Act Like a Cat

Shh. Someone's coming. Act like a cat ... meow.

The Effects of the WGA Strike

As I mentioned, I am concerned about my television entertainment. I watch so little television as it is, and I really enjoy the few shows that I do watch: Heroes, Journey Man, House, and Project Runway.

So, what's the verdict on new shows?

• Grey’s Anatomy (ABC) — three episodes left
• Private Practice (ABC) — two episodes left
• House (Fox) — new and old episodes will air in spring
• Family Guy (Fox) — new episodes are being produced without Seth MacFarlane’s involvement
• The Office (NBC) — original episodes ended on November 15
• Heroes (NBC) — new episodes end on December 3
• More

Giving

Every year since I have had some sort of income that allowed me to have a few extra dollars, I have donated either money or books to holiday toy/gift drives. It's hard for me to believe that some people are such Scrooges at this time of year. Sure, I understand the frustration of seeing people who cannot support themselves, yet they have a ton of children. It's not the smartest way to live, but it isn't the kids' fault either. And, don't forget, sometimes there are circumstances in peoples lives that force them to utilize the welfare program — it happens.

I donated to the Today Show Toy Drive again this year. Today I purchased the Harry Potter set from their Amazon Wishlist, and I will purchase a few copies of the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle when I place another order (and have my credit card handy -- Amazon, what happened to my saved card?)

If you have a couple saved gift certificates or you are already placing an order with Amazon, what's another $10?

I heart Brian Williams

Ever since the first time NBC Nightly News decided last year to answer viewer email, I knew that Brian Williams was a funny guy.

Brian Williams spent two minutes at the end of tonight’s NBC Nightly News broadcast reading viewer email on a number of issues, not the least of which was the Iraq war. But the last one was the most memorable: “I like listening to Brian, but last night I actually switched to ABC News because I could not stand the way Brian was dressed. WHY does it have to be that way?” Williams responds, “Well, sir, you may force me to call that nice fellow over at ABC to see where he buys his stuff. Please, all of you, keep watching and please keep writing us.” (LINK)

A gold star goes to Brian Williams for correcting a local moron on national television.

On Strike

My thoughts on strikes: Businesses, pay your people what they deserve. Workers, do your work unless you aren't getting paid what you deserve, but make sure your demands are within reason.

As for this particular strike, I'm going to be really, really sad if this isn't resolved before they run out of new episodes of Heroes!

Geeky

It's nice to go to work and not have to worry about what your boss will say to you. And to not worry about what you say to your boss so that you don't make him angry. And to not agonize over how to ask a question of your boss because you know that either way you ask it, you will get snapped at because your question, though it makes perfect sense to you why you would be asking it, is absurd. It's nice.

I started my new job yesterday. Everyone there seems genuinely nice and happy that I have started. I hope this continues.

Pain in the Neck, Take Two

For those of you that know me (or have followed my Flickr or my Twitter, you know that I am a sickly person. I'm allergic to the world. My cholesterol was crazy high. My body is attacking my thyroid. Life is fun, no?

In September of 2006, I was referred to an ear, nose, and throat specialist. The specialist said that my thyroid was enlarged, and I was sent for an ultrasound. The ultrasound found three masses on my thyroid that were over one centimeter in diameter. This, of course, concerned my doctor, and she sent me to have the masses biopsied.

The thyroid biopsy was one of the most awful experiences that I have ever had to endure. After that, childbirth has to be a piece of cake. Needles were jammed into my neck to retrieve tissue samples. Thankfully, the masses were benign. Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease. This pretty much means that my body attacks my thyroid and doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone. Fun times.

Over the past year, my doctor and I have been working to normalize my thyroid hormone levels and to monitor the masses . Everything has been pretty normal until recently. My thyroid has been aching, and, as my doctor confirmed, enlarged once again. She is concerned. I am concerned. I have to go get another thyroid ultrasound even though I just had one in August.

The doctor said that I don't have to worry about another biopsy yet. Yet.

You know, of course, that is all I can think of now.

Hello, goodbye

Today was my last day of work at the College. As happy as I am to be moving on and moving in a new direction, today was bittersweet.

I love(d) my job and (most of) the people there. Unfortunately, when I said that I had received a job offer for a higher salary, I got nada. I got a "you're not going to make a lot of money here" and "you won't get large raises" speech and a "I wish you could just stay" speech. But that was it.

It seems like a lot of my coworkers are sad to see me go. I received a lot of phone calls and emails once the announcement was made that I was leaving. Most told me how that I accomplished so much in such a short time or how they're happy to see that the College actually has marketing now.

I'm glad that the College has "real" marketing now, too. I'm just sad that I won't be there to see it through for this academic year. It's not my responsibility now. It will become someone else's baby, and someone else will have to deal with all of the crap.

The crap. The crap that I will no longer have to deal with. That, that crap, I will not miss one bit.

I begin my new job as a web developer for a local company next week. I'm a little excited and a little anxious. It should be challenging and a great learning experience. And I get to be a geek again.