Month End

Wow - month-end at this company is a lot nicer than it was at Boyd. No worries about having to stay late (in fact, I got off work about 3:45 today). An awful lot of data entry, but not too bad. Lunch was yummy; and one of the guys bought a bunch of strawberries and grapes from the "fruit truck" and put them in the break room for everyone this morning. All in all, a pretty good day, for work.

Called DMV after I got home, because my driver's license expires on my birthday. Never got the notification in the mail, and according to the website I can't renew my license online because I did my address change online. Figured I would see if I could mail in for the renewal. Nope - I have to go in and update stuff (I think the picture on my license is about 20 years old, so it's about time, I guess). Of course, the DMV near my place only has Saturday hours once a month -- for August, it will be the week after my birthday. And the soonest I could make an appointment would be 2 days after. So, I've got an appointment next Thursday at the Pomona office. I'll have to leave work early, but it should be ok.

The Boy came by this evening to do laundry, and The Girl came over when she finished shopping. We picked up dinner at the Mexican restaurant at the corner. I couldn't finish mine, so I have a chicken & sour cream enchilada and some beans and rice for lunch tomorrow. Had a nice time with The Kids; and The Boy has posted a bunch of his photos from Comic-Con, if you want to have a look.

Anyway, that's it for today.

Wednesday

Let's see - what new and exciting things happened today. I found out we aren't having El Pollo Loco for lunch tomorrow after all; they are getting sammidges from a sammidge shop (good place to get them, I'd say). I'm going to have a Philly chiggen and cheese - similar to a Cheesesteak, I think, but with chiggen instead of steak. And I'm sure you could have figured all that out on your own, but it makes my blog post a little longer.

Misread one of the invoices today - don't know why, but when I saw part number "332PPINATRL I read it as 332 Pineapple Trail.

Stopped for an interview at the company that VT's daughter works for; I wasn't really impressed with the building or the interviewers. They didn't even go into detail about what the job would be. Hate to say it, but I hope they don't offer it to me because I wouldn't want to tell VT that I turned it down. Hopefully, I can get an offer for a permanent position where I am now. I called and talked to one of the guys at the agency to see if they had heard any rumblings about a permanent spot, but the guy I talked to hadn't. He said he'd try calling J, the "big boss", and put out feelers. Should hear back from the agency in a couple of days, I'd guess. Wonder what they pay - I know what they are paying the agency (saw the invoice while filing the other day) so I figure I should ask for something between what they are paying the agency and what the agency is paying me.

Anyway, that's about it. I'm adding a link to the new blog that The Boy is testing.

Forgot To Mention

Had a chuckle at work yesterday - one of the guys was setting up the computers/printers that had been moved during the re-carpeting. He thought the printer was set up, and sent a test print job to it. Came back over (the printer is on the end of my desk) and said, "Well, that didn't do jack poo."

Just talked to VT from AccentCare; her daughter is moving to the Midwest next week, and her boss wants to interview me for her job. I'll have to try calling him again tomorrow at lunch (he had left a message on my cell, and I left a voice mail to let him know I would call back). Anyway, it would be a direct hire job, which would be nice. Not sure what it would pay, but hopefully enough to make it worth the drive to Chino!

Rock'n'Roll!

Yep, SoCal is the place to be for the movers and shakers. At least it was this morning, when we were the recipients of a 5.6 earthquake, the epicenter of which was probably about a mile or two from where I am currently employed. Big bang followed by a nice, long roller. Everyone at work pretty much stayed as they were at the beginning and then everyone started getting under desks. We were then told to go outside (at least those of us on the ground floor, I don't know about the upper floor people). Couldn't get through to anyone on the phone, of course, for quite a while. Realized during lunch that I didn't even know the phone number for the company. So, I got the number and texted it to F so that someone would be able to contact me in an emergency.

Stopped off and visited with Duh (and Sharon and the babysitting kids) for a while before meeting The Girl for tacos at Buffalo. Haven't seen her in quite a while, so it was nice to get a chance to visit a little bit. Of course, the whole conversation (or most of it) was about the quake.

Had a nice dinner with The Girl (yummy tacos) and enjoyed our "girl time". Just as we finished and were waiting for the check, who should come in but LA (from Boyd) and her hubby, with another couple! They came and sat at our table while we waited for our check, and then they stayed to eat. It was their first time at Buffalo Inn, and I hope they enjoy it. I recommended the tacos. Surprised?

Not Ready For His Close-Up

Well, I remembered to bring my camera and my camcorder today. Deliberately drove the alternate route so I could get a nice little video of Mr Ostrich. Did he cooperate? No, he did not. He stayed waaaay over there, where I couldn't get a good shot of him. What a bummer! Guess I'll have to try again tomorrow.

Today was hectic at work. Couldn't start on the AP for almost two hours, because they were putting computers and stuff back together after the installation of the new carpets. Since it is near month-end, they want everything entered (of course). Spent the day working on the drop-ship invoices so the customers could be billed; haven't entered any of the "regular" shipment invoices that came in the mail today. That means we'll be adding to them tomorrow -- and we'll have more drop-ships to enter, too!

Found out something nice about the company, too ... they provide lunch for month-end! We'll be treated to El Pollo Loco on Thursday, which ought to be yummy. Sherry says they usually don't work overtime, either, so I won't have to worry if I'm still employed there during Survivor Season. This place is looking better and better - hope they can and will hire me, for a decent wage that I can live on and afford the gas to drive there!

And on a sad note - Rafe's computer is fried, so Sis no longer has computer access at home. And since she can't blog at work, that means she won't be able to add any posts or upload any pictures! Hope they get one or the other of the computers working soon, as much for their sake as for my entertainment.

Chi-li Coo-koff

dancedancedance According to what I can find online, the tentative date is October 19, 2008 - 9a-3p. Seems awfully late in the year. I know that means it won't be as hot as it has been on some of the previous occasions. I guess it has been later the last couple of times. Gee, ever since the Paramedic Incident, I think. Coincidence? I sure hope so!

Haven't done anything with the new mini camcorder yet. I'll have to see about getting some "movin pitchurs" of the ostrich and/or some of the other animals tomorrow.

Going to have to start saving up my pennies - the tv in the living room is starting to get a black line across the top of the screen. No, not the one that you get when the program is being shown in widescreen format. Although I haven't noticed it since I changed channels about 20 minutes ago, so maybe it was just that one station having problems. Sure hope so.

Sorry, Sis

Apparently, Sis was expecting a nice blog entry about my new little baby camcorder. Unfortunately, I don't really have anything much to say about it, as I haven't really used it yet. Took a little video shot of the living room just to test it out, and it seems like it takes a decent movie. It is really easy to use, too. Not a lot of buttons to have to figure out. A power button, a button to record (and the same button to stop recording), a play button and a delete button. That's about it. I'll have to see if I can find something to video over the weekend; if not, maybe I'll drive home past the ostrich on Monday. Then I can practice downloading to the computer and posting it to blogger! Which I'm sure will be easy, since there's a little icon right up there ^ for adding movies to the blog.

Hey, if anyone is interested, The Boy actually posted to his blog today! He is, as you probably know, at the Comic-Con in San Diego this weekend. Don't know how many consecutive years this makes for him, but I know he enjoys going. Kinda felt bad for him, since he was on his own for the first two days - The Girl had to work until this afternoon, so she took the train down to meet him. And I've probably mentioned all that before, but that's ok. If I'm repeating myself, I can blame it on my age. Anyway, you can check out The Boy's blog. Just a little something extra to read if you are bored.

It's here!

FedEx delivered my camcorder about half an hour ago. It is really small, and simple to use. But it seems to take a nice video (even of such a boring subject as my living room). Too bad I didn't have it yesterday; I could have taken a little movie of the ostrich. Of course, I could have done that with the digital camera, too. Or my cellamaphone. But I didn't think of that at the time.

FedEx

I called FedEx during my lunch break today to see about getting an approximate delivery time for tomorrow. Figured if I know what time to expect them, I can plan my day, right? Wrong. They "don't give a time estimate" for "that kind of shipment". Which means that, after taking The Girl to work in the morning, I have to sit around and wait for them the rest of the day. Based on the time they were here yesterday (12:30) and today (12:45), I'm guessing he'll get here at 8:00 am, while I am gone.

Had a Boyd flashback at work today. Since they are having new carpet installed, the AP department had to have everything packed up and ready to be moved out before end of the work day today. There wasn't a lot for me to pack up at the desk I'm using, because it doesn't belong to anyone in particular. Got everything all packed up and labeled, and was out of there by 3:00. Day off tomorrow, and then back to work on Monday. I guess I'll be spending the morning emptying the box of stuff (that ought to take about 5 minutes) before getting back to data entry.

Had to stop for gas on the way home, so I ended up taking a different route through the farmlands. Found a couple of critters you don't normally expect on a dairy farm, so I had to stop and take a couple of pictures. Unfortunately, some of the animals were a bit too far away for the zoom on my camera, but I did the best I could and cropped to get the best picture possible (they are on my Flickr site).

This guy, however, was right at the corner; I turned onto the side street and parked across the street, a little bit away from the corner. The ostrich walked along until he was even with the car while I took a few shots. As I started back on my way, I noticed that the ostrich had come along the fence on the other street, so I had to stop and get a couple more pictures. It was worth it, because that's when I got the best shot - I think he actually posed for me!

Glorious Words

and a wonderful greeting... "Good morning. There's donuts in the break room." Not grammatically correct, but that isn't mandatory when there are donuts in the break room. That was the beginning to a very productive day at work today. No problems, got a lot of invoices processed. Stopped off and got Henry washed on my way home from work (he really, really needed it). Picked up some baked ziti for dinner, and have enough left for two lunches. Not bad, three meals for $8. Can you tell that my paycheck was deposited today? :-)

Got home to find a FedEx delivery tag on my front door. Apparently, they attempted to deliver the little camcorder I'm supposed to be getting from Verizon. Unfortunately, they sent it "direct signature required" meaning someone has to be here to sign for it. I'll have to call tomorrow and see if they can give me an approximate delivery time for Friday or Saturday. I had wanted to check with Sis about maybe meeting for lunch but I can't do that if I don't know when FedEx is going to arrive. What a pain. My only other plan for Friday is taking The Girl to work. The Boy left this afternoon for Comic-Con in San Diego, but she has to work until some time on Friday. One of her co-workers is going to take her to the train station and The Boy will pick her up in SD. The plan had been to leave the jeep at work, but since I've got the day off I said I'd drive her in. The jeep is a lot safer at their place then it would be left at work.

Today is the first anniversary of Nessie passing away, and the ninth for Mom. The flowers are the ones that Sis and Rafe sent when my BIL passed away. Didn't have any pictures of the ones from Mom, but I know BIL won't mind sharing.

Buffalo Tacos

Had a frustrating morning at work today; didn't feel like I accomplished as much as I should have. Tuesday is check-run day so we can't enter any AP until after the checks are processed. I helped out with the filing until it was ok to start on the data entry. Started with the drop-ship invoices, since they are more important to get done (we can't bill the customer until after we receive the items on the invoice). First one was from my least favorite of the vendors. Not that there is anything really wrong with the invoices, but they use a very small font which makes them more difficult to read. Anyway, this one had 138 line items, which had to be received and then paid. Of course, they don't have the items in the same order on the invoice as they were on the purchase order, so it's a lot of searching through everything to find the items you need. Got it all received, and processed the invoice. It was off by $13.91. The system will accept a difference of $5, but not $13.91. I then had to go through the entire invoice again, item by item, to find out which one was off. Felt like it took me all morning just to enter that one bill!

Anyway, the day went better after that. Got a call from Val at AccentCare; one of the ladies in the office management department quit yesterday, so they'll possibly be looking to hire a replacement. She suggested that I send my resume to Shelly. Couldn't hurt!

We were going to meet at Buffalo Inn for Taco Tuesday, so I decided to just hang out at Borders for a while until it was time to meet. Do you know how awful it is to spend over an hour at a book store, when you have NO MONEY and can't buy anything? I finally decided to cross my fingers and hope my paycheck hits the checking account tomorrow; I bought one book. That way I could sit and read for a while until it was time to go to the restaurant. I know, lots of people read the books and then just put them back on the shelf. I don't agree with that. To me, it's like stealing.

Anyway, F ended up not being able to make it (had to work late) and The Boy got there after The Girl and I had finished eating. It was nice, though. The Girl and I had a chance to visit for a while before The Boy got there. And the buffalo tacos were yummy!

Computer Is Working Again

And that's about all the news for today. Wow, I'm sitting here, trying to think of what to write about, and can't come up with a darned thing! So I'm going to end here, and go back to my pathetic little life of tv/reading/knitting. Maybe tomorrow will be a better day, or at least more interesting!

Oh, and I might have a short work week - the company is getting new carpeting, and the AP area is being done on Friday. Everyone will be shifted around to different areas, and I don't know if there'll be a spot for me. I know that the other temp is planning on taking the day off, but she's also packing to move to MO and can use the extra time. There might also be some question as to Monday work, so I may have another 4-dayer next week. I'm hoping not, because I can really use the cash, but then again - I might be able to schedule a lunch with Sis.

And on a New York note, Barb got to meet her new puppy over the weekend! She says he is absolutely adorable, just a little black fluff of a Scottie. She hasn't decided on a name for him yet; the 5-year-old daughter of one of her friends suggested "Cooper". Barb told the little girl that she probably won't give him that as a first name, but it can be his middle name. The pup will also have a "legal" name, since he'll be registered with the AKC.

DSL Problems

Good thing I didn't have anything to blog abut yesterday; my computer wouldn't let me online most of the day! Apparently Sis had too much fun at the OC Fair to bother writing about it, though. She sure got some great pictures!

Wicked!

Had breakfast (lunch) with The Kids today. The ELS students will be going to see Wicked on Tuesday, August 12, and The Girl can arrange tickets for us. Called and left a voice mail message for Sis to let her know. Now I just have to figure out if I'll still be working on the 12th and, if so, if I can get off work early. The Girl can arrange for me to ride on the bus as a chaperone, so I don't have to drive to Los Angeles by myself, but I'd have to be at the school by 4:00. Figure if I left work by 2:00, I could drive out there and grab a quick bite to eat before taking the bus. And since she's the "boss", I'm sure she could arrange a front seat for me.

Temp Work = Ego Boost

So, while working this morning, I got another boost to my ego. Maddie told me that she had been talking to Jay - the "big boss". Told him that I'm doing a great job, I'm very quick and accurate. Then she told him that they need to hire someone permanent for the department, and it should be me. Yay, me! Makes me feel pretty good about myself to have worked 2 temp jobs, and had employees at both places wish I could be hired permanently! Of course, the first couple days I was there and chatted a little with Jay, I didn't realize he was the big boss. Hope I was nice and polite and friendly :-)

As a summer treat this afternoon, we were served root beer floats. I'm not a huge fan of root beer, but I do like it as a float. Must be something special in that scoop of so-called iced cream.

Barb gets to go tomorrow and visit her new puppy. It'll still be a few weeks before she can bring him home, but she's excited about getting to see him. I'm hoping she'll be able to take pictures while she's there. I'd love to see a puppy picture, and I know it would mean a lot to Barb to be able to chronicle his life right from this first visit. She is planning on getting a picture of his mom, if nothing else.

The apartment crew is working on the upstairs apartment, getting it ready for a new tenant. They are awfully noisy, and I would have figured they'd quit before now. Hmm, one of the guys just walked past the window carrying a bucket; maybe they ARE quitting now! Especially since they were already up there and working before 7:00 this morning. If they start that early tomorrow, I think I'll call the office and put in a complaint. It's bad enough that the tenants are noisy, the management doesn't have much control over normal day-to-day activity. However, they don't need to be working in the upstairs apartments while people may still be trying to sleep in the morning. And yes, I know "day sleepers" complain about daytime stuff. But I'm not a day sleeper - unless I'm napping on the couch!

Conversation At Work

Sharon: "How many drop ship invoices do you still have?"
Me: "Just these, right here." (indicated small stack on desk)
Sharon: "What time do you go home?"
Me: "4:30."
Sharon: "Can you manage them?"
Me: "Yes"
Sharon: "You did all these today?" (indicating large stack on desk)
Me: "Yes. The most time consuming part is putting them in order." (Sharon reaches for the stack) "Oh, those ones are already in order. I just have to finish these and shuffle them in."
Sharon: "Oh, ok." (Sharon walks away, and speaks to someone on the other side of the divider)
"You should see all the invoices Beth entered today. You know that huge stack of mail I had this morning? She's done them ALL!"

Me: :-)

Nice Evening

Had dinner tonight with Zap and his wife. (Sis - you'll possibly remember him as Karl's best friend). They live up in Northern Cal and come down to LA a couple of times a year for business, so they made the extra (long) drive out here for a visit. We went to Corky's, and spent about 2-1/4 hours talking. I had some snackie things here for after, figuring we'd eat and then come back to the apartment. So, since they only stayed about 15 minutes at the apartment, none of the snackie things were eaten. I'll have to put it all away. Wonder how freezable it is? I could save the brownie bites and strawberry/cream cheese pastry things for the next knitting day. Or - I could eat them.

I wonder which option is more likely. HA!

And yes, I know

it is poor bathroom etiquette to take pictures in the bathroom.

The neighbor moved his truck, at about 4:30 this morning. Grrrrrr. Guess it's my own fault for not being more specific as to when I wanted it moved. And it is parked near my window again. I really should put a polite note on the truck, asking him not to park right near my bedroom, but I don't want to be seen as the "neighbor who complains". I know, I know.

Sis has been having computer issues and has been unable to post to her blog since Sunday. How am I supposed to know what is going on in her life without her posts? :-) Actually, she did email to let me know that her neighbor is very sick. He's been having liver problems, can't eat, and has lost 25 pounds since July 1. Rafe called an ambulance for him last night so at least he is getting treated. Um, Neighbor D is getting treated, not Rafe.

Speaking of treatment, my eldest BIL got his latest biopsy back; it was malignant but they think they caught it in time. He'll have to have a couple more chemo treatments, though, and won't make it down for FIL's 80th birthday.

Anyway, I'm going to finish my dinner and watch Family Feud.

Hope He Moves That Truck

The neighbor with the noisy truck is parked right at my window again. Sure wish he'd park somewhere else, although I know he has as much right to park there as anyone else. Just that his truck is so loud, and he leaves so early - and then I can't bet back to sleep. *sigh*

Work was ok today. Entered a bunch of invoices, which is kind of the point of me being there. Met a couple more people, although I don't know what they do for the company. I *think* they might be married to or dating each other, but I'm not sure.

Took a picture of one of the signs posted in the ladies room. Not sure why it is posted, because everyone should already know all this stuff, but you never know. I especially like the last line. Oh - and not only is it posted, there are five copies of it posted. Yep, five. One in each of the two stalls, one on the paper towel dispenser, one next to the sink and one on the outside of the outer stall. And it is NOT a large bathroom. Can you say "overkill"?

To better read the sign, click on the picture to enlarge it. And since it doesn't enlarge enough to read the last sentence, it says: "If anyone should have any questions regarding proper bathroom etiquette, please see a Human Resource Representative."

Worked a bit on the pet blanket, and will do a little more after I'm done computering.

Bennie

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so ...

Had a late breakfast today, which has become standard for the weekend. The Kids are at Sea World, so it was just F and me. I met him at the house, and we drove over to Tommy's place. I guess he was running out of hollandaise sauce, so he put some aside for us. It seems like it's been ages since we've had Eggs Benedict, so were quite pleased to have it this morning. I took the picture with my phone, and sent it to The Boy. Haven't heard from him ....

Went back to the house and spent some time with the critters while I did laundry. Exciting, huh? F went to check out a job (don't think he'll ever get completely away from the sign work) so it was just me and the animals. LT came and cuddled for a while, and Bubs slept at my feet. It was nice to see them.

Just finished dinner (stopped at the local pizza place and got an order of baked ziti; I think I have enough left over for 2 lunches). Gonna hit the shower soon, and then settle in for tv, reading and maybe some knitting.

Horrible Yarn

So, I read online (and I think Sis may have mentioned it) about knitting small blankets for rescue animals. Just a little cuddly something that the can sleep on, and take with them to their new home when they are adopted. Sounded like it would be something nice to do. Went to the store today, and bought some yarn. I wanted something inexpensive and washable. Bought a pretty blue yarn and have started knitting it up. I DO NOT like this yarn. I know, it's what I get for buying inexpensive. And I know not to buy this brand. Don't know where my brain was when I bought it. I'm going to go ahead and finish the blanket (I think) and see how it turns out. I'm doing it in seed stitch, with a 4 stitch knit border. Hopefully it'll turn out better than I think it is going to. It would probably help if the needles were a bit longer. They are 9", and I think the blanket is going to be between 12" and 14". Real good planning on my part, huh?

I also bought the fiberfill for the Scottie. Guess that means I'd better knit up the soles and then sew him together.

Sounds like it's raining. I did get a few drops on the windshield on the way home from dinner. I hope it rains heavy enough that I end up with a clean car, and not a mud-mobile.

I'll end tonight with the newest picture of my "traveling garden". The plant has been moved from the bedroom windowsill to the living room windowsill, so I can enjoy it more. After all, I spend a lot more "awake" time in the living room than I do the bedroom.

Feeling Smug and Productive

Well, I don't know how many invoices I entered yesterday, but I know it was a heck of a lot of 'em. This morning, Maddy told me that she is the one who verified them today - and I had 100% accuracy! Every invoice number, date, dollar amount, and freight amount were correct. I thanked her for letting me know, and then told her she was really putting the pressure on, since I could only get worse from there! It was nice of her to tell me.

Did another huge stack of invoices today. There was one that was entered as one receipt, but there were 4 invoices for it. And of course, the invoices didn't total the receipt amount. Well, I went through and verified all the receipts (a couple had incorrect quantities, and a couple weren't on any of the invoices). So, Sherry showed me how to go in and correct the ones that were wrong. I then had to "split" the receipt invoice by invoice. Easy to do, just compare the invoice to the computer record and change the indicator from "y" to "n", and then process that invoice. Oh - did I mention - there were over 120 lines on the receiver?? I was quite pleased with myself after I had it all processed.

According to Chad at the agency, he says I should plan on being at this job for "more than a month". I don't know if that's official from the company or just what he feels at this time. Also received my unemployment paperwork in the mail today. Not the actual "fill this out and return for payment" paperwork, but the ones verifying claim info. I'm going to go ahead and file for Monday and Tuesday, when the forms arrive.

Stopped for gas near work, since the price was about 20 cents per gallon less than it is at home. Just as I pulled up to the pump, the gas light came on. Timing is everything!

The Tale of the Scottie

No, not the "tail", although it is half done. And no, it isn't dun. It's bark. Knit Picks Palette Bark, to be exact.

Anyway - it may seem as though it is taking me a long time to finish knitting this poor little dog. The truth of the matter is, I lost the Ziploc containing the yarn, needles and completed pieces. Found it tonight and decided to work on it during 5th Grader. As I may (or may not) have mentioned, I had already completed 2 of the 4 ear pieces (2 fronts, 2 backs). That means I only need 2 more, right? Well, if that is true, why have I made 5 of the silly things tonight? First off, when following the pattern and you get to the end of the piece - where it says "Work 3 tog and fasten off", you only have 2 stitches left. How can this be? I didn't have that problem when working the first two. So, you frog the ear (doesn't knitting make for some odd sentences??) and start over. Same problem. Frog again. Oh, wait - that is the ending for the TAIL pieces, not the ears! *sigh* And then when you knit the row you are supposed to purl, you end up with an odd ridge in the ear. Needless to say, I'm glad the ears are finished. Now I just have to do the other tail piece, and the four soles, and put him together! Better go buy that fiberfill...

Lots of Data Entry!

I think I processed about 200 invoices today. That doesn't count the ones that I checked for receipts but weren't ready to be processed. I also scanned a bunch of stuff. Busy day, but it went fast. The only really bad part was the drive home. I've got to find a good route for getting there and back.

Was a little irritated at SYTYCD last night. Nigel is making a lot of inappropriate comments to a couple of the girls, which gets annoying. There was a lot of really, really good dancing, though. The last number was Joshua (my choice at this time for winner) and his partner Katee did a "Ballywood" number - East Indian, I think. It was really good! And different. Wish they'd cut out the krumping (or is it crumping?).

Well, I'm gonna eat dinner now.

First Day, Job 2

Other than the 40 minute drive each way (I know, Sis, it isn't as long as you drive), I think I'll like this temp job. The people are friendly and helpful, although not as chit-chatty as they are at AccentCare. The office is a bit quieter than I like, no radios, but I noticed a couple of people with Ipods and earphones. I think I'll wait a day or two before asking if it's ok for me to bring one. Then, of course, I'd have to get one ... actually I have a little radio that might work.

The morning was kinda slow. It took a while for them to get my computer password working, so while I was waiting on that I verified receipts against the Amex bill. Apparently, if you are in Ft Lauderdale and want pizza, go to Papi's. There were a lot of receipts for that place! Once they got the computer glitch taken care of I was given a large stack of invoices to process. The system is extremely user-friendly. After entering them into the system, they are then put in alpha/num order. There will be a report run in the morning; I'll be given someone else's work, and my work will be given to someone else, for verification. Then (I guess) I'll be given another stack to enter. Not bad.

There wasn't a lot for me to do this afternoon, so I only worked 7 hours today. They say it was an unusually slow day for invoicing (I'm not the only one entering them in the system; don't know how many others are doing the same thing) so hopefully it'll pick up. Not much job security if you finish all the work they have for you earlier than expected! Guess I could work slower. Nah.

Anyway, that was my first day. Now I just have to figure out dinner (mm, tuna sammidge?), and watch SYTYC Dance. Hm, wonder who won the drawing for the TV? I'll have to ask Denise when I see her.

New Temp Job

starts tomorrow. It's further away than I wanted to go, but pays a little more than the one I just finished so the "spending money" should be about the same. It isn't really a long distance, as the crow flies. Just that I'm not a crow. And there aren't any freeways that go from here to there. I even have a title - Senior AP - doesn't that sound important? I've been told that I'll be doing research, which I think means I'll be trying to determine causes/reasons for short pays or non-payments. Could be interesting. I just hate having to start all over, not knowing anyone or anything about the particular job I'll be doing. Good thing is, it's right near where I worked for over 16 years, so I know the area!

Twilight Zone Moment

Bought a book at the grocery store today (not where I usually buy them, but I was desperate). "Blood Brothers", by Nora Roberts. Didn't read the synopsis, but I generally like her writing so I figured it would be a good read. Opened the front cover, and the little blurb starts out "Every seven years, on the seventh day of the seventh month ..." Today happens to be the 7th day of the 7th month. And the book looks like it is going to be a supernatural thriller.

Agency Called

Just got a call from one of the agencies (the one that got me the job that just ended). May have a possibility for a temp position in Chino; he'll call me in the morning. It's in Chino, which is further than I want to drive (especially since there is no "easy" way to get there from here) but it'll be income. And experience. And it gets me off the couch and out of the house!

Could be worse. I guess my former co-worker CM still doesn't have a job (got an email from TLH in response to one I sent out today). Her husband must be making pretty good money, because apparently they just returned from a(nother) trip to Hawaii. I know the accommodations are taken care of with the Time Share property, but they still have to pay air fare, car rental, and all that stuff. I'm glad they're doing ok. TLH sounds like he's holding up pretty well after the loss of his wife a couple months ago. He says the weather has been cool and cloudy in Portland; guess we should send them some of our heat!

I guess Boyd is doing ok, although there have been several positions "down-sized" . I hope TLH has job security; it would be the pits for him to lose his job. He also mentioned that KRIII has a better position at the company where he is working now, and that GD, JL and JP are still at the same company in Rancho. JO is working for a company based in Seattle, although he didn't specify if JO actually moved there or not.

Well, I'm sure this is all boring info for anyone but me. I'll end with saying Happy Birthday to Ringo Starr and IHOP.

Quiet Day

So what else is new, right? It's been a hot weekend, and I've been feeling very enervated. How's that for a $5 word, huh? Didn't really do much this weekend. Puttered around the apartment a little. Thought about taking care of the little yard area I have, but just didn't feel like it. I'm not really a "gardening" person anyway, but I do want to get the little space cleaned up. There's a big plant of some kind by the fence (might be a weed, who knows) that I'm thinking about taking out. Need to sweep the patio and wipe down the chairs and table. Maybe in the morning. Hopefully, I'll sleep better tonight. Barring noisy tow trucks, car alarms, and slamming doors, that is.

I've been re-reading the series of mysteries by Laurien Berenson. Her main character gets involved with dog shows (Standard Poodles). Makes me want to find a dog show in the area ... not that I want to compete, or be responsible for training a dog. Especially not a Poodle; that hair is a lot of work! But it would be fun, I think, to go as a spectator. At least once. Maybe I'll check online.

Hopefully Sis had an exciting day that I can read about. She's started working on her shawl, and from what I can tell from the picture she posted (first 6 rows or so) it's going to be nice. Hopefully, she didn't just knit all day! I need to live vicariously ... no pressure, Sis! :-)

Keep Your Fingers Crossed

The apartment management just finished a "contest" wherein, if you pay your rent on or before the first of the month from April through July, you will be entered in a drawing for a flat screen tv. Found a flyer in my door (well, actually, it fell to the ground when I opened my door) this morning. I'm invited to attend the drawing for the winner on Wednesday, at 4:30. There will be food provided for all those in attendance, although winner need not be present. I really don't think I'm going to win the tv (don't usually have good luck in drawings) but I put The Boy on stand-by for setup just in case ... :-)

Guess I'm on my own for breakfast tomorrow. Just got a text from Hubby to let me know he'll be working. I already knew that The Boy and The Girl are both working tomorrow, too. Duh is on vacation. So, it's just me. Wonder what I'm going to want? heehee

Noisy Tow Truck

The apartment complex has some rather strict parking regulations. Vehicles must be parked "nose-in". Fine, I can live with that. If tenants have two vehicles, they strongly request (but don't require) that one be parked in the tenant designated parking space after 8:00 pm. Fine, I can live with that, too. Any guest vehicles that are parked in the lot (whether in the tenant's space or in the open parking areas) after 8:00 pm must have a parking permit. That, too, I can live with. Un-permitted vehicles are subject to being towed at the owners' expense. Fine. I just wish they'd follow through with the towing. Not that I want somebody to have to go through the hassle and expense of getting a car out of impound (which is not cheap). But, if a tow truck is out in the parking lot at 2:45 in the morning the least they can do is tow the stupid car. This is the third time in just under six months that I've been awakened by the loud tow truck, and they haven't taken the vehicle. Not only is it irritating, but then I have a hard time getting back to sleep. Plus, I'm sure the apartment management has to pay for having the truck come out, the cost of which is included in my rent. Why keep paying for a service that you aren't using? At least if the vehicle is towed, the owner pays the charges.

I'm done with my rant now. And good morning. I think.

Happy
Independence
Day!

Good Bye

to Bozo the Clown, who passed away today at the age of 83.

Un-Freakin-Believable!

Had one of the court shows on this morning. Plaintiff was suing for $5000. Defendant was counter-suing for $5000. It seems as though the defendant had stuff in a storage unit, which he couldn't pay for. The storage company sold the belongings. Plaintiff bought the bbq/smoker. Opened it up, and discovered a foot. Yep, a foot. Apparently, the defendant had been in a plane crash a few years previously which resulted in the amputation of his left leg at about mid-shin. He was keeping the limb in order to be "cremated whole" when his time came. Don't know why it was being stored in the smoker (he never really cleared that part up), and somehow the defendant ended up getting the foot back.

Seems the plaintiff was suing because he was out money. Yep, he was planning on charging people to come and see the "foot in the smoker". Had t-shirts printed and everything. The defendant was suing because he was being hounded by the press. Didn't seem too upset by the whole thing, he was laughing and making jokes the whole time.

Judge ended up awarding P his $5000 and D got nothing on his counter-claim. The judge did decide, however, that the defendant would be allowed to keep his foot. (Yes, you got it - the plaintiff wanted it back.)

Artificial Arbor Day

Had a 10:30 appointment at a new employment agency. Got there, filled out the paperwork, took the tests (AP, AR and data entry). Did ok on the AP, did well on the AR, and kicked butt on the date entry. Interviewed with the representative for quite a while. She gave me some pointers on how to make my resume more effective and would like me to send her a new one when it's been updated. I am also going back in the morning to take the Excel (ick) and Word tests. I guess one of the positions she had in mind for me requires them. Anyway, ended up leaving there at about 12:40 with a craving for El Pollo Loco. Drove to EPL; the line for the drive-thru was extended waaay out into the parking lot. I couldn't park IN the parking lot, because the only 2 open spaces were next to inconsiderate drivers who parked too close to the line. I might have been able to get Henry to fit in the space, but then I wouldn't be able to get out of the car. This defeats the purpose in parking.

Went to McDonalds instead. The drive-thru line there was pretty long, too. Parked, went in, and ordered my Big Mac Meal. About the time I thought they should be calling my number to give me my food, the called my number to tell me they had run out of Special Sauce. They offered the Mac without sauce, or a substitution of "any other sandwich". I opted for the Mac with ketchup and mustard. When I got home, I discovered that they gave me both the medium order of fries that came with the meal and a small order of fries. *sigh*

And, apparently, somebody around here thinks it is "Artificial Arbor Day". They left a fake tree out by my bedroom window. Either that, or I received a visit from the Fake Tree Fairy.

Two months, 16 days until Survivor: Gabon.

Birthday Day

I know 3 people who celebrate birthdays today. Well, ok - I don't know if they are actually celebrating, but they should. One is my very good friend in NY (46), one is a sister-in-law (51) and one is a friend from high school (50). I would think that a lot of parents were celebrating the beginning of school, but two of the three are first-borns and the other is an only child. I'd like to wish Happy Birthday to each of them! (and have)

The Hunt Has Begun

Updated the resume (again) and reposted to CareerBuilders and Monster (again). Checked out a bunch of job postings, made a couple calls. Have an appointment in the morning with another agency (not a job interview, but an agency interview). I hate job hunting. Really. Hate it.

Had lunch today with Sis, which was nice. Kinda rushed because she had to be back at work, but it was a nice break in the day. And now I have leftovers for dinner! I was going to meet The Boy to pick up the jeep at the mechanics, but he ended up working late so I'm going to get comfy, eat dinner, and watch some mindless tv. Should finish knitting the parts for the Scottie, and while I'm out tomorrow I should buy the stuffing. Still haven't done that ...

Other than that, nothing to say. So, I'm going to heat my leftovers and enjoy.

Happy Canada Day!

and happy birthday to Big Bro.