Fallen Colleague

So sad news today. One of the ladies in the Accounting Dept. passed away. She'd been in the hospital... with respiratory failure, I think. I know there were several machines keeping her alive, and her family finally decided to unhook everything. Not sure if she had a living will or not, but I know she hadn't been awake and/or aware for a while.

I know this sort of thing happens every day all over the world, but it's just strange how often you become aware of certain things once they're first brought to your attention... such as with the Terri Schiavo case plastered all over the news for months now. The idea stays simmering in the back of your head, and then suddenly it happens much closer to home.

I know that this woman from our Acct. Dept. recently battled a bout of cancer. In fact, she had only recenlty returned to work when I first started... in November of '03. She was a pretty cool lady. Friendly and easy-going. I don't know what she was like before the cancer... if she was changed at all.

That sort of thing understandably changes a person... and their families. I once worked for a professor who, by all accounts, had been a complete tyrant before his son's accident and hospital stay. This had evidently happened just prior to my being hired on. But the man I came to know was totally laid back... funny... friendly. Ironically enough, my previous position had been in the very ICU at which his son had stayed for a while after his accident. I even remember seeing that professor when he'd come to visit. I always wondered if he remembered me too, and if that had any influence on his decision to hire me.

Either way... it's a small world. I only just found out about an hour ago about the Acct. Lady's passing. They didn't formally announce it yet... probably on Monday. She was one of those peeps that had been around for years and knew the department and her job inside and out. It will be very difficult to fill her itty bitty shoes.

Bored or Pissed?

So I had another good long chat with my Aussie last Friday. Most of the day again. That's not unknown to happen on any given Friday, considering he's on weekend hours on the other side of the world by then. Good thing Friday's are the slowest days of the week at work... lol

Bored?

Our discussions always range far and wide... my blog even enjoyed a rather lengthy appearance in the the last one. I happened to comment that it (blog) was rather boring, in response to his question as to what was new with me... aside from moving. At which point proceeded a rather confusing lecture about changing my life if I think it's boring... on not being embarassed about a boring blog... and that said blog has obvliously exceeded it's usefulness if it has passed into the realms of boredom.

At least I think that's what he was trying to say. Sometimes it's a bit difficult to follow him, his mind moves so quickly from one subject to the next. That, and he adores confusing me with new Aussie-isms. I swear, I've known the man for 4 years, and he still manages to come up with something new with which to confound me, every time we talk. lol

But it's all good... he actually has quite a bit of patience with explaining anything I don't understand, and he doesn't ridicule me for it so I don't mind at all. As for the lecture... well, I deliever enough to him, so turn-about's fair play, eh? It's all about lookin out for the best welfare of a friend in the end. And I understand where he was comin from. I'm fairly comfortable with my life in all it's boring-ness (with occasional bouts of oddity and excitement)... I guess I simply view it as a boring read for anybody else. But he's right.. I shouldn't be embarassed about it.

I find it interesting, though, that just as I'm hearing that my blog's time has come and gone, I've suddenly discovered a renewed interest in it. I guess it might be useful for just a bit longer. :)

Pissed?

Another good portion of the discussion with my Aussie last week consisted of a detailed exposition on the nuances of the word "pissed" and it's various forms, in Oz (Australia). It has an amazing number of meanings (from angry, to drunk, to "go away", to "you're puttin me on" to a whole bunch of other ones I can't think of off the top of my head)... many of which can only be defined in the tone used. So, of course, followed the logical conclusion that he needed to call me and demonstrate such nuances.

I'd forgotten just how much more difficult it is to understand the man on the phone than on messenger. He later sent me a link: convictcreations.com that, while somewhat embarassing to Americans, has a very interesting theory to explain the evolution of the different branches of English. It was evidently written by an Englishman (POM, to Aussies... don't ask me where the word comes from) and he makes a very good point about the exposure that Americans receive of the world's language and culture (very little) vs. that which Australians receive (quite a bit more). Ergo, Americans have a harder time understanding other forms of English, and Aussies can understand everybody.

And it's true. I remember having a helluva time understanding folks when I was in England, Ireland and Australia. Of course, it doesn't help that my years on the airfield have ruined my hearing, and I have a difficult time following an AMERICAN conversation unless they slow it down. lol Yet, when I first met my Aussie, he was good friends with a Scotsman... I had the pleasure of talking to both of them a few times, and while I was lost in a sea of accents with the both of them... neither had any problems what-so-ever understanding each other.

Certainly an interesting theory, anyway... check out the link, it's pretty informative.

Inspirational Co-Horts in Blogdom

So I finally talked Fussbudget into starting a blog all her own... she really is the best person I know for the job. We take turns out-rambling each other. *grin*

But amway, reading her blog (or blob, as she insists on calling it so I'll keep cracking up) and the responses she's received so far, has renewed my inspiration for keeping up this one. Not like I did at first... I don't want to burn myself out again. But mebbe just a li'l more often than I have recently. Mebbe post some pictures again... especially as I get moved and settled into my new place. :)

And reading Bus Snob's accounts of her recent vacation in HER blog... well, now that's got me inspired to finally go back and get my October visit to San Diego documented as well. I already have some of it typed up, though most of it is in outline form. Hell, I may just post it in outline form. Let my lucky readers use their imaginations to fill in the blanks... lol

What Kind of Girl Am I?

Picked this up from a new Cohort in Blogdom! :)


You're like me! The intelligent loner. You're shy
at times but friendly, and you are never weak
and always independent. You are incredibly
intelligent (wise beyond your years) and have a
talent for many things (sports, music, art).
You have a kind and warm personality and enjoy
the simple things. Like hanging out with
friends and watching movies at home. But you're
sometimes quiet nature makes you a bit of an
outcast and a mystery to people. No matter how
pretty you are or smart or athletic, you just
can't seem to break into the crowd and be
noticed. Don't worry, try to be more outgoing
and speak out when you have more to say. Don't
hide behind your books and sports and computer,
get out there and get noticed. You also have
deep desires in life and feel vunerable and
alone at times. Don't feel sad either, What
helps me to express feelings and dreams that I
can't say to people, is through my writting.
Maybe you should try.


What kind of girl are you? (with pix!)
brought to you by Quizilla

A Pleasant Family Sunday Evening

So yesterday was a typical Sunday. Most of the day, anyway. I always have plans to get a bunch of stuff done before Dinner at the folks' place... but then I end up getting my brain wrapped around something and 5 hours has gone by, I haven't showered yet and I'm late to dinner.

Yesterday it was figuring up the next several months worth of finances. Some of that creative juggling I mentioned a few posts ago. And, like I suspected, it'll work out just fine. I'll be able to handle all of my move expenses without burdening my credit cards or otherwise going further into debt. Money for a car is a totally different matter, but I'll deal with that when I get to it.

Amway, so there I was poring away over my computer, and I get a call from the folks at 4:45. Only I quickly learned it was really 5:45... I hadn't even known until that moment that Daylight Savings kicked into gear yesterday. Oh well. I ended up missing sharing dinner with them, though Mom left some cooked spaghetti noodles out for me. I'd already planned to bring some of my own spaghetti, anyway, cuz mine has the ground turkey, so it worked out. I just ate in the living room while we all talked.

We usually play a game or watch a movie after dinner. But last night, the Pope's passing was plastered all over CNN, and discussion about him led to many other discussions... about World War II... about the rationings and blackouts that Gram lived through... about living in a military family... about when Pop was born... about when I was born. It was a very nice evening. Gram was more involved and consciously present in the conversation than she's been for a while. Not that she's unconscious or anything... the woman has all her wits about her. But when the conversation isn't about something she finds particularly interesting, she tends to zone out. As do we all... but I'm afraid that a lot of modern topics go right over Gram's head.

We had a good talk a few weeks ago, just Gram and I, about not liking to rock the boat. She and I are an awful lot alike in that respect. She could totally understand the issues I was going through with my neighbors. And I could understand a lotta the things that she internalizes because she can't stand conflict. I know it could be called a lotta things: weak, wuss, passive aggressive... it's not something I'm overly proud of. I wish I COULD stand up more for myself. At least I know I can stand up for somebody ELSE. And I know Gram feels the same way. We both feel that our tendencies to avoid conflict sometimes actually cause more problems than they solve... but it takes an awful lotta effort to overcome.

Either way, I think it helps to be able to commisserate with someone who truly understands. I don't think Gram realized that I'm the same way... always having to defend herself and her actions (or inactions) to others who are far more pro-active. But then, I already knew that Gram and I were kindred spirits on a lotta things. :)

Back in Touch with the Nut

So I finally talked to Halloween Nut... last week, I think. We caught up in chat during the day, and I promised to call her that evening. She wasn't there, but DID call me back later that night. It was a good phone call. She's feeling somewhat isolated by circumstances... like the odd duck out. I'm not sure if her feelings of being pressured into living a more conforming lifestyle are self-induced, or if there are those around her really applying that pressure... even if unconsciously.

But I understand how she feels. My own lifestyle is hardly a typical one... at least I don't think so. I don't feel the need to pursue the whole Married with Children scenario. Neither am I driven by a career. I'm just happy to meander through life and see what I see as I go along. The most male contact I have in my life is at work and with my father... and I'm pretty happy keeping it that way. For now, anyway. When I feel otherwise inclined, I'll do something to change that circumstance.

I suppose it's hard for some peeps to understand that, though. I've discovered that it seems to be human nature to want others to have what you have if it makes you happy. Peeps assume that since it's good for them, it MUST be good for everybody else, too. I dunno how many of my friends have resolved to hook me up with somebody... simply because they, themselves, suddenly found themselves happily married.

Ah well... I'm glad that I'm here to provide a (questionably?) positive example of living outside the mold. I'm not sure I really helped H.N. feel any less of an Odd Duck... but at least she knows she's not the only one. :)

Art Comin Out My Ears

So I got bit by another bug. Art this time around... Fantasy art, to be persact. I spent a good chunk of my credit card on it this last week or so. I won't say exactly how much (I tallied it up and appalled myself) but it was pretty hefty.

And I was doing so good... about not spending money, that is. But then I got my Dancing Dragon magazine, and I was a goner. See, over the last few years, I've seen all these great Art prints that I absolutely adore... and keep telling myself that I don't really need to spend that money right now. But the problem is that a LOT of it is limited edition. By time I decide I'm ready to spend some money on art... it's either out of print or rediculously expensive.

So I've been catching up. Hunting down retired Prints and checking in with all of my favorite artists (I've listed a few down the side to the right: check out Nene Thomas, Jody Bergsma and Jesse Barnes... but let's not forget Amy Brown and Ruth Thompson too), to see what they've got new before THEY retire too. It'll be much better in the future if I simply keep up with them as they come along, instead of trying to catch several year's worth all in one swell poop.

But I stopped myself yesterday. Placed my last order and made my last purchase. A lot still have to arrive in the mail, though, so I still get to have that Christmas Morning feel for another week or so to go. :) And don't worry... I'll have it all paid off in the next few months. Of course, I was planning on spending that money on the move and a car, so...

Looks like I'll be doing some more creative money juggling. But I can do it... I always manage to figure something out. :) Part of what keeps life interesting. Irresponsible, perhaps, but always interesting!

Cold Turkey: Not a Good Idea

Yeah, so I discovered that cold turkey's not such a good idea with some drugs. The very next day after my last post, I got hit by a mack truck... er, migraine. I have since come to understand that the Amitriptyline does, indeed, help very much... with my chronic neck pain. Which is my most frequent trigger for migraines. It doesn't stop OTHER triggers, but it makes a big different with my neck.

So I've gone back on the meds and simply conduct my days wondering if this is what A.D.D. feels like. I figure, weigh the options: pain or A.D.D... I'll take the short attention span. I've simply resolved to work harder to focus, and try to filter out distractions. I focus on one thing at a time... which rather dismantles my whole multi-tasking thing, but hey... gotta do what I can do. Never had to WORK to focus before, but I'm sure it can be done.