A drivel-ly sort of day. Just sort of slunk by, mainly unnoticed save for a couple of small successes (finishing off my syllabus for the Fall semester and sending Chase credit card a big fat check for a GRAND. Yes, as in a thousand U.S. clams).
Other than that, the day made a noise sort of like the T.A.R.D.I.S. wheezing. Only it was all day.
Lately I've noticed a very disturbing trend. I've started to use ellipsis where a comma would do very nicely. This is a horrible habit, as evidenced by some horrible writing that I had a hand in proofreading over the winter months last year. Somehow, I've started doing it myself, and it's truly horrifying. I need to write little sticky notes and place them strategically all over the house to brainwash myself that COMMAS ARE ALL YOU NEED. Ellipsisisises have a very specific use, after all:
Showing posts with label apartment life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label apartment life. Show all posts
Monday, August 09, 2010
Monday, September 14, 2009
Reloaded
After a bit of venting and an evening of figuring out the technology I need to use for class, I'm feeling a little less like a piss pot. I still have a mess of things to figure out, but at least if I can manage my classrooms this semester I'll have a sense of accomplishment. It's no easy task when students would rather examine their tongue rings in the reflection of their cell phones than learn something. But I am trying. I am trying.
Earlier this evening a neighbor somewhere in a nearby building was having very loud sex with the windows open. After about 30 minutes I yelled "close your fucking windows" and slammed my patio door shut. I'm sure they either didn't hear or didn't care. The upstairs neighbors have been stomping around since the afternoon. I swear to god it sounds like an elephant is dancing an Irish reel up there.
Trying to focus on the positive is difficult for me at this point. It feels fake and foolish to pour syrup on all the crappy stuff. Instead I need to get motivated by the crappy stuff and use that as momentum to change what needs to be changed. Venting is an important part of the process, and this here blog is good for that. But never think for a moment that all I do is kavetch without doing anything, or thinking deeply about the trends, signs, events, and situations of my life.
Tomorrow I'm in the screenwriting classroom. We're watching "Eve's Bayou," which I adore and love to teach with.
Heh. Things could be worse. I could have a voo doo priestess reading my fortune and making curses on my family. Yep.
Earlier this evening a neighbor somewhere in a nearby building was having very loud sex with the windows open. After about 30 minutes I yelled "close your fucking windows" and slammed my patio door shut. I'm sure they either didn't hear or didn't care. The upstairs neighbors have been stomping around since the afternoon. I swear to god it sounds like an elephant is dancing an Irish reel up there.
Trying to focus on the positive is difficult for me at this point. It feels fake and foolish to pour syrup on all the crappy stuff. Instead I need to get motivated by the crappy stuff and use that as momentum to change what needs to be changed. Venting is an important part of the process, and this here blog is good for that. But never think for a moment that all I do is kavetch without doing anything, or thinking deeply about the trends, signs, events, and situations of my life.
Tomorrow I'm in the screenwriting classroom. We're watching "Eve's Bayou," which I adore and love to teach with.
Heh. Things could be worse. I could have a voo doo priestess reading my fortune and making curses on my family. Yep.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Shaken, not stirred
Things are definitely getting shaken up. I am still intent on finding a job in Boston, but I'm letting the "search" go for now. I realized yesterday it was really stressing me out. Truth is we wouldn't be moving until next year at the earliest anyway, so what's the point of looking at dumb jobs online now? Also, I say F.U. to Moster, CareerBuilder, and all the other lame-o job search engines that are useless unless 1. you're a computer nerd 2. you're a medical transcriptionist or 3. you are a pre-school teacher.
This doesn't mean I'm giving up on Boston, but I realize that I need to take my time to "create" the perfect job for me. Which means I have to figure out what the heck that means. And luckily, I have time. When I do figure it out, I will go to a head hunter for non-academic jobs. The academic jobs for next Fall will be posted over the winter (which will give me something to do other than freeze into a block of Bizarro on the futon this year). I'm going to do this right - well-thought out, with clear intent, no running after the first piece of slag thrown my way.
Those of you who know my past know that I've bounced around alot. I'm done bouncing. I need to develop a VISION STATEMENT for my life and then go from there.
I do think, however, that my years as an adjunct have caught up with me. There is a documented phenomenon in academia where those who've taught as adjuncts for a number of years, no matter how they try for a full-time position, will always be considered as "adjunct material." I experienced this at a prominent university in Boston this summer. I interviewed with them in June, and earlier this month they offered me an adjunct spot, and were willing to give me full time hours. However, when I applied for a full time spot that opened up in the meantime (there were 2 spots, actually), they declined to even bring me in for a second interview. This tells me something - perhaps I've reached that point. Not that I will give up entirely on academia, but I may well have to realize the truth of it. And truth be told, I'm not convinced that teaching is what I want to do for the rest of my life. Yes, EVERYTHING is getting shaken up!
And what I have found to be a much more meaningful use of my time, and what I am most inclined to do... is to write. It feels like a job, now, not something I cram in between other shit I have to do. So for the remainder of the summer I'm a writer first, all else second. This has worked out well - I finished revisions to the sci fi and will do revisions on my 1950s coming of age story for a writer's group in late August. Deadlines are good for me.
Another exciting development is Bizarro's passion for reorganizing his life at home - he's been reading magazines and websites about how to organize your stuff, and we both have the same Mid-century Modern swank sensibilities, which works out well for our shared living space. The energy in here is getting shaken up and it feels GOOD!
Oh and a small note but with fabulous results - I have one of those drop-chandelier things (not with crystals, it's black faux-wrought iron) in the room where I write. I replaced the little bulbs with Reveal Light bulbs that mimic daylight's colors instead of giving off that sickly yellow. It has made my writing nook more comfortable and I don't feel my eye balls falling out of my head after a couple hours here. Next job will be to get a proper desk lamp. Let there be light!
As someone once said, "change is good."
This doesn't mean I'm giving up on Boston, but I realize that I need to take my time to "create" the perfect job for me. Which means I have to figure out what the heck that means. And luckily, I have time. When I do figure it out, I will go to a head hunter for non-academic jobs. The academic jobs for next Fall will be posted over the winter (which will give me something to do other than freeze into a block of Bizarro on the futon this year). I'm going to do this right - well-thought out, with clear intent, no running after the first piece of slag thrown my way.
Those of you who know my past know that I've bounced around alot. I'm done bouncing. I need to develop a VISION STATEMENT for my life and then go from there.
I do think, however, that my years as an adjunct have caught up with me. There is a documented phenomenon in academia where those who've taught as adjuncts for a number of years, no matter how they try for a full-time position, will always be considered as "adjunct material." I experienced this at a prominent university in Boston this summer. I interviewed with them in June, and earlier this month they offered me an adjunct spot, and were willing to give me full time hours. However, when I applied for a full time spot that opened up in the meantime (there were 2 spots, actually), they declined to even bring me in for a second interview. This tells me something - perhaps I've reached that point. Not that I will give up entirely on academia, but I may well have to realize the truth of it. And truth be told, I'm not convinced that teaching is what I want to do for the rest of my life. Yes, EVERYTHING is getting shaken up!
And what I have found to be a much more meaningful use of my time, and what I am most inclined to do... is to write. It feels like a job, now, not something I cram in between other shit I have to do. So for the remainder of the summer I'm a writer first, all else second. This has worked out well - I finished revisions to the sci fi and will do revisions on my 1950s coming of age story for a writer's group in late August. Deadlines are good for me.
Another exciting development is Bizarro's passion for reorganizing his life at home - he's been reading magazines and websites about how to organize your stuff, and we both have the same Mid-century Modern swank sensibilities, which works out well for our shared living space. The energy in here is getting shaken up and it feels GOOD!
Oh and a small note but with fabulous results - I have one of those drop-chandelier things (not with crystals, it's black faux-wrought iron) in the room where I write. I replaced the little bulbs with Reveal Light bulbs that mimic daylight's colors instead of giving off that sickly yellow. It has made my writing nook more comfortable and I don't feel my eye balls falling out of my head after a couple hours here. Next job will be to get a proper desk lamp. Let there be light!
As someone once said, "change is good."
F'ing squirrels
I feel like Bill Murray in CADDYSHACK.
Today's effort was an onion and chili pepper paste mixture all over the areas they try to dominate on the patio - they're still trying to get past the chicken wire that's been stapled up over the hole where they'd made their nest. The bumblefucks at this apartment complex just need to block up the holes with WOOD not chicken wire.
My upstairs neighbor is getting annoyed cause the squirrels are bothering her on her patio, and she calls ME as if I can do something about it. If she calls me one more time I'm going to point blank tell her not to call me about it any more; call the apartment office and complain to them. I've done everything I can.
I'm about ready to get a bebe gun and start picking off squirrels AND the neighbor lady.
Today's effort was an onion and chili pepper paste mixture all over the areas they try to dominate on the patio - they're still trying to get past the chicken wire that's been stapled up over the hole where they'd made their nest. The bumblefucks at this apartment complex just need to block up the holes with WOOD not chicken wire.
My upstairs neighbor is getting annoyed cause the squirrels are bothering her on her patio, and she calls ME as if I can do something about it. If she calls me one more time I'm going to point blank tell her not to call me about it any more; call the apartment office and complain to them. I've done everything I can.
I'm about ready to get a bebe gun and start picking off squirrels AND the neighbor lady.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Mixed Bag
On the up side: met with a fellow adjunct-around-town for coffee this evening. Turns out we both interviewed for that community college full-time position and neither of us really wanted it because we both had not-so-favorable impressions. I think we'll be pals.
On the down side: had a large coffee around 6:30 so I may have a hard time falling asleep tonight.
On the up side: sent out another job application.
On the down side: there was a deadline for said job application, which was last Friday. They reposted that job from a couple months ago, so I'm hoping they're desperate enough to look at me even though I'm a bit late to the party. (You know what I mean.)
On the up side: did my 8 Minutes In The Morning exercises and went on my walk today (week 2 of the exercises, day 3 of the Daily Walk).
On the down side: didn't go swimming; took a nap because of sinus/toof pain that lingers still despite pain meds
On the up side: eating fresh pineapple right now
On the down side: toof pain so all I had to eat tonight is pineapple and a hard boiled egg.
On the up side: The patio has been marvelous.
On the down side: Smoking Boy neighbor and his girlfriend had a fight that started last night and picked up this morning around 7:00. Complete with yelling and slamming doors and "get the fuck out of my house" rejoinders. If it happens again tonight I will lodge a formal complaint.
Yep, that about covers it.
On the down side: had a large coffee around 6:30 so I may have a hard time falling asleep tonight.
On the up side: sent out another job application.
On the down side: there was a deadline for said job application, which was last Friday. They reposted that job from a couple months ago, so I'm hoping they're desperate enough to look at me even though I'm a bit late to the party. (You know what I mean.)
On the up side: did my 8 Minutes In The Morning exercises and went on my walk today (week 2 of the exercises, day 3 of the Daily Walk).
On the down side: didn't go swimming; took a nap because of sinus/toof pain that lingers still despite pain meds
On the up side: eating fresh pineapple right now
On the down side: toof pain so all I had to eat tonight is pineapple and a hard boiled egg.
On the up side: The patio has been marvelous.
On the down side: Smoking Boy neighbor and his girlfriend had a fight that started last night and picked up this morning around 7:00. Complete with yelling and slamming doors and "get the fuck out of my house" rejoinders. If it happens again tonight I will lodge a formal complaint.
Yep, that about covers it.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Nose, fingertips, toes intact
I had to take Flexeril today. Neck/upper back spasm like I used to have. Felt it coming on yesterday. Ugh. So an entire day wasted. I feel like poo.
I have mondo grading tomorrow.
Now that it's nice enough to open the patio door, Mr. Butts next door's cigarette smoke is sifting into my living room. Seems I'm either freezing cold in here or I'm living in my neighbor's ashtray.
Nice.
I have mondo grading tomorrow.
Now that it's nice enough to open the patio door, Mr. Butts next door's cigarette smoke is sifting into my living room. Seems I'm either freezing cold in here or I'm living in my neighbor's ashtray.
Nice.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
...aaaaand we're back
It was touch and go there for a little while. The hot water heater circuit blew AGAIN so I switched it back on, but that's not enough to make hot water for a shower. No. See, back in the early 70s when they designed these "energy efficient" apartments, they (you know, THEM) thought it would be good to install radiant heaters that are charged overnight (during off-peak hours, IOW) and then radiate heat all day. Problem being, in the dead of winter, they're out of heat by about 8 p.m. and you freeze your socks off until the charger kicks in around 11 p.m.
However, there is an override box that you can use to jump start the charge (yes, in case you aren't getting this - it's electric heat!) for the radiators or the hot water tank.
But in summer you have to shut the circuit breakers off for the radiators or else they'll bake you on a fine 90 degree day (we only discovered this after 2 summers of wondering why it was so fucking hot in here).
But you DON'T shut the circuit breaker off for the override box, cause that's how you can make more hot water if you need to.
And all of these breakers are labeled "ETS" on the circuit box!
Confused? Welcome to my home! Yes, it's the "why did the hot water breaker flip? now what's that burning electrical smell in the bathroom? shit - call emergency maintenance!" version of Labor Day Weekend.
And of course my computer was on when the ENTIRE breaker for the whole apartment went ka-plooey, and the battery doesn't hold a charge more than 10 seconds' worth now.
We were, as they say, dead in the water.
But the guy came and replaced the elements and turned the main breaker back on. I told him that this is the nth time this has happened in 3 years of living here, and he said he would FINALLY replace the tank itself next week. Apparently the tanks are crap (so he says) and we're not the only ones who have had this problem. Apparently we're the only ones who didn't get a new tank over the last 3 years, though!
REALLY.
And may I remind you all that the rent keeps going up and up in this here complex.
However, there is an override box that you can use to jump start the charge (yes, in case you aren't getting this - it's electric heat!) for the radiators or the hot water tank.
But in summer you have to shut the circuit breakers off for the radiators or else they'll bake you on a fine 90 degree day (we only discovered this after 2 summers of wondering why it was so fucking hot in here).
But you DON'T shut the circuit breaker off for the override box, cause that's how you can make more hot water if you need to.
And all of these breakers are labeled "ETS" on the circuit box!
Confused? Welcome to my home! Yes, it's the "why did the hot water breaker flip? now what's that burning electrical smell in the bathroom? shit - call emergency maintenance!" version of Labor Day Weekend.
And of course my computer was on when the ENTIRE breaker for the whole apartment went ka-plooey, and the battery doesn't hold a charge more than 10 seconds' worth now.
We were, as they say, dead in the water.
But the guy came and replaced the elements and turned the main breaker back on. I told him that this is the nth time this has happened in 3 years of living here, and he said he would FINALLY replace the tank itself next week. Apparently the tanks are crap (so he says) and we're not the only ones who have had this problem. Apparently we're the only ones who didn't get a new tank over the last 3 years, though!
REALLY.
And may I remind you all that the rent keeps going up and up in this here complex.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Back to the ghetto
Remember all those heinous stories about my former neighbor, Screamette, the one with the girlfriend-beating boyfriend, the one who verbally abused her kid, and whose place smelled like moldy fatback?
The gem that replaced her is apparently passed out in the apartment at the moment, and there are two chicks banging and slamming on the doors and windows trying to wake him up - for the last 30 minutes. They came round earlier this afternoon and now they're back. This guy is either passed out drunk or dead.
And why is it the management thinks its appropriate to up the rent $50 a year?
Oh, right - the guy in question is the son of someone who works for the rental company!
The gem that replaced her is apparently passed out in the apartment at the moment, and there are two chicks banging and slamming on the doors and windows trying to wake him up - for the last 30 minutes. They came round earlier this afternoon and now they're back. This guy is either passed out drunk or dead.
And why is it the management thinks its appropriate to up the rent $50 a year?
Oh, right - the guy in question is the son of someone who works for the rental company!
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