Hmmm.... decisions, decisions.

Today is January 19th 2007. I was trying to decide whether to discuss "The 10 most influential women in history" or dedicate this blog entry to celebrate my father's 80th birthday.

Born in Buffalo, NY in 1927. From what I can put together, it seemed as if he grew up similarly to one of the 'little rascals'. I'm not too sure which one he would have been, but more likely he would have hung out with Butch, rather that Alfalfa. I'd have to count to be sure, but had 6 other siblings, and he is now the oldest of those remaining. His father lived to be... I'm pretty sure 96 years old. So, you never can tell how much Dad has left. He seems pretty healthy for an 80 year old. As a youth, he went to war in Korea, and worked many blue collar and factory jobs afterwards.

He has always been pretty handy with things, and Nukie and I likely attempt similar tasks because of his influence. To an outsider, my father can come across as loud, tough, closed-minded, stubborn and grouchy. But, he's a good, honest guy with a giving heart. I have very good memories of my childhood.

"Happy Birthday Dad" !!!!!

Over there.

I believe it was Sunday when the DSL stopped working. I've been down this road about 3 other times in the past and have realized that calling Verizon's tech support is just about the last thing I'd like to put myself through. But, alas... it came to that.

Day one: The first guy hung up on me. I think he got aggravated that I wasn't speaking his native language.

Day two and three: Spoke to a few more people, each trying to take me down the same path of turning the pc on and off, turning the modem on and off, and my banging my head against the desk. But they were very polite while not listening to what I was trying to convey.

Day four: more aggravation and YES.... I did what I said I was trying not to do. I lost it again. Just like the donut shop - remember that ! I was rambling and complaining to the guy - including my complaint of the lack of speaking English. I think he took offense. He got to the point that he didn't want to talk to me any longer - and transferred me to one of his wives.

(I know I'm being bad here... but, I've had it).

No, my DSL isn't working yet. But, on the bright side. After hearing words over and over - I believe I learned how to call someone an American *sshol* in 'overseas tech support' language.

Tagged by DJN

I've been tagged by DJN (my first tag).

I am to list five things that you don't know about me. That should be easy... and I'll keep it clean.


1. I have three daughters, and one dog (he's the oldest).

2. I own an old car that I actually have no idea where it is. I guess that means I had an old car.

3. I have no problem falling asleep at night or even for naps. At night, once my head hits the pillow I decide to fall asleep, and I do (probably within two minutes). Kind of like a shutdown for a PC. Addendum: I wrote 1, 2 and 3 just before lunch and then took a nap in my car (really).

4. My dog is old and probably only has a year to two to live, but I wouldn't sell him for any amount of money.

5. I'll be 40 years old in May of 2007, and it doesn't really bother me.

8 days a week - Or so it feels...

A little bit about me...

This is where I am for 45 hours a week. I was told that I shouldn't count lunch hours when counting my work hours, but I'm not home... I'm counting it.

I was told by Nukie that I wasn't allowed to post a picture of my cube; something about anonymity. But, I figured - If Nukie could post his ISP login and password, then I can post three pictures of my cube.

The three pictures show the following:

I work in a cube, and I have a shared area (not really shown in the pictures). That is too say, that my cube connects to another cube with a common area. This is by choice... I had a shared cube when I first started this job back in 1991, and somehow through many moves of buildings and crews - I usually ended up with one. I think it's the only one in the company. I think going to a normal cube would feel too small.

Special etiquette comes along with having a shared cube. You can't just bring in a donut and eat it. Ya gotta think of the other guy too. My cube mate is on a diet now - so the donut thing is on hold for a while.

There are also company rules for this sea of cubes. You will see in the picture to the right, that there is a clump of something there. That is where I put my coat. Not only is it against the rules, the company just sent out another e-mail to remind people to use the closets.

And, see that gap there. Don't you think that they could find a small wall section to fill that gap. There are two people that actually use that as a cut through. Hard to believe isn't it.

There are rules about things poking above the cube walls; simply not allowed. I think they get a hedge trimmer every so often and cut down anything that found its way beyond the wall. This includes people... If you're talking to someone, the powers that be have made it known, that you should sit down below the wall height so that you are not interrupting others. I think that there was a person or two who got hit by the hedge trimmer. Sure - The company said they quit or got fired, but I don't believe them.

ODEO

Just a quick note to those posting audio files... I'm not sure if it is a problem with HOW it was done, or with ODEO in general. I haven't posted an audio blog yet... But, if you do - be careful what you reveal.

I noticed that someone posted an audio blog, and from it I was able to obtain their login information (including password).

Hey Nukie, I logged in to your Internet Provider account... and changed your password. Call me for your new password.

Lets be careful out there !

- Wakanuki