I had something interesting I thought about earlier today. Some insight on life. Too bad I can't remember it right now.
Maybe it has something to do with all the extra work I've been doing lately. I'm mentally worn out. I can feel it. I've had two long drives in the last few days, and I've got two more coming in the next few days. All work related. A trip to Houghton or Marquette is two hours getting there ... and two more hours coming back. Once in a while is fine, but I've been spending more time in the car than I really enjoy. I mean, I enjoy driving, but this much is ridiculous.
Anyway, it's just after midnight, and I'd better get to bed. Saturday morning, it's back to Marquette, and when I get back, a large chunk of my weekend will be over.
Saturday, November 20, 2004
Saturday, November 13, 2004
Customer service
My journeys will continue. I've got trips to Marquette next Thursday (sportswriters meeting) and also either Friday or Saturday (football playoffs, after Forest Park won its regional title last night).
I've also got girls basketball disticts next week, with games at Crystal Falls Tuesday and Thursday (maybe) and at Norway Wednesday and Friday (possibly). So far the weather has been un-November-like, with no snow to deal with. Does the term "borrowed time" come to mind?
The week after--possibly a trip to the Silverdome? Let's not get excited about that, but Phil is already on notice. For Forest Park to make that trip, they have defeat one of two 11-0 teams that will be playing today. That's the state semifinal game. It definitely won't be a walk in the park, as it was the last three weeks, when the team wasn't really tested.
* * * * * * *
I had a fun time at Westwood Mall in Marquette yesterday, before the game. I had gone to Target earlier, but only after leaving did I remember the last item on my checklist--replacing the battery on my watch.
I had to go to Westwood anyway (Festival Express DVD), so I went to the new Kohl's store there. "Did you buy the watch here? Then I can't replace the battery. Go to the two jewelry stores in the mall. Isn't that awful?" "Yes, it IS awful."
So I went to the first jewelry store. "Sorry, we don't replace watch batteries here. Go to our other store."
There may have been another store by the company in the mall, but I figured they had lost their chance to have my business, so I walked the other direction to the second jewelry store. "Yes, we replace watch batteries." But then she looked at the back of the watch. "But there's screws. I don't do screws." Whatever.
I left the mall, went to have supper at Hardee's and saw a Shopko store nearby. They had the inclination, the equipment and the intelligence to replace the watch battery. At last.
Where customer service isn't just a slogan. It's a phrase.
I've also got girls basketball disticts next week, with games at Crystal Falls Tuesday and Thursday (maybe) and at Norway Wednesday and Friday (possibly). So far the weather has been un-November-like, with no snow to deal with. Does the term "borrowed time" come to mind?
The week after--possibly a trip to the Silverdome? Let's not get excited about that, but Phil is already on notice. For Forest Park to make that trip, they have defeat one of two 11-0 teams that will be playing today. That's the state semifinal game. It definitely won't be a walk in the park, as it was the last three weeks, when the team wasn't really tested.
* * * * * * *
I had a fun time at Westwood Mall in Marquette yesterday, before the game. I had gone to Target earlier, but only after leaving did I remember the last item on my checklist--replacing the battery on my watch.
I had to go to Westwood anyway (Festival Express DVD), so I went to the new Kohl's store there. "Did you buy the watch here? Then I can't replace the battery. Go to the two jewelry stores in the mall. Isn't that awful?" "Yes, it IS awful."
So I went to the first jewelry store. "Sorry, we don't replace watch batteries here. Go to our other store."
There may have been another store by the company in the mall, but I figured they had lost their chance to have my business, so I walked the other direction to the second jewelry store. "Yes, we replace watch batteries." But then she looked at the back of the watch. "But there's screws. I don't do screws." Whatever.
I left the mall, went to have supper at Hardee's and saw a Shopko store nearby. They had the inclination, the equipment and the intelligence to replace the watch battery. At last.
Where customer service isn't just a slogan. It's a phrase.
Friday, November 12, 2004
Messages to Ginny
One of the girls basketball teams I cover had an odd mascot this fall. A small, square box with the word "OUT" written on each side in large letters. It's a reminder from one of the parents to his daughter--to box out (to block opposing players when you're positioning yourself for rebounds).
She took the box to games, and it has been a lucky talisman all season--you see it behind the team bench and being passed around by players before the game. All season I wondered what the "OUT" box meant--finally I learned the story, which you just read.
For the final game of the season, this box, which they named Ginny, was covered with warm wishes for Ginny. Most were straight forward. Others showed that these girls enjoy being young women.
Decide for yourself:
"Ginny: Thanks for helping us through the rough times. You really helped us out. Love."
"Ginny: You brought good times. Bring more luck tonight."
"Ginny: Thank you for the inspiration. Even though you haven't shown up until halftime for some of our games, we so appreciate your presence."
"Ginny: You're fin' awesome!" (As in "f-in' awesome")
"Ginny: Thank you for the great season."
"Ginny: Because of you, we improved so much. Thanks for being at most of our games."
"Ginny: Thanks for everything you've done for us. We're going to miss carrying you around. You're frickin' awesome. We would have done better if we had you all year. Even though we didn't get to call you Vagina Love, you're awesome."
"Ginny: You're my 04-05 hero. I love you. Thank you."
"Ginny: You brought us lots of luck this year. Thanks tons."
"V-Gin-A: You rock, and I love your name!"
I asked the coach how they came up with Ginny for a name--is there any significance to it? She laughed. "We just made up that name."
Never mind, I think I figured it out.
She took the box to games, and it has been a lucky talisman all season--you see it behind the team bench and being passed around by players before the game. All season I wondered what the "OUT" box meant--finally I learned the story, which you just read.
For the final game of the season, this box, which they named Ginny, was covered with warm wishes for Ginny. Most were straight forward. Others showed that these girls enjoy being young women.
Decide for yourself:
"Ginny: Thanks for helping us through the rough times. You really helped us out. Love."
"Ginny: You brought good times. Bring more luck tonight."
"Ginny: Thank you for the inspiration. Even though you haven't shown up until halftime for some of our games, we so appreciate your presence."
"Ginny: You're fin' awesome!" (As in "f-in' awesome")
"Ginny: Thank you for the great season."
"Ginny: Because of you, we improved so much. Thanks for being at most of our games."
"Ginny: Thanks for everything you've done for us. We're going to miss carrying you around. You're frickin' awesome. We would have done better if we had you all year. Even though we didn't get to call you Vagina Love, you're awesome."
"Ginny: You're my 04-05 hero. I love you. Thank you."
"Ginny: You brought us lots of luck this year. Thanks tons."
"V-Gin-A: You rock, and I love your name!"
I asked the coach how they came up with Ginny for a name--is there any significance to it? She laughed. "We just made up that name."
Never mind, I think I figured it out.
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Turn the clock back again
I seem to be running an hour behind lately. Last night, I had the time of the movie wrong--an hour after the actual time. David corrected me in time, and we weren't late. Today, I had two photo assignments at 10 a.m. Except I had remembered them at 11 a.m. I checked my calendar and saw the mistake and had to hurry.
Have I turned my internal clock back an extra hour?
About tomorrow night's trip to the dome: I was hoping David would come along, but he told me last night he'll want to go to next week's game, if there is one. So I'll be in the car with only the radio for company, as usual.
I'd love to have someone along. It makes the trip go a lot faster. Sometimes I want to be alone with my thoughts, and other times I'm hoping to meet a friend along the way. But most of the time, some company would be welcome. Better luck next time.
I got the car in for its new tires today. That one will go on the card. A little hectic with the assignments today, but the fresh rubber will be on in time for the Friday trip--when, they say, we might get our first snow of the season.
Have I turned my internal clock back an extra hour?
About tomorrow night's trip to the dome: I was hoping David would come along, but he told me last night he'll want to go to next week's game, if there is one. So I'll be in the car with only the radio for company, as usual.
I'd love to have someone along. It makes the trip go a lot faster. Sometimes I want to be alone with my thoughts, and other times I'm hoping to meet a friend along the way. But most of the time, some company would be welcome. Better luck next time.
I got the car in for its new tires today. That one will go on the card. A little hectic with the assignments today, but the fresh rubber will be on in time for the Friday trip--when, they say, we might get our first snow of the season.
No fun month
This a rough month. Mainly because I can't get out of Dodge. Let me correct that. I can't get out of Dodge for non-work reasons. No chance to roam. No chance to see some different roads and some different faces and places. In two words, no fun.
I really, really, really need some time off, and it's not going to come for another week or two, earliest. I've got two trips to Marquette in the next week and a half, and both are for work. No friends to visit up there, at least at this time. Don't want to do much shopping. I need to try to remember one thing I was going to look for at Marquette, but it doesn't pop to mind now. Maybe a USB cord for David's new computer.
That's one of the things I did have time to do last weekend--set up his new computer and printer. It's all fine, except that I need a USB cord to connect printer to computer. None was included in the package. Maybe I should get a ream of some higher quality paper, too. It's a pretty good color printer, and we should use better quality paper in it. Anyway, he very much likes the new computer--runs much faster than the old one, which hobbled along like an arthretic turtle, at least in comparison.
On the other hand, we didn't have time for driving last weekend--we went to Iron Mountain, instead, to see my mom.
Last night, he and I went to see "The Incredibles," which was a fun film. My wife didn't want to go--I gave her the option of waiting until Saturday (she had a church meeting last night) when all three of us could go, but she said she's not that interested. I suppose it might be different if it was the CBS weekly Sunday night weeper or the movie soaps on Lifetime.
Today I got a bunch of photos and a basketball game tonight--also have to get my car's new tires installed. About 250 magic beans. Friday, I've got a playoff football game in Marquette, the first of two trips. Life would be more interesting for me if Michigan held its playoff games in Wisconsin, but I don't think that will happen any time soon.
I really, really, really need some time off, and it's not going to come for another week or two, earliest. I've got two trips to Marquette in the next week and a half, and both are for work. No friends to visit up there, at least at this time. Don't want to do much shopping. I need to try to remember one thing I was going to look for at Marquette, but it doesn't pop to mind now. Maybe a USB cord for David's new computer.
That's one of the things I did have time to do last weekend--set up his new computer and printer. It's all fine, except that I need a USB cord to connect printer to computer. None was included in the package. Maybe I should get a ream of some higher quality paper, too. It's a pretty good color printer, and we should use better quality paper in it. Anyway, he very much likes the new computer--runs much faster than the old one, which hobbled along like an arthretic turtle, at least in comparison.
On the other hand, we didn't have time for driving last weekend--we went to Iron Mountain, instead, to see my mom.
Last night, he and I went to see "The Incredibles," which was a fun film. My wife didn't want to go--I gave her the option of waiting until Saturday (she had a church meeting last night) when all three of us could go, but she said she's not that interested. I suppose it might be different if it was the CBS weekly Sunday night weeper or the movie soaps on Lifetime.
Today I got a bunch of photos and a basketball game tonight--also have to get my car's new tires installed. About 250 magic beans. Friday, I've got a playoff football game in Marquette, the first of two trips. Life would be more interesting for me if Michigan held its playoff games in Wisconsin, but I don't think that will happen any time soon.
Thursday, November 4, 2004
Renewing acquaintances
Yea, verily, it's been a while, hasn't it? Over a year. I won't say that lots of interesting stuff has gone on. The basic structure of life continues.
Oh, I did get a laptop. That was in November, about a year ago--to close up that gap in the story. I was really eager to get one, and, in retrospect, I could gotten a better model if I had waited a month or two--lighter machine, easier on batteries, wider screen. Live and learn. This one is pretty good. I used it last March when I went down to the state finals in volleyball and boys basketball--one week apart.
That was the last time I've been able to lay my eyes on Phil. He's doing OK. He went to California for a vacation late this summer. Seems like he had a good time. He'll be home over the holidays. I might even be able to visit him if Forest Park goes to the state finals, as they did a few years ago. It's much too soon to get excited about that--they have to win three more games to get there.
My mind is all disjointed. It's also down about the results of the election two days ago. I was a lot sadder yesterday--I wore black. Not so down today--I'm in a grayish-bluish shirt. I keep trying to think of that "serenity prayer." Something like: Grant me the strength to change the things I can, the serenity to accept the things I can't change and the wisdom to know the difference.
I did get to go on a baseball trip over the summer. I went to Milwaukee and Beloit and saw two games on the same day. The Brewers lost, but the Snappers won. Took some detours on the way home. The kind of trip I like to make. Wanted to make another baseball trip later in summer, but the pace of work just wouldn't allow it. Did not go to Canada this year. Odds on that aren't good, at least for this year.
The main stuff at home is that we got vinyl siding on the house, eliminating forever that unsightly, brittle stucco. That was just done this fall, and it cost lots of magic beans. Next thing up, I have to buy some new tires for the car. That's going to cost more magic beans--but maybe 1/20th the cost of the siding. It's been an expensive month, and now the holidays are coming up fairly soon.
I also got into a fantasy football league. I named my team the Howlin' Wolfs, after Howlin' Wolf (of course!), and they won their first three games. Then they lost their next five and currently are out of the playoffs. I've given my illustrious team a new name: the Bunny Rabbits. Wrote some funny, rabbit-related stuff about it. Cottontails on the uniforms, which makes quite a sight when the line is lined up for a snap.
Gotta get going on something else. I've got a drive to North Dickinson tonight for basketball. Then a playoff game at Forest Park Friday night, against Baraga. Time to close this up.
Hey, sorry if this seems boring. But that's what my life has been recently. With some 14 months since my last post, there's inevitably some catching-up to do. Once that's taken care of, I can get more introspective and philosophical. Hey, it's just an outlet.
Oh, I did get a laptop. That was in November, about a year ago--to close up that gap in the story. I was really eager to get one, and, in retrospect, I could gotten a better model if I had waited a month or two--lighter machine, easier on batteries, wider screen. Live and learn. This one is pretty good. I used it last March when I went down to the state finals in volleyball and boys basketball--one week apart.
That was the last time I've been able to lay my eyes on Phil. He's doing OK. He went to California for a vacation late this summer. Seems like he had a good time. He'll be home over the holidays. I might even be able to visit him if Forest Park goes to the state finals, as they did a few years ago. It's much too soon to get excited about that--they have to win three more games to get there.
My mind is all disjointed. It's also down about the results of the election two days ago. I was a lot sadder yesterday--I wore black. Not so down today--I'm in a grayish-bluish shirt. I keep trying to think of that "serenity prayer." Something like: Grant me the strength to change the things I can, the serenity to accept the things I can't change and the wisdom to know the difference.
I did get to go on a baseball trip over the summer. I went to Milwaukee and Beloit and saw two games on the same day. The Brewers lost, but the Snappers won. Took some detours on the way home. The kind of trip I like to make. Wanted to make another baseball trip later in summer, but the pace of work just wouldn't allow it. Did not go to Canada this year. Odds on that aren't good, at least for this year.
The main stuff at home is that we got vinyl siding on the house, eliminating forever that unsightly, brittle stucco. That was just done this fall, and it cost lots of magic beans. Next thing up, I have to buy some new tires for the car. That's going to cost more magic beans--but maybe 1/20th the cost of the siding. It's been an expensive month, and now the holidays are coming up fairly soon.
I also got into a fantasy football league. I named my team the Howlin' Wolfs, after Howlin' Wolf (of course!), and they won their first three games. Then they lost their next five and currently are out of the playoffs. I've given my illustrious team a new name: the Bunny Rabbits. Wrote some funny, rabbit-related stuff about it. Cottontails on the uniforms, which makes quite a sight when the line is lined up for a snap.
Gotta get going on something else. I've got a drive to North Dickinson tonight for basketball. Then a playoff game at Forest Park Friday night, against Baraga. Time to close this up.
Hey, sorry if this seems boring. But that's what my life has been recently. With some 14 months since my last post, there's inevitably some catching-up to do. Once that's taken care of, I can get more introspective and philosophical. Hey, it's just an outlet.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)