Day 4 of Carribean Cruise

Day 4 of the Carribean Cruise.  We have reached the Gulf Stream, so that means going from 4knts to about 0.8 to 1.0, switched our heading somewhat east and are making better time.

Manage Change

I have wondered how things go at work when I am gone.  I had been told about how confusing some explainations are.  Yesturday I saw an example of how this worked.

In a meeting there was discussion of mangement of change.  It went:

When you have change, you need to manage it.  And manage the change, cuz there is always change to manage. When we change, we need to manage it and manage all the change.

What the hell?????  Is this a dime or a quarter????

I think it is time for me to go home.....24 days, and I guess I have no $en$e left....

Columbus, Georgia

I arrived in Columbus Georgia to attend a one day medical course on Advanced Burn Life support.  Never being here before, all I knew was it was a 30 minuet flight from Atlanta.  Of course the flight to Atlanta was over four hours, in which I adequately could read the required text and prepare with the assorted exam that accompanied.  Me, on the other hand, choose to read USA Today, The Oregonian, Star and of course the latest People.... by breakfast I was wore out and slept the rest of the way. Poor use of time on my part.

I land in Columbus, on a small commuter plane full of military personnel.  Dressed as such, and if they weren't.... they were wearing military ID.  The sign says "Welcome to Fort Benning" ahhhh I get it now.

The sign says there are seven gates, I see three.  There are two baggage carousels, one ticket counter and every car rental vendor.  As I approach the car rental they ask if I need directions to the base.  No, s the give me a list of hotels they have pre-printed, hen tell me I can get information to the base. No. They keep talking like I just don't know that I need to go to the base. And of course, I will need to check in at he visitor center when I arrive ON BASE.

I typically rent with Hertz, but as of late keep forgetting to list that on the travel request when I submit it.  Which in turn means that I have become somewhat adapt at in my cell phone as a gps.  Not a skill that I thought I would need.  Even thou this time I brought my gps, but did not get the base, that it needs to plug into.  Again, poor planning on my part.

I finally find the hotel, pick up a salad on my way.  It is hot enough that the locals at the restaurant are complaining.  Off I go to the pool, with text book in hand.  Might as well use my remaining daylight usefully.

Pool is not crowded, but there is a woman with her child discussing current events with two older guys (that say they are Vietnam Vets) while playing poolside.  The woman is balancing her Lite beer, while dressed in a swimming top and oversize men's boxers (not pretty ones but functional ones). -wonder if her husband is missing them?-
This woman, offers them a beer and they proceed to discuss the Iraq/Afghanistan occupation.  She is convinced that Saddam never had the intelligence or the means to hide weapons of mass destruction.  The old guys are preoccupied with what it was like to be in Vietnam and keep relating how the two military actions and locations are the same.  Neither of which I agree with - and one of which I experienced! 
When they all decide that they have figured and solved the Iraq issues and how great it is to be back from Vietnam they venture on to more current things, like the Horizon incident.
The woman -again I do not use this term to define the gender- is convinced it is all a government plot to raise oil and gas prices in the United States.  The two old guys buy into her theory.  Her whole basis for this was - if it was not a government conspiracy then why don't they just send divers down with a cap and close the well in?

Wow, I didn't expect any great revaluations from someone of her education and vast background.  However, the realization of the vast ignorance does speak volumes as to the public response of the oil spill.

God Bless those lives who were lost....

The next morning was the class.  Hope to find some intelligent life...  I had directions - address - and map in hand.  Looking at the map I thought it would probably take me 20 minuets to get there.  So, if I leave one hour ahead of time I can find Starbucks - see some of the sites and get to the class on time.

No Starbucks!!!!  Anywhere..... no Starbucks.  I will not settle for coffee when I am on shore.  If I am buying coffee it will not be Dunkin Donuts supreme or McCoffee Pleasure. 

I find where the class should be held.  It is at Columbus University.  Being a saturday morning, there is no traffic and no problem after finding the address to wonder off and find coffee.  Again. No Starbucks. Damn IT!  I go to a convince store and get two iced bottled Starbucks Vanilla Frapacinno and a cup of ice.  Guess in Georgia the theme is adapt - improvise - and back to adapt.

I get back to the address of the class about 30 minuets before it should begin.  The problem was, there was no building at that exact address.  There was one before - being a teen shelter, and then an empty store front.  Then the one after was the entrance to a dormitory.  There was a key pad at the dormitory entrance, but the door was ajar, so I went on it.  My thought was to find someone that could direct me in the correct direction.

The entrance was typical brick building and you could see the back door, which lead to a courtyard.  There were tables set up all along the walls.  labeled with "flowers", "gift baskets" and all types of gift bags setting around.  But, there was no live body in the lobby.

I wander around, call out "hellllloooooooo", no answer.  I thought I would set up my netbook and see if I could get a wifi signal and get a phone number to call or another contact to find the class.  An older lady got off the elevator and was visibly disturbed that I was in the lobby.  She shouts at me "how did you get in here?"  I told her, the door was open - I walked in.  she checks all the door to secure the building.  I asked her if she could direct me in the right way to find the class.  i showed her my registration information and the map.  She was no about to help me - and still disturbed I was in the lobby.  So I packed up and left.

When I walked back toward the rental car, there was a middle aged gentleman, well dressed, similarly confused.  I asked him if he was attending an Advanced Burn class - and sure enough, he was.  We discussed the addresses and the information that was sent with the registration.  No conflicting information there.  However, he is from the area and said that he thought it was odd they were holding a class on the school campus.

I tried calling work, to see if my relief would be able to find me a working contact phone number, since it was Saturday.  I will give him credit for trying - but he was still no help.
The gentleman says "why don't you follow me and we will go up to the hospital where they usually have these type of courses and see if it might be there"  Ok, that's the best plan I could agree with.

As I was following him to the local hospital, I was thinking.  humm, fly from Oregon to Georgia for a one day class.  This encompasses a three day adventure on the companies dime.  I am sooooo going to get in trouble if I do not come back with this certification.  But, on the upside - I did pick up a brochure at the airport of '50 things to do in Columbia Georgia' - maybe it wouldn't be a complete loss.

We travel for about 10 minuets and find the hospital annex that is the auditorium.  Guess what.... they were holding the class there.  As I am signing in, I would be about 30 minuets late by now.  they announce that they had 30 people signed up, and still only 14 people have arrived, but they are going to go ahead and get started.
I told the lady that was facilitating the class that the wrong address along with interactive mapquest was sent out.  She was like, oh.  And class started.  Nice, they just made $400 per person - and they have an entire herd of people wandering around Columbus University.  I hope they didn't pay out of pocket for this.  But, sure glad I don't have to explain how I went to Georgia for a day tour.......

A Thought...

I might not be the most beautiful or the sexiest, nor have the perfect body. I might not be the first choice, but I am a GREAT choice. I don't pretend to be someone else, cause I am too good at being ME. I might not be proud of some of the things I've done, but I am proud of who I am today. Take me as I am or watch me as I GO   !!!

The spill from the Horizon

The latest forecasts through the end of the week show the expanding oil plume in the Gulf of Mexico reaching the Mississippi River delta and the Louisiana coast by late Friday, response officials said at a news conference that just wrapped up.

It's not THAT easy

One of the perks (that I love) of my current house is the gas fireplace. When we first moved in, there seemed to be a trick to lighting it, and even thou I read the instructions (that are conveniently located AT the ignition switch), I would have problems. The instructions read something to the effect of:



Turn Knob to Pilot


Push and Hold knob in for 5 seconds, while depressing the ignition button.


Sounds simple. NOT.



You then have to turn the knob to the desired flame height. If you do not have decent gas flow, the pilot will go out - and you have to start over. After mastering the pilot knob. It takes maybe 10 seconds to light a fire. This will nicely heat the living room and subsequent rooms, quickly and efficiently.

However, I really never thought that I would be at an age, where I actually discussed the weather with my friends....? But, the time has come in my life when I ask "what's the weather like there?"

This was a discussion that I was having with one of my friends the other day. I was telling her how nice the previous days had been, then we had a morning where there was a heavy frost on everything, and I even started the fire to warm things up quicker.


With this she responds - well, its not like you have to BUILD a fire!!!


You're right, excuse me, I was not implying how labor intensive it was. I was just saying it was a bit chilling that particular morning.


This discussion resolved quickly and no further fire was spoke of. We went on to discuss more important things, eg. work-children-lunch plans. What has life progressed to?


So I was telling my daughter about this, the next day. Her comment was.....

Well its not like all we do is flip the light switch, like some people do....So, apparently the whole holding the knob in and pushing the ignition button IS LABOR INTENSIVE... who'da thunk.....

Who Dat Nation....

Who Dat?

Its the New Orleans SAINTS.....

Playoff game was yesterday - the galley could have been a tail gate party, less the alcohol.

The majority of the rig was all into the game. I did fall asleep a couple of time, however the noise and the pages being made - I knew when the game went into overtime, and of course THE WIN ! ! ......

I was looking at the origin of "who dat" - it does start from the 1920's and 1920's from the jazz and big band performers. We all know where jazz is big. Guess I am just gonna have to go with it is a southern thing....

G O S A I N T S !!!! I will be home for the Super Bowl....

What is a Virgo

With the first of the year arriving, of course it is time to check the upcoming year of horoscopes.

I found this decription of THE VIRGO.....

Virgo
August 23 - September 22Virgo is the sixth sign of the zodiac, to be exact, and that's the way Virgos like it: exacting. Those born under this sign are forever the butt of jokes for being so picky and critical (and they can be), but their 'attention to detail' is for a reason: to help others. Virgos, more than any other sign, were born to serve, and it gives them great joy. They are also tailor-made for the job, since they are industrious, methodical and efficient. The sense of duty borne by these folks is considerable, and it ensures that they will always work for the greater good.

Virgo is represented by the Virgin, although this association should not be taken literally. Rather, Virgos tend to take on some of the qualities of a Virgin, things like modesty and humanity. Some might consider them repressed, although Virgins would argue that it's a noble quality, as opposed to a negative one. Most of all, Virgos enjoy indulging their practical and logical side and poring over their projects to the nth degree. To say these folks are good at fact-finding almost understates the case, since Virgos revel in their exacting (some would argue pedantic) behavior and are a whiz with minutiae. Virgins are an asset in the workplace as they can be counted on to get things right the first time, every time -- and no detail will be overlooked. They are also balanced and fair in their assessments in keeping with the Mutable Quality assigned to this sign.

Virgo is ruled by Mercury, and as portrayed in ancient Roman mythology, Mercury wasn't one to sit still for long. This swift-footed god was a bundle of energy, both physically and mentally, and that pretty much sums up the Virgin's makeup. A Virgo's brain is in overdrive most of the time, which is why these folks get so much done. Those born under this sign are also able communicators and use their mental acuity to maximum advantage. All of this brainpower can make Virgos prone to skepticism, and can even lead to the kind of over-think that surely leads to overkill. Thankfully, though, Virgos are also a studious lot and can temper their worst impulses with a bit of careful analysis. Virgos enjoy studying a situation in great detail, whether it's a work project or a friendship. Virgins are truly interested in understanding things. The bane of many Virgos is the perfectionism that can get in the way of their usual clear thinking. 'I'm not a perfectionist; I'm discriminating!' a Virgo would say, happy in the knowledge that their taste is unparalleled. Along those lines, Virgos are also neat and clean, save for the occasional sloppy Virgin (they do exist). Virgins are also reliable and practical and oh-so-useful to have around.

The Element associated with Virgo is Earth, and in keeping with that, most Virgos are grounded, salt-of-the-earth types. The flash and dash can go to others, since Virgos would much rather be humble and easy-going. That said, Virgins do enjoy material possessions and are (dare we say?) picky about what they bring into their lives. Some might even go as far as calling them self-centered, but it's really more of a desire to surround themselves with what's right -- for them. This knack for discernment also serves Virgos well in business, where their decisions are usually dead-on. Those born under this sign are eminently sensible and use their critical eye well. While Virgos can be worrywarts, they do their best to temper these impulses. However, if this nervousness goes unchecked, it can lead to hypochondria, that ugly skeleton in the Virgo's closet. For that reason, Virgos are extremely health conscious, to the point of being storehouses of information on diet and hygiene. Many Virgos even choose a health or medical career so they won't miss a beat.

Working out is elemental for Virgo, if only so they know intellectually that they're helping themselves physically. See, the benefits of exercise are far more important to Virgo than the process itself. That's why Virgos are likely to time themselves on their runs and get in those 300 sit-ups every day. When it comes to the game of love, Virgos are able to loosen up somewhat and are devoted to their lovers, even if they can be a bit jealous. Since Virgo rules the intestines, worried Virgos need to be wary of bowel upsets. Soothing relief often comes in the way of earth tones, which is why Virgos like to be surrounded by shades of tan and a warm yellow.

The great strength of the Virgo-born is in their practicality, sharp mind and attention to detail. When merged with their willingness to serve, Virgos become essential helpmates. They can be picky -- so what?