This is a repost from my daily work journal. I thought I'd share it here. I'm all kindergarten like that:
After spending the weekend feeling as if I had been run over by a monster truck or two (read, sick!), I got to work this morning, checked in for the layout of the day, then headed to Texarkana for a supply run.
I never really thought buying some "knick-knack" shelves (for video cameras) and a few cables would be such an adventure. I started the trip at Home Depot. Did you know Home Depot does not carry anything shorter than 23.5" in the way of shelves? I didn't. In fact, I think they used to. Oh, well. I figured I would try another store.
I went to Best Buy to look for an S-Video extension cable, a couple of VGA extensions, and to see if *they* happened to have shelving for speakers (that I could use for video cameras). They did not have an S-Video extension. In fact, they only had a 6-foot standard one. So, I bought two VGA extensions I needed and a small switch for the Sympodium cabinet (way too many network connections wrapped up in one unit for me!).
After Best Buy, I drove over to Lowe's to look for shelving. I actually found a two-pack for $20 that had two black shelves with hardware for mounting it "bracketlessly" to the wall. Very slick! I picked up two of those and headed for Radio Shack.
I arrived before Radio Shack opened, so I checked my phone messages and had one from an area tech. I returned the call and he was having trouble getting some users to log in to his Novell network. He said users could log in to "Workstation Only (WSO)" mode. I suggested that he have one of the WSO users login in using the Novell system tray icon once they were logged in to WSO mode. It worked - the users could read mapped drives and get to Groupwise. Now that we had a way for users to function, the next step was to isolate the problem. I said that I thought the problem was either in a login script or was happening as part of the login process. He told me that some users had received an anti-virus message that a couple files on the server were infected. It's important to note that not all users were having trouble logging in. Because the users could login through WSO (which runs scripts as part of logging in), I had eliminated the login scripts as the culprit. The tech said he would call me back later.
Though Radio Shack did not have an S-Video extension cable, they did have an S-Video coupler, which would serve the same purpose.
I got back to the co-op and worked with Josh to install the shelves in the Conference room, do some cable management and get wires ready for the Panduit I have coming. After that, we worked on the Distance Learning room. From there, I began moving telephone lines around in the telco closet. We've been having trouble with the fire alarm/security system and the elevator not playing nicely with each other. So, like a teacher in a classroom, I separated everyone. The elevator is now on its own line and the security system is on two completely different lines than it used to be. I had never used a 66-block punchdown tool before. It's not quite the same as a 110-punch. I kept getting the wire turned sideways, so it wouldn't cut. I finally showed it who was in charge. It wasn't me. Just kidding.
I spent the rest of the day checking email and answering phone calls (which amounted to about 30 minutes total. It was a full day!)
Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts
Sep 27, 2010
Dec 22, 2009
Professional Learning/Linking Communities/Networks, Christmas Shopping, Ironwood Grill and more
As usual, here are a few of the things bouncing around between my ears as of late:
The first is a reply I gave to an educator that has just started creating her digital footprint. That is, she is just now joining online sites such as WordPress, Facebook, Plurk, Twitter, etc.
I know many of you like to have context, so my reply (below) was in response to this post: http://debsdebits.wordpress.com/2009/12/22/social-networking-cautiously-getting-started/
My Reply:
The first is a reply I gave to an educator that has just started creating her digital footprint. That is, she is just now joining online sites such as WordPress, Facebook, Plurk, Twitter, etc.
I know many of you like to have context, so my reply (below) was in response to this post: http://debsdebits.wordpress.com/2009/12/22/social-networking-cautiously-getting-started/
My Reply:
I also too a log time before jumping into Facebook, Twitter and the like, though I have been blogging before there was such a thing. I think the essential phrase is "Professional Learning Community." Facebook is not solely one, not to me. It's a place to hang out with friends, talk about whatever, though there are professional organizations on there for sure.
I'm sure there are folks on Plurk that are not educators, but I haven't found them yet. And that is what I love about it. I not only choose whom I follow, but who can follow me. Yes, sometimes we get into the 'banalities' of life, but more often we have amazing discussions about education, technology, blending the two and more.
As you said, the key is always (or at least often) remember that everything is added together to build a picture of oneself. I tend to be the class clown with nuggets of (hopefully) useful tidbits thrown in.
The biggest 'bonus' for me about PLC (or PLN, if you will) is that I can toss out a question and generall within minutes have suggestions from around the world, all from people *I* trust...
Welcome to the big show. :-)
Jess and Nick (Shan's sister and brother-in-law) have been telling us about this place called "The Ironwood Grill." Yesterday (Monday), Shan and I decided to go there for lunch. The place is not easy to find and how anyone finds it without first being told about it boggles my mind. It's located in Texarkana, TX just off Richmond Road. Basically, pass the Sonic and keep going to the next light (I believe). There, one will find a series of fitness centers on the left. Down the road to the left, there is a wooden house-looking building. That would be the Ironwood Grill.
We got there a little after 1pm and had to wait 20-30 minutes for seating. That seemed a bit much for a place that was not easily found. I will say, though, the parking lot was full. There were empty tables as we waited, but they seemed to be short-staffed. Perhaps they did not anticipate so many people being off this week for Christmas. Who knows.
The inside is pseudo-rustic with iron ornaments around the place mixed with wooden designs. I say "pseudo" because it does not look like you are stepping into something out of an old movie or TV show, but rather like you stepped into a restaurant that someone had thrown up with stuff on the walls. That is not a complaint or a negative, just an observation. The place was surprisingly quiet once you got seated. The waiting area is small, and with the tin and wood and iron, sound bounces all over the place and you can barely hear your name being called over the conversation of other waiting patrons.
Their menu (which can be found on their web site) offered an array of choices: steaks, various fish, veggie plates, sandwiches, and more. Shan and I both opted for the Turkey Bacon Cheddar sandwich. We ordered their "queso" as an appetizer. The chips were warm and crispy - nearly perfect! We added salt, though the chips at the bottom of the pile had been dusted with what appeared to be sea salt. The top chips had no seasoning, which is why we added our own. The queso was bland despite having onion and some kind of green stuff (cilantro, parsley, something) in it. I'm not sure what the cheese needed but it was missing something for sure.
We waiting an insane amount of time considering we just ordered sandwiches, but it was worth the wait. My only complaint about them centers on the fact that the menu's description made no mention of tomatoes or lettuce. That would have been handy to know so that I could've told the waitress to hold the 'matoes. Other than that, the sandwich comes on a grilled flatbread wrapped around a healthy serving of turkey, a couple strips of bacon, and a lot of cheese. This was topped with a tangy bbq sauce. I even ate most of the tomatoes and lettuce. Yes, it was that good. The plate also featured a pickle spear and chips.
Our waitress did a great job of keeping our glasses filled, too. That is a huge plus for me, as I can easily down my own pitcher of sweet tea.
So, if you're ever in Texarkana and want something sorta rustic, but with great flavors, head to the Ironwood Grill for sure!
Shan and I went Christmas shopping after the Ironwood. Eventually, we made it to the mall where Shan hunted for items for her brother. As we passed Spencer Gifts, she asked me about it. She had never been in one before. I grew up with Spencer Gifts in every mall I ever went in, so I am accustomed to some of the things they sell there. If you are not aware, Spencer Gifts sells a mix of movie-related items, usually quite bizarre (like a life-sized Chucky doll), and a mix of adult-themed items. As we entered, the first item hanging on the rack was a T-Shirt with a list of things for Christmas. The first item on the list involved a very intimate act which is oral by nature. Shan's eyes grew to the size of grapefruits and her mouth hit the floor with an audible THUMP.
Now, even though I had been in Spencers many times before, even I was not prepared for some of the very vulgar items for sale. I don't think many places would display drinking glasses, t-shirts and the like with the "F dash dash dash" word on it. They were here for the taking everywhere you looked. We quickly made our way through, hoping to find some cool movie poster or figurine or something. No such luck for the movies Casey likes (Rat pack-era), which really surprised me. A lot of Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, and Marilyn Monroe in addition to the horror-film items, though.
As we walked around looking, the expression on Shan's face changed from shock to disbelief and back again. I had a blast watching her and listening to her amazement at the wares, games, and gadgets on display!
Now, as a good husband, should I have at least warned her? Of course, but where is the fun in that!?
Dec 20, 2009
Been keeping busy! WHEW!
Wow, I had no idea it has been nearly a week since my last post here. As many of you may well be, I have been busy with Christmas stuff and other happenings in general. So, here is a random-thoughts version of what I've been doing:
I cleaned my office at work. I wish I had taken before and after pictures. Basically, I have an L-shaped setup with my computer up on the desk next to my phone. With no bit a exaggeration, you could not see ANY part of my desk at all. It was covered with magazines, sticky notes, miscellaneous papers, folders, CDs, computer parts, and other flotsam and jetsam that had found its way onto my desk.
Add to that the floor surrounding my desk. I essentially had stacked boxes, binders, you-name-it around the floor near the walls. It was bad. It was awful, really. It was also about 3 years in the making.
So, on Friday before our Christmas break, Emily helped me clean things up! It will be so nice coming back to a VERY clean office after the break!
I have also been working with Kevin Honeycutt (http://kevinhoneycutt.org) and HowieG (http://www.dinosaursandrockets.com) on a theme song for D-and-R. They had some of the lyrics down, but I was asked to take it a step further. Once that was done, Kevin and I used Skype to video chat live together one night. He worked out the song on his guitar and we reworked a few of the lyrics in Google Docs. I'm looking forward to watching it grow as we add other collaborators (percussion, vocals, etc).
The kids and I did a little Christmas shopping today (Sunday). Shan and I are going on Monday and then I will be going out myself on Tuesday. Well, maybe. I might be able to sneak some of Shan's shopping while she is off at Payless Shoes, Bed Bath and Beyond, or some other store she loves. I'll let you know how that goes.
I also spent some time playing around on JibJab (the "Elf Yourself" guys). I put our faces in an abridged version of "A Christmas Story!" Watch it here! (I used Sarah Hartman's photo because I needed five people and it's always fun to include her in our goofiness... Well, fun for me anyway!)
I cleaned my office at work. I wish I had taken before and after pictures. Basically, I have an L-shaped setup with my computer up on the desk next to my phone. With no bit a exaggeration, you could not see ANY part of my desk at all. It was covered with magazines, sticky notes, miscellaneous papers, folders, CDs, computer parts, and other flotsam and jetsam that had found its way onto my desk.
Add to that the floor surrounding my desk. I essentially had stacked boxes, binders, you-name-it around the floor near the walls. It was bad. It was awful, really. It was also about 3 years in the making.
So, on Friday before our Christmas break, Emily helped me clean things up! It will be so nice coming back to a VERY clean office after the break!
I have also been working with Kevin Honeycutt (http://kevinhoneycutt.org) and HowieG (http://www.dinosaursandrockets.com) on a theme song for D-and-R. They had some of the lyrics down, but I was asked to take it a step further. Once that was done, Kevin and I used Skype to video chat live together one night. He worked out the song on his guitar and we reworked a few of the lyrics in Google Docs. I'm looking forward to watching it grow as we add other collaborators (percussion, vocals, etc).
The kids and I did a little Christmas shopping today (Sunday). Shan and I are going on Monday and then I will be going out myself on Tuesday. Well, maybe. I might be able to sneak some of Shan's shopping while she is off at Payless Shoes, Bed Bath and Beyond, or some other store she loves. I'll let you know how that goes.
I also spent some time playing around on JibJab (the "Elf Yourself" guys). I put our faces in an abridged version of "A Christmas Story!" Watch it here! (I used Sarah Hartman's photo because I needed five people and it's always fun to include her in our goofiness... Well, fun for me anyway!)
Aug 3, 2009
What a weekend!
We're baaaa-aack! We had a great time in Little Rock this weekend, but it seems like this year, the weekend flew by much faster than in the past. Not sure why that is, but it's the way things went.
We got to the hotel on Friday evening. As I was checking in, there was a group of folks there for a family reunion or something, trying to get rooms that had supposedly been booked under the family name. Evidently, whoever was in charge of booking a block of rooms underestimated how people were coming, because the folks at the next counter were HOT about not having a suite. The poor manager was trying to straighten things out, but it was a battle he seemed to be losing rather than winning. Ultimately, though, he would win because, well, he's the manager. Like it or leave it, you only get a room if he says you get one, ya know?
We ended up in the very first room on the first floor, which was great for proximity to parking - not so great for the number of people that use the side door to come in and out.
We went to eat at a place called "Krazy Mike's" on Bowman Road, just off Markham. They have shrimp, wings, catfish, chicken, and a few other entrees. It is a very small place and could very well be featured on "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives" as far as we were concerned. Good food.
We went back to the hotel to hang out. I spent most of the time on Facebook and rebuilding Tyler's laptop, then burning DVDs with recovery information on them in case we had to do this again in the future. Since he is 14, he likes to experiment with different kinds of software, mainly emulators, which generally do not come from reputable sites. It's the nature of the 'net these days, I'm afraid.
The kids, Shan, and Kay all went swimming. I opted to wait until Saturday night to go. Oh, and there was a trip across the parking lot to Krispy Kreme, of course.
We woke on Saturday, and headed out for shopping. My memory is a little shoddy on this, but I think we hit Target first, then we went to Mardel's. Well, Tyler and I went to HobbyTown USA in search of cards and general hanging out fun. I was hoping to score a box of 2009 Allen & Ginter cards, but they only had one box and it was opened for selling individual packs. Nothing else really interested me in the way of cards, so we walked around.
Tyler came across a computer screen with a virtual airport and connected to the computer was a remote control for model airplanes. I explained that certain controllers have usb cables and you can use your real controller to fly virtual planes as a way to practice or just have fun. I tried my hand at it, and did not do very well. I crashed and burned. Tyler took the controls, and we changed airfields. His plane flew towards a pole and the wing clipped it, breaking off the wing of his virtual model plane. Time to reset. This time, Tyler drove directly into the pole. Getting closer... Third time's a charm, right? Well, he managed to keep it straight and get the thing into the air. What came next was a combination of horror and hilarity. His plane spun, rose, and then took a nosedive into the ground. And, just like in real life, the model plane shattered into a billion pieces on the computer screen. We were laughing so hard, we got looks from the management there. I decided it was best that we leave at that point.
Back to Mardel's, Tyler and I opted to watch "Fanboys" in the van. Now, THAT'S a funny movie, perfect for Star Wars dorks everywhere (which we are a couple!).
We picked everyone else up in front of the store, since it was pouring down rain at that point. And, we drove up to the corner for lunch at El Porton's. It is a mexican place that serves VERY good food!
After we ate, we went to Burlington Coat Factory. Tyler and I stayed in the van to finish "Fanboys" and then I went inside the store to see what everyone was buying. I'm a guy, so I can't regale you with descriptions of clothes and the like. All I remember is that they bought some. You'll have to ask Shan for the details. Sorry.
After Burlington, we went to The Knowledge Tree, a teacher supply store in Little Rock. Shan found all kinds of things for her classroom! I love going in there because they have some cool stuff that I like to play with, er, learn how to use. We spent a good while in there and everyone came out with bags of stuff!
I believe we went to see "Ice Age 3D" next. That was a very cute movie! I think Ice Age 2 is my favorite of the three, though. I am a big fan of the latest incarnations of 3D, though Disney seems to have a better grasp on it. I'm just happy not to be wearing red and blue glasses. Oh, and since my sunglasses are polarized, if I wear the 3d ones and the sunglasses at the same time, I can't see ANYTHING out of my left eye. It's a weird feeling!
I think we went to eat at Olive Garden after that. I dunno, we may have gone to another store, but if we did, I don't remember it. It has been a LONG time since we've been to the O.G. and it was delicious!
I believe we headed back to the hotel after eating, hung out for a bit, then went for a swim. The pool was not crowded when we started, but as it got closer to closing time, more people showed up. After a quick shower, I picked up some Krispy Kremes and came back to the room. I was dog-tired after staying up late the night before with Tyler's computer and then a full day on-the-go, so I turned in early (about 11:00pm or so).
Sunday, we got our things packed up and headed out for another half-day or so of shopping. We went to the JcPenney store near the hotel, then to Sears, and finally to lunch at Long John Silvers - everyone's favorite, except Shan. She is not a big fan. From there, we stopped in Benton because we thought there was an Office Depot or Staples. We were wrong. So, Mom, the kids, and I headed home in Shan's van and Kay (who had come earlier in the week because she had a training to attend) and Shan took Kay's van to Wal-Mart in Arkadelphia before coming home with supper - Sonic Burgers!
Whew! That's our weekend "in a nutshell" as they say. :-)
Now, I get to enjoy my last 4-day week of the summer...
Jul 13, 2009
Tire-changing party for a dryer
On Saturday, Shan and I headed to Texarkana to do some birthday shopping for Emily. While we were there, Shan's Mom called to say that her dryer had quit and asked if we could look around for a good deal on a new one. Luckily, I had loaded us up in my truck for the day's shopping, so hauling a new dryer would not be a problem!
We looked at Home Depot first, and they had a couple inexpensive dryers (that would be in the $350-ish range). Since we had some more shopping to do, I told Shan we could look at Sears, but that I thought Sears would be higher-priced than Home Depot. Sure enough, they were.
We eventually made our way to Lowe's, and they had a dryer for $268. Of course, the only one they had in stock was "damaged." Well, we thought we would look over the damage and the saleswoman said she could knock off 25% because it was damaged and that it would still have the year's manufacturer warranty. Sounded good. We felt and looked at the damage and it didn't seem too bad.
We loaded up the dryer, which ended up costing less than the sticker with the discount, even with taxes, so that was a good deal to me.
We had to stop at Wal-Mart in Hope on the way home, and when we came out, I noticed my passenger rear tire was low. Several years ago, Shan's Mom had given me a portable air pump for Christmas. I keep it in the truck and it has proven handy on several occasions. This was not really one of them. It was taking FOREVER to get any air in the tire. I decided to move the truck over to the air pump at the gas station in front of Wal-Mart, and as I walked around the truck, I could HEAR the air hissing out of the tire. That is never a good thing. Sure enough, evidently I had a bubble in the tire and it finally gave way.
So, in the 95-degree heat, I changed the tire. Now, many folks have asked why I didn't just wheel the truck to the tire place there at Wal-Mart, and the answer is simple: my tires are cheaper at Goodyear. Besides, I knew I was going to have some other work done on my truck since it has hit the century-k mileage mark. I'll come back to that.
Once we got the dryer to Shan's folk's house, we opened the box and found the dryer had a bit more damage than we thought. It was all cosmetic, though, and we did get a good deal, so they opted to keep it. I think we can take care of some of the cosmetic issues, which is a good thing.
So, back to the truck... I took it in Monday morning, driving to the Goodyear place near the office. The tech looked at the tire and explained the whole 'bubble bursting' thing to me. I told him I wanted two new tires put on the front and the current front tires moved to the back. I also wanted an estimate on a tune-up and I definitely wanted the serpentine belt replaced, since it had 100,000 miles on it with no problems. Much better to head off a belt problem than to deal with it after it breaks!
While at work, Goodyear called me to let me know that my truck had no front brakes at all! Ouch! They had worn down completely. Well, since I am in the 'fix-it' mood, I just as well get those taken care of.
I don't imagine getting another 100,000 miles out of the truck, but if I can keep it going as well as it has for a few more years, I can feel good about passing it along to Tyler when he's ready to drive. And, really, if he doesn't end up with it, then hopefully, it'll be around for years to come as my work truck for when I need one.
I have a year left to pay on it, then I'll be looking for a new car - yes, car - to tool around in. I'm thinking Charger SXT....
We looked at Home Depot first, and they had a couple inexpensive dryers (that would be in the $350-ish range). Since we had some more shopping to do, I told Shan we could look at Sears, but that I thought Sears would be higher-priced than Home Depot. Sure enough, they were.
We eventually made our way to Lowe's, and they had a dryer for $268. Of course, the only one they had in stock was "damaged." Well, we thought we would look over the damage and the saleswoman said she could knock off 25% because it was damaged and that it would still have the year's manufacturer warranty. Sounded good. We felt and looked at the damage and it didn't seem too bad.
We loaded up the dryer, which ended up costing less than the sticker with the discount, even with taxes, so that was a good deal to me.
We had to stop at Wal-Mart in Hope on the way home, and when we came out, I noticed my passenger rear tire was low. Several years ago, Shan's Mom had given me a portable air pump for Christmas. I keep it in the truck and it has proven handy on several occasions. This was not really one of them. It was taking FOREVER to get any air in the tire. I decided to move the truck over to the air pump at the gas station in front of Wal-Mart, and as I walked around the truck, I could HEAR the air hissing out of the tire. That is never a good thing. Sure enough, evidently I had a bubble in the tire and it finally gave way.
So, in the 95-degree heat, I changed the tire. Now, many folks have asked why I didn't just wheel the truck to the tire place there at Wal-Mart, and the answer is simple: my tires are cheaper at Goodyear. Besides, I knew I was going to have some other work done on my truck since it has hit the century-k mileage mark. I'll come back to that.
Once we got the dryer to Shan's folk's house, we opened the box and found the dryer had a bit more damage than we thought. It was all cosmetic, though, and we did get a good deal, so they opted to keep it. I think we can take care of some of the cosmetic issues, which is a good thing.
So, back to the truck... I took it in Monday morning, driving to the Goodyear place near the office. The tech looked at the tire and explained the whole 'bubble bursting' thing to me. I told him I wanted two new tires put on the front and the current front tires moved to the back. I also wanted an estimate on a tune-up and I definitely wanted the serpentine belt replaced, since it had 100,000 miles on it with no problems. Much better to head off a belt problem than to deal with it after it breaks!
While at work, Goodyear called me to let me know that my truck had no front brakes at all! Ouch! They had worn down completely. Well, since I am in the 'fix-it' mood, I just as well get those taken care of.
I don't imagine getting another 100,000 miles out of the truck, but if I can keep it going as well as it has for a few more years, I can feel good about passing it along to Tyler when he's ready to drive. And, really, if he doesn't end up with it, then hopefully, it'll be around for years to come as my work truck for when I need one.
I have a year left to pay on it, then I'll be looking for a new car - yes, car - to tool around in. I'm thinking Charger SXT....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)