I'm back. Woohoo!! Can you feel the excitement? I feel like I should write tons of stuff about the trip. And I probably will. There's some small issues about not remembering exactly every detail. That's what happens when you drink a lot of 6%+ beer in succession. ANd besides, there's a photo essay on my FB that will give way more justice to the trip than my literary attempts.
The impression I get of Thailand is a very positive one. Sure, it's not Eden. They have their problems, but generally the people were always friendly and helpful, even if not speaking clear English. Which was better than my Thai by far. I don't feel that I was scammed or anyone took advantage of the "farang" on holiday. They do start high with prices in the markets, but usually come down to a fair rate. Or a rate that makes it harder to argue anymore (really, I can go back and forth over $.50?). But they start high because some people pay it. Can't blame them for trying to make a buck.
There is a sense of poverty in the country, and least in the western notion. On the trip to Koh Chang, we passed a lot of houses that looked a bit ramshackled and in disrepair. ANd some of the city blocks had the appearance of near shanty like. Through a westerners eyes, it's hard to think how can some one live in such places. But the more I think about it, the people seemed fairly content. I'm thinking they don't owe a mortgage that will take their lifetime to repay, or that they have no idea what Visa is and how bad it can be. Most transactions were paid with cash cash, since I'm guessing no one has a real business in the "licensed" sense we use here. They just have a cart that has whatever it is they peddle, be it food, clothes, or liquor.
Adam was telling us that most Thai live in one room homes. No kitchen really, since all the food is bought and prepared on the streets. It's delicious too. I never thought I'd be the kind of person to buy a meal and dine in a back alley, and live to tell about it. But it's the accepted practice.
I read an article about the average income for an individual. Seems there's a huge disparity between regions of the country. Of course, the more touristy areas have a much higher average (Bangkok for instance was around 290,000Baht a year (roughly $9000 a year). And that's the highest region in the nation. The northeast region ranked lowest at 36,500Baht annually (about $1100). That's incredible. But in the context of the prices there, I can see it possible. In general, I think the vast majority of the people aren't preoccupied with having it all. Unfortunately, having it all in the western world comes with a massive amount of personal debt, and then you become the indentured servant to a bank.
I can see the merits of the other way of living. I'll probably revisit this issue in the future, but now more about vacation.
The song says one night in Bangkok makes a hard man humble. Well, try 2 nights. It'll make you feel like rehab should be in your future. I can't remember drinking that much, or the last time I came in just after watching the sunrise. And we pulled it off twice, without even knowing it. Well, I didn't know it, and judging from the pictures we had a lot of fun. The memories are still a little fuzzy.
One of the more amusing activities was watching the old men with their "friends." I'm not going to judge... well, yeah I will. I'll judge the guy with the 2 foot mullet, solely based on him having a 2 foot mullet, not picking up a prostitute. I was most amused how open and out in your face it was. Here, it's pretty much an activity for dark corners. There, you can proudly walk down the beach with your 20 year old Thai beauty in her thong while waiting for the viagra to kick in. And it's not like you're the only one.
Grace and I had the conversation about if there's enough business to keep all the girls working. Seems to be, but it's more that the working girls are charging a 2000Baht (we did a survey) for an hour. If you bring home one man a week, you've paid 3 months rent for your family back home in the northeastern provinces. That's why the girls are smiling when they're escorting the men around.
There's also the matter of it always being hot. Great for a tropical weather environment, though we did miss the rain season. The islands and beaches looked so nice. Not yet have most of hem been developed to the level of towering high rises destroying the natural beauty. Yes there were beach front hotels, and bungalows. But that's a lot less imposing on the landscape. I hope the "condo kings" don't find this p[lace and pull a Panama City beach on it. I like it the way it is, even if that means not having every amenity you can dream of. Besides, what more do you need than sun, sand, ocean, $6 massages under a palm, and good cheap food?
I think I'll go back someday, maybe find a different island to lounge on. I'd also like to get over and visit some of the neighboring countries (Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia). Or maybe I'll just go back and buy the bar I've become so enamored with. Friends who come to visit drink free!
That's it for now, time to find food and run some errands and try and slip back into the world of the working man. Hopefully I'll get some word on my status at Brown for the next schedule year soon.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
We are Siamese if you please.
Quick note from the far side of the world. It's day two here in Bangkok, and I gotta say it's an interesting place. Maybe it was the jetlag or the satisfaction of finally being off an airplane, but I've really taken to the place. Then again, it coule be the $2 beer. Tough to say.
I can't say I've done a whole lot since being in town. I'm waiting on my travel companion to arrive (should be here in a few hours) before doing a lot of trousity sightseeing stuff. I'm basically just sort of hanging around and meandering about. Not to say I have done some interesting stuff (and not the kind of interesting stuff that involves girls, ping pong balls, or worrying about STD's). But a few rides down the river and a couple of retail forays. Of course, there's been the eating. I'm being a little brave. Somehting looks interesting, I'll try it. Most my meals thus far have come off a street cart. I plan to coninue that trend.
Traffic here is insane, so are the dirvers. And I think one of the most amusing things are the power lines running in a knotted, tangled mass. If a wire went out You'd never figure out hoew to trace it back. I'm sure there's a fire hazard but they seem to be too concerned. I'm thinking its a world without lawyers here... and people seem to live.
Tomorrow comes the task of deciding when to move on and where to. We kind of have no set plans and are just winging it. I like it.
Last night Adamw as able to come out and meet up for a few. OK, more than a few. He's looking well and doesn't seem to be itneresting in returning on a permanent basis to the States. Can't say i blame him. I'm hoping to see more of him while I'm in the neighborhood. On a scale of 1 to Badass awesome, I gotta rate travelling roughly 9000 miles to hang out with a friend as defeintely badass.
If you ever want to see pure capitalism at work, travel to a market in a developing nation. You can buy anything, from almost everywhere, and theprices are always negotiable. This isn't heading to the mall to pick something up. Imagine going into Walmart and buy9ing a DVD but haggling with the cashier over the price. I'm not big on haglgling, and I find it hard to argue down the price of something that's selling for roughly $1.50.
I've kind of had this perma-grin since I got here. Just nice to be doing something so out of the norm for most the population. I suppose it's not for everyone to spend 30 hours in planes and airports (though getting a buzz on witgh 2 Cathay Pacific pilots at the airport bar was a good way to spend the layover, they promised they weren't flying anymore that day) tog et to a place where you can't read 98% of the signs and don't speak the language. And yeah it's a little dirty and hectic, but it's all part of the adventure. I'm glad I have such opportunities and wish I could exlpore more often. People who want to just stay home all the time.. I don't get it.
Well, I'm off. The time is running down on the clock here and I'm thirsty.
I can't say I've done a whole lot since being in town. I'm waiting on my travel companion to arrive (should be here in a few hours) before doing a lot of trousity sightseeing stuff. I'm basically just sort of hanging around and meandering about. Not to say I have done some interesting stuff (and not the kind of interesting stuff that involves girls, ping pong balls, or worrying about STD's). But a few rides down the river and a couple of retail forays. Of course, there's been the eating. I'm being a little brave. Somehting looks interesting, I'll try it. Most my meals thus far have come off a street cart. I plan to coninue that trend.
Traffic here is insane, so are the dirvers. And I think one of the most amusing things are the power lines running in a knotted, tangled mass. If a wire went out You'd never figure out hoew to trace it back. I'm sure there's a fire hazard but they seem to be too concerned. I'm thinking its a world without lawyers here... and people seem to live.
Tomorrow comes the task of deciding when to move on and where to. We kind of have no set plans and are just winging it. I like it.
Last night Adamw as able to come out and meet up for a few. OK, more than a few. He's looking well and doesn't seem to be itneresting in returning on a permanent basis to the States. Can't say i blame him. I'm hoping to see more of him while I'm in the neighborhood. On a scale of 1 to Badass awesome, I gotta rate travelling roughly 9000 miles to hang out with a friend as defeintely badass.
If you ever want to see pure capitalism at work, travel to a market in a developing nation. You can buy anything, from almost everywhere, and theprices are always negotiable. This isn't heading to the mall to pick something up. Imagine going into Walmart and buy9ing a DVD but haggling with the cashier over the price. I'm not big on haglgling, and I find it hard to argue down the price of something that's selling for roughly $1.50.
I've kind of had this perma-grin since I got here. Just nice to be doing something so out of the norm for most the population. I suppose it's not for everyone to spend 30 hours in planes and airports (though getting a buzz on witgh 2 Cathay Pacific pilots at the airport bar was a good way to spend the layover, they promised they weren't flying anymore that day) tog et to a place where you can't read 98% of the signs and don't speak the language. And yeah it's a little dirty and hectic, but it's all part of the adventure. I'm glad I have such opportunities and wish I could exlpore more often. People who want to just stay home all the time.. I don't get it.
Well, I'm off. The time is running down on the clock here and I'm thirsty.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Smell the sea and feel the sky, let your soul and spirit fly into the mystic
It's becoming a Sunday night ritual. After a day of sleeping not nearly enough, I wake up groggy and debate with my internal voice the merits of staying in bed for a few more hours instead of getting up and hitting the gym. I usually decide on the gym. Then the hour of so of treadmill/elliptical/bike time i followed by catching up on the DVR from the past week. Once boredom sets in there (usually takes about 45 minutes) I walk the three blocks to Heine Bros. and have a cup of the coffee of the day (today is Rwandan) and pontificate on the world.
It's not Starbucks's, but more unpolished and little more funky. Part of the fun is watching the variety of people I pass on the street. No one seems to fit into the same pigeon hole that you can say this is a neighborhood of (insert adjective here). I pass by emo-esque twentysomethings with their envelop of darkness, hippy types with long dreadlocked hair and flowing peasant skirts, middle aged doctor types couples out for dinner at one of the plethora of dining establishments, and to cap it off.. the guys on Harley's and custom choppers riding down the street.
The neighborhood has quite a cross section on humanity meandering about. I even get to see something nefarious from time to time (tonight it was young kids, 12 maybe, paying an older unkempt gentleman to for something they probably shouldn't have). But it's still a funky little neighborhood and I'm happy to be staying here another year (for now).
It's looking likely that I'm not going be demoted to the ass. dispatcher this year. But instead, I'll be given a relief position. It's an uncertain schedule that changes at the whimsical, if not totally illogical, desires of the company and the admins. So, this could be fun sometimes (long stretches of off days) or miserable (long stretches of working varying shifts). Oh well. Il est ce qui est il.
In other news, I have a new pair of glasses, which I'm currently not wearing. I was somewhat disappointed the first day I got them, I couldn't tell any improvement. However, now I can as I type this without them one. I suppose once I get used to them they'll be OK. I'm not a fan of having something else to keep up with me.
The gym thing is ok, though I see to be on a plateau for the moment. Granted, I shouldn't be to down about since the plateau is around the -90 lbs mark. That's well ore than I thought was possible when I started this endeavor a year ago. I'm hoping for a few more pounds so I can fit better in the shorts I bought the other day. I suppose when I get back from vacation I can be more rigid about things. I've hit a certain lack of discipline of late. But the improving weather makes it easier to get out of bed and go outside. Let's hope it keeps up.
And most importantly, tomorrow I'm off on holiday. Two weeks and then some away from work!!!! Add to that the bonus of a short aunt to the far side of the world. THis should be very fun! Well, once I get there. The 30 hours of transit is probably going to be a pain, but like all good journeys, the end justifies the the trials and tribulations of getting.
It's the 30+ hours coming back that sucks worse, since there's no fun mystery waiting when you land. instead it's back to work. I only have a few specific goals for this trip. I want to spend an unreasonably copious amount of time on a beach doing nothing that doesn't involve lounging with a cocktail and more importantly, I want to ride an elephant. I think I can make this work.
Well, that's about it. My eyes are hurting and I'm getting hungry. The short walk home passes several fine dining options I pass up all the time. I need to eat at more of these places. I'm kind of in the mood for Thai food... i suppose that can wait a couple days thought :-)
Look forward to occasional dispatches from over there. I'll have my phone with me but don't expect me to answer. If anyone needs me, texts will work best (since that are a fraction of a phone call charge). Now I just gotta get through one more night of work...
It's not Starbucks's, but more unpolished and little more funky. Part of the fun is watching the variety of people I pass on the street. No one seems to fit into the same pigeon hole that you can say this is a neighborhood of (insert adjective here). I pass by emo-esque twentysomethings with their envelop of darkness, hippy types with long dreadlocked hair and flowing peasant skirts, middle aged doctor types couples out for dinner at one of the plethora of dining establishments, and to cap it off.. the guys on Harley's and custom choppers riding down the street.
The neighborhood has quite a cross section on humanity meandering about. I even get to see something nefarious from time to time (tonight it was young kids, 12 maybe, paying an older unkempt gentleman to for something they probably shouldn't have). But it's still a funky little neighborhood and I'm happy to be staying here another year (for now).
It's looking likely that I'm not going be demoted to the ass. dispatcher this year. But instead, I'll be given a relief position. It's an uncertain schedule that changes at the whimsical, if not totally illogical, desires of the company and the admins. So, this could be fun sometimes (long stretches of off days) or miserable (long stretches of working varying shifts). Oh well. Il est ce qui est il.
In other news, I have a new pair of glasses, which I'm currently not wearing. I was somewhat disappointed the first day I got them, I couldn't tell any improvement. However, now I can as I type this without them one. I suppose once I get used to them they'll be OK. I'm not a fan of having something else to keep up with me.
The gym thing is ok, though I see to be on a plateau for the moment. Granted, I shouldn't be to down about since the plateau is around the -90 lbs mark. That's well ore than I thought was possible when I started this endeavor a year ago. I'm hoping for a few more pounds so I can fit better in the shorts I bought the other day. I suppose when I get back from vacation I can be more rigid about things. I've hit a certain lack of discipline of late. But the improving weather makes it easier to get out of bed and go outside. Let's hope it keeps up.
And most importantly, tomorrow I'm off on holiday. Two weeks and then some away from work!!!! Add to that the bonus of a short aunt to the far side of the world. THis should be very fun! Well, once I get there. The 30 hours of transit is probably going to be a pain, but like all good journeys, the end justifies the the trials and tribulations of getting.
It's the 30+ hours coming back that sucks worse, since there's no fun mystery waiting when you land. instead it's back to work. I only have a few specific goals for this trip. I want to spend an unreasonably copious amount of time on a beach doing nothing that doesn't involve lounging with a cocktail and more importantly, I want to ride an elephant. I think I can make this work.
Well, that's about it. My eyes are hurting and I'm getting hungry. The short walk home passes several fine dining options I pass up all the time. I need to eat at more of these places. I'm kind of in the mood for Thai food... i suppose that can wait a couple days thought :-)
Look forward to occasional dispatches from over there. I'll have my phone with me but don't expect me to answer. If anyone needs me, texts will work best (since that are a fraction of a phone call charge). Now I just gotta get through one more night of work...
Saturday, February 27, 2010
We're the dream and fate's trying to be the plow, You got to fight with all the light in your skull
Ever wake up and just be in a foul mood?? The proverbial getting up on the wrong side of the bed day. That's today. I don't know what it is. I'm not sure why. I slept in, well tried to as best as I could. But a couple phone calls woke me. I of course answered neither. I can forgive mom for calling, but I'm tired of Urban Active calling to remind me it's time to renew my membership. Especially since I already have. I also made the unconscious decision to skip the union meeting today by sleeping straight through. I'm not sure who's convenience they're scheduling those things for, but considering the 10 or so people in recurrent, the 4 afternoon guys, the 4 day shift guys, and the midnight guys who would have to interrupt their sleep schedule to make it.. I'm thinking it's some one other than 50% of the group. But what do I know. I figured they wouldn't say anything that would help my mood. Where sleep does improve my moods.
Thinking it would help sweat the blah out, I took off for the gym. That didn't go as well as hoped. The 40 car line to get off the interstate coupled with the ridiculousness of traffic in front of the gym just added to the aggravation and sucked out what motivation I had.
Maybe it's the weather. There's this thing called S.A.D., or Seasonal affective disorder. I'm hereby diagnosing myself as a SAD sufferer. It's what people used to call the "blues" that brought people down during cold, dark winters. This winter here in Louisville has really been a drag. I think we've had 5 days of descent weather since November. Throw in the copious amounts of snow, it's just been kind blah. Lots of grey days. Again this morning, I drove home in snow. On the upside it was all gone by the time I woke up.
So, I'm trying to spend time focusing on good things. This week I made it to see a free Barenaked Ladies show at the Hard Rock Cafe here. That's was neat to be in a small venue like that. They only played 5 songs or so, but it was free so i suppose I shouldn't complain. Of course, afterward it started snowing again :-(. After work Tuesday I'm flying to ATL. I'm looking forward to seeing friends and family and having people to hang out with.
And after that is the big trip to Thailand. I'm kind of winging that in so much as I have no idea what I'm going to do there. I have several ideas, and most of which involve in some way a beach and riding an elephant. Though not necessarily combining the two. I guess when I get there I'll let Adam and tourist guides be my inspiration. All I basically know is when I get there, when I leave, and where I'm staying the first 4 nights. After that, we'll wing it. Now, this kind of makes me nervous in that I've always been one to plan the hell out of trips. But not knowing where to go or when exactly my travel companion is showing and leaving makes it hard to exactly plan schedules and crap. And that's fine, it's been a while since I've been fluid and wandering. I' sure I'll find something worthwhile to do, and it's pretty damn cheap over there so that helps. Maybe I'll just keep the $7/night bungalow until I run out of money and credit and then come home. That may take a couple years :-).
Of course I'd be out of a job, but I don't really feel that's a bad thing. There's nothing new on that front. The voluntary program to keep everyone employed has seemed to have fizzed out. I think it may help 1 person stay on, but after that... I'm highly doubtful. So, I'm continuing to keep my eyes open for something else. I read yesterday that Qatar Airways is hiring, I may apply just to see what's happening. Though I don't know how Doha living would suite me.
Monday will be the one year anniversary of me doing thsi whole diet/gym thing. I don't think I'm gonna make the 100 lbs mark, but I far surpassed the initial goals. So that makes me happy. I had to go out and buy new clothes this past week, again. Most of it for the trip to Thailand, but also because I have no collared shirts that fit. So $300 of so later, I have a bunch of new clothes. Next I suppose I'll need a new suit. I'm kind of waiting to get a little smaller. I've been lacking motivation lately, which I'm hoping is a result of the weather. I bought some shorts for summer that were tight-ish in hopes it'll be good motivation to keep it up. We'll see. One step at a time.
I think that's enough whining for one night. Keep posted for dispatches from Asia.
Thinking it would help sweat the blah out, I took off for the gym. That didn't go as well as hoped. The 40 car line to get off the interstate coupled with the ridiculousness of traffic in front of the gym just added to the aggravation and sucked out what motivation I had.
Maybe it's the weather. There's this thing called S.A.D., or Seasonal affective disorder. I'm hereby diagnosing myself as a SAD sufferer. It's what people used to call the "blues" that brought people down during cold, dark winters. This winter here in Louisville has really been a drag. I think we've had 5 days of descent weather since November. Throw in the copious amounts of snow, it's just been kind blah. Lots of grey days. Again this morning, I drove home in snow. On the upside it was all gone by the time I woke up.
So, I'm trying to spend time focusing on good things. This week I made it to see a free Barenaked Ladies show at the Hard Rock Cafe here. That's was neat to be in a small venue like that. They only played 5 songs or so, but it was free so i suppose I shouldn't complain. Of course, afterward it started snowing again :-(. After work Tuesday I'm flying to ATL. I'm looking forward to seeing friends and family and having people to hang out with.
And after that is the big trip to Thailand. I'm kind of winging that in so much as I have no idea what I'm going to do there. I have several ideas, and most of which involve in some way a beach and riding an elephant. Though not necessarily combining the two. I guess when I get there I'll let Adam and tourist guides be my inspiration. All I basically know is when I get there, when I leave, and where I'm staying the first 4 nights. After that, we'll wing it. Now, this kind of makes me nervous in that I've always been one to plan the hell out of trips. But not knowing where to go or when exactly my travel companion is showing and leaving makes it hard to exactly plan schedules and crap. And that's fine, it's been a while since I've been fluid and wandering. I' sure I'll find something worthwhile to do, and it's pretty damn cheap over there so that helps. Maybe I'll just keep the $7/night bungalow until I run out of money and credit and then come home. That may take a couple years :-).
Of course I'd be out of a job, but I don't really feel that's a bad thing. There's nothing new on that front. The voluntary program to keep everyone employed has seemed to have fizzed out. I think it may help 1 person stay on, but after that... I'm highly doubtful. So, I'm continuing to keep my eyes open for something else. I read yesterday that Qatar Airways is hiring, I may apply just to see what's happening. Though I don't know how Doha living would suite me.
Monday will be the one year anniversary of me doing thsi whole diet/gym thing. I don't think I'm gonna make the 100 lbs mark, but I far surpassed the initial goals. So that makes me happy. I had to go out and buy new clothes this past week, again. Most of it for the trip to Thailand, but also because I have no collared shirts that fit. So $300 of so later, I have a bunch of new clothes. Next I suppose I'll need a new suit. I'm kind of waiting to get a little smaller. I've been lacking motivation lately, which I'm hoping is a result of the weather. I bought some shorts for summer that were tight-ish in hopes it'll be good motivation to keep it up. We'll see. One step at a time.
I think that's enough whining for one night. Keep posted for dispatches from Asia.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
"Waitress, I need two more boat drinks, Then I'm headin south 'fore my dream shrinks. I gotta go where it's warm."
I saw an eight foot snowman in some ones yard today. That’s impressive. I’m sure that took a lot of work to make. The most troubling part is there’s enough snow to make an eight foot snow man. And it’s still falling. And there’s more coming this way. I shouldn’t complain too much, I could live in the Baltimore area where they have something like 8 feet of snow. At least my little Scion will climb a 8 inch snow berm. I know this because that’s the approximate height the plow piled it up when they scraped my street. One of the disadvantages to living on a snow emergency route. At least my road gets scraped.
I keep thinking ahead to lying on a sandy beach looking out onto the Gulf of Thailand. In about a month I'll be winging my way towards that goal. I'm very much looking forward to warmth and sun and sand and Thai food and a massage. And then there's the opportunity to visit Adam and his new found harem. I'm still working on how I'm getting there. I don't think I'm going to take the Sydney route and instead spend more time venturing around someplace I've never been before.
So I'm looking forward to that. otherwise, it's been cold and dreary about. I spent the last couple days off down south in the Atlanta area. It was good to see everyone, and I was quite saddened to leave. The mood didn't improved when I had to scrape a few inches of snow off my car.
On the flight back, there were a few military personnel who were coming home for their 2 weeks of RnR. The young lady behind me had just spent 4 days flying from Bagram Airbase in Kabul to Louisville via Al Udeid (Qatar), Kuwait, Shannon, and Atlanta. IN the conversation we had, I learned that she wanted to see "green". I felt kind of bad when we busted out pf the clouds and Kentucky was covered in snow, and probably will be for the duration of her visit. She was coming home to a house she had never seen before (her husband had been transferred from Ft Hood TX to Ft Knox while she was deployed). Hopefully over the next couple weeks she can road trip southward and find some greenery.
The other soldier on board took up the role of a babysitter. He didn't seem to mind though. There were a couple of mothers traveling solo with their children, both of which were "laps". The soldier had the fortune to be seated next to one and across the aisle from the other. He was actually playing with one of the little ones while the mom was situating the paraphernalia that comes with shuffling a small child through the skies. Luckily, the flight was pretty empty and mom and baby took up residence behind the GI in an empty row. But he still held and played with the baby for taxi-out, and most the flight.
The on arrival he was met by his own wife and child, who was about the same age as the kids on the plane. Very touching reunion. A small reminder of how good most of us have it, and how much some people are sacrificing to keep us that good.
So, now I feel like I shouldn't bitch about work, but I will anyway. It's been snowy here which totally confuses us. Still nothing new really on me not taking a pay cut. There's some options being presented that will help keep all of us employed (hopefully), but it's hard to feel like saving a company money that comes out and says "we have a surplus of cash on hand." But in other news, I'm still keeping my eyes open for self help options. I'm amazed at the encouragement from others to keep looking (and not just friends, but co-workers). I firmly don't believe you have to love your job, but you shouldn't loathe it.
I'm off to do some research on southeast Asia. Hope everyone is doing well and I encourage everyone to take a vacation soon. Just thinking about getting away will make you feel better. Later!
I keep thinking ahead to lying on a sandy beach looking out onto the Gulf of Thailand. In about a month I'll be winging my way towards that goal. I'm very much looking forward to warmth and sun and sand and Thai food and a massage. And then there's the opportunity to visit Adam and his new found harem. I'm still working on how I'm getting there. I don't think I'm going to take the Sydney route and instead spend more time venturing around someplace I've never been before.
So I'm looking forward to that. otherwise, it's been cold and dreary about. I spent the last couple days off down south in the Atlanta area. It was good to see everyone, and I was quite saddened to leave. The mood didn't improved when I had to scrape a few inches of snow off my car.
On the flight back, there were a few military personnel who were coming home for their 2 weeks of RnR. The young lady behind me had just spent 4 days flying from Bagram Airbase in Kabul to Louisville via Al Udeid (Qatar), Kuwait, Shannon, and Atlanta. IN the conversation we had, I learned that she wanted to see "green". I felt kind of bad when we busted out pf the clouds and Kentucky was covered in snow, and probably will be for the duration of her visit. She was coming home to a house she had never seen before (her husband had been transferred from Ft Hood TX to Ft Knox while she was deployed). Hopefully over the next couple weeks she can road trip southward and find some greenery.
The other soldier on board took up the role of a babysitter. He didn't seem to mind though. There were a couple of mothers traveling solo with their children, both of which were "laps". The soldier had the fortune to be seated next to one and across the aisle from the other. He was actually playing with one of the little ones while the mom was situating the paraphernalia that comes with shuffling a small child through the skies. Luckily, the flight was pretty empty and mom and baby took up residence behind the GI in an empty row. But he still held and played with the baby for taxi-out, and most the flight.
The on arrival he was met by his own wife and child, who was about the same age as the kids on the plane. Very touching reunion. A small reminder of how good most of us have it, and how much some people are sacrificing to keep us that good.
So, now I feel like I shouldn't bitch about work, but I will anyway. It's been snowy here which totally confuses us. Still nothing new really on me not taking a pay cut. There's some options being presented that will help keep all of us employed (hopefully), but it's hard to feel like saving a company money that comes out and says "we have a surplus of cash on hand." But in other news, I'm still keeping my eyes open for self help options. I'm amazed at the encouragement from others to keep looking (and not just friends, but co-workers). I firmly don't believe you have to love your job, but you shouldn't loathe it.
I'm off to do some research on southeast Asia. Hope everyone is doing well and I encourage everyone to take a vacation soon. Just thinking about getting away will make you feel better. Later!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Again the morings comes, again he's on the run.
It's a rainy day in Georgia. At least it's not snowing. I suppose that the fine folks of Georgia would probably welcome snow, as it means a day off work and school. Well for most of the citizens. However, I'm tired of snow. I can't imagine living further north of Louisville where it starts snowing some time round November and doesn't really stop until March or so. I poor car sits in parking lot covered in road salt, which is corroding away the undercarraige as we speak. Not to mention it just looks bad. But with more snow in the forecast for the coming weekend, no real reason to wash it just yet.
But enough of that. I'm happily occupying a room at the stately TanJoe manor on the fringes of New-Nan Georgia for a few days. After making the questionable decision to give up sleep on Tuesday in the name of fitness and hair care, I flew down to Atlanta where I was happily plucked from the airport by my mother.
But first things, I subjected myself to an experiment Tuesday morning in the form of allowing some one new to touch my hair. After having the same person cut my hair for roughly 30 years, it's hard to go out and find new barbers. I have found an acceptable place for hairstyling in Louisville, but I was lured away by a hot bartender who is going through training to be a hairstylist. And really, it's apparently intensive training. After a minimum 1800 hours of class time followed by a 6 month apprenticeship, she will be allowed to touch some one's hair unsupervised. I didn;t have that much training to get my dispatch license. But, she did a good job, even if it took over an hour. And it was a free haircut!
Now, down in Georgia.. I am driving mom's car on a borrowed status. It's not my kind of car really, s I don;t feel young and cool cruising in the '87 oldsmobile (or whatever year, I'm sure it was produced prior to me being able to legally drive). It's the typical "little old lady" car. Which my mother is not a little old lady, but she bought the car from one. And really, who has a car for over a decade and drives it 30,000 miles??
But mom is gracious enough to loan it out so I can visit my hoodlum friends. I feel kind of bad sometimes that I come to town and see none of my family. I feel a bit disjointed from most of them, my interests and opinions seem to lie along a path that runs parallel to most of them (I'm not the settle down with kids and wives and horses and be a responsible adult kind of guy). PLus I tend to keep myself busy with all the friend visits when I'm in town. I guess having had the ability to choose my friends, its no wonder I would ratehr spend time with them. I guess Christmas and Thanxgiving has fulfilled my my family time quota of late (except for Darci, since we seem to be on the same non-converging path compared to the rest of the immediate family types). Of course, the same line of "when r u going to..." line of questioning gets a bit old. Some one suggested I pay an actress to play the part of a wife type, and fake wedding photos and a relationship history to bring an end to that line of questioning... seems a lot of work when I can just not answer the phone.
On the other hand, they do love me and just worry about my well being. SO I can't complain too much.
I also observed brewmaster Roberts crafting a homemade concoction that's currently fermenting under the stairs. It was interesting and seemed really simple to make one's own personal batch of beer. The only hard part is waiting the 6 weeks or so for it to be ready. I'm not known for my patience. I am however planning to be there for the initial tastes of the Newnan Black Chocolate Stout (based on the recipe of the Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout). I think Joe got a little sad when I told him I'd had the original and it was good... but then I found him a sample at Brick Store (more on that later). I think he is looking forward to the 50 or so high gravity home brews that will emerge from under the stairs in a few weeks.
Yes i drug yet another friend to the scenic Decatur square for some Brick Store fun. Joe and I were joined by Grace, Jonathan, Matt, and Travis. We really revel in the fact that it's a Wednesday afternoon and we have nothing better to than to slack off and drink beer. It was actually a very nice day, warm and sunny, for slacking and drinking beer. We then departed Brick Store for Ri Ra's in midtown, to be joined by the people who weren't able to be slackers all afternoon (namely Molly, Tanya, and Elissa). I think it's so nice that the wives are willing to work all day so their husbands can entertain me in the afternoons. We also discovered that Ri Ra's, in attempts to really bring the authentic Irish pub experience to America, actually imports Irishmen (and women) to work here. Seriously, James (not me) was brought in from his home near Cork just to serve us beer with an authentic accent. It's still not he same as a small pub in Limerick, though.
Otherwise, my life of luxury seems to continue for the moment. I have another month of being well paid before I'm downgraded. I am happy to see that management raises have been re-instated. I'm happy my coworkers and I can take pay cuts (some up to 100%) to make this happen. But hey, we're lucky to have jobs!
A woman just walked into the New-Nan B&N with the most hideous red and blond hair style.. I should send her to my student stylist to help her out... I'm hoping she didn't pay for her hair color... sadness. I digress.
Anyways, I also this week resigned the lease on my apartment. I feel kind of bad about not moving in with Jon Charles, but he was most understanding... considering that my landlords were nice enough to drop my rent by 25% and I'm taking on a roommate. So looks like another year on Duker Ave.... well.. maybe.
That's about it... I have some emails to send out and contacts to make. I met a fine lady who works for Qantas on my last flight to SDF I'm going to make sure to keep in touch with. And there's vacation planning to do before taco mac tonight. Later!
But enough of that. I'm happily occupying a room at the stately TanJoe manor on the fringes of New-Nan Georgia for a few days. After making the questionable decision to give up sleep on Tuesday in the name of fitness and hair care, I flew down to Atlanta where I was happily plucked from the airport by my mother.
But first things, I subjected myself to an experiment Tuesday morning in the form of allowing some one new to touch my hair. After having the same person cut my hair for roughly 30 years, it's hard to go out and find new barbers. I have found an acceptable place for hairstyling in Louisville, but I was lured away by a hot bartender who is going through training to be a hairstylist. And really, it's apparently intensive training. After a minimum 1800 hours of class time followed by a 6 month apprenticeship, she will be allowed to touch some one's hair unsupervised. I didn;t have that much training to get my dispatch license. But, she did a good job, even if it took over an hour. And it was a free haircut!
Now, down in Georgia.. I am driving mom's car on a borrowed status. It's not my kind of car really, s I don;t feel young and cool cruising in the '87 oldsmobile (or whatever year, I'm sure it was produced prior to me being able to legally drive). It's the typical "little old lady" car. Which my mother is not a little old lady, but she bought the car from one. And really, who has a car for over a decade and drives it 30,000 miles??
But mom is gracious enough to loan it out so I can visit my hoodlum friends. I feel kind of bad sometimes that I come to town and see none of my family. I feel a bit disjointed from most of them, my interests and opinions seem to lie along a path that runs parallel to most of them (I'm not the settle down with kids and wives and horses and be a responsible adult kind of guy). PLus I tend to keep myself busy with all the friend visits when I'm in town. I guess having had the ability to choose my friends, its no wonder I would ratehr spend time with them. I guess Christmas and Thanxgiving has fulfilled my my family time quota of late (except for Darci, since we seem to be on the same non-converging path compared to the rest of the immediate family types). Of course, the same line of "when r u going to..." line of questioning gets a bit old. Some one suggested I pay an actress to play the part of a wife type, and fake wedding photos and a relationship history to bring an end to that line of questioning... seems a lot of work when I can just not answer the phone.
On the other hand, they do love me and just worry about my well being. SO I can't complain too much.
I also observed brewmaster Roberts crafting a homemade concoction that's currently fermenting under the stairs. It was interesting and seemed really simple to make one's own personal batch of beer. The only hard part is waiting the 6 weeks or so for it to be ready. I'm not known for my patience. I am however planning to be there for the initial tastes of the Newnan Black Chocolate Stout (based on the recipe of the Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout). I think Joe got a little sad when I told him I'd had the original and it was good... but then I found him a sample at Brick Store (more on that later). I think he is looking forward to the 50 or so high gravity home brews that will emerge from under the stairs in a few weeks.
Yes i drug yet another friend to the scenic Decatur square for some Brick Store fun. Joe and I were joined by Grace, Jonathan, Matt, and Travis. We really revel in the fact that it's a Wednesday afternoon and we have nothing better to than to slack off and drink beer. It was actually a very nice day, warm and sunny, for slacking and drinking beer. We then departed Brick Store for Ri Ra's in midtown, to be joined by the people who weren't able to be slackers all afternoon (namely Molly, Tanya, and Elissa). I think it's so nice that the wives are willing to work all day so their husbands can entertain me in the afternoons. We also discovered that Ri Ra's, in attempts to really bring the authentic Irish pub experience to America, actually imports Irishmen (and women) to work here. Seriously, James (not me) was brought in from his home near Cork just to serve us beer with an authentic accent. It's still not he same as a small pub in Limerick, though.
Otherwise, my life of luxury seems to continue for the moment. I have another month of being well paid before I'm downgraded. I am happy to see that management raises have been re-instated. I'm happy my coworkers and I can take pay cuts (some up to 100%) to make this happen. But hey, we're lucky to have jobs!
A woman just walked into the New-Nan B&N with the most hideous red and blond hair style.. I should send her to my student stylist to help her out... I'm hoping she didn't pay for her hair color... sadness. I digress.
Anyways, I also this week resigned the lease on my apartment. I feel kind of bad about not moving in with Jon Charles, but he was most understanding... considering that my landlords were nice enough to drop my rent by 25% and I'm taking on a roommate. So looks like another year on Duker Ave.... well.. maybe.
That's about it... I have some emails to send out and contacts to make. I met a fine lady who works for Qantas on my last flight to SDF I'm going to make sure to keep in touch with. And there's vacation planning to do before taco mac tonight. Later!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
i'm tired of cold weather, bring on the spring time
I seem to have gotten out of Louisville just in time. The snow was falling as I boarded the 737 to head west. Because I have a jb with a horrible schedule and I'm was too stupid to not call in sick, I went out to Oklahoma (where apparently te wind comes sweeping down the plains) to have late birthday fun with Grace. And fun we had, maybe too much! I would post pictures but the iPhone doesn't take good ones in the dark
SO my first time in Oklahoma was memorable, and I made a much needed return to COyote Ugly saloon. The bartenders as always were charming and entertaining (and by the ned of the night only wearing bra's... love bar top slip and slide!). After that we were led to an Oklahoma style gay bar. As always, they provide amusing entertainment and conversation. Even while still mentally picturing bartenders dancing and sliding on a bar in skimpy clothes. Yup, definitely straight.
The last week or so has been trying. I have imbibed more than probably is healthy, just due to timing and circumstances. I had a lot of fun and it was nice to get out, if only to feel a bit craptastic in the morning. But I don't mind that much, I was able to function and managed to find time for elipticals, treadmills, and gym machines. Speaking of gym, people who slam down the weights to hear the loud clang are annoying. I know it's not your equipment, but don't abuse it. I bet it's same people who get pissed when their favorite machine has the out of service tag on it... wonder why???
Work is... well. I feel like I'm getting to one fo those points where I may be looking for a change. Sometimes I ponder moving to another career field, but I don;t have a lot of skills to draw on. Then I thought today as I was flying from Oklahoma how much my life would be impacted without out flying privileges. I suppose that's the trade off I have to weigh. EVen the possibility of moving to another job doesn't seem all that thrilling. Well some might be fun but I don't see Qantas hiring me and paying for a relocation down under. But I can dream right?
There's some talk being discussed about possibly doing some things to save jobs and keep me from taking a pay cut. So, we'll see how that works out. Lately though I've become overly apathetic about the whole situation. Not a mindset I relish, but I'm pretty much just over the whole thing. I'm, unfortunately, not in an optimistic state of mind.
In other news, I just finished a really delicious salad from Mellow Mushroom. That makes me a little happier just having food in my belly. Ad I'm in Atlant just releaxing and recovering from last nights festivities. I'm hoping to see the usual suspects over the next couple days. It always helps my mood. ANd now, time to sleep.
Later.
SO my first time in Oklahoma was memorable, and I made a much needed return to COyote Ugly saloon. The bartenders as always were charming and entertaining (and by the ned of the night only wearing bra's... love bar top slip and slide!). After that we were led to an Oklahoma style gay bar. As always, they provide amusing entertainment and conversation. Even while still mentally picturing bartenders dancing and sliding on a bar in skimpy clothes. Yup, definitely straight.
The last week or so has been trying. I have imbibed more than probably is healthy, just due to timing and circumstances. I had a lot of fun and it was nice to get out, if only to feel a bit craptastic in the morning. But I don't mind that much, I was able to function and managed to find time for elipticals, treadmills, and gym machines. Speaking of gym, people who slam down the weights to hear the loud clang are annoying. I know it's not your equipment, but don't abuse it. I bet it's same people who get pissed when their favorite machine has the out of service tag on it... wonder why???
Work is... well. I feel like I'm getting to one fo those points where I may be looking for a change. Sometimes I ponder moving to another career field, but I don;t have a lot of skills to draw on. Then I thought today as I was flying from Oklahoma how much my life would be impacted without out flying privileges. I suppose that's the trade off I have to weigh. EVen the possibility of moving to another job doesn't seem all that thrilling. Well some might be fun but I don't see Qantas hiring me and paying for a relocation down under. But I can dream right?
There's some talk being discussed about possibly doing some things to save jobs and keep me from taking a pay cut. So, we'll see how that works out. Lately though I've become overly apathetic about the whole situation. Not a mindset I relish, but I'm pretty much just over the whole thing. I'm, unfortunately, not in an optimistic state of mind.
In other news, I just finished a really delicious salad from Mellow Mushroom. That makes me a little happier just having food in my belly. Ad I'm in Atlant just releaxing and recovering from last nights festivities. I'm hoping to see the usual suspects over the next couple days. It always helps my mood. ANd now, time to sleep.
Later.
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