last week, I've attented two BLM protests, and it's been some of the most meaningful shit I've ever done. There's a certain adrenaline rush that happens when you stand between black/brown people and a line of cops, hoping to protect the former against racist violence in a town that has never been famous for treating those people well (Oakland), and coming back to my current town and participating in peaceful protests there. I won't lie and say I wasn't a little scared, but it was fuckin worth it. I realize that this is what I'm here for. I have loved the people of Oakland for a long time, and I'll be back to help them again tomorrow. They always treated me so well. Now it's my turn.

I hope this isn't patronising but I am so goddamn proud of you.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Patrick on 03 Jun 2020, 02:03
I hope this isn't patronising but I am so goddamn proud of you.

it feels nice to do something rather than sit on my fuckin ass for once.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: LeeC on 08 Jun 2020, 08:04
There is a male turkey in my backyard. I can;t get a good picture of him unless I go outside, but I don't want to scare him away. He's beautiful, unfurled and fluffed all his feathers. I am guessing he's trying to attract a mate. He has orangish feathers on his stomach.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: hedgie on 08 Jun 2020, 10:15
We have quite a few wild turkeys (and a guinea fowl that runs with them).  They have no fear.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 02 Jul 2020, 13:52
My wife was visiting my father and decided to stay there for the duration as COVID-19 took off around our home.

For a while my dad's area had very few cases.

Now there's one in his neighborhood.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Case on 09 Jul 2020, 16:52
After months of saving, I've gotten myself a pair brand-spanking new ZuckerGoogles, along with some upgrades to my PC to help it help me have fun with it.

Browsing through the privacy-disclaimer, I've realized that I've given old Mark Sugarmountain impressively expansive legal rights to observe everything I do with it, plant the most hilariously intrusive digital telemetry he can dream of everywhere he wants to, and to browse through pretty much anything that is stored or installed on any device I link it to (including the aforementioned PC and the eclectic collection of vintage pornography hiding amongst various defunct Windows installations).

I've managed to stay the hell away from the app of evil ever since it made first contact on this planet - and now I've paid good money for the privilege of comprehensively signing away my privacy.  :x
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Grognard on 11 Jul 2020, 10:40
two major life events in our house.

my baby girl turns 18 today.  I'm so Happy and so Sad at the same time.

my son and his fiance eloped.  I'm happy, but still want to see the Marriage license.  I'm happily cynical?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Welu on 02 Aug 2020, 10:20
When I did my degree back in 2014, there was an option to do an extra year but I would have had to study at another college a couple hours away so I didn't go for it. Now my local college is offering the additional year. So application, finance and and The World permitting, I'll be back in education in a few weeks.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 05 Aug 2020, 18:30
My wife is driving back home after over five months away.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: LeeC on 05 Aug 2020, 18:36
My wife used to have to go on business trips when she worked for the FDA every other month for 1-3 weeks (depending on the trip). It was always fun the first 2-3 nights. Getting the place to yourself. After that 2-3 days I would miss her immensely and it became hard to get to sleep without her in the bed. We would still video chat while she was on travel, but not having her there was depressing. I cannot immagine being separated for 5 months. I am glad to hear she's coming back IICIH!

(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f5/4d/06/f54d065b08213b5fcbb605041a72622e.gif)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 05 Aug 2020, 22:11
Thank you!

I still have a few days to cook things she can't stand the smell of when she's here :-)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: LeeC on 12 Sep 2020, 20:13
Today we were building a swing set for the kids. The directions are a bit weird. It made us build different parts of it (the swing set part, the slide, the "rock" climbing wall, and the tower) separate and in a weird order. It was getting late and we were not going to be able to finish it. The tower frame is built and the slide, rock climbing wall, and swing set part have yet to be attached. I was moving the swing set part closer to the deck so it wouldn't block the sprinklers tomorrow morning. My 2yo daughter was close by trying to help. I placed the equipment on the ground when in a flash a snake lunged and snapped at me! I only really saw the gaping moth and off white yellowish belly. I snatched up my daughter and yelled for my wife that there was a snake.

I am putting the rest of the story in a spoiler as the snake is now sleeping with the fishes (in the garbage can outside) and I know some people don't want to hear about any violence, even toward snakes.

(click to show/hide)

Any tips on clearing them out? Preferably so I don't have to use violence?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 12 Sep 2020, 20:49
Looks like a garter snake. They're basically harmless. They will try to bite you if it thinks you're a predator and it feels cornered, but the bite is non-venomous.

When I was a kid, I was a jerk who once tied a garter snake up in a knot...
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Morituri on 14 Sep 2020, 00:24
Garter snakes are totally harmless.  They try to bite if they get scared, but they have no fangs and no venom.  People like to have them in their gardens because they eat the bugs about as well as pesticides and they're totally nontoxic.  Heck, I was nine before I realized they weren't actually called "garden snakes" - it was how I'd always heard it, and nobody'd remarked on my calling them that until then.   

We had garter snakes and bullsnakes where I grew up.  Folks with a slightly bigger pest control problem like mice and rats, if the area was too small to keep a cat interested or too tiny for a cat to get into, they wanted a bullsnake.  So people kept them in toolsheds and canning cellars.

Now, there were other species too;  Rattlesnakes and Cottonmouth snakes were poisonous, and in a wet year, if one or two of them got lost we might see a Water Mocassin.   Really scary, until eventually you realize your parents are right:  Almost nobody ever gets killed by them except by trying to kill them.   So they told us "be alert, back away, leave them alone."  If they were really close to someone's house or something somebody might need to kill them, but otherwise leaving them alone works just fine. 
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Patrick on 05 Nov 2020, 22:42
So the last time I posted was June 3? Oh lawd

Okay. So the preceding Friday, I'd gone to the BLM protest. I had picked up some friends of mine who I knew could be responsible protesters, both re: protest street smarts and re: COVID wisdom. We had almost left my town when they asked me to flip around, go back almost the whole way to my house, and pick up their friend Melissa.

That happened May 29. June 3 was our first date, and she and I have been inseparable ever since. We do the kind of cutesy shit I never used to enjoy doing, like cooking together, going for drives, going on dates, that kind of shit. It's a trip. I love it, and I love her.

I never expected that I would find love at a protest during a pandemic, but I guess I never anticipated anything that happened this year. Shit's been crazy. I miss playing gigs, but this isn't the worst thing ever.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Morituri on 05 Nov 2020, 23:01
Congrats! 

Naw, finding someone you really care about is an awesome golden lining to what has otherwise been kind of a shitty year.  Turns the whole thing right around, doesn't it? 

Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: LeeC on 12 Nov 2020, 20:46
My wife has started jogging to try and get back into shape in the morning before the rest of us wake up. She was doing great until recently. People on the neighborhood app are reporting that they've seen coyotes and was posting to warn people to be careful especially with pets. This got my wife worried but she continued to jog in the morning, until this past Monday. I had a hard time sleeping Sunday night and we had the window open to let some cool air in. In the woods behind our house, maybe about 200-300 yards away I could hear them. I didn't want to wake my wife so I texted her that I heard coyotes that night. She has now suspended her morning jogs. Tonight, like literally 10 minutes ago my wife and I were on the couch, she dozed off and I was watching a youtube video and I heard the coyotes howling in a pack across the street behind the neighbors house. I woke her up and she heard them too. She's now sure she isn't going to be jogging in the morning anytime soon.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 13 Nov 2020, 04:06
Coyotes aren't going to bother a human. We're too big for them to take down easily. The lab where I work has lots of coyotes on its campus, and I see one occasionally. They run away whenever a human gets near. It is interesting to hear the pack of coyotes imitating a police siren, though.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Morituri on 13 Nov 2020, 12:02
There's a thing to know about coytes though; they are among the most adaptable of all predators except us.

Studying coyotes in different environments is like studying different species.  Give them a forest, with large prey available but where bobcats or something are competing hard for the mice and rats, and they're pack hunters.  Give them open plains where there's not much to eat, and they go solitary most of the time, after the fieldmice and kangaroo rats out in the deserts.  Give them horrifying climates where the temperature gets too hot in summertime days and too cold in the wintertime nights to even SURVIVE outdoors, and they will dig burrows fifteen feet deep.  If bigger, badder things are hunting them - like wolves that can also dig - they go for open terrain with lots of escape directions, and take advantage of the fact that they can run faster, further, and longer than wolves.  Near cities, they discover that it's easy to take raccoons if they stake out trash cans.  And that while they're there, the trash cans themselves sometimes have tasty bits inside.  If there aren't many raccons locally, they can become pure scavengers.

Seeing a pattern here?  Whatever you got, Coyotes will figure out a way to make it work for them.

There are even regional physical differences as wide as the variations between some breeds of dogs.  Like, in some places they're long-leggedy beasties that take astonishing leaps, and other places they're low to the ground and can cut tight turns when running at high speed. 

Cesium133 is right that there isn't really a history of coyotes taking on humans. 

But if they get hungry enough and there's enough of them around to try, I absolutely would NOT put it past them to take a shot at it.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: hedgie on 13 Nov 2020, 14:12
IIRC, at least in California, peregrine falcons are no longer considered endangered here because they ended up becoming very effective city dwellers.  I saw them rather frequently when I lived in SF, and was once lucky enough to look up at just the right moment to see one strike a songbird. 
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Wingy on 13 Nov 2020, 17:45
My city has a love affair with peregrine falcons as well.  I just wish they would eat crows.  The city has waged a long campaign to get the crows out of downtown so they quit turning the sidewalks into sh*t-slicks people track into buildings everywhere and destroying vehicle paint.  Alas, the falcons are more adept at eating pigeons, not that pigeons don't have their own issues...
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: hedgie on 13 Nov 2020, 18:01
Probably 'cos the crows are stringy, clever, and travel in murders.  Pigeons are fat and dumb.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Patrick on 03 Dec 2020, 15:30
Governor Gavin "Gruesome" Newsome shut the State of California down again, except instead of going by counties, it's by "regions". I can't wait to see how closely those "regions" correlate with electoral districts. We also get to see $100mil of aid get shuffled over to corporations again, and watch as none of it reaches small businesses. We can also watch as he and every other politician in this godforsaken country lays down rules for "thee, not for me".

I would be 100% on board with a shelter-in-place again IF there were an actual reliable way for people to not get completely fucked over by it. Like. I want this virus to fuck off back to the hole it came from, regardless where that may be, but starvation can kill just as easily, and I've already gotten pretty fuckin close to it this year. Last time this SIP shit went down, it was 4-5 months before unemployment even got back to me. And I still had to verify the weeks where my working hours were reduced due to Rona.

At least Melissa and I are doing well. We've been going on long drives, and long walks in open spaces. Changing up the scenery. I've been practicing more guitar. I had a little hiccup with the practice routine a couple weeks ago when I was making a crème brulee at work and accidentally dripped melted sugar on my left hand index finger. (Let me tell you, that shit might as well be kitchen napalm. Holy fuck that hurt.) Didn't stop me for long though. Slapped a bandage on that shit and powered through it. Learned how to play the guitar part to "Say So" by Doja Cat, much to Melissa's delight (she fucking loves that song and that artist).

Oh yeah, guitar nerds: I bought my first Fender Stratocaster recently. It's the Vintera 60s Strat in ice blue. It is way too fucking good for words. I'll post pictures in the appropriate thread.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Thrillho on 03 Dec 2020, 15:47
Oh yeah, guitar nerds: I bought my first Fender Stratocaster recently. It's the Vintera 60s Strat in ice blue. It is way too fucking good for words. I'll post pictures in the appropriate thread.

DUDE
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Gnabberwocky on 03 Dec 2020, 17:53
I'll add "Kitchen Napalm" to my list of potential band names.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: LeeC on 26 Dec 2020, 11:52
So I went to Burger King (I know, bad) and decided to get the Impossible Whopper and try it. With a tag line like "100% whopper, 0% beef" and people saying they can't taste the difference, I have always wanted to try it. I never did because I was worried that I wouldn't like it and feel scammed for having bought it and so would stuck to my regular. Today I mustard up the courage and got it. I wish I could say it tasted like a whopper, but sadly I think this place doesn't gets many impossible whopper orders, because whomever prepared mine, burnt it. Now to its credit, it did taste like a burnt burger, and not say a burnt anything else, but it just didn't taste like a whopper.  Probably because it was burnt. I am hesitant on trying it again in hopes of getting a correctly cooked one, since I may just get another burnt burger. What gets me about it is I think the people there knew they burnt the burger and instead of just throwing it out and trying again, they tried to cover it up by putting extra mayo and half a head of lettuce on it.

tl;dr: I got cheated out of a possible good impossible burger by a terrible fry cook.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Pilchard123 on 26 Dec 2020, 11:57
As a heads-up, "jipped" or "gypped" is likely to be from a stereotype of Romani people being cheats or swindlers (https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/gyp).
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: LeeC on 26 Dec 2020, 12:04
Weird, I did not know that. I only ever seen it written as "jipped" but seeing it written as "gypped" would have tipped me off to it. Looking at your link, the verb may have also originated from Ancient Greek word for Vulture and was used as a way to describe a thieving house servant.

I am wondering if that's where the term gypsy comes from. The Romani people traveled through the area and got it as a derogatory name from the Greeks and it stuck as they spread through Europe. I have also seen the term "gypsy" applied to non Romani people in the modern era. Usually describing grifters from a marginal part of society, and ones that move around a lot. Like the Irish Traveller community in the UK (also called pikies), and people in touristy areas of Europe that try to steal or rip off tourists, but are not Romani.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: jwhouk on 26 Dec 2020, 17:49
I have tried the Impossible Whopper. I was less than impressed.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Wingy on 26 Dec 2020, 19:06
My wife and I went vegan for a spell.  Any replacement meat is just that, a replacement.  The harder they try to get the same taste and mouthfeel of meat, the worse it tastes in our experience.  We've had the pea-based protein burgers and were also not impressed.  And in my case, neither was my lower tract.

We stayed vegan for a few years, then I got bored (I do the cooking) and have slowly substituted back a few meat items.  We now eat the occasional fish dish and I've found a turkey burger that tastes pretty good and microwaves or BBQs nicely.  Add in a turkey pepperoni and once in a great while some bacon and that pretty much covers out flesh-eating, as Spock would say.  We eat meat meals once or twice a week at most.  It's been almost 20 years since I've had more than an incidental amount of beef  or non-bacon pork.  Don't miss it; no plans to go back to daily meat.

Eating out is a different story - eating vegetarian can be very difficult.  We stick to chicken/fish when eating out and don't eat out all that often, so I don't really count that.  When asked, I just tell people we're mostly vegetarians and don't worry about it.  Just don't serve us beef or pork and most people get it, nor is it particularly onerous on them to match our dietary choices.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: LTK on 27 Dec 2020, 08:55
I've been a vegetarian for maybe seven years out of convenience more than conviction, and I've never felt the need to add meat substitutes to my meals. You have a million vegetarian cooking blogs to get recipes from and with those, you know you're getting the intended version of what you're making rather than a meat dish with a subpar replacement. (Well, if you're a decent cook at least.) I use a variety of beans, lentils, and grains in my cooking and I've never felt like I'm missing a thing. However, I still use eggs and dairy semi-regularly, so I can see how vegan cooking could get a bit dull without those, but some of my favourite meals are vegan so there's plenty of room to work even excluding everything meat and meat-like.

That being said, I have tried some meat substitutes from a few delivery restaurants, and there's one called the Future Burger that I really liked. I wouldn't mistake it for the real thing, but that doesn't matter; it just tastes really good. It also helps that the restaurant uses quality ingredients for the rest of the burger: they use proper bread for the bun, instead of the dry, spongy stuff that usually passes for hamburger buns.

I've not tried the Impossible Whopper but even when I still ate meat, Burger King tasted awful to me. If their meat substitutes are gross, then I'd sooner attribute it to Burger King in general being gross than meat substitutes per se.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Morituri on 27 Dec 2020, 11:00
I have pretty much given up eating pork and mutton/lamb.  Not out of concern for my health but because of ethical considerations. I think they're too smart to use as food.  (Sheep are stupid, but still smarter than cattle IMO.  Pigs are actually surprisingly not-stupid.)

I am willing to eat beef occasionally (I may go through as much as ten pounds of it a year), but the vast majority of my meat intake is farmed fish, chicken or turkey.  At the holidays I may have goose; a rare treat when I'm eating out is duck or rabbit.  All told though?  I'm probably eating less than a half-ounce of meat a day on average. I live mostly on fruit, vegetables, baked goods, and dairy products.

Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: hedgie on 27 Dec 2020, 12:48
Heh.  I’ve mostly cut beef out, since it’s the most environmentally destructive.  While pigs may be smart, they’d eat me if given half a chance, so fair is fair.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: LeeC on 27 Dec 2020, 16:45
Going to the more exotic foods, I have had Moose, Kangaroo, Crocodile, and Ostrich. Ostrich was pretty good, but something about moose just taste really good.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: hedgie on 27 Dec 2020, 18:01
I’m really sad that the place that had ostrich burgers here closed down.  IIRC, the owners retired, and didn’t have a buyer.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 01 Jan 2021, 14:40
I had bear once.

Today I laughed at a Dilbert cartoon.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Thrillho on 08 Jan 2021, 15:59
Ostrich burgers were some of the best I'd ever tasted.

I'm vegetarian these days but had a garbage diet anyway, so all the bogus meat products that are made are great for me. I mean if you're a fan of a proper frank-style hot dog, then the vegetarian versions taste damn near identical because they're so processed anyway. Ditto any fake fried chicken strips.

I also strongly recommend the Linda McCartney-branded stuff.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 20 Jan 2021, 15:36
My father got his first vaccine dose today.

I have a good friend who is caretaker to an octogenarian mother. They get vaccinated today.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 20 Jan 2021, 16:14
I am not vegetarian; but I don't like imitations because they're never quite right.  However, I always liked the old "vegeburgers" (and matching sausages), because I simply liked them - they weren't anything like meat, and were all the better for it.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: hedgie on 20 Jan 2021, 16:29
There are some really good ones that I enjoy as well.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Wombat on 20 Jan 2021, 17:52
I'm vegetarian as well. I like many of the imitations, though imitation white meat tends to be more iffy for me.  Sometimes I prefer a good veggie burger to an imitation-meat burger (also, they tend to be cheaper). And when I tried breakfast sausage before becoming vegetarian, I never cared for it, but now I regularly eat a vegetarian alternative that I guess I just like more than the real thing.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: LeeC on 20 Jan 2021, 19:30
I was just reminded that my Mongolian Sister-in-Law brought over horse jerky once upon a time ago and it was delicious.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 21 Jan 2021, 10:12
After four years I have changed my avatar back to what it used to be.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 21 Jan 2021, 10:13
You had changed it to something other than the cat in the radiator?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: LTK on 21 Jan 2021, 15:39
Oh god I knew it changed but I can't for the life of me remember what it was before. How can you see something every day for four years and not remember it??

Also, isn't it mirrored now?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 21 Jan 2021, 15:53
I agree cats are more memorable than the Statue of Liberty, but maybe they're less symbolic.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Case on 21 Jan 2021, 20:24
Also, isn't it mirrored now?

Yup.

Also smaller?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: LeeC on 24 Jan 2021, 22:26
I got a new pair of athletic shorts to wear around the house and to bed. Its peculiar though. I am guessing the designer has had problems putting on athletic shorts in the past, because these shorts are impossible to put on backwards. There is a draw string on both front and back on the inside lining, and the pockets don't conform to either front or back and can easily be re-adjusted by just putting your hands in your pockets.

This is probably a dumb thing to post, but I just find it fascinating that someone designed it this way.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Patrick on 30 Jan 2021, 21:44
I got a new pair of athletic shorts to wear around the house and to bed. Its peculiar though. I am guessing the designer has had problems putting on athletic shorts in the past, because these shorts are impossible to put on backwards. There is a draw string on both front and back on the inside lining, and the pockets don't conform to either front or back and can easily be re-adjusted by just putting your hands in your pockets.

This is probably a dumb thing to post, but I just find it fascinating that someone designed it this way.

Athletic clothing design is super cool and smart, ngl. In related news, Melissa started getting me an Adidas tracksuit for my birthday on Jan 1, and it is finally complete:

(https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/144391985_10220775289345757_7514545425426562738_o.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=2&_nc_sid=09cbfe&_nc_ohc=AIW21N67ilkAX_A8yXP&_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.xx&oh=ea39b34b68442f6bda06cc6b62db1de9&oe=603C93D6)

Entirely unrelated: I play way too much fucking Rocket League.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 17 Feb 2021, 14:10
As of this past Sunday, I now live in Canada. I’m starting a new job at a company in Ontario. And I’m in quarantine for two weeks and rather bored.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: hedgie on 17 Feb 2021, 16:05
Congrats on making it to somewhere less crazy.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: jwhouk on 17 Feb 2021, 17:22
Congrats on making it to somewhere less crazy.

That's... debatable.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 19 Feb 2021, 19:10
Congrats on making it to somewhere less crazy.

That's... debatable.
I am in the province that elected Doug Ford, after all...
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 20 Mar 2021, 21:07
Today I had an accidental spill that put most of a plate of cookies onto a muddy parking lot.

I wasted chocolate. That is a mortal sin. I will spend eternity in Nerd Hell, composing DCBs for IEBGENER.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 05 Apr 2021, 02:26
Easter Bank Holiday, and it's snowing outside right now....
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Thrillho on 05 Apr 2021, 05:31
It did indeed snow today. Yesterday I was sat in my garden at this time in just a t-shirt and thin sweater.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 05 Apr 2021, 15:21
And five days ago it was shorts and a t-shirt.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 18 Apr 2021, 23:46
Someone at the dog park recognized the "Dogs: They're Good" T-shirt I was wearing and chatted with me about QC.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: ankhtahr on 22 Apr 2021, 06:09
I fell of an e-scooter today, at about 20km/h. Would not recommend.

At least I got a ride in an ambulance out of it and got to serve as an example to a medical student about checking inner organs via ultrasound.

Now I have bruised bones (shoulder and pelvis) and two broken ribs.

But hey, in the end I'm not severely injured and am mainly in pain. Got a prescription for Ibuprofen and have been excused from work for the rest of the week.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 25 Apr 2021, 04:33
Now I know why the dogs have been barking at the end of the garden - I put a wild-life camera over the fence last night:

https://cassland.org/videos/foxes/ (https://cassland.org/videos/foxes/)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: LeeC on 25 Apr 2021, 09:04
I fell of an e-scooter today, at about 20km/h. Would not recommend.
Hope you heal quickly. That sucks.

Now I know why the dogs have been barking at the end of the garden
Is that an egg in there or just a nice smooth round rock? Also, cute kits.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 26 Apr 2021, 07:42
It's an orange...  It seems that foxes don't fancy oranges!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: hedgie on 26 Apr 2021, 07:46
It’s a banana.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Patrick on 28 Apr 2021, 01:58
Someone at the dog park recognized the "Dogs: They're Good" T-shirt I was wearing and chatted with me about QC.

my bassist/bestie has a Coffee of Doom mug, and we definitely had already known each other for, like, 8 years before I discovered this. we were pretty pleased to learn it though.

today I learned that I like kimchi
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Akima on 29 Apr 2021, 17:34
Kimchi is excellent! So is 泡菜 (pàocài pron. "pao-tsai", is a similar fermented/pickled vegetable dish) especially served with congee for breakfast.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 29 Apr 2021, 20:32
My wife got dose 2 today.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Patrick on 05 May 2021, 00:30
Kimchi is excellent! So is 泡菜 (pàocài pron. "pao-tsai", is a similar fermented/pickled vegetable dish) especially served with congee for breakfast.

Just looked it up, and it sounds delicious.

My wife got dose 2 today.

hoooooo buddy. how fun was day 2?
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Morituri on 05 May 2021, 09:34
Speaking for myself:  Day 2 after the 2nd dose isn't particularly fun.

Lots of muscle aches, especially in the arm that got injected.  Some joint pain.  Headache.  Fatigue.  Shortness of breath.  Mild nausea/lack of appetite.  I particularly noticed that when I took a walk, the 'muscles have been thoroughly exercised' feeling in my legs lingered for several hours instead of clearing up in a half-hour.  These are all fairly mild symptoms.  You'd feel worse than that if you'd just got a bad cold or something. But don't expect to be at the top of your game. 

The side effects are consistent with a very mild case of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, now that I think of it.  But for me they cleared up by the fourth day.

Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 07 May 2021, 10:10
For me it never got past a minimal fever and chill and a strong desire to lie down, with some loss of higher brain function. By day 3, it was all cleared up.

My wife is still having problems a week after.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Grognard on 07 May 2021, 15:22
So I went to my Cardiologist for a standard followup on Wednesday.
Pollen count is stupid high and I mowed the grass Tuesday evening: I'm stuffy and face feels like I bathed in pepper spray.
DR requested I take a Covid test since allergies can mask an infection.
uh. okay.  i like this DR, so I let him do a Rapide test.
He checks my cardio stuff, has blood test pulled, etc.
Even took time to remind me I'm 65 lbs overweight.
But no recent cardio events, so we're good.
Nurse returns with Covid test:
I"m positive.
hooo-ray.

No symptoms Wednesday or Thursday. 
This morning felt like shit. 
Severe joint pain & a  fuckme level migraine.
feeling better tonight.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 07 May 2021, 15:31
Oh shit. Speedy recovery!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Farideh on 07 May 2021, 18:04
That sucks, best wishes for a quick recovery!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Akima on 08 May 2021, 20:42
Nurse returns with Covid test: I"m positive.
Poor thing. Look after yourself, and get well soon.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Grognard on 09 May 2021, 20:31
Saturday was a bitch and I've spent Sunday with what feels like a bowling ball sitting on my chest.
Intermittent headaches.
awoke at 0300 in breaking fever sweat.
but my breathing is good and clear.
it really is weird.
22.5 hours a day, I feel fine.
it's just those 90 minutes that fuk up my day.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 09 May 2021, 21:57
Do you want a pulse oximeter? If those are still hard to get hold of you can have mine. PM me an address.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Grognard on 13 May 2021, 11:45
thank you.
but I've got two nurses in the family, and as of Monday, there's now 3 pulse oximeters at my house.
I'm feeling better today, but
Monday, Tue, Wed. were all ass-kickers.
scariest is getting caught by a coughing fit, which feels like my lungs want to detach.
then seeing the pulse oximeters showing 120+ bpm with O2 saturation of only 72.
I'm not sure what got prescribed, but it was a Major League cough suppressant with something for pain.
... and I've had to stay right exactly on it: a dose every four hours.

today is better.  general achiness and a light cough (post nasal drainage... my eternal enemy)
chest only feels like I got kicked by horse wearing cleats.

but I'm lucky.  I've got a family full of Medical pros who are able to treat me.  No hospital for me, hopefully.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 13 May 2021, 13:10
Speedy recovery!

Pardon my presumption offering unsolicited advice, but if you haven't already, do get vaccinated once you're clear of this. The research has been done. A case plus a vaccine dose gives far higher antibody levels than just recovering from a case.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Grognard on 13 May 2021, 16:48
I was of the mind to treat the VAX like Windows10 ... let it be out in the wild for a year to allow for others to debug it.

...and now in Health as in IT Life ... Microsoft did an auto patch forcible install, so I got it anyway.

I'm thinking my job will be requiring me to get the VAX now anyway.

of about 125-ish people in the building, there has been 20-24 cases.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 13 May 2021, 22:04
The people who spend their lives knowing about vaccines say that if something is going to go wrong, it will turn up within weeks, two months absolute top. I'm pretty paranoid but after doing my own research I was eager to get vaccinated.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: LeeC on 23 Jun 2021, 18:37
Well an elderly lady flipped me off today. I picked up some fast food to take home with my kids in the back seat. Traffic getting into the neighborhood was pretty bad that I had to wait for oncoming traffic to let me through so I could get into my neighborhood. I could see this sedan with said lady trying to merge in with them but since it was bumper to bumper and I have no idea how long she was waiting there, she decided to turn around and go back into the neighborhood (I am guessing to find another way onto the main road). A nice person from the oncoming traffic waved me through and I entered the neighborhood. I was right behind said lady. Normally its a 25mph residential area (there are signs saying the speed limit) and she was going at a crawling 10-15mph. Now I don't think I was riding her tail, I did not roll my window down and yell, and I did not flash my lights. I just followed her as she crawled very slowly up the hill. by the time we crested it she put on her hazard lights and pulled over (I assumed she wanted me to pass, or maybe she was lost and needed to get her bearings) so I went around her. I looked over and she gave me the nastiest face and the the bird to boot! I returned the favor and kept going. I could see in the distance that she came back into the lane and forgot to turn off her hazards. I meant no ill will to this lady, and I am willing to give her the benefit of the doubt that she was just having a bad day, but it was rather funny to think that she was that pissed off that she pulled over to flip me off.  Again I don't think I was driving aggressively\assertively, in fact most drivers in this area seem to drive very impatiently compared to me, but I guess I followed too closely that she thought I was being a jerk.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 23 Jun 2021, 19:12
One thing I’ve noticed about the part of Canada I moved to is the drivers here tend to be colossal assholes. Considering I moved here from the Chicago area, that’s saying something. My current theory for why is that people here feel that they can get away with being an asshole, because they can be fairly confident that the person in the other car is not armed.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: LeeC on 23 Jun 2021, 19:15
Yeah, when I moved here I noticed people drive like assholes here. My wife told me they're called Massholes. That isn't to say we didn't have asshole drivers back in the DC area, but the frequent impatience and aggressive driving is rather surprising.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Farideh on 23 Jun 2021, 19:21
Christchurch, New Zealand as a city is pretty bad with aggressive drivers as well. One of the worst in the country (a dubious honor indeed). Seems to have gotten worse since the earthquakes 10 years ago, unsurprisingly.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 08 Jul 2021, 17:05
Just got back home from visiting a relative in a red state. 38% vaccination and almost no masks.

A home antigen test was negative.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Gnabberwocky on 08 Jul 2021, 19:05
That's...I hesitate to say good, but it's the best it could be given the circumstances.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 12 Jul 2021, 17:37
Speaking of COVID, I'm feeling a touch pleased with myself.

A friend's dream vacation to Spain had to be postponed for the pandemic but after a long time she and her new boyfriend made it there. They can't come back for two weeks because he tested positive. They're in sparkling isolation. She did not have an additional two weeks of prescriptions. She's diabetic. She was having a real problem getting hold of a doctor. The embassy wouldn't even talk to her. She was working up to a plan B of making such a stink that the police would get involved.

These days, you imagine the ideal solution to something and Google it. I searched for English-speaking telemedicine Spain. I sent her a couple of the results. She checked. One of them especially does prescriptions.

Not out of the woods yet, because the prescriptions have to be transported to the sparkling isolation hotel somehow, but way better than it was.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: jwhouk on 20 Jul 2021, 21:05
Fear the Deer!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 21 Jul 2021, 10:18
Within two day a big bag of her prescriptions had been delivered to the hotel. Sometimes this Internet thing is useful.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 27 Aug 2021, 18:19
I was walking across carpet when the frame of my glasses broke and a lens started to fall out. It took a week, but I got a new set of frames under warranty (they were maybe four months old). The night after I got them, I was reading in bed and heard a pop and felt the weight shift as the lens came loose.

I have asked that the next frames come from a different supplier.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Thrillho on 28 Sep 2021, 14:51
So I've not been around as much, you may not have noticed, but yeah basically

Your boy's got RSI

In both wrists!

As a direct result of sedentary Covid living!

For those playing along at home, I am a musician, video gamer, serial forum user and I work professionally in administration.

So uh. It fucking sucks.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Farideh on 28 Sep 2021, 15:03
That sucks, I'm so sorry :(
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: jwhouk on 28 Sep 2021, 18:07
Think we call it Repetitive Motion Syndrome, but I get it. And ouch.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Tova on 30 Sep 2021, 00:14
Yeah, that sucks. For what it's worth, I've been through that (only one wrist admittedly, not both).

Definitely awful, but I was able to fully recover. Hang in there, and don't rush your recovery.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 06 Oct 2021, 09:59
Wishing you a full recovery.

Our house is without water all day while a plumber takes care of things that have been, uh, not sparking joy, for years.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 07 Oct 2021, 13:02
Yesterday I sat in a huge cushy chair in a luxury theater seeing the best Star Trek movie ever made.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 09 Oct 2021, 16:00
I’m in the U.S. for the first time since February, and the thing that sticks out to me now is that Nobody. Wears. Masks. Anywhere. It’s weird.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 10 Oct 2021, 17:20
What part of the US? People are almost 100% masked in my enlightened bubble.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 10 Oct 2021, 17:36
Well, I've stopped at several places in New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland so far. Masks were very rare. Nobody has hassled me over wearing my mask, but I'm almost the only person who does so.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: hedgie on 11 Oct 2021, 08:46
Where I am in California, they’re really common, even outdoors.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 23 Oct 2021, 13:49
We thought the printer was dead, since it wouldn't even work over USB after a power cycle. Was not looking forward to replacing it. But played a hunch that there might be a hard reset in the setup menus. There was. Had to re-enter a five word Diceware passphrase for the wireless network with arrow keys next, but it's printing over wi-fi again now.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Akima on 27 Oct 2021, 05:20
Thumbs up for Diceware.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 24 Nov 2021, 10:23
Too bad so many places have password policies that reject Diceware passphrases.

The latest news is that someone in my elderly and sick father's pod tested positive. Everybody's vaccinated, at least.

EDIT:

My dad's test results came back negative.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 25 Nov 2021, 12:21
For example, I just tried to change a Paypal password. I clicked Save and there was no response, neither confirmation nor an error message. Eventually I noticed that the password length requirements I had breezed past (minimum 8, yawn) also had a maximum length of 20 and I'd had my password manager set to generate 26  character passwords. No way to get a secure passphrase through that.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 26 Nov 2021, 09:00
Another person in my dad's pod just came back positive. It's the one who usually drops in on him every morning for coffee and, unspoken, to make sure he's all right.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 30 Dec 2021, 18:09
I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Akima on 31 Dec 2021, 15:50
What is a Holiday Inn Express? I don't remember any Holiday Inn I stayed at being anything better than the hotel equivalent of Burger King. The company I worked for in my regular-US-travelling days normally stuck me in Best Western, the snack-dispensing-machine of hotels.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: pwhodges on 31 Dec 2021, 16:11
The Express version is Holiday Inn's "upper economy" offering, originally with reduced facilities (e.g. no room service, pool, fitness centre).  They now generally have most of these facilities, but are placed in less central or smart areas.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: cesium133 on 31 Dec 2021, 17:20
IICIH is referring to an ad campaign for Holiday Inn Express that involved people appearing really smart, and when asked how they became so smart, they answer “I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night.”
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: LeeC on 24 Jan 2022, 10:02
I've noticed an interesting dynamic between my two little girls (ages 2 and 3). The 3 year old (M) loves being a princess and will often be a princess in distress when daddy is being a monster/dinosaur/bad-guy chasing them. My youngest (C) seems to want to be the knight that fights off the dinosaur/monster/bad-guy and will often run from the other side of the house if she hears M cry for help. C will pretend to fight me and beat me up to save her sister. Another example is on the playground outside. I may grab M's leg when they're in the tower and make octopus noises (from Bluey) and C will say "I save you" and she'll try to pry my hand off the leg. Its incredibly cute. She also seems to be into swords. I played a French Hussar video on youtube out of boredom (I was on a Napoleonic War kick and it was in the recommended videos) and C came over from the other room and saw the Hussar pictures, swords raised high while on horseback, and she thrust a fist to the sky to imitate them and dance along.
https://i.imgur.com/0dgdVnf.mp4 (https://i.imgur.com/0dgdVnf.mp4)
What is a good age to get a kid to start fencing? I kid, but I am tempted to get her like a foam sword so she can play knight and princess with her older sister.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: hedgie on 24 Jan 2022, 10:25
You probably want to start them only, since the consequences of getting caught are much higher the older one gets, and people generally make mistakes as they learn.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Morituri on 24 Jan 2022, 19:33
So, wait... at this age, your daughter is already a shameless hussar?

Congratulations!  (And never ever tell her why that was funny).

Foam sword - probably a good idea.  Fencing lessons - Probably not before third grade at the earliest.

But she's a kid.  By Third Grade she'll be on Dinosaurs, collecting bugs, fairy tales, and some kid-catering singer who hasn't even started to get popular yet.  After going through sixteen other things on the way. 

Kids are little maniacs, and I mean that in the absolute best possible way.  It is entirely normal for kids to learn by constantly devoting effort to a constantly shifting set of manias. They do deep-dive learning on whatever the subject of their most recent obsession, and then after a while the obsession changes and she goes from, I dunno, a mania for dance lessons to a mania for track and field events.

Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Farideh on 24 Jan 2022, 19:35
Agreed. We never let our kids do a course on anything unless they ask for it for several weeks. No, I am not going to buy you fishing gear based on a whim (true story)!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: hedgie on 24 Jan 2022, 19:58
Foam sword - probably a good idea.  Fencing lessons - Probably not before third grade at the earliest.

Of course, real swords are more educational:
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: LeeC on 25 Jan 2022, 07:45
I've only ever seen the comic version of this. Seeing the video was great!

(https://i.imgur.com/r2fW2o7.jpg)

Yeah I meant the fencing lessons as a joke, but I think the foam sword may be a good idea. Probably get one for her older sister too so they can duel/defend each other from the next monster attack.

edit: maybe some helmets too.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 19 Feb 2022, 22:50
I just need to avoid DIY plumbing.

The latest failure started with trying to replace a toilet's wax ring. This is generally considered a simple job. I wound up with parts not staying in place, situations that YouTube University did not address, and it climaxed with cracking the tank.

Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Gnabberwocky on 09 Mar 2022, 21:08
I started playing Ultimate last spring. I'd gone to various pickup games and whatnot on and off before, but never in any kind of organized capacity.

Not only is that the most fun and most satisfying sport that exists, it attracts the kindest groups of people on the face of the planet.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: LeeC on 12 Mar 2022, 06:10
So I like to put together and paint miniatures and haven't done it in a long time. I decided to get back on track and build some space marines from the Horus Heresy game. After putting some together I felt like the torsos and legs were out of proportion so badly that I couldn't stick on their accessories (knives, ammo pouches, grenades, etc) with out really cluttering up the model and was largely unhappy with them. Then I saw that people were getting some "true scale" torso and legs from this company called Tortuga Bay, so I bought some and I put them together and they look really snazzy and I can't wait to prime them so I can paint them (once the temperature outside is warm enough). I was getting excited and was building the army in my head, looking up other models and what bodies from TB I could get them. And then I saw they were in Ukraine and my order was one of the last ones before the Russian invasion.
 :psyduck:
They are effectively shut down as they had to evacuate themselves and their families because their city was under siege. This was rather harrowing to find out, and although I do not know them personally, I do feel connected to them in a way. Apparently you can keep up with them on their journey through these tough times on instagram. So I signed up for instagram last night and was going through their recent posts. Now I've been seeing a lot of footage on reddit of the invasion and its really strange to see unedited videos of what is unarguably people being killed. I mean I remember seeing the Afghan and Iraqi invasions on TV, but those were usually journalists filming from afar or edited footage sent from the military, but seeing these up close and personal videos and watching TB's evacuation with jets blowing up the city just blows my mind. It made me understand the level of social technology we have now on a new level. And then instagram started suggesting friends to me. Which was fine, I signed up with my google account and it was suggesting facebook friends from when I had facebook years ago. But then it suggested people I met long after I left facebook. Long after I moved up the coast. In fact it was suggesting my 3 neighbors I am friendly with as instagram friends. Now I am rather tempted to delete the account.

(https://i.imgur.com/4ao73O6.gif)
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 30 Jun 2022, 15:21
I'm getting money for my exercise program. It turns out that not only will people pay you to take walks outside, they'll even lend you their dogs!
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: LeeC on 18 Sep 2022, 19:22
Recently we found Witch's eggs in the front yard by the Pine tree.

(click to show/hide)

Its a fungus that eventually sprouts and becomes smelly to attract flies to help spread its spores. I convinced my 2 daughters (3 and 4 yo) that they are real witch's eggs. That a witch laid them in hiding and would come back for them when they were ready. We kept checking on them before or after coming home from school until they all eventually disappeared. I told them not to touch them since the witch may come back looking for them and that if you harm a witch's egg, they'll come after you.. They were very careful around them. Well fast forward a couple of weeks after they disappeared. I had the girls kicking mushrooms in the front yard and my eldest daughter saw one and kicked it, thinking it was a mushroom and not a witch's egg. I asked her if it was a witch s egg, she said no (a lie). I said, "Okay, but if it was the witch will come after you." She again said it wasn't a witch's egg. So we went for a walk down our familiar street. She then started holding my hand and said she was scared. I asked her why and she just shook her head. I asked her what she was afraid of. She said the witch. I asked her again if it really was a witch's egg and she said it was. I told her that she should always come and tell me the truth so I could help and protect her. So I told her I knew how to protect her and we should go home so I could perform a witch protection ritual on her. So the three of us went to our back porch. My youngest sat and watched us. I had my eldest stand with her eyes close. I got some salt and made a circle around her (something I saw on hocus pocus and I knew she'd recognize) and made her make the sign of the cross a few times and turn around (something from Pirates of the Caribbean and Muppet treasure island, again something she'd remember seeing). After that I told her to open her eyes and she was now fine and the witch would leave her alone and not know she broke the egg. She asked me not to tell mommy so I said okay. The whole thing was cute. I later did tell my wife and while she thought it was cute, she is the more superstitious of the two of us and asked me to be careful about that kind of thing.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 18 Oct 2022, 20:40
25th anniversary today.
Title: Re: Blog Thread 5: A New Beginning
Post by: Farideh on 19 Oct 2022, 00:03
Congratulations!