Work wasn't too terrible. I was assigned to the side of the store that waxing was taking place, so that limited what I could do for a while. The good news is that it wasn't nearly as rushed as it was during the previous month.
While sales may suffer, an opportunity for additional clean up presents itself at the beginning of each year. For the company I work for, the financial year isn't quite over though; it ends in February, the same month that Valentine's Day is celebrated by many.
I won't be among those who do. In fact, I'll have both the 13th and 14th of February off. One of the most significant things I can do is to call my Dad on the 14th and wish him a happy birthday. That sounds like an awesome idea.
Speaking of birthdays, I'll be taking a mini-vacation in March as well. I'm turning 30 after all, so I might as well celebrate living that long. ;)
On the website front, I'm still considering my options. I did have a roadmap, but as I begin to think about things more and more, I realized that I wanted to at least be able to operate the content management system in a way that I was more comfortable. I'm more familiar with e107 than with Drupal.
I'll more than likely decide in the coming days what to do.
In the meantime, I think I shall go to bed.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Weekend's Over Wednesday: It's Time.
The last couple of days have given me a chance to rest from a hectic week of work. Today, I feel better than I have in a while. Granted, I'm still recovering from the 2012 Holiday Sales Season, but I'm in much better shape at the moment.
Speaking of which, I'm wanting to be in better physical condition this year and in the years to come.
I recently cut out sugars and am limiting my intake of carbohydrates. Exercising began yesterday with some minor weight training. A ten pound dumbbell was used as well as a wall for push ups.
I'm not remotely strong enough to do them off the floor as of yet.
Challenges to Come
With the so called "fiscal cliff" averted for the time being, I suppose we may get back to our normal lives until about February or March (debt ceiling joys to come). Regardless, there are plenty of personal challenges that will keep 2013 interesting.
I've been working on a website for an independent film maker. There's still quite a bit of work to be done. However, I'm confident that my efforts will go a long way in not only helping a film maker's dreams come true, but it will also help me become better in terms of website building.
Progress on my website has stalled. While I enjoyed using Drupal, I also am familiar with e107. Both allow for an integrated forum and themes to be used. e107 has also been easier for me to use. I'm still deciding whether I should stick with the current content management system or to switch to a different one.
Either way, I'll be archiving all blog posts.
I also have to clean up the living quarters. It's been a mess as of late, and it really needs to be tidied up and in some cases, reorganized (especially my bedroom).
One more final challenge will be deciding what to do on my 30th birthday. In March, I'll no longer be a 20 something. Imagine that.
So what are some of your personal challenges this year? Feel free to post in the comments below.
Speaking of which, I'm wanting to be in better physical condition this year and in the years to come.
I recently cut out sugars and am limiting my intake of carbohydrates. Exercising began yesterday with some minor weight training. A ten pound dumbbell was used as well as a wall for push ups.
I'm not remotely strong enough to do them off the floor as of yet.
Challenges to Come
With the so called "fiscal cliff" averted for the time being, I suppose we may get back to our normal lives until about February or March (debt ceiling joys to come). Regardless, there are plenty of personal challenges that will keep 2013 interesting.
I've been working on a website for an independent film maker. There's still quite a bit of work to be done. However, I'm confident that my efforts will go a long way in not only helping a film maker's dreams come true, but it will also help me become better in terms of website building.
Progress on my website has stalled. While I enjoyed using Drupal, I also am familiar with e107. Both allow for an integrated forum and themes to be used. e107 has also been easier for me to use. I'm still deciding whether I should stick with the current content management system or to switch to a different one.
Either way, I'll be archiving all blog posts.
I also have to clean up the living quarters. It's been a mess as of late, and it really needs to be tidied up and in some cases, reorganized (especially my bedroom).
One more final challenge will be deciding what to do on my 30th birthday. In March, I'll no longer be a 20 something. Imagine that.
So what are some of your personal challenges this year? Feel free to post in the comments below.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Resolved
We all hear about starting the new year off right by making resolutions to improve ourselves. I have some resolutions of my own, but not all of them are of the staple variety that are used each year. The one thing that needs to be done when the new year begins is to simply live.
With that said, I resolve to:
I have no plans to attend any conventions this year unless success and/or great fortune comes my way. With the economy still being as uncertain as it is even with the so called "fiscal cliff package," it's important for me to take care of my own house so to speak.
This is true no matter what the House vote is.
I'm also going to accept myself for who I am.
That is all.
With that said, I resolve to:
- Take better care of my health by exercising more, and when the weather is not as wintery, walking to work.
- Be more frugal.
- Love myself for who I am.
I have no plans to attend any conventions this year unless success and/or great fortune comes my way. With the economy still being as uncertain as it is even with the so called "fiscal cliff package," it's important for me to take care of my own house so to speak.
This is true no matter what the House vote is.
I'm also going to accept myself for who I am.
That is all.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
A 2012 Retrospective
I took a break from blogging due to the holiday sales season. It's amazing how draining it can be even when one knows what's coming. Then again, Christmas isn't quite the same for me at 29 as it was in years prior.
As a child on December 25th, I would be excited about the gifts that I would possibly be receiving as well as giving gifts to others. Even when I was sick, I saw to it that I didn't miss that day. That was years ago. This year, I'm staying in.
Retail tends to do that to some such as myself. After tending to the needs and desires of other people for the past several days, I decided to spend the day decompressing. Part of it shall involve some self reflection.
To say that 2012 was an interesting year would be an understatement.
The Beginning
It was one of those things that I did not expect. First I meet a friend's wonderful sister for lunch at King Chef Buffet in Warrensburg. Her name was Emily. We have a nice conversation, and then hang out with my friend for a while before I have to take a nap. It was unfortunate that it wasn't on my day off, so I had to go back and get some sleep before work.
Then something else happened.
I had also been introduced to somebody else online by an acquaintance. Soon after, I began to text this person (after her friend insisted that they ask me to do so). I made a reference to Austin Powers and that amused her.
Her name was Heather, and after hanging out a couple of weeks in a row, we began our romantic relationship. It wound up lasting for four months. Unless she was watching her niece, Tuesdays would be our day. I met her family, and she eventually met my mom.
The relationship lasts four months. At the beginning of June, I go to my high school reunion. I took her with me and we had a great time. The moment that caused me to realize that I wasn't the right person for her was when one of my fellow graduates offspring starts crying.
As I'm describing how in another situation, I could simply drown it out with headphones, they interject that I better get used to it. The declaration was made that if we were together long enough and we got married, we would be having children.
It was at that moment that I began to shut down on the inside. It was not a good feeling. I did not communicate with her at all during my lunch hour that night at work. What else could I do? I had no idea what to say after all of that.
So I did some research online. There were varying answers, but one in particular appeared over and over again. When it comes to children, it's important to be up front and honest. It should not be something to be compromised on.
That was exactly how I felt. As unpleasant as it was, I realized I could not deny somebody of a dream they had since they were a small child, especially if it turns out that I'm sterile. One of these days, I'll be tested to make sure. Suffice it to say, because of the amount of steroids put into my system at the age of six due to surgery that I had, it's a possibility.
I explained to her in person that the relationship was not meant to be due to the fact that her choice in life and mine were not intertwined. Who am I to deny somebody else their dream? Fortunately, she is now with the right person.
I soon did something that in retrospect, I shouldn't have done. I went back to the dating sites and looked for the right person. The problem is that I am not good at looking for somebody significant in my life, and I never will be. I also should have clarified that I don't hate children. I simply don't want to bring any into this world, a point I will expand on soon enough.
Political Aspirations
For the second time around, I ran for Congress. As in U.S. Congress. I ran in Missouri's Fourth District, because that's where I live. For those who haven't figured it out by now, I am a Libertarian.
For those wanting to know where they actually stand on the political map, this quiz can be very helpful.
Since there was another person running for the same position under the same party, a primary was required to determine who would be on November's ballot. I won the primary, and my opponent messaged my fan page and typed in all caps.
Election years, especially major ones, brings out all sorts of interesting people.
I managed to get over 10,000 votes in November, which was more than the previous candidate in 2010. Libertarianism is on an upward trend. I'm beginning to see more and more people getting tired of the status quo.
I'm also learning that I have more influence than I initially realized.
End of the Year Drama
The good news: I was able to get myself a Samsung Galaxy S2. It has a better camera on it for pictures as well as faster hardware. I had to sell a computer in order to buy it, but it was a machine that I no longer wanted to use.
Ubuntu 12.04 and hybrid graphics aren't exactly like peanut butter and jelly.
There was some minor drama in the geek circle. Tony Harris created quite a bit of a stir by posting a private Facebook status update decrying the issue of "fake geek girls." What followed was mindless group think.
Because of what he posted, people thought that he hated women and objectified them via comic book art. No research was done into the work he has done. If anyone had, they would have discovered that he doesn't objectify women in his work or exaggerate their proportions (and that he outright refuses to do so).
More importantly, Harris wasn't the first one to come up with such a rant regarding "fake geeks" in the first place. Before Tony Harris, there was Maddox. Granted, his whole purpose is stir people up, but still... where were all the so called "feminists" when he declared that being a geek or nerd wasn't sexy?
For those who wonder if posers do exist in the geek/nerd realm, look no further than Mike Ramirez. As a columnist for Expert Comics, he has personally witnessed poserism at its finest.
What have they referred to con goers as?
What Ramirez points out is that there are those who are willing to step on others in order to get further in life, even if only for a brief moment. He also points out that there is a deeper issue; the corporatization of comic books in general.
Think about it for one moment. Disney now owns Marvel and Time Warner owns D.C. When was the last time you heard of an independent title taking the world by storm? The closest thing I can think of is CrossGen Comics, and they went out of business due to financial issues.
...and now Disney owns their assets.
I'm quite thankful that Ramirez was able to fairly look at the situation and realize a deeper issue instead of going along the lines of mindless group think. The only reason I defended Harris on my blog was because of the disproportionate amount of people who echoed the sentiment of him being a woman hater.
Even more mindless group think came as a result of the recent shootings in Connecticut. I took my time commenting directly on the event. Instead, I shared certain images on Facebook hoping that others would get what I was trying to do.
I was trying to get people to think outside the box instead of being dominated by their emotions and corporate controlled media. One of the images showed the Connecticut and Colorado shooter side by side. One of the arguments made was that both their fathers were witnesses in a scandal.
Whether true or not, the point was that corporate controlled media was all too willing to talk about the lost lives, the grieving family members, and oh yes... gun control.... When it came to other things just as newsworthy, it was swept under the rug and practically ignored.
I personally choose not to own firearms, but that was my choice. Everybody in my view should have the choice on whether or not they should own firearms or any weapons for that matter. Banning a certain type of weapon will only cause the creation of more weapons.
We don't have a weapons problem. We have a people problem.
The two examples of mindless group think is what has solidified my position on not having any children of my own. For starters, I don't have the patience for screaming crying babies and toddlers. It's like nails on a chalk board to me.
Furthermore, I am noticing more and more people wanting to go along with the crowd instead of choosing their own path. Societal pressure tends to do that. That's also why I'm no longer on dating sites. I realized that I was caving into that same pressure.
In a society where loss of virginity is mentioned on a regular basis, I can still say that I am a virgin at 29 years of age. The probability of me still being one when I turn 30 is very high. When it comes to a "soul mate," I am no longer in any hurry.
After all, I want to spend time being myself and enjoying what I have in life.
Conclusion and Upcoming Projects
I've changed this year. At the beginning of 2012, I argued that it was the end, but the beginning of something new. I've been at the same company for six years and will probably make the seven year mark barring extreme circumstances (good or bad).
I'm applying a go with the flow type of attitude to my life and so far it seems to be working. I've also listened to my body a bit more than I have been in the past. I finally bought some new shoes, and in 2013 I may invest in a couple of more so I can rotate them in the hopes that they will all last longer.
I'm also assisting an independent film maker with a website. Their film is complete. They just need a web presence. I also want to work on my website some more. If I can learn Drupal, I can become more versatile.
I also wish to be more successful in what I do in life. That will mean more discipline and hard (and smart) work. For now though, I am grateful for all the things I have in life at the moment. There is no telling what tomorrow or the new year will bring.
The one thing that is for certain is that it won't be boring. ;)
As a child on December 25th, I would be excited about the gifts that I would possibly be receiving as well as giving gifts to others. Even when I was sick, I saw to it that I didn't miss that day. That was years ago. This year, I'm staying in.
Retail tends to do that to some such as myself. After tending to the needs and desires of other people for the past several days, I decided to spend the day decompressing. Part of it shall involve some self reflection.
To say that 2012 was an interesting year would be an understatement.
The Beginning
It was one of those things that I did not expect. First I meet a friend's wonderful sister for lunch at King Chef Buffet in Warrensburg. Her name was Emily. We have a nice conversation, and then hang out with my friend for a while before I have to take a nap. It was unfortunate that it wasn't on my day off, so I had to go back and get some sleep before work.
Then something else happened.
I had also been introduced to somebody else online by an acquaintance. Soon after, I began to text this person (after her friend insisted that they ask me to do so). I made a reference to Austin Powers and that amused her.
Her name was Heather, and after hanging out a couple of weeks in a row, we began our romantic relationship. It wound up lasting for four months. Unless she was watching her niece, Tuesdays would be our day. I met her family, and she eventually met my mom.
The relationship lasts four months. At the beginning of June, I go to my high school reunion. I took her with me and we had a great time. The moment that caused me to realize that I wasn't the right person for her was when one of my fellow graduates offspring starts crying.
As I'm describing how in another situation, I could simply drown it out with headphones, they interject that I better get used to it. The declaration was made that if we were together long enough and we got married, we would be having children.
It was at that moment that I began to shut down on the inside. It was not a good feeling. I did not communicate with her at all during my lunch hour that night at work. What else could I do? I had no idea what to say after all of that.
So I did some research online. There were varying answers, but one in particular appeared over and over again. When it comes to children, it's important to be up front and honest. It should not be something to be compromised on.
That was exactly how I felt. As unpleasant as it was, I realized I could not deny somebody of a dream they had since they were a small child, especially if it turns out that I'm sterile. One of these days, I'll be tested to make sure. Suffice it to say, because of the amount of steroids put into my system at the age of six due to surgery that I had, it's a possibility.
I explained to her in person that the relationship was not meant to be due to the fact that her choice in life and mine were not intertwined. Who am I to deny somebody else their dream? Fortunately, she is now with the right person.
I soon did something that in retrospect, I shouldn't have done. I went back to the dating sites and looked for the right person. The problem is that I am not good at looking for somebody significant in my life, and I never will be. I also should have clarified that I don't hate children. I simply don't want to bring any into this world, a point I will expand on soon enough.
Political Aspirations
For the second time around, I ran for Congress. As in U.S. Congress. I ran in Missouri's Fourth District, because that's where I live. For those who haven't figured it out by now, I am a Libertarian.
For those wanting to know where they actually stand on the political map, this quiz can be very helpful.
Since there was another person running for the same position under the same party, a primary was required to determine who would be on November's ballot. I won the primary, and my opponent messaged my fan page and typed in all caps.
Election years, especially major ones, brings out all sorts of interesting people.
I managed to get over 10,000 votes in November, which was more than the previous candidate in 2010. Libertarianism is on an upward trend. I'm beginning to see more and more people getting tired of the status quo.
I'm also learning that I have more influence than I initially realized.
End of the Year Drama
The good news: I was able to get myself a Samsung Galaxy S2. It has a better camera on it for pictures as well as faster hardware. I had to sell a computer in order to buy it, but it was a machine that I no longer wanted to use.
Ubuntu 12.04 and hybrid graphics aren't exactly like peanut butter and jelly.
There was some minor drama in the geek circle. Tony Harris created quite a bit of a stir by posting a private Facebook status update decrying the issue of "fake geek girls." What followed was mindless group think.
Because of what he posted, people thought that he hated women and objectified them via comic book art. No research was done into the work he has done. If anyone had, they would have discovered that he doesn't objectify women in his work or exaggerate their proportions (and that he outright refuses to do so).
More importantly, Harris wasn't the first one to come up with such a rant regarding "fake geeks" in the first place. Before Tony Harris, there was Maddox. Granted, his whole purpose is stir people up, but still... where were all the so called "feminists" when he declared that being a geek or nerd wasn't sexy?
For those who wonder if posers do exist in the geek/nerd realm, look no further than Mike Ramirez. As a columnist for Expert Comics, he has personally witnessed poserism at its finest.
What have they referred to con goers as?
- “all ugly guys with no lives”
- “weirdo nerds”
- “unbathed geeks”
- “creepy guys who smell bad but maybe I can get a modeling gig”
- “gross little cretins but maybe they won’t ALL be nerds”
What Ramirez points out is that there are those who are willing to step on others in order to get further in life, even if only for a brief moment. He also points out that there is a deeper issue; the corporatization of comic books in general.
Think about it for one moment. Disney now owns Marvel and Time Warner owns D.C. When was the last time you heard of an independent title taking the world by storm? The closest thing I can think of is CrossGen Comics, and they went out of business due to financial issues.
...and now Disney owns their assets.
I'm quite thankful that Ramirez was able to fairly look at the situation and realize a deeper issue instead of going along the lines of mindless group think. The only reason I defended Harris on my blog was because of the disproportionate amount of people who echoed the sentiment of him being a woman hater.
Even more mindless group think came as a result of the recent shootings in Connecticut. I took my time commenting directly on the event. Instead, I shared certain images on Facebook hoping that others would get what I was trying to do.
I was trying to get people to think outside the box instead of being dominated by their emotions and corporate controlled media. One of the images showed the Connecticut and Colorado shooter side by side. One of the arguments made was that both their fathers were witnesses in a scandal.
Whether true or not, the point was that corporate controlled media was all too willing to talk about the lost lives, the grieving family members, and oh yes... gun control.... When it came to other things just as newsworthy, it was swept under the rug and practically ignored.
I personally choose not to own firearms, but that was my choice. Everybody in my view should have the choice on whether or not they should own firearms or any weapons for that matter. Banning a certain type of weapon will only cause the creation of more weapons.
We don't have a weapons problem. We have a people problem.
The two examples of mindless group think is what has solidified my position on not having any children of my own. For starters, I don't have the patience for screaming crying babies and toddlers. It's like nails on a chalk board to me.
Furthermore, I am noticing more and more people wanting to go along with the crowd instead of choosing their own path. Societal pressure tends to do that. That's also why I'm no longer on dating sites. I realized that I was caving into that same pressure.
In a society where loss of virginity is mentioned on a regular basis, I can still say that I am a virgin at 29 years of age. The probability of me still being one when I turn 30 is very high. When it comes to a "soul mate," I am no longer in any hurry.
After all, I want to spend time being myself and enjoying what I have in life.
Conclusion and Upcoming Projects
I've changed this year. At the beginning of 2012, I argued that it was the end, but the beginning of something new. I've been at the same company for six years and will probably make the seven year mark barring extreme circumstances (good or bad).
I'm applying a go with the flow type of attitude to my life and so far it seems to be working. I've also listened to my body a bit more than I have been in the past. I finally bought some new shoes, and in 2013 I may invest in a couple of more so I can rotate them in the hopes that they will all last longer.
I'm also assisting an independent film maker with a website. Their film is complete. They just need a web presence. I also want to work on my website some more. If I can learn Drupal, I can become more versatile.
I also wish to be more successful in what I do in life. That will mean more discipline and hard (and smart) work. For now though, I am grateful for all the things I have in life at the moment. There is no telling what tomorrow or the new year will bring.
The one thing that is for certain is that it won't be boring. ;)
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Catching Up From Yesterday
I did quite a bit of relaxing yesterday after a long week of work. I'm sure everybody's been through the same experience as I just went through. That's why I skipped posting yesterday.
To make up for it, I'll try posting two entries today.
It seems like my so called "weekends" are just wasted anymore. There have been some exceptions as of late, and for that I am thankful. It seems that I spend more time during my nights off recovering from the previous week of work.
Perhaps I was in "Friday Mode" when I went in Sunday night. Or perhaps something else was going on. That something else that's hard to explain. I'm certain others have gone through this at least once in their life.
I just kept getting irritated and frustrated.
I'm fully aware that December is really busy. I still thought I could achieve what I wanted to in order to feel accomplished. That meant cleaning what needed to be cleaned as quickly as possible while everything else that was assigned was finished.
The impulse merchandise was put away, but the red totes had to be sorted through. These red totes come in and contains merchandise from various departments, including candy for the cash registers.
It seemed like I kept getting interrupted by customers. I just wanted to make it through the shift. After my final break, I was pulled from the front end to zone frozen.
Oh. Joy.
At least I wasn't abandoned this time. More good news came from HR as there was a time clock issue (it kept claiming that I was missing a clock out time from Saturday morning) that they were able to help me fix. If punches aren't fixed in a very particular manner, an error is still shown on the time clock when a punch is made.
Still, I was quite frustrated with life in general at that particular moment. I just wanted to clock out and start my 48 hours of freedom. I did manage to give a couple of friends a ride away from work, and that made all the difference.
Oh, and I wished my sister a happy birthday and talked with Robert Bird, a friend of mine who is also a fellow associate from another store. I relaxed by having some food and some "stress tonics." Soon after that, I fell asleep.
At this moment, I'm washing dishes in the dishwasher and am about to get a shower. From there, I'll figure it out. Have a wonderful day, everyone. :)
To make up for it, I'll try posting two entries today.
It seems like my so called "weekends" are just wasted anymore. There have been some exceptions as of late, and for that I am thankful. It seems that I spend more time during my nights off recovering from the previous week of work.
Perhaps I was in "Friday Mode" when I went in Sunday night. Or perhaps something else was going on. That something else that's hard to explain. I'm certain others have gone through this at least once in their life.
I just kept getting irritated and frustrated.
I'm fully aware that December is really busy. I still thought I could achieve what I wanted to in order to feel accomplished. That meant cleaning what needed to be cleaned as quickly as possible while everything else that was assigned was finished.
The impulse merchandise was put away, but the red totes had to be sorted through. These red totes come in and contains merchandise from various departments, including candy for the cash registers.
It seemed like I kept getting interrupted by customers. I just wanted to make it through the shift. After my final break, I was pulled from the front end to zone frozen.
Oh. Joy.
At least I wasn't abandoned this time. More good news came from HR as there was a time clock issue (it kept claiming that I was missing a clock out time from Saturday morning) that they were able to help me fix. If punches aren't fixed in a very particular manner, an error is still shown on the time clock when a punch is made.
Still, I was quite frustrated with life in general at that particular moment. I just wanted to clock out and start my 48 hours of freedom. I did manage to give a couple of friends a ride away from work, and that made all the difference.
Oh, and I wished my sister a happy birthday and talked with Robert Bird, a friend of mine who is also a fellow associate from another store. I relaxed by having some food and some "stress tonics." Soon after that, I fell asleep.
At this moment, I'm washing dishes in the dishwasher and am about to get a shower. From there, I'll figure it out. Have a wonderful day, everyone. :)
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Sunday Sendoff: Hot Pocket Kinda Day
Work was draining, yet enjoyable. I dealt with a tax exempt transaction that was over $700 USD. 'tis the season for charitable giving.
Lots of clothing and some good items were included in the transaction. It does my heart good knowing that people are willing to go out of their way to help other people who are down on their luck. It sort of reminds me of a few years ago a kind gentleman paid for another customer's merchandise when they weren't able to.
After lunch, I ran some candy and celebration freight. When I put everything away, I went on my final 15 minute break. I helped zone features and end caps after it was over.
When I clocked out, I was craving Hot Pockets, so I bought some. Now I am eating them and relaxing before I go to bed. :)
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Not Cooking Today
It was a long night at work. Needless to say, I am not preparing any good for myself. I went to Wendy's and ordered some cheesy cheddar burgers at 7:30 in the morning.
Other burger places serve breakfast only until about 10 or 11:00 AM. That is why I a fan of Wendy's.
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