"simple math" written by Theecarey on estrip.org

11/17/09 12:49 - 46ºF - ID#50330

simple math

Permalink: simple_math.html
Words: 3
Location: Youngstown, NY

11/16/09 04:06 - 43ºF - ID#50322

That Time of Year

It is that time of year when traffic remains heavy for a couple of hours after rush hour.

It is that time of year when driving through a residential neighborhood one sees a mixture of pumpkins, corn stalks and wreaths with giant red bows.

It is that time of year when the darkness comes in early and the red, green and blue LEDs start turning on.

It is that time of year when at least two local radio stations play seasonal music (much too early, in my opinion) 24/7 until the first of the new year.

It is that time of year when friends and family talk about shopping; some of whom ask me what is on my "list"

It is that time of year when the single aisle of Christmas decor spotted in October is growing exponentially in color, variety and volume.

It is that time of year when merchandising displays, commercial radio/tv ads, and mail box circulars are covered with festive vomit.

It is that time of year when I try to focus on something other than the looming "holiday" but, it is everywhere.. every year, and it keeps getting earlier.

and now, it is that time of year, when I post my general displeasure to it all.

and for those that know me, it is also that time of year when I try to make the most of it and to find some fun and joy beyond the excessively marketed aspect of the 'season'.

Sooooo..

eventually, I would be down for some hot cocoa, baking (cookies!), sleigh rides, snowball fights, parties, "secret santa" (yes.. we have to do that this year, so get thinking about it!!), glittery craft/card creating inspired by the younger Visco, old movie night, caroling (do people do that?), perhaps a collective 'adopt a family', community projects, etc. Many possibilities to get together and have fun and create memories.

Just not "this time of year": Mid November!!

Permalink: That_Time_of_Year.html
Words: 324
Location: Youngstown, NY

11/13/09 12:14 - 48ºF - ID#50296

window plastic roll inquiry FUN

This week went by in a blur. So much so that I still feel like I have tons yet to accomplish. For this reason, I might stay close to home and work on an assortment of projects all weekend.

Maybe. I can be pretty easily swayed to venture out..

Alright, so I need to seriously wash the outside part of my windows. It is getting harder to see outside- yeh, they are pretty bad. It has been a perfect week to do that, so really, no excuses not to get it done. A quick scrub & squeegee should do it.

and now it is time to get around to putting plastic up on the windows. FUN! heh. I've been remiss in starting that project. I usually buy a bunch of window kits but I would like to find a roll of the plastic that is used in covering windows. That might be easier/quicker for my windows that are clustered together, and possibly less expensive to cover them all at once, then individually. The plastic in the large kits aren't big enough, so I end up doing the windows individually. *yawn*.

The rolls existed in the past, but I haven't seen anything in a few winters, so...

Do rolls of window plastic still exist and if so, where would I find such a product?

Home Depot only had kits.

theecarey writes at 03:27:07 11/16/09 - Comment #52886: when I was in school, (e:tinypliny), we had to cover our school books. Everyone covered theirs with brown paper grocery bags. I had major sensory issues with this- something about the paper felt awful to the touch, so I'd cover the books with clear plastic/vinyl. Using something like that might be what I go with. I have one large drafty bay window that I apply a couple of layers of plastic to. One layer is the regular thin window kit plastic then the other is the vinyl.
(e:matthew), I had read a few suggestions online that carpet tape should be able to hold the heavy plastic up. I will have to look into this more on my next trip to the hardware store. On my "out of the way drafty" bay window, I used packing tape which didn't do any damage, but it is a window area that could use some work, so there could be and I don't notice it.

I'll get out and see what the options for. Looking for patio door kits is a really good idea, Matthew. I have twelve windows in all. The bigger window areas have two sets of windows that have three windows side by side. I have been doing these individually. I'm thinking that the process would go more quickly if I had one big sheet for all three, rather than six smaller individual pieces. Then I have one set of two windows, side by side, so same deal. Then the large bay window. oy! Not all the windows are super drafty, but it can't hurt to save where I can.
The remaining single windows I don't cover because they aren't drafty at all and I tend to open those in the winter anyways (when I feel the need to air out/freshen the apartment).

matthew writes at 11:24:04 11/16/09 - Comment #52880: The only rolls ive seen are those rolls of thick heavy duty plastic. They make it in clear but it must be tricky to put up and fasten. Have you tried the kits for patio doors? The piece of plastic is much larger than the typical window kit. The patio door kit is the only one that fits our windows.

tinypliny writes at 01:13:13 11/16/09 - Comment #52870: Do kids here cover their school-books/notebooks with plastic? Back home, its a useful little practice to make your books last longer and keep them in shape without too many dogears.

I imagine the thick plastic that they use for covering books should serve as a good window cover as well - maybe you could try school supplies if kids here do some such similar thing.

libertad writes at 02:20:56 11/14/09 - Comment #52801: I am so happy I don't have to do that tedious chore this year. I have a friend that bought a roll of something once. I'll ask her about it.

theecarey writes at 05:49:12 11/13/09 - Comment #52797: maybe a roll of clear vinyl and double sided carpet tape would be a better option.. then I can just reuse the vinyl each year. I've done that for one large bay window but hadn't thought to use it on others.Cant recall just how clear it is to see through. *thinking*

then again, if I don't get around to washing my windows, it wont matter anyhow.

I need a beer.

Permalink: window_plastic_roll_inquiry_FUN.html
Words: 229
Location: Youngstown, NY

11/12/09 02:42 - 50ºF - ID#50285

yahoo! is yaboo! :(

Sometimes change is good..

sometimes it is downright annoying.

(as with alliteration)

Yahoo!

as an avid use of most things Yahoo!, most specifically I use it for email, I was displeased with their "new look" a few months ago. the layout is intuitive enough, but is more image and module heavy. Fortunately, I could go back to the "classic view" by scrolling to the very bottom and clicking on the tiny text that allowed me to go back to what I prefer. The classic view is/was more scarce in features which I find visually pleasing.

Then a week ago, a banner warning exclaimed that the new yahoo will fully take over ie; the more visually busy and cumbersome look. Not horrible, just not my choice for user experience.

So I didn't believe that it would fully take over..

until today.

yuck!

Yaboo!

but I will get over it.

although, a little love for the yahoo has died today.

anyone use Yahoo?
like or dislike the official change?

Permalink: yahoo_is_yaboo_.html
Words: 174
Location: Youngstown, NY

11/12/09 02:00 - 33ºF - ID#50281

big dipper

It's cold outside

and the sky is amazingly clear. Nights like this remind me that I would like a telescope and a better understanding of the star clusters. As much as I am into the sciences, and just looking out at the universe, I haven't learned to recognize more than a few constellations. I try, but then I forget.

While not as clear as some places, my little neck of the woods has little light pollution. Looking up, you'd likely be in awe standing in my driveway right now

and freezing your ass off, too.

Good night!

Permalink: big_dipper.html
Words: 97
Location: Youngstown, NY

11/10/09 01:01 - 51ºF - ID#50267

rainbow before reception

Finally taking a look at the assortment of pictures on my camera. Of those that I want to post, they need to be resized first, so I will work on a few at a time.

I had already pretty much forgotten about the rainbow pictures taken on Hallowedding; I know some of you saw it too.

And here we have the rainbow before the reception as seen from North and Delaware:

It was a rather nice to see a sizable arc to the rainbow tather than just bits of it.

theecarey writes at 03:36:02 11/16/09 - Comment #52888: The rainbow was visible for a few minutes (e:tinypliny). I just happened to notice it because I was waiting in the car while (e:pyrcedgrrl) went into Walgreens (corner of Delaware and North). So she missed it completely. The rainbow did appear to "end" at the reception location. I didn't dig around; I failed to bring a shovel. ;)

tinypliny writes at 01:08:35 11/16/09 - Comment #52869: The pot of gold was (e:ladycroft)'s wedding venue?! ;-) Did you dig around??

tinypliny writes at 01:07:23 11/16/09 - Comment #52868: WOw! Buffalo does have some extraordinary weather. I saw a rainbow too, last year and that was the first proper rainbow I have ever seen.

Cool pictures!!

PS: Were you and (e:pyrcedgrrl) driving together?! How did you see the rainbow and she didn't? Was it so shortlived?!

ladycroft writes at 02:15:10 11/13/09 - Comment #52789: that's awesome :) i know, it was a wicked day! i swear we experienced all four seasons while doing our photos in the cemetery!

theecarey writes at 12:52:42 11/11/09 - Comment #52767: Those 3 large metal shelves flying through the air was scary! Two went to our left and the third to our right. That is the one that looked like it was going to hit us. How no one got hit/hurt etc is beyond me. The wind at that point worked for all of us. A truly freaky event. Your daylight savings chat may have saved our asses.

pyrcedgrrl writes at 09:57:26 11/10/09 - Comment #52765: Awwe, all while I was inside Walgreens explaining daylight savings time to morons! Also right before we were almost dispatched by flying shelving on the thruway!

lilho writes at 08:00:07 11/10/09 - Comment #52764: i love rainbows!

metalpeter writes at 02:01:06 11/10/09 - Comment #52756: Nice Shots I want to see more of your pictures soon, Ha, no rush really, I'll look when ever you post them.

Permalink: rainbow_before_reception.html
Words: 96
Location: Youngstown, NY

11/09/09 02:05 - ID#50258

Martini weekend trying not to derail

Love cats? geeks? farm equipment? "furries"?
Need your mate to be interested in the same?
Then check out these dating niches for the extra discerning..

Moving on...

Saturday Fugazi-Cathode Ray-Frizzies excursion was fun, thanks for coming out! Good to see:
(e:metalpeter)
(e:mrmike)
(e:terry)
(e:paul)
(e:mike)
(e:libertad)
(e:matthew)
(e:james)
(e:jim)
(e:vincent)
and non e friends, Bill, Damian, Lynn & Nina :)

My ears were a bit deaf and my voice hoarse by the end of the night; I forgot how fluid conversations can be a challenge in bars. Nonetheless we managed.

I vaguely remember being thoughtful over an existential moment at Frizzies.

Got home late, crawled into bed by 5ish, and slept on on off till noon. The rest of the day I felt fine other than a little sleepy and generally lacked motivation to do anything despite the sunny day. I vegged out and watched a few movies and chatted on the phone; two things I rarely do. A restful day even if a bit of a boring day.

Now it is Monday and there is so much to do (as with anybody reading this). It is the day that kicks me in the ass towards identifying all that needs to be done and usually puts me back on the track from anything that was left behind last week (or completely derailed over the weekend). I'm always amazed at how many emails come in on Monday mornings.

hmmm, I'm thinking of heading out to a comfy coffee laden hot spot to do some work and/or writing/reading. Where and when will depend on my focus. Damn, coffee sounds so good right now.

But first, a walk.It has been refreshing to walk through the park kicking through the fallen leaves. I haven't been doing the gym thing in some time, so at the very least, a walk is part of my daily routine. But I need to do so much more, so gym time will be made priority in my daily schedule. Not sure what has been keeping me from it as it feels so good to go.

This week I abide to decrease the lazy, increase the productive; to cliche my self and go from derailed to back on track. *nods*

Permalink: Martini_weekend_trying_not_to_derail.html
Words: 388
Location: Youngstown, NY

11/07/09 06:37 - 57ºF - ID#50246

Fugazi- Cathode tonight

Just a reminder (e:theecarey,50230) that if you want direction on something to do, then give the following a whirl:

Fugazi 9pm until.. ?
(503 Franklin between North and Allen)
I'm going to hang out there for a little while, have a drink (I'm ordering a Martini for sure!), some conversation, laughs and what not and then...

Cathode Ray/Allen Street bar crawl/stumble, for more of the same!

weeee!

Stop out and say hi, stay for a drink, you know what to do!

Not sure how late I will actually be out, but that is the loose plans for the night. yay!

See you soon!

Permalink: Fugazi_Cathode_tonight.html
Words: 104
Location: Youngstown, NY

11/07/09 03:18 - 62ºF - ID#50239

Let me be your.. Rockin Chair

Hadn't heard this song in some time and just happened to catch it on the radio while driving earlier (what a great day, right?!). Turned up the volume, window was cracked to let in the breezy warmth and I danced a little behind the wheel. Good stuff.

R&B artist Gwen McCrae, singing with her sultry voice, "Rockin' Chair"

The song is from 1975.
The video appears to be a 2008 performance.

Rarely do I post lyrics and today is one of those times.

Rockin' Chair

Sexy baby, good loving daddy
Let me be your rocking chair
Just rock me away from here
Let's get in on; come to me baby
Let me be your rocking chair
Just rock me away from here

Let your arms shelter me from all hurt and pain
Light my heart with your everlasting flame

Sexy baby, good loving daddy
Let me be your rocking chair
Rock me away from here
Let's get it on; come to me baby
Let me be your rocking chair
Rock me away from here

Rock me gently;
Make me feel like a cloud in the sky
Whisper softly;
Let my heart take wing and fly

Sexy baby, good loving daddy
Let me be your rocking chair
Just rock me away from here
Let's get it on; come to me honey
Let me be your rocking chair
Rock me away from here

Just rock me baby
In my rocking chair, baby
All night long till the morning comes
Just you, baby
Just rock me hun; rock me baby
Till the midnight hour
In my rocking chair
All night long
Come on baby, sexy baby
Let me be your rocking chair
Just rock me away from here
Come on baby, sexy honey
Let me be your rocking chair
Just rock me away from here
Rock me baby
[ Rockin' Chair Lyrics on

]

Permalink: Let_me_be_your_Rockin_Chair.html
Words: 315
Location: Youngstown, NY

11/06/09 01:12 - 34ºF - ID#50230

Cathode Ray Saturday

I'm kind of in the mood for drinks on and around Allen Street area.. I'm thinking Cathode Ray. It has come up in conversations a few times in as many days, and now I am feeling the need to embark on a little trip out there. Usually if I am out that way, I am on the other side of Allen. It has been awhile for any of it and I would like to see who is out and what is new, different and the same.

You know how that goes.

So, does Cathode still make super strong drinks in those giant glass canning jars? Mmmmm

Is Fugazi still open (on Franklin)? Would be nice to start off with a Martini.

I'm thinking Saturday night.

What are ya'll up to? If in the mood to get social-drunk-crazy-whatever- perhaps make it an unofficial-semi official event?

Supposed to be not freezing that day, so, I say lets get out there!

theecarey writes at 03:33:16 11/07/09 - Comment #52697: Ok, it is set. I will be at Fugazi at 9pm, then at some point, wander over to Cathode Ray and beyond.

COME OUT EVERYONE!!! :D

mrmike writes at 03:16:17 11/07/09 - Comment #52695: I'm in, going to the MEn Who Stare at Goats at 7 and then.....

libertad writes at 09:05:16 11/07/09 - Comment #52692: Mr. Mike, Cathode smells like sewage. I don't think it matters what you wear.

carolinian writes at 01:39:57 11/07/09 - Comment #52691: Oddly enough, tonight I was reflecting on the (e:strip) Goodbar outing way back when and thinking it would be great if (e:strip) had more of those.

theecarey writes at 06:35:51 11/06/09 - Comment #52687: (e:metalpeter) --Fugazi is at 503 Franklin St. between North and Allen. Pretty close to PMTs, as I remember stumbling home (when I lived there) from Fugazis a few times. I'm aiming for 9ish.

metalpeter writes at 06:23:54 11/06/09 - Comment #52686: Where is Fugazi I have heard of it but never been there, I would at least start there and see what happens prehaps? I need a bit more info. Oh yeah by the way if I make it someone get a picture of me, cool.

mrmike writes at 06:16:53 11/06/09 - Comment #52684: I'm in, on both comfy and drink levels -- more of a Pink Flamingo type myself but whatever

theecarey writes at 06:01:32 11/06/09 - Comment #52682: I'm wide open to suggestions.

I think it would be fun to start off at Fugazi..9ish? then everyone can venture off to wherever.

I'm not 'dressing up'. Something extra comfy and warm is preferred nowadays. Just looking forward to good company and a drink or two (or ten).

mrmike writes at 11:44:40 11/06/09 - Comment #52671: I could partake. I don't think I dress swell enough for Cathode, but some serenity in a glass could be a good thing.

libertad writes at 10:29:40 11/06/09 - Comment #52663: I think I might be up for it. Fugazi is still open and a good place for a start. Cathode has BigASS drinks still but not sure if they have them on Saturday?

Permalink: Cathode_Ray_Saturday.html
Words: 158
Location: Youngstown, NY