News et al.

Well, good afternoon.

Once again it has been a while since I have update my blog. While I have often thought of a good quote or wanted to comment on something, I have not for a variety of reasons.

1. Often, as I sit at the computer, my mind goes blank on even potentially interesting things to say.

2. My work schedule, 9 PM to 7 AM, leaves me with little sleep and almost no "good" sleep. So, while I sit in front of a computer all night at work, my brain is often working as hard as it can to just stay awake, much less construct a coherent thought and then write it down.

3. I don't want to seem like I am whining. Mind you, I don't have really anything to whine about, but still...

So, here is the news. First, you might notice that I put my Weight Watchers stats up in the top left corner of the blog. I really need to lose some weight and my personality is such that the diet will go better if I know that people I know and respect will be able to monitor my progress. It feels a little exhibitionistic, but that is, sadly, a large part of my character.

Second, the big news. We were able to finagle a transfer for Merlin from a mediocre school to a first rate public school in Austin. We signed her up yesterday, and she starts kindergarten in a week and a half. Very exciting stuff. I can't wait, although it feels like yet another marker in my journey to old age and senility.

Awhile ago, I found out that I was being laid off as of Nov 1st. Most of my brain thought this was great news. I had already enrolled in college to take teacher certification classes and have really hated my job for quite some time. But, a small part of my brain got very annoyed. I have never been fired from a job before. In fact, I have never worked somewhere that did not offer me more money and rank if I stayed. I was really not aware of how much pride I take in being a good employee until someone fired me, and that rejection stung me far more than would have anticipated.

But, I start classes later this month and, if all goes well, I will have my teaching certification and a teaching job by this time next year.

I hope to blog more often, especially about the election. Not that my election bloggery will make any difference but at least I will get it off my chest. I am quite paranoid about this election and am convinced Bush will win, because the majority of Americans only pay attention to the soundbytes, and the Republicans have a much better spin machine than the Dems. I want Kerry to win, and will happily pay Adam for the lap dance I bet him if Kerry pulls it off, but right now, I can just see the 2000 election happening all over again.

More soon.