Category: Uncategorized Page 96 of 157

pelham, fireworks, pillow, vibrate

On July 2, 2009

I went and saw The Taking of Pelham 123 last night. It was a pretty good flick with plenty of suspense and action, but plot was a little thin and I figured it out pretty early on. Denzel and Travolta were both good – I’d give the movie a solid thumbs up. I generally like my movies with a little less realism, but it was enjoyable.

When I got home, the neighbor kids on the other side of the trees in the backyard were setting off fireworks. At 10:15 PM. Now, I know it’s almost the 4th of July, but it wasn’t yet there and was really annoying – especially since I was getting ready to go to sleep.

So, I got a flashlight and a substantial pocket knife (just in case there was a fireworks luvin mob of zombies over there ’cause you never know) and walked across the backyard and through the trees to the cul–de-sac. I saw the teen-ager that was setting off the fireworks and I approached him. I asked if he was about done and he asked why. I responded that I had an early day at work the tomorrow and that I lived right over there. I told him to wrap it up and save them for the 4th. I turned to walk away and he responded with “whatever” – but either he was really out of fireworks or he actually listened to me because the fireworks stopped.

So, yea me. I did feel really old with the “hey, you kids. Hold it down,” – but not everyone is on summer vacation, dang-it.

I needed the help with the sleeping environment since I’ve switched to a new pillow. Apparently, my snoring can be heard from the street and causes a seismic event that knocks cars off the road. The new pillow apparently stops this entirely, but it very difficult to adapt too. It’s been a couple of nights now and I’m having trouble falling asleep and then waking up in the night. I’m also having seriously screwed up dreams. They are too disjointed to remember, but the general impression is that I need some professional counseling.

Finally, our building is shaking (“Regan, why aren’t you in your room? My bed was shaking”)

They are doing construction work to put in a ramp right next to the building and the machinery is making the whole building vibrate. I think they’re finally done now, but it was pretty intense for a while.

Well, got a bunch of stuff to catch up on from my two days of usability testing – better get back to it. After a trip to chipotle, of course.

later…

cake, minion, cold, testing

By admin

On June 30, 2009

In Uncategorized

My room-mate’s birthday was this past Sunday. He’s usually at the beach with his family on vacation, so I decided to do something a little different. Since I’m not really much of a baker or a cook, I found a no-bake cheesecake mix. I also grated some Heath bars to put in the mix. The crust didn’t work as well as I hoped, but it turned out pretty good – we ate some while sitting outside enjoying the weather on Sunday evening.

I also got him a DVD set for when he’s stuck at home after his neck surgery. And a fake lemon tree plant and some real lemonade mix. He’s been feeling a little picked on at work recently and I thought a friendly reminder on attitude might help. I didn’t make any “age” jokes – I already get letters from AARP wanting me to sign up – so, I didn’t want to go down that road.

In other news… I picked up the Overlord game for the PS3. I have this for the PC, but could never get it to run. It’s a blast to play and really funny. I’m making good progress and really enjoying it.

Yesterday, I headed up to the rec center for my swim. And though I was pre-warned about the lack of hot water – it was still rough taking a shower afterwards. I was still damp from the pool so I soaped up first – then turned on the cold water and rinsed as fast as I could. I suppose I could have skipped the shower, but I figured a little cold in the short term was better than somewhat itchy for the rest of the day.

Finally, I’m working with the crew on some usability testing again. My roll is mostly “keep track of the tech and render the video” – so, I’m keeping up with my emails and waiting quietly.

Better get back to the email and check in… later…

flush, pool

By admin

On June 24, 2009

In Uncategorized

Yesterday afternoon, I headed to the restroom here at work. It was the kind of trip that, had I been at home, I would have had a book with me. But I was at work and bookless and proceeded to do my business without any reading material. Before I sat down, however, I noted that the toilet now had an automatic flush device installed. It looked like this.

Now, I’m not generally fond of auto-flushing toilet and urinals since I either can’t get them to acknowledge that I exist or I can’t get them to stop.

But, my needs were urgent and I was at the mercy of the technology. When I was done, I stood up and the auto-flush device made it’s usual noise – but then nothing else happened.

No flush.

I sat back down for a moment – then stood back up. I will also admit to feeling a little stupid about this. Same noise – no flush.

I check the device and notice that there was a manual button. Relieved, I tried that. Same noise, but still no flush.

I tried a couple more times with the same result.

So, now what?

I washed my hands at the sink and left – then called the building coordinator to report the problem and got his voice mail. Next, I called the Facilities dispatch office and reported it to them. The building coordinator called me back and I confirmed what I’d done.

Then I made up an out of order sign, posted that on the door to the stall, and went back to work. I mean, what else could I do?

I got the update today that it’s been resolved, so I guess things are back to normal. Or as close as we can expect.

In other news… I hit the pool today and it was once again filled with screaming children. And I mean screaming. Like some kind of sonic weapon – really intense. The lifeguard cleared a lane and I did my laps. They had cleared out before I was done, so at least the last bit was more calm. On a related note, a little more digging on the Swim for Diabetes site revealed some contradictions on length vs. lap – I may have earned the ribbon after all.

Work has really sucked this afternoon. I’ll be really glad to get out of here today.

later…

father, uncle, guest, 100

By admin

On June 23, 2009

In Uncategorized

I went to visit my folks for Father’s Day this past weekend. Unfortunatly, Dad had to work all day on Saturday, so I only got to see him a bit on Friday and Saturday evening – though we had more time on Sunday.

On Saturday morning, when my sister came over for breakfast, she asked me a question.

“So, do you want to be called Uncle Anthony or Uncle Wade?”

Yea! My little sister is having a baby! She’s about 8 weeks along and is due in January – just a little after my birthday.

My sister, mom, and I hung out on Saturday. We talked about baby stuff, my sister’s food aversions, and about names a bit. My brother-in-law got there in the evening from a business trip and Dad got in a bit later from work.

On Sunday, after everyone got back from church, dad invited one of his friends and caretaker over for lunch. Dad’s friend has a really severe case of cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheel chair. His caretaker wheeled him in and right over in front of me where I was sitting – and then everyone went off to do their own things. So, things were a little forced – and somewhat awkward. After a little bit I was able to understand him, but it took a tremendous increase in mental processing power on my part to understand him, stay focused on what he was saying, and keep the flow of conversation going. After a bit, we had lunch and the guy and his caretaker stayed. And he dominated the conversation and ended up overstaying his welcome. Dad eventually told him it was time for him to leave. A little blunt, but I guess he and Dad understand each other and I don’t think offense was meant or taken.

We did the Father’s day thing and I had a bite to eat before I had to get on the road.

Finally, I got an email from the Cleveland Diabetes Association. It was a follow up to the Swim for Diabetes event and made mention of those people who were in the 100 Club. Except, it turns out that it was the 100 laps club – not 100 lengths. Which was kind of weird since all the measurments for the event were in lengths. When I finished up my swim of 150 lengths – 75 laps – they handed me a ribbon for the 100 club.

And I don’t think I really earned it. Which bothers me a bit. I’m debating taking another Saturday morning to swim 100 laps and “earn” the ribbon.

Well, time to get back to work.

later…

resolved, tea, mirror, planet, 48, call

By admin

On June 16, 2009

In Uncategorized

I think my room-mate and I have mostly resolved things. I’m still slightly cranky over the way things went, but I’m getting over it. So, back to the news of the ordinary and slightly weird…

I’ve told stories of how my Dad makes iced tea – he adds water to a plastic jug, adds teabags and seals it up, then throws it in the hot tub for a bit. With this in mind, my room-mate decided to make some sun tea outside this past weekend. I didn’t pay much attention to the process until he asked me how long it took. I told him to base it on the color – when it’s dark, it’s done. He said it was already dark and I realized I remembered him filling the teapot.

“Wait,” I said, “Did you start with hot water?” He said he did.

“With sun tea, the sun heats the water so it brews. If you start with hot water and then put it in the sun, well, you’re double brewing it,”

The tea, needless to say, was very strong. But, not too bad with a lot of sugar.

In other news… stayed up late watching Mirrors last night. Good flick, a little predictable and very gory. It was after midnight before I hit the sack – which made the morning that much more difficult. Also, I avoided looking in the mirror when I got ready for work.

I played a bunch of Little Big Planet yesterday – excellent game and a lot of fun. I think I may try a bit more of the level building feature this afternoon – or I may sell some of my PS2 games and pick up another one for the PS3.

I got my new blood donor card the other day – I’m up to 48 pints donated. That’s 6 gallons lifetime. Not too bad. I think I’m eligible to give again in the first part of July.

Finally, I got a call at home last night. It was an akron number, but I didn’t recognize it. I answered anyway and the girl asked for me by name. She said she was calling from The University of Akron Alumni office and asked if she could verify my address and if I wanted to provide an employer. I hesitated a moment, then told her, “The University of Akron”. We both laughed a bit and she verified my uakron email address. Then she asked if I wanted to donate to the college of business and I politely declined and ended the call.

I guess that’s it for now. It’s a pretty quiet morning here again, but there’s work to be done.

later…

trek, ps3, sun, trick

By admin

On June 14, 2009

In Uncategorized

Went and saw Star Trek this weekend. Good flick, very intense – and while the plot was okay, I was a little disappointed in the direction they took. Eh, the explosions were nice. And I so have to get me some Red Matter.

I also went out and got myself a PS3. I’ve been holding out for a price drop, but since that wasn’t happening, I gathered up my coupons and gift card and headed to best buy. The PS3 and one game ended up being around 480 dollars. With the coupons, best buy rewards, and giftcard – I got it down to $178. I think the clerk was annoyed at the gift cards, but it didn’t bother me at all. I’ve been playing little big planet quite a bit and I really like it. I haven’t gone online with it yet – mainly because people online are stupid.

I got a little sun today, sat outside and read for a bit. My room-mate came out and shared the funnies with me from the sunday paper – and they were actually pretty funny instead of the usual – “heh”.

I was pretty warm and noticed his cup of lemon-aid. I asked if I could have a sip and he offered to get me my own glass. I said I just wanted sip and he handed it to me.

I took a sip and immediatly spit it out. It tasted horrible and I couldn’t come up with enough spit to rinse my mouth. It looked and smelled like lemon-aid – but there was something else. I asked him what it was and he told me it was lemon-aid + vodka. And he laughed at my reaction.

Now, I don’t drink. Haven’t since college. Sort of drew a line in the sand on the whole thing. If other people want to drink around me, I’m generally okay with that provided they don’t try to force it on me and don’t get too messed up.

So, I put away my chair and took my book inside. I went to the cabinet and found the bottle of vodka and then poured it in the sink. Then, for good measure, I got a half-full bottle of wine out of the fridge and poured that out too. Both empty bottles went in the trash.

He apoligized – then sarcasticly thanked me for pouring out an expensive bottle of wine when he found the bottles later.

Was I being petty? Yep. Sure. Why not? Should have poured out more. Still might.

I think I need to do some cleaning or something. Need to create a little more order in my life. Maybe need to look at Apartments.com later as well. Yeah, it’s that bad.

later…

chemical, guest

By admin

On June 12, 2009

In Uncategorized

I got to the rec center at my regular time and as I entered the pool area and prepared to get in the water, I noticed that a guy was dumping a white power in the water at the end of the lap lanes. I asked the lifeguards if it was okay to swim and while they were unsure, they said it was probably okay.

So, I walked over to ladder and started to get in. The guy dumping the powder didn’t react to my presence and he finished up before I was ready to start my laps. I did my laps with no ill reactions – and noted that at least a part of the powder didn’t dissolve right away.

I’m still doing okay, no weird skin itches or anything. Still a little weird to be doing something to the pool water during regular hours.

The AA Founder’s day is this weekend on campus. A few parking lots have been closed off and we’ve got a lot more people on campus than usual, but it hasn’t really affected us much. I avoided the student union food court just in case there were long lines, but otherwise no biggie.

The afternoon is going slowly, but I’ll be out of here soon enough. Looking forward to some sunshine this weekend.

later…

taken, gas, meeting

By admin

On June 12, 2009

In Uncategorized

Watched the movie “taken” last night. Even though he was a jedi, I was a little skeptical about Liam Neeson as an action hero, but he pulled it off. Lots of “judo chop” moves and ass kicking – pretty intense.

I was standing in line at Starbucks today with my coworker. There was a man standing at the counter getting his coffee and a woman behind him. The two were good naturedly arguing and he said,

“better be careful, I’ve got a lot of gas today”

to which she replied,

“I’ve got a really long umbrella,”

prompting my co-worker to comment,

“I’ve got a lighter”

Ah, Friday morning on campus.

In other news, my FMR’s mom and grandmother were supposed to come over for dinner last night, but had to cancel. The weather was a little bad yesterday so that may have been a factor.

Well, I was supposed to be 1/2 way through a meeting/training session – but they haven’t shown yet and it’s now a little after 8:30 Oh, well, makes for a quieter day.

That’s it for now… later…

spam, headache, swine

By admin

On June 11, 2009

In Uncategorized

I got a spam message today – from someone I know. Occasionally I’ll get a message from someone that has been accidentally tagged as spam (the message, not the person) and of course I get a ton of spam from strange addresses – but this time I recognised the name and address of the person – but the content of the message was spam. It was from someone that had invited me to use Linkedin – I wonder if their database got hacked?

I went home yesterday with a headache. Not a migraine, but bad enough that I took some motrin and went to bed for a bit. It stayed with me most of the rest of the evening – sort of coming and going as lighting conditions and noise levels changed. And it’s back again this afternoon – though not as bad. Don’t know if it’s stress, a hold over from this cold I can’t seem to kick, or the flourecents in the office here.

Just got an email from Mom about WHO upgrading H1N1 to a pandemic. I don’t have the body aches or fatigue, but I do have the rest of the common symptoms. Great. Swine flu. Just like Link Hobthrob.

Still got 2 hours to go today. It’s been pretty quiet here though that doesn’t make the time go faster.

My room-mate and I are having my FRM’s mom and grandmother over for an early dinner this evening (they don’t like to drive late). Should be fun – they are both fiesty old ladies from the Bronx. Meaning: fun, but don’t cross them or you’ll get a facefull of mace.

Guess that’s it for now. later…

cold, swim, drive

By admin

On June 8, 2009

In Uncategorized

I’ve been fighting a bit of a cold for the past few days – but since it’s been combined with my eye swelling up again I at first dismissed it as some kind of allergy thing. And it didn’t help that my neighbor had his charcoal grill and lawn mower going right outside our windows – thought I was going to sneeze my head clear off.

I’m doing better today, though my throat is still a little sore.

I hit the pool today and did 21 laps. Not my best, but okay considering I’m really not at my best. The water was really warm – I kept watching the lifeguards to make sure they didn’t throw in any vegetables.

I did a little errand running on Sunday – got some supplies for a a few projects and bought an mp3 player and an external hard-drive. I’ve held off moving from the cds for a while – but some artists are only releasing music digitally now, so I’d better get on the bandwagon. I’ve got a big project ahead of me converting my cd’s to mp3 – but I’ve got time and plenty of space now, so it should be fun to rediscover my music collection again.

later…