(no subject)
Mar. 23rd, 2006 06:06 pmThe headache is back. It came back in a rush from one phone call. My co-worker, M, called with bad news. A former co-worker's 14 year old daughter was murdered last night. The keys were in the door and it was partially opened when her mother came home from work. Someone had followed her into the house and beat her to death.
The last time I saw the child was at our xmas party in 2004. Even though her mother no longer worked here, she was always invited and showed up to the staff xmas party I had at our house. She was very quite, much like her mother, esp. surrounded by all these boisterous adults. She was the baby, with an older sister and brother.
The mother was questioned at the police station until 1 am, first as a suspect and then, finally, as a grieving mother.
It's a f*cked up world.
The last time I saw the child was at our xmas party in 2004. Even though her mother no longer worked here, she was always invited and showed up to the staff xmas party I had at our house. She was very quite, much like her mother, esp. surrounded by all these boisterous adults. She was the baby, with an older sister and brother.
The mother was questioned at the police station until 1 am, first as a suspect and then, finally, as a grieving mother.
It's a f*cked up world.
The Headache is on the retreat!
Mar. 23rd, 2006 02:40 pmThanks to a really nice lunch partially supplied by my co-worker T, I do believe I will live. I had purchased some wonderful black olive bread, a jar of sweet cherry peppers and a tomato from the little organic market around the corner from my job. Then T brought a mixed chinese vegetable dish and some salmon she cooked. I think I taste a little ginger and garlic on the salmon.
She apologized because the fish had bones. When did we all become so accustomed to boneless fish (aka fillet fish)? No one ever warned us to watch for the bones when I was growing up. Rain is wet, snow is cold and fish have bones. Maybe it's because most of the fish we ate, my dad caught and my mom had to clean them. Maybe she didn't know how to fillet them or maybe filleting them lost too much meat? Maybe store bought filleted fish were priced out of mom's budget. The only boneless fish I can remember are the frozen packages of perch. And tuna in the can, of course.
So is this an age thing (I'm in my late 40's) or a class/money thing?
Lunch is over, back to work.
She apologized because the fish had bones. When did we all become so accustomed to boneless fish (aka fillet fish)? No one ever warned us to watch for the bones when I was growing up. Rain is wet, snow is cold and fish have bones. Maybe it's because most of the fish we ate, my dad caught and my mom had to clean them. Maybe she didn't know how to fillet them or maybe filleting them lost too much meat? Maybe store bought filleted fish were priced out of mom's budget. The only boneless fish I can remember are the frozen packages of perch. And tuna in the can, of course.
So is this an age thing (I'm in my late 40's) or a class/money thing?
Lunch is over, back to work.
On the verge
Mar. 23rd, 2006 11:11 amThere is a headache sniffing around the corner, wanting my attention. I won't give it any. Instead I fed it caffeine, a hummus roasted red pepper wrap and some peanut butter covered pretzels. Now go away already!
Last week at this time, I was also alone at work. I needed to answer phones until 5 pm, finish a few things and then close the place up. G, the security guard next door stopped by to say hi. A few minutes after this, a man walked/staggered in. I acknowledged him and so did G. He looked a G with such a menacingly expression like he was going to take a swing at him. Then he focused on me and murmured something like "here to see her." His back was to G now, and when G raised his eyebrows as if to ask me if I knew him, I did a small shake of my head "no".
The man approached closer until only the return of my desk was between us. He said "I like big woman" and then mumbled something else. At this G very nicely said, "Sir we're closing up now." Again the man looked at G like he was going to deck him. He said he wanted only to shake my hand and extended his. Intending to do a very quick handshake, I only extended my 1st and 2nd finger. He grabbed them tightly and tried to pull me towards him. I was able to slip them out of his hand. At this G stood up and said again "Sir, you have to leave now, we are closing." He mumbled and stumbled a little sideways and then headed for the door. G followed him outside since he looked to be headed next door where G works security. I quickly locked the door behind them.
I didn't think I'd get spooked that easily. I've lived and worked in the East Bay (Bay Area, CA) for over half my life. And some areas are rougher than others, but I've usually felt safe. I'm aware, try not to take stupid chances, but have lived my life pretty comfortable with my surroundings. But this incident really disturbed me, so much that I'm even thinking about it a week later.
Am I getting more fearful as I age? Having lived a life without experiencing violence or abuse, do I think maybe my luck is running out? Was this incident really any different than other strange encounters I've experienced over the years? If G had not been here, do I think I could have handled it?
It's after 5pm, time to close it up and head out.
The man approached closer until only the return of my desk was between us. He said "I like big woman" and then mumbled something else. At this G very nicely said, "Sir we're closing up now." Again the man looked at G like he was going to deck him. He said he wanted only to shake my hand and extended his. Intending to do a very quick handshake, I only extended my 1st and 2nd finger. He grabbed them tightly and tried to pull me towards him. I was able to slip them out of his hand. At this G stood up and said again "Sir, you have to leave now, we are closing." He mumbled and stumbled a little sideways and then headed for the door. G followed him outside since he looked to be headed next door where G works security. I quickly locked the door behind them.
I didn't think I'd get spooked that easily. I've lived and worked in the East Bay (Bay Area, CA) for over half my life. And some areas are rougher than others, but I've usually felt safe. I'm aware, try not to take stupid chances, but have lived my life pretty comfortable with my surroundings. But this incident really disturbed me, so much that I'm even thinking about it a week later.
Am I getting more fearful as I age? Having lived a life without experiencing violence or abuse, do I think maybe my luck is running out? Was this incident really any different than other strange encounters I've experienced over the years? If G had not been here, do I think I could have handled it?
It's after 5pm, time to close it up and head out.
I'm Normal?
Mar. 19th, 2006 01:52 pmYour Social Dysfunction: Normal Being average in terms of how social you are, as well as the amount of self-esteem you have, you're pretty much normal. Good on you. |
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Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com Please note that we aren't, nor do we claim to be, psychologists. This quiz is for fun and entertainment only. Try not to freak out about your results. |
It rained so hard
Mar. 17th, 2006 12:24 amDriving home the rain just kept coming and coming. It felt so dangerous. Cars swooshed pass. The ramp door was slightly ajar and this amplified the sound of water, tires, pavement and wind. I wanted to pull over until traffic and rain went away. Take a time out. But I didn't, I continued on towards the pull of home, dry and warmth. It felt so dangerous.
And the Saga Continues . . .
Mar. 14th, 2006 08:56 pmWhen last we left our hapless family of disabled folks and their trusty (or not so trusty) van, it had an annoying, but small problem. The cable broke. This opened the smaller portion of the ramp (sort of a flap) to extend it to the ground. With a small amount of dare-doing (not really) I was able to hold the outside switch down while extending my right foot to catch the flap and "kick" it out. Almost like a site-specific dance - an pedestrian arabesque pose, if you will. As I said, annoying but do-able.
Well, that WAS the situation until an hour ago when I was letting the ramp down so![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
dbubley could exit. Smack, Boom, Silence. The ramp hit the ground. I thought I knew how to fix it, so I got out the handy gigawatt (not really) candle power flashlight and my ever present set of itty bitty screw drivers. Unfortunately, the part I'm use to repairing was working properly. A new, and probably more expensive, malady appeared. The arm attached to the ramp and to the motor broke away from the ramp; hence no upsy daisy rampy. (pardon the technical talk). After a few minutes of observation, I knew it was time for the bungee cords.
As the sun sets (okay it's already dark and did I mention it's also raining) on our NOW more hapless family of disabled folks, we find the ramp bunged up, the door bunged closed and a promise that the new day will bring a speedy appointment at the ramp doctor.
to be continued . . . same bat time, same bat station
Well, that WAS the situation until an hour ago when I was letting the ramp down so
dbubley could exit. Smack, Boom, Silence. The ramp hit the ground. I thought I knew how to fix it, so I got out the handy gigawatt (not really) candle power flashlight and my ever present set of itty bitty screw drivers. Unfortunately, the part I'm use to repairing was working properly. A new, and probably more expensive, malady appeared. The arm attached to the ramp and to the motor broke away from the ramp; hence no upsy daisy rampy. (pardon the technical talk). After a few minutes of observation, I knew it was time for the bungee cords. As the sun sets (okay it's already dark and did I mention it's also raining) on our NOW more hapless family of disabled folks, we find the ramp bunged up, the door bunged closed and a promise that the new day will bring a speedy appointment at the ramp doctor.
to be continued . . . same bat time, same bat station
When Mechanisms Attack
Mar. 4th, 2006 12:08 amVan ramp broke then I fixed it.
Another part of ramp broke and waiting for repair.
Van has decided it likes to just stop every so often; time to take it in (and it needs an alignment too) and get it looked at.
dbubley's wheelchair decided it didn't want to move tonight and stranded her at work until I could get there. Cold girlfriend waiting outside in SF for 3 hours. Dead wheelchair currently sitting in van until I can figure out how to disengage motors so I can remove it.
Good news? Everyone's body mechanics seem to be fine or at least stable.
On a completely different note: Whilestonebender and I were out shopping we spotted a little cafe that advertised "Breakfest, Lunch, Hamburger"
Finally, the lowly hamburger has been giving it's rightful place in this country - it's own meal.
Another part of ramp broke and waiting for repair.
Van has decided it likes to just stop every so often; time to take it in (and it needs an alignment too) and get it looked at.
dbubley's wheelchair decided it didn't want to move tonight and stranded her at work until I could get there. Cold girlfriend waiting outside in SF for 3 hours. Dead wheelchair currently sitting in van until I can figure out how to disengage motors so I can remove it.Good news? Everyone's body mechanics seem to be fine or at least stable.
On a completely different note: While
stonebender and I were out shopping we spotted a little cafe that advertised "Breakfest, Lunch, Hamburger"Finally, the lowly hamburger has been giving it's rightful place in this country - it's own meal.
Thank you ![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
serenejournal!
Feb. 27th, 2006 03:44 amAnd thank you to all the other wonderful folks who came by on Saturday to help with the organizing of all our books for stonebender's birthday. Sorting and alphabetizing 8 plus bookcases is quite a job. And if that wasn't enough serenejournal cooked a wonderful feast which included slow cooked pork ribs in sauerkraut, lactose free clam chowder, roasted asparagus, a very tasty warm artichoke dip (and no I didn't think it had too much lemon!), caramelized onion quiche and baby peppers stuff with a cream cheese/olive or a cream cheese/tomato filling. Homemade cookies from cassidyrose and ptor plus some kumquats from their tree. And a Red Velvet cake from a bakery down the street - man that is one heavy and sweet cake! And someotherguy made a special treat for stonebender and I - bacon wrapped file mignon!
There was lots of fun conversation - esp. book related. Exactly how many books did Heinlein write after he died? And we actually got help with the reduction of the "take these books, please" pile. Okay, I mostly insisted everyone take at least one bag's worth on their way out the door.
Even thoughserenejournal did all the work (including a lot of book filing), I was exhausted by the end of the night and fell into bed. Sunday was a day of total slug-fest. Meals were leftovers. Activities included playing on the computer, watching a few old movies on tv and then popping in "Crash" to watch with dbubley. A much needed "do nothing" day.
stonebender's birthday. Sorting and alphabetizing 8 plus bookcases is quite a job. And if that wasn't enough serenejournal cooked a wonderful feast which included slow cooked pork ribs in sauerkraut, lactose free clam chowder, roasted asparagus, a very tasty warm artichoke dip (and no I didn't think it had too much lemon!), caramelized onion quiche and baby peppers stuff with a cream cheese/olive or a cream cheese/tomato filling. Homemade cookies from cassidyrose and ptor plus some kumquats from their tree. And a Red Velvet cake from a bakery down the street - man that is one heavy and sweet cake! And someotherguy made a special treat for stonebender and I - bacon wrapped file mignon! There was lots of fun conversation - esp. book related. Exactly how many books did Heinlein write after he died? And we actually got help with the reduction of the "take these books, please" pile. Okay, I mostly insisted everyone take at least one bag's worth on their way out the door.
Even though
serenejournal did all the work (including a lot of book filing), I was exhausted by the end of the night and fell into bed. Sunday was a day of total slug-fest. Meals were leftovers. Activities included playing on the computer, watching a few old movies on tv and then popping in "Crash" to watch with dbubley. A much needed "do nothing" day. We Have HEAT!
Feb. 22nd, 2006 02:51 pmWe've been in this building since April 2005 and today, for the very first time, we have real honest-to-god heat coming out of the vents. For the first two months we had NO ventilation. It was a bit stuffy downstairs in my cave of an office. Then they got that turned on, but in a/c mode. Can you say "icicles hanging from my nose!" Then they turned off the a/c and we only had ambient air circulation. In the summer that wouldn't be too bad, but in the winter. . . man, oh man - we had some a/c like air flowing through here.
But today we have heat and my toes and nose are happy puppies!
Now if only they hadn't throw a project at me that would normally take a week and they want it by tomorrow afternoon. Guess I'd better get back to work, huh?
But today we have heat and my toes and nose are happy puppies!
Now if only they hadn't throw a project at me that would normally take a week and they want it by tomorrow afternoon. Guess I'd better get back to work, huh?
A very good friend's mom died this morning. Last Friday was the 7th year anniversary of my father's death. Last week a co-worker's father died. Tomorrow there is a service and I think I will go. If I do, I will cry. And I have no way to sort the tears, it will be just one big puddle in some kleenex.
Feeling Cranky
Jan. 31st, 2006 01:25 pmAnd feeling like I might be coming down with something. I'm in the freezer referred to as "my office" and I'm cold, sleepy, grumpy, sneezy and probably a couple of other Disney Dwarfs. I just got back from a short walk to pick up some Hot & Sour soup. I asked them to make it "extra spicy". It's good but I still needed to add more hot sauce. I hope this might burn out whatever is trying to get a grip on me.
"back off germs, I have H & S soup and I KNOW how to use it."
"back off germs, I have H & S soup and I KNOW how to use it."
Lots O'Chocolate Goodness!
Jan. 22nd, 2006 01:58 pmIt's that time again! If you've been before, you know how much fun it is. If you've never been, then maybe year 5 is the time to come on down. I'll be emceeing again this year. And I'm bringing my chocolate fountain of flowing, warm sweetness for our dipping pleasure!
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Big Moves presents
More chocolate. More dance.
More beauty. More booty.
Get more of what you want at...
A Taste For Dance
Big Moves' fifth annual chocolate tasting and performance showcase Sunday
February 5th, 2006
6:00 to 8:00 pm, doors open at 5:30
First Unitarian Church of Oakland
685 14th St. ~ Oakland, CA
$15/advance, $18/door
Abundance should be appreciated, not avoided. That's why there's A Taste for Dance, now entering its fifth season, perfectly timed for pre-Valentine's Day fun. Enjoy a lavish chocolate buffet, generously stocked by chocolatiers, bakers, and candy makers from around the Bay Area. Check out the plus-size peignoirs and busty bustiers during the lingerie show. And feast your eyes on dance that comes in all sizes of delightful!
Performers include Big Moves' own Phat Fly Girls with hot new members and hot new moves, Big Moves' Mass Movement, Big Moves dancers in jazz, hip hop and modern dance solos, live jazz and blues piano entertainment throughout the evening, plus a romantic plus-size lingerie fashion show and a chance to win some cold hard cash in the split-the-pot raffle!
**Tickets also available from Big Moves's board members, Big Moves' dancers, and all A Taste for Dance performers.
Tickets purchased online will be held at the door. www.bigmoves.org
All proceeds from "A Taste for Dance" benefit the programs of Big Moves Bay Area.
It's 3 am and I'm having this intense craving for fresh hot buttered popcorn. I really, really, really want some. I have to get up by 6:30 am. I don't remember having such a strong craving for a such a specific food in a long time. Am I just craving butter and salt? maybe Am I pregnant? No, not possible.
