Ouch (or I hate it when it goes like that)

Well, that was fun. I just had *the* conversation with my friend who was my girlfriend. Seems we didn't work out; different goals, different life plans; just not *compatible*. I think I screwed up...

I wish her well, but it still hurts; I wish I didn't see it coming. I keep hoping to do better. I think there is a reason for all those "apocryphal" stories about old batchelors and maids... perhaps some truth after all.

There's a quote floating around in my head; which I will butcher. (And no, I don't remember where it's from... but I'm pretty sure it's been out there a while, and I'm certain I didn't come up with it):

"Ghosts are the memories of past regret". And damm, I'm feeling it.

Remember when you were 20 and *anything* was possible, only believe...

When you cannot get it right...

Keep trying!
My friend is out of the hospital a week now, and the doctors at Kaiser are still mystified. All the pain symptoms match up with the first diagnosis; but the scans are now showing negative. They are still running lots of tests. But... it still hurts. And there is nothing I can do except be supportive. (and that doesn't make me feel very in control)... but I am impressed with Kaiser Permanente because when the stuff hits the fan; they're not just playing around.

Meanwhile...


I'm looking for work. In *this* economy. With *this* circus in town. (Thanks to www.peteyandpetunia.com and JibJab...)

Anybody need a programmer?

God isn't done yet...

I live in Chatsworth, and woke late... (recovering) to sirens, helicoptors, and smoke. It just keeps coming...

on Aortic Dissection (Tear)

Friday my friend went from a semi-routine physical exam (for continuing pain); to an ambulance (lights & siren), down to the cardiology unit. The theory was that she might have a small tear in her aorta, (that's what killed John Ritter); and it would be a very serious matter. If you google for "Aortic Tear" or "Dissection", you get a wealth of very scary material. I can only say how grateful I am... to the staff and policies of the HMO (Kaiser Permanente).

It was apparently a false alarm; but if you ever encounter this... get thee to a hospital, pretty damm quick.

Engineer's guide to cats (appros)

In email, as we get such things... a friend sends me a link.
An Engineer's Guide to Cats

As such things go... it's very appropriate.

I hope you enjoy these guy's work...

-e

A reminder that the cretins are running loose...

I had the dubious fortune to have someone break into my car at work this am. They did the deed approximately 5 minutes after I parked... I hadn't even gotten a cup of coffee. They broke the driver's side window.

They were specifically after the GPS unit (took it and the recharging cable); but also took my cell headset and _MY Garage REMOTE_.

The point(s):

1. don't leave anything visible that might indicate to a thief that there is something easy to steal and valuable in your vehicle (especially in plain sight!). I hid my GPS unit, but left the cradle on the dash...

2. IF they take your garage remote; assume that someone will pay a visit to your home, and change the codes accordingly. (I reset my garage door codes immediately upon getting home!); ...

(btw -- if you see anyone suspicious; please call the police).

3. Final costs: The GPS cost me $169, the window (dealer was $420), but I got it aftermarket for $145 including install... the truck came to me; but I still have to deal with the equipment, the cost of the repair and the glass...

and I'm annoyed.

Don't leave anything obvious; the times being what they are, even $20.00 is enough incentive (what the GPS will probably sell for on the street); and the creeps are hungry.

trains and disasters

I've spent the weekend trying to ignore (as much as humanly possible) the horrible events outside (I live 1 block away from it, in Chatsworth).

The news was overwhelming, sadness and heroism; and politics as usual.

I can only add my own voice to the many; and say "I'm so sorry".

Maybe something good will come from this, I can only hope.