Well, today I started work at 4:30 am. I will be doing the same thing all week. Couldn't be happier. The tips are great in the early morning hours, and my work day is over by 1.
Michael came in around six, and I pulled him aside as soon as I saw him. I was like, "remember how I said I was good at spinning? Yeah. I'm not. Don't know why I said that. I admire it, and enjoy hearing it. Never done it in my life."
He laughed, said that he's done stupid stuff like that before, and that we should start a support group for people who say dumb things together.
Needless to say, we have an inside joke now.
Thanks to everybody for your insightful commentary. It's interesting to see the different reactions and advice that one singular act can elicit.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Saturday, March 25, 2006
money, food and pregnancy
Well, we've got more good news.
Our food stamps finally went through yesterday, two months worth, making up for the month that we were waiting for an appointment. We met with the people over at the office last Thursday, and were supposed to have our food stamps money later that day. (They use a card now, which works like a debit card, and separates food items from the rest of what you buy automatically. It's called a "quest" card.) But due to computer problems, things were delayed until last night.
We are so happy to have groceries in the house. All the money I've been making has been going to appease the bill collectors. We finally got our W2's from Starbucks, and filed our taxes. There were a ton of problems with the W2's as well, but it's stupid to go into that. Verizon will see the bulk of our return, but that will be one monkey off our back.
Things are going great at work. I am really excited about the future. Everything is looking up. I don't know if I'll be able to handle life without a major crisis. Thank goodness the baby is on the way! lol.
Sarah and I are going to a funeral today. One of my coworkers woke up the other morning to find his wife had died in her sleep. She was only in her 30's, and had some sort of seizure. He's pretty messed up, as one would figure. I can't imagine a more damaging thing to happen. Car accidents, and other risks in life are almost expected, and while they shock you, it's not right there... in bed with you. While you slept. Please keep him in your prayers. His name is Karl.
Oh, to end on a happier note, I told a bizarre little white lie the other day, and I have no idea where it came from, or why... but I have a feeling that it's going to try and humiliate me in the future. The supervisor of the front part of the restaurant at my job was talking to me the other day, and I showed him a cd mix I had made for another coworker. He liked the cover, and I said I had been a graphic designer, and that I still did stuff on the side. "I'll have to have you do the cover of my album!" he said. "You have an album?" I said. "Yeah... it's not done, but when it is..." and so on. The conversation led to the fact that it's a "philosophical rap" album, and that Michael, the dude I'm talking to, has been an underground rapper for quite some time. Participating in battles and the like. (For reference to "battles" watch 8 mile.) Well... I told him about my crazy first dorm in college, and about the battles that we used to have in the basement floor. All true. I used to battle a bit, and my dormmates would generally draw the battle lines between race. The puerto ricans and white guys vs. the black guys. Or other combinations. At this point, everything I said was true. Until I chose to say something really stupid. Perhaps "chose" was the wrong word. I said something stupid, and was just as shocked as he was when I said it. Now to preface what I said. I wanted to downplay my skills as a "battle" rapper. I am ok, but probably not near the calibre of this fine gentleman. But instead of merely downplaying my rapping skills, I apparently needed to justify it. I said, and I quote... "I'm not nearly as good at the rapping thing, as I am on turntables." WHAT????!!??! I mean. I listen to records, but I have NEVER EVER EVER scratched, dj'd... done anything of the like. He reacted with a great big "Really?! That's awesome man. I have to hear you sometime!" This bars me from ever hanging out with Michael in an arena where the possibility of me spinning could happen. Or I have to have someone teach me. It reminds me of the episode of coupling entitled "The man with two legs." I am Jeff. So all day, every time he sees me, he makes spinning motions, and says "I gotta hear you man!" I want to die.
Welcome to my stupid, stupid life.
Peace out!
Our food stamps finally went through yesterday, two months worth, making up for the month that we were waiting for an appointment. We met with the people over at the office last Thursday, and were supposed to have our food stamps money later that day. (They use a card now, which works like a debit card, and separates food items from the rest of what you buy automatically. It's called a "quest" card.) But due to computer problems, things were delayed until last night.
We are so happy to have groceries in the house. All the money I've been making has been going to appease the bill collectors. We finally got our W2's from Starbucks, and filed our taxes. There were a ton of problems with the W2's as well, but it's stupid to go into that. Verizon will see the bulk of our return, but that will be one monkey off our back.
Things are going great at work. I am really excited about the future. Everything is looking up. I don't know if I'll be able to handle life without a major crisis. Thank goodness the baby is on the way! lol.
Sarah and I are going to a funeral today. One of my coworkers woke up the other morning to find his wife had died in her sleep. She was only in her 30's, and had some sort of seizure. He's pretty messed up, as one would figure. I can't imagine a more damaging thing to happen. Car accidents, and other risks in life are almost expected, and while they shock you, it's not right there... in bed with you. While you slept. Please keep him in your prayers. His name is Karl.
Oh, to end on a happier note, I told a bizarre little white lie the other day, and I have no idea where it came from, or why... but I have a feeling that it's going to try and humiliate me in the future. The supervisor of the front part of the restaurant at my job was talking to me the other day, and I showed him a cd mix I had made for another coworker. He liked the cover, and I said I had been a graphic designer, and that I still did stuff on the side. "I'll have to have you do the cover of my album!" he said. "You have an album?" I said. "Yeah... it's not done, but when it is..." and so on. The conversation led to the fact that it's a "philosophical rap" album, and that Michael, the dude I'm talking to, has been an underground rapper for quite some time. Participating in battles and the like. (For reference to "battles" watch 8 mile.) Well... I told him about my crazy first dorm in college, and about the battles that we used to have in the basement floor. All true. I used to battle a bit, and my dormmates would generally draw the battle lines between race. The puerto ricans and white guys vs. the black guys. Or other combinations. At this point, everything I said was true. Until I chose to say something really stupid. Perhaps "chose" was the wrong word. I said something stupid, and was just as shocked as he was when I said it. Now to preface what I said. I wanted to downplay my skills as a "battle" rapper. I am ok, but probably not near the calibre of this fine gentleman. But instead of merely downplaying my rapping skills, I apparently needed to justify it. I said, and I quote... "I'm not nearly as good at the rapping thing, as I am on turntables." WHAT????!!??! I mean. I listen to records, but I have NEVER EVER EVER scratched, dj'd... done anything of the like. He reacted with a great big "Really?! That's awesome man. I have to hear you sometime!" This bars me from ever hanging out with Michael in an arena where the possibility of me spinning could happen. Or I have to have someone teach me. It reminds me of the episode of coupling entitled "The man with two legs." I am Jeff. So all day, every time he sees me, he makes spinning motions, and says "I gotta hear you man!" I want to die.
Welcome to my stupid, stupid life.
Peace out!
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Funny quote.
Since We're reviewing people's myspace accounts...
On my sister-in-law, Jessica's myspace. She has a quote from a friend, referring to Jessica's boyfriend. "He is so good with gifts. like the time he got me socks when my grandfather died."
I laughed so hard I blew my nose on accident.
That is the best thing ever. I am so getting somebody socks the next time there's a death in the family.
On my sister-in-law, Jessica's myspace. She has a quote from a friend, referring to Jessica's boyfriend. "He is so good with gifts. like the time he got me socks when my grandfather died."
I laughed so hard I blew my nose on accident.
That is the best thing ever. I am so getting somebody socks the next time there's a death in the family.
The greatest picture ever taken.
My friends Israel Martinez and Joe Cribbet from college. Israel posted this on his myspace, and I think it is the funniest thing I have ever seen.
Back from Chicago...
Well, it's been a couple days since I posted. I do apologize for the absence.
Sarah and I had a wonderful time back in Illinois. It was so great to see family, friends, and most importantly, eat Portillos hotdogs. The shower went very well. We had a great turnout, and alot of great gifts. My family came from as far as New York, and we all stayed at Sarah's parent's house. It was alot of fun, and slightly hectic, but all in all, fantastic. Our flights to and from Chicago were uneventful, and suprisingly pain-free. Two of the planes were cramped, especially for Sarah, but otherwise, it was a great trip.
During the week in Illinois, I turned 26. My family and I went out for a birthday breakfast for my sister and I. Tammy turned 24 in February. I got some dollas, that I will be teaming up with some of the money from Sarah's shower to buy a nice digital camera. We found one at a fantastic price, and it's a great camera with glowing reviews.
Speaking of which, in my absence, the hotel received a letter from a customer who I helped a few weeks ago. He was having trouble breathing, so I ran to his car to get his oxigen tank, and then pulled the car around when he was feeling better. Apparently, the letter was so kind, that Ron, the hotel manager, read it in the upper management meeting. I heard the news when I got back, and have had several of the upper management congratulate me personally. I have also been blessed with several chances to continually prove myself valuable to the management. I couldn't be happier with where I am. Money has been ok. I can't wait for a more normal morning schedule. Nights never do as well as mornings, and the morning crew is better.
In other news, we no longer have cell phones. Honestly, I don't know when I want to get another one. They are so obnoxious in so many ways. I am just sick and tired of people being able to reach me whenever they want, and expecting me to answer if I have the ability. It's just so presumptuous, and frustrating to have someone get upset at you for not wanting to be contacted. I love people, and I love to talk, but sometimes, I just want to be indisposed. I don't necessarily want to return your message... I know, it sounds like I'm a crotchety old man, but I seriously have gotten fed up with being responsible to anyone with my cell number. So we have a home phone. It's through Vonage. An awesome product. It uses your broadband connection as a phone line, and is only $24 a month. For unlimited calls to the US and Canada. Laurie, expect more calls.
Well, that's it for now. Peace out dudes... I gotta motor.
Sarah and I had a wonderful time back in Illinois. It was so great to see family, friends, and most importantly, eat Portillos hotdogs. The shower went very well. We had a great turnout, and alot of great gifts. My family came from as far as New York, and we all stayed at Sarah's parent's house. It was alot of fun, and slightly hectic, but all in all, fantastic. Our flights to and from Chicago were uneventful, and suprisingly pain-free. Two of the planes were cramped, especially for Sarah, but otherwise, it was a great trip.
During the week in Illinois, I turned 26. My family and I went out for a birthday breakfast for my sister and I. Tammy turned 24 in February. I got some dollas, that I will be teaming up with some of the money from Sarah's shower to buy a nice digital camera. We found one at a fantastic price, and it's a great camera with glowing reviews.
Speaking of which, in my absence, the hotel received a letter from a customer who I helped a few weeks ago. He was having trouble breathing, so I ran to his car to get his oxigen tank, and then pulled the car around when he was feeling better. Apparently, the letter was so kind, that Ron, the hotel manager, read it in the upper management meeting. I heard the news when I got back, and have had several of the upper management congratulate me personally. I have also been blessed with several chances to continually prove myself valuable to the management. I couldn't be happier with where I am. Money has been ok. I can't wait for a more normal morning schedule. Nights never do as well as mornings, and the morning crew is better.
In other news, we no longer have cell phones. Honestly, I don't know when I want to get another one. They are so obnoxious in so many ways. I am just sick and tired of people being able to reach me whenever they want, and expecting me to answer if I have the ability. It's just so presumptuous, and frustrating to have someone get upset at you for not wanting to be contacted. I love people, and I love to talk, but sometimes, I just want to be indisposed. I don't necessarily want to return your message... I know, it sounds like I'm a crotchety old man, but I seriously have gotten fed up with being responsible to anyone with my cell number. So we have a home phone. It's through Vonage. An awesome product. It uses your broadband connection as a phone line, and is only $24 a month. For unlimited calls to the US and Canada. Laurie, expect more calls.
Well, that's it for now. Peace out dudes... I gotta motor.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Place of smelly onions
We are headed to Chicago in the morning.
I am really excited. Sarah has been doing nearly all the preparation work for the trip, as I have not been motivated to take care of it. I don't know why. But it's been good. She's had a project, and it's allowed me to focus on working.
We will be flying out of Denver around 7:30, so we need to get there early. When we get to Illinois, we have a full schedule. My family will be arriving from Ohia, and my sister Tammy will be coming with her husband from New York. Sarah's going to be visiting her college to see her former professors, and she has been asked to sit in on an interview they are holding for one of the teaching positions on campus. She used to do that from time to time when she was there, and now she is being asked to do it because they want her input. Pretty cool.
I am excited to see the family, and my best friend Ryan again. It's been too long. He came out at Thanksgiving, but with Sarah sick, and life all topsy-turvey at the time (good thing it's been normal lately... - a joke-) it wasn't that great of a time. This should hopefully be alot better.
The job is going great. I got sized for the new uniforms that we're getting in, and the head of the front office at the hotel sized me for a different uniform than the rest of the bellmen/valets. A not so subtle hint that I'm getting the supervisor job, and soon. I couldn't be happier. It's the only job where I've been paid to wander around and help people. I call it "wandering effectively." If I'm not effective, I don't make any money, so it is kind of like commission.
In other news, we ate Chicago-style Lou Malnotti's pizza last night with our pastor, his wife and sons. It was great. We had a fun time enjoying eachother's company, and playing around with the boys who are still very young. They're named cowboy names which is pretty cool. Wyatt and Zane. I always hear this song that my dad had on a record from his childhood. It had the themesongs to a bunch of old TV shows for kids. Annie Oakley, Howdy Doody, Rin Tin Tin, Mighty Mouse, and Wyatt Earp. I hear that song in my head each time I see the kid. "Wyatt Earp, Wyatt Earp... brave courageous and boooooold! Long live his name, and long live his glory, and long may his story be toooooooold!"
We finally got my W2s from Sbux. About time. Now we can do our taxes. I'm sure they'll be good to us this year.
Let me see. That's it for now. Post away in the comments section. I'll try to write while I'm out there, but if not, see you next week.
Peace.
I am really excited. Sarah has been doing nearly all the preparation work for the trip, as I have not been motivated to take care of it. I don't know why. But it's been good. She's had a project, and it's allowed me to focus on working.
We will be flying out of Denver around 7:30, so we need to get there early. When we get to Illinois, we have a full schedule. My family will be arriving from Ohia, and my sister Tammy will be coming with her husband from New York. Sarah's going to be visiting her college to see her former professors, and she has been asked to sit in on an interview they are holding for one of the teaching positions on campus. She used to do that from time to time when she was there, and now she is being asked to do it because they want her input. Pretty cool.
I am excited to see the family, and my best friend Ryan again. It's been too long. He came out at Thanksgiving, but with Sarah sick, and life all topsy-turvey at the time (good thing it's been normal lately... - a joke-) it wasn't that great of a time. This should hopefully be alot better.
The job is going great. I got sized for the new uniforms that we're getting in, and the head of the front office at the hotel sized me for a different uniform than the rest of the bellmen/valets. A not so subtle hint that I'm getting the supervisor job, and soon. I couldn't be happier. It's the only job where I've been paid to wander around and help people. I call it "wandering effectively." If I'm not effective, I don't make any money, so it is kind of like commission.
In other news, we ate Chicago-style Lou Malnotti's pizza last night with our pastor, his wife and sons. It was great. We had a fun time enjoying eachother's company, and playing around with the boys who are still very young. They're named cowboy names which is pretty cool. Wyatt and Zane. I always hear this song that my dad had on a record from his childhood. It had the themesongs to a bunch of old TV shows for kids. Annie Oakley, Howdy Doody, Rin Tin Tin, Mighty Mouse, and Wyatt Earp. I hear that song in my head each time I see the kid. "Wyatt Earp, Wyatt Earp... brave courageous and boooooold! Long live his name, and long live his glory, and long may his story be toooooooold!"
We finally got my W2s from Sbux. About time. Now we can do our taxes. I'm sure they'll be good to us this year.
Let me see. That's it for now. Post away in the comments section. I'll try to write while I'm out there, but if not, see you next week.
Peace.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Homesick and Left Out
Feel family-sick today. It's a good thing we get to see them next week. It's been long enough.
To quote the epic band "Left out" from their song "Two girls and a guy":
Her name was Olive,
I loved her like no other woman.
I could tell her anything...
she's my mom.
Miss my family
they're far away from me.
Moved across the country,
hope I make them proud...
His name is Mike,
we are so much alike.
We don't always see eye to eye,
My friend Mike, my dad.
----------------------------------------
I always listen to that song when I'm homesick. I just yell my parents names over the names in the song. It makes me happy.
In other music news, I picked up the new Sun Kil Moon album from the library the other day. It's called Tiny Cities, and is completely made of covers of Modest Mouse songs. For a band to do such an unusual album as their sophomore release is really strange. Sun Kil Moon's "Ghosts of the Great Highway" is one of the best albums I've ever heard, and to listen to all these Modest Mouse songs I love in a totally different style is fantastic. Couldn't be more impressed.
So the other day, Sarah and I were out, and I had to stop at a public restroom. The urinals were painted black. Now, for the ladies in the audience, this won't strike you as strange, but in my vast restroom experience, urinals are ALWAYS white. They aren't iPods. They don't come in a white or black version... It was weird. Like I was in some sort of parallel universe.
Work is going great. I figured it out, and I am averaging $64 a day in tips. That's awesome. It means that in the end, I'm making more than I was at Starbucks. Thanks so much for all your prayers. We're digging ourselves out of this gigantic hole. In news relating to the hole, our phones have been disconnected. We're going to leave them that way. Our contract is up in a day or two, and we've hated being with Verizon, so we're leaving. For the time being, as we pay them off, we will be getting a Vonage account. It's not a cell phone, it's essentially landline through an internet connection, but it will give us unlimited usage to the US and Canada. So Sarah will be able to stay in contact with all our family and friends, and I'll get to stay in contact with all our bill collectors. :)
Well, that's it for today.
Peace
To quote the epic band "Left out" from their song "Two girls and a guy":
Her name was Olive,
I loved her like no other woman.
I could tell her anything...
she's my mom.
Miss my family
they're far away from me.
Moved across the country,
hope I make them proud...
His name is Mike,
we are so much alike.
We don't always see eye to eye,
My friend Mike, my dad.
----------------------------------------
I always listen to that song when I'm homesick. I just yell my parents names over the names in the song. It makes me happy.
In other music news, I picked up the new Sun Kil Moon album from the library the other day. It's called Tiny Cities, and is completely made of covers of Modest Mouse songs. For a band to do such an unusual album as their sophomore release is really strange. Sun Kil Moon's "Ghosts of the Great Highway" is one of the best albums I've ever heard, and to listen to all these Modest Mouse songs I love in a totally different style is fantastic. Couldn't be more impressed.
So the other day, Sarah and I were out, and I had to stop at a public restroom. The urinals were painted black. Now, for the ladies in the audience, this won't strike you as strange, but in my vast restroom experience, urinals are ALWAYS white. They aren't iPods. They don't come in a white or black version... It was weird. Like I was in some sort of parallel universe.
Work is going great. I figured it out, and I am averaging $64 a day in tips. That's awesome. It means that in the end, I'm making more than I was at Starbucks. Thanks so much for all your prayers. We're digging ourselves out of this gigantic hole. In news relating to the hole, our phones have been disconnected. We're going to leave them that way. Our contract is up in a day or two, and we've hated being with Verizon, so we're leaving. For the time being, as we pay them off, we will be getting a Vonage account. It's not a cell phone, it's essentially landline through an internet connection, but it will give us unlimited usage to the US and Canada. So Sarah will be able to stay in contact with all our family and friends, and I'll get to stay in contact with all our bill collectors. :)
Well, that's it for today.
Peace
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