Saturday, March 09, 2002

Well, that was fun

I was at the bookstore a little before 1, and I still got # 333 for the signing. Not a good sign. And he was supposed to be there around 1:30. By 2, he still wasn't there.

When I checked with the employees, they were rather clueless.

So I gave up. Understand that I really wanted to see him (it was standing room only, and I wouldn't have even been able to see him and maybe even hear him) and get the book signed for my brother (I did buy a copy for you, Jeff. It just ain't signed), but I couldn't wait all night.

*sigh*

On the upside, I'm going to the ballet with the girl tonight, if we can get tickets. It's a bit of a story, so I'll have to tell it later, as I need to go get ready.

posted by Skattieboy @ 4:04 PM

So the family cancelled

I rather figured they would, given the icy roads this morning.

Any other day, I might have resented getting up early. But today it was nice, since I got off my ass and got my hair trimmed (shorter than I would have liked. I'm beginning to think if you go to a chain haircutting place, you should just assume they're going to cut your hair as they want, rather than as you specify. But at least it got cut, right?), and explored my options for getting to LoDo. So I'll be off for Tattered Cover shortly, and then we'll see if I feel like doing the work I need to do.

posted by Skattieboy @ 10:47 AM

And as for today

The astrological forecast was so lame I didn't even bother...

But I'm off to Twins testing shortly, and then I have to find a way to downtown Denver (sadly, most of my friends suck, so I'm left to find my own way. John would probably be more than happy to help, but he's working) to get to the Michael Moore signing. I'm tempted to just bag the idea, but I know I'll kick myself if I do.

I got invited to another party tonight, and I'm tempted, but I just have way too much to do, and only so much time to do it, y'know?

posted by Skattieboy @ 8:22 AM

So yesterday was a bit odd...

I came in early to give the abbreviated IQ test to a neurological patient, only to sit around, bored, for about an hour. I was pretty chapped, needless to say. And when I got out of class, a blizzard hit. A scary blizzard. And I only live about a block and a half from school. Luckily, most of the snow just blew around. But the roads and walks were icy.

Sadly, I don't feel like I accomplished much of anything, except that I picked up a poster for the "Spider-Man" movie. I have to wait to get a little richer before I get it mounted, though.

And the roomies' party went well, despite the weather. I actually felt good being at a school function for a change, which is kind of odd for me. Sadly, I drank more than I thought I would (not even enough to get me slurring or falling down the stairs as I made my way back to my basement, but I wasn't planning to drink anything), though.

posted by Skattieboy @ 8:19 AM

Friday, March 08, 2002

A little bit of a political handgrenade

(Courtesy of Michael Moore)

George W. in the Garden of Gethsemane

An Open Letter to George W. Bush from Michael Moore
01/29/2002

"George W. in the Garden of Gethsemane"
An Open Letter to George W. Bush from Michael Moore

Dear George,

When it's all over in a couple months, and you're packing up your pretzels and Spot and heading back to Texas, what will be your biggest regret? Not getting out more often and seeing the sights around Rock Creek Park? Never once visiting the newly-renovated IKEA in Woodbridge, Virginia? Or buying your way to the White House with money from a company that committed the biggest corporate swindle in American history? I got a feeling you didn't miss much by not spending an entire Saturday afternoon assembling a Swedish bookcase -- but you should have known that there was no way you would ever finish your term by hopping into bed with Kenneth Lay.

It's kind of sad when you think about it. Here you were -- the most popular president ever! -- the recipient of so much good will from your fellow Americans after September 11, and then you had to go and blow it. You just couldn't stay away from your old cowpoke friend from Texas, Kenneth Lay.

Kenny has always been there for you. You needed a way to fly around to all the primaries and campaign stops in the 2000 election -- so Kenny gave you his corporate jet. Did you tell the voters when you arrived in each city that the bird you flew in on was from a billionaire who was secretly conspiring to give the bird to all his employees and investors? He flew you around America on the Enron company jet, and for that favor you touched down on tarmac after tarmac to tell your fellow citizens that you were "going to restore dignity to the White House, the people's house." You said this standing in front of an Enron jet!

Man, you loved Lay so much, you not only affectionately referred to him as "Kenny Boy," you interrupted an important campaign trip in April, 2000, to fly back to Houston for the Astros opening day at the new Enron Field -- just so you could watch Kenny Boy Lay throw out the first pitch. How sentimental!

I mean, you loved this man so intensely that, when you were awarded a set of keys the Supreme Court had made for you so you could live in the White House, you invited Kenny Boy to set up shop -- at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue! He interviewed those who would hold high-level Energy Department positions in your administration.

You not only let Kenny Boy decide who would head the regulatory agency that oversaw Enron, you let him hand-pick the new chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Harvey Pitt -- a former lawyer for his accountant, Arthur Andersen! Kenny and the boys at Andersen also worked to make sure that accounting firms would be exempt from numerous regulations and would not be held liable for any "funny bookkeeping" (don't you wish you were this forward-thinking?).

The rest of Kenny Boy's time was spent next door with his old buddy, Dick Cheney (Enron and Halliburton, as you'll recall, got the big contracts from your dad to "rebuild" Kuwait after the Gulf War). Lay and Dick formed an "energy task force" (Operation Enduring Graft) which put together the country's new "energy policy." This policy then went on to shut down every light bulb and juicer in the state of California. And guess who made out like bandits while "trading" the energy California was in desperate need of? Kenny Boy and Enron! No wonder Big Dick doesn't want to turn over the files about those special meetings with Lay!

The only thing that surprises me more than all the Enron henchmen who ended up in your cabinet and administration is how our lazy media just rolled over and didn't report it. The list of Enron people on your payroll is impressive. Lawrence Lindsey, your chief economic advisor? A former advisor at Enron! Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill? Former CEO of Alcoa, whose
lobbying firm, Vinson and Elkins, was the #3 contributor to the your campaign! Who is Vinson and Elkins? The law firm representing Enron! Who is Alcoa? The top polluter in Texas. Thomas White, the Secretary of the Army? A former vice-chair of Enron Energy! Robert Zoellick, your Federal Trade Representative? A former advisor at Enron! Karl Rove, your main man at the White House? He owned a quarter-million dollars of Enron stock.

Then there's the Enron lawyer you have nominated to be a federal judge in Texas, the Enron lobbyist who is your chair of the Republican Party, the two Enron officials who now work for House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, and the wife of Texas Senator Phil Gramm who sits on Enron's board. And there's the aforementioned Mr. Pitt, the former Arthur Andersen attorney whose job it is now as SEC head to oversee the stock markets. George, it never stops! My fingers are getting tired typing all this up -- and there's lots more.

Don't get me wrong, George -- I do not think you're an evil man. You don't need any crap from people like me -- heck, you got mother-in-law problems! Now, I have a very good relationship with my mother-in-law, but then, I never told her to put $8,000 of her money into a company my administration knew was going belly-up.

You say you didn't know? Your bag man -- Don Evans, the man who squeezed all that money for you from Enron as your campaign finance chairman (and is now collecting his reward as your Commerce Secretary) -- has admitted that he got calls from Enron begging for help last year because they were going under. Didn't he tell you this?

Then Paul O'Neill, your Treasury Secretary, admitted that Enron and Kenny Boy called him, too, for some special favors to save Enron. Didn't he mention this to you? They claim to have called your chief of staff, Andrew Card, and he said he didn't bother to inform you. What does your mother-in-law think about these boys her daughter's husband consorts with?

I love watching the O'Neill and Evans show. What a couple of cut-ups! They're, like, all proud of themselves for "not doing Enron any favors." Actually, I think it's more like they didn't do your MOTHER-IN-LAW any favors. Enron got LOTS of favors. And why not? Kenny Boy has been your number one financial backer since you ran for governor. No other American or Saudi has given you more money than Kenny Boy and his gang at Enron. O'Neill, Evans, Cheney, Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham -- ALL of them gave Lay and Enron special favors from day one. The New York Times
last May was so concerned about how Kenny had the run of the place (1600 Pennsylvania Ave.), they referred to Lay as the "shadow advisor to the president."

And what advice! Who was it that wanted you to deregulate the energy industry further? Kenny Boy! Who was it that convinced you to explore the sick idea of PRIVATIZING our water supply and then allow private corporations to "trade" it in the future? Kenny Boy! Who was it that wanted Social Security to be tied to the stock market? Yup, Kenny Boy! (Imagine, if you will, what would have happened to our precious Social Security funds had they been invested in Enron stocks as you, George, suggested be done during your campaign as yuppies everywhere clucked along in agreement over that genius idea.)

O'Neill's and Evans's admission that they "did nothing" when Enron told them of the company's shell game and impending collapse is reason enough for you and yours to hit the Beltway and never return to that sacred trust we call Our American Government. They are proud of "doing nothing?" By doing nothing, millions of Americans have been swindled. Tens of thousands have lost their jobs. Thousands more have lost their savings and their retirement. Yet your cabinet secretaries gloat over what a "good job" you and they did by "doing nothing."

Let me ask you this: If someone was setting a house on fire, and they called you to help them set it on fire, and you said no you wouldn't help them -- BUT then you also DIDN'T call 911 and inform the police that someone was going to burn down a house, do you think you would have committed a crime?

Of course you would have! You had prior knowledge and then you knowingly and purposefully HID this information from the authorities and the people living in the house! You only admitted that you knew a house was going to be torched when you were confronted by the police. Are you complicit? Yes! Are you an accessory? Yes! Who would even think of going around boasting, "Hey, look what a great guy I am -- a friend of mine told me he was going to commit an act of arson, and then I decided NOT to tell ANYONE about it!! WHOO-HOO!!"

Enron and Kenny Boy bought your silence and the silence of your cabinet members. You yourself didn't have to actually raid the 401(k) accounts of those poor people in Houston (many of whom probably voted for you every time your name was on a ballot). All you had to do was remain silent, change the government regulations that let them get away with it, and install their hand-picked cronies to sit on the "oversight" boards which were supposed to be keeping an eye on them.

While doing all this, you told the American people that these rich friends of yours were not getting any special breaks -- when, in fact, Enron had already scammed their way out of paying NO taxes in four out of the last five years. Your economic "stimulus" bill that you got the House to pass after 9-11 had a section that would give Enron a gift of $250 million of our tax money. You were pushing this bill in November and December, long after your administration knew that Enron was raiding the vault and screwing its workers and investors.

You and your Republican friends are quick to point out that Enron had their claws into the Democrats as well. Yes, they did, and thank you for making the case why we not only need an alternative to the current make-up of the Democratic Party, we need private money removed from our electoral process ASAP.

But, George, let's be real -- the Democrats only got a pittance from Enron compared to the millions you and the Republicans received. Democrats just don't have the killer instinct to do anything right, and they certainly don't know much about making money the old-fashioned way, one off-shore tax shelter at a time. I would expect nothing less from a Party that couldn't even put their candidate in the White House after he had already won the election.

The Democrats are like a Yugo -- you know it won't last long or work well, but it will occasionally get the job done. Fat cats know they can buy the Democrats at discount prices, and so they do. Anyone who tries to deflect this scandal away from you, George, or away from the Republicans, or away from the whole dirty way we elect our leaders, is someone who is desperately trying to cling to what's left of a very crooked system that has to go and go now.

The saddest part of this whole affair was the day the scandal was revealed -- and you denied that you even knew your good friend, Kenneth Lay. "Ken who?" you said. Oh, he's just some businessman from Texas. "Heck, he backed my opponent for governor, Ann Richards!" was your way of trying to deflect the truth that was hitting you like a Mack truck. You knew that he, in fact, endorsed YOU and gave you THREE times the money Ann Richards ever saw from him.

I hardly ever talk to the guy, you said. You were like Peter outside the walls of Herod after they grabbed J.C. from the Garden of Gethsemane. Three times he denied he knew Jesus, and three times the cock crowed. But Peter, unlike you, felt shame and wept, and then ran away.

What shame do you feel tonight, George, for the lies you have told? What shame do you feel using the dead of 9-11 as a cover for your actions, hoping that our sorrow for those lost souls and our fear of being killed by terrorists would distract us from what your boys and Kenny Boy were up to during those horrific weeks in September and October?

It was during those very days, while the rest of us were in shock and sadness, that the executives at Enron were selling off their stock and shifting assets to their 900 phony partnerships overseas. Did they notice the remains of the dead being pulled from the rubble while they were downloading their millions, or were their eyes glued only to the bottom third of the TV screen as the stock ticker with the rigged Enron price crawled across the images of firemen desperate, in tears, to find their fallen brothers?

The country was behind you when you said you were fighting the evildoers who did this. In fact, all the while, the real fight your friends at Enron were conducting was the fight against the clock, to see how fast they could transfer all the loot to their personal accounts and run away. Those were the evildoers, George, and you knew it. And because you, by design or negligence, allowed this to happen, it is time for you to resign. The cock has crowed for the last time.

At the very least, your mother-in-law deserves better.

Yours,

Michael Moore
American
Son-in-Law
Owner of 7th LARGEST COMPANY IN AMERICA! (revised ranking)
mmflint@aol.com
http://www.michaelmoore.com

posted by Skattieboy @ 8:38 AM

As for today

I really can't remember the last time I slept straight through the night, being awakened by my alarm. Ordinarily, my body is awake and semi-alert, at least half an hour before it goes off. But last night, I passed out around 11 and didn't even budge until 7:30. I won't always have that luxury (especially since I'm working this weekend and will have to be up early), but it felt so good.

I do have a lot of little stuff to take care of today. I'm doing intellectual testing with a dementia patient this morning, then I have class, and then I need to call the teacher of one of my child clients back and send her some report forms. And I still need to write up my stats homework and start on my social psych paper. All before the party tonight. I'm still sick, so I doubt I'll drink at all, and I may even duck out early.

Hey, at least I read those articles for class... That's a change for me.

I may be presenting some old research at a couple conventions this year, by the way, and I'm going to try to work on another funding application this weekend, too. It never ends.

I was very pleased with "ER" last night, by the way (I realize this is more for the benefit of Elle and Tab, since many of the rest of you heathens don't seem to appreciate the series)... Some nice character development in a new environment, fleshing them out a bit, and some very good performances, too. I am getting a bit tired of the "Kerry as bad guy" bit, but it was forgivable, since they seemingly put an end to one of my least favorite developments from this season.

And yes, I'm not feeling too awful about the girl. Yeah, I'm a bit bummed that she's still mad and hurt, and I miss her, but I'm not stressed about it. Time and patience.

Oh, and thank you for the nice e-mail, Meredith. It helped.

posted by Skattieboy @ 8:31 AM

I know, I know

Astrologers.com is being a bit of a noodge...

You'll have lots of little things that you want to get done and out of the way today, Scott. You should keep a list handy as different things come to mind. There could be shopping to do or things that need to be taken care of at home. Try to take some time off of work if you can so that you can attend to personal details.

posted by Skattieboy @ 8:18 AM

Thursday, March 07, 2002

It's kinda funny

When things seem bleak, they often have this odd way of working out... I actually had a pretty good day.

I found out I only have to work half a day Saturday, so I can go to Tattered Cover and get an autographed copy of the new book by one of Susan's favorite folks (and mine) Michael Moore. Then I managed to walk over to the used music place and picked up the first cd by Phantom Planet.

And (surprise!) the girl was more than civilized today... We managed to have a decent conversation, and while she's still hurt and wanting to recover, she seemed much more tolerant. It helps that a friend gave her a good talking to, I think. Is it enough for my poor, whiny self? Of course not, but at least there seems to be some hope where I felt none this morning...

Now if I can just wake up enough to read, work on my homework, and then turn in...

posted by Skattieboy @ 7:47 PM

To reiterate

Had a fitful night's sleep and feel pretty lousy today. I'm still feeling mopey and don't really feel much like talking about it. So I hope you'll forgive me. I probably won't update as much for the next little while, as I mull things over and work on the preponderance of stuff the end of the quarter inevitably seems to bring.

posted by Skattieboy @ 7:56 AM

Wednesday, March 06, 2002

Yup, I'm feeling down

I know a lot of it is that I'm sick (starting to feel better, slowly), stressed, and confused. But I'm also really bummed about the girl. Seems her close friend has been talking plenty of smack on me, supporting her anger at me and sort of feeding it, and I can't do anything about it (I got the story third-hand). And I'm really worried, because everytime it seems she's calming down, something new seems to come up.

I'm really trying not to worry and let it get me down. But I have to admit that it hurt when my officemate asked me if I would be going to the ballet this weekend. Turns out the girl had invited a lot of folks from the department to go, and (of course) didn't include me, even though it's something we had planned on seeing together.

Bitter? Nope. Not me.

I'm just gonna try to do my thing and let it go, and hope.

posted by Skattieboy @ 8:28 PM

Ewwwwwwww...

So the deal with the heater was that a bird died in it, which clogged the heater.

Yeah, I know.

I'm trying to decide if she has just decided to give up on me or not.

I should have a fun weekend, since I have to do Twins testing and work on my paper for social psych. Luckily, I have all the refs for the latter... I may just eschew "Scotland, PA." and do my stats homework tonight, though, so the weekend's not as bad.

posted by Skattieboy @ 12:12 PM

This is getting to feel like a routine

I went to bed before 11 again (luckily, there was heat in the house, so I didn't wake to icebox conditions) and slept pretty soundly (until 6), which is pretty remarkable. And I made it through the whole day without cold meds, which seemed to help me feel not quite so poopy.

As I wrote, I felt pretty good about yesterday, all things considered. The girl seems to have calmed down somewhat (albeit too slowly, in my opinion, but I mustn't complain). I got a lot done, and I managed to have a good night.

And that Phantom Planet cd is pretty spiffy, I must admit. I've listened to it three or four times in a row now.

I have a slightly shorter day today, and I can't decide whether to be bad and blow off working on my paper for social psych (it's due a week from Thursday) to see a sneak of "Scotland, PA." or not...

posted by Skattieboy @ 7:37 AM

Wishful thinking from Astrologers?

Your psychic intuition could be heightened, Scott. You have a lot of natural extra-sensory perception, but you don't always trust the impressions that come to you. Try to listen to those subtle impressions now. You might pick up some intuitive information about a coworker or boss. Or you could tap into your sweetheart's emotions, sensing the feelings that they are experiencing. Heed this special radar and act on it, and great things could happen.

posted by Skattieboy @ 7:32 AM

Tuesday, March 05, 2002

Yes, thanks be to whatever heavenly power there is...

The heater in the house is working again. If the girl hadn't lent me her space heater, I might have frozen, since the temp in the roomies' part of the house this morning was 50.

No sh*t.

I went to dinner with John, after my long day, and it was pretty decent. And I even found that new Phantom Planet cheap at Twist and Shout.

Yeah, it was a surprisingly okay day.

posted by Skattieboy @ 9:33 PM

A little "Simpsons" to brighten your day

(Courtesy of my brother)

ComicBookGuy: Yes, finally. I would like to return your quote unquote, Ultimate Belt.

Storekeeper: I see, do you have a receipt, quote unquote, sir?

CBG: I do not have a receipt, I won it as a doorprize at the Star Trek convention, although I find their choice of prize highly illogical as the average Trekker has no use for a medium-sized belt.

Storekeeper: Whoa, whoa. A fat, sarcastic Star Trek fan. You must be a devil with the ladies.

CBG: Hey, I... Huh... Tha... Oh...

Storekeeper: Gee, I hate to let you down Casanova, but uh, no receipt, no return.

Bart: I'll give you four bucks for it.

CBG: Very well. I must hurry back to my comic book store, where I dispense the insults rather than absorb them.

posted by Skattieboy @ 7:42 AM

Feeling a little somber

So I fell asleep a little after 10, which is really remarkable for me, honestly. I woke sometime after 5 and just stayed in bed for a while, trying to get back to sleep, although I wasn't really feeling all that tired.

I've been turning a lot of thoughts over in my head, but I don't think I'm really quite ready to share yet.

I have a long day ahead of me, with lots to do.

And my dad would have been 68 today.

posted by Skattieboy @ 7:41 AM

Monday, March 04, 2002

Olympics Trip: Day Four

(Actually, before I get started on that, I just feel like I should note the best memory of the trip, which I just neglected because I’ve just been feeling rather funky… It was from Day One, or rather Night One, as we were driving through the Wyoming night, Beatles belting out from the cd player. And she dared me to sing along with her on “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da”.

I tried to get out of it, really, knowing how bad my voice is. But she has this way, and I found myself warbling along, just enjoying being with her, moving along toward my old home of Salt Lake.

It still brings a smile to my face, thinking about it.)

Day Four found us waking early, with her scrambling to read a couple articles for class the next day. She was responsible for e-mailing a set of questions to the discussion leaders and had been putting it off. Of course, that meant I had to get up, too, grumpily. She did manage to get the work done, and then went back to sleep, while I (being the grump that I am) couldn’t get back to sleep. So I started packing up stuff for the return trip, showered, and went to get us coffee. Then we mulled over lunch before heading up to the University to check out that exhibit, since it was (theoretically) still open.

She dragged her feet. And dragged them some more. And more. Until, finally, the Tibetan place I wanted to go to closed. My brother got back from work a little after, so we ended up going to a vegetarian place close by, that we all enjoyed (and not just because the stoner waiter kept us amused). We came back for goodbyes, went up to the U., and the exhibit was actually open.

And wow… The materials were all put together by the Holocaust Museum, and the impact was just… We were both speechless. It was tremendously sobering, and thought-provoking.

I think we were both a bit stunned after that. And, later than we meant to, we were off for Denver. And the question of who would drive and who was paying for gas led to some tension. I let her drive right by a little town she had wanted to hit on the way back, so she could photograph a diner there (although, in all fairness, she didn’t really communicate that to me during the drive, but only mentioned it a while later).

It was cold. And there was plenty of blowing snow. It wasn’t snowing, but the wind was blowing the dusty stuff across the road, making it slick and resembling thick fog in places. It was “white knuckle driving” for the second half of the drive back. And I was driving.

Exhaustedly, we rolled in a round 3 am, she asleep, and the whole city under a light coat of snow

posted by Skattieboy @ 9:22 PM

Not much has changed

I had to opt out of a meeting tonight because I felt like I might yak. So I came home and read for class tomorrow. I have a busy day in front of me, sadly.

Yes, I still feel like doodoo (despite the fact that I've been in jammies since about 5 and have been under blankets and comforter most of that time), yes she's still mad at me (although she seems to be calming down somewhat but is still not speaking to me), and yes, I have a stats assignment due next week, the stats final after that, and two final papers I haven't even begun to research, let alone write. And I have to work this weekend. Tell me I'm not screwed.

posted by Skattieboy @ 8:15 PM

Nothing like a restless night of sleep

As if my anxiety isn't high enough, I had to go and take cold medicine. So there were a couple good hours (of course I was passing out during the "ER" rerun), then lots of tossing and turning (not awake enough to get anything done, of course), then a couple more fitful hours, and now I'm up and showered.

posted by Skattieboy @ 7:33 AM

I'm sure this applies to someone...

You'll be eager to express your imagination today, Scott. Maybe you will come up with a wacky and entertaining concept. You might share this idea with your coworkers. Your originality could have some practical use. Your ideas might lend themselves to a unique marketing campaign. Or you could come up with a strategy to help your personnel to get along better. Don't be afraid to adopt a playful, creative approach in your workplace.

posted by Skattieboy @ 7:31 AM

Sunday, March 03, 2002

Olympics Trip, Day Three

(Before I describe it, I have to note that there were run-ins with pro-lifers the previous afternoon... Seems they were there as part of a concerted Baptist effort to convert Mormons and visitors, and were brandishing gory posters with photos of mutilated fetuses. The girl was a bit more even-handed in confronting them than Evil, asking them if they felt the posters were in poor taste, considering that kids could see them, which the bonehead refused to admit. That prompted Evil to let loose the hounds of war, delighting any number of onlookers.)

Day three found me rising, groggy again, with half-baked plans for the day. We planned to leave after the closing ceremonies, so we could be back for class Monday morning. There was a brief visit from my friend Chris and then brunch with my mother (she really seemed to like the girl and vice-versa, I thought. And not just because she unloaded tons of ginger cookies and fudge). Then we were off to my alma mater, to see if the Nazi Olympics exhibit was open (it wasn't) and to see the venue for the ceremonies. After dinner, some thought was given to getting tickets (which she downplayed, leading me to believe she didn't want to go, especially given how much she complained about the acts. I found out later it wasn't so). After watching some of the closing on TV (and witnessing the fireworks a few blocks away), we decided to take a look downtown, only to find out everything had been shut down. It was Sunday, see? And it was Salt Lake. So things are closed on Sunday. Even the Olympic Village.

She didn't want to believe it. So she dragged me down there, despite being told numerous times, and the fact that I was tired and cold. And when she wandered in front of the Trax train, I snapped at her, which hurt her feelings...

*sigh*

We came back and watched the rest of "Ghost World", and decided, exhaustedly, that we would skip class, catch the exhibit the next day, and then head home. And things were good.

posted by Skattieboy @ 8:44 PM

Ugh, ugh, ugh

Feeling like poop, unfortunately. Just that stupid cold, mostly.

Evil made it home in one piece, thankfully.

I enjoyed "Iris" and really hope Judi Dench gets the Oscar (she won't, but we'll pretend for now). Sad on a couple of different levels, and very well done.

Not sure what to think of "Six Feet Under" for this week. A few things I liked about the episode and a bunch I didn't. I hope it's not the sophomore slump.

posted by Skattieboy @ 8:32 PM

Sendin' a little astrology your way...

Saturn continues to move through the section of your solar chart associated with confidence, creativity, and love affairs. This influence has also had a tendency to hold you back as you are finding it more difficult to trust yourself either to experience a new romantic relationship, or to bring a dream to life. Whilst it has made you more cautious, it may also be doing you a favor as you are now able to 'see' those patterns of thought that are stopping you from being all you could be. If you feel that you don't deserve love on some level, then this will be reflected in your daily life. Change this thought and you change your experience. Saturn continues to make a harmonious trine to Neptune, which can also enable you to fulfill some of your more important dreams, if you really want to. Mercury conjuncts Uranus in your sign, which means that you will be several levels ahead of others in any conversation that you care to hold over the coming week. You may need to take this into account if you have an important message to get across. If you are trying to be romantic then get in touch with your feelings - don't end up sounding like a robot on a date.

posted by Skattieboy @ 8:29 PM

Off to breakfast

We'll be grabbing grub before he takes off, and then I may do some hanging out with folks (going to see "Iris" and to watch the season premiere of "Six Feet Under"), depending on how I feel. There's work I could and should be doing, but it can wait, I think.

posted by Skattieboy @ 8:10 AM

Yesterday was pretty nice, by the way

John, my bro, and I went to eat at the Watercourse, the vegetarian place I've been talking up for some time, and despite lousy service, I think we all enjoyed it. Unfortunately, it was too cold to really walk over to Wax Trax (a cool indy record store a few blocks away), so we had to drive (and yes, I know I'm being awful in saying that, but realize that I'm the kind of person who walks anywhere when I can. But it was snot-in-your-nose-freezing chilly). We bought some stuff, most of which proved to be highly disappointing (like that Desaparecidos cd. Made me glad I missed them, even if I would like to have seen Guided By Voices).

We hit a couple other stops after that, finding fairly clear roads, which was nice. Then I chatted on the phone with my friend Kurt for a while, we went off to Alexander's for dinner for the second night in a row (that's the good Mexican place with the extensive vegetarian selection) with some of my friends, and we went over to the Bluebird to check out Jonathan Richman.

And that was certainly interesting. It had gotten even colder (since it was night, after all), even inside the place, so I had to sit by the heater (luckily, they had tables set up, since I couldn't have stood for anything by then). Then we sat through an awful local opener. Evil and I tried to be good. We really did. After an interminable delay, Jonathan came on.

And somehow, accompanied only by himself on guitar and a drummer, he managed to mesmerize the whole audience. Really. I was wowed by the showmanship, by his guitar virtuosity (somehow, it's easy to neglect the playing in his deceptively simple songs), by his energy... He managed to play an hour and a half set that felt all too brief, and left everyone wanting more.

He's great recorded, but if you ever get the chance to see him in person, do so.

posted by Skattieboy @ 8:08 AM

Uh...

This cold is really kicking my ass. Even subtracting out the effects of the cold medicine (thankfully, I seem to have found one that doesn't interrupt my sleep), I'm feeling somewhat hellish. Not a good thing when you're already feeling a bit mopey and stressed, and it's frigging freezing outside, I think.

posted by Skattieboy @ 7:58 AM

Saturday, March 02, 2002

Oh, and...

I'll get back to recounting the Olympics trip when I'm less stressed and more likely to reflect accurately on it. There's some stuff about run-ins with pro-life folks that I left out.

posted by Skattieboy @ 2:50 PM

Okay, this one's pretty damned accurate

High energy will definitely not be the major theme for the day, Scott. And that's okay. Your bodies are still busy digesting last night's meal, so you will simply not have the strength to accomplish much of anything today. It is a day for relaxing with family and friends, enjoying long chats by the fire as you drink yet another cup of eggnog. This day is meant to nurture your spirit and reconnect you with your loved ones. Let it happen.

posted by Skattieboy @ 2:49 PM

Yeah, yeah, yeah...

My brother's here and I'm really kind of out of it... I have a cold and the medication played havoc with my sleep and my current state of wakefulness. So who knows what I'd even end up saying?

It's cold. It snowed too much, so all the roads are still fairly snowpacked. And people are driving like idiots.

Did I tell you I'm out of it?

I'm really stressed about the girl, too. She doesn't have much experience driving in snow, and she was driving while upset. And I'm worried because she was really quite hurt when she left and I couldn't do a thing.

I'm gonna try to enjoy the rest of the weekend... Jonathan Richman is playing at the Bluebird, so we'll be there. And I'll try to get some work done and try not to worry.

posted by Skattieboy @ 2:48 PM

Friday, March 01, 2002

Friday Five

(swiped second-hand from Lester)

1. What's your favorite vacation spot?
People are gonna think I'm weird, but I love New York City, Seattle, and Portland. All for different reasons, of course... NYC for all that's happening, for the feeling. And Seattle and Portland for some of their unique feel, too, plus that beautiful ocean, and (yes!) the weather.
2. Where do you consider to be the biggest hell-hole on earth?
Wyoming. No question. Some lovely scenery, but what an incredibly desolate place.
3. What would be your dream vacation?
Hmmmm... I still want to go to London, Paris, and a few other locales. I'd like to visit Canada and Alaska one day, too.
4. If you could go on a road-trip with anyone, who would it be and why?
Well, I'd love to go with her again somewhere, as she was actually quite pleasant, despite her tendency to get started late. My brother is always nice to go places with, too, although he and I seem to have slightly different priorities for where to visit. And I'm curious to see what it would be like travelling with my friend Kurt.

I would say Dylan, but his godawful snoring is enough to make me want to smother him in his sleep (sorry, bud).
5. What are your plans for this weekend?
My roomies are having a kegger tonight, believe it or not (I'm curious to see how the lame folks in the department respond), and my bro will be here for a Saturday night performance by Jonathan Richman. So there will be hanging out, good food, and more.

And, of course, the season premiere of "Six Feet Under" is Sunday night.

posted by Skattieboy @ 9:08 AM

Random thoughts

So I just kind of sat on my ass last night after meeting with my undergrad RA... I mean, I came back and talked to Rachel for a while (she stopped by, having not gone with Tom to Phoenix, and it was nice to chat to someone about my thoughts about the girl), did some exercises, and watched "ER" (an okay episode that was notable mostly for the continuing developments with Dr. Green... Kind of sad, in that his character has really grown on me). And I talked to my brother on the phone for a while.

So the evil twin is on the way here as I type this. Given the snow today, think safe thoughts about his trip out here, okay?

It's friggin' cold outside. Can I just complain about that?

The girl has gone off by herself this weekend, to think and work on school stuff. And I hate that she left so upset. I really hate feeling powerless to do something. And yes, I know she's being unreasonable (people sometimes yell at each other, but successful relationships can deal with the occasional conflict), but I still feel awful and wish I could do something.

It's funny, because I really enjoyed the trip to Salt Lake, but with all the tension, I haven't been able to really appreciate that, and I think it shows in my account of the trip. I loved spending time with my brother and mother, and having them spend time with her. I brought back lots of goodies. And I was happy to spend time with her, away from Denver and school. *sigh*

By the way, I am digging that latest Planet Smashers cd.

posted by Skattieboy @ 8:59 AM

Sometimes these things aren't very helpful

I mean, maybe I will be doing what the forecast suggests today, but I probably wouldn't have even thought of that...

You could be reminiscing about a past vacation, Scott. Maybe you are reflecting on last year's trip. What was happening in your life then? Were you in the same relationship? Did you have the same job? Chances are that there have been some significant changes. You might want to consider all of the things that you have accomplished over the past twelve months. Applaud yourself for surviving all of these adventures!

posted by Skattieboy @ 8:14 AM

Thursday, February 28, 2002

Olympics trip, Day Two

So I awakened early, cold and bleary-eyed in the passenger seat, to find her still asleep, smile on her face. We were still safe and sound at the rest stop, but after a few minutes of wake up, I was fine to drive. So we swapped seats, somehow managing to stay wrapped in our respective blankets, and resumed our trip to Salt Lake. She slept for a good portion of the journey, until light started shining on the surroundings, which prompted her to take some photos. We must have stopped at least half a dozen times, at various locales, so she could shoot cows (!), a frozen stream, and some astounding mountains.

We rolled into Salt Lake around 10 am, Saturday morning, and headed straight to this little Scandinavian place for Swedish pancakes (yum to butter and lingenberry preserves). She was in heaven, with all the Sacndinavian goods, so we headed out to another place, and then (finally) set off for my brother's place. Once there, I finally got a chance to shower, while she napped some more. I got to see some of my old chums from the coffee shop, and then brought coffee back to her for a little pick-me-up.

A little later, we were off to check out the downtown activities. Sadly, most of the events were over or were outrageously overpriced. So we settled for walking around, checking out various stores and sights, but eschewing the Olympic village (the line was just way too long, especially given the security checkpoints). Instead, we went to see the Chihuly exhibit (some amazing blown glass sculptures) and then off to see a performance by Ballet West (we lucked into great tickets, even though I kept nodding off from exhaustion). Then we were off back to my brother's, for take out Indian food (yum to Kali Dal, very hot, naan, and mint chutney), a little bit of "Ghost World" on DVD (love that East Indian music video), and, finally, some much needed sleep.

posted by Skattieboy @ 7:58 PM

Yeah, I am planning to tell more of the story

I'm just a bit scatterbrained today. I got my first night of 7 + hours of straight sleep since I can't remember when, and it was a bit disorienting. And I severely underestimated how mad and hurt the girl is. So my mind has been elsewhere.

I went running for the first time in a long time, and I enjoyed it. I'm thinking I need to make it a more regular practice.

My brother will be here tomorrow, we'll have fun, and I'll be able to (hopefully) not worry about her.

posted by Skattieboy @ 4:31 PM

Have fund?

Otherwise, this is a pretty scary message.

You'll be ready to do some socializing, Scott. Maybe you have been away from home and haven't seen your friends in quite some time. Friends are very important to you and so you plan a get-together to tell them about your travel experiences and to be filled in on what happened in your crowd while you have been away. This could easily be a long evening with lots of laughter. The idea is to have fund and to enjoy your circle of friends.

posted by Skattieboy @ 7:41 AM

Wednesday, February 27, 2002

Olympics trip: Day One

So Day One (Friday, February 22nd) started simply enough. I woke early, to help the student applicant who was staying with me to get ready for her interview day. I was tired, having stayed up late talking to her and getting my stuff ready for the trip.

I escorted her over to the building and spoke with a few of the other applicants, trying to get a sense of them (we, the grad students, are in on the selecton process) and make them feel welcome. And I waited for the girl to call and let me know about the plan for leaving. I really wanted to go early.

Around noon, I started to get nervous and called her. She was running late and wanted to meet me here at home. So I bid the applicants farewell and headed home. She got here shortly after and wanted to watch the taped figure skating from the previous night. And she still had to drop off her car at the repair place and get a rental.

(Is it getting foreboding?)

We got to the repair place around 5. I was trying to be patient, and I think I was. Then we had to wait for the rental place to come get us. We arrived there to find that there was a problem getting the rental, which dragged on and on. A sick feeling hit me the longer we waited, until things finally worked out after the place had been closed (after much deliberation on her part, much to her credit). We ended up with a fairly nice SUV (no comments, please), and then went back to her place to pick up a few more things. A couple hours later, we were on our very tired way. It was a bit windy, but dark and lovely outside, which amazed her. She'd never been to Wyoming, so she was really struck by the view.

Shortly after Rawlins, both exhausted, we pulled over to a rest stop, pulled out the blankets and pillows, and went to sleep.

posted by Skattieboy @ 8:30 PM

A sweet little experience

So I went out ot a Head Start site today, to see how the teachers train the tutors in the program. It's for a little side projject I work on, in which grad students from our program mentor former Head Start students in being mentors for younger kids. (Confusing?)

And I was in a classroom with four-year-old kiddos, and it practically broke my heart. Several of the kids took to me right away, wanting me to read to them and hang out with their group. And one little girl, in the country for only a few months and possessing no English, kept tapping me and grabbing my arm, wanting my attention. It was sweet and saddening, and supported my belief in wanting to do work with kids. Call me a sap, but I really do like being around children.

posted by Skattieboy @ 8:21 PM

The story of the trip is coming...

I just need to find time to tell it. Really.

She's mad at me, by the way. But we both enjoyed the trip.

posted by Skattieboy @ 5:12 PM

Friday, February 22, 2002

And yes, I did watch last night

I had the applicant staying with me, so it was nice that she wanted to watch, too. It made me all that much more certain, that I want to be there and try to see some of it with the girl.

posted by Skattieboy @ 7:19 AM

So we are coming

It's going to take some effort, some people are mad at me, and there are other complications, but we're coming to Salt Lake today.

posted by Skattieboy @ 7:17 AM

Um, yeah. No duh moment.

You could have fun traveling or running errands, Scott. You probably won't want to be confined to a desk all day. You'll be happiest if you can get some fresh air and connect with the world outside of your work. Offer to fetch lunch for your colleagues. Or buy them coffee and doughnuts while you are out. You might even take some personal time to run some errands of your own.

posted by Skattieboy @ 7:16 AM

Thursday, February 21, 2002

I wonder, really...

Do I have to be really miserable to have profound things to say in this forum? It's like my brain is just sort of mush when it comes to composing.

posted by Skattieboy @ 8:17 AM

So I still don't know whether we'll be travelling

I have a feeling it will be a last-minute thing. She needs to find out if she can drop off her car and get a rental, I need to get out of some of my hosting duties and a scheduled testing session, and so on. I hope so, though.

Meanwhile, I got up early today to clean my place up a bit. I've got a grad school applicant staying with me, at least for tonight. Should be interesting, I hope.

posted by Skattieboy @ 8:05 AM

Amen, Astrologers...

You could feel a little spacey or forgetful, Scott. Don't worry, you're not going crazy! It's just part of the energy of the day. It's best not to pressure yourself by doing lots of chores or tasks. See if you can make time to relax. You might feel a little lethargic or lazy. This is OK! This is just your body's way of telling you that you need some rest.

posted by Skattieboy @ 8:03 AM

Wednesday, February 20, 2002

F*ck the police?

So there's this very sweet neighbor, who runs a convenience store. He's a kind Middle Eastern gent, and he's always been incredibly kind to me, consoling me when things weren't going well with the girl (reading the look on my face without me saying anything), giving me stuff for free or discounted, and going out of the way just to be, well, nice.

So today the police sent a woman, aged 18, into his store to buy cigarettes. He didn't ask for her ID, so they came back and wrote him a ticket.

Was he unwise? Probably. But considering that he's the sort of person you want in the neighborhood, sending someone to entrap him seems not only silly, but also uncharitable.

And people wonder why there's such animosity towards the police...

posted by Skattieboy @ 7:13 PM

Sometimes an action figure is just an action figure

Courtesy of Susan, here's the ultimate toy.

posted by Skattieboy @ 7:06 PM

And another thing

I really want a break. After finishing up that midterm, it would be nice to relax, but I've just been pushing it. And (of course) I've been spending lots of time with her, too.

There's just not enough time for everything. I wish there were.

posted by Skattieboy @ 5:35 PM

Do I talk about her too much?

I do, don't I?

posted by Skattieboy @ 5:33 PM

Tuesday, February 19, 2002

And the deal with the trip is...

If we decide we want to do it, and if I can swing it (a mighty big "if", considering that this is the weekend for clinical applicant visits), we'd be coming to Salt Lake some time this week and try to get Olympics tickets. But we'll see. It's still unikely right now, as tempting as it sounds.

posted by Skattieboy @ 2:47 PM

Hmmmmm...

There's been a lot happening with us. I think it's been good, but I'm still turning it over, so I don't want to just spout off. I need to really think, I believe. Yeah, sometimes I can be overly analytical, but I think it would be wise to give some thought.

posted by Skattieboy @ 2:45 PM

Monday, February 18, 2002

Still sleepy

That midterm took forever... And then she was over, too, so there was too much fraternizing and not enough working for both of us. I fell asleep shortly after finishing and she was up even later. I don't know how she woke up chipper today, really.

I still have a bunch of stuff to do this week. I really doubt I'll be making that trip, as nice as it might have been, since I'd have to get out of my hosting obligation this weekend. I still have hopes, but they're not very realistic.

Really, I'd love to go back to sleep, but my mentor is out of town, so I'm in charge of class today. Bleh. I think my coffee addicition is growing again.

posted by Skattieboy @ 10:59 AM

I'm serious

Sometimes these things are scarily accurate of my mental state...

You could be filled with wanderlust, Scott. Try to get out of the house and do something interesting. Maybe you should take a day trip out of town. Go to visit a friend who lives a few hours away. Or take a train into the city and have lunch with a relative. Do something that breaks you out of your usual routine. You need to see new sights and expose yourself to some fresh energy.

posted by Skattieboy @ 10:56 AM

Sunday, February 17, 2002

Just taking a break for a minute or two...

I got to take the afternoon off of work, so I'm just eating and gearing up.

Things are gradually easing off after a period of heightened activity and excitement, although with Neptune and Uranus continuing to move through your sign, you will not be getting too long to rest and relax. With both the Sun and Venus in the sign of Pisces and the section of your chart associated with finances and personal property, values and self-worth, you will be reminded that it is the spiritual aspects of what we own that create the real wealth, not the material counterpart. Being very much in tune with many New Age philosophies, you will also realize that by visualizing what you want in clear detail, you can bring it into your life. You will come to know the power of the imagination in this respect over the course of the week. With a trine to Jupiter in the section associated with daily routines and health, you also get a chance to see how changes within can lead you on the road to successfully changing your life on outside. That is providing that you really take time to discover what nurtures you most. Mercury in your own sign indicates that you are particularly articulate and can talk your way in and out of anything right now.

posted by Skattieboy @ 1:14 PM

A little purloined amusement

From Heather, via Lauren.

1. What was the first thing you ever cooked?
Scrambled eggs, I think. I started cooking around the age of 10, since I was kind of a latchkey kid and liked cooking.

2. What's your signature dish?
I haven't really made it in years, because I'm a vegetarian, but I make a mean meatloaf. Really.

3. Ever had a cooking disaster? (tasted like crap, didn't work, etc.)
Yup. I set out to make a nice Valentine's Day dinner for me and Jenney and called my mother to get her recipe for chicken cacciatore, which I was going to make sans the chicken (fake meat substitute). I had most of the ingredients there at her place, but a few essential spices were missing. So I drove all over town looking for stuff and had to settle for some low quality stuff. It showed in the results. I was also scrambling for wine and made a bad choice. And I burnt the garlic bread. And the candles almost set her table cloth on fire.

4. If skill and money were no object, what would make for your dream meal?
A grilled ahi tuna steak, fairly rare, with rosemary, some wilted greens, fresh wasabi mashed potatoes, with a light dessert to be decided, and a nice glass or two of quality wine.

5. What are you doing this weekend?
Working twins and finishing my stats midterm. Yippee.

posted by Skattieboy @ 8:03 AM

And I know I'm all about apologizing, but...

I really have been reading your comments, both here and on your own blogs. I just don't have the energy and time to devote to thoughtful response. It frustrates me, but please don't take it as a slight. I'm trying to work things for this midterm, data collection for my master's, and maybe a surprise trip midweek.

posted by Skattieboy @ 7:46 AM

Heigh-ho...

Up early again, after staying up late but not getting nearly enough work done, and I'll be off for more data collection (not even my study, sadly), then back for more work on the midterm. I was actually so sleepy this morning that I spilled orange juice all over my PJs and my kitchen rug, so at least that shocked me awake.

The girl called me as I was almost asleep, to tell me she missed me, at the party and in general. So I went to sleep with a smile on my face.

posted by Skattieboy @ 7:41 AM

Um, I think this is the wrong day...

You're very generous when it comes to love, Scott, and today you could go a bit overboard with your desire to please that special someone. Your passions and feelings of affection might be strong today, and you could woo someone with fervent emotion. You could get into the drama of setting a beautiful scene, with roses, romantic music, and the like. Just make sure that your feelings for this person are genuine, because this could be an intoxicating mixture!

posted by Skattieboy @ 7:35 AM

Saturday, February 16, 2002

Paying for my sins

So I was bad (well, we were bad) and did no studying last night, so tonight is kind of cramped, with the two of us apart and trying to get some extra stats wisdom from notes and readings before the last minute frenzy to finish the midterm tomorrow. Even leftover pizza and good cds can't make up for the fact that I'm missing out on a party.

posted by Skattieboy @ 6:38 PM

I'm working this weekend

I've been doing the twins thing, I have to work on my stats midterm, and I'd like to find time for sleep, too. We'll see which one of those things gets sacrificed.

posted by Skattieboy @ 11:45 AM

So then there's this...

Scott, this is a good day to notice what people around you are going through. You have a kind nature, and your feelings of compassion and charity could be strong right now. You could be moved to make a generous gesture like give someone some money. Or you might take time to listen to someone as they confess their troubles to you. Your sensitivity and understanding could be heightened today.

posted by Skattieboy @ 11:42 AM

Friday, February 15, 2002

I promise I'm not really in a bad mood

It's just that I haven't slept long enough in days, with no end in sight, so I resent having to get up early today.

posted by Skattieboy @ 7:33 AM

Yeah, yeah...

I know you only come here to read the Aquarius astrological forecasts...

You could be tapping into some interesting spiritual energies today, Scott. You've always had a strong intuitive side, and this part of you might be heightened today. You could be in the mood to read some inspirational literature or be around uplifting people right now. Your lighter, loving side might take over and cause you to express affection for the people around you. It's great to access these harmonious feelings.

posted by Skattieboy @ 7:26 AM

Thursday, February 14, 2002

So tired

The presentation went well and then I was busy a good chunk of the day before spending a fantastic afternoon with the girl, including a great dinner. But now I have to get ready for bed, as I have to get up early to debate our faculty recruiting. Bleh.

posted by Skattieboy @ 10:15 PM

So then there was this...

Aragorn

If I were a character in The Lord of the Rings, I would be Aragorn, Man of the West, leader of the Rangers who guard the hobbits.

In the movie, I am played by Viggo Mortensen.

Who would you be?
Zovakware Lord of the Rings Test with Perseus Web Survey Software

(Thanks, Weenie!)

posted by Skattieboy @ 10:14 PM

Happy Valentine's Day!

I've been remiss in sending out greetings and messages of warmth to many of my favorite folks, and I apologize. Yes, I know this day is rather commercial, but it's also a sweet opportunity to tell people you care about that they're special. So, in my own pedantic and unspecific way, this is for you. I love you, I miss you, and I'm thinking of you.

posted by Skattieboy @ 7:42 AM

Well, I am drinking a lot of coffee lately...

You could be very talkative right now, Scott. Your need to express yourself might take over. You could find yourself having a long conversation with someone. Just take care not to dominate the discussion! You could be so energized that you become a chatterbox. Try to give the other person time and space to express themselves. You can have fun with your conversation if you can each have equal room to speak.

posted by Skattieboy @ 7:39 AM

Wednesday, February 13, 2002

And yes...

I probably will have summink to say about the Oscar nominations, eventually.

posted by Skattieboy @ 5:25 PM

Sorry I haven't been around

Been spending lots of time with her, working on our presentation and just hanging out. It's been lovely.

I don't even know why I'm apologizing, really.

posted by Skattieboy @ 5:24 PM

It didn't quite happen that way...

But what the hell...

People around you could be in a bit of a critical mood right now, Scott. Your boss could be worried about something like budgets or staff changes, and he or she might not have time to applaud you today. Or your clients could just be in a grumpy mood, and they might not laugh at your jokes! Try not to take any of this heavy energy personally, as it is just the mood of the day.

posted by Skattieboy @ 5:22 PM

Tuesday, February 12, 2002

Awwwwwwww, shucks...

Thanks Dylan and Lorene! I got the package today, with the goodies. And I managed to trade back the Built to Spill disc I picked up for something equally good.

posted by Skattieboy @ 3:43 PM

He probably deserved it, right?

Rocky Mountain News photographer George Kochaniec, Jr. is treated for shrapnel wounds after an Israeli airstrike on the Palestinian Public Security Directorate in Gaza City Monday. More than 30 people were injured in the attack.

I'm biting my tongue, so to speak.

posted by Skattieboy @ 8:33 AM

The last image before I fell asleep

The girl asleep, propped up to read articles for class today, said articles resting on the down comforter, and a very innocent smile on her face.

posted by Skattieboy @ 7:56 AM

I could see this happening

You could be in a lot of meetings today, Scott. Lengthy discussions could be the theme for the day. Your staff might need to get together and have a meeting of minds. It could be important to clear the air about issues that have gotten a little out of control. Your positive, constructive attitude could add medicine to the mix. Try to be a cheerleader and encourage people to work together in a friendly way.

We're going to be deliberating about whether to extend an offer to a faculty applicant in our area meeting today, after all. We'll see if I have to play peacekeeper/moderator.

posted by Skattieboy @ 7:52 AM

Wow.

Just really. Wow. I cannot begin to explain how incredible those performances (the "Down From the Mountain" tour) were. We were 12th row, almost center, about 30 feet from the stage, in a huge, lovely auditorium with incredible sound. And we were both just blown away. It was sweet and beautiful.

posted by Skattieboy @ 7:50 AM

Monday, February 11, 2002

I swear to God

I'm going to kill my officemate. Really.

posted by Skattieboy @ 5:11 PM

And while I'm talking Olympics

I haven't even watched them, other than the opening ceremonies (which I mostly muted, so I wouldn't have to listen to the inane banter). The events I'm interested in haven't even aired yet.

But while I was happy to watch some of the spectacle, there was also lots of ugly white trash value in the ceremony, as when the American Indian performers came on. Was it just me, or did it feel incredibly condescending, like Tonto in a "Lone Ranger" movie?

posted by Skattieboy @ 9:06 AM

And since I haven't made any ridiculous political statements lately

Mostly because I have been trying to remain ignorant of world events so I don't lose all faith in humanity.

All I can say is thank God for Vladimir Putin and others in positions of power around the world, who seem to be trying to reign in King George.

George's comments at the Olympic opening ceremonies were embarrassing, I thought, and completely out of place. He could have honored those who perished and tahnked the many soldiers serving their countries in a better way, without blowing his own horn, so to speak. It was provincial, and reminded me what I dislike about him so much.

Then there's this plan to round up illegal immigrants, under the auspices of fighting terrorism. Yeah, I'm dumb enough to believe that's what that's about. Sure.

Oh, and never mind that we blew up innocent Afghan civilians, because there was a tall guy there. Yeah, every tall Afghani man might be Osama Bin Laden.

It sickens me, really.

Don't get me wrong. I think something needs to be done about terrorism. I just don't think they're going about it intelligently, but are rampaging about like the elephants in china shops we tend to be in such actions. And there's a sinister tinge of pushing their political agendas through in all of this, either unseen or masked as something else.

posted by Skattieboy @ 9:03 AM

I'm trying to feel good about my lack of productivity

I mean, I did read the article I have to present today, but a lot of other school stuff fell by the wayside, so I could watch some Fox programming, rearrange my comics and books, and read some of the excellent Seamus Heaney translation of "Beowulf".

posted by Skattieboy @ 8:56 AM

Sometimes I am just way too nice

The girl and I were reflecting on that this weekend. Seems I have an officemate now, thanks to my own generosity. She's someone young and abrasive, and she might not have even made it into the program without me advocating for her. I just really thought she deserved a chance. So I fought for her.

Since she got here, she hasn't fit in, has rubbed people the wrong way (not always a bad thing, as there are some extraordinarily uptight people in the department), and fallen out with her classmates from the first year. So she asked if she could move her stuff into my lab office, and I said okay.

Can you guess the punchline?

Yes, she's bugging me. The girl has even cut down her daily office visits because of that.

posted by Skattieboy @ 8:54 AM

Hmmmmmm... Good point.

There's no sense trying to please everyone Scott; it simply isn't possible and you are likely to wear yourself out trying. You might want to shift your priorities and readjust your schedule somewhat. Ultimately, it is your loved ones who are most important. Can you arrange things so that you can spend more time with them?

posted by Skattieboy @ 7:53 AM

Sunday, February 10, 2002

I was a bad boy

The girl and I wound up going to church (!), so we could see our professor sing. It was very sweet and very cool.

After, I should have come back and studied, but wound up going up to Boulder with John, instead, so he could test out his new car.

There's still time, I tell myself. I can get some work done tonight and not feel like a total slacker.

posted by Skattieboy @ 4:59 PM

Yeah, so I'm up again already

Got plans for an early brunch with her, then I have to come back and prepare for my presentations this week, maybe watch the NBA All-Star game, and other sundry and less fun stuff.

Oh, and I picked up that new Bad Religion cd, and it's every bit as good as I remembered from hearing a promo copy.

posted by Skattieboy @ 8:53 AM

A nice day

Besides aforementioned party, I spent time with Sherri and her hubby (stopped in at Tattered Cover and even got some cool stuff on top of a birthday present that was much too generous) and then spent more time with the girl. Turns out we're going to see the "Down from the Mountain" performance after all (we got tickets today), and then we took one of her applicants to dinner at Thai Basil. It was more enjoyable than I make it sound, really.

posted by Skattieboy @ 12:20 AM

Yeah, a little late

This came via Astrologer.com:

You could be in a giddy, social mood today, Scott, with planetary energies emphasizing get-togethers with friends. Try not to go to extremes today, though, and don't take in more food or drink than you can handle. It would be easy to go overboard today while being caught up in partying spirits. Keep your eyes open for people who have had too much to drink in your group and be sure to take their car keys away from them.

Yeah. We ended up going to this party for the developmental and experimental grad students and one of the faculty members was so shitty that she could barely walk and talk, but insisted in driving herself home. But it was still fun and amusing as hell. Free beer and wine, snacks, and good company.

posted by Skattieboy @ 12:13 AM

design