Lesson learned
I just learned a lesson about the KVM switch. Order matters. Specifically, the computers need to be powered on in a specific sequence for the KVM switch to work properly. Hmm... It might not be too sequence-dependent, but one thing is clear... the computer connected to SLOT 1 needs to be the first to be turned on. I suppose if I had thought about it, it would have been obvious - the keyboard plugged into slot 1 supplies power to the entire KVM switch. So, it there is no power going to slot 1, how is the thing supposed to work?
Thing is, I have two computers that came on simultaneously when I repowered the UPS. But the computer plugged into SLOT 1 takes longer to reboot. Apparently, the computer in slot 2 is not happy with this arrangement. It's yet another thing I have to remember to rewire when I get back home. I'm not going digging through all the wiring trying to redo it before moving back. It's just not worth the effort.
I'm not an exciting person, but anything that crosses my mind that I care to share with the rest of the world will appear here.
Friday, August 15, 2003
This thing called sleep
I discovered something yesterday afternoon. When power is completely gone... when there's not enough light to see where you're going - even when your pupils are opened to the max - there's one thing that's still possible... sleep!
Having coincidentally followed on the heels of a night when I didn't leave work until after 2AM (nearly a 16 hour shift), it wouldn't have taken much effort to coax me into an after-work nap. The way these things normally go, I would have gotten home at 7 or 8PM (the price of getting to work at 11AM after a late night) and crashed for a few hours, only to wake at 3 or 4AM and get online. Instead, we were let out at 4:30, figuring that even if power was restored quickly, it would only come back on in time to leave.
My usual 10-minute trip home took about 40 minutes. For the most part, people were courteous. Despite massive lines of cars, there were no car horns. However, this concept of treating out-of-order traffic lights as a four-way stop was foreign to those who were accustomed to following the lead car through an intersection, regardless of the colour of the light. It took some bravery to edge into the flow of traffic, deciding after a significant wait, that it was our turn to go. While this may have been a bold move, nevertheless, the people whose progress I interrupted seemed to understand, and there were no horns or words exchanged.
Trying to eat dinner would have been a dilemma. My stove (which I never use because of my microwave) is electric, so it was of no use. And I knew the restaurants in the area would be without power. So I did what I always do after a long day at work. I took a nap.
My understanding is that the nap lasted about 4 hours. I say understanding because at 9:30ish, it was pitch-black. No night-lights, no LEDs on my computer speakers... nothing! I fumbled around in the dark until I found my cellphone, and used it as a flashlight to navigate around the apartment. I don't have a land-line phone. My cell is it! So I called my wife to find out how she was coping in the dark. I knew she had been affected, despite being in Windsor, since on the way home, the news had stated the blackout affected Detroit.
To my surprise, she told me the power had come back on 10 minutes earlier. Secure in the knowledge that power was only minutes away, I made my way upstairs to inform the landlord that power would be restored soon. I'm glad I made the trip. Though he's a great landlord, we really don't have a need to talk to one another. He's got his life; I've got mine. But on a night when nothing else was working, we took time to sit and talk. It turns out that he had been unable to call his wife, since his cell phone didn't want to work. I loaned him mine, and he was able to get through to her.
Then, he asked whether I wanted one of the candles that he had placed around the house. I accepted, and when I finally returned to my apartment, I was able to prepare a cold-cut sandwich by the light of the candle. After one more call home, I headed to bed about 11:30, hoping that, come morning, the power would still be out, and I would get the day off. I woke up around 4:30AM, and noticed that my bedside alarm clock was flashing. Damn! Power had come back exactly 59 minutes earlier.
I was surprised when I got to the living room, and found all my computer equipment running. Surprised, because, when I got home after work yesterday, my monitor and computer speakers were still on - powered by my UPS, which was doing it's best to warn me that power had been cut. I had turned off the UPS to silence it's alarm and conserve battery power. This morning, when I saw the computers were powered on, but the monitor and speakers weren't, it hit me... for the past couple of months, I've had my computers plugged into the non-battery-protected sockets of the UPS! Doh!
As soon as I post this entry, I'll remedy that situation.
I discovered something yesterday afternoon. When power is completely gone... when there's not enough light to see where you're going - even when your pupils are opened to the max - there's one thing that's still possible... sleep!
Having coincidentally followed on the heels of a night when I didn't leave work until after 2AM (nearly a 16 hour shift), it wouldn't have taken much effort to coax me into an after-work nap. The way these things normally go, I would have gotten home at 7 or 8PM (the price of getting to work at 11AM after a late night) and crashed for a few hours, only to wake at 3 or 4AM and get online. Instead, we were let out at 4:30, figuring that even if power was restored quickly, it would only come back on in time to leave.
My usual 10-minute trip home took about 40 minutes. For the most part, people were courteous. Despite massive lines of cars, there were no car horns. However, this concept of treating out-of-order traffic lights as a four-way stop was foreign to those who were accustomed to following the lead car through an intersection, regardless of the colour of the light. It took some bravery to edge into the flow of traffic, deciding after a significant wait, that it was our turn to go. While this may have been a bold move, nevertheless, the people whose progress I interrupted seemed to understand, and there were no horns or words exchanged.
Trying to eat dinner would have been a dilemma. My stove (which I never use because of my microwave) is electric, so it was of no use. And I knew the restaurants in the area would be without power. So I did what I always do after a long day at work. I took a nap.
My understanding is that the nap lasted about 4 hours. I say understanding because at 9:30ish, it was pitch-black. No night-lights, no LEDs on my computer speakers... nothing! I fumbled around in the dark until I found my cellphone, and used it as a flashlight to navigate around the apartment. I don't have a land-line phone. My cell is it! So I called my wife to find out how she was coping in the dark. I knew she had been affected, despite being in Windsor, since on the way home, the news had stated the blackout affected Detroit.
To my surprise, she told me the power had come back on 10 minutes earlier. Secure in the knowledge that power was only minutes away, I made my way upstairs to inform the landlord that power would be restored soon. I'm glad I made the trip. Though he's a great landlord, we really don't have a need to talk to one another. He's got his life; I've got mine. But on a night when nothing else was working, we took time to sit and talk. It turns out that he had been unable to call his wife, since his cell phone didn't want to work. I loaned him mine, and he was able to get through to her.
Then, he asked whether I wanted one of the candles that he had placed around the house. I accepted, and when I finally returned to my apartment, I was able to prepare a cold-cut sandwich by the light of the candle. After one more call home, I headed to bed about 11:30, hoping that, come morning, the power would still be out, and I would get the day off. I woke up around 4:30AM, and noticed that my bedside alarm clock was flashing. Damn! Power had come back exactly 59 minutes earlier.
I was surprised when I got to the living room, and found all my computer equipment running. Surprised, because, when I got home after work yesterday, my monitor and computer speakers were still on - powered by my UPS, which was doing it's best to warn me that power had been cut. I had turned off the UPS to silence it's alarm and conserve battery power. This morning, when I saw the computers were powered on, but the monitor and speakers weren't, it hit me... for the past couple of months, I've had my computers plugged into the non-battery-protected sockets of the UPS! Doh!
As soon as I post this entry, I'll remedy that situation.
Tuesday, August 12, 2003
Is it just me?
Well, it's been three days since I got my new glucose meter. I give it a couple of more days before I look like a strung out junkie. The idea that I could test on my forearm, instead of constantly pricking the same two fingers (don't ask!) seemed attractive at the time. The brochure said that the forearm offered a completely painless area for testing. I don't dispute that. I have yet to feel any of the pinpricks, and am always amazed when I see a droplet of blood issue forth from the point of contact. But there's a problem.
Whereas the pinpricks in my finger seem to leave a sore spot for a couple of minutes, and afterwards leave no evidence of any kind, my arm seems to be intent on leaving a blood blister at the point of impact. Right now, my arm looks like a cross between freckles, age spots and needle marks. It's the last scenario that has me concerned. Everyone knows I'm straight as an arrow. I've never sampled alcohol (past the age of 8 when I was expected to partake of Passover wine), never tried a cigarette, and never was curious about drugs. So, walking around with tracks on my arms is quite embarassing.
So, here's my question... how does everyone else react to forearm testing? Does everyone get these unsightly marks, and how long do they last?
Well, it's been three days since I got my new glucose meter. I give it a couple of more days before I look like a strung out junkie. The idea that I could test on my forearm, instead of constantly pricking the same two fingers (don't ask!) seemed attractive at the time. The brochure said that the forearm offered a completely painless area for testing. I don't dispute that. I have yet to feel any of the pinpricks, and am always amazed when I see a droplet of blood issue forth from the point of contact. But there's a problem.
Whereas the pinpricks in my finger seem to leave a sore spot for a couple of minutes, and afterwards leave no evidence of any kind, my arm seems to be intent on leaving a blood blister at the point of impact. Right now, my arm looks like a cross between freckles, age spots and needle marks. It's the last scenario that has me concerned. Everyone knows I'm straight as an arrow. I've never sampled alcohol (past the age of 8 when I was expected to partake of Passover wine), never tried a cigarette, and never was curious about drugs. So, walking around with tracks on my arms is quite embarassing.
So, here's my question... how does everyone else react to forearm testing? Does everyone get these unsightly marks, and how long do they last?
The countdown continues...
What an exciting time! Having just returned from another weekend in Windsor, where I was able to drop off a couple more boxes of stuff. The next trip in two weeks will include all non-essential computer equipment. That will leave just one computer, a bed, a loveseat, a TV and a microwave to be moved on the last weekend of the month. I'm getting excited!
The visit to the doctor's office was less than enjoyable. I got a prescription for an updated glucose monitoring device. My first device was around four years old, and the test strips I had been using were actually expired. I know I've been abusing my body since living on my own, but I hadn't realized the extent to which I had allowed myself to deteriorate. I've used the new monitor four times so far, and none of the readings I've gotten have been encouraging. Because the meter is new, I used the control solution to see whether everything was working properly. My first control reading was out of range - meaning that either something was wrong with the machine, the enclosed test strips, or my procedure. I did a second control reading a day later (after obtaining two, disturbing glucose readings). This time, the control reading was bang on. Since then, I've gotten another two less-than-thrilling readings.
All I can say is, when I move back home, I'll be following a more stringent diet.
Being human (and craving carbohydrates) sucks!
What an exciting time! Having just returned from another weekend in Windsor, where I was able to drop off a couple more boxes of stuff. The next trip in two weeks will include all non-essential computer equipment. That will leave just one computer, a bed, a loveseat, a TV and a microwave to be moved on the last weekend of the month. I'm getting excited!
The visit to the doctor's office was less than enjoyable. I got a prescription for an updated glucose monitoring device. My first device was around four years old, and the test strips I had been using were actually expired. I know I've been abusing my body since living on my own, but I hadn't realized the extent to which I had allowed myself to deteriorate. I've used the new monitor four times so far, and none of the readings I've gotten have been encouraging. Because the meter is new, I used the control solution to see whether everything was working properly. My first control reading was out of range - meaning that either something was wrong with the machine, the enclosed test strips, or my procedure. I did a second control reading a day later (after obtaining two, disturbing glucose readings). This time, the control reading was bang on. Since then, I've gotten another two less-than-thrilling readings.
All I can say is, when I move back home, I'll be following a more stringent diet.
Being human (and craving carbohydrates) sucks!
Friday, August 08, 2003
Almost gone
Just a few minutes more of packing and checking email before heading home. My back is much better now, and won't be an issue for the doctor after all. I had previously booked an appointment on an unrelated matter, so it's good that I won't have to complicate the appointment with anything trivial.
Bye!
Just a few minutes more of packing and checking email before heading home. My back is much better now, and won't be an issue for the doctor after all. I had previously booked an appointment on an unrelated matter, so it's good that I won't have to complicate the appointment with anything trivial.
Bye!
Wednesday, August 06, 2003
My aching back!
I hurt myself sometime this past weekend. I think it happened when I slipped on wet pavement. I actually slipped twice - once on the metal doorjamb at a restaurant, and once on the painted auditorium floor in a movie theatre. Both times, I managed to maintain my balance, but I think I may have wrenched my back in the process.
On Sunday, I started feeling the pain. That night, I had trouble sleeping, and on Monday, the pain was even worse. By the time I returned to Toronto (a four-hour drive), my back was a real mess. Tuesday, I could barely move. Although I dragged myself to work, I spent the majority of the day grimacing in pain. Today, the pain was only marginally reduced. My wife slipped me a single dose of Robaxacet as I was leaving Windsor. I've been reluctant to take it, primarily because I don't like taking drugs for every little thing; but also because one dose won't do me much good, and I certainly don't want to take these things on a continuing basis.
I'm hoping that a couple more days of good sleep and liberal use of an icepack will do the trick. If I'm wrong... I see my doctor this weekend, and I'll ask her opinion.
I hurt myself sometime this past weekend. I think it happened when I slipped on wet pavement. I actually slipped twice - once on the metal doorjamb at a restaurant, and once on the painted auditorium floor in a movie theatre. Both times, I managed to maintain my balance, but I think I may have wrenched my back in the process.
On Sunday, I started feeling the pain. That night, I had trouble sleeping, and on Monday, the pain was even worse. By the time I returned to Toronto (a four-hour drive), my back was a real mess. Tuesday, I could barely move. Although I dragged myself to work, I spent the majority of the day grimacing in pain. Today, the pain was only marginally reduced. My wife slipped me a single dose of Robaxacet as I was leaving Windsor. I've been reluctant to take it, primarily because I don't like taking drugs for every little thing; but also because one dose won't do me much good, and I certainly don't want to take these things on a continuing basis.
I'm hoping that a couple more days of good sleep and liberal use of an icepack will do the trick. If I'm wrong... I see my doctor this weekend, and I'll ask her opinion.
Tuesday, August 05, 2003
Sunday, August 03, 2003
Yeah!!!
She's back! And when I return from my vacation, I can add Lee's link back onto my reference page. Or, I can try to do it from this public computer, and hopefully won't screw up anything.
She's back! And when I return from my vacation, I can add Lee's link back onto my reference page. Or, I can try to do it from this public computer, and hopefully won't screw up anything.
Friday, August 01, 2003
Come back!
Lee wants to come back. But she's playing hard to get and wants people to convince her to return. Now personally, I love Lee's writing. And I understand that some people can get beaten down so much by adversity, criticism, and other's stupidity that they just throw in the towel. In my humble opinion, Lee is someone who should be in the blogging community. Her opinions are no less worthy than anyone else's. If you've never read her work, then the link in this post won't be any help - it doesn't tell you anything about her. But by visiting her site and leaving a comment, perhaps you can be the one that finally convinces her that hiding in the closet is no way to live a life.
Lee wants to come back. But she's playing hard to get and wants people to convince her to return. Now personally, I love Lee's writing. And I understand that some people can get beaten down so much by adversity, criticism, and other's stupidity that they just throw in the towel. In my humble opinion, Lee is someone who should be in the blogging community. Her opinions are no less worthy than anyone else's. If you've never read her work, then the link in this post won't be any help - it doesn't tell you anything about her. But by visiting her site and leaving a comment, perhaps you can be the one that finally convinces her that hiding in the closet is no way to live a life.
The countdown continues
Twenty-four hours from now, I'll be on the road somewhere, hopefully close to home. With me, I will have the first of three mini-loads of stuff heading back home. My plan for tomorrow is to pack up all the winter clothes and possibly one of the two active computers still with me in Toronto. The laptop has already gone home (with my wife, on her last visit). I should also gather up all the computer-related books/manuals that are here. It shouldn't take me very long, and at this point, every box that gets taken home early will mean that much more room on the "last day" for the really big/bulky stuff.
Twenty-four hours from now, I'll be on the road somewhere, hopefully close to home. With me, I will have the first of three mini-loads of stuff heading back home. My plan for tomorrow is to pack up all the winter clothes and possibly one of the two active computers still with me in Toronto. The laptop has already gone home (with my wife, on her last visit). I should also gather up all the computer-related books/manuals that are here. It shouldn't take me very long, and at this point, every box that gets taken home early will mean that much more room on the "last day" for the really big/bulky stuff.
Thursday, July 31, 2003
Like a rolling stone
Tonight was the night... Toronto hosted a concert for nearly 500,000 paying customers to prove to the world that SARS is under control. When all is said and done, the economic spin-off from this concert will probably be minimal. Those business owners that were naive enough to think the influx of people would spend any part of their day doing anything other than trying to get into the concert, trying to get a good vantage point, and trying to exit as quickly as possible afterward will be crying in their coffee come Thursday morning. I hadn't realized the Toronto TV stations would be broadcasting the concert in near-real-time. For those of us that did not flock to Downsview Park, we probably had the best view in the house.
Except for the energy and experience of being at a big-name concert, most people don't go to concerts for the music. I can't tell you the number of times I've been disappointed with "live" versions of songs, after being bowled over by the studio version. Of all the bands I've ever seen, I think Supertramp and Boston did the best job of recreating the feeling of the music you had actually come to hear. Judging from what I heard on TV, I would have to say I'm glad I didn't pay money to hear the Stones.
I was much more impressed with the performance of Rush, one of 15 acts that played today's concert. Their music was most like what I remember them sounding like. Anyway, a music critic I'm not, so I'll end here. From the news video, it seems the crowd was well-behaved, and I hope everyone who went came away feeling good about their investment of time and money.
Tonight was the night... Toronto hosted a concert for nearly 500,000 paying customers to prove to the world that SARS is under control. When all is said and done, the economic spin-off from this concert will probably be minimal. Those business owners that were naive enough to think the influx of people would spend any part of their day doing anything other than trying to get into the concert, trying to get a good vantage point, and trying to exit as quickly as possible afterward will be crying in their coffee come Thursday morning. I hadn't realized the Toronto TV stations would be broadcasting the concert in near-real-time. For those of us that did not flock to Downsview Park, we probably had the best view in the house.
Except for the energy and experience of being at a big-name concert, most people don't go to concerts for the music. I can't tell you the number of times I've been disappointed with "live" versions of songs, after being bowled over by the studio version. Of all the bands I've ever seen, I think Supertramp and Boston did the best job of recreating the feeling of the music you had actually come to hear. Judging from what I heard on TV, I would have to say I'm glad I didn't pay money to hear the Stones.
I was much more impressed with the performance of Rush, one of 15 acts that played today's concert. Their music was most like what I remember them sounding like. Anyway, a music critic I'm not, so I'll end here. From the news video, it seems the crowd was well-behaved, and I hope everyone who went came away feeling good about their investment of time and money.
Tuesday, July 29, 2003
zzzzzz
Not much happening here (unless you count the headlines, which for days have been focused on the upcoming Rolling Stones concert). I've been tooling around writing some small utilities to help my colleagues and me with some of our more mundane duties. I'm a big believer in process automation. Other than that, I'm just looking forward to the weekend. I'll be home for the long holiday weekend.
I'll also be going home on three of the following four weekends... the last trip being my last trip.
Ah well, back to dullsville....
Not much happening here (unless you count the headlines, which for days have been focused on the upcoming Rolling Stones concert). I've been tooling around writing some small utilities to help my colleagues and me with some of our more mundane duties. I'm a big believer in process automation. Other than that, I'm just looking forward to the weekend. I'll be home for the long holiday weekend.
I'll also be going home on three of the following four weekends... the last trip being my last trip.
Ah well, back to dullsville....
Wednesday, July 23, 2003
Ex-Qusay-moi!
What a day! Some Iraqi civilian just became a multi-millionaire hitting the jackpot on the $15M + $15M reward for the brothers grim. I really do hope he's able to collect the reward. Otherwise, U.S. credibility will take a further hit. In the meantime, let's just savour the idea that two of Iraq's cruelest sons have seen their last sunrise.
What a day! Some Iraqi civilian just became a multi-millionaire hitting the jackpot on the $15M + $15M reward for the brothers grim. I really do hope he's able to collect the reward. Otherwise, U.S. credibility will take a further hit. In the meantime, let's just savour the idea that two of Iraq's cruelest sons have seen their last sunrise.
Tuesday, July 22, 2003
Nearly skunked!
The garbage collection schedule in this neighborhood changed at the beginning of July. It used to be that garbage and recycling pickups were on Friday. Now, recycling is done on Friday, and regular garbage is collected on Tuesday. The collection, which used to be done some time in the late morning or early afternoon, now appears to be done very early in the morning. I had missed the last collection due to this change in schedule, so I headed out a few minutes ago with my bags. When I got to the curb, I apparently startled an animal that had been foraging through the home-owner's trash. As it ran off, I could see, even in the darkness, the distinct white stripe on the raised tail. I'm so lucky and grateful that this little predator didn't think me enough of a threat to spray me on his way out.
The garbage collection schedule in this neighborhood changed at the beginning of July. It used to be that garbage and recycling pickups were on Friday. Now, recycling is done on Friday, and regular garbage is collected on Tuesday. The collection, which used to be done some time in the late morning or early afternoon, now appears to be done very early in the morning. I had missed the last collection due to this change in schedule, so I headed out a few minutes ago with my bags. When I got to the curb, I apparently startled an animal that had been foraging through the home-owner's trash. As it ran off, I could see, even in the darkness, the distinct white stripe on the raised tail. I'm so lucky and grateful that this little predator didn't think me enough of a threat to spray me on his way out.
When is a rhetorical question not a rhetorical question?
I watched Jay Leno tonight. Monday is Headline night, where Jay offers goofy headlines, stories, ads, etc. that have been sent in by alert readers. One of Jay's favourite categories is the "crime blotter" entries about bumbling criminals. Apparently, one such brain-dead moron was returning from an overseas trip, with a stash of illegal drugs among his possessions. As is customary on such a trip, the passengers were provided with Customs and Immigration forms while still enroute, to help them get through the customs process more efficiently. One of the questions on the form was: Are you transporting any illegal drugs or contraband? - a question that our intrepid would-be criminal answered truthfully.
So here's my question. Upon landing, could this person be arrested for smuggling? Think about it. Smuggling is a crime where someone transports goods over a border without properly declaring the goods. Since this person did not hide what he was doing, I don't think smuggling would be an appropriate charge. Perhaps there are still charges such as trafficking or simple possession that could be levied. But smuggling? I don't think so.
And another thing... whoever it was that decided such a question should be placed on the form in the first place... I wonder if he's getting the last laugh at all his colleagues that insisted no-one would ever be caught by that question!
I watched Jay Leno tonight. Monday is Headline night, where Jay offers goofy headlines, stories, ads, etc. that have been sent in by alert readers. One of Jay's favourite categories is the "crime blotter" entries about bumbling criminals. Apparently, one such brain-dead moron was returning from an overseas trip, with a stash of illegal drugs among his possessions. As is customary on such a trip, the passengers were provided with Customs and Immigration forms while still enroute, to help them get through the customs process more efficiently. One of the questions on the form was: Are you transporting any illegal drugs or contraband? - a question that our intrepid would-be criminal answered truthfully.
So here's my question. Upon landing, could this person be arrested for smuggling? Think about it. Smuggling is a crime where someone transports goods over a border without properly declaring the goods. Since this person did not hide what he was doing, I don't think smuggling would be an appropriate charge. Perhaps there are still charges such as trafficking or simple possession that could be levied. But smuggling? I don't think so.
And another thing... whoever it was that decided such a question should be placed on the form in the first place... I wonder if he's getting the last laugh at all his colleagues that insisted no-one would ever be caught by that question!
Sunday, July 20, 2003
Ahoy, matey
Have you run into any Pirates lately? If not, get your ass over to the local Cineplex and have a grand old time. Johnny Depp offers a spirited portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow, the greatest pirate to ever live, in Pirates of the Caribbean. He's an absolute hoot to watch. When I see him play roles like this, or Chocolat or Benny & Joon, I applaud his courage and talent. Thank god I allowed my wife to talk me into seeing this movie.
Have you run into any Pirates lately? If not, get your ass over to the local Cineplex and have a grand old time. Johnny Depp offers a spirited portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow, the greatest pirate to ever live, in Pirates of the Caribbean. He's an absolute hoot to watch. When I see him play roles like this, or Chocolat or Benny & Joon, I applaud his courage and talent. Thank god I allowed my wife to talk me into seeing this movie.
She's gone
As the weekend draws to a close, my wife has hit the road. Not being one to waste a trip, she leaves with a car-full of seldom-used furniture, computer equipment and other odds-and-ends that signals the official start of the "moving out" process. I will be making two more trips home (possibly three, if I decide to go home on the long weekend in August) before the final trip home at the end of August. Frankly, there isn't much that will be brought home between now and the last trip, unless I convince myself that I can live without the oldest of my currently-connected computers.
As the weekend draws to a close, my wife has hit the road. Not being one to waste a trip, she leaves with a car-full of seldom-used furniture, computer equipment and other odds-and-ends that signals the official start of the "moving out" process. I will be making two more trips home (possibly three, if I decide to go home on the long weekend in August) before the final trip home at the end of August. Frankly, there isn't much that will be brought home between now and the last trip, unless I convince myself that I can live without the oldest of my currently-connected computers.
Saturday, July 19, 2003
Meet the Neighbours
I live in a basement apartment. Sometimes, particularly on weekends, things can get pretty rowdy in the main house. There are two young adults in their 20s, and they like doing the kinds of things young adults do... including throwing parties. Also, these kids received a karaoke machine for Christmas. Being part oriental, they have enjoyed using this machine long beyond the typical new-toy fascination period.
This weekend, my wife is visiting me, and the parents of these kids are out of town. To say that the house is nearly falling down around me would be an understatement. It so happens that I'm pretty good at filtering out most of the noise. In fact, I can't sleep unless there is background noise. My wife, on the other hand, needs absolute quiet to sleep. I would venture that, were it not for the volume of the music upstairs, the tap-tap-tap of my keyboard would be enough to keep her awake (though she's a room away, behind a wall and closed door).
I've decided to wait until midnight before I make my presence known upstairs, and I will be very polite in asking for some silence. However, if the noise continues, my wife won't get any sleep, and will be a total mess tomorrow.
I live in a basement apartment. Sometimes, particularly on weekends, things can get pretty rowdy in the main house. There are two young adults in their 20s, and they like doing the kinds of things young adults do... including throwing parties. Also, these kids received a karaoke machine for Christmas. Being part oriental, they have enjoyed using this machine long beyond the typical new-toy fascination period.
This weekend, my wife is visiting me, and the parents of these kids are out of town. To say that the house is nearly falling down around me would be an understatement. It so happens that I'm pretty good at filtering out most of the noise. In fact, I can't sleep unless there is background noise. My wife, on the other hand, needs absolute quiet to sleep. I would venture that, were it not for the volume of the music upstairs, the tap-tap-tap of my keyboard would be enough to keep her awake (though she's a room away, behind a wall and closed door).
I've decided to wait until midnight before I make my presence known upstairs, and I will be very polite in asking for some silence. However, if the noise continues, my wife won't get any sleep, and will be a total mess tomorrow.
What a car!
My wife's new Rav4 is rad. She let me drive it for a while (either to make me jealous, or because she had just completed a long drive getting here). Nice car!
She was able to salvage the in-dash MP3 player from the "wreck", and had it installed in this vehicle. Drive it in good health, my love!
My wife's new Rav4 is rad. She let me drive it for a while (either to make me jealous, or because she had just completed a long drive getting here). Nice car!
She was able to salvage the in-dash MP3 player from the "wreck", and had it installed in this vehicle. Drive it in good health, my love!