It's not been too restful until today.
Saturday my girlfriend's daughter graduated from high school. Afterwards there was a party... at my girlfriend's ex-in-law's. Why did I say I would go?
Actually her ex has been nice to me the few times I have seen him. I don't know what he really thinks of me... but from reports I hear he is jealous. Why, I'm not sure. He was the one that left for another woman.
Anyway, I've met his parents on a couple occasions... both revolving around MS's daughter. I have been nice and got into conversations even though I was uncomfortable.
I went to the graduation without my kids. I felt it would just be boring for them. I picked them up afterward and took them to the party. The uncomfortableness continues.
When we arrived I did not see MS's car. I figured maybe she had to run to the store for something. We went in and I got to meet MS's cousin (I'll just refer to her as "the cousin") that lives nearby. She is very nice... and since she is on MS's side of the family I felt a bit more at ease.
They informed me that MS had to take her daughter to an after hours clinic because of a rash and hives that have been bugging her for a few days. That meant that I was going to be in unfriendly territory without backup for a lot longer than I thought. It would have been nice to have at least received a call warning me.
The remaining kids (there were 5 including mine) decided to watch a movie in the next room. I kind of wanted to join them, but figured I should stay in the room with the adults so i wouldn't be labeled anti-social.
We talked a lot about nothing... mostly talked about the housing market. The cousin is a broker. After a while the cousin had to take her kids and head home. She has a night job that she needed to get to. Great, abandon me.
When she did leave I found an opportunity to join the kids watching the movie, and I took it. I then had to deal with MS's son being the inconsiderate person that he is. Seeing as I was already uncomfortable at this house I didn't say anything. His father finally jumped in when he noticed the behaviour. Their son is ADHD, and I guess this attitude is related.
MS and daughter finally arrived. We had cake and got out of there not too long afterwards. I'm not sure if MS even knew how annoyed I was. I tend to hide it well.
Me and the boys joined my buddy Mike and his family up in the mountains. They went up Friday, but we joined them Sunday for a day of ATV and motorcycle riding. The weather cooperated. We all had a great time. I did not invite MS to join us. I think she would have, but I just couldn't take another day of bickering kids. Obviously MS and I need to have a talk about all of this. It's just hard to know when to do it. Sooner is better, but this week is going to be difficult.
Kevin has joined another baseball team. This one is loosely linked to the high school he'll be starting at this fall. Today was their first game. MS called to ask if they could come. After a slight hesitation on my part I said "sure".
As with every time our kids are together there was a conflict between Erik and her son. He had taken the baseball that Erik had and wouldn't give it back. It wasn't that Erik needed to have the ball. It was that he does shit like this just to get on people's nerves. Guess what... he was on mine. I asked him why he needed to do that. I got some sarcastic remark back. Then MS got annoyed at me for getting on his case.
Being single with kids is very difficult. Most of the women I have dated have had kids. Sometimes it's the kids that cause things to not work out. I see that happening again. She knows that her son annoys me, but I need to let her know how bad I see it getting. It's not fair to my kids to have to deal with this. My kids are not perfect angels, but they are respectful and pleasant to be around... most of the time.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Mistaken Identity
How would you feel if you received an e-mail that contained pictures?
How about if those pictures were meant for family and friends of the birth of their baby? ...and those pictures did not crop out her private bits?
...and then you realized it was a case of "calling the wrong number". I must have an e-mail address very close to someone elses.
I let her know that I think the pictures were meant to be sent to someone else.
I think I just heard a scream from somewhere off in the distance.
The good news is the baby looked fine
How about if those pictures were meant for family and friends of the birth of their baby? ...and those pictures did not crop out her private bits?
...and then you realized it was a case of "calling the wrong number". I must have an e-mail address very close to someone elses.
I let her know that I think the pictures were meant to be sent to someone else.
I think I just heard a scream from somewhere off in the distance.
The good news is the baby looked fine
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Let the games begin!
It's happened. I have been coerced by my friends to start playing World of Warcraft. I played with one of my regular gaming buddies for about a week. I had been avoiding playing with Chrissie because I didn't want to be stumbling around, showing my ignorance. Then to be playing with her I needed to create a new character. Apparently I was on the wrong side. Chrissie and I had some fun a few nights ago. I am still getting used to it, especially using text chat instead of TeamSpeak (time to step up to the latest technology, Chrissie). I am not as good at multitasking as she is. I'm working on it. I particularly liked how she had her character dance for me. Yeah, baby!
So this is my character, Sardak. He's not much to look at, but he's good with a bow and arrow.
So this is my character, Sardak. He's not much to look at, but he's good with a bow and arrow.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
What I've been up to...
First of all...
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY
I have been dealing with baseball, baseball, and more baseball.
Then there is the endless work stress, but I'll bitch about that some other time.
The season has started and is looking like it's going to be an exciting one.
Kevin is mainly playing 3rd base, but has been put in as catcher on occasion. He loves playing catcher, but he has a great arm and great reflexes, so 3rd base is a good choice for him too. I wish I would have remembered to take my camera to one of the games a few weeks ago. They lost, but Kevin caught a screamer at 3rd that would have resulted in a double or triple. He stretched out and caught it perfectly.
He had a game earlier this week where for 2 innings straight every time the opposing team got a hit it went straight to Kevin. I had to leave before the end of the game because I had to get Erik to his. These guys are running me ragged (that's a mom saying).
Erik is playing 1st base almost exclusively. He seems to have a better glove and understands what it takes to be a good first baseman. The level he is at in Little League still has a lot of kids who have hardly or never played before. I was afraid his coach was going to be a problem due to not showing up for opening ceremonies and not scheduling a practice for weeks after other teams started practicing. I guess it just had to do with not being able to get time off from work. Now things are going well.
His season so far has been flawless except for on dropped throw to him a few games ago. He isn't hitting as well as he should. I don't know if it is just him changing things or his coach, but he has a very odd stance and bat position. We're working on it.
Kevin's progress report came the other day. As and Bs. I am very proud of him. I wish I got those kinds of grades when I was his age.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY
I have been dealing with baseball, baseball, and more baseball.
Then there is the endless work stress, but I'll bitch about that some other time.
The season has started and is looking like it's going to be an exciting one.
Kevin is mainly playing 3rd base, but has been put in as catcher on occasion. He loves playing catcher, but he has a great arm and great reflexes, so 3rd base is a good choice for him too. I wish I would have remembered to take my camera to one of the games a few weeks ago. They lost, but Kevin caught a screamer at 3rd that would have resulted in a double or triple. He stretched out and caught it perfectly.He had a game earlier this week where for 2 innings straight every time the opposing team got a hit it went straight to Kevin. I had to leave before the end of the game because I had to get Erik to his. These guys are running me ragged (that's a mom saying).
Erik is playing 1st base almost exclusively. He seems to have a better glove and understands what it takes to be a good first baseman. The level he is at in Little League still has a lot of kids who have hardly or never played before. I was afraid his coach was going to be a problem due to not showing up for opening ceremonies and not scheduling a practice for weeks after other teams started practicing. I guess it just had to do with not being able to get time off from work. Now things are going well.His season so far has been flawless except for on dropped throw to him a few games ago. He isn't hitting as well as he should. I don't know if it is just him changing things or his coach, but he has a very odd stance and bat position. We're working on it.
Kevin's progress report came the other day. As and Bs. I am very proud of him. I wish I got those kinds of grades when I was his age.
Friday, May 11, 2007
48 questions ... yes, another meme
Chrissie is such a snot. She sends this stuff in an e-mail instead of posting so then I have to get blamed for making it continue. She should be spanked!
1. WHO WERE YOU NAMED AFTER? First name... no one. Middle name Alan Shepard, but my mom spelled it wrong.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Late February I think
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? As long as printing counts as handwriting, yes
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Pastrami (I think Chrissie and I are such a perfect match)
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yes... and I will not be having anymore... but I still like to practice often.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOURSELF? Yes, because I get along with everyone (well, almost everyone)
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Yes, definitely
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yup, and Chrissie should inspect them :P
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Probably not, but I would skydive
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Peanut Butter Crunch
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Dress shoes, yes. Sneakers, only when they're brand new
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Only if I don't shower
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Their mouth15. RED OR PINK? Red
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? My weight
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Paula
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? If they want
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Black jeans and brown Merrells
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? The bland combination of chicken, ribs and shrimp at the Elephant Bar. It was supposed to be spicy. Blah
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Jellyfish - That Is Why
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Purple
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? I don't remember what it is called, but it was the hand lotion an ex-girlfriend uses. I think it's from Victoria's Secret
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Ann
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? A lot!!!
27. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? At the stadium = Baseball or Football. On TV = Hockey.
28. HAIR COLOR? Brown (with a little bit of grey)
29. EYE COLOR? Green
30. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No, but I wear glasses when driving at night
31. FAVORITE FOOD? The perfect steak
32. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Thriller scary not blood n guts scary, and funny happy not sappy happy. Chrissie... wanna go to a movie?
33. WHAT WAS THE LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Shawn of the Dead (ironic considering my last answer)
34. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING??? Brown patterned polo
35. SUMMER OR Winter? Summer I guess, but Fall is my favorite.
36. HUGS OR KISSES? Both
37. FAVORITE DESSERT? Cheesecake
38. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? All my friends that have nothing better to do
39. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? BWH
40. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING? Implementing IBM Rational ClearQuest: An End-to-End Deployment Guide
41. ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? My G5 Laser Gaming Mouse... and dust
42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? The Daily Show
43. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SOUND? Kids laughing
44. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? The Beatles by far
45. WHAT IS THE FURTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Thule, Greenland46. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Yes, so I'm told by some... and I can also play the trombone :D
47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Madison Heights, MI
48. WHO'S ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK. See 38
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Blogger Party Meme
OK, so Roxi says I'm supposed to pick 6 people from blogger I would want to party with. It'll be hard to keep it to 6, except for the fact that I need to get to bed. If you are so inclinded TAG, you're it!
#1 - Chrissie... She is fun, geeky, and loves to have a good time. On top of that she is really HOT. I think it's totally unfair that California gets an over abundance of hot women.
#2 - Grace... If I had to pick one reason it would be sothat I could sit her down to relax for a bit and tell what the hell is going on with her life these days.
#3 - Croaker... I've never seen one guy in the same bed with so many women. It's unfortunate everyone's clothes were on.
#4 - Terry... is awesome, and knows all the best bars. Also, I want to see her hula. How many drinks would it take?
#5 - Os... I think if he shows up to a party women want to tear off his shirt. Plus he's a trombone player, and we bone-ists have to stick together.
#6 - Stacy... She and I have come close to meeting in the past. One day it will happen. Maybe I can prove to her that I am not a perv 24/7. Ya, I know, I doubt it too.
#7 - Jodes... One cool chick. She is so fun and energetic... well, that's the impression I get.
#8 - Dzer... He is one of those fun guys that should liven things up... not that a party with all these women wouldn't be lively.
#9 - Jillie... Hard to nail down one thing that makes her so great, there are so many things. I know I would love to party with her.
#10 - Roxi... Well, of course Roxi would be invited. It's not a party without her. She is by far one of the most fun people I've ever met. Her energy and smile brighten the room. If I'm lucky she'll even share the jello shots. My phone misses her phone.
I just couldn't keep it to 6... bite me. I guess I could have left the guys out. What amazes me is I've met quite a few of you. I feel so lucky about that. For those that didn't make the list... you're actually on there. I just got tired.
#1 - Chrissie... She is fun, geeky, and loves to have a good time. On top of that she is really HOT. I think it's totally unfair that California gets an over abundance of hot women.
#2 - Grace... If I had to pick one reason it would be sothat I could sit her down to relax for a bit and tell what the hell is going on with her life these days.
#3 - Croaker... I've never seen one guy in the same bed with so many women. It's unfortunate everyone's clothes were on.
#4 - Terry... is awesome, and knows all the best bars. Also, I want to see her hula. How many drinks would it take?
#5 - Os... I think if he shows up to a party women want to tear off his shirt. Plus he's a trombone player, and we bone-ists have to stick together.
#6 - Stacy... She and I have come close to meeting in the past. One day it will happen. Maybe I can prove to her that I am not a perv 24/7. Ya, I know, I doubt it too.
#7 - Jodes... One cool chick. She is so fun and energetic... well, that's the impression I get.
#8 - Dzer... He is one of those fun guys that should liven things up... not that a party with all these women wouldn't be lively.
#9 - Jillie... Hard to nail down one thing that makes her so great, there are so many things. I know I would love to party with her.
#10 - Roxi... Well, of course Roxi would be invited. It's not a party without her. She is by far one of the most fun people I've ever met. Her energy and smile brighten the room. If I'm lucky she'll even share the jello shots. My phone misses her phone.
I just couldn't keep it to 6... bite me. I guess I could have left the guys out. What amazes me is I've met quite a few of you. I feel so lucky about that. For those that didn't make the list... you're actually on there. I just got tired.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Where do I start?
Work has been unbelievably stressful recently. Now that I am now managing SCM in Des moines as well (please don't ask me to explain SCM again) the server that houses the projects there desides to start acting flakey. What does this mean? Now I have to get someone hired for the Des Moines office IMMEDIATELY! But until that happens we've been asked to meove their systems off of the flakey Linux box and put it on a Windows server that we just happened to have lying around.
Big issue... transfering this stuff from one server to another is relatively easy. Moving it from linux to Windows is not. We're not even sure some of the tools will work properly on Windows.
We had hoped to have the new hardware set up over the weekend and ready to move data over early this week. Well that didn't happen. Like I said, moving from Linux to Windows is not that eas
y. Not only that, but they are using different tools than we are so we have to learn their tools while trying to get them to work. Needless to say, the pressure is on.
I had a job posting to hire someone for the Des Moine job, and guess what?... Not a single person applied. We've now made the position for either Des Moines or Denver and we'll manage things remotely if need be. One of my guys knows the perfect person for the job. I have his resume through unofficial channels, but I cannot interview him until our HR recruiter gets off her pretty little ass (yes, it is quite pretty) and does some sort of bullshit screening interview.
Our system in Denver has developed a problem since we upgraded to a new version of our tool. We have been working with IBM's tech support to find a fix to the problem. Today we contacted IBM for additional support and they said that our maintenance aggreement has lapsed. I have been waiting for a new purchase of licenses to get approved for these tools, and wrapped up in this purchase is the renewal of the maintenance. WE ARE SO FUCKED!
Big issue... transfering this stuff from one server to another is relatively easy. Moving it from linux to Windows is not. We're not even sure some of the tools will work properly on Windows.
We had hoped to have the new hardware set up over the weekend and ready to move data over early this week. Well that didn't happen. Like I said, moving from Linux to Windows is not that eas
y. Not only that, but they are using different tools than we are so we have to learn their tools while trying to get them to work. Needless to say, the pressure is on.I had a job posting to hire someone for the Des Moine job, and guess what?... Not a single person applied. We've now made the position for either Des Moines or Denver and we'll manage things remotely if need be. One of my guys knows the perfect person for the job. I have his resume through unofficial channels, but I cannot interview him until our HR recruiter gets off her pretty little ass (yes, it is quite pretty) and does some sort of bullshit screening interview.
Our system in Denver has developed a problem since we upgraded to a new version of our tool. We have been working with IBM's tech support to find a fix to the problem. Today we contacted IBM for additional support and they said that our maintenance aggreement has lapsed. I have been waiting for a new purchase of licenses to get approved for these tools, and wrapped up in this purchase is the renewal of the maintenance. WE ARE SO FUCKED!
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