Thursday, February 23, 2006
Atlanta, lots to do...
After the Monday holiday, this has been a busy week. Last week they did a modification to the main program we use for parts ordering, identification, pricing etc. This week the program isn’t working correctly, creating problems and making lots of extra work for everyone.
A friend/co-worker, Joe, called me a couple weeks ago and wanted me to come out and help him wrap up an installation in Las Vegas. I was already here in Atlanta so I had to decline. He called me again the other day and he’s in town for a few days interviewing for a position at a site just south of Atlanta. He’s ready to come out of the field and settle into an on-site position. Imagine that, getting tired of the road. I just can’t imagine… He was a bit disappointed as he didn’t get the job but hey, there are a bunch of jobs like that out there if you are willing to take the pay cut. Apparently he wasn’t and they didn’t want to pay him what he was asking… We hooked up last night at Copeland’s of New Orleans Grill. It took me an hour to drive the 12 or so miles to the restaurant from the hotel. Traffic here really sucks, especially afternoon/evening rush hours and it didn’t help that it was raining as well. I was not at all impressed with Copeland’s. Papadeaux’s, a restaurant based on the same Cajun theme is much better. Anyway, his girlfriend is nice and we all had a good time. Went to the ultimate sports bar after dinner. ESPN Zone is pretty impressive with TV monitors everywhere, including each stall and urinal in the men’s room and one huge central screen that must be almost 20 feet tall and 30 feet wide surrounded by large monitors on both sides as well in the main bar area. While there, Stacey called and I gave the phone to Joe’s girlfriend to answer. Just a gag but Stacey got upset with me over it. I tried to call her later but she didn’t want to talk to me… Just a bit over-reacting to a joke… I wonder how long it will take her to call me??? They have a big interactive game room upstairs but due to work today, I left early just as Joe and his girlfriend (wish I could remember her name) were headed upstairs to play some of the games.
Not planning anything this weekend. Probably visit the local Legion and maybe spend some time with another friend/co-worker Cliff that lives north of Atlanta in Buford. I stayed with him last time I was working here but it’s just to far to drive on a daily basis, even for a free place to stay. Might hook up with one of the managers I met that works here, he mentioned it last week but I was headed south.
At 1:00 this afternoon I will have fulfilled my required hours for this contract. As of then I will be on bonus bucks for all hours worked until June 21st. It should be a very good year… especially if this assignment stretches past the end of April or there is another one waiting for me right away. I want to stay as busy as I can thru June then take July off if possible for an extended bike trip.
A friend/co-worker, Joe, called me a couple weeks ago and wanted me to come out and help him wrap up an installation in Las Vegas. I was already here in Atlanta so I had to decline. He called me again the other day and he’s in town for a few days interviewing for a position at a site just south of Atlanta. He’s ready to come out of the field and settle into an on-site position. Imagine that, getting tired of the road. I just can’t imagine… He was a bit disappointed as he didn’t get the job but hey, there are a bunch of jobs like that out there if you are willing to take the pay cut. Apparently he wasn’t and they didn’t want to pay him what he was asking… We hooked up last night at Copeland’s of New Orleans Grill. It took me an hour to drive the 12 or so miles to the restaurant from the hotel. Traffic here really sucks, especially afternoon/evening rush hours and it didn’t help that it was raining as well. I was not at all impressed with Copeland’s. Papadeaux’s, a restaurant based on the same Cajun theme is much better. Anyway, his girlfriend is nice and we all had a good time. Went to the ultimate sports bar after dinner. ESPN Zone is pretty impressive with TV monitors everywhere, including each stall and urinal in the men’s room and one huge central screen that must be almost 20 feet tall and 30 feet wide surrounded by large monitors on both sides as well in the main bar area. While there, Stacey called and I gave the phone to Joe’s girlfriend to answer. Just a gag but Stacey got upset with me over it. I tried to call her later but she didn’t want to talk to me… Just a bit over-reacting to a joke… I wonder how long it will take her to call me??? They have a big interactive game room upstairs but due to work today, I left early just as Joe and his girlfriend (wish I could remember her name) were headed upstairs to play some of the games.
Not planning anything this weekend. Probably visit the local Legion and maybe spend some time with another friend/co-worker Cliff that lives north of Atlanta in Buford. I stayed with him last time I was working here but it’s just to far to drive on a daily basis, even for a free place to stay. Might hook up with one of the managers I met that works here, he mentioned it last week but I was headed south.
At 1:00 this afternoon I will have fulfilled my required hours for this contract. As of then I will be on bonus bucks for all hours worked until June 21st. It should be a very good year… especially if this assignment stretches past the end of April or there is another one waiting for me right away. I want to stay as busy as I can thru June then take July off if possible for an extended bike trip.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Weekend Rides
Yea, yea, I know… Still no pics. Just really lazy when off and busy when at work. Sorry, I’ll get to them eventually. I promise… maybe soon. I plan to spend the next couple weekends here in Atlanta so I’ll probably have the time then.
Saturday was a great day. We got up early and I went out for a ride while Stacey sunned herself at the pool. Bright blue skies with some puffy white clouds and temps around 80. My solo ride was quite pleasant took the scenic route around the local municipalities, stayed out in the country as much as possible and burned up most of a tank of gas. Got back home to pick up Stacey and after a short time we departed and went out and about visiting with some friends at the Legion and then at a wedding reception for a bit. We stopped later at a local bar that usually has pretty decent band playing on the weekends so Stacey could burn off some energy on the dance floor and then headed back home early cause we had a long ride scheduled with some friends the next day. When I got up the next day I realized I had a sunburned face except where my riding glasses and hat were. Looking a little comical for the next few days I’m sure…
Sunday the weather turned on us. A cold front dropped in and the skies were cloudy with dark gray clouds with temps in the mid 50’s… We bundled on a few layers and headed out about 8:30 AM. Little to no rain was predicted so we just had to deal with the cooler temps all day. Rode east, south of Daytona and headed south to Cocoa Beach and beyond then worked our way back. It was a good ride and a fun day. We got back home by early evening.
Next weekend the Legion is having a big party and ride with breakfast, a sponsor ride, a ham shoot-off and a chili cook-off… I’m staying in Atlanta… I’ve had enough travel for a few weeks. Yea, I’d like to go but just can’t handle 3 weeks in a row. Some friends are going to the motorcycle drags the following weekend in Gainesville and I may go but I doubt it.
The next race at the Atlanta Motor Speedway is March 19th. I was hoping Stacey wanted to go but apparently not. I think I’ll hook up with some co-workers and head out there for the day… Anyone want to go????
Saturday was a great day. We got up early and I went out for a ride while Stacey sunned herself at the pool. Bright blue skies with some puffy white clouds and temps around 80. My solo ride was quite pleasant took the scenic route around the local municipalities, stayed out in the country as much as possible and burned up most of a tank of gas. Got back home to pick up Stacey and after a short time we departed and went out and about visiting with some friends at the Legion and then at a wedding reception for a bit. We stopped later at a local bar that usually has pretty decent band playing on the weekends so Stacey could burn off some energy on the dance floor and then headed back home early cause we had a long ride scheduled with some friends the next day. When I got up the next day I realized I had a sunburned face except where my riding glasses and hat were. Looking a little comical for the next few days I’m sure…
Sunday the weather turned on us. A cold front dropped in and the skies were cloudy with dark gray clouds with temps in the mid 50’s… We bundled on a few layers and headed out about 8:30 AM. Little to no rain was predicted so we just had to deal with the cooler temps all day. Rode east, south of Daytona and headed south to Cocoa Beach and beyond then worked our way back. It was a good ride and a fun day. We got back home by early evening.
Next weekend the Legion is having a big party and ride with breakfast, a sponsor ride, a ham shoot-off and a chili cook-off… I’m staying in Atlanta… I’ve had enough travel for a few weeks. Yea, I’d like to go but just can’t handle 3 weeks in a row. Some friends are going to the motorcycle drags the following weekend in Gainesville and I may go but I doubt it.
The next race at the Atlanta Motor Speedway is March 19th. I was hoping Stacey wanted to go but apparently not. I think I’ll hook up with some co-workers and head out there for the day… Anyone want to go????
Friday, February 17, 2006
VP on shooting spree
Wow, can you believe it, the Vice President seriously shot a friend while hunting the other day… How weird that it took over 24 hours to be reported and then the White House actually tried to blame the victim in their first statements… How effing absurd. Of course, the reality of the situation came out soon thereafter and they quickly recanted the original statements but hey, not that he ever really stood a chance but I bet he doesn’t get even a nod from the Republican Party for the nomination. I know one thing, I surely wouldn’t want to get a hunting invitation from him any time soon.
I’ve got friends that are staunch Bush supporters. I am not! Can’t wait to get that lunatic out of office. OK, that’s the extent of my political statement but look for more once the election campaign heats up.
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I’m just finishing up my 3rd week on this assignment in Atlanta. I’m here working on parts engineering, identifying items wanted by our customers that do not have associated part numbers, setting them up in our systems, arranging for vendors to supply the items, etc. It’s a far cry from the assignment in India I ended last year on. I should be here through the end of April at a minimum, maybe longer. Unlike the India assignment, I won’t mind at all if this stretches out for another month or two… Working a 50 hour week in a Dilbert environment, 5 minute commute to and from the extended stay hotel (efficiency apartment type room with full kitchen, etc), 2 local American Legion Posts within a half dozen miles of me, a million restaurants close by (even a good Indian one) and a 7 hour drive home to Florida make this a really good assignment.
Just before leaving to come here, the brand new HP computer I bought for the house crashed and burned. Come on guys, less than one month old and the HD takes a crap… What’s up with that? I sent it back to HP and they loaded a new HD into the box and sent it back last week while I was here in Atlanta. I drove home for the weekend, set up the computer for Stacey, loaded all the necessary software, etc. and spent some relaxing time at home. The weather was a bit to chilly to ride comfortably and Stacey was under the weather so we just hung out at home.
Yesterday the company took our major software program off line for a big upgrade and modification and it will be down until sometime Tuesday. With Monday being a holiday (President’s day) I decided to go home two weeks in a row and because our system is down, I’m only working half a day today so I’ll be out of here at noon and back on Tuesday morning. Yea, this is a GOOD assignment.
This weekend is supposed to be beautiful across central FL and the Daytona 500 is Sunday so it should be a great time. Looking forward to cruising somewhere (not in the general direction of Daytona) Saturday, maybe spend the night and return on Sunday, maybe return Saturday night, who knows. Stacey had been talking about having a NASCAR kickoff / Daytona 500 party at the house but then decided against it. Honestly, I’m glad she changed her mind. We can catch the race wherever we are and not have to spend the whole weekend prepping and then cleaning up for a party.
I’ll let you know what happens and try to start posting pictures again.
I’ve got friends that are staunch Bush supporters. I am not! Can’t wait to get that lunatic out of office. OK, that’s the extent of my political statement but look for more once the election campaign heats up.
*********************
I’m just finishing up my 3rd week on this assignment in Atlanta. I’m here working on parts engineering, identifying items wanted by our customers that do not have associated part numbers, setting them up in our systems, arranging for vendors to supply the items, etc. It’s a far cry from the assignment in India I ended last year on. I should be here through the end of April at a minimum, maybe longer. Unlike the India assignment, I won’t mind at all if this stretches out for another month or two… Working a 50 hour week in a Dilbert environment, 5 minute commute to and from the extended stay hotel (efficiency apartment type room with full kitchen, etc), 2 local American Legion Posts within a half dozen miles of me, a million restaurants close by (even a good Indian one) and a 7 hour drive home to Florida make this a really good assignment.
Just before leaving to come here, the brand new HP computer I bought for the house crashed and burned. Come on guys, less than one month old and the HD takes a crap… What’s up with that? I sent it back to HP and they loaded a new HD into the box and sent it back last week while I was here in Atlanta. I drove home for the weekend, set up the computer for Stacey, loaded all the necessary software, etc. and spent some relaxing time at home. The weather was a bit to chilly to ride comfortably and Stacey was under the weather so we just hung out at home.
Yesterday the company took our major software program off line for a big upgrade and modification and it will be down until sometime Tuesday. With Monday being a holiday (President’s day) I decided to go home two weeks in a row and because our system is down, I’m only working half a day today so I’ll be out of here at noon and back on Tuesday morning. Yea, this is a GOOD assignment.
This weekend is supposed to be beautiful across central FL and the Daytona 500 is Sunday so it should be a great time. Looking forward to cruising somewhere (not in the general direction of Daytona) Saturday, maybe spend the night and return on Sunday, maybe return Saturday night, who knows. Stacey had been talking about having a NASCAR kickoff / Daytona 500 party at the house but then decided against it. Honestly, I’m glad she changed her mind. We can catch the race wherever we are and not have to spend the whole weekend prepping and then cleaning up for a party.
I’ll let you know what happens and try to start posting pictures again.
Friday, February 03, 2006
Holiday Bike Trip
We had a good trip. Had lots of fun and, as quickly as it started, it was over… Good or bad, everything must come to an end. Right??? Even the endless time in India finally came to an end and I found myself home (Zac, Jules, hang in there, you will get home or at least get a different assignment). They tried to send me back but hey, not a chance. Then wanted me to go to Cairo for 6-12 months and I said no again. But back to the trip…
We left the house with bike in tow, Christmas presents loaded in the bed of the truck and way more clothes, etc than we would be able to take on the bike. Had a good time with my mom on Christmas Eve. We took her to a really nice restaurant there in Port St Lucie (supposed to be on the top 5 list in the state, it was good but not that good, I have my doubts about it being considered in the top5 but mom was very happy). After some post dinner conversation back at the house we headed to the other end of town and spent the night with Cass and Mike, my older daughter and her husband and visited with them, Mandy and Dylan, my youngest daughter and her boyfriend and other family members and friends still gathered for the yearly Christmas Eve party. We had a good time there and headed toward Okeechobee early afternoon Christmas Day to spend time with Dawn and Andy, Stacey’s sister and brother-in-law. Visited with them for a bit, spent the night but got up early and headed to Arcadia to visit some friends (Stacey and I first met in Arcadia on the night before I moved from there to Orange City).
Finally, after spending the night in Arcadia, we ditched the truck and trailer and loaded up the bike. The ride to Bonita Springs was short but nice. The weather was awesome with just a hint of cool in the air and a few white fluffy clouds in the sky. We hooked up with Tom & Missy, some friends of Stacey’s that were down for a few weeks enjoying the FL weather. Had a nice relaxing couple of days there jumping out to restaurants and the American Legion Post there. While there, we took a quick trip to the Harley dealership so Stacey could get some jeans (damn, they sure look good on her) and some riding glasses as the ones she had weren’t keeping the wind out well enough.
We left Bonita Springs, looking forward to the nice ride down to the Keys traveling on old SR 41 (Alligator Alley) that cuts through the Everglades. We saw an assortment of birds, raccoons, and lots of gators along the way. As it had been and would be for the whole trip, the weather was extremely cooperative and it was just one beautiful day after another. We rode down to Holiday Isle in Islamorada (the Tiki Bar there is home of the original Rum Runner) and had some lunch before proceeding to Long Key/Fiesta Key. Dawn and Andy had driven from Okeechobee that day with their 5th wheel camper in tow. We stayed with them over the New Years Holiday and I think Stacey and I took turns getting trashed although I think I got the worst of it the night we first arrived as I can not remember much about the later part of the night when I was dancing. At least they tell me I was and have the photo’s to prove it… New Years day we rode down to Key West and had a good time while there bar hopping and hanging at Mallory Square for the Sunset Festival but returned to Long Key that night. Honestly, we had a good time while down there but I wasn’t really crazy about staying in the camper and will opt for hotels in the future.
When we left the Keys, Stacey was in a hurry to get back to Bonita Springs so we bypassed the scenic route and hit the turnpike and I-75 traveling at about 85-95 mph all the way back. It was a fun ride… We spent the night there and the next day picked up the truck and loaded the bike on the trailer and headed back to Deland. It was a good trip although a little to hurried and we were glad to get back home. A couple more weeks of R&R went by and now I find myself back at it here in Marietta…
We left the house with bike in tow, Christmas presents loaded in the bed of the truck and way more clothes, etc than we would be able to take on the bike. Had a good time with my mom on Christmas Eve. We took her to a really nice restaurant there in Port St Lucie (supposed to be on the top 5 list in the state, it was good but not that good, I have my doubts about it being considered in the top5 but mom was very happy). After some post dinner conversation back at the house we headed to the other end of town and spent the night with Cass and Mike, my older daughter and her husband and visited with them, Mandy and Dylan, my youngest daughter and her boyfriend and other family members and friends still gathered for the yearly Christmas Eve party. We had a good time there and headed toward Okeechobee early afternoon Christmas Day to spend time with Dawn and Andy, Stacey’s sister and brother-in-law. Visited with them for a bit, spent the night but got up early and headed to Arcadia to visit some friends (Stacey and I first met in Arcadia on the night before I moved from there to Orange City).
Finally, after spending the night in Arcadia, we ditched the truck and trailer and loaded up the bike. The ride to Bonita Springs was short but nice. The weather was awesome with just a hint of cool in the air and a few white fluffy clouds in the sky. We hooked up with Tom & Missy, some friends of Stacey’s that were down for a few weeks enjoying the FL weather. Had a nice relaxing couple of days there jumping out to restaurants and the American Legion Post there. While there, we took a quick trip to the Harley dealership so Stacey could get some jeans (damn, they sure look good on her) and some riding glasses as the ones she had weren’t keeping the wind out well enough.
We left Bonita Springs, looking forward to the nice ride down to the Keys traveling on old SR 41 (Alligator Alley) that cuts through the Everglades. We saw an assortment of birds, raccoons, and lots of gators along the way. As it had been and would be for the whole trip, the weather was extremely cooperative and it was just one beautiful day after another. We rode down to Holiday Isle in Islamorada (the Tiki Bar there is home of the original Rum Runner) and had some lunch before proceeding to Long Key/Fiesta Key. Dawn and Andy had driven from Okeechobee that day with their 5th wheel camper in tow. We stayed with them over the New Years Holiday and I think Stacey and I took turns getting trashed although I think I got the worst of it the night we first arrived as I can not remember much about the later part of the night when I was dancing. At least they tell me I was and have the photo’s to prove it… New Years day we rode down to Key West and had a good time while there bar hopping and hanging at Mallory Square for the Sunset Festival but returned to Long Key that night. Honestly, we had a good time while down there but I wasn’t really crazy about staying in the camper and will opt for hotels in the future.
When we left the Keys, Stacey was in a hurry to get back to Bonita Springs so we bypassed the scenic route and hit the turnpike and I-75 traveling at about 85-95 mph all the way back. It was a fun ride… We spent the night there and the next day picked up the truck and loaded the bike on the trailer and headed back to Deland. It was a good trip although a little to hurried and we were glad to get back home. A couple more weeks of R&R went by and now I find myself back at it here in Marietta…
