#172 Solstice CelebraShawn

So today is the first day of Summer.  

The longest day of the year. 

Yipee.

Fine, all the Summer / warm weather lovers can have this day, but just be aware that starting tomorrow, the days get shorter, the nights longer, darkness begins to regain it's power.

Blessed Litha to all, and a Happy Yule to those in the southern hemisphere, where it is the first day of Winter... Lucky ducks!

#171 Office CelebraShawn

The Office Gods shone down upon me today; and they were very Generous.

There will be no Cougherella at the desk next to me next week.  Well, Mon to Thursday.  She will be there on Friday, but I'll be leaving at 12:30, so I'll manage the 3 hours.

I don't normally say this... but...

I CANNOT WAIT FOR MONDAY!!! 

#170 Productivity InquisiShawn

I was asked today, by management,  why my performance increases on days where I'm pulling double or triple duty (depending on who is not in the dept).

I replied, "Because I'm able to concentrate without constant back-ground questions, conversations, coughing and interruptions."

In reply to that I was told, "You're the second person to give a similar response." ... I'm not surprised.

I think they were expecting me to inquire who else said that, or why they were asking.  I'm not a fish in a pond, I ain't biting . So, why they asked, is a mystery... a mystery I don't care about solving.

#169 Office Trials and TribulaShawns

Had a meeting with the Boss today. He spent the better part of 45 minutes complaining about his job and HIS Boss (otherwise known as the VP International) I just smiled and nodded. I swear I didn't say five words the whole time.

Glad we got to not talk about my performance.

#168 Blister Double ActShawn

I should have known...

I think I've only ever purchased one pair of shoes in my lifr that didn't give me blisters on the first day of wear. It's the curse of my two heel spurs.  

Usually if I but a shoe with all that extra padding around the top of the shoe I get off with very little damage. Today, not so much.

I was that uncomfortable by lunch today that I went back out and bought another pair of shoes. Luckily I found a pair with a very low 'collar' and so there was no additional blistering. (yay)

Today's purchase was a very good thing considering the Metro line was shut down during my commute home and I had to walk (fortunately only) two subway stops from home... I don't know if I would have managed with the other shoes today.

Lets hope the newer-new shoes continue to show my feet some love tomorrow.

#167 Cough, Cough, Cough RepetiShawn FrustraShawn

Coughzilla has returned.

Apparently she saw a Doctor on Friday. 

Apparently she was diagnosed with Asthma. 

Apparently she was not prescribed any Flovent or other medication, fir her, you know... Asthma.

Apparently her mucous laden cough is still as strong as ever.

Missing still.. are any gasping, wheezing, or shortness of breath, chest pain or ... you know... your classsic symptoms of Asthma.

So the entire office continues to have to put up with the the cough that wouldn't quit. 

Good times.

 

#166 Father's Day.

It's tough being far away from your family on special days. Tougher still when you have a brother that is an hour away from your parents and he doesn't give a rat's ass; has no communication with his parents.

I just got off the phone with my folks. Had a nice talk with Dad. They had a good day. They went out for Brunch and a movie (from gift cards we sent).

He sounded great. Better than he has in the last couple of talks. His voice was cheery and upbeat, upbeat until he mentions not hearing from my brother, or his daughters. Personally, I've had no communication with him myself in over 5 years. After seeing how he treated our Parents a few days after our Grandmother passed. 

It's so hard hear Mom and Dad's voices go so happiness and jot, to dejection and sadness with each phone call. Their pain has dulled a little over the years, but can you ever get over the total rejection of a child? If my parent's are any example, the answer is no.

I have no respect or fond memories of my brother, it should not be hard to surmise that all in all, he's a dick.  The only positive thing I can say about him, is that he too a picture of Dad and me that I love.

I can remember the day that it was taken. In August 1977, we were on vacation on PEI, and had gone to Rainbow Valley (in Cavendish) and while on a row boat in the duck pond. My brother took Dad's camera and he took this shot.

Love you Dad.

... and I suppose thanks to my brother, for doing at lease one redeeming action in his life.