M had art tonight (vs. Monday due to the MLK holiday) so I picked her up on the way home from the gym. She really seems to be enjoying it, although we never really thought she wouldn't seeing as she loves drawing. Tonight they did shading with black and white. They'll start working on shading with color next week. The instructor mentioned that M is doing very well and she's quite impressed with her skill set. Apparently M's school provides a lot more art instruction than the local public school does. I guess that's one benefit of sending her to parochial school.
I had to hurry out the door to the gym and tossed on my fleece. It was a little tight for me, but I figured it was just because D had washed it recently. When I took it off later on, I checked out the label to see what the care instructions were. I looked at the size tag after seeing the recommended washing/drying instructions indicate nothing out of the ordinary. I was shocked when it read: Y 14/16! WTF? I could've sworn I bought an adult medium.
Going off on a tangent, have you noticed how clothes are getting larger while the tags are getting smaller? I don't mean the physical properties of the tag, but the article itself. I have a few shirts in my closet that are Large, yet they're billowing on me. Five years ago, these would be labeled XL, but now they're L. I guess it's just another sign that we as a society are getting fatter. Hey, why not call a spade a spade and label the shirt XXL vs.XL. Or would that hurt their fragile self-esteem?
Anyway, I finally figured out what happened to the fleece: When Doug and Nancy were up a few weeks back, Micheal took my fleece and I took his. Case closed. Now I just need to swap them before his (mine) gets shipped off to St. Vincent's.
We dropped the car off...again. This time it's should be fixed for good. As I said the other day, the wheel bearing needs to be replaced. It shouldn't take that long, but with the satellite guy coming tomorrow morning, we went ahead and dropped it off tonight and will pick it up tomorrow afternoon.
Showing posts with label rants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rants. Show all posts
Friday, January 25, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Day 328 - 01/14/2008
After Friday's experience at the gym, I decided to hit it over lunch instead of risking getting stuck talking to Keri again. Although I shouldn't have been, I was somewhat surprised to hear the manager talking to other members about her. Apparently I'm not the only one who feels like she's a whack job. Hopefully she'll be gone soon, otherwise I'll change my schedule permanently.
Other than that, my workout was good. It's been a couple of weeks now since I started using the TRX system and so far I'm happy with it. It provides me with a lot more of a core workout than just lifting did. But what I really like about it is that it gives me a total workout in about 25 minutes, leaving me with the time to get in 30 minutes of cardio in the same amount of time as lifting weights did.
After the gym, I swung by the bank to deposit some checks. It took about 10 minutes and when the transaction was finished, I understood why: she printed a deposit slip for me. Apparently, if there are more than five checks, a deposit slip is required. Of course, when I was there before to make a deposit and asked for a deposit slip (for the kids to fill out as I was hoping to teach them the value of saving), I was told they weren't needed as long as the account number was on the back of the check. Well, which is it? Are they required or aren't they? I tell you, more and more I think about changing banks. The only thing keeping me there is the history I've had with them (15+ years) and the hassle of changing all my direct deposit information.
D and I watched the second part of T:SCC (Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles) tonight. She gave up after a while and went up to bed (partly because she was tired and partly because she grew tired of the actress playing Sarah Connor). I'm on the fence right now, but I think the one who plays the cyborg sent to protect John Connor does a pretty good job.
Other than that, my workout was good. It's been a couple of weeks now since I started using the TRX system and so far I'm happy with it. It provides me with a lot more of a core workout than just lifting did. But what I really like about it is that it gives me a total workout in about 25 minutes, leaving me with the time to get in 30 minutes of cardio in the same amount of time as lifting weights did.
After the gym, I swung by the bank to deposit some checks. It took about 10 minutes and when the transaction was finished, I understood why: she printed a deposit slip for me. Apparently, if there are more than five checks, a deposit slip is required. Of course, when I was there before to make a deposit and asked for a deposit slip (for the kids to fill out as I was hoping to teach them the value of saving), I was told they weren't needed as long as the account number was on the back of the check. Well, which is it? Are they required or aren't they? I tell you, more and more I think about changing banks. The only thing keeping me there is the history I've had with them (15+ years) and the hassle of changing all my direct deposit information.
D and I watched the second part of T:SCC (Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles) tonight. She gave up after a while and went up to bed (partly because she was tired and partly because she grew tired of the actress playing Sarah Connor). I'm on the fence right now, but I think the one who plays the cyborg sent to protect John Connor does a pretty good job.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Day 319 - 01/05/2008
I took advantage of the break in the weather (it was about 50° or so and dry) and took down the outside lights. Although the Christmas season doesn't end until February, it was time to take down the decorations. We'll take the indoor decorations up until tomorrow, but after that, it's business as usual.
D went to a baby shower for Donna, so it was just the kids and I at home. We spent the afternoon watching the 'Skins lose (as I had expected) and then they were off to bed. N's tooth is loose and we tried to jimmy it out, first with floss and then with my fingers, but it's just not ready yet. I told him about how I would yank the tooth out as a boy by tying floss to it and then the other end around a door knob. I would then slam the door and the tooth would pop out. I don't recall how many times I did that, but I know it was at least once. It worked, but I didn't feel like doing that to him in case it wasn't ready to come out. Compared to M, though, he's not shy about wanting it out (nor is he afraid of the blood).
After the kids got to bed, I focused on sorting through various papers that need to be filed. After putting the safe to use, I discovered a Xerox box full of papers going back to 2004 that needed to be filed (or shredded, as the case may be). I spent most of the night doing just that while watching the Steelers-Jaguars game in the office. I was glad to see the Jaguars win, although I think they'll give the Patriots a tougher time than the Steelers would have.
Looking through the papers, I came across lots of old stuff (as was expected), including the trail of appeals to United Healthcare concerning their payment for the neonatalogist called in when N was born. They said he was out of network and therefore would only pay 25% of the bill (vs. 90%). Our argument was that since this was an emergency situation, they should treat it as such. As it turns out, the neonatalogist's office was at fault for not having a contract with the insurance company and they had to end up eating the amount we owed.
Compare that with the estimated cost worksheet we got from Aetna for how much it would cost us in out of pocket expenses when M was born and the difference couldn't have been greater: She was (literally) the $5 baby. It's amazing how much healthcare coverage changed in just four years.
What's even more ridiculous is that now that I'm working for a company with 100k+ employees, we're paying more in healthcare costs (deductibles, coverage, co-pays, etc.) than we were when I was working for a 500+ employee company. I guess the savings is passed on to the shareholders vs. the employees. I hope that maybe, just maybe, this will change in the coming months as open season comes up on the calendar, but, for some reason, I don't think it will. If anything, I would expect to see another increase in healthcare costs. Oh well, at least we have insurance.
D went to a baby shower for Donna, so it was just the kids and I at home. We spent the afternoon watching the 'Skins lose (as I had expected) and then they were off to bed. N's tooth is loose and we tried to jimmy it out, first with floss and then with my fingers, but it's just not ready yet. I told him about how I would yank the tooth out as a boy by tying floss to it and then the other end around a door knob. I would then slam the door and the tooth would pop out. I don't recall how many times I did that, but I know it was at least once. It worked, but I didn't feel like doing that to him in case it wasn't ready to come out. Compared to M, though, he's not shy about wanting it out (nor is he afraid of the blood).
After the kids got to bed, I focused on sorting through various papers that need to be filed. After putting the safe to use, I discovered a Xerox box full of papers going back to 2004 that needed to be filed (or shredded, as the case may be). I spent most of the night doing just that while watching the Steelers-Jaguars game in the office. I was glad to see the Jaguars win, although I think they'll give the Patriots a tougher time than the Steelers would have.
Looking through the papers, I came across lots of old stuff (as was expected), including the trail of appeals to United Healthcare concerning their payment for the neonatalogist called in when N was born. They said he was out of network and therefore would only pay 25% of the bill (vs. 90%). Our argument was that since this was an emergency situation, they should treat it as such. As it turns out, the neonatalogist's office was at fault for not having a contract with the insurance company and they had to end up eating the amount we owed.
Compare that with the estimated cost worksheet we got from Aetna for how much it would cost us in out of pocket expenses when M was born and the difference couldn't have been greater: She was (literally) the $5 baby. It's amazing how much healthcare coverage changed in just four years.
What's even more ridiculous is that now that I'm working for a company with 100k+ employees, we're paying more in healthcare costs (deductibles, coverage, co-pays, etc.) than we were when I was working for a 500+ employee company. I guess the savings is passed on to the shareholders vs. the employees. I hope that maybe, just maybe, this will change in the coming months as open season comes up on the calendar, but, for some reason, I don't think it will. If anything, I would expect to see another increase in healthcare costs. Oh well, at least we have insurance.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Day 289 - 12/06/2007
There's a piece in the Washington Post that talked about the snowstorm that came through the other day. I added my 2¢ to the comments section as follows:
"Since we don't get many winter storms in this area, let's just all accept that there will be difficulties and move on with our lives.
I could understand the frustration if this was a weekly occurrence, but, for the most part, it's a once every few months occurrence in the winter.
Furthermore, I would add that it doesn't take a couple inches of snow to make the roads chock full of congestion. Look at the roads when it rains. I don't see any complaints about the various DOTs not doing a good enough job to alleviate traffic during those conditions (and we have a LOT more rainy days than we do snowy days in these here parts)."
I don't get it. It's not like the roads are going to magically expand to accept everyone on the roads at once (and going slower than usual). Even if the various DOTs had gotten their shit together and cleared the roads, they'd still be wet and has been proven every time it rains around here, people drive slower in the rain.
Of course, no one wants to accept responsibility (or reality). Instead, they would rather blame someone else. It took me about 45 minutes to get to work, but guess what? It was my fault. Yes, that's right: it was my fault. Had I not gone down 28 and instead cut through Greenbriar over to 50, I would have gotten to work in less than 20 minutes. Lesson learned.
In other news, I skipped reading to the kids as M was sent to her room for continually disobeying our request to finish the dishes. Her hemming and hawing on doing chores is getting old. If we don't tell her exactly what to do, she'll only do what she thought she heard. Tonight it was doing the dishes. She didn't realize that wiping the table was part of doing the dishes even though we told her about 20 times! Oh well, she paid the price by being sent to her room early and didn't get to participate in book-time. I read N "The Cat in the Hat" instead.
"Since we don't get many winter storms in this area, let's just all accept that there will be difficulties and move on with our lives.
I could understand the frustration if this was a weekly occurrence, but, for the most part, it's a once every few months occurrence in the winter.
Furthermore, I would add that it doesn't take a couple inches of snow to make the roads chock full of congestion. Look at the roads when it rains. I don't see any complaints about the various DOTs not doing a good enough job to alleviate traffic during those conditions (and we have a LOT more rainy days than we do snowy days in these here parts)."
I don't get it. It's not like the roads are going to magically expand to accept everyone on the roads at once (and going slower than usual). Even if the various DOTs had gotten their shit together and cleared the roads, they'd still be wet and has been proven every time it rains around here, people drive slower in the rain.
Of course, no one wants to accept responsibility (or reality). Instead, they would rather blame someone else. It took me about 45 minutes to get to work, but guess what? It was my fault. Yes, that's right: it was my fault. Had I not gone down 28 and instead cut through Greenbriar over to 50, I would have gotten to work in less than 20 minutes. Lesson learned.
In other news, I skipped reading to the kids as M was sent to her room for continually disobeying our request to finish the dishes. Her hemming and hawing on doing chores is getting old. If we don't tell her exactly what to do, she'll only do what she thought she heard. Tonight it was doing the dishes. She didn't realize that wiping the table was part of doing the dishes even though we told her about 20 times! Oh well, she paid the price by being sent to her room early and didn't get to participate in book-time. I read N "The Cat in the Hat" instead.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Day 265 - 11/12/2007
Although it's a federal holiday today (Veteran's Day, observed), we're open for business (as are most private companies I would assume). Veterans Day doesn't have the panache it once did; it's become another non-holiday holiday, sort of like Columbus Day. I guess it's just another day to make money.
On my way home I noticed a few houses with Christmas lights already on. I guess they didn't read Stephen's recent letter to the editor. And if you haven't read it, here it is (from The Free-Lance Star):
Fredericksburg gets the prize for best costume!
Despite the late arrival of autumnal weather, the city of Fredericksburg was able to muster up some real Halloween spirit and get decked out in the best costume I've seen yet.
When I noticed red and green wreaths going up on the light poles around town on Oct. 29, I was confused at first, but then it all became clear! The whole city got dressed up as a town that places commercialism above sentimentality and decency.
By donning this timely costume, the city appears to be one of those towns that pushes the season as far as it possibly can, the kind that says, "Hey, self-respect is nothing compared to the satisfaction of your tax dollar in our pocket! It's time to spend money here! It's Xmas time!"
Well, city of Fredericksburg, open up that sack--because I think you deserve a whole handful of the good stuff from my candy bowl.
Fantastic! Red and green wreaths on the light poles before most of the leaves around town have even changed colors. Hilarious!
Let me know if you need any help taking that costume off after trick-or-treats. We can put it away until Christmas, when it will look good again.
Stephen Craig Fredericksburg
While they may be playing It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas in the shops, I wish retailers could just focus on the holiday at hand vs. trying to make a buck. I mean, I didn't even see one Veterans Day Extravaganza Blowout Sale circular. What's up with that?!?
On my way home I noticed a few houses with Christmas lights already on. I guess they didn't read Stephen's recent letter to the editor. And if you haven't read it, here it is (from The Free-Lance Star):
Fredericksburg gets the prize for best costume!
Despite the late arrival of autumnal weather, the city of Fredericksburg was able to muster up some real Halloween spirit and get decked out in the best costume I've seen yet.
When I noticed red and green wreaths going up on the light poles around town on Oct. 29, I was confused at first, but then it all became clear! The whole city got dressed up as a town that places commercialism above sentimentality and decency.
By donning this timely costume, the city appears to be one of those towns that pushes the season as far as it possibly can, the kind that says, "Hey, self-respect is nothing compared to the satisfaction of your tax dollar in our pocket! It's time to spend money here! It's Xmas time!"
Well, city of Fredericksburg, open up that sack--because I think you deserve a whole handful of the good stuff from my candy bowl.
Fantastic! Red and green wreaths on the light poles before most of the leaves around town have even changed colors. Hilarious!
Let me know if you need any help taking that costume off after trick-or-treats. We can put it away until Christmas, when it will look good again.
Stephen Craig Fredericksburg
While they may be playing It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas in the shops, I wish retailers could just focus on the holiday at hand vs. trying to make a buck. I mean, I didn't even see one Veterans Day Extravaganza Blowout Sale circular. What's up with that?!?
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Day 259 - 11/06/2007
It's election day across the country and here in Fairfax the voters have spoken. Across the county it appears the vast majority is happy with how King Connolly is driving this county into the poor house. I guess the $25 we don't have to pay in order to prove we paid our personal property taxes was enough to buy their vote.
Sure, you removed that fee and are taking credit for reducing the tax rate (which still means we're paying more in property taxes due to the increased assessments) and are for anything that means more development dollars in your pocket. You based your attack on your opponent's platform matching everything you've been trying to do for the past four years, but all you could do is say you eliminated the decal fee?!? Makes me want to holler!
Can you tell who I voted for? (Or should that be who I didn't vote for?!?)
The outcome of our state senate race is still being determined. The incumbent is ahead of his challenger by 94 votes (I'd mention their names, but I can't spell them correctly and I'm too lazy to look them up right now). I smell a recount and then when that fails to determine a definitive winner, the appeals process will begin. I'm just left wondering whether folks voted for the challenger because she wasn't the incumbent (who hails from the right of right on lots of issues) or whether they actually believed she could do the job. I guess only time will tell.
Of course, regardless of which party is in control, nothing will be done and come next election we'll be discussing the same issues. It's politics as usual in the state of Virginia and until the state constitution changes so that the local jurisdictions can manage themselves without worrying about Richmond looking over their shoulders, nothing will change, regardless of which party holds power.
Sure, you removed that fee and are taking credit for reducing the tax rate (which still means we're paying more in property taxes due to the increased assessments) and are for anything that means more development dollars in your pocket. You based your attack on your opponent's platform matching everything you've been trying to do for the past four years, but all you could do is say you eliminated the decal fee?!? Makes me want to holler!
Can you tell who I voted for? (Or should that be who I didn't vote for?!?)
The outcome of our state senate race is still being determined. The incumbent is ahead of his challenger by 94 votes (I'd mention their names, but I can't spell them correctly and I'm too lazy to look them up right now). I smell a recount and then when that fails to determine a definitive winner, the appeals process will begin. I'm just left wondering whether folks voted for the challenger because she wasn't the incumbent (who hails from the right of right on lots of issues) or whether they actually believed she could do the job. I guess only time will tell.
Of course, regardless of which party is in control, nothing will be done and come next election we'll be discussing the same issues. It's politics as usual in the state of Virginia and until the state constitution changes so that the local jurisdictions can manage themselves without worrying about Richmond looking over their shoulders, nothing will change, regardless of which party holds power.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Day 204 - 09/12/2007
Always the technology, never the user.
Yet again, one of my colleagues proved my mantra. We had a lessons learned meeting and he stated that one of the reasons why he couldn't move forward was because he was using a new tool (JavaScript) and he didn't have the right debugging tools.
"It's hard to debug 1000s of lines of code when you're writing in Notepad." he said.
Or something like that.
I'm wondering whether this is the last person in the world who hasn't heard of Google. After the meeting, I typed "How do you debug JavaScript?" in Google and got a great result set. Within the first ten items I found out there are multiple ways of debugging JavaScript.
Like I said: Always the technology, never the user.
Yet again, one of my colleagues proved my mantra. We had a lessons learned meeting and he stated that one of the reasons why he couldn't move forward was because he was using a new tool (JavaScript) and he didn't have the right debugging tools.
"It's hard to debug 1000s of lines of code when you're writing in Notepad." he said.
Or something like that.
I'm wondering whether this is the last person in the world who hasn't heard of Google. After the meeting, I typed "How do you debug JavaScript?" in Google and got a great result set. Within the first ten items I found out there are multiple ways of debugging JavaScript.
Like I said: Always the technology, never the user.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Day 199 - 09/07/2007
Remember that package that I had to file a claim for at the Post Office? Well, I went to another branch today to attempt to file the claim. I say attempt as I tried, but this time it was for naught.
Apparently I needed proof that the insurance was actually purchased, either in the form of the original form or the receipt. You know the tag that's put on by the postal clerk when you buy insurance? The one that has the bar code and says something like "Certificate of Insurance"? Well, that's not proof of purchase.
And even though the words on that tag state nothing about requiring a receipt, one is required. The words actually say something like: To file a claim, this package, contents and estimate of value must be presented.
When I pointed this out to the supervisor (because I guess the little old lady couldn't understand my logic and felt threatened by my reasonable state), he said "You can't put everything on there, it's too small!"
"You're right, but if you put something on there, it gives the impression that that is ALL that's needed. If you need more, put a reference to something else, like the form instructions!"
I don't even know why I wasted my breath. Jackie sure wasn't going to do anything about it. He was too concerned with getting back to his lunch from the looks of the crumbs on his shirt. Either that or he didn't feel like doing the additional paperwork required when no proof of purchase is presented.
The kicker occurred when I got back to the office. I went to the USPS website to see how I could file the claim online (I recalled seeing that as an option when I printed the form out). As it turned out, I didn't qualify, but I did stumble upon this little nugget:
The following items are needed to file an insurance claim for a Domestic mailpiece:
Proof of Insurance. If Purchased Insurance at a Post Office™, one of:
o Your "original" mailing receipt for Insured Mail, Registered Mail™, COD, or Express Mail® service (the original postmarked receipt is required for Insured Mail, Registered Mail and COD).
o The original sales receipt from the United States Postal Service® showing article number and insurance amount is acceptable if original mailing receipt is not available.
o The wrapper showing the name, street name/number, city, state, and ZIP Code™ of both the sender and the recipient and the proper mail endorsement, tag, or label showing that the article was sent insured, COD, Registered Mail with postal insurance, or Express Mail. If only the wrapper is submitted, indemnity can be limited to $100 for insured, $50 for COD, $100 for Registered Mail, and $100 for Express Mail.
Just to be sure, I called up 1-800-ASK-USPS and asked them what was required. Sure enough, no receipt is required. The above instructions are correct. It appears the form is outdated and not complete in stating what is required.
That being said (and just in case I end up being banned from all the post offices in the area), I sent a request to the seller for the receipt. Hopefully he still has it and I'll be able to clear this up without having to resort to calling the media. I probably won't do that anyway, but...
On a completely different front, Frank came over for dinner. After dinner we pretty much spent the rest of the evening talking about what's going on in his world. We don't get a chance to do lunch that often anymore; it seems he stays pretty busy with work. It's always good to catch up with him and hopefully everything will work itself out for him. He's a really good guy who doesn't deserve any of what's being thrown his way.
Apparently I needed proof that the insurance was actually purchased, either in the form of the original form or the receipt. You know the tag that's put on by the postal clerk when you buy insurance? The one that has the bar code and says something like "Certificate of Insurance"? Well, that's not proof of purchase.
And even though the words on that tag state nothing about requiring a receipt, one is required. The words actually say something like: To file a claim, this package, contents and estimate of value must be presented.
When I pointed this out to the supervisor (because I guess the little old lady couldn't understand my logic and felt threatened by my reasonable state), he said "You can't put everything on there, it's too small!"
"You're right, but if you put something on there, it gives the impression that that is ALL that's needed. If you need more, put a reference to something else, like the form instructions!"
I don't even know why I wasted my breath. Jackie sure wasn't going to do anything about it. He was too concerned with getting back to his lunch from the looks of the crumbs on his shirt. Either that or he didn't feel like doing the additional paperwork required when no proof of purchase is presented.
The kicker occurred when I got back to the office. I went to the USPS website to see how I could file the claim online (I recalled seeing that as an option when I printed the form out). As it turned out, I didn't qualify, but I did stumble upon this little nugget:
The following items are needed to file an insurance claim for a Domestic mailpiece:
Proof of Insurance. If Purchased Insurance at a Post Office™, one of:
o Your "original" mailing receipt for Insured Mail, Registered Mail™, COD, or Express Mail® service (the original postmarked receipt is required for Insured Mail, Registered Mail and COD).
o The original sales receipt from the United States Postal Service® showing article number and insurance amount is acceptable if original mailing receipt is not available.
o The wrapper showing the name, street name/number, city, state, and ZIP Code™ of both the sender and the recipient and the proper mail endorsement, tag, or label showing that the article was sent insured, COD, Registered Mail with postal insurance, or Express Mail. If only the wrapper is submitted, indemnity can be limited to $100 for insured, $50 for COD, $100 for Registered Mail, and $100 for Express Mail.
Just to be sure, I called up 1-800-ASK-USPS and asked them what was required. Sure enough, no receipt is required. The above instructions are correct. It appears the form is outdated and not complete in stating what is required.
That being said (and just in case I end up being banned from all the post offices in the area), I sent a request to the seller for the receipt. Hopefully he still has it and I'll be able to clear this up without having to resort to calling the media. I probably won't do that anyway, but...
On a completely different front, Frank came over for dinner. After dinner we pretty much spent the rest of the evening talking about what's going on in his world. We don't get a chance to do lunch that often anymore; it seems he stays pretty busy with work. It's always good to catch up with him and hopefully everything will work itself out for him. He's a really good guy who doesn't deserve any of what's being thrown his way.
Day 198 - 09/06/2007
They should've called it a "serminar" as that's what it turned out to be.
My boss gave me a ticket to a Get Motivated seminar that touted speakers that would improve our business skills (e.g., sales, leadership, negotiations, etc.). I must've read it wrong because that's not what was provided.
The doors opened at 7a for an 8a start, but we (we being two of my colleagues and myself) didn't get there until 930a. We decided we weren't motivated enough to get up early fight traffic. We arrived in the middle of the best speaker of the day. Had I known he was the best, we would've turned around and headed into the office. As one of my colleagues said as we walked back to the car, "I would've spent the day writing code instead of being here!"
Unfortunately, the marketing department failed to notify the public that a lot of what was presented was faith-based. There were no cutting edge techniques, no secret words to use to close the sale, nothing new under the sun. What was included was a series of speakers touting how their faith caused them to become successful. Or a product that they're willing to sell to you for$6500 $6000 $950? Yes, in a matter of five minutes, the price was dropped over $5000. I felt like I was in some large-scale window sales presentation.
The moment of cheese came when Zig Ziglar (who I was actually looking forward to hearing) came on stage...with his daughter. They then went on to do a father-daughter interview that was completely scripted and the only motivational words of wisdom came from when they played Zig speaking at previous sessions!
I felt ripped off and I didn't even have to pay for the ticket!
It got to a point where I didn't even care about seeing Sugar Ray Leonard or Colin Powell speak. I just wanted to get out of there. And that's what we did. In the middle of one of the speakers, we all just up and left. We didn't care about having to disrupt the folks around us, we wanted out.
Out on the concourse, we compared our thoughts and pretty much each and every one of us felt the same way: cheated.
So, if you ever get the chance to go to one of these, pass on the opportunity (unless, of course, your boss is forcing you to go), you won't regret it.
My boss gave me a ticket to a Get Motivated seminar that touted speakers that would improve our business skills (e.g., sales, leadership, negotiations, etc.). I must've read it wrong because that's not what was provided.
The doors opened at 7a for an 8a start, but we (we being two of my colleagues and myself) didn't get there until 930a. We decided we weren't motivated enough to get up early fight traffic. We arrived in the middle of the best speaker of the day. Had I known he was the best, we would've turned around and headed into the office. As one of my colleagues said as we walked back to the car, "I would've spent the day writing code instead of being here!"
Unfortunately, the marketing department failed to notify the public that a lot of what was presented was faith-based. There were no cutting edge techniques, no secret words to use to close the sale, nothing new under the sun. What was included was a series of speakers touting how their faith caused them to become successful. Or a product that they're willing to sell to you for
The moment of cheese came when Zig Ziglar (who I was actually looking forward to hearing) came on stage...with his daughter. They then went on to do a father-daughter interview that was completely scripted and the only motivational words of wisdom came from when they played Zig speaking at previous sessions!
I felt ripped off and I didn't even have to pay for the ticket!
It got to a point where I didn't even care about seeing Sugar Ray Leonard or Colin Powell speak. I just wanted to get out of there. And that's what we did. In the middle of one of the speakers, we all just up and left. We didn't care about having to disrupt the folks around us, we wanted out.
Out on the concourse, we compared our thoughts and pretty much each and every one of us felt the same way: cheated.
So, if you ever get the chance to go to one of these, pass on the opportunity (unless, of course, your boss is forcing you to go), you won't regret it.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Day 192 - 08/31/2007
I went to the Post Office during lunch to file an insurance claim for the place settings we bought on e-Bay recently. Two of the cups were broken upon arrival. I waited in line (no numbers at the Centreville office) and after a few minutes of people watching, I was called to the counter and explained to the two (!) clerks at that position what I was there to do.
Clerk 1: T handles insurance claims.
I'm not sure who T is, but I guess s/he's the person I need to talk with.
Me: Ok. Blank stare. Uh, how about you either go get T or tell me where to go.
Clerk 2 (after a 3-4 second pause): T's not here.
Me: Ok, who can I...
Clerk 1: She's on vacation and won't be back until next week.
Me: Ok, who can I...
Clerk 2: She's the only one who handles insurance transactions.
Clerk 1: She's on vacation and won't be back until next week.
Me: Ok...
Clerk 2: You can go to the main Centreville office or the Chantilly office.
Me: Is there a form I need to fill out so that I can be ready when I arrive?
You'd have thought I asked her to call T on vacation and find it the way she gave me the evil eye. But I guess my blank stare and non-movement gave her the impetus to get moving and start getting me the form. Ten minutes later she comes back out and looks in the cabinet that is right behind her.
Bingo.
It's amazing the level of competence you get at the front lines of the post office. I wonder how successful they'd be were they a private business?
Yet I can send a letter across the country for 41¢!
Clerk 1: T handles insurance claims.
I'm not sure who T is, but I guess s/he's the person I need to talk with.
Me: Ok. Blank stare. Uh, how about you either go get T or tell me where to go.
Clerk 2 (after a 3-4 second pause): T's not here.
Me: Ok, who can I...
Clerk 1: She's on vacation and won't be back until next week.
Me: Ok, who can I...
Clerk 2: She's the only one who handles insurance transactions.
Clerk 1: She's on vacation and won't be back until next week.
Me: Ok...
Clerk 2: You can go to the main Centreville office or the Chantilly office.
Me: Is there a form I need to fill out so that I can be ready when I arrive?
You'd have thought I asked her to call T on vacation and find it the way she gave me the evil eye. But I guess my blank stare and non-movement gave her the impetus to get moving and start getting me the form. Ten minutes later she comes back out and looks in the cabinet that is right behind her.
Bingo.
It's amazing the level of competence you get at the front lines of the post office. I wonder how successful they'd be were they a private business?
Yet I can send a letter across the country for 41¢!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Day 181 - 08/20/2007
I started dealing with Inova Rehabilitation Services for the second time regarding my knee rehab today. Of course, I did not get through to a live being, but a voice mail promising they'd get back to me within 24 hours. Yeah right, they said that last time and it took almost a week to get a live person (and that wasn't because they called me back, but because I got the secret number). I'm glad I kept that secret number (703.279.4376) because now I'll use it to bypass the voice messaging system if they don't call me back today. Or maybe I'll just drive down to 9900 Main Street in Fairfax and give them what-for personally. I wonder why they call it customer service when they do anything but serve the customer?!?
On a completely unrelated subject, I made lasagna for dinner tonight. We had D's relatives from Illinois up for dinner and I wanted to do something simple. Well, simple in that it's a one-dish meal. Anyway, here's the recipe (perfected over eight years of trial and error).
Matt's Lasagna
There you have it. Enjoy!
On a completely unrelated subject, I made lasagna for dinner tonight. We had D's relatives from Illinois up for dinner and I wanted to do something simple. Well, simple in that it's a one-dish meal. Anyway, here's the recipe (perfected over eight years of trial and error).
Matt's Lasagna
Ingredients
Meat/Tomato Sauce
1# Spicy Italian sausage (bulk)*
1# Mild or Medium Italian sausage (bulk)*
*If bulk sausage isn’t available, remove the casing from the link and coarsely chop the sausage before cooking it. You may use whichever flavor suits your palate, but two pounds of sausage is recommended. Fake sausage doesn't impart the flavor that the real stuff does. Consider yourself forewarned!
32 oz. Spaghetti sauce (your choice)
28 oz. canned whole Italian tomatoes (coarsely chopped, liquid drained and reserved)
14 oz. Del Monte Italian Seasoned crushed tomatoes
2 tsp. Fennel
2 tsp. Crushed red pepper (more or less, depending on personal taste)
2 tsp. Rosemary
1 tsp. Thyme
1 tbsp. Oregano
1 tsp. Sage
1 tsp. McCormick Italian Seasoning (or equivalent)
1# Portobello mushrooms, coarsely chopped (I think these absorb the flavors best)
1 can tomato paste (optional)
Cheese Layer
2# Ricotta Cheese (low-fat doesn’t work as well as regular)
1# shredded Mozzarella Cheese (add more if you want it “cheesier” – I’ll typically use a pound)
½ bunch of parsley, finely chopped (remove the stems prior to chopping)
2 eggs
Other
1# lasagna noodles (regular – NOT the “No-boil” kind)
Instructions
Brown the sausage with 1 tsp. fennel and 1 tsp. crushed red pepper. Make sure the sausage is broken up into pea-sized or smaller pieces. While browning the sausage, add the rest of the ingredients (except for the tomato paste) to a large pot and bring to a simmer. Drain off the excess grease from the sausage and it to the tomato sauce.
Simmer over low heat for 45 minutes to an hour. If the sauce gets too thick while simmering, add some of the reserved tomato juice. If the sauce looks too watery after 45 minutes or so, add a bit of tomato paste to thicken it up and keep simmering. You want to reach a thin tomato soup consistency. You don’t want it too thick, however, since the extra liquid in the sauce is the key to “cooking” the noodles while sitting overnight.
While the meat and tomato sauce is simmering, make the cheese layer by combining all the ingredients and mixing well.
Once the sauce is done cooking, it’s time to build the lasagna. Arrange one layer of noodles to the bottom of a 13”x9” pan. Add a layer of meat sauce and then a layer of cheese sauce. Repeat the process until you run out of ingredients or reach the top of the pan. When you reach the top of the pan, any noodles that may be visible MUST be covered with the meat and cheese. If they’re not covered, they’ll dry out while cooking. You’ll probably have leftover noodles: Save them for the next time you make lasagna.
Cover the lasagna with foil and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight.
You may also freeze the lasagna. If so, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then cover it with foil. (Don’t forget to remove the plastic wrap prior to cooking or you’ll have unknown results.) Completely thaw it prior to cooking.
To finish it, preheat the oven to 400˚, cook the lasagna for 45 minutes. Reduce the heat to 350˚ and cook for an additional 30 minutes or until the center is nice and hot (probably around 160˚ - 175˚). For easier serving, let it sit a few minutes before cutting it.There you have it. Enjoy!
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Day 167 - 08/06/2007
I rode my bike to work for the first time in a long time. I haven't been lazy, just trying to break out of vacation mode. It was good to be back in the saddle and my knees didn't bother me that much. Upon arrival, I increased my lifting regimen (which I have also been slacking on) so that the next time I'm at the gym, I should be back to my normal schedule.
I've mentioned before that Monday is $5 burger day at the South Riding Inn. I wasn't planning on heading out, but I did anyway. During lunch we got into a brief discussion on "working from home" and whether you get more done or not. One of the contractors mentioned that the last time he said he worked from home and ended up playing hooky was on January 6th. I asked him if he played hooky to go to Mass in celebration of the Feast of the Epiphany (he's Italian from New Jersey which led me to believe he was Catholic) and he replied that religion meant nothing to him. Since I knew he celebrated Christmas, I asked him whether he did.
"Of course!" he replied, rather curtly.
"Why do you celebrate Christmas if religion means nothing for you?" I asked.
"We do it for the kids," he responded, again in a curt manner.
"Oh, I see," was all I said, but if you celebrate something that holds no meaning for you, shouldn't you question why? I thought to myself, not wanting to continue this thread.
I try and avoid interacting with this guy in general as he's very much of an in-your-face kind of guy who's the expert on all subjects and whose kids are the best on their respective teams and tops in the class. Anything they do must be shared with the rest of the team, but should you try and get a word in about your own, it's passed over while he talks about what he (or they) did in relation to that. Whatever. The only reason I went to lunch was that I didn't know he was going; had I known, I would've passed. Next time I'll be rude and inquire as to who's going. Or maybe I'll call him on his hypocrisy. Or, better yet, maybe I'll just keep my mouth shut. What others do with their lives is none of my business (until it effects me in a personal manner, that is).
On my way home I finally ran into trouble in the form of a flat tire. I've been jumping the curb at this one spot ever since I started going home on 50 and have never had a problem. Today was the end of that. As I rode over the curb and into the grass, I felt the back tire give way. By the time I was in the service road, there was no question about it, my tire was flat. Fortunately I carry a tire patching kit, so I set about to repair it. One hole led to another and it appeared I got them all as the tire held air. I reset the tube and started riding again, but it soon appeared there was another leak that I wasn't able to detect. Instead of troubleshooting it on the road, I gave up and called D for a ride home. Later on, the kids and I went out and got a couple new tubes and a pair of tire liner strips from REI (as well as a new helmet). Hopefully that will prevent any further flats on my commute. One is more than enough.
I've mentioned before that Monday is $5 burger day at the South Riding Inn. I wasn't planning on heading out, but I did anyway. During lunch we got into a brief discussion on "working from home" and whether you get more done or not. One of the contractors mentioned that the last time he said he worked from home and ended up playing hooky was on January 6th. I asked him if he played hooky to go to Mass in celebration of the Feast of the Epiphany (he's Italian from New Jersey which led me to believe he was Catholic) and he replied that religion meant nothing to him. Since I knew he celebrated Christmas, I asked him whether he did.
"Of course!" he replied, rather curtly.
"Why do you celebrate Christmas if religion means nothing for you?" I asked.
"We do it for the kids," he responded, again in a curt manner.
"Oh, I see," was all I said, but if you celebrate something that holds no meaning for you, shouldn't you question why? I thought to myself, not wanting to continue this thread.
I try and avoid interacting with this guy in general as he's very much of an in-your-face kind of guy who's the expert on all subjects and whose kids are the best on their respective teams and tops in the class. Anything they do must be shared with the rest of the team, but should you try and get a word in about your own, it's passed over while he talks about what he (or they) did in relation to that. Whatever. The only reason I went to lunch was that I didn't know he was going; had I known, I would've passed. Next time I'll be rude and inquire as to who's going. Or maybe I'll call him on his hypocrisy. Or, better yet, maybe I'll just keep my mouth shut. What others do with their lives is none of my business (until it effects me in a personal manner, that is).
On my way home I finally ran into trouble in the form of a flat tire. I've been jumping the curb at this one spot ever since I started going home on 50 and have never had a problem. Today was the end of that. As I rode over the curb and into the grass, I felt the back tire give way. By the time I was in the service road, there was no question about it, my tire was flat. Fortunately I carry a tire patching kit, so I set about to repair it. One hole led to another and it appeared I got them all as the tire held air. I reset the tube and started riding again, but it soon appeared there was another leak that I wasn't able to detect. Instead of troubleshooting it on the road, I gave up and called D for a ride home. Later on, the kids and I went out and got a couple new tubes and a pair of tire liner strips from REI (as well as a new helmet). Hopefully that will prevent any further flats on my commute. One is more than enough.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Day 159 - 07/29/2007
Our last day on our weekend getaway was spent at the Jamestown Settlement. Visiting Jamestown was the primary reason for the weekend as this year is the 400th anniversary of the establishment of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in the New World.
Upon our arrival, we took in the introductory movie and then wandered through the various galleries before meeting up with the tour guide. (Unlike at Williamsburg, we actually shelled out for tickets at Jamestown, so we weren't doing it on the cheap, although it would have been very easy to experience it for free as we never had to show our tickets to anyone.)
The first stop on the tour was the fort where we learned about some of the buildings and witnessed a musket shooting.
(It should be noted that the fort is a replica and isn't in the same location as the original: Historic Jamestowne is located a few miles East and is part of the National Park System and is more of an archaeological-type experience vs. a re-creation of what might have been.) And thus ended our participation in the tour. The kids balked at continuing (it was hot and they were becoming crazy with the heat), so we quit the tour and spent some time in the fort before heading down the the ships.
I asked one of the docents (for lack of a better word) which ships were which and she explained that the Godspeed stayed at the settlement, whereas the Susan Constant (above) and Discovery were used to shuttle supplies between the settlement and England, sort of like moving vans. I couldn't resist the opening she had provided, so I responded...
"Shouldn't they have used the Mayflower then?"
"No, that was used by the Pilgrims in Massa..."
Silence.
"Oh, I get it. That's a good one."
As I said, I couldn't resist.
We started heading back when I saw the pair below, which made me stop in my tracks.
It just amazes me to no end that in today's society, there exist such ignorant people as these. To take a quote from a powerful speech and attach it to a symbol of bigotry is unfathomable. And to make matters worse, the father is passing along his family values to his son, who no doubt will pass his along to his progeny. It's no wonder race relations are what they are in America.
We eventually made our way back to the cars and headed off to Cracker Barrel for lunch. After lunch we split up, Lori took her kids and headed on to Virginia Beach and Chris joined D, the kids and I for the trip back to NoVA. Traffic was terrible, but I enlisted the services of Claire and we were able to skirt most of it, arriving at home about 8p (after leaving Williamsburg at 4p and making a couple of stops for gas and coffee).
Upon our arrival, we took in the introductory movie and then wandered through the various galleries before meeting up with the tour guide. (Unlike at Williamsburg, we actually shelled out for tickets at Jamestown, so we weren't doing it on the cheap, although it would have been very easy to experience it for free as we never had to show our tickets to anyone.)
The first stop on the tour was the fort where we learned about some of the buildings and witnessed a musket shooting.
(It should be noted that the fort is a replica and isn't in the same location as the original: Historic Jamestowne is located a few miles East and is part of the National Park System and is more of an archaeological-type experience vs. a re-creation of what might have been.) And thus ended our participation in the tour. The kids balked at continuing (it was hot and they were becoming crazy with the heat), so we quit the tour and spent some time in the fort before heading down the the ships.
I asked one of the docents (for lack of a better word) which ships were which and she explained that the Godspeed stayed at the settlement, whereas the Susan Constant (above) and Discovery were used to shuttle supplies between the settlement and England, sort of like moving vans. I couldn't resist the opening she had provided, so I responded...
"Shouldn't they have used the Mayflower then?"
"No, that was used by the Pilgrims in Massa..."
Silence.
"Oh, I get it. That's a good one."
As I said, I couldn't resist.
We started heading back when I saw the pair below, which made me stop in my tracks.
It just amazes me to no end that in today's society, there exist such ignorant people as these. To take a quote from a powerful speech and attach it to a symbol of bigotry is unfathomable. And to make matters worse, the father is passing along his family values to his son, who no doubt will pass his along to his progeny. It's no wonder race relations are what they are in America.We eventually made our way back to the cars and headed off to Cracker Barrel for lunch. After lunch we split up, Lori took her kids and headed on to Virginia Beach and Chris joined D, the kids and I for the trip back to NoVA. Traffic was terrible, but I enlisted the services of Claire and we were able to skirt most of it, arriving at home about 8p (after leaving Williamsburg at 4p and making a couple of stops for gas and coffee).
Friday, July 27, 2007
Day 156 - 07/26/2007
The TdF got its second black eye of this year's race today: Michael Rasmussen was given his walking papers by Rabobank for lying on his travel diary.
Actually, it was yesterday, but today's the first stage after it was announced.
Hopefully this will be the last one of the tour. It was shaping up to be a good one, but, like last year with Landis' doping allegations, Rasmussen proved to be too fast for his own good and his (at this time alleged) illegal activities have caught up with him.
Oh well, at least there's always the Bonds Home Run Circus going on for those interested in following steroid-free activities.
Actually, it was yesterday, but today's the first stage after it was announced.
Hopefully this will be the last one of the tour. It was shaping up to be a good one, but, like last year with Landis' doping allegations, Rasmussen proved to be too fast for his own good and his (at this time alleged) illegal activities have caught up with him.
Oh well, at least there's always the Bonds Home Run Circus going on for those interested in following steroid-free activities.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Day 147 - 07/17/2007
Visited a customer site where they are migrating from one platform to another. Over the past year, we've been working with our on-site employee to ensure the project is successful and the customer's expectations are managed. As it turns out, it appears the on-site employee has been sabotaging our efforts at every step. He's on his way out, but that's not good enough for me. He should be sued for back wages as he hasn't done dick over the past year to move things forward.
On our way out, we stopped by his cube...
You know what? I'm going to stop there. I'm not going to share the rest of the story. I've already spent a year of my life working with this tool, why add to that?
The good thing about the trip was that I was downtown. I miss working in the city during the summer. Sure, it's hot, it's sticky and there's not a lot of relief, but there's a buzz about with all the people on the street. Not only do you have the working stiffs, from the lobbyists in their power suits to the government workers in their sweat suits, but you also have the tourists. I loved working downtown as I'd find a bench during lunch and just watch the people go by. Now that I'm out in the hinterland, I have to make do with the few people walking around the office park. That being said, the view from my office window is perfect for me. I overlook a "lake" (e.g., stormwater retention pond), as well as can daydream about the planes landing at Dulles.
(Of course, as I write this there is scaffolding in the way; work is being done on the roof to the building so I get to stare at that for the next I don't know how many weeks.)
On our way out, we stopped by his cube...
You know what? I'm going to stop there. I'm not going to share the rest of the story. I've already spent a year of my life working with this tool, why add to that?
The good thing about the trip was that I was downtown. I miss working in the city during the summer. Sure, it's hot, it's sticky and there's not a lot of relief, but there's a buzz about with all the people on the street. Not only do you have the working stiffs, from the lobbyists in their power suits to the government workers in their sweat suits, but you also have the tourists. I loved working downtown as I'd find a bench during lunch and just watch the people go by. Now that I'm out in the hinterland, I have to make do with the few people walking around the office park. That being said, the view from my office window is perfect for me. I overlook a "lake" (e.g., stormwater retention pond), as well as can daydream about the planes landing at Dulles.
(Of course, as I write this there is scaffolding in the way; work is being done on the roof to the building so I get to stare at that for the next I don't know how many weeks.)
Friday, April 13, 2007
Day 50 - 04/11/2007
Dog-friendly restaurants?!?
Read about half-way down where the poster asks for suggestions on where he can take his (her?) dog with him (again, her?) for lunch. Uh, how about your backyard? Or the dog park?
Don't get me started on dog parks. I mean, what's wrong with just walking your dog? Why do you feel you must put your four-legged animal on a pedestal that should be reserved for your kids. And don't start on the whole "Rex is like the child I've always wanted." or "Fifi goes everywhere with me, I couldn't bear to be without her while I do my grocery shopping." I don't buy that. How would your kid feel if s/he knew he was equal to your dog? Probably not very happy (of course, I may be wrong, fortunately I've never been in that position).
But I digress.
So the poster is looking for a dog-friendly place to eat lunch (or maybe dinner). Here's a novel idea: Leave your pooch at home. Your dog is a pet, not a built in dinner date. It's not that I don't care for dogs, I just don't think any animal should be allowed in a public eating establishment (guide dogs withstanding as they're working).
Next week I'm going to post a query to Tom and ask if he knows of any feline friendly restaurants. I mean, why should the canine crowd have all the fun?
(Full disclosure: I'm not really a dog person. I'd much rather scoop a cat box twice a week than bag warm dog shit twice a day.)
On a completely unrelated note, the playoffs started. What playoffs you ask? As if there are any others that count! I'm talking NHL, baby! The second season started with a bang with a 4 OT game between the Canucks and the Stars. I'm glad I decided not to watch the game as I would never have made it through the next day at work. It's too bad the Caps aren't in it this year; I'll never forget the feeling experienced during the '98 run to the Stanley Cup finals vs. Detroit (the excitement of getting there, not the excitement of going 0-4 against the Red Wings).
Read about half-way down where the poster asks for suggestions on where he can take his (her?) dog with him (again, her?) for lunch. Uh, how about your backyard? Or the dog park?
Don't get me started on dog parks. I mean, what's wrong with just walking your dog? Why do you feel you must put your four-legged animal on a pedestal that should be reserved for your kids. And don't start on the whole "Rex is like the child I've always wanted." or "Fifi goes everywhere with me, I couldn't bear to be without her while I do my grocery shopping." I don't buy that. How would your kid feel if s/he knew he was equal to your dog? Probably not very happy (of course, I may be wrong, fortunately I've never been in that position).
But I digress.
So the poster is looking for a dog-friendly place to eat lunch (or maybe dinner). Here's a novel idea: Leave your pooch at home. Your dog is a pet, not a built in dinner date. It's not that I don't care for dogs, I just don't think any animal should be allowed in a public eating establishment (guide dogs withstanding as they're working).
Next week I'm going to post a query to Tom and ask if he knows of any feline friendly restaurants. I mean, why should the canine crowd have all the fun?
(Full disclosure: I'm not really a dog person. I'd much rather scoop a cat box twice a week than bag warm dog shit twice a day.)
On a completely unrelated note, the playoffs started. What playoffs you ask? As if there are any others that count! I'm talking NHL, baby! The second season started with a bang with a 4 OT game between the Canucks and the Stars. I'm glad I decided not to watch the game as I would never have made it through the next day at work. It's too bad the Caps aren't in it this year; I'll never forget the feeling experienced during the '98 run to the Stanley Cup finals vs. Detroit (the excitement of getting there, not the excitement of going 0-4 against the Red Wings).
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Day 18 - 03/10/2007
Started Spring off right by getting the crabgrass shield down. I still have the mulch to get out; maybe I'll get to that Sunday afternoon (weather permitting). Afterwards I took M, N and Sarah to the playground where they let off some energy. Wanting to do something else, I suggested we go see the car in the woods (yes, not very exciting to you and me, but to a kid it's a whole 'nother story!). Since you really can't get to it in the summer due to all the undergrowth, I decided to investigate it. Into the woods I went and N followed along. On the way back out he tripped and cut his finger on a branch. He was pretty good about it until we got within sight of home, when he started crying. Once inside he locked himself in the bathroom until D could coax him out and get it cleaned off.
Oh yeah, and instead of donating unwanted stuff to Goodwill, my mom ships it to me for me to donate (or toss out, as the case may be). Yeah, like I really need to know how to fix a record player. This is 2006, not 1986!
Oh yeah, and instead of donating unwanted stuff to Goodwill, my mom ships it to me for me to donate (or toss out, as the case may be). Yeah, like I really need to know how to fix a record player. This is 2006, not 1986!
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