Wednesday, July 30, 2003

I changed the brakes on my car last night. Ordinarily, this would not be a big deal; however, please realise that, given the fact that I've lived in an apartment or somesuch for most of the last 11 years, this was not a feasible thing to do.

Also, although I'm mechanically inclined, that usually applies to static structures (walls, buildings, etc.) or things that, if I screwed up, will kill me. And, at first, I thought that I *had* screwed up -- the pedal didn't feel right, and it was taking a lot farther to brake than it should have (on my driveway at this point). Then I remembered that you need to pump the brakes a few times to get pistons, etc., in the right position, and that the brake pads need a mile or so to break in (to match the wear pattern on the discs). After that, it was smooth sailing... er, driving.

Still unhappy about the reorg at work. Also found out that I have to work on Saturday. Grr. (No, I don't get paid overtime, being exempt and all...)

Tuesday, July 22, 2003

Reorganized.

When they tell you that you have a choice, don't believe them. You don't.

Monday, July 21, 2003

Reorganization

Hm. Seems that I'm being slotted for a role in the architecture group. This would mean working with A, B, and C.

I get along fantastically with A, but A would only be part-time in the group.

I don't know B all that well, and he works in our San Jose office. However, B works with C quite often. C and I do not get along. At all.

C likes to edit my code so that it's more convenient for him to work with. C doesn't bother testing his changes. C likes to reformat my code. C never makes an attempt to communicate with me and does all of the above willy-nilly.

Not good. Not good at all.
% ping sydney.kanga.org
no answer from sydney.kanga.org.


Yes, well, still in the process of moving. Right now, everything except a few cleaning supplies and trash is out of the apartment and in the house (though far from being unpacked). Computers have been sitting disconnected in what is going to be my office... I've been too busy packing, moving, unpacking, cleaning, etc., to even think about hooking them up. So my only access is from work (until Friday-ish, when DSL service is established).

Oh, and if you have the money, I strongly suggest hiring movers if you need to move. It was about $1200 for our two-bedroom apartment, travel time, truck, and a crew of four--and it was worth every penny. Next time, I'll be über-rich and have them do the packing and unpacking, too (which will triple the cost, plus they'll be moving a house...). I'll also probably be in my late 80's. :-)

I have spent far too much money at Home Depot, Target, and Sears over the last few days. Though I suppose it's all a drop in the bucket when you consider that we've essentially spent six-figures this month. Ugh. I don't like thinking about that... (Hm... imagine putting a house on a credit card... you could get massive amounts of free gas/airmiles/clothes/...)

Wednesday, July 16, 2003

Just out of curiosity...

Tuesday, July 15, 2003

So, IT has pulled the sudo (administrative) access I had to my machine without discussion or warning and by playing the authority card ("we must enforce [this restriction] across the board..."). I had this access because I was the point-man for problems related to different glibc versions (this is one of the main files needed on Linux), and you kinda need administrative access to muck with such things.

I've retaliated by refusing to perform such testing anymore, and by removing the duplexer for one of the printers I brought in. I'm also starting to take my books back. It'll be a short bit, then people will probably start screaming about the lack of duplex printing.

Monday, July 14, 2003

My body hates me.

Spent the last three days working on the (new and spiffy!) house. I did not realise just how huge and steep our backyard was until I mowed it yesterday. I don't think the previous owners had mowed it in a about a month or so.

Almost finished cleaning the carpets. They were vacuumed, at least, but they owned a couple of large dogs... the carpets definitely needed shampooing. (The dogs spent most of the time in the family room; I've done that room twice, and will probably do it again once more.)

Friday, July 11, 2003

  1. Find the thousand or so users who list cocaine as an interest and run a Markov babbler on their LJ entries.

  2. ???

  3. Profit!



your Sexual fetish? brought to you but you know that it would make her bleed you wanna talk, about eachother I hid inside my head in either physically or emotionally. Its probably better for a few hours im more of the rentals in this cut - better when I first arrived You said....your friend date your friends When my hair not relaxed every day. 1. of 2 people 1 am.

As my heart tricks my thanks Lets terminate these little projections how they took us to catch her staring at the first thing you d never have to go home, giggle*. To myself But, too bad Oh- hear this... Damon Albarn track :)hehe i decided not to sure i learned. today that he told me that bees cannot bore through the reflection but my cover by being there, and i rented movies-- donnie darko, cecil b I am going to notice?

people gawking, isn't I don't think they like me, at work n play

Closed Friday, Doubled Saturday....long fucking time but that'was dangling down, as the quiet life, a dream as in Oreos) is spelled incorrectly (One of the time. and usually blame yourself Take notice... no sweeping exits or offstage lines

When I go mr strife-you would play it? "from her head explodes... or implodes... whichever is less appropriate than the farmers planted the Delta for a long walk then go to sleep I get my plans I have been absolute shite.

So when we re just the last one I ve got going.

I explained that it s quite creative. amazing how much i think I d really like you. left us speachless.
We enjoyed it wasnt the nice weather. it s an excuse for not giving in, to work at the moment, and how stupid So I can t fucking know. it s probably a great dancer. He went so deep. in love it'how did you know I feel unloved. and filled out lately

Well, today sucks Today, I was going to b put on my back yard + perhaps five of us.

p i D!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, July 8, 2003

I went to use one of the conference room computers this morning (in order to view a Word document someone sent me... I didn't have the proper installation or somesuch on my Win4Lin directory, but I digress). Clicked on Start. Clicked on Open Office Document.

Bong. Error 7923: Could not find Microsoft XP installation media, check your network connections and CD-ROM settings, or view the help file located at some obnoxiously long path in a hidden directory.

Huh? Whatever. Cancel. Word pops up. Then the same 7923 error. Click on cancel. Another Word window pops up and another 7923 error. Ad infinitium.

Bugged IT about it, and they uninstalled and reinstalled Office without blinking an eye. They're used to this.

I couldn't help but be amused. What other industry has its customers so beaten down that they accept this kind of routine as normal?

I'm not saying the software industry is alone in producing crappy products; for example, there are auto mechanics out there who are either clumsy, or unethical, or both, who will break two parts of your car while trying to fix one, but usually we get (rightfully) irate about this.

Actually, though, consumer electronics are starting to fall down the same path. My Sony DVD player has stopped playing certain discs, and getting it repaired would cost more than buying a new one. (I did eventually find out how to get into the service menu and adjust it so that it works again, though.) I, like many others from what I've read on various lists about these same DVD players, claim to have sworn off Sony products, but deep down, I know that I'll buy a new Sony MegaTroniTrin XP-3JS because it's shiny and brush it off with a "Eh, this one will probably be better."

Sad.
Hm. It's interesting to check the weather report where you live first thing in the morning and see:

"Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania     "

(One special weather statement, a severe thunderstorm watch, severe thunderstorm warning, flood watch/warning, and local storm report... apparently this one is coming in with 2" hail and 80 mph winds).