KyKy arrived back in God's country this morning at 5:30 a.m. Who knew there was a red-eye from Honolulu to MSP? I didn't bother to ask, but my guess is that plane was a pretty depressing place to be. Not only were people crammed into an aluminum tube overnight, these warm-weather loving, beach laying, whale watching vacationers came back to upper 20's and the chance of a couple of inches of snow in the next few days.
I, of course, went to the airport alone to get KyKy. 'Nika wanted to tag along but things got a little out of hand last night. TOYH and I were invited to a friend's 50th b-day party. All evening long before we left for the party, we promised ourselves we would get home early. We dropped 'Nika and Madster off with Charlie and his dad, went to the party, and came back to pick up the girls at.....1:30 a.m. That's some good parenting there, folks. Actually, a good time was had by all. TOYH and I got to see some friends we hadn't seen in a while, and Madster & 'Nika had fun with Charlie. 'Nika was not disappointed at all when I told her she would be staying home in bed this morning. KyKy was pretty dazed coming off the plane and she went straight to bed when she got home.
Later on this morning the Evil Grandmother and Dreadful Man showed up for a combination happy birthday E.G. and welcome home KyKy brunch. TOYH whipped up some extremely not too shabby grub and we had a lovely time eating and chatting. Afterwards, I went back to bed for the second nap of the day.
I've been pondering a few things this last week. Last night at the party and today with D.M., I had some conversations related to what I've been turning over in my head. My skill set, as far as employment goes, is a mile wide and an inch deep. I've done a bunch of different things - driving, clerking, bookkeeping, tutoring, studenting, taking care of folks with disabilities - none of which resembles or has led to a "career."
A full life, yes. A life of conventional middle class ease? Not really. Along the way I married TOYH, my superior in every way, (except for maybe finding one's way around town in the car), and we have three incredible, unbelievable daughters. We scrape along enjoying each other immensely as we just get by. I've got some rich friendships that I wouldn't trade for anything, except my family of course. These things keep me from turning into a bitter old crank. Yeah, money is a pain in the ass and I would certainly like more of it, but nearly everyone I know feels the same way.
So, one of my co-workers is in school right now at MCTC taking computer programing classes after he pulls his early shift at work. This got me to thinking that I should maybe do the same thing. I needs me some skilz. Since gainful, career-like employment has not come up and introduced itself to me as I shuffle through this mortal coil, I had better chase something down, grab it by the back of the collar and make myself known. I applied online at MCTC for computer network administration. Will this turn into something? Eh. I don't know, but it's a start.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
In The Hospital Again
Dad went in yesterday for the second time in a month. It looks as though he'll be staying up there in Cambridge rather than being carted down here to Abbott. Yesterday he went in for his pre-defibrillator check and told mom he wanted to go to urgent care because his right leg was feeling so weak. They were concerned enough to keep him overnight to rule out anything serious, and are keeping him another night, at least, until he can see the cardiologist tomorrow. Along with weakness in his leg, the atrial fibrillation is back, and mom said his INR level is still a bit low. So here we are. He's been off the booze since his first stay at Abbott at the beginning of the month. Mom reports that he's now fun to have around home again, which I can see, since he's a charming guy, when he isn't drinking. Unfortunately when I talked to him on the phone today, he sounded kind of hazy. He said they've been pumping him full of painkillers since his back is bothering him so much. I think the pain is related to his spinal stenosis, which they are guessing is the cause of his leg weakness.
I called KyKy in Hawaii to update her and give her the hospital phone number. Dad's itching to talk to her, but he wants to have his suitcase full of memorabilia in front of him so he can tell her what sights to see. KyKy says they may try and go whale watching today, since they could hear whales from their hotel room last night. That never happens in Minneapolis, at least in March. It's been rainy and gloomy all week and will continue to be rainy and gloomy through the weekend when we could get some snow. I should have told KyKy that she may see whales from her hotel, but I'm looking at the chickens and ducks next door as I write this. It's not so bad here.
I called KyKy in Hawaii to update her and give her the hospital phone number. Dad's itching to talk to her, but he wants to have his suitcase full of memorabilia in front of him so he can tell her what sights to see. KyKy says they may try and go whale watching today, since they could hear whales from their hotel room last night. That never happens in Minneapolis, at least in March. It's been rainy and gloomy all week and will continue to be rainy and gloomy through the weekend when we could get some snow. I should have told KyKy that she may see whales from her hotel, but I'm looking at the chickens and ducks next door as I write this. It's not so bad here.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Bachelor Weekend Almost Over
I'm now awaiting the return of my beloved OYH, Madster and 'Nika. The weekend went pretty much as described. I did finally get out on my bike and rode back out to work on Saturday just to see how long/far it was. I took me about half an hour to ride 7 miles. 15mph isn't too bad for someone as old, fat and out of shape as me. On the way home I found a couple of shortcuts that will lop nearly a mile off the commute. Now it's a matter of getting up the gumption to get up early enough to ride to work for a 5 a.m. start.
I really want to start up bike commuting again. I can't tell you how much it grates on me to be sitting alone in a car driving to work. It seems so wasteful. That old beater of a car has 177,000 miles on it and it feels like every trip is bringing it's demise more quickly. Unfortunately, I probably won't be biking to work this week. It looks like rain and crappy weather nearly every day I work.
I ended up going into work today, my day off. They needed extra help, and since everyone else in the fam is gone, I figured, "Why not?" Plus, time and a half isn't too bad either.
TOYH is going to stop on the way home and pick up some charcoal for grilling tonight, mmmmmm.
One last observation I want to get out there. A week or so ago in the Strib there was an article about the drop in traffic congestion during rush hours due in part to the rise in unemployment. Part of the article talked about traffic reaching a tipping point, whereby a small decrease in actual cars on the road results in a rather significant drop in commute times. My own observations will attest to this. Twice last week, I had to be out in rush hour traffic and planned according to how long it typically takes to get somewhere at this time of day. Eastbound Hwy 36 and southbound 35W were a breeze. The article in the paper also had testimonials saying the same thing about people's commutes. Now when the economy picks up again, how can the number of cars on the road be kept at the same level so traffic will be just this much smoother in the future? It would be nice if some folks were able to carpool or take transit, but I doubt that smoother rush hours will be a feature of life around here. Once people start working again, and see in the beginning that their commutes are relatively easy, the roads will fill up and we'll be back to being stuck in traffic all over again. Tipping point the other way.
I really want to start up bike commuting again. I can't tell you how much it grates on me to be sitting alone in a car driving to work. It seems so wasteful. That old beater of a car has 177,000 miles on it and it feels like every trip is bringing it's demise more quickly. Unfortunately, I probably won't be biking to work this week. It looks like rain and crappy weather nearly every day I work.
I ended up going into work today, my day off. They needed extra help, and since everyone else in the fam is gone, I figured, "Why not?" Plus, time and a half isn't too bad either.
TOYH is going to stop on the way home and pick up some charcoal for grilling tonight, mmmmmm.
One last observation I want to get out there. A week or so ago in the Strib there was an article about the drop in traffic congestion during rush hours due in part to the rise in unemployment. Part of the article talked about traffic reaching a tipping point, whereby a small decrease in actual cars on the road results in a rather significant drop in commute times. My own observations will attest to this. Twice last week, I had to be out in rush hour traffic and planned according to how long it typically takes to get somewhere at this time of day. Eastbound Hwy 36 and southbound 35W were a breeze. The article in the paper also had testimonials saying the same thing about people's commutes. Now when the economy picks up again, how can the number of cars on the road be kept at the same level so traffic will be just this much smoother in the future? It would be nice if some folks were able to carpool or take transit, but I doubt that smoother rush hours will be a feature of life around here. Once people start working again, and see in the beginning that their commutes are relatively easy, the roads will fill up and we'll be back to being stuck in traffic all over again. Tipping point the other way.
Friday, March 20, 2009
An All New Bachelor Weekend!!!
Sorry if I got your hopes up, but this is not some kind of teevee show. KyKy left for Hawaii today to go visit her cousins, who are vacationing there from China. It really pays to have a cousin who you are very close to who, in turn, has a dad who is a member of an airline's plutonium club and can fly you anywhere in the world. In a sadly pathetic attempt to make things up with the younger two girls, TOYH took them up to a friend's cabin for a weekend on the Brule river in northern Wisconsin. She put together a semi-elaborate ruse so that they would be surprised. They were, apparently. In the end though, northern 'Sconny doesn't really hold a candle to Honolulu in the middle of March.
So that leaves me home alone until sometime Sunday afternoon. What have I done so far since I'm unfettered by filial or spousal obligations? Let's see. I took a nap. I rode the bus downtown to the library to return some books and pick up another one. I called Madster's school to tell them she wasn't playing hooky. I petted the dogs. I drank a beer. That pretty much brings me up to date. Tomorrow holds the promise of a 4 a.m. wakeup call to go to my oh-so-fulfilling job. Then there will be a nap. Maybe in the afternoon I'll hop on my bike and go for a real ride. I'll probably drink another beer. All of this is a testament to the level of trust between me and TOYH. She has no qualms about leaving me for the weekend despite my on the go, risky, hip beyond belief lifestyle. As you can see if my weekend alone was a teevee bachelor show, I'd be beating off those silicone injected babes with a stick.
So that leaves me home alone until sometime Sunday afternoon. What have I done so far since I'm unfettered by filial or spousal obligations? Let's see. I took a nap. I rode the bus downtown to the library to return some books and pick up another one. I called Madster's school to tell them she wasn't playing hooky. I petted the dogs. I drank a beer. That pretty much brings me up to date. Tomorrow holds the promise of a 4 a.m. wakeup call to go to my oh-so-fulfilling job. Then there will be a nap. Maybe in the afternoon I'll hop on my bike and go for a real ride. I'll probably drink another beer. All of this is a testament to the level of trust between me and TOYH. She has no qualms about leaving me for the weekend despite my on the go, risky, hip beyond belief lifestyle. As you can see if my weekend alone was a teevee bachelor show, I'd be beating off those silicone injected babes with a stick.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Is It Really Spring Now?
We've had some glorious weather around here for the past few days - highs in the 50's and even a 60 yesterday. The snow is gone. All that's left are the dirty ice berms, the remnants from the snow plow's work on the sides of the street.
This time of the year always appeals to me more than just about any other time. The days when the snow is melting and the sun is out take me back to Paul's Lake when dad would finally get the bikes out from the basement. The promise of riding bikes around the neighborhood after a few months of trudging through snow, and the idea that summer was not too far off always gladdened the heart.
It may seem odd, but I find the angle of the sun at this time of year simply lovely. The light is filtered through more atmosphere and that atmosphere is bit more dingy so there is not the blast furnace effect of summer or the cold clarity of a January sun. (I like fall for the same reason.)
Spring also makes me think of the end of the swim season. From 8th grade through my sophomore year in college, I spent many winter mornings and every winter school evening in the pool, often getting to school before dark and then leaving after the sun had set. The beginning of March was always State Championship time, so the taper was in full effect and one felt invincible in the pool. After months of hard, hard training, coming out into the light of spring in the best shape of one's life makes an indelible association of weather and physical well being.
Unfortunately, I won't be getting the same spring rush this year as I have in the past. The last couple of years I've been riding my bike through the winter, as much as practicable, so the warm weather and lack of ice on the streets in the spring were a source of excitement. This winter was more harsh than the last two, and I kinda fell off my bike, as it were. Now that the weather is warming up, I'd like to start riding to work again. My commute is down from a 27 mile round trip to about a 16 mile round trip, but since I start at 5:00, it would mean getting up at around 3:30-3:45 to get there on time. We'll see. I need to figure out just how long it will take me to get there and plan accordingly.
This time of the year always appeals to me more than just about any other time. The days when the snow is melting and the sun is out take me back to Paul's Lake when dad would finally get the bikes out from the basement. The promise of riding bikes around the neighborhood after a few months of trudging through snow, and the idea that summer was not too far off always gladdened the heart.
It may seem odd, but I find the angle of the sun at this time of year simply lovely. The light is filtered through more atmosphere and that atmosphere is bit more dingy so there is not the blast furnace effect of summer or the cold clarity of a January sun. (I like fall for the same reason.)
Spring also makes me think of the end of the swim season. From 8th grade through my sophomore year in college, I spent many winter mornings and every winter school evening in the pool, often getting to school before dark and then leaving after the sun had set. The beginning of March was always State Championship time, so the taper was in full effect and one felt invincible in the pool. After months of hard, hard training, coming out into the light of spring in the best shape of one's life makes an indelible association of weather and physical well being.
Unfortunately, I won't be getting the same spring rush this year as I have in the past. The last couple of years I've been riding my bike through the winter, as much as practicable, so the warm weather and lack of ice on the streets in the spring were a source of excitement. This winter was more harsh than the last two, and I kinda fell off my bike, as it were. Now that the weather is warming up, I'd like to start riding to work again. My commute is down from a 27 mile round trip to about a 16 mile round trip, but since I start at 5:00, it would mean getting up at around 3:30-3:45 to get there on time. We'll see. I need to figure out just how long it will take me to get there and plan accordingly.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Now That I Have Absolutely Nobody's Attention.....
I'll start posting again. Mucho happenings in our household since July.
For all intents and purposes, I'm not working at the bike shop anymore, although I still have a key to get in. I spent a couple of months unemployed until Costco answered my bleatings and hired me. Two laptop computers have died in our family. TOYH is working full time as a nurse and also part time as a nurse. KyKy quit swimming at SWHS and joined the fly fishing club. Madster and 'Nika started at new schools in the fall, both finding great happiness and satisfaction in their respective moves. So that's it in a nutshell. Oh and I embarked on a unfocused, amateurish historical study of my house, neighborhood, and city with respect to transportation issues surrounding their growth.
So when the muse descends, I'll write. It will be to no one in particular since everyone has given up on me. If you, for some inexplicable reason, decided to check in on this piece of crap, welcome or welcome back. Feel free to comment. I'll try not to be controversial, since I really don't like internet pissing matches.
For all intents and purposes, I'm not working at the bike shop anymore, although I still have a key to get in. I spent a couple of months unemployed until Costco answered my bleatings and hired me. Two laptop computers have died in our family. TOYH is working full time as a nurse and also part time as a nurse. KyKy quit swimming at SWHS and joined the fly fishing club. Madster and 'Nika started at new schools in the fall, both finding great happiness and satisfaction in their respective moves. So that's it in a nutshell. Oh and I embarked on a unfocused, amateurish historical study of my house, neighborhood, and city with respect to transportation issues surrounding their growth.
So when the muse descends, I'll write. It will be to no one in particular since everyone has given up on me. If you, for some inexplicable reason, decided to check in on this piece of crap, welcome or welcome back. Feel free to comment. I'll try not to be controversial, since I really don't like internet pissing matches.
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