Earlier this week at work many of my co-workers were discussing what they were going to give and/or give up for Lent. Some of the folks are (still) Catholic and some are, shall we say, “reformed” Catholics - as in, grew up Catholic but have chosen some other path; while others are of other various, primarily Christian, denominations. While I understand and appreciate the concept of Lent, it is nothing that I ever remember as being any kind of a discussed or practiced ritual in my childhood home. Not that our household was anti-religion, we just didn’t really practice anything much past when I was maybe in 1st or 2nd grade. So this brings me to my situation.

I thought that maybe it the spirit of things I would consider giving something up for Lent. You know, camaraderie and all. Anyway, as I was discussing this with people in relation to what they were giving up, I came to a somewhat perplexing discovery. Finding something to give up is considerably harder than I expected. First I thought, “What the heck can I even give up?” I mean, I don’t drink, I quit smoking 2 years ago (which I actually think should be enough giving up of something to last an entire lifetime), don’t have much in the way of a sex-life since I haven’t really found anyone who has sparked my interest since my husband died (which, again, I say would be enough giving up of something to last an entire lifetime-maybe two lifetimes) - man my life is looking kind of pathetic here. Then some people were talking about certain foods they were giving up. This got me thinking, oh, hell (sorry) no! We’ve already been doing a kind of “Biggest Loser” competition at work for just over a month now (in which I am ahead - lost 14 lbs. so far), which has me (back) on an Atkins-esque type diet. So, with this diet I have already basically given up carbs, meaning, I no longer eat potatoes, rice, pasta, bread, sweets, chips, chocolate, ice cream, candy, etc., and very little fruit. I also don’t drink any soft-drinks or other sugary and/or juice-type drinks. I pretty much only drink water, coffee, and occasionally V-8. This kind of leaves meat, cheese, and vegetables, and on rare occasion some blackberries or raspberries - guess I just can’t quite see myself giving up any other foods.

Then someone told me they don’t give anything up - rather they “give” for Lent. This co-worker said they were going that day to give blood. I thought - ok that’s great. Then I remembered, the last time I tried to give blood they wouldn’t take it because I was anemic. Guess maybe that’s out too. And, besides, I already made an e-strip donation.

So, then I thought - well, maybe I should just give up my kids (after all, who couldn’t use a 40 day vacation) - but then thought, nah, you’re supposed to give up something you like (hahahaha), or make some sacrifice, and besides, who the hell else would want them.

Finally - the only vices I have left that would truly be a sacrifice for me are swearing and coffee and... she says as she takes another sip... “there’s no f***ing way I’m giving them up!” So, I guess I’ve come to my conclusion; I’m giving up trying to give up anything for Lent.

Peace to all this Lenten season.

I’m looking for a new (refurbished) laptop computer and have been checking out some stuff on e-bay. I could use a little advice from some of you incredibly knowledgeable folks regarding some basics. I’ve been looking at Dells, primarily at the D600, 610, 620’s with the Windows XP Professional OS but they have really varied configurations. I need to know what folks recommend regarding the following:

What is the minimum speed you recommend for a processor?

What type of processor do you recommend? (i.e., Intel Core 2 Duo; Intel Core Duo; Intel Pentium Mobile; Intel Pentium 4, etc.)

What Processor Config do you recommend? (i.e., Single Core, Dual Core)

Minimum RAM recommended?

Minimum Hard Drive capacity recommended?

Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I received the following notice at work - thought it was worth sharing. The event is open to the public and is free.

On November 14, 1960, surrounded by armed U.S. Federal Marshals, a shy six-year old girl became the unwitting symbol of the nation’s struggle for civil rights and integration, as armed federal marshals escorted her past throngs of angry protesters into the William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, Louisiana, to become the first black student in attendance at the school, and the youngest foot soldier of the Civil Rights Movement. Ruby Bridges continues to keep the spirit of tolerance and diversity alive today by bringing diverse populations together to develop relationship-building strategies.

As a lecturer, Ruby Bridges brings her message to children and adults
nationwide and leaves her audiences spellbound. Ms. Bridges will bring her message to the Seventh Annual African and African American History and Diversity Conference at McKinley High School on Friday, February 27, 2009 at 7:00 PM.

The conference theme is: "Yes We Can! The Road to The White House." The public is invited. There is no admission fee.

Contact McKinley High School (716) 816-4480 for more information.

For those interested, I've heard the show is really good.

I just watched the movie Grace is Gone (and am of course crying). I thought the movie was really good but I also just love John Cusack. He was great in the last two movies I saw him in too, Must Love Dogs and Martian Child. I really liked both of those movies too, and he plays great characters. I don't know why I never really paid much attention to him before.

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HAPPY B
HAPPY BI
HAPPY BIR
HAPPY BIRT
HAPPY BIRTH
HAPPY BIRTHD
HAPPY BIRTHDA
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
HAPPY BIRTHDAY M
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MRM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MRMI
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MRMIK
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MRMIKE
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MRMIKE!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MRMIKE!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MRMIKE!!!


Hope you have a fabulous day of wishes fulfilled!

Wishing you all a peaceful, joyous holiday
shared with someone you love.

While I'm trying not to let this stuff make me crazy, this is the third incident of this type reported in the news in as many days. I can say that I won't be staying late at work anymore unless there is at least one other person staying who plans to leave when I do - a sensible position no matter the circumstance.

Reported in the Buffalo News

12/17/08 06:47 AM

A man was attacked and robbed Monday night on Niagara Street after he was approached by a group of about 15 males, according to Buffalo police.

The victim, whose age was not immediately available, told Central District police the incident happened at about 8:15 p. m. between Carolina and Virginia streets.

He told police he was punched in the face at least eight times, including once with brass knuckles.

The victim also said he was kicked in the back, and his cell phone and baseball cap were taken.

He may have fractured his right ankle while running from the suspects, who fled east on Carolina on foot, according to the report.

The City's Civil Service website has some exams posted (filing deadline is Wed.). Also, at the bottom of the page that this link takes you to, there are some provisional jobs posted. For anyone not familiar with the city lingo - that means there is no existing hiring list for the position and that people get the job until the exams come up again. They then have to pass the exam at the top to keep the position. Someone can potentially be in a provisional job for a couple of years before the exam comes around though.



Also, though it's not on the website, my understanding is that the school district is hiring teacher aids/assistants and I think they may have some clerical positions available either provisionally or temporarily. The HR dept. for the Board is on the 7th floor of City Hall - rooms 719 & 720.

Well, I’m almost done with my Christmas shopping. I have a few gift certificates and a few books still to pick up, and I’m waiting for several things to be delivered; otherwise, I’m pretty much done. Yea!!! I even spent some time this weekend wrapping and got almost all my family stuff wrapped. I still have friend-of-the-family gifts to wrap, but that’s not too bad. My house looks like the Christmas wrapping bomb went off, and of course I still have baking to do, but I at least feel like I’m making some real progress and that I may actually come out the other side of this someday. Of course, I can’t help but wonder if I’m sort of kidding myself about how close to being done I am, because, every time I turn around, there’s someone else I have to get something for - co-worker, daughter’s teachers... Oh well, for now, I feel good.

Christmas bomb went off in my house





Also, had lunch over the weekend with my granddaughter. All she wants for Christmas...



...is her two front teeth! Hahahaha