Another day writing my blog at a highschool

So, another day goes by -- the job searching goes through its paces.  Things are starting to look up, but I don't want to get too positive sounding, else I set myself up for a fall.

Do want to say thanks to the relative who has been really helpful... shouldn't say who as it might jinx it all (not that I'm a superstitious type) - but you know who you are.  Thanks a bunch I hope it plays out well.

The days at home with Dean are great I must say.  I will treasure this time being able to be spent with him.  Watching him slowly develop.  However, he has been most needy lately.  I hate to just prop him up with some Pocoyo or In the Night Garden, but at times it's the only thing that keeps him from that baby's whine.  I know he's a baby, and they do cry, but the really pathetic whine rubs against me in the way that fingernails do on a chalkboard.

That and I'm finding the days home doing almost nothing driving me insane.  I have to get out to go biking or something just to DO something.... not playing video games, writing cover letters, scouring job sites or watching infant television or worrying about my financial future.  So I've been taking to getting the bike out -- haven't biked much since the layoff.  I just absently cruise around.  Dropped by Robin's house, but he wasn't there the one time.

Anyhow, it's Hallowe'en and Dean's costume is ready for showing off to the family.  Seeing as it's themed it means that finally there'll be some family shots (it was pointed out that there really isn't a shot with Mandy, Dean and myself).  So we had sent the email out to go and trick-or-treat.  But as with all best laid plans they go awry -- I get called for supply.  Not that that's a bad thing - heck it's easy money.  Just I would have liked to go out the day with my kid for his first Hallowe'en day.

Oh, well - pay the mortgage - that's the first priority right?  I'll be home soon enough to do some trick-or-treating and then hand out some candy (which reminds me I should go and get some more... just in case right?)

My latest news

So it has been a while since I have been on here.  I did however post some pics of Dean at Gammondale's.  Did you see them?  Dean's so cute.  It was a good day with Justin, Karen, Parker, Derek, Mia and Tia.  It coulda been an expensive day... however, Dean is under 2, therefore, he's free and doesn't really want to do anything that costs tickets.  There were several different types of mazes, a straw pyramid for climbing, horse rides ponies, barrel rides.  Lots for any kid.

That day was a great day for the family actually.  We went to the farmer's market in the morning, and bought some good food, and then went to the other farmer's market in the victoria ville down town area (in the old George's Furniture).

It was a great time.  We found my steamed buns... mmm... After, we went to my parents' house to visit, but somehow after telling both my parents the day previously, mom went out and missed the whole thing, and dad was missed out on a shower.  Then we headed out to Gammondale's and then the Gold Rush Days at some church (I forget which one -- but we met a nice old lady and bought the best cookies ever:  ROOT BEER COOKIES).

What a day -- helped me take my mind of the turning of events of the week.  For those of you just turning in - I was laid off from PTC.  I had written previously about how the numbers were low, and we figured that somebody would get the axe - and well, it was me.  At least I can still supply teach.

Well I've done over like 25 resumes and set up profiles on a ton of sites - but so far nothing yet.  I've had a phone interview which seemed promising, but ... we'll see.  I'm still waiting my ROE... hopefully it comes soon.

Apparently by writing an email to Tony trying to get some answers was a bad idea.  I just think that he needed to know that there's been some wrong decisions made in the past while.  I really don't mind at all, or feel slighted in any way.  I've been meaning to say something about Ally's direction but while I was employed there was thge scare I would have been fired.  She tends to go through people quickly, making sure she only looks in the best of lights herself.

Anyhow, I'm not there anymore, so I don't have to worry about that anymore -- yeehaw.  Now just to find something better.... know anything?

Various - Bayfield / Old Moore Folks / Dean

Yeah, it's been a while I know... I've been meaning to write -- but I'm busy lately.  It's been so hectic.  Rob's been home for some time now - and I haven't even had a moment to give him a shout.  Well I did once but it was late and then I was putting Dean down and then when I had a second Rob was putting Ben down... oh the joys of fatherhood.

So what do I need to catch you up on?  Bayfield obviously... my folks... Dean (of course - there's always Dean stories).

So Dean stories... Mandy's parents snagged him an "Iggle Piggle" toy that makes noises when you squeeze him from Toronto.  He wore it out in a day!  He just loves that show "In the Night Garden".  This makes 2 characters he has, the other is "Makka Pakka".He's so constantly happy it seems these days.  His bath times are awesome!  Just loves to splash and play with the toys... I get drenched.  The only down side is that he just loves to stand nowadays... he can do it assisted easily, but I get concerned about standing in the tub... pretty slippery and lotsa hard things to land on.  He'll learn eventually.  Just so much fun watching him learn.

Mom & Dad are getting on well.  Dad's adjusting to his recovery process quite well.  He's driving mom a bit nuts, but I think that's just dad and not the recovery that's doing it.  Somebody needs to find him a part time job as soon as he's better.  Mom felt how was on the other side of the table as she just came home from her angiogram.  She was forced to stay in bed for 24 hours.  They asked that somebody stay with her, and not just her husband who came back from surgery himself - so that meant I was home overnight with them.  Weird going back to your old room.  I guess it's the joy of being the only kiddo in town with them still.  Maybe Charm will move back!  heh Just kidding mom & dad.

Bayfield is always my favourite parade.  I think it's the favourite of anybody in the pipeband as well as people come out of the woodwork for this one.  Too bad Andrew couldn't come.  I think near the end he was really hoping he could go (Stupid Eric for mentioning that there would be a possibility he might get a drink... our band NEVER tolerates that!).  I picked up a few things for Dean:  a book "the old woman who swallowed the spider"; and 2 onesies (an "I *heart* Bayfield" and a skull and crossbones with a bear skull - I wanted to get the "I moose have a hug"  but they were out of stock in his size).

 

I also picked up a wackload of apple butters (2 caramel, 1 rum, 1 plain, 1 blueberry jam, and 1 strawberry daiquiri).  Yumm -- maybe this will last longer than last years'.  It was nice weather the whole weekend, with the exception of that night on the pier... oh man that was chilly.

After years and years of playing there and seeing people with cameras etc... I've always scoured youtube for videos of us in these city parades and nothing.  Well we  finally got video from a guy who saw us in Bayfield.

http://www.vimeo.com/1906941

What else to discuss?  Not much I guess really... work's slow.  Starting to do some supply days ... but I think it's time I marched on.  Know any good jobs?  I gotta keep applying.

Notice the new font I'm using (if you can tell...) it's the new DROID font from Google that's built into their Android phone... HINT HINT - i so want one for Christmas.

Dad's home now - somebody tell him to relax

So, we were wrong.  Talking with mom and dad while they were at the hospital and they were saying they would be turfed sooner than later.  Sure he's been feeling better and handled stairs and everything, but he just had 5 bypasses done.  We thought they would keep him for at LEAST A WEEK.

So when we talked to them on Sunday they figured they'd be coming home the next day.  Well we thought if they hadn't said anything to him about going home, that they would probably give him a days' notice so he can get things in order.  Nope - he got the notice Monday morning that he would be out and had to arrange for his Westjet flight home that night.

Thanks goes to auntie Linda for picking them up and taking them to the airport.

So, 1023pm they come off the airplane.  Dad in this double wide wheelchair - which was kinda funny.  Dan Wigg was there and he was saying how this will probably be a difficult time for him as dad's never been the kinda guy to sit back and take it easy.  We got him downstairs and were waiting for the suitcases and he gets up out of his wheel chair and WALKS all the way to the bathroom across the floor.  YOU HAVE A WHEEL CHAIR - USE IT.  yeesh... Dan walked down there with teh chair and dad still refused it when he came out.

Well then it was time to come on out... I had to get the car and pull it around, and got in behind this crazy yank who couldn' figure out the gate thing, kept going up to it and having to reverse as the gate wouldn't go up.  Felt like forever behind him.

Anywho... we then went to the only all night pharmacy 'cuz by this time it was after 11... which meant Shoppers by Intercity.  Yoiks... you can sure meet some interesting people.  Dad had a lot to get refilled so it took a while.  He relaxed in the car, and mom tried to be polite to the wackos.

We finally get him home and I set up his bed on the pull out couch.  He went straight to bed pretty much... well after I had to change his dressings.  Let me tell you -- staples are the grossest things I've ever seen.

A few days have gone by now and dad's still doing good.  Each day is better than the last he says.  But he still tries to push his boundaries, which is good, but I know dad.  "Double Duty Dave" as he used to be known.  He's gonna try to run before he should.

So, yay to me, the kid left at home.  Not that I ever EVER begrudge helping my folks out... just it might have been easier had I moved away like everybody else.

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Well, just sitting in the staff room at westgate today.  First day REALLY supplying this year.  Phew... this will truly help out with getting my name back on the board.  Just gotta wait for Rory to finish my business cards so I can really start promoting.

Dad's good

So, after almost 5 hours of surgery, dad's come out the other end a-ok.  The doctor's said that there was no complication, no hitches or anything.  They did 5 bypasses in total apparently.  Now they said from the angiogram there were 4 blockages (although I do remember something about how there was a minor one or something...).

So, all's fixed, he just has some recovery time to go through.  Which we hear is typically 2 months.  Now the tricky part is he'll have to stay in ICU till probably tomorrow, which then he'll be transferred to a room.  And, apparently Hamilton General does not have any available single rooms... which is making my dad livid.  He can barely sleep when mom's in the room, let alone some complete stranger.  He got only a few moments when he was back at the hospital at home when he had to share a room ... apparently the guy had a colonoscopy and was up all night farting.

Good time thus far for all involved... dad's fixed, we're all reassured, and Auntie Sharron showed up to help hang out with mom.  Thanks auntie Sharron.

If you've noticed, I've linked alot to the wikipedia site.  This comes from the fact I just watched professor wikipedia on collegehumour.com.  Watch it... and enjoy, ... it's a good break from something serious.

A weekend

Typically when I've tried to catch up on my 'blogging' in a while, I mention how not much has really happened.  I give the 'typical weekend' kinda stuff.

Not this weekend report.  So much has happened this past week, that I've just got to take a min or 2 here to determine exactly what so I don't forget anything.

First is, I'm exhausted.  I've been biking to work all summer, and for the longest time I really enjoyed it, but I haven't been losing any weight.  Though, I did noticed that my clothes felt better.  Anyways, I weighed myself and it turns out I had lost 15lbs so far.  Not bad.  Only 7 more to get me to my first goal.  Doubt I'll hit it, but I doubted I'd get this far.  Good motivation to keep going as long as possible.  Until there's snow on the ground I guess.  Now the whole point here is that I'm exhausted.  When I started biking I noticed it got easier, and it felt better as I went on and on.  Now, maybe it's because the mornings feel cooler, and the afternoons have more wind, but I'm coming home in just buckets of sweat and sore as heck.  My legs ache, etc... maybe I'm not getting enough sleep or something, but I'm definitely having to soothe my legs when I get home.  Could be my tires, I've gone and filled it with air a few times each week... maybe it's time to look for something new -- next year tho'.  No point now.

Band welcoming back came this week.  We had only 5 new students come out to the info session.  We'll see how many stick around in a few months' time.  Means I've got to go and get the modules worked on so it looks very good when I start next week.  And I should probably find my chanter.  Hrmm... I checked at LU... nothing at the Elk's... where could it be?  The band also held a general meeting to help get a picture of where we all stand and what's in the offing for the upcoming season.  Part of it was to hold a statement from the pipemajors... and Ror and I worked together for a while to get it right... and then the day of Rory forgot his speech... so he got all upset... and then got somebody to pick it up for him.  And then, when it came time to give the speech it turs out I had forgot mine.  Luckily I decided to bring my laptop ... and I had the speech on there... so mine just looked horrible.  Ah, well... point got across I think.  It was really nice to see the band members come out and wear the green shirts.  Makes it really look like we're together.  And Andrew now standing in the circle has been reat.  He's coming along well.

What else.. well, obviously, lots of work stuff.  Sometimes I just have to shake my head.  Anywhoo, next topic.

My dad has his date picked.  They let him know like Wednesday that it'd be the Tuesday.  Mom and him have their tickets booked, and hotel reserved... so I think they're set.  They keep saying they don't need anything, but I hope they realize that it will be ok to ask for it.  I mea I have done the lawn mowing, but I'm sure they could use more.  I'll just have to keep bringing Dean over.  I think he'll be a key component in my dad recovering.  Now to ensure that Charmane stays at bay... not saying that her coming is a BAD thing, just as mom and dad have said that it's unnecessary.

Oh, Mandy's gone off to her parents.  They decided to go to Minneapolis at pretty much the last minute.  That's good... they love to travel... not far, but travel still.  So Mandy's watching Kasey, and decided I can look after Dean all myself.  I think this is the first time it's just Dean and I (Mandy says there was one other, but this would be the first WEEKEND).  Just as I said earlier, I'm exhausted after each day, and now having to handle Dean 24hrs a day makes it that much more tiring.  But we've enjoyed ourselves.  A guys' weekend.  We I've been watching UFC's ultimate fighter marathon for season 1.  Can't believe that's like over 6 years ago.  Like where Forrest Griffin got his start.  Pretty cool!

Well that's enough I think.  I'm tired, it's late... just the Shamrock v. Franklin fight to go... I know who wins, so should I wait, or just get a start on sleep now?

Oh, last bit... I've been finishing the Wheel of Time #11 book (Knife of Dreams).  Disappointing how part way through I find out that Robert Jordan passed away.  I didn't know!!!  So research has shown that it's being passed on to somebody else to finish book 12... but not until like September of NEXT YEAR.  oi... I guess I can read the series again.  I've been starting to cheat in this book, using various wiki to get some hints at what could happen.  But 11 is a much better book than the middle books.

LHC Rap

Hilarious...  people never cease to amaze me.  As much as I've known that some misinformed people were wary of the new LHC, I had no idea to what extent.

Funny, my last post was just all about how people ignorant of a fact can be so stubborn and refusing listen to reason.  But the brew-ha over this LHC is waay over the top.

Here we are, on the cusp of a scientific breakthrough that will help us discover more about the world around us, and people are going nuts.  The reason why?  'micro black holes'   Among many other things that the LHC will hopefully shine some light on, one will be the production of micro black holes.   Now, people are mistaking a micro blackhole, for a full size black hole.  That these blackholes will consume the world.  Yeesh... people are really scared.  Scientists at CERN have even received DEATH THREATS.

It just reminds me of that joke about the 8 monkeys:

*Put eight monkeys in a room. In the middle of the room is a ladder, leading to a bunch of bananas hanging from a hook on the ceiling.*
**
*Each time a monkey tries to climb the ladder, all the monkeys are sprayed with ice water, which makes them miserable.*
**
*Soon enough, whenever a monkey attempts to climb the ladder, all of the other monkeys, not wanting to be sprayed, set upon him and beat him up.
Soon, none of the eight monkeys ever attempts to climb the ladder.*
**
*One of the original monkeys is then removed, and a new monkey is put in the room. Seeing the bananas and the ladder, he wonders why none of the other monkeys are doing the obvious. But undaunted, he immediately begins to climb the ladder.*
**
*All the other monkeys fall upon him and beat him silly. He has no idea why.
However, he no longer attempts to climb the ladder.*
**
*A second original monkey is removed and replaced.
The newcomer again attempts to climb the ladder, but all the other monkeys hammer the crap out of him. This includes the previous new monkey, who is grateful that he's not on the receiving end this time, participates in the beating because all the other monkeys are doing it. However, he has no idea why he's attacking the new monkey.
**
*One by one, all the original monkeys are replaced. Eight new monkeys are now in the room. None of them have ever been sprayed by ice water. None of them attempt to climb the ladder. All of them will enthusiastically beat up any new monkey who tries, without having any idea why.*
**
*This is how any company's policies get Establish.***

The best we can hope for is it to fail, at least according to Stephen Hawking.  What can we, as enlightened people, do about this inane hysteria?  Well, Kate McAlpine (great last name btw!!) has done her part.  Check it out.

on behalf of scientists everywhere Kate, thank you!