life is rough
These days, I’m trying to stay on top of things without losing my sanity.
The IT department is going through more changes, and we’ve been dealing with probably the highest volume of calls to date. It’s so busy that I’m behind in submitting my completed tickets. The tensions continue between the different levels of support in Operations; my partner is the spark that may cause the powder keg to explode. I’ve done all I can to keep tempers from flaring, but it’s difficult when everyone is so divided on how to get things done.
Just to add to my confusion, one of our analysts has accepted another job from within the organization. So his position has opened up, and I’ve been told that I am the prime candidate to fill his shoes. This is a great opportunity for me, and I can’t pass it up. To be honest, I’m ready to leave the service desk. If I have to answer yet another phone call … (There’s an office pool on how soon I’ll snap).
This window of opportunity, along with the stress of my current job, has my stomach in knots. Literally. I suffered yet another stomach bug a few weeks ago, and the last few nights I’ve been nauseous. I woke up today at 3 am in a fit of pain. My coworker told me I need to be careful with my stress levels; she said one word – ulcers. To top it off, my throat’s been bothering me; our office assistant is just overcoming strep, so I’m not too crazy to hear about that.
But the biggest thing on my mind is my uncle Teddy. He’s been very sick for some time now and was hospitalized late last week. Talking to my parents, they say it’s not looking good for him. I spoke to my cousin, and he sounded so lost and helpless. I last saw my uncle this past Christmas; he looked frail, but his spirit was strong. No one should suffer as he and his family has for the past year.
Tito Teddy, Tita Volet, Ted, and Jeff: I’m sorry we’re not there to be with you during this difficult time. We are praying for you. You are on our minds and in our hearts.
end of an era
The last of the Fab Five (ESPN.com)
“He is the last of his fabled generation still playing, and when he shoulders his racket bag after his final match at the U.S. Open, he’ll formally end an era in American men’s tennis that may be impossible to replicate.”
Since coming to the Midwest, I somewhat lost interest in tennis. I haven’t played competitively since the early 90′s. In those days, I always imagined myself as Andre Agassi, with his powerful forehand and two-handed backhand. I even grunted like he did. Even though my personality was more like Pete Sampras, I still wanted to be like Andre. He was the rebel who wore flashy shirts, long hair, and denim shorts; his commercials were like rock videos. His rivalry with Sampras was magical; fitting that Sampras’ last match was with Agassi in the US Open. We can only hope that Agassi’s last match will be as thrilling. He will definitely be missed.
speed stacks
I saw a report on this new “sport” several months ago on the local news. It looks like a lot of fun, and I’d like to try it it out. I told Christine I would like a set for Christmas.
Belle Vegas goes WiFi
Belleville will get wireless Internet
Probably the coolest thing to happen downtown since the Chili Cookoff.
Pluto
Scientists decide Pluto’s no longer a planet (MSNBC.com)
Say it isn’t so! Sad to see that less than 5% of the world’s astronomers decided the dwarf planet’s fate. Someone will have to come up with a new mnemonic for the solar system; ”My Very Easy Method: Just Set Up Nine Planets” minus the P doesn’t make sense anymore.
John C. Dvorak sums it up best: “The only real question is, does it really matter? It’s still out there, no matter what we call it.”
chooseday
Would you rather:
- cover all your food in barbeque sauce OR eat everything with a toothpick?
- know how to throw a lasso with perfect accuracy OR be an expert trombonist?
- smell like pickles OR walk like a penguin?
- touch your finger to your nose everytime somebody says the word “know” OR laugh uncontrollably whenever somebody says the word “but”?
- Sometimes, too much sauce is a bad thing. I can play “Rain Man” and eat with a toothpick.
- Being a music lover, I think it would be awesome to play the trombone!
- Horrible body odor sucks. I’ll walk like a penguin anyday.
- I love to laugh. But (hahaha) laughing each time it’s said places me center stage, and I don’t like a lot of attention. Touching my nose seems harmless.
the greatest ever?
Woods is the greatest individual athlete ever (ESPN.com)
I’ve always considered Michael Jordan the greatest athlete of all time. I picked His Airness over Muhammad Ali due to the fact that I grew up watching MJ and never really saw the Greatest dominate in the ring.
At the age of 30, Tiger already has 12 majors, 6 shy of the all-time leader Jack Nicklaus. He is 12-for-12 when leading (or sharing the lead) going into the final round of a major. What happens when he catches Jack? Who knows; maybe he’ll take up tennis.
update 081906
It’s been awhile since I’ve blogged about what’s up here in the Midwest.
It’s been hot, but not too bad.
I’ve been to Busch Stadium twice in the past 2 weeks.
- First game was on a Sunday, and CL and I stayed through the 5th inning. It was so hot that day, the sodas and lemonade weren’t enough to keep us hydrated. As we left, we missed the 3-run homer hit by Juan Encarnacion. Cards beat the Brewers, 7-1.
- Second game was last Wednesday night; coworker had a spare ticket. The Cards stunk up the joint, losing 7-2 to Cincinnati.
I will say that the new Busch Stadium is a sight to see. Once I’m done uploading vacation pics (I know, I know; it’s already been a month; I hope to be done soon), I will post our pics of Busch.
Speaking of vacation pics, I’ve decided to bring back the vacation blog (started summer of 2005, but never finished). I will continue this personal journal of our travels. I will be working on this along with uploading pics, so I hope to have it up by next weekend.
D starts school on Tuesday. He’s excited to get back to some serious stud…, er, socializing. Look up “teenager” in the dictionary, and you’ll see his picture (see also “attitude”, “crab”, and the antonym for “good listener”).
I don’t normally weigh myself, but I know I’ve gained some weight. My belly has grown, and it bothers me. My pants fit a bit more snug than usual. And I feel the extra inch(es?) when I sit at my desk. Maybe it’s time to start doing some sit-ups. “Welcome to the 30′s!”
puppy paws
Originally uploaded by Teny Jr.
Salem’s stinky feet (I say that with lots of love and affection)
Dell to recall 4 million batteries
The recall affects certain Inspiron, Latitude, Precision, and XPS notebook computers shipped between April 2004 and July 18, 2006. Fortunately for me, mine is not on the list.
great outdoors
Barbaro feeling well enough to enjoy daily outings (ESPN.com)
With all the crazy stuff going on in the world these days, it’s always nice to read about something good and positive.
walk the line
Walk The Line – 5 out of 5 stars
Johnny Cash is a legend. If you are not a fan of his, this film will make you one. I did not know much about the trials and tribulations of his life prior to watching this movie; the lack of knowledge on my part only added to the film’s power. Joaquin Phoenix literally becomes the man in black and is worthy of his Oscar nomination. Best Actress winner Reese Witherspoon is superb as Johnny’s angel June Carter. All the actors sing in the movie. Their performances are very convincing and very good.
pics update
It’s quite difficult sifting through hundreds of pictures taken on our vacation. Here’s another album (with some repeat shots):
Fort Walton Beach (also on Flickr)
top five on friday – #84
Top 5 songs that you liked as a child that you still like now.
- “I Get Around” – The Beach Boys
- “Something” – The Beatles
- “New Kid In Town” – The Eagles
- “Billie Jean” – Michael Jackson
- “The Reflex” – Duran Duran
I wasn’t born yet to enjoy The Beach Boys or The Beatles in their prime, but my parents played their music a lot when I was growing up. These songs certainly bring back memories.
friday five – computer habits
1. How much time do you spend on the Internet daily? – on weekdays 3 hours; the weekend probably jacks the daily average up to 7 hours. That’s just the Internet. I’m always on the computer.
2. What are your favorite 3 websites? – Digg.com, Flickr, and I’ve just started using Bloglines.
3. Do you eat at your computer? – Occasionally at work. Almost never at home.
4. Pick one and why – Reading the news online or in a newspaper? – Online. It’s cleaner. For local news, I watch it on TV.
5. How many people are on your instant messenger buddy list? – just 2, on Gmail – my wife and my helpdesk partner at work.
top five on friday – #83
Top 5 Debut albums and the most memorable song off of each of the albums
- Van Halen – VAN HALEN – “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love”
- Guns ‘N’ Roses – APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION – “Sweet Child O’ Mine”
- The Black Crowes – SHAKE YOUR MONEY MAKER – “Hard To Handle”
- Pearl Jam – PEARL JAM – “Jeremy”
- Alanis Morissette – JAGGED LITTLE PILL – “You Oughta Know”
Ok, technically, Alanis’ original debut was a dance-pop effort in Canada, but we won’t count that.
101 degrees
Since our return from the Gulf coast, it’s been unbearably HOT. The 4th straight day of yet another heat wave has us staying inside and downstairs where it’s coolest. We hope to get a “cool” spell in the next few days with temps in the 90′s.
The heat has worn me down that I don’t have much of an appetite, and I’m tired well before bedtime. So tired that I don’t want to get up in the morning for work. Which is how it was before I went on vacation. Hopefully you’re staying cool where you’re at!
