Rant: The last shuttle launch is tomorrow. I grew up with the shuttle. I have loved it despite the flaws in the program I have grown to realize. I have loved it despite the accidents we have seen. I have loved it even though it has been a political pawn for Congress. The shuttle has exemplified the American spirit and the forward reaching desires of our country. But now, we can't go into space without relying on another country. Even China can put a person into space in less time than we could. I know that we had the post Apollo/Skylab period where our space program was in doubt until the shuttle a few years later, but we have nothing now. We put more money into the act of providing air conditioning in Iraq than we spend on NASA. (We do. I believe that more people have died providing central air due to convoy bombings than ever died in spaceflight) Now we are even cutting funding to the next gen. space telescope, which though the program has its faults, would be one of the biggest steps forward ever. I know there are a lot of people who bitch about the space program on technology that exists because of the results of the research and development, and focus on miniaturization that was required for the space program. Sure it probably would have come around, eventually. Maybe. We can't say for sure. I am sad to see the shuttle go.
Rant: Well... Here's to starting off the weekend by being indirectly responsible for getting someone fired! I mean... Guy's an idiot, was completely in the wrong and this wasn't the first incident, but I take no satisfaction from knowing that I was the one who got the ball rolling this morning.
Rave: I'm in Montana! Going to the Museum of The Rockies today, and then heading to Yellowstone fir some camping and bear wrestling.
Rave: Went for a run on the elliptical after work. 9+ miles in 35 minutes on the highest level. I could not do that a month ago. I've started lifting again with NO MOTHERFUCKING PAIN!!! I am so stoked to be better! Time for "real" running, I've been cautious to get back to it, but I am there. Rant: Working all weekend. I'm trying to save some dough, so that is why I am working so much, but I'm getting fucking burnt out. Having ONE day off a week is absolutely insufficient. Rave: Apparently there are lots of people who are still looking for work, I should be happy I have the two that I do. I just can't wait to get back into school. I love school.
Work related rant. Spoilered for anyone that doesn't give a shit. Spoiler Dear Client: Remember when you told the government that your imported Substance A was not going to be used in products for Demographic Z? Remember how we had that call with them, and you specifically said "No, we won't be using it in products for that demographic"? Remember how the government then said "Fine, import all you want - just not for use by Demographic Z, or we're going to require a buttload of extra toxicity data, and if you don't provide it, we're going to nail your asses to the wall"? Remember the four conference calls we had after that where we drilled into your thick fucking skulls that you couldn't use this stuff in products for Demographic Z? You fuckers went and used it in a Demographic Z product. Now you're going to get ass-raped by the government and you want to someway put this on me? How about you go fellate yourselves. Sincerely, Your consultant
Rave: Finished my Firefighter I class today. Three weeks of hard work, feels good to have accomplished this. Rant/Rave: It's not over yet. Firefighter II starts Monday and runs two more weeks. It will be harder, but even more rewarding.
Rave: Finding new music and being able to listen to it in an empty house with no one around to tell you it's too loud.
Rave: Slacker radio genres are amazing. Rave: Google+ invites are back. Sent out the first wave to those who were waiting. Rant: Chores.
RANT: Last week I got my place sprayed for bugs due to multiple close encounters with things that are generally supposed to stay out of sight (and preferably out of my living space). The night after, I saw a spider that was twice as large as any of the others I had previously seen in this complex (or anywhere in fucking Ohio for that matter). This morning, I woke up with 12 fucking bites. From the size of the bites, I can only assume I have a roided-out spider or plus-size bitch of a mosquito living in my bed. I wouldn't give a shit, except for the number of bites accumulating so quickly and how much they fucking ITCH. Of course, whatever it is is probably thinking to itself, "I wouldn't mind this asshole sleeping where I live, except his size and how much he BITCHES." Oh well. Fuck him and however many legs he walked in on.
Rave: completed a 4 day work week and going into a 3 day work week. My dad is coming to visit me this Thursday for a long weekend of shooting and meat consumption. Haven't seen him in over 6 months so this should be fun. Rave: Got a new router for our home internet and all of our connection problems have gone away. For some reason, everything except for youtube worked. Now it all works! Rave: My new rifle is the fucking tits. I love shooting it.
Rave: new iPhone 4. I Am now devoid of all things MS related I also made 2 sponsees cry. Not really a rant or rave but necessary.
RANT: Sister #1 invaded last night with the kiddos. Staying at my parents' house tonight so I can wake up with them. I might as well be wearing Harry Potter's invisible cloak when it comes to her. It's unreal. I thought I was overreacting until I opened the fridge tonight and sitting on top of the fresh watermelon (my favorite) is a big box of strawberries. I'm deathly allergic to strawberries to the point that if you kiss me or touch me after eating one, I'll have a massive reaction (the jury is still out about sex on strawberries). And the fucking juice is leaking out of the box onto, well, everywhere. There goes smooching/holding/hugging my nieces and nephews or even eating out of the fridge. Eh, guess I'm starting my diet as of tomorrow. Really, she couldn't go four fucking days without a fucking strawberry? Seriously, what the fuck?
Rant: After having a little bit of time to think about it, I honestly don't think I'm going to get my wings even after completing Helo school. The higher ups didn't sound too confident even though I am 100% about my abilities... Rant: Above is absolutely destroying me inside and out and I can't do anything about it. Rant: Complete breakdown, mentally and physically, is to follow if above happens. Rave: Commodore is trying to figure out what's fucked up with the system and why it came to be my outcome. Hopefully he can generate some logical response that means I will get my wings, but we'll see.... Spoiler Just imagine something you worked the last three years for, something that means everything to you, something that you've wanted more than anything in the world, being ripped out from underneath your feet and not getting it because of a flawed computer system and there's nothing you can do about it. That's my life right now. I'm on pins and needles/the razors edge with this shit... imagine that kind of stress but for an entire month. Every day is another jab in the side trying to find out my future in the Marine's. I wouldn't wish this upon my worst enemies...
Rant: Hit 106 here yesterday, and the forecast calls for 100+ temps all week. There just isn't a good time to cut the grass and trim the shrubs in this weather. It's days like these I miss living in New England. Rave: Central AC and a pool make it manageable. Rant: My lab caught and killed a baby rabbit in the yard this morning. The old coot can still hustle, but where there's one baby bunny, there's more.
Rant: Got a phone call this morning from my parents to inform me that they were on their way to Philly to deal with an emergency situation with my sister's baby. Apparently, earlier this week he was being watched by their babysitter and thew his head back while sitting on the floor and bonked it pretty good. They called the EMT's, they looked him over, and said everything seemed to be fine. The next day, my brother in law went to wake him up from a nap, and found that his head seemed a bit swollen. They took him to the ER, he had an MRI, CT, etc. and everything seemed to be fine. Here's where the rant comes in. They explained to the doctors what had happened, and it didn't add up in their heads that that is what happened. So, they wouldn't let my sister and my nephew leave the hospital. They had to deal with social services, and the only way they can go back home is if another family member is there with them. I realize that the doctors have a responsibility to handle situations such as this, but I still find it absurd how they're treating my family.
Ravt: I opened my big mouth and as a result MAY be fostering a dog starting tomorrow. His name is currently Bully. He is an 11-year-old Rottweiler, and - like many dogs on the reserves - has led a neglected life only to be abandoned by his family due to the recent floods in Manitoba. He's a big old dog without too many years left, and the [racial expletive] fucks left him to die in the 35*C sun with no food or water. The worst part, spoilered for those with a really sensitive stomach about animal cruelty: Spoiler This is the third Rottie I've tried to foster. The first two were shot before the rescue organization could get up north and bring them home. Evidently the people remaining on the evacuated reserves are culling the dogs, especially the "aggressive" breeds, an killing them. He's unneutered, and his socialization is not known. He can only stay if he can get along with my boys. People are assholes.
Rave: no hangover, and Cajun Blackened Steak with Creamy Pasta for breakfast. Double Rave: A friend of mine is the epitome of the hardworking, self-effacing immigrant; lovely guy, but has a crippling fear of approaching women. Consequently, he's on a multi-year dry spell. As I was leaving his party last night I saw a girl literally charge and tackle him into the bathroom. Triple Rave: His housemate also broke a 6 month dry spell. Minor Rant: I bet 9 shots on both of them fucking it up and ending the night empty-handed - well, maybe full handed would be more accurate, but you know what I mean. Rave of the Year: Mushrooms!