There is a popular lottery here called TRIS. It is one of the many national lotteries one can play here. Some here have played and hit big - they are now rich!
Miguel normally plays 3 and 4 number sequences. Like most people here, he has his set of numbers that he plays; most people we know who play also play the same numbers. And because they've all been playing the same numbers for a long time, they remember each others' numbers.
It's common to get into a taxi with Miguel and quickly the conversation turns to how they are doing with TRIS. Did you play? When did your numbers hit? How long since you last won? etc, etc. There is always a bit of fudging on how much and when, because the last thing anyone wants is to give the impression they actually have some cash - they don't want 'friends' coming out of the woodwork asking for a 'donation' (that will never be repaid). So a big hit is kept quiet until time passes and the money is long gone.
Our taxi driver in Cancun, Luis, plays 4 pesos on just one or two numbers. Miguel knows Luis' numbers, and when he opens the paper and sees the results, he'll comment that Luis won the TRIS. When Luis took me to the airport last week I asked if he had played his numbers the day that they hit, and no - he had not. So he missed out on whatever the payout would have been on 3 numbers played with 4 pesos (probably about $100). He wasn't happy.
On Tuesday Luis drove me around Cancun to run some errands, and he told me that on Sunday he'd been mandated to pay his taxi papers. But with very few customers and other financial obligations (he has a daughter who requires expensive medication and other treatments for a blood disorder), he didn't have the money. He prayed, and on Monday, he hit the TRIS. Since he only plays 4 pesos, it wasn't much, but it was enough to pay for his taxi papers and keep his taxi on the road for a little while longer. He was so happy (and relieved).
Miguel is a dedicated player, he rarely misses going to play his numbers. The only thing that ever stops him is his 'escapee' - his fiesta days where he chooses to drink with his buddies and misses the TRIS. I keep waiting for him to miss a big one because he chose a fiesta instead, but Miguel carries an angel on his shoulder and he always gets away with it.
Over the last month Miguel has had an extraordinary stroke of luck with the TRIS - he has hit 6 or 7 times, and that money was most welcome as it went right into the construction of the Luna Studio he's building over Capi's Apartment. As an example, on a 10 peso ticket on a 4-number sequence, the payout is 50000 pesos (just under $5000).
It is very hard to hit 4 numbers. It's also hard to hit 3 numbers. But Miguel has hit both. When we go to eat at La Bruja, the owner (Roberto), always talks "TRIS" with Miguel. La Bruja has not hit TRIS in 2 years - the last one allowed him to put in a new floor and pay for a party for his daughter's 15th birthday party (quincinera).
Over the last month La Bruja has had to listen to Miguel's tales of success, and with each time he has hit, La Bruja's face has become increasingly frustrated that he has not been able to win. The guys pull out their tickets (yes, they save them for a few days as a reference), and go over the numbers and discuss when was the last time that one hit, or that one. "Chinga", more than two years! It's due!
When we went last week he greeted Miguel with "don't tell me, you hit again?" - I think he meant it as a joke, never thinking that yes, actually Miguel HAD hit again. The look on his face was priceless - disbelieving in the good luck of his customer. And frustration that it wasn't his turn. He walked away dejected, shaking his head.
On Monday we went there to eat, and La Bruja was almost in tears as he showed Miguel the results of the TRIS from the night before. His number, that he'd been waiting to hit for 2 years, finally hit. But...he'd been so busy working that he hadn't had time to go and buy his ticket. He lost 10,000 pesos (close to $1000). He was so sad, and we were sad for him - the one night he didn't go, he missed out. Who knows how long he'll have to wait again for that number? (because the guys never change their numbers - even if they have just hit, they keep playing them). There is a lot of superstition about changing your numbers.
We went there to eat again yesterday, and we hadn't even parked when La Bruja, who'd been sitting on a chair inside the restaurant, popped up out of his chair and stood in the doorway with his hands on his hips. He pointed accusingly at Miguel and said "You won again!!".
I thought he was just asking, but no, he was telling Miguel that his numbers had hit (like I said, they all know what they each play, so they know when one of them has won). Thus ensued long discussion where Miguel said that he had not won, those numbers posted were a mistake. La Bruja insisted it was not a mistake, and was so convincing that Miguel began to believe that his numbers had hit on Monday afternoon and for some reason, he didn't know. He kept telling La Bruja that he checks his numbers on the internet, on the tv, and in the papers, and at the lottery booth, and that his number had not hit. But there was doubt (and hope).
So we came home and Miguel went through all his tickets, and last night checked them out at the lottery booth. No, he had not won again, La Bruja had been looking at old results and that was his winning number from the week before. We were disappointed, but it's hard to be really disappointed, because the odds have been heavily in Miguel's favor, he has had more than his share of good luck and our friends, who desperately need the money too, have not had the same luck.
And me - I've won once in 4 years. $250. Winning TRIS isn't my thing, I guess. As Miguel says, he has luck with numbers, and I am lucky in other ways.
Times here are tough. Tougher than most tourists would know. Many people here are just waiting for their numbers to hit, to give them a bit of relief. It's the luck of the draw, but I hope someone somewhere causes the numbers to hit for those who need it most. It's the best hope for many.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Getting back to normal
I wasn't even gone a week, but when I opened the front door, three of the four cats ran off. Scared of me. I'm not sure if Luna started it - she had been sleeping on the chair by the front door and when I opened it and came in carrying a large duffel bag, she bolted out of the chair, and that spooked the other cats.
Only Maya would come near me, and she was giving me a good sniff to make sure it was really me.
Smokey and Minina would not let me near them, they ran off whenever I called them and tried to pet them. Luna came back and wanted outside. It took about 15 minutes before Smokey and Minina would tentatively let me close, and that was only because I started opening the suitcase and they always think there's a present in there for them (there often is, but they don't need another toy right now, so...no presents).
Cats love open suitcases. I took my time unpacking with all four cats inspecting everything inside. Finally the big suitcase was empty and lying open on the floor, and Luna decided that would be a good place for a nap. As Luna circled the outside of the suitcase, Smokey pounced on the open lid, and Luna shot straight up in the air and took off, with Smokey in distant pursuit.
A few minutes later Luna returned and got inside the suitcase, but Smokey thought that was the perfect setup to ambush Luna - the side of the suitcase was just high enough to hide most of Smokey (except for her ears) as she crouched on the other side. Luna kept peering over the edge and growling and once she took a swipe at Smokey, who was too fast and shot backwards, evading a sharp claw.
Then Luna started scratching in the corner of the suitcase, which tempted Smokey to the point of return. She dove at the outside corner and Luna jumped back, but then she played it cool and settled in for a nap. So Smokey got bored and left.
Enter Maya, perched on the edge of the open lid, watching Luna stretch out and get ready for a good sleep. Finally she made her move, but she scared herself when she landed on the lid and she quickly jumped away and then left Luna in peace.
After the suitcases were dealt with, it was time to tackle the floors. Humid, sticky dust and dirt doesn't sweep up well, so I also had to wash the floors. I decided to do a load of laundry too, but it took until about 2 pm before I decided I could hang it out. Wrong decision, we had several small spurts of rain throughout the evening and the clothes are still out there. Oh well...lots of rinses, they'll dry eventually.
We have guests coming later today so the cleaning lady is coming to do a deep cleaning. Miguel has to get the pool and upper terraces cleaned and set up, and he claims he is going to trim the plants as well.
Me, I'm heading back to Cancun to submit paperwork for my FM3 renewal, and hopefully also submit the mountain of paperwork required to apply for Miguel's Canadian visa. The process of putting together all the required pieces has been very long and painful - I just can't imagine that most Mexicans would bother. And that doesn't include the costs - DHL courier posting, there and back, as well as fees for the visa and photocopies and official papers. Nobody will give you a copy of anything here, you have to do it yourself, and you can't even do it at their office - you have to find a copy place. It's truly a hassle. If I hadn't already bought the ticket for Miguel, we wouldn't bother either, but I bought the ticket before the visa requirement was imposed on Mexicans, and all the anger I threw at it didn't change the minds of the Canadian government. I thought with all the tax money I give them that I might have some sort of pull? (ha Ha HA).
On another note, our Canadian guests from Ontario/Quebec arrived yesterday afternoon and what a pleasant surprise - they both speak wonderful Spanish! We all walked up to La Bruja for a nice meal and chatted and learned more about each other. As Miguel says - "mujeres muy sympaticas" (very nice ladies).
Anyway, off to start my day. It's good to be back and get the normal routine underway. All is well...
Only Maya would come near me, and she was giving me a good sniff to make sure it was really me.
Smokey and Minina would not let me near them, they ran off whenever I called them and tried to pet them. Luna came back and wanted outside. It took about 15 minutes before Smokey and Minina would tentatively let me close, and that was only because I started opening the suitcase and they always think there's a present in there for them (there often is, but they don't need another toy right now, so...no presents).
Cats love open suitcases. I took my time unpacking with all four cats inspecting everything inside. Finally the big suitcase was empty and lying open on the floor, and Luna decided that would be a good place for a nap. As Luna circled the outside of the suitcase, Smokey pounced on the open lid, and Luna shot straight up in the air and took off, with Smokey in distant pursuit.
A few minutes later Luna returned and got inside the suitcase, but Smokey thought that was the perfect setup to ambush Luna - the side of the suitcase was just high enough to hide most of Smokey (except for her ears) as she crouched on the other side. Luna kept peering over the edge and growling and once she took a swipe at Smokey, who was too fast and shot backwards, evading a sharp claw.
Then Luna started scratching in the corner of the suitcase, which tempted Smokey to the point of return. She dove at the outside corner and Luna jumped back, but then she played it cool and settled in for a nap. So Smokey got bored and left.
Enter Maya, perched on the edge of the open lid, watching Luna stretch out and get ready for a good sleep. Finally she made her move, but she scared herself when she landed on the lid and she quickly jumped away and then left Luna in peace.
After the suitcases were dealt with, it was time to tackle the floors. Humid, sticky dust and dirt doesn't sweep up well, so I also had to wash the floors. I decided to do a load of laundry too, but it took until about 2 pm before I decided I could hang it out. Wrong decision, we had several small spurts of rain throughout the evening and the clothes are still out there. Oh well...lots of rinses, they'll dry eventually.
We have guests coming later today so the cleaning lady is coming to do a deep cleaning. Miguel has to get the pool and upper terraces cleaned and set up, and he claims he is going to trim the plants as well.
Me, I'm heading back to Cancun to submit paperwork for my FM3 renewal, and hopefully also submit the mountain of paperwork required to apply for Miguel's Canadian visa. The process of putting together all the required pieces has been very long and painful - I just can't imagine that most Mexicans would bother. And that doesn't include the costs - DHL courier posting, there and back, as well as fees for the visa and photocopies and official papers. Nobody will give you a copy of anything here, you have to do it yourself, and you can't even do it at their office - you have to find a copy place. It's truly a hassle. If I hadn't already bought the ticket for Miguel, we wouldn't bother either, but I bought the ticket before the visa requirement was imposed on Mexicans, and all the anger I threw at it didn't change the minds of the Canadian government. I thought with all the tax money I give them that I might have some sort of pull? (ha Ha HA).
On another note, our Canadian guests from Ontario/Quebec arrived yesterday afternoon and what a pleasant surprise - they both speak wonderful Spanish! We all walked up to La Bruja for a nice meal and chatted and learned more about each other. As Miguel says - "mujeres muy sympaticas" (very nice ladies).
Anyway, off to start my day. It's good to be back and get the normal routine underway. All is well...
Sunday, November 8, 2009
I made it to Cancun
Incredibly, US Airways flew me from Buffalo to Cancun today, despite me informing them that they were going directly into a cat 2 hurricane zone. That was news to everyone but they really didn't care. If I changed my ticket I would have to pay $150 as it would be a voluntary change, they didn't have any alerts going. I was sure the person who checks the weather and calls off the flights was just not working Saturday or Sunday, or at least was allowed to sleep in. Sadly, despite my efforts, USAir wasn't about to let me step in and call the shots. So I flew.
I flew first-class all the way (I will miss those complimentary upgrades now that I won't be flying the required amount of miles every year). I had a very goat-cheesy-tasting quiche for lunch, something I normally wouldn't ever order but that was what they served me, so of course I ate it.
I was on the left side of the plane so was able to look south as we flew across the Gulf of Mexico. Normally we fly right along the north coast of Cuba, but I have no idea if we did that or not, as all I could see from about the time we left Florida was a heavy cloud cover. A couple of times I thought I spotted the hurricane out there in the distance, but it was probably my imagination.
Cancun was surprisingly calm. It was obvious it had rained but that was all that I noticed. I took the bus to the station and then a cab to the ferry, only to discover that it was not running until probably tomorrow (hopefully tomorrow). We are still on red alert here as they want to be sure the storm doesn't circle back and get us. I am hearing frequent sirens from the fire station down the road - don't know if that is normal or not, or what it's about.
I'm at a hotel across from the bus station. I had a chili relleno for lunch/dinner, and now am in my room with the wireless internet. I will watch La Academia later this evening if I can keep awake that long. That is the only show I watch, it's our Sunday night tradition. Miguel will be there on the couch on Isla watching as well, and probably drifting off to sleep as he usually does.
So all is well, thank goodness. Our guests who did have their flight canceled today (yes, the Canadian airlines canceled flights) say they are scheduled to fly in tomorrow. I hope they have an uneventful trip and can finally get a start to their vacation. I was supposed to come to Cancun tomorrow to run some errands and meet my lawyer - hmmm...do I really want to go to the island in the morning and then turn around and come back here? I sort of need to, but it's just not appealing. I guess we'll see what tomorrow brings.
Thanks to all for your comments of support, much appreciated!
I flew first-class all the way (I will miss those complimentary upgrades now that I won't be flying the required amount of miles every year). I had a very goat-cheesy-tasting quiche for lunch, something I normally wouldn't ever order but that was what they served me, so of course I ate it.
I was on the left side of the plane so was able to look south as we flew across the Gulf of Mexico. Normally we fly right along the north coast of Cuba, but I have no idea if we did that or not, as all I could see from about the time we left Florida was a heavy cloud cover. A couple of times I thought I spotted the hurricane out there in the distance, but it was probably my imagination.
Cancun was surprisingly calm. It was obvious it had rained but that was all that I noticed. I took the bus to the station and then a cab to the ferry, only to discover that it was not running until probably tomorrow (hopefully tomorrow). We are still on red alert here as they want to be sure the storm doesn't circle back and get us. I am hearing frequent sirens from the fire station down the road - don't know if that is normal or not, or what it's about.
I'm at a hotel across from the bus station. I had a chili relleno for lunch/dinner, and now am in my room with the wireless internet. I will watch La Academia later this evening if I can keep awake that long. That is the only show I watch, it's our Sunday night tradition. Miguel will be there on the couch on Isla watching as well, and probably drifting off to sleep as he usually does.
So all is well, thank goodness. Our guests who did have their flight canceled today (yes, the Canadian airlines canceled flights) say they are scheduled to fly in tomorrow. I hope they have an uneventful trip and can finally get a start to their vacation. I was supposed to come to Cancun tomorrow to run some errands and meet my lawyer - hmmm...do I really want to go to the island in the morning and then turn around and come back here? I sort of need to, but it's just not appealing. I guess we'll see what tomorrow brings.
Thanks to all for your comments of support, much appreciated!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
No matter how hard I try...
I am staring at the three storm sites, flipping back and forth trying to find the latest information about IDA. Memories of how quickly Wilma intensified are not buried that deeply, and I am frustrated. I keep expecting to flip to a screen and find the storm no longer on track to hit us. Not that I wish it on anyone else, but geez - I'm not there to help prepare.
I think it's hard for anyone who has never done hurricane preparations to realize just how much work it is to prepare. It's not just boarding up, which in itself is a huge chore. It's bringing in planters and patio furniture, tracking a mess all through the house with water and dirt. It's making sure there is water stored, and food supplies for humans and pets. It's moving anything that can be damaged by water up off the floors. It's trying to keep the outdoor pets close to home so they will be inside during the brunt of the storm. I remember the night before Wilma hit; Loco, who was free to roam in those days, took off down the road and was gone until 1 am. I was frantic until he came back, and he got the leash treatment for the next few hours until we were confined to the indoors.
Miguel has two properties to deal with. He's just one person, anyone who might help him will be busy with their own preparations. I wish I could be there to do the 'bringing' in part, and the food part. Miguel is philosophical - it doesn't matter what gets damaged, it's life that is important. Of course he's right, but I like to think we can protect it all.
But I'm not there to help. I'm supposed to land in Cancun tomorrow at 12:45. I'm betting the flight will be canceled. So here I sit, worried and hoping, knowing there is a hurricane on its way and hoping it will not be a strong one. No matter how hard I try to wish it away, or how many times I change weather stations, that storm is still pointing in our direction. Nuts!
I think it's hard for anyone who has never done hurricane preparations to realize just how much work it is to prepare. It's not just boarding up, which in itself is a huge chore. It's bringing in planters and patio furniture, tracking a mess all through the house with water and dirt. It's making sure there is water stored, and food supplies for humans and pets. It's moving anything that can be damaged by water up off the floors. It's trying to keep the outdoor pets close to home so they will be inside during the brunt of the storm. I remember the night before Wilma hit; Loco, who was free to roam in those days, took off down the road and was gone until 1 am. I was frantic until he came back, and he got the leash treatment for the next few hours until we were confined to the indoors.
Miguel has two properties to deal with. He's just one person, anyone who might help him will be busy with their own preparations. I wish I could be there to do the 'bringing' in part, and the food part. Miguel is philosophical - it doesn't matter what gets damaged, it's life that is important. Of course he's right, but I like to think we can protect it all.
But I'm not there to help. I'm supposed to land in Cancun tomorrow at 12:45. I'm betting the flight will be canceled. So here I sit, worried and hoping, knowing there is a hurricane on its way and hoping it will not be a strong one. No matter how hard I try to wish it away, or how many times I change weather stations, that storm is still pointing in our direction. Nuts!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
That was the easy part
I am sitting in my living room in Canada, surrounded by a mountain of cd's, power cables, hard drives, and books.
As you may recall, I've been babying my laptop for the last month - trying to keep it running until I was finished working for my client. I succeeded in doing that much, going back to an old drive when the new one bombed out.
Before heading to Canada I did a full backup of the drive I'd been using. I have backups on two different external drives, from various points in time. I really thought I had it covered.
When I got here Tuesday night I showed Miko, my son-in-law, the drive that had bombed out along with my slave cables that I'd not succeeded in getting to work (the cables would power up the drive but my laptop(s) would not recognize that there was anything on the other end of the USB cable). Of course he plugged it all together just as I had, and as soon as he stuck the USB end into his computer, it recognized the drive and starting loading. Sigh...I can't tell you how many times I'd done just that, with more than one laptop...and got no results. I know Miko doesn't believe me, but I swear it's the truth - there just isn't any other way to hook all those cables together.
The only thing we did differently was I was very careful as I handled the drive, barely touching it and trying to make sure I did not zap it with any static or bump it on anything. Miko, in searching for a power outlet, dragged the entire mess across the floor, static mat and carpet to boot, and the thing thrashed around like a fish at the end of a hook. And started up just like it was supposed to. From now on I'm going to abuse my drives, maybe that's what they want!
In the morning I booted up my laptop with the drive that had been working in Mexico, only to be greeted with the miserable "Unmountable boot volume". I am sick of that error! I tried to reboot several times, thinking maybe the laptop would change its mind and be nice. No luck.
So I took the drive Miko dragged across the floor, stuck it in my laptop, and gave it severe punishment. FORMAT C:! (and don't ask me again, YES, I'M SURE!!).
After the third format attempt, I successfully got Windows installed and then started the tedious process of reinstalling most of the normal programs I own on cd. So that took me all of yesterday.
This morning I attempted to copy files from the backup drives from the "My Documents" folder. Guess what? Access denied. I could access any other folder on those drives except the one I REALLY NEEDED. Miko blamed me - "I don't know what you do with computers to have all these problems". Well, guess what - neither do I.
Anyway, before giving up I decided to do an internet search on the error, and lo and behold, in 2005 someone had asked the same type of question on a tech forum and some guys who really knew what they were talking about responded. So thanks to Mike and Ross I was able to change the security settings on that folder and get to my files.
So I'm back in business, that apparently was the easy part. I still have a bunch of other programs to be loaded - programs I'd purchased via download, where the 25-character license key isn't there on a sticker right in front of me. I have to do some digging through emails to find the licenses. I will leave that for when I'm back in Mexico, I have other pressing business to attend to here.
Somehow I broke a molar. I don't know when, or how - probably from clenched teeth. Tomorrow I will make a visit to my dentist to see what he has to say. I love this dentist - he is all about ensuring his patients do not suffer pain. He actually did some work on Miguel's teeth a couple of years ago, and Miguel was very impressed with the professionalism and service. I have not been to see him in a couple of years, but he kindly agreed to fit me into a booked schedule tomorrow morning. I suspect I know what is needed, and it isn't cheap, but I will wait for his opinion.
I am taking a web design program online. For the first week there was tons of reading and three assignments. The toughest assignment was to put together a composite of what I am planning to do as my project for the class. I have never done a composite, I don't really know what that is, and I can't draw. So I used three different programs to put together something that I thought was suitable and submitted it. Then I saw what others submitted and knew I was way off. But...my teacher's feedback: "I don't usually accept labs without a solid attempt at a composite, but I've never had someone turn in such a detailed and well-thought out plan accompanied by images and ideas. So what you have done certainly works for me!"
Whew! So I don't have to rework Week 1, and I can now focus on Week 2, which is due Sunday, no ifs, ands, or buts. If only I can keep the laptop from interfering with my plans, I might stand a chance. Off to do my homework...
As you may recall, I've been babying my laptop for the last month - trying to keep it running until I was finished working for my client. I succeeded in doing that much, going back to an old drive when the new one bombed out.
Before heading to Canada I did a full backup of the drive I'd been using. I have backups on two different external drives, from various points in time. I really thought I had it covered.
When I got here Tuesday night I showed Miko, my son-in-law, the drive that had bombed out along with my slave cables that I'd not succeeded in getting to work (the cables would power up the drive but my laptop(s) would not recognize that there was anything on the other end of the USB cable). Of course he plugged it all together just as I had, and as soon as he stuck the USB end into his computer, it recognized the drive and starting loading. Sigh...I can't tell you how many times I'd done just that, with more than one laptop...and got no results. I know Miko doesn't believe me, but I swear it's the truth - there just isn't any other way to hook all those cables together.
The only thing we did differently was I was very careful as I handled the drive, barely touching it and trying to make sure I did not zap it with any static or bump it on anything. Miko, in searching for a power outlet, dragged the entire mess across the floor, static mat and carpet to boot, and the thing thrashed around like a fish at the end of a hook. And started up just like it was supposed to. From now on I'm going to abuse my drives, maybe that's what they want!
In the morning I booted up my laptop with the drive that had been working in Mexico, only to be greeted with the miserable "Unmountable boot volume". I am sick of that error! I tried to reboot several times, thinking maybe the laptop would change its mind and be nice. No luck.
So I took the drive Miko dragged across the floor, stuck it in my laptop, and gave it severe punishment. FORMAT C:! (and don't ask me again, YES, I'M SURE!!).
After the third format attempt, I successfully got Windows installed and then started the tedious process of reinstalling most of the normal programs I own on cd. So that took me all of yesterday.
This morning I attempted to copy files from the backup drives from the "My Documents" folder. Guess what? Access denied. I could access any other folder on those drives except the one I REALLY NEEDED. Miko blamed me - "I don't know what you do with computers to have all these problems". Well, guess what - neither do I.
Anyway, before giving up I decided to do an internet search on the error, and lo and behold, in 2005 someone had asked the same type of question on a tech forum and some guys who really knew what they were talking about responded. So thanks to Mike and Ross I was able to change the security settings on that folder and get to my files.
So I'm back in business, that apparently was the easy part. I still have a bunch of other programs to be loaded - programs I'd purchased via download, where the 25-character license key isn't there on a sticker right in front of me. I have to do some digging through emails to find the licenses. I will leave that for when I'm back in Mexico, I have other pressing business to attend to here.
Somehow I broke a molar. I don't know when, or how - probably from clenched teeth. Tomorrow I will make a visit to my dentist to see what he has to say. I love this dentist - he is all about ensuring his patients do not suffer pain. He actually did some work on Miguel's teeth a couple of years ago, and Miguel was very impressed with the professionalism and service. I have not been to see him in a couple of years, but he kindly agreed to fit me into a booked schedule tomorrow morning. I suspect I know what is needed, and it isn't cheap, but I will wait for his opinion.
I am taking a web design program online. For the first week there was tons of reading and three assignments. The toughest assignment was to put together a composite of what I am planning to do as my project for the class. I have never done a composite, I don't really know what that is, and I can't draw. So I used three different programs to put together something that I thought was suitable and submitted it. Then I saw what others submitted and knew I was way off. But...my teacher's feedback: "I don't usually accept labs without a solid attempt at a composite, but I've never had someone turn in such a detailed and well-thought out plan accompanied by images and ideas. So what you have done certainly works for me!"
Whew! So I don't have to rework Week 1, and I can now focus on Week 2, which is due Sunday, no ifs, ands, or buts. If only I can keep the laptop from interfering with my plans, I might stand a chance. Off to do my homework...
Monday, November 2, 2009
According to Sue's personal dictionary
I am a-responsible. Without responsibility. At least as far as work outside the home goes. It feels great.
I am not irresponsible. To me that is someone that should be responsible but is not.
I am not unresponsible, which is not really a word, but if it was in my dictionary, I would define it as a person incapable of taking on responsibility.
When I am working, I am capable of taking on responsibility, and I am responsible. So the fact that I am on my first day of not working outside the home, I'm going to declare that I am a-responsible. Without responsibility.
Were finances different, this would definitely be the beginning of a life of a-responsibility. But the financial situation is not so great, so I am heading towards semi-responsibility. At least, that's all I hope it becomes.
How can I be retired if people keep asking me to be responsible again?
I remember a conversation in 1996, with a favorite co-worker (that would be you, Randy). We were working in downtown Chicago, not in the best part of town. We were surrounded by homeless and crazy people, and we decided that we were going to be the same when we got to be that age. It seemed so carefree.
Would that make it "irresponsible", "unresponsible", or "a-responsible"? I don't know, and since Randy has gone on to something very respectable, I think he might have changed his mind about living out of a shopping basket and prowling the shores of Lake Michigan searching dumpsters for discarded donuts and other scraps. Although some of those people seemed happy with their situation, I'm not sure how many consciously decided to live like that, probably very few. I'm sure the vast majority would choose a different life if they thought they had a choice.
I bet with the current economic situation that there are more people like that now than there was back in 1996. I personally know someone, a professional making a great income, who became unemployed and worked through all his resources and ended up living in a parking garage. Hard to imagine, but that was his reality.
So although I'd like to remain a-responsibile, I know it's not realistic. But while I have it, I'm going to enjoy it.
I am not irresponsible. To me that is someone that should be responsible but is not.
I am not unresponsible, which is not really a word, but if it was in my dictionary, I would define it as a person incapable of taking on responsibility.
When I am working, I am capable of taking on responsibility, and I am responsible. So the fact that I am on my first day of not working outside the home, I'm going to declare that I am a-responsible. Without responsibility.
Were finances different, this would definitely be the beginning of a life of a-responsibility. But the financial situation is not so great, so I am heading towards semi-responsibility. At least, that's all I hope it becomes.
How can I be retired if people keep asking me to be responsible again?
I remember a conversation in 1996, with a favorite co-worker (that would be you, Randy). We were working in downtown Chicago, not in the best part of town. We were surrounded by homeless and crazy people, and we decided that we were going to be the same when we got to be that age. It seemed so carefree.
Would that make it "irresponsible", "unresponsible", or "a-responsible"? I don't know, and since Randy has gone on to something very respectable, I think he might have changed his mind about living out of a shopping basket and prowling the shores of Lake Michigan searching dumpsters for discarded donuts and other scraps. Although some of those people seemed happy with their situation, I'm not sure how many consciously decided to live like that, probably very few. I'm sure the vast majority would choose a different life if they thought they had a choice.
I bet with the current economic situation that there are more people like that now than there was back in 1996. I personally know someone, a professional making a great income, who became unemployed and worked through all his resources and ended up living in a parking garage. Hard to imagine, but that was his reality.
So although I'd like to remain a-responsibile, I know it's not realistic. But while I have it, I'm going to enjoy it.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Loco's Hamburger Adventure - as told by Loco
There I was, lying on the back seat of the golf cart, enjoying the smell of the hamburgers that my family was going to devour when we got home. I'd just finished licking my yucky parts - all of them. My nose was wet and slimy, and I really needed a bath.
Out of nowhere came two other golf carts - one parked right behind us and the other parked across the road. The people who got off the cart were drunk, and some were still carrying their bottles of beer. The driver was carrying a big bottle of water, but I think that might have been a decoy, because he walked a little funny.
One of the guys on the back of the cart spotted me and staggered over. He put out his hand, palm down, so I could check him out, and once he realized I was friendly, he patted me on the head. Then he leaned in and gave me a big wet kiss on the end of my nose. He told my mom that he had just lost his dog a couple of weeks ago and was feeling sad. Then he walked over to join the rest of his group in front of the hamburg stand.
My dad Miguel was sitting over there but when he saw all the people, he got up and offered them chairs. He quickly realized that they were drunk, but he engaged them in conversation and asked where they were from.
The driver from the other cart across the street came past me, and he reached out to pet me on the way by. Then the first guy came back and got up on the back of the cart to sit with me. He sort of sat on my tail and usually I would cry when that happens because my mom gives me sympathy, but I just let this guy sit on my tail and snuggle in with me.
He was stroking me and talking to my mom and telling her that he'd had to put his dog to sleep a couple of weeks ago, and it was so hard. While he was talking, a drunk woman from the group came over and started touching me too. Wow, I was getting lots of attention.
After 10 minutes or so our hamburgers were ready and we had to leave. The man leaned over and gave me another big wet kiss on my nose. Then the lady leaned in and asked me for a kiss, and so I reached up and licked all over her face, including her mouth since she didn't seem to mind. Then I reached back and chewed my tail. The lady laughed and said how funny it was that I had just given her a sloppy kiss and then I was chewing my tail. If she only knew what else I'd been chewing and licking before I gave her those kisses.
The woman was dressed in a low-cut halter dress, and I wanted to let her know how much I apprecated the view when she leaned over me. So I lifted my back leg to show her my stuff. She commented on my 'lipstick', and my mom was embarrassed and pushed my leg back down. But my dad was proud (he'd had a couple of beers earlier in the day so was a little less reserved) and asked me to show it again. So I kept lifting my leg and my mom kept pushing it back down. Everyone laughed and we said goodbye and drove home.
I hope they don't get sick today from all my kisses. I know people always blame the food when they come down with tourista, but they don't tell you how many dog's noses they kissed when they were out and about. It's NOT always the FOOD!!
Out of nowhere came two other golf carts - one parked right behind us and the other parked across the road. The people who got off the cart were drunk, and some were still carrying their bottles of beer. The driver was carrying a big bottle of water, but I think that might have been a decoy, because he walked a little funny.
One of the guys on the back of the cart spotted me and staggered over. He put out his hand, palm down, so I could check him out, and once he realized I was friendly, he patted me on the head. Then he leaned in and gave me a big wet kiss on the end of my nose. He told my mom that he had just lost his dog a couple of weeks ago and was feeling sad. Then he walked over to join the rest of his group in front of the hamburg stand.
My dad Miguel was sitting over there but when he saw all the people, he got up and offered them chairs. He quickly realized that they were drunk, but he engaged them in conversation and asked where they were from.
The driver from the other cart across the street came past me, and he reached out to pet me on the way by. Then the first guy came back and got up on the back of the cart to sit with me. He sort of sat on my tail and usually I would cry when that happens because my mom gives me sympathy, but I just let this guy sit on my tail and snuggle in with me.
He was stroking me and talking to my mom and telling her that he'd had to put his dog to sleep a couple of weeks ago, and it was so hard. While he was talking, a drunk woman from the group came over and started touching me too. Wow, I was getting lots of attention.
After 10 minutes or so our hamburgers were ready and we had to leave. The man leaned over and gave me another big wet kiss on my nose. Then the lady leaned in and asked me for a kiss, and so I reached up and licked all over her face, including her mouth since she didn't seem to mind. Then I reached back and chewed my tail. The lady laughed and said how funny it was that I had just given her a sloppy kiss and then I was chewing my tail. If she only knew what else I'd been chewing and licking before I gave her those kisses.
The woman was dressed in a low-cut halter dress, and I wanted to let her know how much I apprecated the view when she leaned over me. So I lifted my back leg to show her my stuff. She commented on my 'lipstick', and my mom was embarrassed and pushed my leg back down. But my dad was proud (he'd had a couple of beers earlier in the day so was a little less reserved) and asked me to show it again. So I kept lifting my leg and my mom kept pushing it back down. Everyone laughed and we said goodbye and drove home.
I hope they don't get sick today from all my kisses. I know people always blame the food when they come down with tourista, but they don't tell you how many dog's noses they kissed when they were out and about. It's NOT always the FOOD!!
Friday, October 30, 2009
The last hour of the last day of work...
And the phone rang. A call I'd been told to expect for the last several months. I'd forgotten about it, but as soon as the person told me where she was calling from, I knew.
Was I available for work? Hey, I JUST became available, I'm hot off the press. The timing struck me funny and since it was all spontaneous, I was unguarded in my conversation.
I'd been recommended by a friend. She wanted to know about my background, and my skills. And so ensued a very pleasant chat with a woman I felt an instant connection with. She used to be a consultant, she 'got' what I told her about my work. I've sent her my entire life story, I'm chatty like that. Ok, not quite my entire life story, but hopefully enough to answer her questions and assure her that I am more than capable for the project.
So we'll see. I would love to keep something percolating. Nothing full-time. And I'm not in a hurry. I was looking forward to thinking I was retiring.
But that proverbial door that closed may have allowed the other one to open. Time will tell...
Was I available for work? Hey, I JUST became available, I'm hot off the press. The timing struck me funny and since it was all spontaneous, I was unguarded in my conversation.
I'd been recommended by a friend. She wanted to know about my background, and my skills. And so ensued a very pleasant chat with a woman I felt an instant connection with. She used to be a consultant, she 'got' what I told her about my work. I've sent her my entire life story, I'm chatty like that. Ok, not quite my entire life story, but hopefully enough to answer her questions and assure her that I am more than capable for the project.
So we'll see. I would love to keep something percolating. Nothing full-time. And I'm not in a hurry. I was looking forward to thinking I was retiring.
But that proverbial door that closed may have allowed the other one to open. Time will tell...
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Cat got your tongue?
I don't know, but something got my tongue. Wow, I have a really sore spot on the side of my tongue, way at the back. It hurts to talk, it hurts to eat, it hurts to swallow. I can feel a rough spot back there. Not sure if I bit my tongue (I've had to bite it a lot lately), or if I have a small infection.
The immediate concern is swelling and respiratory obstruction. So I took anti-inflammatory meds before I went to bed, and I mandated Miguel to sleep in the same room as me in case I obstructed. I demonstrated how I would poke him in the ribs if I got into trouble and couldn't talk. Perhaps I was over-reacting, but I like to be prepared.
Miguel is a weird sleeper. He can be in a conversation with me and if I pause for any longer than a minute between sentences, I'll look over and he'll be sound asleep. Sometimes I go up to bed and leave him sleeping on the couch or in the other room, and often he ends up just spending the night there. Which means I get the bed upstairs all to myself, and double the pillows (four pillows is just about right, no?). I also get all the sheets, it's really quite a nice arrangement.
Miguel requires less overall sleep than I do, which means he is often awake by 3 or 4 am. So on those nights when he has made it upstairs, when he wakes up early and can't get back to sleep, he will often tip-toe out of the room and head to the living room to work on his schoolwork, watch tv, or browse the internet.
This morning I woke up late - 7 am, and the spot on the bed beside me was empty. So I guess Miguel decided that I had survived enough of the night to reassure him I would not obstruct, and he trotted off downstairs.
And here I am, still alive, still able to breathe. I can even still talk, although it sounds a little funny and it hurts when I do so. Miguel and the animals will get to enjoy a quieter home front until this thing clears up. They'd all better behave, because I don't want to dole out a tongue-lashing with only partial use of my tongue. When I go on a rant, I want them to feel the full effect and to THINK ABOUT WHAT THEY DID. My message might lose some punch if I can only yell, I mean speak, at half-volume, and with a mouth full of swollen tongue.
The immediate concern is swelling and respiratory obstruction. So I took anti-inflammatory meds before I went to bed, and I mandated Miguel to sleep in the same room as me in case I obstructed. I demonstrated how I would poke him in the ribs if I got into trouble and couldn't talk. Perhaps I was over-reacting, but I like to be prepared.
Miguel is a weird sleeper. He can be in a conversation with me and if I pause for any longer than a minute between sentences, I'll look over and he'll be sound asleep. Sometimes I go up to bed and leave him sleeping on the couch or in the other room, and often he ends up just spending the night there. Which means I get the bed upstairs all to myself, and double the pillows (four pillows is just about right, no?). I also get all the sheets, it's really quite a nice arrangement.
Miguel requires less overall sleep than I do, which means he is often awake by 3 or 4 am. So on those nights when he has made it upstairs, when he wakes up early and can't get back to sleep, he will often tip-toe out of the room and head to the living room to work on his schoolwork, watch tv, or browse the internet.
This morning I woke up late - 7 am, and the spot on the bed beside me was empty. So I guess Miguel decided that I had survived enough of the night to reassure him I would not obstruct, and he trotted off downstairs.
And here I am, still alive, still able to breathe. I can even still talk, although it sounds a little funny and it hurts when I do so. Miguel and the animals will get to enjoy a quieter home front until this thing clears up. They'd all better behave, because I don't want to dole out a tongue-lashing with only partial use of my tongue. When I go on a rant, I want them to feel the full effect and to THINK ABOUT WHAT THEY DID. My message might lose some punch if I can only yell, I mean speak, at half-volume, and with a mouth full of swollen tongue.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Am I sad?
This is my last week working for a company that I've been associated with for 13 years. A company where I worked under the most incredible mentor ever (that would be you, Linda!). A company where I had the pleasure to work with someone who became a life-saver (that would be you, Bennie!). A company where I will still have friends even after I've gone.
Last week I was asked if I'm feeling sad about leaving the company. My response - "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!"
Many people think I have been living the dream. No, not yet, but give me time and I will!
My goal was to retire by the age of 55. Guess how old I'll be in December? Yup - 55. I cannot WAIT to get to post-work life and not be tied to my computer all day long for 5 days a week. I have a life to live yet, nobody else can live it for me. And so I intend to get on with it!
Sure, I still need some sort of an income, and I am in the process of figuring out how I will make that happen and STILL HAVE A LIFE. But I have no doubt I will figure it out, and I have a bunch of people laying odds that I will be just fine.
The only thing I will have lost is an income. I did not lose job security (I never had it - it doesn't exist). I have not lost friends, they will still be there (Hi Guys!). I have not lost my health, in fact maybe I will actually have time to take better care of my body (and my mind?).
The most precious thing I will have gained is time. Something that can never be recovered once lost. I want to spend more time with my home, my family (I might even become a grandmother!), my animals, with my passions and hobbies. I want to write, I want to knit, I want to sew, I want to cook. I want to organize. I want to learn. I want to think. I just want to BE.
So many things have been on the back-burner. I will finally have time to putter and do things the way I want to do them. I might finally clear the stuff off the dining room table and keep it off instead of just shoving it into a nearby suitcase or cabinet when people are coming (only to be dragged out again once they leave so I can try and find a permanent place for it).
So I am not sad. I am excited, I am thrilled, I cannot wait for this week to end. Because I have a dream, and nobody can live my dream except me.
Last week I was asked if I'm feeling sad about leaving the company. My response - "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!"
Many people think I have been living the dream. No, not yet, but give me time and I will!
My goal was to retire by the age of 55. Guess how old I'll be in December? Yup - 55. I cannot WAIT to get to post-work life and not be tied to my computer all day long for 5 days a week. I have a life to live yet, nobody else can live it for me. And so I intend to get on with it!
Sure, I still need some sort of an income, and I am in the process of figuring out how I will make that happen and STILL HAVE A LIFE. But I have no doubt I will figure it out, and I have a bunch of people laying odds that I will be just fine.
The only thing I will have lost is an income. I did not lose job security (I never had it - it doesn't exist). I have not lost friends, they will still be there (Hi Guys!). I have not lost my health, in fact maybe I will actually have time to take better care of my body (and my mind?).
The most precious thing I will have gained is time. Something that can never be recovered once lost. I want to spend more time with my home, my family (I might even become a grandmother!), my animals, with my passions and hobbies. I want to write, I want to knit, I want to sew, I want to cook. I want to organize. I want to learn. I want to think. I just want to BE.
So many things have been on the back-burner. I will finally have time to putter and do things the way I want to do them. I might finally clear the stuff off the dining room table and keep it off instead of just shoving it into a nearby suitcase or cabinet when people are coming (only to be dragged out again once they leave so I can try and find a permanent place for it).
So I am not sad. I am excited, I am thrilled, I cannot wait for this week to end. Because I have a dream, and nobody can live my dream except me.
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