MAKING A BABY

*A friend sent me this joke. I thought it was such a riot I just had to share it with the rest of you.....,

The Smiths were unable to conceive children and decided to use a surrogate father to start their family. On the day the proxy father was to arrive, Mr. Smith kissed his wife goodbye and said, 'Well, I'm off now. The man should be here soon.'

Half an hour later, just by chance, a door-to-door baby photographer happened to ring the doorbell, hoping to make a sale. 'Good morning, Ma'am', he said, 'I've come to...' 'Oh, no need to explain,' Mrs. Smith cut in, embarrassed, 'I've been expecting you.'

'Have you really?' said the photographer. 'Well, that's good. Did you know babies are my specialty?'

'Well that's what my husband and I had hoped. Please come in and have a seat !.After a moment she asked, blushing, 'Well, where do we start?'

'Leave everything to me. I usually try two in the bathtub, one on the couch, and perhaps a couple on the bed. And sometimes the living room floor is fun. You can really spread out there.'

'Bathtub, living room floor? No wonder it didn't work out for Harry and me!'

'Well, Ma'am, none of us can guarantee a good one every time. But if we try several different positions and I shoot from six or seven angles, I'm sure you'll be pleased with the results.'

'My, that's a lot!', gasped Mrs. Smith.

'Ma'am, in my line of work a man has to take his time. I'd love to be In and out in five minutes, but I'm sure you'd be disappointed with that.'

'Don't I know it,' said Mrs. Smith quietly.

The photographer opened his briefcase and pulled out a portfolio of his baby pictures. 'This was done on the top of a bus,' he said.

'Oh, my God!' Mrs. Smith exclaimed, grasping at her throat.

'And these twins turned out exceptionally well - when you consider their mother was so difficult to work with.'

'She was difficult?' asked Mrs. Smith.

'Yes, I'm afraid so. I finally had to take her to the park to get the job done right. People were crowding around four and five deep to get a good look'

'Four and five deep?' said Mrs. Smith, her eyes wide with amazement.

'Yes', the photographer replied. 'And for more than three hours, too. The mother was constantly squealing and yelling - I could hardly concentrate, and when darkness approached I had to rush my shots. Finally, when the squirrels began nibbling on my equipment, I just had to pack it all in.'

Mrs. Smith leaned forward. 'Do you mean they actually chewed on your, uh...equipment?'

'It's true, Ma'am, yes.. Well, if you're ready, I'll set-up my tripod and we can get to work right away.'

'Tripod?'

'Oh yes, Ma'am. I need to use a tripod to rest my Canon on. It's much too big to be held in the hand very long.'

Finally.., Mrs. Smith fainted!

Anyhow..., I thought it was funny even if no one else does. What makes it even funnier, was when I first wrote the title at the top, I wrote "mailing a baby" instead of "making a baby!" Oops! ENJOY!!

DID ANYBODY SEE THAT TRUCK?

Sometimes it's good to get invited to hang out with friends, especially when your bank account is busted and they insist upon using theirs! Of course, that just means you owe them one in return at a later date.., which is OK too. Unfortunately..., although not a common formality for me.., I think I may have over did it a little. If I could just get hold of that little man in my skull who seems to be getting a real kick out of testing his new J-1000 Model X heavy duty jack hammer on my brain.., I'd be a very happy person! Explain something to me though.., what is it about drinking a few brews that makes people think they have to yell to the top of their lungs in order to speak to the person standing 3 feet away from them?! If the music is up to loud, that's one excuse, but I'm referring to the people who yell regardless of ANYTHING! Anyhow, feeling ill is an unfortunate side effect that RARELY hits me.., but today isn't one of those times! We rarely go out much, nor do I drink that often. Even when I do, it's usually 2 or 3 beers, then going to sleep afterwards. Lately though, I don't have extra money to be throwing away on beer or rum.

Either way, it was nice to get out and unwind a little regardless of how cruddy I feel today. I'll be over it in a very short while anyway. All I have to do is finish my coffee, eat a sandwich, make some "stink brownies", take a shower, and take a short nap. Then I'll be good as new I reckon!! I can still hear the lady's voice from the unemployment office in my head. It's saying,

"Sir, chu should ino mucho beyder dan dat! Eez chu own fault chua no feela so good today sir. Chu should be grateful to el presidente Obama for no putting a ban ona dis cervesas chu wasa drinking! Now chu goes home eh toa chu house, ana beez a good an chua noa drinks a noathing no more!"

OK then..., I'm home right now so I guess I must've listened.., or something..., I guess? Anyhow, you bloggers have a nice day and write down all of your cool, wacky, twisted, or otherwise blog thoughts for the web world to share. As always, be true to your Trekee side and live long and prosper! This Dogs done for today.., SEE YA!!

1001, 1002, 1003, 1004....,

Tick tock, tick tock.., as life passes by ever so slowly. We stroll along ever so patiently accepting (or not accepting!) the good and bad stuff that comes with the territory. I've been battling over employment issues for a year now. My patience for it is all almost depleted!! I had the phone call interview with the VA. unemployment insurance deputy which resulted in my favor.., or SO I WAS TOLD!! I had submitted 6 weeks of unemployment prior to the phone call. The money was on hold pending the results of Monday's phone call. At the end of the phone call, she said,

"Since there was no opposition from your employer, I have the authority to go ahead and make the final determination on this case right now. I find in your favor because there wasn't any misconduct on your part at all. Therefore you're eligible to collect all the money for the weeks you've already submitted. However, make sure that tomorrow you file a brand new claim listing this employer as your last. When they see you didn't work there long enough to qualify, the new laws will automatically kick it back onto your old claim with the last previous employer for another 23 weeks, and possibly extensions after that."

When I read that, I read it to say:
-I get 6 weeks pay for which I've already submitted,
-I will BECOME eligible to recieve 23 MORE weeks on top of the 6 I've ALREADY filed,
-I MIGHT qualify for one or more extensions after the 23 weeks have been exhausted.

However, yesterday only a week and a half of pay was deposited into my account! I tried several times calling to find out why but never could get through. So, I braved going to the unemployment office waiting room. I WAITED, AND WAITED, AND WAITED.., for 3 hours and 40 minutes!! GLOOMY.., describes it best!! At any rate, finally a middle aged Latino woman called me to her cubicle. Unfortunately, she reminded me 100% of the wife of an old friend. I no longer have anything to do with either of them BECAUSE of his wife accusing me of something I had no part of and he chose her side, but that's a story for an entirely new post! Anyhow, she tells me I've already used all the money in my account which only had a week and a half left on it.

I told her I disagreed via my previous phone conversations and mail correspondence with the main office in Richmond back in early October, and all the email confirmations I've recieved saying my claims had all been accepted and processed. They ALSO said I had a week and a half left..., but to go online and "reopen" my old claim after the week and a half was up via the instructions and it would allow me a new 4.5 week extension to run out on November 14th. So, that's exactly what I did. I filed all the weeks in between as instructed and was informed that IF the phone interview resulted in my favor, I'd be PAID for all 6 weeks.

She was like a Latino robot programmed reading off of a set of cue cards! She said, "Yez, I seez wat chu are saying, but there's only dis weeks ands a half on chu claim! There eez no more for chu!" And she just KEPT repeating herself!! I got pretty huffy with her (not to go into it really), but I got her to ZIP IT almost immediately because.., well.., the Dog was UPSET people.., ya don't mess with the Dog's money!! UH-UH!! I said, "Look, why would the main office, which by the way as far as I've been told overrides this office's authority tell me otherwise if it wasn't true?! You can look it up online if you want, I mean there's a computer right there in front of you, what's stopping you anyway?!"

Now THIS.., really doesn't shock me, for I've seen allot worse:

"Sir, chu neez to calm down ifz chu vwant me to helup chu, OK? I don't has access to dat infromachion froma dis compuiter sir. You gonna hafato a contaks dea main offisias so for chu to getz dat infromachion. I don't hava dat infromachion here for chu. Now ifa chu filed da new claim I noa seedit on dis compuiter, but it take afewa days for it to cho up. Afser dis cho up, it vwill moslikalee goa back to vwhere dis last claim leave off, so chu will get it, jes not til dis newa claim cho up. So chu still will get all da weeks for weechu claimed and dat for weeches chu was promised! It will peek up for wheech dis week an a haf ended for chu, OK? I haf no more infromachion for weech to gives to chu sir."

(REALLY? NOT BY MY COUNT!!)

"Mam.., please tell me you can you count!"

"Ches, I can count."

"Then how can you sit here and tell me I'll get all the weeks claimed, including all the weeks I was promised? 23 PLUS 6 adds up to 29! That's not the same thing as 23 PLUS 1.5 equauls 24.5.., a DIFFERENCE of 4.5 weeks!! I can't speak for you, but for me that's a big bank account difference! I think you need to redo the math!"

"Well sir.., chu chould be grateful chu might be getting dat. If Obama no makea da laws difforent for chu.., chu noa getta noching at all! I no see wye chu soa upaset!"

"I am grateful! But don't sit there and tell me my information from the head office is incorrect, leaving me in the dark wondering what's going down.., causing me to have to waste my time sittting in a damn crowded ass waiting room for 3 hours and 40 minutes, just to tell me that basically, you're pretty much useless because you can't get accesss to the damn computer information, leaving me EXACTLY where I started in the first place!! THAT is why I'm upset! The fact I actually had to EXPLAIN IT FOR YOU is why I'm upset..., mam.., OK?! Regardless, thank you for your time ANYWAY! You have a wonderful day!!"

"OK sir.., and chua feel freez toa call us any time ina da fusher ifa chu neez are helup, sir."

YEAH.... UH-HUH.., I'll get right on that!! JUST SHOOT ME..., NOW PLEASE!!

The fact is, I tried calling the main office in Richmond. I tried doing it online. Both attempts failed which is WHY I went to my local office AS INSTRUCTED TO DO by both the phone recording AND the internet. All this, just to be informed the local offices can't help!! Wouldn't YOU be upset?!

AGAIN...., I don't deal well with IDIOTS!!! So, I guess all I can do is wait it out for a few days and see what happens. In the meantime, I'll keep on reporting my job contacts each week until I hear otherwise.

That's another thing that makes absolutely no sense at all. When you file the weekly claim online, it tells you if there's any problems to correct before submitting it, and IF there aren't any weeks for which you CAN claim, an icon will appear telling you so and it WON'T allow you to submit the weekly claim. So, since it HAS been excepting my claims.., it MUST be processing them via confirmation weekly emails I recieve.

So, AGAIN.., WHAT is going on here?! I think it will all work itself out in the wash eventually. I just wish it would hurry up!! As my dad used to say all the time kidding around (a phrase he learned in Korean during his time in Vietnam, Loas, Thialand, and Korea)...,
"Poly poly.., eedywah.., eeyobo sayo!!" (spelled as it sounds) Basically, it means...,
"HURRY HURRY..., GET A MOVE ONE!!!"

Dog days come and gone.., now and to the end.., thanks for reading this crap.., as my life I do defend! LATER!

GO GO GADGET ARM!!

Yesterday, I unloaded the last remnants of Tropical Storm Ida's wrath in the form of twigs, branches, and leaves, at the VA. Beach Landfill. It was packed so tightly I almost strained my back trying to dislodge the contents from the bed of the truck. I came home and decided to do something constructive. I've been making a slow but steady effort lately to clear out some of the stuff I've accumulated inside my workshop area. When I was still working, I used to like to pass time by looking in pawn shops and thrift stores for great bargains at dirt cheap prices. One of the purchases I made over a year ago was a Sharp 3-disc changer 200 watt stereo system for $4.50. Everything was working except the disk changer wouldn't read the disk. For $4.50, it was an absolute steal, even IF the disk changer didn't work! Anyhow, it has an equalizer, double cassette, and MP-3 capability. I even checked it out at the thrift store before I bought it. The disk changer functioned "mechanically" but something seemed like it was off track or either something was hanging up inside. Anyhow, MR. GADGET to the rescue!

Disk changer CD players all have one thing in common. If you move the unit from one location to another, and you don't lock the disk tray in place with tape, tie wrap, or whatever, you run the risk of it settling in a different gear notch than where it was when you started. IF.., this happens, whenever the player tries to read the disk(s), 2 things will happen. First, the disk will dislodge from the indention inside the tray, either getting stuck, scratched, or both, and won't be read at all. The second thing is it will keep reading it as "disk error," To witness why, take off the top cover of the unit and watch the disks as the tray turns. You'll notice when the disk stops, or is trying to be read it isn't centered under the lense. It will either be too far left or right of it. You'll also notice a mechanism that rises upward as each disk is supposed to be read. Most likely when it does, it will grab the disk by the edge instead of the center like it's supposed to. That's what causes it to dislodge itself from the circular confines of the tray. The disk can't be read because the wheel can't hook the center hole in order to spin it. Luckily, the fix is an easy one.

The first thing you have to do is determine where it supposed to be as opposed to where it is. The way to do this is to turn the unit off (cover still removed), then turn it back on. It should cycle through.., disk 1, disk 2, disk 3, then back to 1.., or 2, 3, then 1 and stopping at the 1. (use the display lights on the unit to help you out.) This allows it to align to where disk # 1 is supposed to be. There is a screw(s) holding the lens bracket above the disk tray. Make a mental note of where the bracket's center location is. (This location is the point where the lens should pop up whenever it trys to read it.) Remove screw(s), and carefully tilt the lens bracket back being careful not to break anything. Next, lift the lens tray off the gear assembly and reinstall it so #1 slot on the tray is aligned centered under the lens. Set bracket in place to check. You may have to move it a notch or two left or right until you get it set correctly.

Anyhow, that's basically all there was to it. Now I have an awsome system in my workshop and it only put me out 5 bucks and a little patience. As far as rear speakers, I had a pair from an old Sony system I salvaged after the unit finally bit the dust. They work just fine on this one!! I have a smaller boom box I used to use at work that also needs a CD makeover.., but it's a little bit more involved of a repair. I started out in electronics, so those kind of challenges don't scare me much. I have a bigger Sony system I bought 4 years ago for about $8.., and all I did..., was CLEAN THE LENS!! Unfortuntely, I accidentally broke the balance knob, but you can still move it with a pen. I've bought CDs before 2 for $1, etc, etc. Otherwise.., if I had to pay the full price it would still be on the shelf!! Stuff like that costs TOO MUCH brand new. Why pay the full price? Wait a month or two.., somebody will get sick of it.., making it more affordable to you!!

BABY STEPS...,

Anyhow, getting back to my workshop, I FINALLY stripped the rest of my scrap copper wire. Most of the time, I rarely fool with stripping the smaller stuff because you only loose about 11 cents a pound NOT to strip it. Usually, I'm cashing in larger wire I always strip out, and I just include all the smaller wire clippings at a minimal loss. Right now, I've got nothing but time. So, it ALL got stripped. I have about 3/4 of a 5 gallon bucket of copper, 2 pounds of brass, a pound of aluminum stock material, and about 50 pounds of scrap iron. Hardly enough to get excited about and barely worth the effort. It only serves to allow me a sense of purpose in that I'm doing something positive for a change. I may only collect $20 or $30 for it.., but at least I did SOMETHING! Plus, it's recycling which can only be a good thing, right?

Even better yet, my business actually got some work this week! Started yesterday evening for an attorney's office, and went back and finished up early this morning. I repaired a bunch of lights, fixed some faulty wiring, replaced some switches, and gained a new customer for the future, possibly many more through word of mouth and by the example of the finished product. When I got finished he said, "I'll never call anyone else except you.., thank you.., I couldn't be happier with it." Could it be...., are things starting to fill the Dog's dish..., or is somebody just teasing me with a few treats so I'll do a few tricks here and there? DOH!!! Good doggy!!

So.., there's this poem floating around in cyberspace. The poem and the story goes as follows......,

When an old man died in the geriatric ward of a nursing home in North Platte, Nebraska, it was believed that he had nothing left of any value. Later, when the nurses were going through his meager possessions, They found this poem .

Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital. One nurse took her copy to Missouri . The old man's sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas edition of the News Magazine of the St.. Louis Association for Mental Health.

A slide presentation has also been made based on his simple, but eloquent, poem. And this little old man, with nothing left to give to the world, is now the author of this 'anonymous' poem winging across the Internet.

"Crabby Old Man"

What do you see nurses? .. . What do you see?
What are you thinking . . .when you're looking at me?
A crabby old man, . . not very wise,
Uncertain of habit . . with faraway eyes?

Who dribbles his food, . .and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice, .. . 'I do wish you'd try!'
Who seems not to notice, . . the things that you do.
And forever is losing, . . A sock or shoe?

Who, resisting or not,... lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding,... The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking? Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse, . . you're not looking at me.

I'll tell you who I am. As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, . . as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of Ten, . . with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters, . . who love one another.

A young boy of Sixteen, . . with wings on his feet,
Dreaming that soon now, . . a lover he'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty, . . my heart gives a leap,
Remembering, the vows, . . that I promised to keep.

At Twenty-Five, now, . . I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide, . . And a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty, . . My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other, . .With ties that should last.

At Forty, my young sons, .. have grown and are gone,
But my woman's beside me, . .to see I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more, babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children, . . My loved one and me.

Dark days are upon me, . . my wife is now dead.
I look at the future, ... shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing, . . young of their own.
And I think of the years, . . and the love that I've known.

I'm now an old man, . . and nature is cruel.
Tis jest to make old age, . . look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles, . . grace and vigor, depart.
There is now a stone, . . where I once had a heart.

But inside this old carcass, . .. a young guy still dwells,
And now and again, . . my battered heart swells.
I remember the joys, . . I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living, . . life over again.

I think of the years, all too few, . . gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact, . . that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people, . . open and see..
Not a crabby old man. Look closer, . . see ME!!

**THIS IMPORTANT MESSAGE IS ALSO BEING ATTACHED WITHIN THE TRAILS OF CYBERSPACE. SOME, ARE CALLING IT A 'WAKE UP CALL!'--
MESSAGE:
"Remember this poem when you next meet an older person who you might brush aside without looking at the young soul within .. . . . we will all, one day, be there, too!

ANTICIPATION vs DREAD!

I'm sitting here at the keyboard basically wasting time, but mostly trying to calm my nerves. I'm awaiting the stupid phone call I spoke of yesterday. It's supposed to take place at 10 a.m..., but last time I went through this they were 15 minutes early. I've basically stated my case already in certified letter format, so truthfully, I don't even see any logic as to why the phone interview has to take place at all. However, as I've said many times before.., that's the ways of the wonderful Commonwealth State of VA. As a matter of fact, n many states, I would've been able to bring many of my past employers up on charges that would've stuck in my favor, for allot of the things I've been through. Virginia, however, is what's called a "right to work" state.., meaning they can fire you at anytime for anything without reason or prior notice under the law. The only time they have to answer for it is in workmen's compensation hearings and unemployment disputes. HENCE..., here I sit!! Anyhow, I wish they'd hurry up and get it over with so I'm not stuck sitting here waiting all day! At any rate my faithful blog pals..., send a dog a bone and wish me luck why don't ya!! Sure gonna need it!!

RING-RING....!!

YEAH BABY!!!! AWSOME!!! My phone call now over.., results are in!! Doggie gett'n paid..., TODAY!!!

I was in SHOCK!! I mean.., I was certain I'd get it.., but usually you have to wait for about 10 days to find out the results., then check processing and mailing time. However, I was surprised to hear my turd of a boss didn't protest the claim. Of course, it doesn't actually go against him, which is most likely the only reason. At any rate, she said she had the authority to make an on spot determination since the employer didn't dispute it. Therefore, she called it in to get the check processed for 6 weeks of unemploment back pay! Stress level now decreased by 35%!! COOL..., smooth dog out! Live long and prosper!! YEEHAH!!!!

Best email joke ever!!

HOW TO CALL THE POLICE .

George Phillips , an elderly man, from Meridian, Mississippi, was going up to bed, when his wife told him that he'd left the light on in the garden shed, which she could see from the bedroom window.

George opened the back door to go turn off the light, but saw that there were people in the shed stealing things.

He phoned the police, who asked "Is someone in your house?"
He said "No," but some people are breaking into my garden shed and stealing from me.

Then the police dispatcher said "All patrols are busy. You should lock yourdoors and an officer will be along when one is available."

George said, "Okay." He hung up the phone and counted to 30.

Then he phoned the police again. "Hello,I just called you a few seconds ago because there were people stealing things from my shed. Well, you don't have to worry about them now because I just shot and killed them both, the dogs are eating them right now." and he hung up.

Within five minutes, six Police Cars, a SWAT Team, a Helicopter, two Fire Trucks, a Paramedic, and an Ambulance showed up at the Phillips' residence, and caught the burglars red-handed.

One of the Policemen said to George , "I thought you said that you'd shot them!" George said, "I thought you said there was nobody available!"

SAD BUT TRUE!

A Harley biker is riding by the zoo in Washington, DC when he sees a little girl leaning into the lion's cage.

Suddenly, the lion grabs her by the cuff of her jacket and tries to pull her inside to slaughter her, under the eyes of her screaming parents.

The biker jumps off his Harley, runs to the cage and hits the lion square on the nose with a powerful punch.

Whimpering from the pain the lion jumps back letting go of the girl and the biker brings her to her terrified parents, who thank him endlessly.

A reporter has watched the whole event.

The reporter addressing the Harley rider says, 'Sir, this was the most gallant and brave thing I've seen a man do in my whole life.'

The Harley rider replies, 'Why, it was nothing, really, the lion was behind bars. I just saw this little kid in danger and acted as I felt right.'

The reporter says, 'Well, I'll make sure this won't go unnoticed. I'm a journalist, you know, and tomorrow's paper will have this story on the front page... So, what do you do for a living and what political affiliation do you have?'

The biker replies, 'I'm a U.S. Marine and a Republican.'

The journalist leaves.

The following morning the biker buys the paper to see if it indeed brings news of his actions and reads on the front page:

"U.S. MARINE ASSAULTS AFRICAN IMMIGRANT AND STEALS HIS LUNCH!"

ANYHOW.....................,

So by now you've probably, seen, felt, experienced, or heard about Tropical Storm Ida and all it's devestation. In this here neck of the woods.., we got a little kicked around ourselves. Several major roads and highways along with a few area tunnels are closed due to flooding. Many people are without power and running water, etc. The governor is expected to declare a state of emergency for a few areas of the Tidewater VA area Monday (I believe, so don't quote me on that). Many homes and businesses were either flooded, demolished, or partially damaged by high winds.

There's a wildlife reserve (King's Creek) behind the houses across the street from us. The water rose about 15 feet above it's banks. Luckily the creek is 20 feet lower tha the highest backyard level leaving 5 feet of flood barrier protection. Still, that's ALLOT of water!! One of the houses was built in the early 1800's, yet it took no damage. That says allot for the way they USED to build houses!!

There was a medium sized tree uprooted by the wind 2 doors down, a tree split in half across the street, brief power outages, limbs, branches, leaves, toppled and broken outdoor furniture, etc. Today, we cleaned up about 15 HUGE bags of leaves and debri. My truck bed is piled 4 feet above the cab with branches, twigs, etc. I hasd to stomp down on them about 4 or 5 times to make it all fit for the ride to the dump on Tuesday!!

An enormous barge filled with containers full of chlorine, washed up at the local tourist beach of Sandbridge within 50 feet of demolishing a newly rebuilt fishing pier! Luckily, the Coast Guard was able to secure the barge in time. Living near the ocean.., these things just go with the territory. You just try to do your best not to get caught stranded with nowhere to go. They said this storm's damage was WORSE than the damage caused by Hurricane Isabel! I just hope another big storm doesn't hit us before we regroup from this one. But hey.., this IS good old problematic VA.., and most likely it probably WILL!!

JUST A THANKIN' BOUT STUFF Y'ALL

I suppose some of you have been wondering why I've been talking about unemployment in my posts here and there when I have my own business. No.., I'm not trying to cheat the system. I am currently eligible to recieve unemployment under a previous existing claim BECAUSE I was let go from a company before I started the business. As long as I claim any money I make on my weekly submitted claim, there's nothing wrong with it. They simply exclude the money made from any pay I'd recieve for that week.

However, since my business is brand new and isn't doing SQUAT right now.., unemployment would be GREATLY appreciated!! But because my last employer was a DICK and let me go at 29 days to avoid unemployment liability, etc, I have to wait until the "fact findings" of Monday's phone interview between, me, the employment office deputy, and my old boss. If it's determined I was NOT let go for any sort of "misconduct" on my part, then I will recieve backpay from October 7th until next week. It's very unlikely they will side for the employer because I never refused to do anything that was asked of me, I was never late, etc.

Their complaint was I wasn't holding up my end of the bargain to be a "leader". The fact is, I was never hired under those conditions to start with. I was never told I was being considered for anything more than what I was hired for. I was hired as an electrician, as it is so stated on my interview sheet which we both signed. I asked during the interview about it being a foreman's position and was told, and I quote, "Absolutely not!" unquote. With that in mind.., I DOUBT it will turn out bad.

Supposedly, I'm eligible for another extension to either hold me until the first of the year, they start the whole process over again by filing a new claim, OR, a combination of both. So basically, if you haven't already figured it out by now..., I'm just as confused about how it all works as you are!! If you think about it though, it's really screwed up. I reopened my claim on October 7th, and I've filed every week since then. However, I have to WAIT until November 16th plus 10 days for the results to FIND OUT "if" I get any money, then WAIT until the check is/isn't processed.

On the 16th, I also have to file a NEW CLAIM for continued eligibility after the extensions are axhaused.., thus requiring (I'm almost positive about this) ANOTHER phone interview with the same employer at another date and time! This another fine example of the ass-backwards good old VA. Commonwealth State!!

SITUATION IS-- I'm ready, willing, and able to work.

However, nobody is hiring, my business isn't happening, my debts are growing larger, I feel like I'm losing my mind, Pantera will never have any new music featuring Darrel Eugene Abbot (RIP Dime), and my patience has all but left the building!! Sounds like someone ALL OF US know, right?!

So, with that in mind, if I seem a little TENSE, ANGRY, WORRIED, OR WHATEVER when I write...., need I say more? Give me a break.., later dog!!!

SOAKER BRINGS THOUGHTS!!

It's a dreary and rainy day here. The weather halted my plans yesterday, and now today for putting out flyers for my business. Virginia has some of the stupidest rules & regulations in order to get thier hand in your pocket for just about anything you have or anything you want to do. Apparently in VA, you can't place flyers door to door without a business license to PASS OUT FLYERS..., and you can't put flyers in mailboxes PERIOD! I'm not 100% sure I won't be breaking the law placing them under windshield wipers, but that's what I'm GOING to do!! I have a business license for my electrical company but I CAN'T do ANYTHING PERIOD requiring a city permit or city inspection without ALSO having a VA CONTRACTOR'S LICENSE!!

However, If I get the homeowner/business owner to pull the permit/call for the inspection on thier dime, I can do whatever I need to do. It's a phenomonal difference in price if they do it saving them allot of money. Many people don't want to be bothered and would rather pay the extra $250 (plus $100 mark up for my time) for me to do it. As soon as I'm able, I'm going to secure a class "B" contractor's license. The only reason I don't right now is because having it ALSO requires you to carry contractor's liability insurance. That's another monthly bill I can do without! If you hire 3 or more employees, you have to carry workmen's compensation insurance, and the laws have changed to include offering some form of medical coverage. I realize all too well my business is DOOMED to fail.., but I simply cannot give up without a fight.

REALITY CHECK

I grew up in Northeast Tennessee. I left in 1979 at age 18 to persue a career in the military which I quickly found out was BOTH a mistake AND the best thing I could have done at that time. As a teenager, I'd had more than my share of arguments and rebellion between my dad, myself, and some with my mom. Thinking back to those troubled times often makes me want to kick my own ass.., TWICE! My dad was.., IS.., a serious, old fashioned, hard working man of stout principles. He's the type of guy who will help anyone in need.., within reason.., and rarely respects those capable who simply WON'T help themselves. That last part also describes ME!! His patience vault is an empty cavern.., a scary place really. If I were to get locked in there for very long I'd find the contents of the shelves that once were stocked, had been depleted mostly by his efforts in dealing with me over the years. While it's true dad isn't overly patient, I have to admit he's pulled from this limited stockpile many times when even those more patient might have thrown in the towel. Unconditional love is like that people.

Once I went home on vacation and ran across some old letters I'd sent while I was in the Navy. I remember thinking after I'd read them, if I didn't drink before I'd need one for sure once I finished reading! As a parent myself, no parent wants to see thier children fail or go through rough times. When I look back at my life, that's all I can see..., ONE HUGE MESS! Sure, not all of it's been bad.., but it's hard sometimes to separate the two. My daughter was the good that came from of it.., but my evil ex-wife saw to it even THAT wasn't always pleasant. I have my girlfriend Sugarbear in my life.., (how she puts up with me is TRULLY a miracle!!). I look at the fix I'm in now and wonder how did it come to this?

I was instant messaging my buddy of mine in California a little while ago when we got on the subject of knowing when to speak up and when not to. Now "Cue Ball" as I'm going to call him, is the type of guy who stuff seems to bounce off of. I don't think I've ever seen him mad but once. I do remember you DON'T EVER want to make him mad! I had to grab hold of him and get him away from the situation because he was about to be the CUE making the BREAK across someone's big fat head!!! I don't even remember what it was about now. Anyhow, I told him I wish I had his trait.., a trait usually held by those who sustain successful employment. I pulled up my resume and started soul searching every job I've had trying to visualize what if anything I could've done different. I started with my last job and worked backwards. It WASN'T a pretty sight!!

My last job is what it is. Nothing I could've done would've changed the outcome.

Before that.., while I was true to my cause with calling the owner's bluff on the promises he'd broken to me..., I could've let it ride. Maybe he'd been more receptive allowing me to defend myself otherwise. Then again, maybe it had nothing to do with it at all.

Before that.., nothing would've changed because they hire people for 30 days during huge workloads, then fire them before benefits kick in.

Before that.., if I'd stayed on and put up with the owner's bull it would've eventually worked out to my advantage. I saw him later on and he said he had never even considered firing me and thought my work was good enough to sustain employment there indefinately. He just throws stuff at all new employees as a test.., opps, I guess I failed. :-( He was a FIRST CLASS turd!!

Before that.., although work was slow it would've picked up eventually and I'd still have a job.

Before that, I had my foot in solid there.., but 2 months later, supervisors included, got the axe after the company laid off over 200 employees.

Before that, a spinal injury would've still put me in an evaluation situation to get me fired.

Before that.., company dropped the contract a month after I left anyway.

Before that, they would've still tried to bring in Mexican immigrants to replace us and would've still gotten fined, etc, and therefore kicked off the project permanently.

Before that.., to be honest.., I would've probably died of electrocution because safety was a nightmare!

Before that, if I'd gotten myself to work on time and had stopped making excuses for it I'd probably still have a job there.

Before that.., well..., the supervisor shouldn't have forged my signature on $5000 worth of material in the first place.., so that's not my fault!

Before that..., I should have been more responsible ($$$) PERIOD.., because I'd probably still have a job there.

Before that..., would've been laid off 2 months later anyway, so not my fault either.

Before that.., injured and couldn't work for several months, so not my fault either.

Before that..., contract ended.., however.., I turned down an EXCELLENT relocation offer with Hiller Systems, Inc. to move to Mobile, Alabama (company paid residence, good $$$, vehicle, phone, gas, meals, insurance, 401k, and medical/dental/vision included for me AND my family!!)..., all because my EVIL EX-WIFE didn't want to move from VA!!! We ended up separating PERMANENTLY less than one month later!! Unfortunately by then, the position had been filled. ARRGGHH!! However, my fault for getting hooked up with her to start with!

Before that, the contract ended=lay off, again, not my fault.

Before that x 4 =same thing, not my fault.

Before that.., loss temper and quit, DEFINATELY my fault. Job & pay sucked anyway.

Before that.., contract ended without notice. However, they kept everyone except 3 of us. The other 2 were always late.., and I was always too outspoken.., so that cost me a TERRIFIC job at a nuclear facility. So, I suppose in a way that may have been my fault.

Before that, to sum it up.., my mouth.., tardiness.., partying.., and my temper all got in the way.., definately my fault!

However my work and my speed was the only thing job positive I had going for me back then. Now.., those two things are playing against me. My work is fine.., it's just that I can't seem to stay employed long enough to prove it to anyone!

So, I guess really.., most of it was circumstances beyond my control. But it seems most of the jobs I've had at some point personality clashes and voiced opinions always seem to get in the way even if it was isolated incidents. I have a real hard time dealing with IDIOTS., sorry! In this I suppose I'm both like and unlike my dad. He always says, "Son, you need to learn how and when to keep your big mouth shut. Everything doesn't always have to turn into a debate." HOWEVER..., I've had to sit and listen to COUNTLESS stories.., most more than 10 times OR MORE of how he himself DIDN'T DO the very thing he's preached at me so pationately about! Don't get me wrong.., I'm not saying his advice isn't good advice, just that it always floored me at the similarities in the parallels of the two.., and STILL does to this very day. I love my dad very much though.., and instead of DEBATING with him about it, I just try and take something good from it, realizing he is who he is and I am who I am.

I also keep in mind that working in a factory environment for years and years is a VERY DIFFERENT work environment than what I'm used to. Even employment professionals agree the turnover is almost 45% higher in trade jobs than factory jobs because of the nature of supply and demand and contracting agreements. Either way, my parents have always been there for me whenever I've needed them. They've not always been necessarily totally in agrrement with everything, but still there none the less. I love them both very much, even though sometimes I don't always agree with them. Of course, it's all about choices. If I could go back and change things..., BELIEVE ME I would. At almost 49 years old.., it's a little late in the game to be switching careers. So, here we go.., making the best of it.

My daughter called me yesterday and asked me for career advice about taking a prospective job offer, or staying where she is. Now.., I love my daughter with all my heart.., but SERIOUSLY.., I almost had to laugh.., asking ME for career advice?! That's like asking a group of swordsmen to watch over your balloons for you! Here's some advice.., look at my career and DON'T do what I did! However.., being a dad means showing your kids the way at all costs.., even if it means defacing yourself to get the point across. Without spelling out every detail, I just told he not to sell herself short, do her research first, do her best, choose what's right for her, and try not to make the mistakes I did. I told her I'll support her in whatever career path she chooses and no matter what I'll always love her. I know I know..., you need a tissue.., it's OK, so do I.

Anyhow.., that's all for this post on this rainy, dreary, and absolutely crappy day in this old dog's life. Take care, be good, live long, and prosper!