Well, well, well...
Here it is Christmas again. Let's start with the announcements from past posts:
I waxed lyrical about the VW's oil pressure problems. I figured that something, likely the intake filter screen, was getting caught up in the oil pump intake. After further study...I was WAY wrong.
The 90's era VW's had a "dynamic" oil pressure monitoring system. Perhaps it was over-engineered? Anyways: faults in the oil pressure sensors is sort of endemic to these vehicles. At the same time; the engine troubles this monitoring system is supposed to warn against show the same symptoms as a fault in the sensors themselves.
In other words: my oil pressure warning light (and accompanying annoying buzzer) was going off not because of a fault in the oil pressure sensors (either of them)...it was going off because my engine is really freakin' OLD and has 277,400 Kms (as of this writing) on it. The wear on this engine is so bad that ordinary engine oil just isn't going to cut it. Likewise the oil pump is also worn, so keeping the proper pressure is a struggle.
Ah, but how do I really know?
Well, first off was the almost CONSTANT pressure warning on the way to Gloria's two months back. Even after I had an oil change done (it was due) in Merrit, the little buzzard was still with me at least part of the way home. I chose to drown it out with Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.
Then the head gasket started leaking.
Understand, dear reader, that when an engine with 277,400 Kms on it needs a new head gasket, you don't just replace the gasket. Oh no, you do a Total Overhaul. I don't have the time, space, funds...or inclination to re-build the engine on that HEAP.
So what did I do?
Well...if you can't tighten the engine...tighten the oil. The head gasket leak was fixed with something called Rislone (tm) Block Seal. "Just pour it in and forget it." (no, not really). It worked. The VW is now running with 10w40 oil and Lucas Oil Stabilizer -- mixed 3 to 1. I thought that with the cold temperatures, I would barely be able to turn the engine over most mornings, but that engine is so worn in that it hasn't been a problem at all. It even passed AirCare!
Let me just repeat that for my own ego: MY JUNKER VW PASSED AIRCARE!
Next up: the Divorce...oy, always with the divorce.
I got the package of papers from the Lawyer. I'm supposed to review them and then file them with the Law Courts in New Westminster, I think. I haven't finished the review...and it's been a couple weeks. I am probably going to have some more questions before I file.
In other news: I'm moving. But...not too far.
My Aunt Audrey lives two blocks away from us. She's been waiting for a residence to open up with an assisted living facility in Langley. The opening arrived, and Audrey moved.
But she doesn't want to sell her house in this market. She needed a live-in caretaker. Me.
I'm finally LEAVING THE BASEMENT.
Her grandson Jason got her stuff (mostly) moved out last Tuesday. The place still isn't quite empty but to his credit Jason has done his best to drop by when he can and get the rest of Audrey's belongings to her. What she can't use at the residence, he has packed up for storage. Me? I'm moving most of the small items from my place over there; evenings after work. The larger items I'll leave until after New Years. The only real concern so far seems to be money: Jason mentioned me paying the utilities (can do) and the Property Taxes (umm, no way jose')...I think Jason might have meant the Municipal Service fees. I can't see me paying Property Taxes on a Property I don't own. In fact, I'm still going to be paying Taxes on THIS place until such time as I can persuade L to let me have my share so I can finally stop PAYING FOR MY EX WIFE'S HOUSE. Again...Lawsuit, anyone?
I re-joined S.P.A.M. Greg found a new hosting service that is hosting us for free and we're back at it again. I've posted all my old articles, and Greg has also posted his; plus the articles he wrote for Examiner.com.
I'm off with Kath and Grant and the gang to visit Mom and Dad in Cardston over the Holidays. 'Twil be the first I have seen of the folks in quite a while. I wish the kids could go, but their Mom's got them booked at their Grandparents this year.
Speaking of the Kids: Colin is going up for his first degree Black Belt on Friday. Watch this space. He had a patch of "disheartened" a few months back; to the point that his Mom told him to just forget all about it. Well, he and I had a talk, and I promised him that if he would try really hard, I could keep paying myself for his Tae Kwon Do until he had an honest-to-goodness shot at testing for Black Belt...and getting it.
He's got his shot. It's all up to him to give his best effort, and then we let the Judges decide. But he knows that he's GOT to give his best, otherwise there's no point.
Let's round it all off with a health report. I've had flu in parallel with Grant this past week. Luckily, we're both getting over it and should be fine by our departure on Saturday.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Saturday, October 02, 2010
Question: Why have an open media forum like YouTube...and then censor its content?
Don't ask me. I just like finding ways around it.
Example: Beyonce's "Single Ladies"...a flash mob performance that occurred at London's Piccadilly Circus in 2009 as part of a promotion for Trident Gum.
There are several recordings of the performance, some of them from private contributors (ie: people who were there that day and had a camcorder with them).
However the "official" high-definition recording of the event has no soundtrack...even though the music was kind of the whole point of the dancing, eh what?
Why, you ask? Copyright infringement was claimed by the record company. Apparently, the recording used in the performance is a little too good.
But...it's an easy fix.
Of the Private Citizens witnessing the event that day, at least one of them had a commercial quality video recorder, with stereo sound capability. The video in this version is rather poor, but the sound quality is awesome. I just call up both videos and then sync the audio from the one to the video of the other. Viola! The original YouTube posting with soundtrack.
Censorship: not just wrong, sometimes it's stupid, too.
Don't ask me. I just like finding ways around it.
Example: Beyonce's "Single Ladies"...a flash mob performance that occurred at London's Piccadilly Circus in 2009 as part of a promotion for Trident Gum.
There are several recordings of the performance, some of them from private contributors (ie: people who were there that day and had a camcorder with them).
However the "official" high-definition recording of the event has no soundtrack...even though the music was kind of the whole point of the dancing, eh what?
Why, you ask? Copyright infringement was claimed by the record company. Apparently, the recording used in the performance is a little too good.
But...it's an easy fix.
Of the Private Citizens witnessing the event that day, at least one of them had a commercial quality video recorder, with stereo sound capability. The video in this version is rather poor, but the sound quality is awesome. I just call up both videos and then sync the audio from the one to the video of the other. Viola! The original YouTube posting with soundtrack.
Censorship: not just wrong, sometimes it's stupid, too.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Anytime is 'Blog time!
This will probably just be an update entry 'cause it's getting late and although I haven't written in awhile I DO have a couple of posts gestating.
First up: cars.
I finally got rid of the Cavalier. I sold it to Kelli.
Who is Kelli, you ask? My carpool, that's who. Now that she's got wheels of her own...I may be able to retire from the carpool gig and start riding my bike to work again. Of course, since my shift at work got moved to 6 AM and this means a 5 AM departure and a 4 AM wake up...I'm not entirely enthused about riding to work. Even less enthused about riding in the DARK; all year 'round.
The Golf I am still (STILL!) sinking money into. I've had offers to buy it from me for less than half what I bought it for. I am seriously considering those offers because I would like to be rid of it already. Time to admit it: I could have done better in the car department. The Golf has needed a new windshield AND a new radiator this month alone, and although neither was especially troublesome, I feel I am up against considerable "diminishing returns".
Next up: the Job.
Well, HBC is still there, and we are still without a Collective Agreement so far. We held a Strike Vote a few weeks ago and Lo and Behold, our Union and HBC have finally come up with an agreement that they feel fit to submit to a ratification vote. We'll probably agree to whatever they've come up with.
Container traffic has slowed somewhat. We aren't shipping as many cartons per day as we used to out of Central Stock. We are shipping as many cartons per day overall as we used to...but more of our flow thru traffic is not coming out of the Central Stock department. This meant a few shifts with yours truly being loaned out to the Shipping department to chuck cardboard all day. Now we've had two or three machine operators with their driving privileges revoked, so suddenly I am needed in my home department.
This is getting really old...
At least I'm being spared the fate of our part time and auxiliary staff: they've been getting regular one, two and three day layoffs for the past eight weeks. Should a person feel like they're being "shafted" when they're laid off one day in a week and then asked to work an "overtime" shift on Saturday for straight time because, after all, they only worked four of the five previous days?
Bastards...
I haven't been out socially in so long I think I'm going stir crazy...I find myself literally counting the days until the paperwork is FILED and I can finally make a break with the EX.
But I'm not bitter about it, or anything.
This will probably just be an update entry 'cause it's getting late and although I haven't written in awhile I DO have a couple of posts gestating.
First up: cars.
I finally got rid of the Cavalier. I sold it to Kelli.
Who is Kelli, you ask? My carpool, that's who. Now that she's got wheels of her own...I may be able to retire from the carpool gig and start riding my bike to work again. Of course, since my shift at work got moved to 6 AM and this means a 5 AM departure and a 4 AM wake up...I'm not entirely enthused about riding to work. Even less enthused about riding in the DARK; all year 'round.
The Golf I am still (STILL!) sinking money into. I've had offers to buy it from me for less than half what I bought it for. I am seriously considering those offers because I would like to be rid of it already. Time to admit it: I could have done better in the car department. The Golf has needed a new windshield AND a new radiator this month alone, and although neither was especially troublesome, I feel I am up against considerable "diminishing returns".
Next up: the Job.
Well, HBC is still there, and we are still without a Collective Agreement so far. We held a Strike Vote a few weeks ago and Lo and Behold, our Union and HBC have finally come up with an agreement that they feel fit to submit to a ratification vote. We'll probably agree to whatever they've come up with.
Container traffic has slowed somewhat. We aren't shipping as many cartons per day as we used to out of Central Stock. We are shipping as many cartons per day overall as we used to...but more of our flow thru traffic is not coming out of the Central Stock department. This meant a few shifts with yours truly being loaned out to the Shipping department to chuck cardboard all day. Now we've had two or three machine operators with their driving privileges revoked, so suddenly I am needed in my home department.
This is getting really old...
At least I'm being spared the fate of our part time and auxiliary staff: they've been getting regular one, two and three day layoffs for the past eight weeks. Should a person feel like they're being "shafted" when they're laid off one day in a week and then asked to work an "overtime" shift on Saturday for straight time because, after all, they only worked four of the five previous days?
Bastards...
I haven't been out socially in so long I think I'm going stir crazy...I find myself literally counting the days until the paperwork is FILED and I can finally make a break with the EX.
But I'm not bitter about it, or anything.
Sunday, August 01, 2010
I really ought to update these more often...
So...what happened?
An opportunity...slipped away. I had to ask "why?".
As it turns out, the "why" was because I wasn't ready for it yet.
Or, it wasn't ready for me.
Whichever.
So, I wondered, what should I be doing now? Answer: whatever you were supposed to be doing if the opportunity had never arisen.
I am doing just that. The new (old) plan has three parts:
I'd love to sell off Granpa's stuff that's still filling up the garage and the shop. But both L and her Mom have made it clear that particular Albatross is going to be more or less permanent. I'll be long gone from here before any of Hendrik's junk is.
So...what happened?
An opportunity...slipped away. I had to ask "why?".
As it turns out, the "why" was because I wasn't ready for it yet.
Or, it wasn't ready for me.
Whichever.
So, I wondered, what should I be doing now? Answer: whatever you were supposed to be doing if the opportunity had never arisen.
I am doing just that. The new (old) plan has three parts:
- Continue to increase my church activity and service.
- Get my financial house in order.
- Lighten my accumulation of "STUFF".
I'd love to sell off Granpa's stuff that's still filling up the garage and the shop. But both L and her Mom have made it clear that particular Albatross is going to be more or less permanent. I'll be long gone from here before any of Hendrik's junk is.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Insomnia...
I'm tired, I really am...but I just can't sleep. Have a lot of grist in the mill, I guess.
Saw Paul yesterday. He's down from Whitehorse visiting family here in town and out on the Island. We went to see "Iron Man II"; 'cause he hadn't seen it yet. Then we came back here and were met by my daughter Coral who had a somewhat unusual request:
"Dad, do you have The Trouble With Tribbles? We're studying it in English class."
Confession time: I managed to get a complete set of Paramount classic video VHS cassettes of Star Trek: The Original Series. Me and the kids watch them on rainy Saturdays when there's nothing good on TV. My personal favorite episodes are "Balance of Terror" and "Devil in the Dark".
So we watched "the Trouble with Tribbles". I am not sure when this came up, but afterward Jeff Dunham's work was mentioned, and Paul admitted he's never seen the Comedian/Ventriloquist. So, of course, we hauled out "Arguing with Myself" and had a good laugh.
Paul and I spent the remainder of the time catching up and discussing recent events...in my life, mostly. I expressed my disappointment in not going to Alberta to begin my new life and career. Also discussed was the decision to delay filing the divorce papers another six months while the Ex gets her final course work for her new career. I will add in passing that Karen Li, the single mom that Colin and I went to Disneyland with a month or two ago, is a Medical Lab Tech, and she expressed some doubt that L's future prospects for employment in that field would be as forthcoming or as profitable as L herself believes. But, that's none o' my bizness. I'm filing the paperwork as soon as she's done her course. After that comes my share of the communal property - assuming the house has any monetary value whatsoever by that time...let's face it; the bottom hasn't dropped out of the housing market yet, but it's going to. I just hope I'm able to get out in time...I've got plans for all those mortgage payments I made all those years buying Our Happy Home...and I want that money back.
I've often thought on how, if dame fortune had happened to grant me a substantial lump of wealth, I probably wouldn't have a clue what to do with it. I've really got no reason at all to desire any more money than I need to cover my basic expenses.
Until now.
I've got my reason. If I won the Lottery today, I know exactly what I'd do with the winnings; or, at least, a portion of them. I would help Keith make his dream come true. A first-class wish fulfillment. He's got an idea that works, and he has certainly put in the effort to make that idea a reality. However, like any fruit of a determined individual's labor, this one may die on the vine due to lack of fertilizer. It IS a good idea, both in theory AND practice...and it's not going to make any real money unless and until he can duplicate it several times over in a bigger market. I want to be there to see it happen. I want to contribute whatever I can. Even if it fails, the effort will be worthwhile.
Speaking of worthwhile endeavors...
I bought a piano.
Okay, it's not a real piano. I don't have near enough room in here for one of those. It's a Casio ToneBank 100. An electric piano with full-sized keys and everything a beginning music student needs to begin learning to play...including a headphone jack so you don't bother people while you're practicing. Lessons are not a problem. Google "free online piano lessons" sometime and you'll see what I mean. I'll start with the basics and then move onto the LDS hymnal; if my ambition and ability are equal to the task. Now I'll have something else to do when I get home from work besides watch Discovery Channel and spend my time FaceBook - ing.
Speaking of time spent...I had hoped to spend my time this weekend fixing my car.
The VW has been remarkably problem free...for a VW. Thus far, the only major breakdown has been the starter; which I suspect was the original unit from the car's manufacture some 13 years ago. Typical of a VW, when the starter went (with much smoke and fanfare), it took the horn fuse and possibly the headlight switch with it. The headlights still work, but I can't turn them on unless the ignition is engaged, so I'm pretty sure the starter's death throes caused a short in the dash wiring somewhere. The horn still doesn't work. The starter itself I replaced in Lordco Auto Parts' parking lot. The starter mounting bolts pass thru the engine mount and you have to jack the engine and transmission up in order to thread the bolts into the new starter. Guess what I didn't remember to bring with me from home? I used the tire jack, and discovered there was a notch built into the bottom of the transmission bell and engine block that exactly matched the shoe on the tire jack. Coincidence? Or provident engineering? Either way, it got the job done.
What I had hoped to remedy this weekend is not so much a failure as an annoyance.
There is a tendency for VW to engineer their cars well...but cut corners on parts that don't stand out. Take the oil pump, for instance: there is a little metal mesh filter on the end of the oil pump pickup that has a tendency to...well, dissolve gradually until bits of it - you guessed it - end up getting sucked into the pump intake. When this happens, it can temporarily, or even permanently, cut off the oil flow to the engine. Now, there is a pressure sensor on the oil circuit that will light up a telltale on the dashboard and start ringing a very annoying buzzer in time with the flashing warning light. If this alarm comes on and stays on, it means that there's no oil pressure in the engine and that, in turn, means the engine will shortly eat itself. Fortunately...or perhaps UN - fortunately, the alarm on mine is intermittent. This means that something is blocking the oil flow only some of the time. The proper fix in this case is to pop off the oil pan and dismount the oil pump and clean all the crud out of the pickup pipe. This may even call for replacing the pump if enough shmutz has been drawn into the pump itself. The problem lies not in the time or expense involved, but in the fact that there are no shops specializing in VW in the South Surrey area anymore. BowWow auto parts closed down their franchise here in North Delta and it was taken over by an independent outfit a year or so ago. They still have some of BowWow's inventory of VW sundries left, but they liquidated most of it. Still, they can order stuff in for me...for a price.
Sigh. Should have planned ahead. Oh well, there's always next weekend, if the weather holds out.
I'm tired, I really am...but I just can't sleep. Have a lot of grist in the mill, I guess.
Saw Paul yesterday. He's down from Whitehorse visiting family here in town and out on the Island. We went to see "Iron Man II"; 'cause he hadn't seen it yet. Then we came back here and were met by my daughter Coral who had a somewhat unusual request:
"Dad, do you have The Trouble With Tribbles? We're studying it in English class."
Confession time: I managed to get a complete set of Paramount classic video VHS cassettes of Star Trek: The Original Series. Me and the kids watch them on rainy Saturdays when there's nothing good on TV. My personal favorite episodes are "Balance of Terror" and "Devil in the Dark".
So we watched "the Trouble with Tribbles". I am not sure when this came up, but afterward Jeff Dunham's work was mentioned, and Paul admitted he's never seen the Comedian/Ventriloquist. So, of course, we hauled out "Arguing with Myself" and had a good laugh.
Paul and I spent the remainder of the time catching up and discussing recent events...in my life, mostly. I expressed my disappointment in not going to Alberta to begin my new life and career. Also discussed was the decision to delay filing the divorce papers another six months while the Ex gets her final course work for her new career. I will add in passing that Karen Li, the single mom that Colin and I went to Disneyland with a month or two ago, is a Medical Lab Tech, and she expressed some doubt that L's future prospects for employment in that field would be as forthcoming or as profitable as L herself believes. But, that's none o' my bizness. I'm filing the paperwork as soon as she's done her course. After that comes my share of the communal property - assuming the house has any monetary value whatsoever by that time...let's face it; the bottom hasn't dropped out of the housing market yet, but it's going to. I just hope I'm able to get out in time...I've got plans for all those mortgage payments I made all those years buying Our Happy Home...and I want that money back.
I've often thought on how, if dame fortune had happened to grant me a substantial lump of wealth, I probably wouldn't have a clue what to do with it. I've really got no reason at all to desire any more money than I need to cover my basic expenses.
Until now.
I've got my reason. If I won the Lottery today, I know exactly what I'd do with the winnings; or, at least, a portion of them. I would help Keith make his dream come true. A first-class wish fulfillment. He's got an idea that works, and he has certainly put in the effort to make that idea a reality. However, like any fruit of a determined individual's labor, this one may die on the vine due to lack of fertilizer. It IS a good idea, both in theory AND practice...and it's not going to make any real money unless and until he can duplicate it several times over in a bigger market. I want to be there to see it happen. I want to contribute whatever I can. Even if it fails, the effort will be worthwhile.
Speaking of worthwhile endeavors...
I bought a piano.
Okay, it's not a real piano. I don't have near enough room in here for one of those. It's a Casio ToneBank 100. An electric piano with full-sized keys and everything a beginning music student needs to begin learning to play...including a headphone jack so you don't bother people while you're practicing. Lessons are not a problem. Google "free online piano lessons" sometime and you'll see what I mean. I'll start with the basics and then move onto the LDS hymnal; if my ambition and ability are equal to the task. Now I'll have something else to do when I get home from work besides watch Discovery Channel and spend my time FaceBook - ing.
Speaking of time spent...I had hoped to spend my time this weekend fixing my car.
The VW has been remarkably problem free...for a VW. Thus far, the only major breakdown has been the starter; which I suspect was the original unit from the car's manufacture some 13 years ago. Typical of a VW, when the starter went (with much smoke and fanfare), it took the horn fuse and possibly the headlight switch with it. The headlights still work, but I can't turn them on unless the ignition is engaged, so I'm pretty sure the starter's death throes caused a short in the dash wiring somewhere. The horn still doesn't work. The starter itself I replaced in Lordco Auto Parts' parking lot. The starter mounting bolts pass thru the engine mount and you have to jack the engine and transmission up in order to thread the bolts into the new starter. Guess what I didn't remember to bring with me from home? I used the tire jack, and discovered there was a notch built into the bottom of the transmission bell and engine block that exactly matched the shoe on the tire jack. Coincidence? Or provident engineering? Either way, it got the job done.
What I had hoped to remedy this weekend is not so much a failure as an annoyance.
There is a tendency for VW to engineer their cars well...but cut corners on parts that don't stand out. Take the oil pump, for instance: there is a little metal mesh filter on the end of the oil pump pickup that has a tendency to...well, dissolve gradually until bits of it - you guessed it - end up getting sucked into the pump intake. When this happens, it can temporarily, or even permanently, cut off the oil flow to the engine. Now, there is a pressure sensor on the oil circuit that will light up a telltale on the dashboard and start ringing a very annoying buzzer in time with the flashing warning light. If this alarm comes on and stays on, it means that there's no oil pressure in the engine and that, in turn, means the engine will shortly eat itself. Fortunately...or perhaps UN - fortunately, the alarm on mine is intermittent. This means that something is blocking the oil flow only some of the time. The proper fix in this case is to pop off the oil pan and dismount the oil pump and clean all the crud out of the pickup pipe. This may even call for replacing the pump if enough shmutz has been drawn into the pump itself. The problem lies not in the time or expense involved, but in the fact that there are no shops specializing in VW in the South Surrey area anymore. BowWow auto parts closed down their franchise here in North Delta and it was taken over by an independent outfit a year or so ago. They still have some of BowWow's inventory of VW sundries left, but they liquidated most of it. Still, they can order stuff in for me...for a price.
Sigh. Should have planned ahead. Oh well, there's always next weekend, if the weather holds out.
And Now: A Public Announcement.
No matter how tempted you might be, no matter how much you may enjoy the "horror" or "slasher" or "fangoria" film genre(s)...do NOT go to see "The Human Centipede".
I shall explain:
There is a KeenSpot website called TrailerStation. They play movie trailers 24/7. Nearly all of the trailers are preceded by an MPAA warning flash screen letting you know what the movie is rated and who the appropriate audiences are.
There's a glitch in the video stream.
The trailer for Disney Earth: Oceans documentary came on and then ended...and then the trailer for The Human Centipede started up - without the MPAA warning. The beginning looks harmless enough (kinda like the beginning of the trailer from Hostel, or perhaps Bordello of Blood). It soon moves onto a series of brief, flashing, jump cuts with some VERY disturbing images...But that's not the problem.
The Problem is that I had one of those rare moments of insight in which I suddenly knew the entire plot of the film JUST from the contents of the 30 second trailer!! One of the few moments in my life when I REGRETTED being smart enough to Figure It All Out was when that particular realization hit me. GAHHH! Also, EWWWW!!
Unsee (v) 1.To erase the act of seeing something; to erase the memory of having seen something, or otherwise reverse the effect of having seen something.
I wish...oh, how I wish.
On the other hand...TrailerStation is also playing the trailer for an indie comedy film called Kickassia. Kickassia is an almost perfect "light" offering to offset the "DARKNESS" of The Human Centipede trailer.
Seriously kids, don't see it, it'll mess you up.
Unsee (v) 1.To erase the act of seeing something; to erase the memory of having seen something, or otherwise reverse the effect of having seen something.
I wish...oh, how I wish.
On the other hand...TrailerStation is also playing the trailer for an indie comedy film called Kickassia. Kickassia is an almost perfect "light" offering to offset the "DARKNESS" of The Human Centipede trailer.
Seriously kids, don't see it, it'll mess you up.
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
I am spending a lot of time lately...cleaning things.
I've cleaned my place thoroughly. I've even re-arranged the furniture.
I've cleaned up my tools and 'round back of the house.
I've even cleaned my deep fryer. (It was time.)
During the Temple open house, I even volunteered for a couple of shifts cleaning there!
The reason I have so much time on my hands is that I booked off two weeks vacation last February for the end of April and beginning of May. That's now. I wasn't allowed to re-book the time, so I'm sitting here at home...cleaning things.
I was supposed to be in southern Alberta, seeing if I could embark on a new career as an IT tech, and helping KWY open up his new store in Lethbridge. The financing didn't work out, so the new store isn't opening, so the new career will have to wait. If I had the money I'd give it to KWY, but I don't.
I still have my "rice bowl". I've also got a should-have-been-EXED-by-now wife who is taking what she swears is her very last college course before she gets to begin her dream career as a Medical Lab Assistant. She wants me to hold off on the divorce proceedings until she graduates in November. Oh well, it's not like I've got anywhere to go, or anything...
Sorry if it sounds like I'm throwing myself a pity party...but I feel like there's this LIFE out there waiting for me and I ought to hurry up and get started on it already! Here, I'm just spinning my wheels.
I've cleaned my place thoroughly. I've even re-arranged the furniture.
I've cleaned up my tools and 'round back of the house.
I've even cleaned my deep fryer. (It was time.)
During the Temple open house, I even volunteered for a couple of shifts cleaning there!
The reason I have so much time on my hands is that I booked off two weeks vacation last February for the end of April and beginning of May. That's now. I wasn't allowed to re-book the time, so I'm sitting here at home...cleaning things.
I was supposed to be in southern Alberta, seeing if I could embark on a new career as an IT tech, and helping KWY open up his new store in Lethbridge. The financing didn't work out, so the new store isn't opening, so the new career will have to wait. If I had the money I'd give it to KWY, but I don't.
I still have my "rice bowl". I've also got a should-have-been-EXED-by-now wife who is taking what she swears is her very last college course before she gets to begin her dream career as a Medical Lab Assistant. She wants me to hold off on the divorce proceedings until she graduates in November. Oh well, it's not like I've got anywhere to go, or anything...
Sorry if it sounds like I'm throwing myself a pity party...but I feel like there's this LIFE out there waiting for me and I ought to hurry up and get started on it already! Here, I'm just spinning my wheels.
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Sooo...what happened in February?
I found a nice Chinese single mom from East Vancouver who wanted to take her eleven year old son to Disneyland. We went half and half on a package from Expedia. We went down Friday morning (the fifth) and are due to return today (the ninth). It's been a fun five days. We've done three days at Disney, a day at Universal Studios, and today we're going to hang out at Long Beach for awhile until we have to return to Irvine to catch our evening flight home. Not directly home, actually, we flew out from SeaTac to save money. We've still got a three hour drive from there to the border. We'll probably get home about 11PM tonight.
The boys are getting along well, they both like the same kinds of things that eleven-year-old boys like and have been on most of the same rides together. They've even managed to bring the Parental Units along on a few rides...against our better judgement. So far no-one has been sick, only minor bumps and scrapes have occurred, and everyone is in good spirits and has been getting enough sleep. My new mouth guard seems to be fairly effective at stopping my snoring but it's already starting to come apart again. I need to see Dr. Z and maybe get something stronger yet?
I sold Coral's laptop to Ramesh. I didn't test it, however, so I was embarrassed when we discovered that it wouldn't power up! I'm giving him his money back...
I haven't sold the Cavalier yet. It is drive-able, and so far the leak tracer I put in the power steering reservoir hasn't shown up. I guess it will have to be test-driven a little before we can find out where the leak is coming from. I've had some interest in it, but no-one has shown up with the cash yet.
L wants to hold off on finalizing the divorce until she's completed her last course for her TQ as a lab technician. She claims getting a job will be simplicity itself, but I'm a little doubtful. This is going to delay things (if I let it) for another six months.
Last weekend I took a road trip up to Merritt and back to celebrate Gloria's 20 Years Sobriety. She volunteers with the Nicola Valley AA and NA groups. I found out after I arrived that I was "Plan C". Part of the "cake ceremony" at these celebrations is for someone who knows the honoree well to give a short testimonial about them. The person she had originally picked wasn't able to make it and the backup didn't show either...so there I was.
I was very funny. An AA meeting is a very easy room. Kind of like the Toast Masters, but without the membership fees.
I still have a few days off this week, and I'll probably need them. I need some time off to recover from my Vacation.
I found a nice Chinese single mom from East Vancouver who wanted to take her eleven year old son to Disneyland. We went half and half on a package from Expedia. We went down Friday morning (the fifth) and are due to return today (the ninth). It's been a fun five days. We've done three days at Disney, a day at Universal Studios, and today we're going to hang out at Long Beach for awhile until we have to return to Irvine to catch our evening flight home. Not directly home, actually, we flew out from SeaTac to save money. We've still got a three hour drive from there to the border. We'll probably get home about 11PM tonight.
The boys are getting along well, they both like the same kinds of things that eleven-year-old boys like and have been on most of the same rides together. They've even managed to bring the Parental Units along on a few rides...against our better judgement. So far no-one has been sick, only minor bumps and scrapes have occurred, and everyone is in good spirits and has been getting enough sleep. My new mouth guard seems to be fairly effective at stopping my snoring but it's already starting to come apart again. I need to see Dr. Z and maybe get something stronger yet?
I sold Coral's laptop to Ramesh. I didn't test it, however, so I was embarrassed when we discovered that it wouldn't power up! I'm giving him his money back...
I haven't sold the Cavalier yet. It is drive-able, and so far the leak tracer I put in the power steering reservoir hasn't shown up. I guess it will have to be test-driven a little before we can find out where the leak is coming from. I've had some interest in it, but no-one has shown up with the cash yet.
L wants to hold off on finalizing the divorce until she's completed her last course for her TQ as a lab technician. She claims getting a job will be simplicity itself, but I'm a little doubtful. This is going to delay things (if I let it) for another six months.
Last weekend I took a road trip up to Merritt and back to celebrate Gloria's 20 Years Sobriety. She volunteers with the Nicola Valley AA and NA groups. I found out after I arrived that I was "Plan C". Part of the "cake ceremony" at these celebrations is for someone who knows the honoree well to give a short testimonial about them. The person she had originally picked wasn't able to make it and the backup didn't show either...so there I was.
I was very funny. An AA meeting is a very easy room. Kind of like the Toast Masters, but without the membership fees.
I still have a few days off this week, and I'll probably need them. I need some time off to recover from my Vacation.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
What do I want?
I think my midlife crisis is setting in.
And not a moment too soon...
I bought a VW Golf. A 1997 model, as anything from 1998 onwards is subject to OBD analysis when going through Air Care. It's a whole lot easier on gas than the Caravan was, and really fun to drive, to boot. Of course, the current rumor is that the BC government is going to "phase out" Air Care sometime after march of this year. I'll believe it when I see it: entrenched, sprawling, revenue-generating bureaucracies don't generally just "go away" without a fight.
I still have to get the Cavalier fixed and sold off. I am seriously thinking of donating it to charity...or perhaps the proceeds of the sale. My intention when I bought all four vehicles last year was that one of them was going towards generating some good karma. After two of them died, however, my options for charity work narrowed somewhat.
I also need to get the garage in shape. I want a workshop!! The task is arduous, but I think it will be worthwhile.
I need to get myself in shape. I'm toying with the idea of riding the BC Ride To Conquer Cancer in June. This is actually going to require a little re-organization of my place. Keith P will have his car on the road in April and I can finally retire my jersey as the DC 507 "designated delta carpool driver". Then I can go back to riding the bike to work daily. I don't know if two months of daily riding is sufficient prep time for a 200km+, two-day bike ride, but I suppose I could get in some stationary bike time - starting now. The other aspect is getting my family and friends to pony up the donations to sponsor me.
I want to be single again. I have tried to push the process along...but with no success. I'm kind of stuck here.
I really need a vacation. A getaway. Preferably with some good company...other than my kids. Or am I just wishing for a do-over of the Honeymoon???
Currently on tap I've got a bicycle to overhaul for Marv, Coral wants me to try to fix her Toshiba laptop. I am toying with the idea of getting her a new netbook instead. I could then give the Toshiba to Colin.
And the Divorce. Always the Divorce.
I think my midlife crisis is setting in.
And not a moment too soon...
I bought a VW Golf. A 1997 model, as anything from 1998 onwards is subject to OBD analysis when going through Air Care. It's a whole lot easier on gas than the Caravan was, and really fun to drive, to boot. Of course, the current rumor is that the BC government is going to "phase out" Air Care sometime after march of this year. I'll believe it when I see it: entrenched, sprawling, revenue-generating bureaucracies don't generally just "go away" without a fight.
I still have to get the Cavalier fixed and sold off. I am seriously thinking of donating it to charity...or perhaps the proceeds of the sale. My intention when I bought all four vehicles last year was that one of them was going towards generating some good karma. After two of them died, however, my options for charity work narrowed somewhat.
I also need to get the garage in shape. I want a workshop!! The task is arduous, but I think it will be worthwhile.
I need to get myself in shape. I'm toying with the idea of riding the BC Ride To Conquer Cancer in June. This is actually going to require a little re-organization of my place. Keith P will have his car on the road in April and I can finally retire my jersey as the DC 507 "designated delta carpool driver". Then I can go back to riding the bike to work daily. I don't know if two months of daily riding is sufficient prep time for a 200km+, two-day bike ride, but I suppose I could get in some stationary bike time - starting now. The other aspect is getting my family and friends to pony up the donations to sponsor me.
I want to be single again. I have tried to push the process along...but with no success. I'm kind of stuck here.
I really need a vacation. A getaway. Preferably with some good company...other than my kids. Or am I just wishing for a do-over of the Honeymoon???
Currently on tap I've got a bicycle to overhaul for Marv, Coral wants me to try to fix her Toshiba laptop. I am toying with the idea of getting her a new netbook instead. I could then give the Toshiba to Colin.
And the Divorce. Always the Divorce.