The true Genius of America, that it can change (from LAT)

Barack Obama wins presidency, making history I'm too wound up to go to sleep. ELECTION 2008 has come and gone, and we now see what we have voted.  

I started out this campaign, not liking either candidate; either because of the tone or the position; and frankly (in spite of my usually better nature) because I listened to some of the less polite attributions made about our first ever female vp candidate...  In the end, although I disagree with her politics; I cannot say she's stupid and not a fast study.  

So, I didn't really like any of them (excepting perhaps Biden).  It seemed to be politics as usual, like the jibjab spoof...

What set the final scene apart for me, was watching John McCain be gracious and concilatory... a return the anchors said to a better man that they had not seen much of in recent days.

I hope...  I guess I'm becoming an optimist.  

Nah, but if the glass is half-full, maybe I can put some more in it?

 

your own private cheering section

I'm somewhat unemployed.

I say somewhat, because I still have a small contract supporting a doctor's office. But, the gig can't pay that much... it wouldn't be right to crank the bills up because I need more money. As it is, I find I'm worrying about submitting my full bill for work, because I'm afraid the doctor will Freak!...  The full time contract I had went away the week after WAMU crashed... if they were happier, then they wouldn't feel the need to cut to improve head-count. And in this market, it is a real challenge to find work (at least for me).

But, the bills keep on coming in.

And, the routine that I followed since March is broken. I'd get a wake up call in the morning, and call her back in the evening around 10 and we would talk.

We are not doing that anymore... and I miss it.

But if I don't take care of myself, who will...?


I wonder

UCLA uses Scotch tape to produce X-rays

Now THIS is way cool... in the Los Angeles times.

UCLA researchers use Scotch tape to produce X-rays
The unexpected finding could lead to applications in medicine and other fields.
By Thomas H. Maugh II 9:42 AM PDT, October 24, 2008

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.