Been getting Christmas shopping done. In the midst of all the busyness I neglected to follow through on the OSU tree deal I've been using the past few years. That window has now closed, the sale was last weekend and I'm not interested in buying a once live tree anywhere else.
So I found a tabletop one last night and got a tree skirt to go with it - for the table. I'll string up some lights in the window, add decorations on the pre-lit tree and call it a holiday.
My son is leaving for Florida with his mother on the 21st and will not be back until New Year's Eve so he will not be around. He does like to look at the lights, which is why I'm setting something up.
My wife is used to fake trees, the first real ones she had for the holiday were here.
Really not feeling cynical about the whole shebang, but my motivation is low. But I have been getting shopping done, now to get shipping in order. Some of these purchases have traveling to do.
Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Eyebrow Love
This morning one of the local malls had its Caring Santa program, in which they open the doors a but early for the families of special needs children who want their kids to see Santa in a quiet, uncrowded environment. We took my son last year and he seemed to enjoy himself. Today we went again, maybe for the last time as my son is ten after all!
My friend Teri's son Alex was waiting for us at the entrance all decked out in antlers. He's been living out of state for the last two years so it was a pleasant surprise hearing he's back in town for awhile.
We also talked to Teri, who was doing her part working for the mall and this morning's event. We're very appreciative that she let us know it was happening again, and we're also very happy with how well the mall handles this every year.
My son would not sit on Santa's lap again, but he went right for the body part.
He also sat down next to him, on a stool and seemed to be having a good time. This year, like last, Santa was very cool with the kids.
The mall also gave us a 5x7 picture and provided us with some donuts. Got to love the donuts. Thanks again to Teri and the staff of the Tuttle Mall for doing families of special needs children a very cool thing during the holidays.
My friend Teri's son Alex was waiting for us at the entrance all decked out in antlers. He's been living out of state for the last two years so it was a pleasant surprise hearing he's back in town for awhile.
We also talked to Teri, who was doing her part working for the mall and this morning's event. We're very appreciative that she let us know it was happening again, and we're also very happy with how well the mall handles this every year.
My son would not sit on Santa's lap again, but he went right for the body part.
He also sat down next to him, on a stool and seemed to be having a good time. This year, like last, Santa was very cool with the kids.
The mall also gave us a 5x7 picture and provided us with some donuts. Got to love the donuts. Thanks again to Teri and the staff of the Tuttle Mall for doing families of special needs children a very cool thing during the holidays.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Feel like I should be doing something
I sometimes get antsy around this time of year. The holidays make me anxious even without my retail past. Used to be a very busy time of year for me. A lot of hard work making sure folks got their booze. Had to make sure there was enough, without breaking the budget on inventory. It was a difficult balance but there were times the last four weeks of the year were nothing but profit. There were also times we had to sell enough to make payroll, and to buy merchandise.
I'm not sure when this picture was taken on Main Street in Fredonia, sometime in the late sixties is my guess. But that sign that says "Liquor Store" was still there the last time I visited.
Business was a bit more successful in Fredonia. Mr. B. had been running the show for awhile. Thanksgiving was always the busiest holiday of the year, with the day before being the day that brought the biggest receipts. Mr. B. even went in for a few hours by himsef on Thanksgiving Day morning. He seemed to enjoy taking care of people getting their last minute wine and liquor.
For the life of me I cannot remember if Mr. S., after he bought the business, went in on those mornings. I can't remember if I went instead. The late eighties were a bit of a blur to me.
Things in Columbus were no different at first. We blew out so much wine at the Holiday. So much Beaujolais Nouveau and Champagne went out the door. We really kicked ass for a couple of years. We'd drink good wine the night before each holiday. Sometimes Perrier Jouet, Dom Perignon one year, we worked hard and drank well. I miss the pre-cooked shrimp C. would bring from Johnson's downtown.
The year I ran the place my ex-wife helped out a lot along with a man who used to be a bar regular. He spelled me on the floor and did quite a good job at it. The extra hands were needed. We made a little money that year. I honestly cannot remember if we were open on Thanksgiving Day at any of the shops I worked at in Columbus.
At the other eponymous wine shop I worked at, the tone shifted. Because the owner was screwing up so much we did not have basics to sell, especially in home brewing supplies. More than a few people left empty handed and disappointed. Hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in sales lost because he did not know how to buy and would not listen to reason from the co-owner or myself. The pressure was immense, selling merchandise just to make payroll instead of profiting from our work. Holidays sucked in the later part of the nineties. I got tired of saying no, it hurt.
It was vastly different at the bookstore. Even with all the craziness, and it was nuts, there never seemed to be much pressure. The stuff was going to sell, it was just those damn loyalty cards that management wanted sold. Luckily, I did not work the register much.
At the library, it's another world. From my desk I barely see the change from quarters to semesters - maybe a little bit in how the books flow into the building but that's it. I barely miss retail and have little desire to be out in it. I'm seeing Black Friday push back into Thanksgiving Day and it's a matter of time before Thanksgiving Eve comes into play. It's tough when so much business is done during one four week period of the year, but when did the the joy of shopping and giving become a obsessive fetish instead of a pleasure?
Even now though, many years removed from the madness, I get a bit triggered about what transpired, and try to find the good things that happened during my time in the retail wine scrum. I can still pick an awesome wine to go with turkey.
I'm not sure when this picture was taken on Main Street in Fredonia, sometime in the late sixties is my guess. But that sign that says "Liquor Store" was still there the last time I visited.
Business was a bit more successful in Fredonia. Mr. B. had been running the show for awhile. Thanksgiving was always the busiest holiday of the year, with the day before being the day that brought the biggest receipts. Mr. B. even went in for a few hours by himsef on Thanksgiving Day morning. He seemed to enjoy taking care of people getting their last minute wine and liquor.
For the life of me I cannot remember if Mr. S., after he bought the business, went in on those mornings. I can't remember if I went instead. The late eighties were a bit of a blur to me.
Things in Columbus were no different at first. We blew out so much wine at the Holiday. So much Beaujolais Nouveau and Champagne went out the door. We really kicked ass for a couple of years. We'd drink good wine the night before each holiday. Sometimes Perrier Jouet, Dom Perignon one year, we worked hard and drank well. I miss the pre-cooked shrimp C. would bring from Johnson's downtown.
The year I ran the place my ex-wife helped out a lot along with a man who used to be a bar regular. He spelled me on the floor and did quite a good job at it. The extra hands were needed. We made a little money that year. I honestly cannot remember if we were open on Thanksgiving Day at any of the shops I worked at in Columbus.
At the other eponymous wine shop I worked at, the tone shifted. Because the owner was screwing up so much we did not have basics to sell, especially in home brewing supplies. More than a few people left empty handed and disappointed. Hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in sales lost because he did not know how to buy and would not listen to reason from the co-owner or myself. The pressure was immense, selling merchandise just to make payroll instead of profiting from our work. Holidays sucked in the later part of the nineties. I got tired of saying no, it hurt.
It was vastly different at the bookstore. Even with all the craziness, and it was nuts, there never seemed to be much pressure. The stuff was going to sell, it was just those damn loyalty cards that management wanted sold. Luckily, I did not work the register much.
At the library, it's another world. From my desk I barely see the change from quarters to semesters - maybe a little bit in how the books flow into the building but that's it. I barely miss retail and have little desire to be out in it. I'm seeing Black Friday push back into Thanksgiving Day and it's a matter of time before Thanksgiving Eve comes into play. It's tough when so much business is done during one four week period of the year, but when did the the joy of shopping and giving become a obsessive fetish instead of a pleasure?
Even now though, many years removed from the madness, I get a bit triggered about what transpired, and try to find the good things that happened during my time in the retail wine scrum. I can still pick an awesome wine to go with turkey.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Not feeling it, projecting?
Holidays are tough. I get asked what my son is doing for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Halloween, etc. and it's a hard answer I have to give. One that makes me feel like I'm not doing anything for him. An answer that shuts down any further conversation.
If he gave me any indication of interest, I'd be all over it. Right now though, it's all about bouncing around on a yoga ball and waiting to be given the iPad.
This weekend we're probably going to go see Wreck it Ralph, to try something new. I have taken him to a movie before, a Sesame Street one, but this is a bit different.
Right now, I'm at a loss about what to do for him. And it's making me withdraw.
If he gave me any indication of interest, I'd be all over it. Right now though, it's all about bouncing around on a yoga ball and waiting to be given the iPad.
This weekend we're probably going to go see Wreck it Ralph, to try something new. I have taken him to a movie before, a Sesame Street one, but this is a bit different.
Right now, I'm at a loss about what to do for him. And it's making me withdraw.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Son and Saint Nick
Every year around this time I get the question, "Is your son excited about the holidays?" And I give the same answer, "I do not know."
Since he rarely shares his feelings in a way we can understand, it's hard to know what is going on in his head. I wonder, if he's like Tommy, and does not know what day it is. We do not know if he knows about the concept of Santa Claus. He is nine, and probably on the cusp, or past the time most kids start realizing the truth about Christmas.
A few weeks ago my friend Teri let me know about an event that was taking place at the local mall where she works. It was a Sensitive Santa event, in which special needs children could take in Santa's workshop and visit with him in an environment that is much more laid back and quieter than usual. It happened on a morning in which the mall was not open yet, lights were low, music was turned down and crowds were non-existent. The event coordinator asked me what snacks my son liked, what he like to do, and what could be done to make the visit enjoyable for him. I let her know about the only thing he might enjoy are lollipops.
We got to the mall at the designated time and Teri was waiting for us at the door and took us down. There were crafts they could make, coffee, juice and other snack items available. The coordinators really did a good job welcoming us.
We had only taken him to see Santa once or twice before, there is one picture of him at about the age of two or three screaming in Santa's lap, and we were wondering how he would do now. Here's a pic from his first Christmas, not with Santa.
When we got to Santa, he was seated and N. walked around a little, looked at Santa, put his hands on his eyebrows and gave him a kiss on his forehead. Unbelievably sweet. Santa got out a Tootsie Pop and he took it. He was not interested in sitting on Santa's lap, but sat on the floor at his feet. Santa pulled out a small footstool and my son sat on that.
The mall staff also took some pictures, showed me what they had an printed a couple of them out, for free. Send them to my mother, she's wanted a picture of him with Santa for years. Just wanted to say Tuttle Mall did a really, really cool thing for families of special needs children this year. I commend their staff and thank them very much.
Since he rarely shares his feelings in a way we can understand, it's hard to know what is going on in his head. I wonder, if he's like Tommy, and does not know what day it is. We do not know if he knows about the concept of Santa Claus. He is nine, and probably on the cusp, or past the time most kids start realizing the truth about Christmas.
A few weeks ago my friend Teri let me know about an event that was taking place at the local mall where she works. It was a Sensitive Santa event, in which special needs children could take in Santa's workshop and visit with him in an environment that is much more laid back and quieter than usual. It happened on a morning in which the mall was not open yet, lights were low, music was turned down and crowds were non-existent. The event coordinator asked me what snacks my son liked, what he like to do, and what could be done to make the visit enjoyable for him. I let her know about the only thing he might enjoy are lollipops.
We got to the mall at the designated time and Teri was waiting for us at the door and took us down. There were crafts they could make, coffee, juice and other snack items available. The coordinators really did a good job welcoming us.
We had only taken him to see Santa once or twice before, there is one picture of him at about the age of two or three screaming in Santa's lap, and we were wondering how he would do now. Here's a pic from his first Christmas, not with Santa.
When we got to Santa, he was seated and N. walked around a little, looked at Santa, put his hands on his eyebrows and gave him a kiss on his forehead. Unbelievably sweet. Santa got out a Tootsie Pop and he took it. He was not interested in sitting on Santa's lap, but sat on the floor at his feet. Santa pulled out a small footstool and my son sat on that.
The mall staff also took some pictures, showed me what they had an printed a couple of them out, for free. Send them to my mother, she's wanted a picture of him with Santa for years. Just wanted to say Tuttle Mall did a really, really cool thing for families of special needs children this year. I commend their staff and thank them very much.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Sign Up!
Busy with poetry slams, finding new pizza places, watching Eccelston Doctor Who and generally trying to find time to rest. It’s write up your evaluation at work time, too.
Today is July 1st, also known as Canada Day, or Dominion Day. I’m not sure what the correct term is any more. I’ll just call it Rock on Canada Day and go from there. Free agency starts in hockey at noon. The Blue Jackets are offering up small fortunes to anyone who will come and play here. It’s hard to find takers. The Buffalo Sabres are doing the same, and if they sign Brad Richards, there will be a lot of talk about them potentially winning the Stanley Cup.
I’m going to be getting updates via Twitter, which is pretty useful for this kind of day.
This could be a great season for hockey if the NFL and NBA seasons are delayed by the owners and players unable to reach an agreement on how to share hundreds of millions of dollars.
Also via John Buccigross’ Twitter; Jose Reyes in June-45 hits, 29 runs scored, seven triples and 11 SB's in 26 games. Only Ty Cobb has bettered that in 100 years. The guy is on fire this season. I guess being healthy while in your contract year can bring out the best in a player.
We’re less than two months from our trip to Scotland. Time to start developing some sort of itinerary. We do plan on going to Edinburgh for a night. But which one? Unless other gigs are booked, and they will be, a P.J. Harvey concert in Glasgow is looking like a possible entertainment option.
Been researching my Great Uncle’s WW2 record. Contacting the National Archives and have received some promising leads. Information will come to me, I just have to wait until they’re retrieved and sent. My Aunt has been trying also. The reunion for his division is happening in September. Problem is that it’s in Oklahoma City and she has no solid information that anyone left alive who will be attending knew him. If it were closer one of us would be doing this.
We’re not traveling this holiday weekend. Going to get out of the sprinkler and set up the sandbox. If you are on the move, have a safe one.
Today is July 1st, also known as Canada Day, or Dominion Day. I’m not sure what the correct term is any more. I’ll just call it Rock on Canada Day and go from there. Free agency starts in hockey at noon. The Blue Jackets are offering up small fortunes to anyone who will come and play here. It’s hard to find takers. The Buffalo Sabres are doing the same, and if they sign Brad Richards, there will be a lot of talk about them potentially winning the Stanley Cup.
I’m going to be getting updates via Twitter, which is pretty useful for this kind of day.
This could be a great season for hockey if the NFL and NBA seasons are delayed by the owners and players unable to reach an agreement on how to share hundreds of millions of dollars.
Also via John Buccigross’ Twitter; Jose Reyes in June-45 hits, 29 runs scored, seven triples and 11 SB's in 26 games. Only Ty Cobb has bettered that in 100 years. The guy is on fire this season. I guess being healthy while in your contract year can bring out the best in a player.
We’re less than two months from our trip to Scotland. Time to start developing some sort of itinerary. We do plan on going to Edinburgh for a night. But which one? Unless other gigs are booked, and they will be, a P.J. Harvey concert in Glasgow is looking like a possible entertainment option.
Been researching my Great Uncle’s WW2 record. Contacting the National Archives and have received some promising leads. Information will come to me, I just have to wait until they’re retrieved and sent. My Aunt has been trying also. The reunion for his division is happening in September. Problem is that it’s in Oklahoma City and she has no solid information that anyone left alive who will be attending knew him. If it were closer one of us would be doing this.
We’re not traveling this holiday weekend. Going to get out of the sprinkler and set up the sandbox. If you are on the move, have a safe one.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
That's Not My Blog Post!
I am now an owner of a 1993 Subaru Legacy Station Wagon. It looks like this, but a bit dingier.
It has low mileage, 133K. For a 17 year old car that averages out to about 8,000 miles a year. Has not been driven much. I've had the brake pads replaced and will have the exhaust fixed on Monday. The engine has more pep than expected.
My son joined me as I signed the paperwork, went to the exhaust repair shop for the sticker shock and got the oil changed. He behaved wonderfully.
Returned the rental, someone might need it. I was very impressed with the Hyundai Elantra. When I rented the Accent back in October, I was unimpressed with it because of it's highway boredom, small gas tank and poor gas economy.
The Elantra has a lot of zip, was very comfortable to be in. Wish I had it longer because it had a plug in for an iPod.
Also have to once again give props to the staff at Enterprise on West Broad Street. Very courteous people and they gave me a lift home.
My Scottish Wife suggested we go to an Indian restaurant. It's not my go to place, but she asks for so little in return for being so awesome I could not refuse.
After being seated sitting next to us were two servers from Zen Cha, a tea house my wife goes to (as do I, sometimes) so we had a nice talk with them too.
Then the server came up and said a co-worker told her that I was a "great poet" and that it was "An honor to serve me."
Recognition does happen, and it's humbling when it does. Unlike one poet, who told me she was recognized in a store dressing room, with her pants down - it's pretty cool when someone publicly gives you praise, outside of the venue.
Had a very good chicken curry. Got comped for nothing, not even naan. See what being a famous local poet gets you? Thought about putting a haiku on the receipt but did not.
Glad we decided to head to a friend's house for socializing instead of seeing a movie or not going out.
Played Apples to Apples Jr. and ended up being the winner. Yay me!
I'd never played Catch Phrase and have not laughed so hard in a long time. Had to take my glasses off because they were steaming. Trigger word - Doo Rag.
Today my son's coming over and will stay the night with us. He's at his mother's the rest of the weekend. I might get some last minute shopping in. Tonight we'll open his presents and have a quiet night with each other.
Life is good, Otis Redding is wishing me a White Christmas, and it looks like the snow is staying on the ground for the next few days.
May you Constant Readers have a Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, and a lovely holiday. Thank you all.
It has low mileage, 133K. For a 17 year old car that averages out to about 8,000 miles a year. Has not been driven much. I've had the brake pads replaced and will have the exhaust fixed on Monday. The engine has more pep than expected.
My son joined me as I signed the paperwork, went to the exhaust repair shop for the sticker shock and got the oil changed. He behaved wonderfully.
Returned the rental, someone might need it. I was very impressed with the Hyundai Elantra. When I rented the Accent back in October, I was unimpressed with it because of it's highway boredom, small gas tank and poor gas economy.
The Elantra has a lot of zip, was very comfortable to be in. Wish I had it longer because it had a plug in for an iPod.
Also have to once again give props to the staff at Enterprise on West Broad Street. Very courteous people and they gave me a lift home.
My Scottish Wife suggested we go to an Indian restaurant. It's not my go to place, but she asks for so little in return for being so awesome I could not refuse.
After being seated sitting next to us were two servers from Zen Cha, a tea house my wife goes to (as do I, sometimes) so we had a nice talk with them too.
Then the server came up and said a co-worker told her that I was a "great poet" and that it was "An honor to serve me."
Recognition does happen, and it's humbling when it does. Unlike one poet, who told me she was recognized in a store dressing room, with her pants down - it's pretty cool when someone publicly gives you praise, outside of the venue.
Had a very good chicken curry. Got comped for nothing, not even naan. See what being a famous local poet gets you? Thought about putting a haiku on the receipt but did not.
Glad we decided to head to a friend's house for socializing instead of seeing a movie or not going out.
Played Apples to Apples Jr. and ended up being the winner. Yay me!
I'd never played Catch Phrase and have not laughed so hard in a long time. Had to take my glasses off because they were steaming. Trigger word - Doo Rag.
Today my son's coming over and will stay the night with us. He's at his mother's the rest of the weekend. I might get some last minute shopping in. Tonight we'll open his presents and have a quiet night with each other.
Life is good, Otis Redding is wishing me a White Christmas, and it looks like the snow is staying on the ground for the next few days.
May you Constant Readers have a Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, and a lovely holiday. Thank you all.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Whoop ti do, Subaru
Getting gifts for my autistic son is a challenge. Thought I was clever last year by getting him a tent/tunnel. He rarely used it, then trashed it before spring. He also has a wobble board I thought he'd really dig for the balance and lights. Another mistake, he is afraid to stand on it.
What he's been playing with most is a bank I made from a pint of Jeni's Ice Cream by putting a slit in the lid. Cost: ten bucks plus about fifty cents in change.
Don't want to get him a video. That's too easy. Looking for him to be engaged, in something, a little bit. Sure, I'm probably projecting what I want him to do. Walking by the bikes and the toy department in Target is hard, especially during this time of year. All the can'ts and what ifs swell around in your head, along with the piped in Christmas music.
I went into Giant Eagle to get food yesterday and heard Psychotic Reaction by Count Five. That'll put anyone in the holiday spirit!
Santa's on fire though. The tree is decorated. Some presents are wrapped. It's not all gloom!
Have not heard back from the insurance company yet. Waiting to see if they will repair the car or total it. Not looking forward to that offer, I'm sure it will not be enough to cover the cost of a decent used car. Regardless, to get the feel of what's out there I went to a few dealerships on my side of town. Got a better feeling from one, established, used car place with a couple of vehicles that looked good on the outside. What's under the hood is more pressing though. Don't want a car that's going to explode a week after purchase.
Going to try and get motivated to work on Christmas cards, wish me luck!
What he's been playing with most is a bank I made from a pint of Jeni's Ice Cream by putting a slit in the lid. Cost: ten bucks plus about fifty cents in change.
Don't want to get him a video. That's too easy. Looking for him to be engaged, in something, a little bit. Sure, I'm probably projecting what I want him to do. Walking by the bikes and the toy department in Target is hard, especially during this time of year. All the can'ts and what ifs swell around in your head, along with the piped in Christmas music.
I went into Giant Eagle to get food yesterday and heard Psychotic Reaction by Count Five. That'll put anyone in the holiday spirit!
Santa's on fire though. The tree is decorated. Some presents are wrapped. It's not all gloom!
Have not heard back from the insurance company yet. Waiting to see if they will repair the car or total it. Not looking forward to that offer, I'm sure it will not be enough to cover the cost of a decent used car. Regardless, to get the feel of what's out there I went to a few dealerships on my side of town. Got a better feeling from one, established, used car place with a couple of vehicles that looked good on the outside. What's under the hood is more pressing though. Don't want a car that's going to explode a week after purchase.
Going to try and get motivated to work on Christmas cards, wish me luck!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
It's starting to get warm in here and things are starting to get strange
Holiday schedule is keeping me busy. Decorating the tree tonight. Still not done shopping and my wife's been working on getting Christmas cards to the UK.
My son would have nothing to do with 101 Dalmatians last night. Yes, it was the original. I think the opening credits were too boring for him and he quickly lost interest in the whole thing. At least he pooped in the toilet, again. He's become an eating machine at school, they tell me, but he's not eating oatmeal in the morning anymore. This kid!
Going to my his eye therapy session with full intention to write while there. I have nothing worthwhile to submit for the Arts Festival next month. Lacking focus and quality. Trying not to be angry about it or external events. I mean, Obama is hiding behind Clinton trying to get Paris Hilton her tax cut over 9/11 first responders medical care. That's what it's come to.
Hell, I'm trying to get my kid to poop and eat right. That's where I'm at. I can sit here and post links to things I do not like all day long, then do nothing about it, where does that get me?
But, in this time of stress there will be snacks. Andrew Bird is going to make sure of that!
My son would have nothing to do with 101 Dalmatians last night. Yes, it was the original. I think the opening credits were too boring for him and he quickly lost interest in the whole thing. At least he pooped in the toilet, again. He's become an eating machine at school, they tell me, but he's not eating oatmeal in the morning anymore. This kid!
Going to my his eye therapy session with full intention to write while there. I have nothing worthwhile to submit for the Arts Festival next month. Lacking focus and quality. Trying not to be angry about it or external events. I mean, Obama is hiding behind Clinton trying to get Paris Hilton her tax cut over 9/11 first responders medical care. That's what it's come to.
Hell, I'm trying to get my kid to poop and eat right. That's where I'm at. I can sit here and post links to things I do not like all day long, then do nothing about it, where does that get me?
But, in this time of stress there will be snacks. Andrew Bird is going to make sure of that!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Back it up. I'll Take it!
Got everything packed for the move to the new offices. Tune in on Monday to find out if everything got there in one piece and is hooked up properly. I've spent the last day and a half working a group project at the Fine Arts Library. Pulled a few hundred books off the shelves and the physical activity wreaked havoc on my legs, but mostly my right ankle. It was on fire today!
Never been in that part of the building before so the moving shelving on the second floor was pretty cool to play with the first couple of times I had to go up there. That's where the over sized art books are kept. It was also a kick seeing a few books I've processed over the past four years. My scrawl behind the title page is quite recognizable.
I hit a wall a bit early today and left earlier than I wanted, but I was overwhelmed - and it a bit of pain.
Did head out to the OSU Forestry Department's annual Christmas tree sale and picked up a Scotch Pine. It's lovely, but a bit wonky on the bottom. A lot smaller than last year's, which took up a third of the living room. I recommend this place, the prices are fair, the trees are farmed from Ohio and the service is great. They're located on Fyffe Road due west of the Schottenstein Center.
The other new addition is an iPod Touch. To synch it up we had to upgrade our operating system to Snow Leopard, which took some time but seems to be well worth the twenty nine bucks. As I type this I'm backing up to the external hard drive with Time Machine. Seems to be quiet and seamless.
One of the main reasons we got the iPod is to download some apps for autistics. When we borrowed an iPod a few months back my son seemed to be very interested in touching the screen and playing with it. I've found some free apps for some basic things he may try to communicate to us, we'll see how this works out. There is some more expensive software available, but I'm not willing to jump into that yet.
Been quite the whirlwind this week. More over the weekend, but not as intense. My son's been feeling better. Off the bus earlier he seemed more his old self than he's been in a few weeks. Swimming should be fun for him in the morning.
Never been in that part of the building before so the moving shelving on the second floor was pretty cool to play with the first couple of times I had to go up there. That's where the over sized art books are kept. It was also a kick seeing a few books I've processed over the past four years. My scrawl behind the title page is quite recognizable.
I hit a wall a bit early today and left earlier than I wanted, but I was overwhelmed - and it a bit of pain.
Did head out to the OSU Forestry Department's annual Christmas tree sale and picked up a Scotch Pine. It's lovely, but a bit wonky on the bottom. A lot smaller than last year's, which took up a third of the living room. I recommend this place, the prices are fair, the trees are farmed from Ohio and the service is great. They're located on Fyffe Road due west of the Schottenstein Center.
The other new addition is an iPod Touch. To synch it up we had to upgrade our operating system to Snow Leopard, which took some time but seems to be well worth the twenty nine bucks. As I type this I'm backing up to the external hard drive with Time Machine. Seems to be quiet and seamless.
One of the main reasons we got the iPod is to download some apps for autistics. When we borrowed an iPod a few months back my son seemed to be very interested in touching the screen and playing with it. I've found some free apps for some basic things he may try to communicate to us, we'll see how this works out. There is some more expensive software available, but I'm not willing to jump into that yet.
Been quite the whirlwind this week. More over the weekend, but not as intense. My son's been feeling better. Off the bus earlier he seemed more his old self than he's been in a few weeks. Swimming should be fun for him in the morning.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Month Number Twelve
So long November with your anniversaries of death, poor overall health, odd weather patterns and high stress levels.
Kate Bush, at twenty one, sitting in a high back papasan chair, oozes more goodness than today's edited on crack video nymphets.
December is magic.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
I'm really not feeling this cyincal
The house passed a health care bill. I really do not know what's in it because all I can see is a bunch of keyboard warriors still screaming socialism. When I ask a question, I get rebuked in Latin. Wait, that was about global warming.
I'd like to think we're all still going to be here tomorrow, Ok, most of us will be, and that we're in this together. There's still this us vs. them divide in this country we never got to properly thank Lee Atwater for starting. He's dead now. Thanks Lee, maybe you and the soon to be dead Bernie Madoff can raise a glass of hot lava together.
But it's Christmas Eve, peace on earth good will toward men and keep paying women less for the same pay.
Is that how it goes?
It's been a couple of years since I went out to eat and did not leave a tip. Last night was one of those rare occasions. Not going to name the place because it was not the fault of the entire establishment, and I'm sure we'll be back there at some point.
Where we went was busy, and we knew that, we could see it. We waited at least half an hour for our food, which would have been fine if the server had acknowledged this. Instead he brushed off my wife's asking where the food was, simply saying it was busy, no apologies. Nothing else. The food was fine. When it came to getting the check. He gave us someone else's, which was less. He did not thank us for being honest, but instead decided to blame the mistake on someone else when we pointed it out to him. Then he walked off. Rather than wait for him to take our payment, which may have taken even more time, I went to the bar and watched him stand there and chat with one of the other servers while the bartender took our payment. I know the place was busy and he was probably in the weeds, but this guy was rather inattentive and quick in blaming others rather than offer any sympathy. So that's why he got stiffed. Again, just the second time in recent memory.
I was listening to Jethro Tull's Christmas album while running the final errands this morning. It's a lovely record, honestly. I'm in for the rest of the day, until after dinner when I'll pack the three of us in the car and force feed Christmas lights and Phil Spector's music on to them. I still have a few places to check out. Still, the people behind us rule Columbus' Christmas lights scene.
Have to clean up my son's room and set up his present later. Got him a little tent with a six foot tunnel. Hope he likes it. So very hard to shop for a kid with autism. You have no idea what he will like. He's finally toying around with the ukulele I got him two years ago.
Wow, two years ago I was meeting my wife's family in Glasgow. Time flies, and I want to go back there so badly.
Christmas and holiday wishes on all of you. Still noticing a lot of page hits and views. Drop a comment and say hi why don't you?
I'd like to think we're all still going to be here tomorrow, Ok, most of us will be, and that we're in this together. There's still this us vs. them divide in this country we never got to properly thank Lee Atwater for starting. He's dead now. Thanks Lee, maybe you and the soon to be dead Bernie Madoff can raise a glass of hot lava together.
But it's Christmas Eve, peace on earth good will toward men and keep paying women less for the same pay.
Is that how it goes?
It's been a couple of years since I went out to eat and did not leave a tip. Last night was one of those rare occasions. Not going to name the place because it was not the fault of the entire establishment, and I'm sure we'll be back there at some point.
Where we went was busy, and we knew that, we could see it. We waited at least half an hour for our food, which would have been fine if the server had acknowledged this. Instead he brushed off my wife's asking where the food was, simply saying it was busy, no apologies. Nothing else. The food was fine. When it came to getting the check. He gave us someone else's, which was less. He did not thank us for being honest, but instead decided to blame the mistake on someone else when we pointed it out to him. Then he walked off. Rather than wait for him to take our payment, which may have taken even more time, I went to the bar and watched him stand there and chat with one of the other servers while the bartender took our payment. I know the place was busy and he was probably in the weeds, but this guy was rather inattentive and quick in blaming others rather than offer any sympathy. So that's why he got stiffed. Again, just the second time in recent memory.
I was listening to Jethro Tull's Christmas album while running the final errands this morning. It's a lovely record, honestly. I'm in for the rest of the day, until after dinner when I'll pack the three of us in the car and force feed Christmas lights and Phil Spector's music on to them. I still have a few places to check out. Still, the people behind us rule Columbus' Christmas lights scene.
Have to clean up my son's room and set up his present later. Got him a little tent with a six foot tunnel. Hope he likes it. So very hard to shop for a kid with autism. You have no idea what he will like. He's finally toying around with the ukulele I got him two years ago.
Wow, two years ago I was meeting my wife's family in Glasgow. Time flies, and I want to go back there so badly.
Christmas and holiday wishes on all of you. Still noticing a lot of page hits and views. Drop a comment and say hi why don't you?
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Teacher never cared for me. Preacher said a prayer for me
Had a busy holiday. Went south to a friends for the day. They have a pool, but it was a but cool for swimming. Their kids were in it when we got there, but saw the folly it it then went inside to play video games. N. walked around their yard for awhile, then finally noticed the pool.
He crouched down by it and put his hand in it, walked around the yard more. Then stuck his foot in. He still had his sneakers on.
I put his suit on, but he would not go in. Eventually he would take one or two of the stairs into the pool, but came back up. Too cold to go all the way in.
Later, we hit the old viewing spot on campus to see the Upper Arlington display through the lights of the ball fields there. You could also see Whetstone's and Worthington's. The kid was more interested in walking by the dugout fence.
Been listening to a couple of new records the last week.
Wilco (The Album) opens with a bit of a joke. Wilco (The Song) has 'Wilco will love you baby' as the chorus. Tweedy and company have made a better record than Sky Blue Sky. It rocks out a bit more and the production has some Yankee Hotel Foxtrot-like surprises in it. Instrumentally it's rock solid. The band is a live force and they really play well together. Lyrically it does not seem to have much to say. I don't think Tweedy is coasting and he's certainly not phoning it it, but he's at a good place in his life and enjoying the view.
God Help the Girl is a project by Stuart Murdoch. The main songwriter of Belle and Sebastian is working on a screenplay but has completed the soundtrack first. The story behind the record is told here.
The music is a gorgeous swirl of orchestration and pop music. Even though the musicians of Belle and Sebastian play, it's not a B&S record. Murdoch has fulfilled something that's been in his head and found a couple of beautiful singers to achieve his dream. He's on the cover of the new issue of Paste Magazine and was also featured in last week's New York Times Magazine.
Now, if he can get to work on that screenplay.
He crouched down by it and put his hand in it, walked around the yard more. Then stuck his foot in. He still had his sneakers on.
I put his suit on, but he would not go in. Eventually he would take one or two of the stairs into the pool, but came back up. Too cold to go all the way in.
Later, we hit the old viewing spot on campus to see the Upper Arlington display through the lights of the ball fields there. You could also see Whetstone's and Worthington's. The kid was more interested in walking by the dugout fence.
Been listening to a couple of new records the last week.
Wilco (The Album) opens with a bit of a joke. Wilco (The Song) has 'Wilco will love you baby' as the chorus. Tweedy and company have made a better record than Sky Blue Sky. It rocks out a bit more and the production has some Yankee Hotel Foxtrot-like surprises in it. Instrumentally it's rock solid. The band is a live force and they really play well together. Lyrically it does not seem to have much to say. I don't think Tweedy is coasting and he's certainly not phoning it it, but he's at a good place in his life and enjoying the view.
God Help the Girl is a project by Stuart Murdoch. The main songwriter of Belle and Sebastian is working on a screenplay but has completed the soundtrack first. The story behind the record is told here.
The music is a gorgeous swirl of orchestration and pop music. Even though the musicians of Belle and Sebastian play, it's not a B&S record. Murdoch has fulfilled something that's been in his head and found a couple of beautiful singers to achieve his dream. He's on the cover of the new issue of Paste Magazine and was also featured in last week's New York Times Magazine.
Now, if he can get to work on that screenplay.
Friday, July 3, 2009
The Final Form
Sent out the last major immigration paperwork this morning.
Now we wait again. I'm sure they'll cash the check well before we hear anything back. I did get some donuts to heal the pain.
Red, White and Boom in Columbus tonight. We're staying at home. Going to a friend's tomorrow. May go to the old spot to see what fireworks we can see tomorrow night.
Have a safe weekend everyone.
Now we wait again. I'm sure they'll cash the check well before we hear anything back. I did get some donuts to heal the pain.
Red, White and Boom in Columbus tonight. We're staying at home. Going to a friend's tomorrow. May go to the old spot to see what fireworks we can see tomorrow night.
Have a safe weekend everyone.
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