for some folks in my office. It's been a little manic of late. The poohbahs are training some staff on a new billing system, while others are doing clean up on the overall database, which has left just about every department short staffed.

My current desk is in a room with 11 other people, 9 of whom were fired today. They were told that four jobs are coming back but are radically redefined, basically no guarantee that they have a shot. I know the world makes no guarantees, but damn. I watched it all unfold from a distance and I wouldn't wish that on anybody. Nothing about it that doesn't stink.

Felt a little strange to know that I'm secure, got a raise (maxed out what I possibly could get in fact), & had to enjoy it quietly. The ironic thing is that while these folks have been shown the door in a sense, there has never been more work for them.

Ah, beat goes on I guess.

My little dysfunctional family got together yesterday for brunch to celebrate my ex's turning 44. It was really great. I got to bond a little with my nephew and a good time was had by all. All hail the Ambrosia omelet, didn't need to eat for the rest of the day.

Post martial arts class, number one son and I grabbed his sisters and headed over to the zoo. (e:theecarey) 's post reminded me of it. And I love the area's tourist attractions when the tourists aren't here. I did learn that I'm no animal photog.





Who knew Polar Bears were that stealthy?

I being me had to catch a shot of my three favorite critters


It was a hoot, kind of like having a private showing at the place.

In other news, I got a groovy new phone that can mobile post and works great, except the lens in the camera is fucked up. Everything is upside down in the taken images so I'm off to the Sprint store to plead my case.

Still nothing new on the cable marketing front except said marketing director made a point of coming to see me to say she couldn't do anything for another two weeks. I appreciate that and am trying not to read anything into it. Although, I do wish they'd quit dangling the carrot in front of me and let me have a bite already. Didn't get much of a chance to think about it. We were very shorthanded so I got pressed into customer service on Friday, which on a first friday of the month in the city, you can imagine how much fun that was. 137 customers later, I found I had the night off from everything. I had time and money, but without the giddyap to get off the couch. A few beers and the Sabres game -- thankfully they won -- were the recipe for renewal.

I did get to a little of the Celtic Sessions at Nietzche's yesterday, didn't see anybody I knew, but it was good to get out for a little while, and the two pints put me in a good mood for the rest of the evening.

Happy Sunday ya'all, see ya round the hood maybe..........

My apartment isn't bad, but the landlord took almost a year to repair water damage in my living room and the sun porch was unuseable during the entirety of last summer. I get a renewal notice that included another increase, including a raise for the parking garage. He must have a waiting list for that. There can't be an increase in expense there as the same two 15 watt bulbs illuminate it as when I moved in. If I had enough to do first and last months somewhere, I'd give some thought to maybe seeking other options, but I'm probably going to sign back up for another year.....sigh.

So, Saturday the ex headed to Toronto for a show she wanted to see. Number one Son was going to crash with my ailing self once more, but the girls were going to hold the fort at the house. I gave the speech about nobody in, nobody out, call me when your grandma drops you at home, you need anything call me, etc.

The mom and I catch up sunday.

She: Did you know she spent the night at XXXX?

Me: Wha???

To our mutual eternal credit, we didn't beat the beejzeeus out of her right there and her younger sister really didn't need to have her there, but the stepping out sans any kind of adult acknowledgement has her grounded from any non parental sanctioned/involved activity for the foreseable future. I forgot leaving that leaving a voice mail for your Mom saying you were leaving makes it okay to overlook not having permission. Nevermind that Mom is an another friggin country while the figurehead of a father is just up the street. What a Fool I be? I couldn't help but smirk to myself that when darling daughter approached her mother and me on sunday morning with two friends. We didn't say anything for second till I looked at her wingmen (wingwomen?) and evenly yet with a bit of sinister tone dripping from my voice, commanded "leave now." The two accomplices nearly fell out of their Uggs exiting stage right.

All that parenting has me jonesing for some recreational adult company. I'm heading (e:Dragonlady7) 's note about the celtic themed happy hour at Nietzche's on Saturday and am trying to break the monotony of the work week a little. I started with my first students teaching computer programs (the new system application) at work today and only insomnia keeps me up now.

Sleep has been a little elusive over the past few days. I chalk it up to not being quite right. I dream pretty good, but the mental remote control has been hitting all the bad channels if you know what I mean (and I think you do).

If you missed Countdown tonight, it's worth a look at MSNBC.com to watch Keith Olbermann have at Secretary Rice. Quite hilarious

Happy Monday, ya'all. one down...........