Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Two Weeks Notice

I handed in my 2 weeks notice at job #2 (that’s Pier 1 for those keeping score at home). It felt great!

Sunday, May 28, 2006

That Was Nice

It’s not very often that I see my folks. They live approximately 3 hours (no matter what they tell you) away on Long Island. When we do get together, fun times are bound to happen.

Mom and Dad stopped by this weekend to drop off some of grandma’s furniture and just kind of hang together. Coincidentally, Sonia’s family had dropped by, so we had the opportunity to have one hell of a bash.

There was grilled stuff, ice cream cake, Wiffle ball, and a bottle or six of wine to be drunk. Newcomers to these gatherings always ask, “Do you guys always eat like this?” -- honestly, no. However, it’s a lot of fun to get everyone together for a party, no matter how small the reason. As my mom is fond of saying, “there’s always a reason to party!”

Go mom!

Saturday, May 27, 2006

Wicked Hard

Man, I think I am burning out something fierce. I work all day and come home and argue with my wife all night. Not relaxing at all. To top it off, I haven’t been paid from my second job in quite a while, since the cost of benefits outstrips the pay I get from there. Paychecks that read “Zero Dollars and 00/100 cents” get really old really quick.

I’m supposed to fill out this 4-page form for them explaining why I don’t want Pier 1’s benefits anymore (because the new job has better benefits). I’ll go there, using precious fuel, to collect last week’s paycheck. Betcha it’s another zero paycheck.

I think I’ll quit Pier 1. It’s not worth it anymore.

Saturday, May 20, 2006

Did Ya Get That Thing I Sent Ya?

Man, I am pooped. As I mentioned before, I’ve been working two jobs. It’s tiring, my family has gone from, “Gee, that means more money for you guys, that’s great!” to “Hey man, when are you ever home?”

That’s all about to change, though. I lucked out today by being scheduled off at job #2. I had a chance to sleep late, eat at Five Guys work on my bullet time kung fu in “Enter The Matrix” and spend time with my family, whom I don’t see very often indeed.

Next weekend, I’m burning two vacation days and staying home all weekend. Who knows, maybe we’ll even see a movie! Amazing!

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

To "Pro" Or Not To "Pro"...

Howzabout those new MacBooks? I love the color (Black! Righteous!), and I love the specs. But I’m not too sure if I want one of these or if I want to grab a 12” PowerBook while they last. After all, ye olde PowerBook still has some credibility left... but the iSight and remote. That would be fun, no?

Ahh, decisions, decisions...

Where Does The Time Go?

Wow, amazing how quickly the time passes when you take some time to stop and catch your breath. Lately, I’ve been a bad husband, friend, even a bad board member of the local Mac user group.

Why? Well, after years of complaining of being unemployed, or underemployed (which is worse?), I now have the rare occasion of working 2 separate jobs. The good news is that I’m making two salaries. The bad news is that it comes at the expense of all of those relationships.

So, as per Merlin Mann’s advice I’m cutting back. On work, on stuff -- all in the name of family. After all, what fun is working 7 days a week if you have no time to enjoy life?