Y10 D309

Yesterday ended up being a rather uneventful day sandwiched between a veritable shit show. Good times.

As you saw from my edit, I was once again the victim of debit card fraud. This is what happens when you travel as much as I do and use your cards online as much as I do. What is this, the 4th or 5th time I have had to write these exact same words? Fucking scumbags of the earth. Some company in Hong Kong tried to grab $98 from my account. How the fuck did they think I wouldn't notice? I guess the thing they are hoping is they can get a few transactions in before anyone notices. Sorry I am the person who is on top of their accounts. After dealing with that, the rest of the day was okay. We went out to get some lunch because B was craving a particular slider joint. Then we came back home and really didn't do much of anything. It was kind of nice.

For dinner we ended up eating just random because it was originally supposed to be a TBD day on our menu and without me having a card, it made our options more limited.

We watched a movie (What We Do in the Shadows) while B gave me a nice manicure. We then watched two John Mulaney specials and it was during the second one that the other end of the shit sandwich happened.

We all know the issues B's mom had with the kitten, right? Well the other night at dinner she was going on and on about how they needed a puppy. WTF? Seriously?? I was getting so pissed off and drew blood from biting my tongue so hard. Guess who sends a text last night of their new fucking puppy?? Motherfucker. And not a dog which would be marginally better. No it's a fucking puppy. Idiots. This of course triggered a massive attack of anxiety and anger in B who ended being awake until 3am because of it. Fun times galore!

This is why I am writing at 9am EST. We just got up because we were up late. It fucking sucks. I am never going to her mom's place again. Man they are dumb. Today I am hiding. Just leave me be humans. Leave me be.

Y10 D308

I got to experience something very midwest and very not my cup of tea last night. B's cousin and her BF were coming over to have a game night with us. They were scheduled to come over around 7pm. At 5:30 B gets a text asking if we will be watching 'the game'? Um, what? No. "Is there anyway you can have it on in the background?". Double no. Apparently one of the colleges here was doing the basketball. I know that's not solely a midwest thing, but it's something no one whose ever come over to our place has ever asked. It kind of irked me to be honest.

I will come back to our evening in a minute. But first the day.

I statred working around 6am and managed to get through 110 slides in this custom presentation. It will be around 250 or so plus demos when I am done so I felt accomplished. Then we got on the meeting with the client. My boss, who will be out all next week, started fucking volunteering changes. Dude, shut up. I could be done today if you shut up. He did not. I now have to modify the entire thing. Lovely. I gave up for the day and wen tto get groceries.

Came back, cleaned the house and waited for B to come home from work. We had carnitas tacos for dinner,

We did have a fun time with B's cousin regardless of the sport thing. They stayed until a little after midnight and we went to bed around 1.

Today it is raining outside and I plan on staying inside.

UPDATE -- logged into the bank and found fucking fraud from China. ARGH. This day is going to suck.

Y10 D307

Tired this morning. Didn't go to bed until 11 thanks to B having a friend over but her I am up before 5 because I have to get stupid shit done for stupid people. I don't feel like getting into it right now, but I got the 'details' on what has to be done for these people in OH. Not happy. Now today I have to have a meeting with their person for no good reason. GOD I HATE THIS PART OF MY JOB. It is very frustrating having to deal with requirements and project plans and all that bullshit. Just get out of my way, let me develop this, and I will present it. Plain and simple. Shoo. Go.

Had food for dinner. Can't even remember. Oh yeah, hamburger helper. We were lazy. Got round one of laundry done. Round 2 this morning.

Paid bills. Lots of fucking bills. $350 to water, gas, and electric. The water is quarterly but it all hit on one day. Like really?? Thanks??

B's friend came over like at 7 or 7:30. Left at 10. He's a nice person.

Okay. Time to do more laundry.

Y10 D306

B's mom and that side of the family are fucking exhausting. Her dad's side is all mellow and calm but not the other side. They're loud and just something. Dear god are they something.

First half of the day was good. I had a good group this week. We laughed and joked and got through everything without any issues. Once again I managed to have some good students. I am grateful. We finished up around 4:30 on the dot. Then B and I left for red robin at 5:30.

B had a rough day. She had way too much to do and it almost paralyzed her. But since she knew people were counting on her (aka her sister) to provide the cake (which was an exact replica of the cake Hagrid gives Harry in the first movie), she had to push through. This of course left her with nothing. I came upstairs from teaching and things were just all over. Not dirty, she managed to wash dishes, but stuff was just out. Turns out while baking she also did some window treatment stuff we bought, cleaned the floor, and a bunch of other stuff. So all the tools needed to do those things were still out. Sigh. Okay. I will handle it. It's what I do.

We get to the restaurant and there ends up being nine of us. I make sure to have the waitress put us on a separate check. Not only because I wasn't going to pay for anyone but I knew they would tip like shit (and they did). I was able to give her 25% on my bill to make up a little for what the rest of them left. Plus B's mother kept asking 'how much is this? how much is that?'. I know that's how people here are, but god it's annoying and embarrassing.

After dinner we went back to their house for the cake and presents. By the time everything was done, we got home around 9:30. I wasn't quite tired yet so I did some stuff on here. One thing I did was order a pair of glasses. My first in almost 20 years. I ordered them from Zenni. Let's see how they turn out. They will be here in two weeks.

As for today and tomorrow, I am supposed to be starting some project with a group in OH. Let's see what happens.

Y10 D305

Taught my class. No issues there.

B went to bingo.

I ran cables through the ceiling. Why? I moved the router to a more central location to increase coverage throughout the house. In addition I ran hardwire to the machines in my office. Did you know there are new types of cables now? Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7, and even in development, Cat8. I ran cat6a given the distance and the shielding desired. Now on hardwire I am getting 500 down/600 up on the older machines and 950 down/950 up on the new machines. On wireless I am averaging 500 up/down. Not bad.

That was my exciting night. Made salmon for dinner. I have a headache this morning. Pressure one. Woke up mid REM and it's not cool.

One last day of teaching, then B's sister's birthday at red robin. Dear god shoot me.

Y10 D304

My dad lost part of his ear due to skin cancer. I should probably care more, but I don't.

I am trying to get out of going to Sydney at the end of April because the client is refusing to let me book my own travel.

I am not about to lose out on 18k miles and be stuck in coach for 15 hours. Fuck you.

Plus the gig is two fucking days. Travel all the way to Australia for two fucking days with no time on either end? Fuck you.

Don't want to do anything. But have to. Want to crawl back into bed but I can't.

Y10 D303

Did more stuff yesterday. Started by going grocery shopping for the week. We got a full week's worth of food. I am home teaching the majority of this week so we needed lunches and the like too.

After groceries we went to the antique store we both like. Spent way too much money.

Came back after having lunch, B napped. I worked on stuff outside.

Had chicken for dinner.

Went to bed around 10:30.

Three days of five students.

Letting the days go by. Water flowing underground.

Same as it ever was.

Once in a lifetime. Let the water hold me down.

Y10 D302

We did quite a bit yesterday. It started with the rock show. We left the house around 9:30, had to drop off some stuff with one set of grandparents, then headed to the rock show. It was being held in a church school gym. The whole reason we went is B's cousin was going as part of his geology class, the same class b took when she was in college with the same professor. Oh my, what a crowd. From the sellers who looked like UNIX engineer refugees coming out of their mom's basement to the buyers where the average age was 102. Wow. What a group. We did end up getting some cool rocks to display and we saw B's cousin.

On the way back we stopped at Mr. Chicken. Sweet mother of god the people out here know how to do chicken. It was wonderful.

After that we stopped at a place called Detroit Popcorn. They sell and rent concession equipment!! Popcorn machines, snow cone, nacho cheese dispensers, ice cream push carts, you name it, they have it. Plus they have all the supplies. Having a party and need 100 cheese cups? They got you covered. We want to put a popcorn machine down in the basement and they would be the best source. While it was cool walking around, it was a bit pricier than we can do right now unfortunately. But we know where to go when we can. For the popper and cart we're looking around $800. Some day but not today.

Stopped on the way home at OTHER grandparents to drop them off coleslaw from Mr. Chicken.

Got home and B napped. And by nap I mean she slept for 4.5 hours. Sigh. I worked in the backyard. Started raking and cleaning. Filled 6 bags of leaves, twigs, etc.

We had pork tacos for dinner. After dinner we headed to Lowe's because we were both in a project doing sort of mood. I got a pointy shovel to do more work outside, she got some window film stuff for the bathroom windows, we got a new toilet seat for one of the bathrooms, and a couple of plants.

Came back and installed the toilet seat. There's an hour of my life I won't get back.

Went to bed around 11. Today we're going to do more home type stuff. Go us.

Y10 D301

Yes, my paycheck showed up. Later than normal though which is worrisome.

I screwed up on the times yesterday. I was thinking my class was 7-3 because of the last two two days had been 10-6 but I new I had one person in EST on Friday. So my brain moved it mentally to 7-3. It was really 8:30-4:30 and I got up way too early. Good job.

I used the time to pay bills and the like. Why are they called bills? Hm.

Anyway, taught my class, finished around 3. Took a nap. B got home around 4 and I promised her dinner out. We went to on the border because she likes it. After dinner we stopped to get some groceries and other errands.

Got home, caught up on tv, went to bed around 11.

Today we are going to a rock show. No, not like rock n roll. Like a literal rock show. I know.

Y10 D300

Okay, where's my fucking paycheck??

I swear that is the one thing with which you don't fuck around. Never fuck with my pay. Where's my money bitch? If I don't see it by 6am est a flurry of emails will be sent.

Good teaching day yesterday. We started an hour earlier and finished an hour early. I went from 9-4 which was awesome. Really good smart group of people. I wish all my students were like these two. They just were good folk.

B's grandparents stopped by last night. It was the first time they had seen the house since we've put things together. They stayed a little later than I would have like, but no worries. They are welcome here any time.

Went to bed around 10:30.

Have one student today. But if I don't get my money...

Y10 D299

It's Thursday, right? I think so. I am very confused this week. Aw, who am I kidding, I am confused every week. Confusion, it's my middle name.

Despite the late start time, I had an excellent group yesterday. Only 2 of the 3 showed but the two who did are sharp, communicative, friendly, and eager to learn. I'll take it! Plus we agreed to start an hour earlier today! Woo! Hey, it's better than nothing, right?

After work, I took a nice bath, relaxed, had some soup for dinner. When I was done with dinner I went down and tried replacing the AT&T router I have with my Nighthawk. No luck. Seems the AT&T ONT is only directly compatible with their router. It also doesn't do a bridged mode. You have to do a passive connection and change a bunch of shit and blah blah blah. Hence, not worth it. I did however hardwire one of my machines as it was struggling on wifi. Let's see if that improves things.

Watched some tv while waiting for B to get home. She got home from bingo around 10:30 and then we both went off to bed.

Nothing more going on. Days starting to blend but what can you do.

Y10 D298

I was listening to the radio on Sunday and listening to the show "Hidden Brain". It's a fascinating show if you ever get a chance to come across it. They were discussing the issue with social media and how it leads severely to FOMO in so many people. FOMO is "Fear of Missing Out". Even though these people were doing incredible, wonderful things, their brains were too busy comparing what their 'friends' were doing on social media to actively enjoy what they were doing. They felt their friends were doing even cooler things. Point? B has this friend (and I use that word very fucking loosely) who won't let anyone enjoy a moment without always having to one up them so they feel like 'boy I should have done the thing with them instead as I would have had much more fun". Which for the record is utter horseshit. She's a horrible one-upper. The most recent? She saw Hamilton last night here in Detroit (ew?) and of course she had to brag to B how Lin showed up announced to HER show. Now B feels deflated because she couldn't just have one thing that was all hers. Nope, this cunt had to steal away and be better. I really don't like her. I don't want her in our house ever again. She's the same one who came into our house and couldn't muster a decent compliment. Fuck you. You're banned.

Taught class yesterday. B's cousin was over when I finished class around 4:15. We socialized until almost 6. Had dinner. B started feeling shitty because that's what she does and went to take a bath. She then went and watched stuff on her phone in bed. I went to bed around 10 myself.

Today and tomorrow, three students, 10-6. Fuck that shit.

Y10 D297

Got some stuff done yesterday but not as much as I wanted. I am going to have to work in my personal time to make up for what I didn't get finished if I want to use new material on Friday. I have six demos left to build in the new class. If I do 2 a day after each class, I can be done in time. It took me so long because one demo was almost all day of research, review by my co-worker, writing. It was a tough one.

I also took a morning break to take B to the chiropractor, stop by her grandparents, and pick up an order at home depot. That cut into my stuff by a couple of hours.

Made sloppy joes for dinner.

Then B decided to power watch PEN15 on Hulu. It doesn't do it for me. But then again, it's her generation not mine. Hence why I can identify more with Goldbergs. Or freaks and geeks.

Went to bed around 10:30.

5 students, 8:30 - 4:30. Let's go.

Y10 D296

No repeat of the back problems thank goodness. I managed to sleep pretty solid last night. Last night we watched a documentary, Marwencol. There's a semi-fictional movie with Steve Carrel coming to video soon and as prep we watched the documentary of the original guy first. Fascinating stuff. One thing I found interesting was that after the incident, he had no interest in alcohol. Mind you, before he was a raging alcoholic. Like in a bad way. Yet now, nothing. No drinks, nothing. The human brain is so weird.

B yesterday tasked me with getting our household something. She decided she wanted a toaster oven. Say no more. When I was a kid we always had one. It was the quick way for toast, cheesy toast, baked potatoes, french fries, reheating things, etc. It saved the oven for "real cooking". I have wanted one for a long time, but didn't have the counter space. Now we do and boom. I got us the Breville. It was a little pricey, but after reading reviews of the lower end models, I made the right choice. I made a bagel and some taquitos in it yesterday. Very happy with that. I am going to use it for a steak on Wednesday. Oh yeah, you can do that with a good toaster oven. I made sure to not get one with convection. Not what we were after.

Not much else going on. We had a low key day. I have four training days this week. two 8:30 and two 10am. Of course, the 8:30 days are on the edges and the 10s in the middle. Sigh, so is life.

Y10 D295

We came in?

Yes, I am up late. That's because from 3:30 until 5:30 I was in severe back pain and couldn't get comfortable and meds weren't kicking in. I was so exhausted but I couldn't find a spot where I wasn't in screaming pain. Finally the anti-inflammatories did their job and I was able to fall back to sleep. And here we are.

So yesterday. I was alone until after 9pm. But B had a great time, got to see some fascinating shit, and hang out with an older family member who lives there. I am glad to spend a day alone if she can have good adventures. Unfortunately, she was with her mother and her adventure was influenced by that. But it is what it is. A quick recap of everything she did: they got up, had a good breakfast, met her great cousin who lives there in the city, saw the river turned green, had a grren beer, saw the bean, got souveniors, stressed out because of her mom, checked out late (but it was all okay, I called), spent 5 hours driving with a woman who doesn't pay attention to the road, and made it home a little after 9.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, I cleaned the house. Like clean, clean. Like multi-hour project. Picked up her prescription from Target, went to two groceries stores for food for the week, did my hair, found the missing remote charger, changed lightbulbs, made mac and cheese for the week, and 100 other around the house things. I finished up around 6 and just sat back to watch tv until B got home.

Once she got home she showed me all her swag, gave me a gift ( a mini bean!), and then stressed out, or rather decompressed into a ball of nerves. She unpacked, I stayed out of the way. It was the right thing to do, believe me. Went to bed around 11, then woke up at 3. Got up at 3:30.

Isn't this where

Y10 D294

Boy oh boy, I got a lot done yesterday and it was an adventure day for B! Her stress level caused her to wake up at 6:00, well ahead of when she needed to be up. Of course, right? So we ended up leaving here around 7:00, headed to her grandparents to pick up a garment bag, then I dropped her off at her mom's. They were already up and being loud. I could immediately see B's stress level climbing. I told her mother she needs to relax and calm down before getting into a car and driving for 4.5 hours.

As for me, I drove an hour away for my pedicure. Why drive an hour for a pedicure? Here's why:

When we were still living in OR, B found this woman on youtube, The Meticulous Manicurist. This woman's videos showed feet 1000x worse than mine being healed and made nice. B swore if we were ever in town long enough, I was going to see this lady. Well looky looky who lives here now, eh? Two months ago she made this appointment. I was apprehensive given how far away it is. It's about 35 miles but an hour drive.

The verdict? 100% worth my town. It was one of the best pedicures I have in my life, but more importantly she taught me how to fix my feet. Yes, she sold me products, and yes this is big part of her business, but if it works, it works. I will start seeing results in about a week if I follow the routine. I also shot the shit with her husband while I was there. Frankly, these are the kind of people I could just hang out with socially. I liked them both.

While I was doing all that, B was driving to Chicago. She got there around 2 but the room wasn't ready. They decided to head to Gino's East for pizza. Unfortunately, they went the wrong way walking because her mother is stupid and they ended up at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Oy. B, having learned from me, hailed a cab on our own and got them to pizza. Yay!

While she did all that, I had gone grocery shopping, made a cherry bundt cake, and took a nap. When I woke up I started what turned into a very long project - laundry. Since we have the new washer B has wanted me to wash the bedding. So be it. Quilt, comforter, etc. Between that, towels, and regular clothes, I didn't finish laundry until after midnight. But it's done and I am happy.

I also worked on cleaning up the soundbar setup. I hooked up the apple tv with bluetooth and taped up cables. It's not my preferred solution, but it works. I still need to find a couple of remotes today. Plus I still have some cleaning to do.

For dinner last night I had ribs which were good. Not great, good. My cake though was awesome. Very happy with that. Watched some tv while I stayed up making sure B was okay.

She had a great time at the show and ended up getting her playbill signed by multiple cast members and selfies with Hamilton and Eliza.

Not sure when they will be home today, but I have stuff to do this morning. Hence why I am up early. Now to go do it all!

Y10 D293

So the other day I had mail problems, right? At 7:12pm a package and ALL my mail was supposedly delivered. I go outside at 7:40pm and there is nothing in my mailbox. Nothing. I use the online form to make a formal submission that my mail is missing. I check one more time before bed, still empty. Yet somehow, magically when I went outside at 5:30am yesterday, oh golly, look here. It's my missing package and all my mail. That's pretty interesting seeing as they are supposed to stop delivering at 8pm. Hmm. I told the supervisor who called later to see if I got my package the same thing. She, alas, did not care. So fuck her.

Got through the rest of yesterday somehow. Not sure how I managed it. My class was frustrating, B was panic attacking over today, her mother was driving her crazy, the cats were annoying me, the weather was thundering and flashing away. A long long day.

B made meatloaf for dinner which was quite good. After dinner she wanted to watch a movie downstairs if I could figure out sound. I figured out sound. I used my old soundbar with a bluetooth connection to my laptop. Bam. Still need a projector screen, but it worked out well enough for us to watch Crimes of Grindelwald.

Went to bed around 10:30. Today is a big day. Chicago for her, pedicure for me.

Y10 D292

Did not have a good day yesterday. My class is full of duds and dumb asses. A couple of them are okay but two are just not making me happy. Out of six, like 2 are paying attention. Oh and get this, I get this email from my boss saying that upper management wants us to help recruit people for the other side of the business. Yeah right.

Then I had major trouble with both UPS and USPS yesterday. UPS broke a package that arrived from Lush. Every item inside was damaged. USPS says I had 6 pieces of mail and a package, yet I have an empty mailbox. Fuck these people around here. There are lazy, thieving people in this area and the mail is one of the worst places where this shows.

B got home late. I made lasagna. It was alright. Then at 11pm my fucking phone started going off. Some stupid ass amber alert. Why are you even showing me this?? I thought I turned it off but it did it again at fucking midnight waking me from a sound sleep. Fuck.

Just make it through the day. That's all I have to do.

Y10 D291

Back to getting up early. I have two days of 8:30 - 4:30 and then on Friday I have to drop B off early so she can drive to Chicago with her mom. So for the next three days I am up at 5:30. Meh, I don't really mind. I would rather be up and have something to do than sit around like I did yesterday.

Yesterday I had a 1-5 class. That's even worse in my mind because I just kept puttering around until it was time. I watched some tv, I worked on cataloging stuff, I updated some files, etc. I just did odds and ends. Finally my class started and we went up until 5 on the dot. After class B got home from working around 5:45 and we went over to her grandparent's house. I got her grandfather that new cane and wanted to drop it off. He was very excited for it which made me happy. In addition they ended up feeding us dinner which was a nice bonus. We stayed there until almost 8 and headed home. If that was her only family I would be happy. For me it's like having parents still alive that I actually like. I think that's why I enjoy their company.

When we got home we didn't do much. Relaxed and read until bed around 10.

Five students, two days, then a big ol' three day weekend. Let's do it!

Y10 D290

Guess what I did yesterday? NOTHING and it was GREAT! I took a much needed me day. I watched TV, I started organizing my comic book collection, I made tamales for dinner. I even took a damn nap. Ah. Yeah, I can't give this life up. Of course, now I have 3 days of teaching, but at least I am refreshed and ready to handle it. I needed a break. Not much else to say today I guess. I did some work in the backyard. The weather is finally starting to turn nicer. The snow and ice are almost all gone from the ground and it's creeping up into the 40s. Yeah, I know. But compared to single digits, 40 is nicer. Heck I can even keep the heat off for once. In the backyard I did some sweeping and broke up some of the ice chunks to help them melt faster. As for my comic books, I am finally making a database capturing all their info. As of right now, I have 50 titles cataloged. Cover value of those 50 is about $82 and current ungraded market value is almost $200. No that's not a lot but at least they are worth something. I haven't hit my good ones yet. I know I have one that's worth $600 by itself. I looked it up already. The four in that series are in total worth about $2000. So yeah, that makes up for the ones I have done so far. I am curious to see how much the whole collection is worth. I am estimating around $5000. Fucking recycling guy. He just knocked over my other can and didn't bother to put it back. Asshole. Now I have to go outside and fix it or the other ones won't take it. Man they suck at their jobs. Seriously. Okay, off to teach day 1 of 3.

Y10 D289

I'm going to tell you all a little story of something that happened last night. To set the stage, it's about 7pm and we are sitting on the couch by the front window. Also, it's scientifically proven that women have more olfactory receptors than men do. Read more here:

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/30/well/family/why-stinky-socks-may-bother-women-more-than-men.html

Okay, now that you know B can smell more than me, here's the tale. All of a sudden B exclaims, "I smell gas!". That is one smell I am not going to mock or blow off. If she smells gas, she smells gas. In my head I am thinking, what's gas in this house?? Nothing. Furnace - electric, stove - electric. Only gas thing is the water heater. And if she is smelling that upstairs?? Shit. I calmly go down to check things out. No smell. No issues. Hmm. I go back upstairs to give her the all clear, but she is still smelling it. I notice something on the blind above her head. A fucking stinkbug. Seriously. She smelled a bug. Technically two because when I walked over there was another a couple of blinds down too. This damn woman's nose picked up two bugs. Seriously. How crazy is that??

As for the day, we were both off due to DST (still am) and got a late start to the day. We had borrowed her grandfather's truck for Saturday and needed to return it. Went over, socialized for a while then headed home. We met up with B's friend for lunch. Had a pretty decent lunch. On the way back we did some shopping. B finally found a shirt to wear this weekend to Chicago. We got some body stuff at Ulta and headed back home. Socialized with her friend and then made dinner.

Chicken with rice. Was good. Too many leftovers, but it was good. Went to bed around 11:30 because you know, time stupid changes.

Today I have no obligations. Am taking it easy. Have three days of classes this week. Enough to cover my salary thank you very much. I know that sounds like a low bar, but it is what it is right now.

B is off to work another job site. Fun times. 4 days until Chicago for her and a pedicure for me.

Y10 D288

I really dislike DST. Oh look it's 7:30 instead of 6:30. Dammit. Stupid outdated bullshit. "It's better for the natural cycle". Bull. It's fucking better for capitalism. Fuck you.

I spent the majority of the day by myself. B was gone from 9 until 5 working on a job. They had to put in floors. I went to the grocery store, the pawn shop (looking for a receiver for the basement), Best Buy (still looking, didn't buy anything), came home, cleaned the floors, hung my pin boards in the basement, moved the wine fridge, organized my office, took a nap, made dinner, dealt with B's family coming over, B went to bed, I stayed up, watched some tv (man I love Doom Patrol), went to bed.

There it is. My life. Go me.

What am I going to do if I have to go back to a regular office environment? I don't want to talk to people. I don't want to be a good worker bee. I don't want to deal with politics. Fuck me.

Y10 D287

I got a fucking bomb dropped on me yesterday by my boss. The one owner finally had enough and bought out the other owner. Snickety Snack no turning back. Now to be honest, I knew he was considering this as far back as last July. I guess he gave him one more chance on a project, he fucked it up, and that's that. What does that mean for my job? Honestly, I don't know. My division is still making money. We're a $1m a year part of the business. But I really don't know. I am going to be keeping my eyes and ears out for opportunities though. See what's out there in this area.

After my meeting we ran some errands. B had gone to Costco with her grandmother earlier in the day but I wanted to go to a couple of places. Still looking for a receiver for the basement.

Made ribs for dinner. They came out much better this time. I was quite happy with them.

We went back to B's grandparents after dinner to get their truck. B has to work with her dad on a job today and I didn't want to get stuck home without a car. Sorry. It's the Weekend of George dammit. I have two places to go and I am going. So suck it world.

Oh, I created an account on linkedin. I didn't want to, but I know it's probably for the best. Sigh. Those of you who know me in real life, see if you can find me.

Y10 D286

Mock me all you want, heck, I will mock myself, but the new washer is pretty slick. It goes beep beep and spin spin and clothes come out fucking clean. What a concept.

Got through my class and sent my boss an email telling him I needed today to myself. I am way to fucking tired and haven't done a damn thing for me in three weeks. Add to that, yesterday he schedule 6 days in may where I will have to work 11-8. Not so happy about that. Pretty pissed off to be honest.

B was craving domino's for dinner so we had pizza. I got heartburn because such is my fate. After dinner we went out to run a couple of errands. Both ended up being fruitless but we stopped at the grocery store because B wanted to make a peanut butter cheesecake from a video she saw. Okay.

Got back around 9 and she made cheesecake while I did laundry. Went to bed around 11.

I have a meeting at noon but otherwise, my day is for me. I have to pay bills and the like this morning though. That's going to put me in a swell mood.

ONE MONTH UNTIL THE KID VISITS! WOO! She has been working on getting a new place to live. Her old place isn't going to be ready anytime soon and where she lives, you have to apply 2-3 months in advance for places. She lined one up and will probably move in around May. I am pushing her to keep saving and buy a house. She can get something pretty decent for around the same as we spent here. She has about 7,000 saved so she is on her way. Some day I hope to help her. I am better off than I was for sure, but not quite there yet.

Y10 D285

It's new washer day!! YAY!! God my life sucks.

Taught day one of two for the new class. Because of their background and because there are only three of them, I finished around 4:30. Probably same today. I told them I would push until 6 and then do a half day today, but they chose two short days instead. Their call.

After class, ate leftovers, started watching umbrella academy, moved the old washer out to see if there will be any issues today, went to bed when B got home around 10:30.

Y10 D284

Our boss wants to have a team meeting on Friday. That worries me. He never calls team meetings without being pushed first. I just bought a house and new washer dammit. I don't have time for this. Ugh. Stressed.

Did day two of two with one group, today begins two more days with two of them plus one new one. It's going to be a long two days.

B made stew for dinner. It was good.

I'm tired and need a break.

Y10 D283

Well, we had to replace our first major thing here in the house. Went out after dinner last night and bought a new washing machine. The 1970s one here finally went kerplunk. Oh boy. We got a nice front loading Samsung that was originally $850, on sale for $650, and because I am a best buy elite member, $599. That includes delivery and setup. Not happy, but. For Xmas, maybe we will get the dryer. Fun times.

I taught. 5 students who suck ass. All quiet. Not responding to questions or humor. I hate this group. One more day of them and then 3 of them are in a different class for two more days. Fuck this week.

Going to Jersey in May. 5 days in good ol' NJ. Was supposed to be Japan. Whatever. I need an international trip. I haven't been overseas in a while. I need to go somewhere. Either for work or on my own. One of the two. I am back up to over 100k miles available.

Made teriyaki chicken for dinner. Didn't come out as good. I struggled with the rice for some reason. Not sure why.

We made some decisions about the basement. Need to do stuff over time. But first we need a projector screen. That's one step towards being done.

I have a headache and it's 6:45am. FML.

Y10 D282

I am not feeling well this morning. Have been up for a while but spent most of it in the bathroom. Fuck. This is going to make for a real lousy day of teaching. God I am burnt out right now. I need a serious break. Instead I get a full week of 10-6 with nothing but indian contractors. Fun times.

We ended up doing shit yesterday. What a surprise. Including going shopping with B's mom and sisters so they can find something to where to Hamilton in two weeks. I baby sat that youngest one while the three of them shopped.

Came home around 6 and made pork chops. Went to bed around 10:30.

Not feeling it today. Maybe a giant snowball will hit the house and the power will go out. Ha. I'm not that lucky.

Y10 D281

The majority of our day was taken up by the funeral yesterday. We didn't get up until around 7 and then we were out of here by 9:15. They do funerals MUCH different here than I am used to from my experience. Here it's a meet and greet for like 2-3 hours, then it's an hour 'service', then more talking, then bye bye. All the stuff I am used to happening at the house and/or the night before. Also much of the service I am more used to it being done at a church than the funeral home. So yeah, it was an interesting day.

We got there around 10am and helped set up. They also bring their own food to stuff like this. Subs, cookies, danishes, donuts. Seriously, the only thing missing was lemon bars. There were a good 100+ people there for this. I knew about 10. B's uncle from Indiana drove in and him and I had a nice conversation about cars. He had visited us in OR before and he was a familiar face to me. I am sitting here counting now, I really did know about 10 people. I will also give this to B's direct people, some of them are sometimes less than sharp (like her Dad and one uncle) but compared to the deceased's side of the family, they all stepped up. Dressed appropriately, acted appropriately, etc. We were the only ones really wearing suits or at least business casual clothing. The number of white trash in ripped jeans (not for fashion, just ripped) and t-shirts amazed me. See B's grandfather is the white sheep of the family. Like me, he got out and away from them and made something of himself. He raised his kids right and did okay. His siblings not so much. This was quite evident yesterday.

The service was oh my. The brought in a brimstone and fire preacher who basically gave a damn sermon. A very hardcore one about Exodus and the red sea and somehow managed to make 'jesus' a four syllable word every time he said it. Then the vets came up and did their whole show. Guns firing, flag folding, blah blah blah. It was almost 2 by the time it was over and we got home around 3. Even though it was late, B ended up staking a nap until 5. When she got up we finally did our stuff.

First we went to Popeye's for dinner because it's what she wanted. After that we hit the one strip mall that had everything we needed - Best Buy, Petsmart, Michael's, and Meijer. And we hit them all. We needed something in each one of those. It was 9pm when we were done. But we have all of our errands run and it's all good.

When we got back we decided to see about hooking up the projector downstairs. That went better than expected. It's all setup and we watched a movie as a test. Test good. Now to finalize sound and cable hiding and it will be good. We just tested it with the laptop last night but we need a more permanent solution. I will figure something out.

All said and done we went to bed around midnight. Today we have zero obligations and I am looking forward to doing nothing.

Y10 D280

It took a VERY long time, but I made it home. Coach seats all the way. One flight the guy in front of me reeked of pot. The second flight the two guys next to me didn't shut up once. Good times.

I wish there was something exciting to write about, but when you spend 2.5 hours driving, 8 hours in the air, 3 hours in a club lounge, well, there's your whole day.

I did come home to a nice surprise - the basement is done! Painted, reorganized. I am happy with that piece of news. Now I can set up the projector and stereo down there. Very happy about that.

Went to bed around 11. We have a funeral today. B's great-uncle. This will be fun. Whee.

Y10 D279

At the airport already. The car kept saying it would take me another 30 minutes until I realized some idiot had set it to avoid tolls. Dumbass.

Rough day yesterday. Hard teaching out of the hotel. First off the client sent his team an old link that was associated to our old instructor. Everyone was 25 minutes late as a result. 17 people many of whom kept logging in and out for "meetings". Screw you. I made it through though. Finished around 3, had "dinner" from KFC, went to bed at 6. Slept okay. But was up at 11pm.

Now to spend 13 hours getting home. 16th on the upgrade list so that isn't going to happen. Fuck me.