November 1
From my brain
Contents |
2010
Me 11:49, 1 November 2010 (EDT)
The stress of getting the visa sorted is really wearing on me. Sleepless nights that are made up of either not easily falling asleep (or falling asleep only at the passing-out point), waking up throughout the night, or waking up in the morning and not falling back asleep. Then of course is the happiest night of all: the combination of all three.
I've sent about 10 different requests out to various different Italian language courses and haven't gotten back a peep from one of them. Either no one checks these inboxes, or they don't care to respond. I may just start applying to them and say to hell with it all trying to get info. Maybe then I can sleep decently.
2008
Me 11:14, 1 November 2008 (EDT)
I just never really wanted to have my kids to have to be the poor kids in school / life. TheBoy never got "new clothes for school". We finally got him some new pants via the local used clothing kids store the other day. Today, Princess got the cost of her new recital in December...$40 for the outfit. And prior to that, TheBoy and I had to cancel taking our green belt test at TKD because we couldn't afford it. There's no way to justify doing those things when we're trying to figure out how to put food on the table this week and pay the rent.
Wifey has a Tastefully Simple party today so I'll have the kids. It's gonna take a mountain of self-control not to lash out when they do normal kids stuff misbehaving. We gotta clean out the garage among other things around here. Supposed to make lunch too...but I really don't have a mind or stomach to eat.
2007
Me 10:15, 1 November 2007 (EDT)
Another year, another parent suing me for the therapy bills for their child (and possibly the parent themselves!).
Last night's festivities went well. We got about 60 kids showing up, and I got at least three, "Aw man...this guy does something creepy every year...you go first." I also got one set of teenage girls that I scared the hell out of and strung it out well. Not bad for going from conception, to planning, to construction in just over 24hrs.
I suppose though, I should also post some pics of TheBoy and Princess. Halloween is supposed to be about the children...isn't it?
2006
Me 08:20, 1 November 2006 (EST)
There is...an artform...to scaring children on Halloween. You must pay attention to the age of the children. Fake intestines falling out is right good fun for a teenager, but the 2-year old in in the little clown outfit will need therapy by her teen years (or worse...she may become a vegan).
It's also very situational. What are you doing? Just sitting there in a creepy costume looking like a stuffed dummy? Do you have a creepy cardboard box maze? Or -- as I did this year -- do you have a makeshift coffin on your porch? All have different techniques and scare tactics.
I spent the better part of two hours last night laying on my back, inside 6-7 cardboard boxes that I had constructed into a coffin (yes, it was closed). I had spray painted it in a mottled gray tone, with a nice simple white cross on the top. Inside, I dressed all in black, and had my foam-rubber skeleton laying (tied) across my chest.
Billy (the skeleton) spent the night with one hand hanging out of the coffin (and once we got our schtick together, his hand pointing into the bowl of candy outside). My left hand was on the button of a door-knocker device that played a couple bars of creepy music, and then said, Welcome! In my right hand I held the button that activated the smoke machine which had a pipe that directed the smoke into the back of my well-lit pumpkin. (The smoke come out of all the holes equally, then slowly drifts out of the eyes as it clears out.)
Depending on the age of the kid that came up, I scared them differently. For groups with a lot of little kids, I'd just kick the sides of the box a bit and flap the lid a little. Then, I'd open it a crack, and wish them a Happy Halloween.
However...for the older kids, I'd play a bit. As they'd (apprehensivly) draw closer, I'd really lay in on the smoke. Pulsed to make it seem automated, but really thick and creepy. As they'd bend down for the candy, I'd hit the door-knocker button, at which point they'd jump. More smoke. When I was sure I had as many as possible, I'd throw open the door to the coffin, and -- shaking Billy in both hands -- scream, "GET IT OFF ME! GET IT OFF OF ME!!!"
Good times. Good times.
- "Wow, that was great. I love his house. He does something scarier EVERY YEAR!"
- Three pictures taken (at least) including one guy with his cell phone who wanted a good shot of me and Billy.
- A ten minute arguement between two 10 year old boys who in the end NEVER took any candy.
- Two teen age girls who similarly argued ("No, no, no. Every year someone gets me. There's a coffin, and someone's in it. I ain't doing it."), but the difference was: They got quiet, and one of them walked around the box, and at on it. "Get the candy! Go!" They both still got chicken and walked off. :)
Good times last night. I'm sore, and I'm tired.
Calli: One thing about writing though. While I didn't work on Perfect at all yesterday or today (yet), I spent at LEAST my half hour writing both this and a letter to my Aunt regarding my brother's wedding. Can that count?
Me 13:21, 1 November 2006 (EST)
Got a letter back from my Aunt about my brothers wedding. I feel better, but now I have to still figure out how to put things back together...
2004
Me 15:53, 01, November 2004 (EDT)
Quote of the Day: When 10 years with this company you have been, be as bitter, you will be! Hmm?
Ah yes, the 10 year anniversary of my "temporary job" was yesterday. Ah yesterday. I post later...
