In this humidity (although, now the weather weenies are pointing our attention to the dew point any more, rather than the humidity level) the quilting is a tough (and s-l-o-w) go.
It's almost enough to make me wish I liked digging ditches instead of quilting. But I have to get this project done, and it's not going down easily.
Blaaaaaaahhghgh!
In fact, I responded to four different positions in four surrounding cities for the same organization yesterday, and I was delighted to get the message from Brian when I walked in the door!
It's been so long since I've spoken with anyone about anything (job-wise), that I am afraid I am going to trip over my tongue.
I've already phoned in my response to the HR person's call, and left a message on her voicemail, so I guess now we wait and see how long before she gets back to me.
Prayers muttered, finger's crossed. I'll let you know how it goes - when it goes........if it goes.
The material is so damp that it won't slide over the bed of the machine (under the needle) without a tremendous amount of effort. The stitches either end up too long or the material becomes hung up, causing the needle to drop in the same place twice. The later issue causes an ultra-short stitch length or a build up, just because I can't get the material to move!!
This is the second lost day to the crap weather, and time is desperately short for this project!!!!!
[primal scream]
Maybe I belong in Norway....or Nova Scotia.
Oh!....or Newfoundland.
Wherever it is, I certainly do not belong here, in this state...or, maybe even this country.
I would miss my sons, for I am also certain they would not want to come with me, but I would have the cats - and that's enough. Except for my mom and my kids, they are all the family I have; and what are you without family?
OK, besides 'alone,' I mean. Smart asses.
So, yes. I guess my issues today are the crap weather and my family.
Ah, I dunno, it's Michigan, after all. Let's see if things don't improve in ten minutes. And if not "improve," then at least change.
I LOVE a good success story. Don't you?
Too much vigorous ranting, lately. But hey - I've got a pretty low BP, so I must be doing something right!
I let myself become busy doing other things around here. Looking for work (as always), cleaning out storage stuff and dusting cobwebs, quilting, quilting, quilting. Aaaa, you get the idea.
I really felt as though I had nothing worthwhile to say - on anything - and therefore opted to remain silent for a few days.
Well, I guess you can tell I was still bugged by the dropped 'playdate' thing, so I posted the blog.
Oddly, I still don't feel like posting anything else, though.
I feel empty. Lackluster. Unimportant. Inconsequential.
I feel 'ho-hum.'
Finally managed to finish piecing the commissioned quilt I have been working on, both top and backing, so today will be spent stretching and basting it in preparation for quilting. With any sort of luck I will needle the first lines into by this evening. I still have ten days before it needs to be in the buyer's hands.
[sigh]
[grumble]
So, we've allowed ourselves to become used to the changes. We've actually become so used to the inevitability of not whether it would happen, but when it was going to manifest itself, that we only ever really lay bets down on the "why" of it all.
In all honesty, I think if there weren't the actual last minute changes, player swaps, and all the rest of the garbage we (Karl) has put up with over the years, it wouldn't feel right. It's become our 'normal.'
For the last six years, Karl has worked with a collective string of CLS and MRS support people, assigned to help him improve his quality of living, his social skills, his chances for employment, yadda yadda yadda. It's all just been a load of bunk!
These people have no vested interest in helping their "clients", but in simply padding their resumes, so that they can become more attractive to future employers themselves. They have all been here today and gone tomorrow.
The people at the top of the local MRS office pile have no concern for the "clients" either, and are simply in their chairs to collect a nice fat, government-funded salary - and benefits - all the while dispensing lip service to anyone bold enough to run the gauntlet of switchboard rubes and disturb their quiet day.
One will leave quite a few messages before ever receiving a reply, and the responses are usually full of air and promises, and are followed through with little to no action.
I've even called the office of the person responsible for governing the local office 'do-nothing,' and the response to that action was to ultimately receive a call from the person I complained about.
Time to don my hipwaders and scale that officious mountain a little further to go over that head as well.
Where do I have to sign up to find a job with that sort of job-security and such low expectations and so little responsibilty?
Karl's newest MRS rep is on a sort of summer vacation , after only just starting to work on Karl's case. He's new to the office, don't ya know. He explained that once the school year ends the funding for office work is reduced; consequently reducing the paid man hours for the reps; therefore, he wouldn't (most likely) be in touch with Karl until fall, when the hours and pay are back to normal, and he can once again pick up where we left off in June to help provide support for Karl in his quest to find work as a person with special needs.
Tick tock, tick tock. [crickets chirp idley in the background]
On another front, but same topic and subject (assistance for Karl): the newest CLS support person was hired and got to work, scheduling with Karl a more weekly sort of visitation/activity day, thereby almost assuring that Karl wouldn't have lost (AKA "wasted") hours from his allocation of funded support.
This was a good thing. Granted, it was another change, but a forward sort of change - so we let ourselves get excited.
Back to the jist of this post/rant:
Yet, here we are, and already the last minute phone call....sheesh! And the kid was all set to walk out the door!
I know life happens (for everybody, and some things can't be avoided), but seriously?! Every time?
If I were Karl, I would see no reason to ever desire to leave my room, either. I mean, except for a trip to the bathroom (or to the kitchen) - what's the point?
[grumble, grumble]
So, the new school year is upon us, and......
Honestly, if I had to choose one of the following as the worst case scenario (from Karl's point of view), I would have a really tough decision to make. Now that we are looking forward to hearing from the new MRS dude (because now he'll have more paid hours to work with), the question is - will Karl have a harder time gathering himself together to head out of the house for yet another meeting (with hopefully something to show for it), or will he be more dejected by having this new person meet with him for a portion of the new school/fiscal year before moving on, at which point we'll be back to a new square one?
However, I do allow myself a little news here and there, and I was saddened to learn of the passing of Helen Gurley Brown. She was a one-of-a-kind sort who took no prisoners and told it like it was. There was no sugarcoating or mincing words with that chic.
Yes, she was a bit of a 'shock jock' in the sixties and seventies, but she was exactly what the female population needed to drive home Betty Freedan's point regarding equality for women - in the boardroom, the bedroom, and everywhere in between!
Her pioneering spirit, and determination to put men in their place, will be sorely missed, cuz they broke the mold when she was cast.
Rest in peace, Ms. Brown. Sincerest condolences to your family and dear friends. Thank you for all you did to make my world a little less competitive and a lot more open. I will try to keep your significant balls rolling.
The broadcast of the closing ceremony needs to happen here in the states, but for the most part - stick a fork in it. The 2012 Summer Games are finally over.
We all do from time to time.
It's just that he chats and yaks and grumbles at people online so often that he doesn't realize he really does want some human interaction, too - and needs it.
Yesterday, he had been on the phone with Tony (a friend of his) for quite a while, when one of them decided it would be a good idea to ask if I thought it would be a good idea if Tony came over to our place, or for Karl to go over to Tony's.
My simple answer was that they should figure out if one of those choices would be to their liking. After all, did they want to get together? If yes, then that was pretty much the question answered. Of course, that decision then created another choice to tackle; which option should they choose? Karl there or Tony here?
Two Autistic youths making decisions is fun to watch unfold. Sort of like origami in reverse.
I won't go into all of the particulars, suffice it to say they eventually came to the obvious choice, and we drove over to Tony's to pick him up for the afternoon. Given the hour of the day, I figured there would be dinner to make once they became hungry enough, so I prepped for that.
'Round about 11PM I let them know it was time to wrap it up and get Tony home.
By midnight (egads!) they were ready to roll.
LOL
All of this to say, as Karl and I approached the house last night, after taking Tony home, my headlights illuminated I shape on the lawn. It was most definitely NOT cat. It was much too late for a squirrel. Possums tails are not bushy or upright (as this one was), and it wasn't moving appropriately for a racoon. I slowed my speed and got a great look as the critter turned to face us with a bit of posturing.
It was a skunk! I haven't seen one of those in a long time, but I was delighted to watch him size us up as we watched his movements.
Karl was not thrilled in the least as his mind raced quickly to the "oh-my-gawd-how-do-we-get-to-the-front-door-without-being-sprayed?" question.
Not to worry. He moved to the shadow at the backside of the large tree in our front yard, and I turned into the driveway to size up our options - and watch our little visitor a little more closely.
Somehow, he slipped away in an unknown direction, and we neither smelled nor saw him again as we dashed from the car to the door....and safety of the house.
Visitors are always welcome.
Yesterday was a real treat! LOW seventies and rain. There was very little time spent when it wasn't sprinkling or out-and-out raining. Some places had downpours, but we just had your garden-variety rain - and it was DElightful!
In fact, the rain didn't end with the yesterday. It seems it rained a good portion of the night and is raining again this morning. Began as a sprinkle, but has now become a gentle soaking sort of rain.
My only regret is for the farmers with fields of ruined crops...fields of produce which needed this rain periodically throughout the growing season. So much has been lost, and it's far too late to start over for them.
Or, is it?
If we were to have one of those sorts of late-lasting-summers-into-fall, and the ever so gentle winter like this last one, perhaps they could get a short crop out of the sunny months that still remain of 2012?
Or maybe they should just get a start on installing an irrigation system for their land for use next year. This would be the best time to invest the time and money, since it appears our global warming situation isn't likely to be any less severe next year.
In the meanwhile -
Rain, rain, glad you came. I welcome you another day!
Today, I am using a message from Robert Downey, Jr. as the basis for my quick entry. He wisely tweeted:
"skinny = anorexic, thick = obese, virgin = too good, non-virgin = slut, friendly = fake, quiet = rude. You can never please society."
To that I can only add:
"You can't please everyone, so I'll have to please myself." ~ Ricky Nelson
Not a bad day, all-in-all.
How 'bout you?
The release date has been listed as December 7, this year (2012 - in case you are reading this post years from now), but do you think the studio could do a better job of promoting it.... or setting up the web links.... or getting the name of the movie correct?
No.
No.
And, no.
It's either "Playing the Field" or "Playing for Keeps," and knowing what I know of IMDB sources, there's no sure way to be 100% positive until actual promotion begins and ads start popping up here and there.
Either way, there are going to be a good number of non-action, CG-void films to see this Christmas season, and I am going to enjoy myself!
Yea!
Couldn't get back to sleep, but that's OK. The trade-offs for being sleepy the rest of the day are fair enough.
"What trade-offs?" you ask.
Well - the weather is sufficiently cooler and less humid (and will remain so for the next five to six days or so); we had a smattering of rain yesterday, which was a blessing; and I go home in less than seven hours! See...all good!
Even better, I was witness to a lone Canada goose (the first in a LONG time) honk his arrival and land in the field next to Gram's building not more than an hour ago. Usually, this field is constantly dotted with pairs (or flocks) of geese throughout the spring, summer, and fall, but this year the weather has conspired to keep them away.
I always feel absolutely forlorn for the solo geese, though, never knowing if they're separated from their flock or their mate, or just hoping to hook up with a new group. When they arrive and find the field utterly empty, my heart aches for them with their discovery of being alone.
This fellow seems alright with it, though, and has settled in for a well-deserved rest. Currently, he is preening and relaxing in the wide open expanse of green -- probably very happy for the relative quiet and a chance to rest his wings.
Believe me, my feathered friend, I know that feeling well. Enjoy!
One thing's for sure....I shouldn't go anywhere near other folks where this could be mistaken for flirting.
Yikes.
If I don't have a stroke, I'll type more later.
[smirk]
What 'they're' thinking (above the line):
"I've got no problem with using you.
I have no interest in helping you.
I'll soon be forgetting you."
Last evening I went to a chain store to pick up a few things for the house. Once I had packed my car and deposited the cart in a nearby corral, I ambled back towards 'The Duke' and watched as a little red car pulled quickly into the spot next to mine.
Making eye contact with the passenger in the car, we acknowledged one another and smiled. I felt bad making her wait to get out while I finished my approach and got in, but the windows on the red car were still down and both occupants were still wearing seat belts, so I figured I had time.
I hopped into John Wayne and performed all of the necessary elements of safe driving - essentially just buying a little time as I expected the two women in the red car would quickly exit their vehicle and I could pull away without making them wait any further...ya know?
Well, as !$*&%#!*^$# [insert favorite or most appropriate expletive here] would have it, the woman next to me threw her door open and scraped my driver's door firmly (and very audibly) with her own door!
Of course, they both looked it over and clucked their tongues. They had determined that with a little elbow grease I could simply rub out the offending mark and never be worried over it again.
Case closed.
Off they waddled.
That's it! That tears it!
You will know it if you ever come into contact with me in a parking lot. I will not be so obliging OR apologetic about making you wait as I leave a parking space. I may even leave my cart sit beside your door as I get into my car and pull away, thereby effectively blocking your chance to maim my car with your carelessness.
You will be a hostage in your own car until I have left the area. I will not be giving anyone else an easy opportunity to mark up my sweet little cowboy again - EVER! Not on my watch.
Assholes.
Today's example: Olympian Gabby Douglas.
In this country - in the U.S.A. - there are no color restrictions for becoming an Olympic athlete. Your acceptance onto 'Team U.S.A.' depends solely on your skills...your prowess...your abilities. And those skills must beat out others who possess similar power, determination, speed and agility.
I never saw any screaming headlines to the effect of "X number of blacks make the United States Olympic team for 2012", so why make a tremendous deal of her color now that she's won?
What should it matter the color of a person's skin when they're holding an Olympic medal? I thought we finally broke the color barrier once President Obama took office.
Seriously?!
Jesse Owens (bless his soul) took on the weight of the world when he participated in the "Hitler Olympics" in 1936. He upset nearly everyone (in some way) all of those years ago - including people of color - and did so spectacularly. But he paid a heavy price at the time so that black Americans could have a fair shot at getting past the 'color barrier' down the road.
And here we are, all these decades later, still making a big deal of it at every turn.
I am very happy for Gabby to have won an Olympic gold, but did the color of her skin give her an edge? Did it hold her back in some way? Did it hamper her chances when standing toe-to-toe against the world?
Does it really matter that she's black?
There was no ticker tape parade-style announcement regarding Kristi Yamaguchi's obvious non-white race status when she won gold two decades ago, and you don't see the Brits making pronouncement on their athlete's color - because to the British, their mixed national population is still simply British; subjects of the crown.
But here in America, land of the free and home of the brave, and the white, and the yellow, and the olive, and the brown, and the this and the that.....here we can't just say "American." There has to be a label.
Well I, for one, can't wait until that first Plaid American wins an Olympic medal. Then, maybe, the needless need to point out the color of one's skin will cease - from every one's mouth!
Why can't we all be colorblind!?
Big salad, eggplant parmesan, and fresh asparagus and corn on the cob in the frig for other meals to come. It turns out that gran had never had eggplant before, but I am certain she probably has in her 101 years. She ate it without any complaints, though, so it must have agreed with her.
In other news: Had to make mom open the box with her quilt in it (for several reasons). Since I was not able to finish the quilting in time to have it bound and 100% completed for her birthday (and this trip south of the bridge), I wanted her to at least see it and know she had a gift from the boys and me.
So, yes, I did bring it back home to finish up. She must of said "why" and "you should sell this" at least four times while unpacking it and spreading it out for viewing. Didn't know whether that meant she didn't really like it, or that...well, I don't know WHAT it meant.
She gathered it up and walked it over to a neighbor in gran's building to show it off - a 90-year-old tenant who quilted in earlier years - and this neighbor told mom that it should be entered into quilt shows! LOL So, that's what mom wants now - for the quilt to be exhibited before she gets it back!
Go figure.
Her further directive was to finish up the commissioned quilt job before working any further on hers, so that I will do. Besides, I won't see mom again for at least a month, so that leaves plenty of time to get both projects finished!
Although, the highlight for me was when she said (without prompting), "These are all of my colors!"
Yea!
OK, now must get ready for a Karl meeting and the hot, HOT weather ahead. Have a great day, everyone, and try to stay cool!
To compound that happiness, "Rio Bravo" was one of the features I was able to catch bits and pieces of! [squeal of delight]
Thank you, universe, for aligning my stars and delivering Dean Martin/John Wayne. [more squeals and heavy swooning]
So I guess you all know what I'll be doing periodically throughout the next few evenings.
The saving grace is the John Wayne movie marathon on the Turner station!
Take your time getting here, mom, it's a-OK by me.
;)
