Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.13.80
Current Song - Deacon Blues (Steely Dan)
I feel compelled to address the fact that there will be a big change next year in the northern Illinois sports scene. The NCIC Reagan and some Western Sun schools will form the Northern Illinois Big 12.
The NIB-12 is a conference that brings together similar schools: Eight schools are Class 5A in football and eleven schools are Class 3A in the four-class system.
It also brings together all of the NISB area's heavyweights that are not in the NIC-10 or Western Big 6.
The coming together of these schools brought excitement all throughout these schools. I was dreaming of a conference that would have a football team play in Champaign every year, and a team that can play in Peoria. It's a conference that brings together many of the message board junkies from this part of the state. It's big, and it's wonderful.
But as the months after the first press conference passed, I found myself thinking of being in Anakin Skywalker's shoes. He is witnessing the light saber battle between Palpatine and Windu (Episode III). I found myself being forced to choose a side: Be a person that is a face of the greater, or be a person that is a face of a few.
“POOOOOOWWWWWWEEEEEEERRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!”
“No. That's not me.”
Now, the new conference is NOT going to be some evil empire. I was trying to get the point across that I can't turn my back on 90% of my coverage area to service the remaining 10%.
I've probably lost some popularity among the NIB-12 crowd because I chose not to stress that particular conference amongst the rest.
It sounds like my loyalty experience in high school. I went to a high school that stressed school pride. I looked into that differently than others. As much as I should have pride in my own school, I should also respect other's pride to their schools. I should respect the pride one has to the Catholic school (Newman). I should respect the pride one has to the neighboring school (Rock Falls). I should respect the pride one has to the arch-rival school (Dixon or Geneseo).
My soft side for Dixon, Geneseo and Rock Falls got me into a lot of dissatisfaction within the Sterling High School brethren. At one point, it got too far and I wished some evil upon my own school. That didn't work out too well.
Having been raised in the NCIC and it's large school division, some say I should have a (“real-time” note: I was just called into work for Friday night and can't cover the Sterling-Lemont game) bias toward the NCIC Reagan and the NIB-12. But throughout my journalism career, I have respected a lot more conferences.
I won't make the same mistake again. I wish the NIB-12 well.
So with that being said, I'm still going to cover the same teams I always have been covering. The NIB-12 will just be one of the many conferences that I cover. This group may be the most popular, but all in all it is one of many. Kind of like high school students in a school.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Planning the week
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.03.80
Current Song - Let 'Em In (Paul McCartney and Wings)
I got a couple of fill-ins last week!
I filled in on the morning shift on Thursday and Friday. It's a whole different world from what I'm used to. Everyone is starting their day. I'm trying to end mine. It's like customer service magnets repeling. Anyway, Mary was feeling tired both days and couldn't function. So here I am trying to explain to every single customer where Mary is. I don't know these people, and they probably know Mary very well. A couple asked for her phone #. I gave it to them. I get chided tonight.
Cripes almighty, these people probably know her so well they know her husband's name. It's in the phone book. Two, I never heard of such a rule. Three, she should be thankful that there are people who are concerned.
Anywho, on to the schedule:
MONDAY: Release the Week 1 Observations piece. Study for the Early Films quiz for class today (thank God for YouTube). Go to class.
TUESDAY: Complete the math assignment I have yet to start on. Go to class.
WEDNESDAY: Payday (+12 unexpected hours)!! Pretty much just budgeting my week. Maybe a sports event that night.
THURSDAY: Really not much to do. If I feel like it, I'll try to get that photo thing accomplished. Friday 5 to be written.
FRIDAY: Possible mid-shift. Sterling-Lemont tonight. Article writing and all that.
SATURDAY: Work. Begin Week 2 obs piece.
SUNDAY: Work. Finish Week 2 obs piece.
MONDAY: No class due to Labor Day. Possible work. If not, try to find a sports event.
And that's pretty much it.
Current Song - Let 'Em In (Paul McCartney and Wings)
I got a couple of fill-ins last week!
I filled in on the morning shift on Thursday and Friday. It's a whole different world from what I'm used to. Everyone is starting their day. I'm trying to end mine. It's like customer service magnets repeling. Anyway, Mary was feeling tired both days and couldn't function. So here I am trying to explain to every single customer where Mary is. I don't know these people, and they probably know Mary very well. A couple asked for her phone #. I gave it to them. I get chided tonight.
Cripes almighty, these people probably know her so well they know her husband's name. It's in the phone book. Two, I never heard of such a rule. Three, she should be thankful that there are people who are concerned.
Anywho, on to the schedule:
MONDAY: Release the Week 1 Observations piece. Study for the Early Films quiz for class today (thank God for YouTube). Go to class.
TUESDAY: Complete the math assignment I have yet to start on. Go to class.
WEDNESDAY: Payday (+12 unexpected hours)!! Pretty much just budgeting my week. Maybe a sports event that night.
THURSDAY: Really not much to do. If I feel like it, I'll try to get that photo thing accomplished. Friday 5 to be written.
FRIDAY: Possible mid-shift. Sterling-Lemont tonight. Article writing and all that.
SATURDAY: Work. Begin Week 2 obs piece.
SUNDAY: Work. Finish Week 2 obs piece.
MONDAY: No class due to Labor Day. Possible work. If not, try to find a sports event.
And that's pretty much it.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Back to "Vacation"
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.42.80
Current Song - Holding Back The Years (Simply Red)
Another weekend done. Another five days off to begin.
Back to class tonight. I still do not have my book, which the Bookstore is ordering ANY DAY NOW! I don't know if I'll have Chapter 1 read by class. I still haven't touched my Math assignment. I think I'll arrive to the classroom real early to concentrate on the problems.
The work situation keeps going from grim to promising, back and forth. It's all a matter of "I hope I'm on the schedule next week." I'm not the only one not happy about the situation. I'm joined by the two other men. Is this coinsidence? I hate mentioning these facts when I'm sweeping up two days worth of crap on the floor.
To give you an idea of what the two days are like at work:
Saturday is spent trying to figure out what WAS done and what WASN'T done. I've found that the recent Saturdays are more difficult than previous Saturdays.
Sundays are A LOT easier than Saturdays, because there is not as much to clean :)
I put in a little more time this week (mess to clean up on Saturday, and marquee sign on Sunday): 16.25 hours. That should translate into a couple of more dollars. I just have a car insurance payment left for this month.
Now, as to the rest of the week:
MONDAY: I will be writing up the NIC-10 Conference Call for Edgy, and hopefully getting that done before class. Then I'm planning on going to the Rt. 30 station to inquire about October. Probably wrapping up the CC late night.
TUESDAY: I'll be starting on the NCIC Lincoln Conference Call, and hopefully wrapping that up late night. As mentioned, I'm going to class a bit early to concentrate on my math homework. After class, I'm going to spend some time with some friends at Shell.
WEDNESDAY: Hopefully Conference Calls are complete by now. I'm going to my grandmother's to talk about her Will. She wants me to be the executor, and I plan on doing that. Also calling people about Thursday and Friday.
THURSDAY and FRIDAY: Payday! Hopefully I can catch up with a summer feature I've put off for so long. Friday night will be spent at Polo to see the Marcos take on East Dubuque. Friday night I'll try to get myself back in article writing form.
SATURDAY: Figuring out the pick'em, scoreboard, and other NISB things. Working. More to come.
Looks to be a very busy week, and hopefully I can follow this to a T.
Current Song - Holding Back The Years (Simply Red)
Another weekend done. Another five days off to begin.
Back to class tonight. I still do not have my book, which the Bookstore is ordering ANY DAY NOW! I don't know if I'll have Chapter 1 read by class. I still haven't touched my Math assignment. I think I'll arrive to the classroom real early to concentrate on the problems.
The work situation keeps going from grim to promising, back and forth. It's all a matter of "I hope I'm on the schedule next week." I'm not the only one not happy about the situation. I'm joined by the two other men. Is this coinsidence? I hate mentioning these facts when I'm sweeping up two days worth of crap on the floor.
To give you an idea of what the two days are like at work:
Saturday is spent trying to figure out what WAS done and what WASN'T done. I've found that the recent Saturdays are more difficult than previous Saturdays.
Sundays are A LOT easier than Saturdays, because there is not as much to clean :)
I put in a little more time this week (mess to clean up on Saturday, and marquee sign on Sunday): 16.25 hours. That should translate into a couple of more dollars. I just have a car insurance payment left for this month.
Now, as to the rest of the week:
MONDAY: I will be writing up the NIC-10 Conference Call for Edgy, and hopefully getting that done before class. Then I'm planning on going to the Rt. 30 station to inquire about October. Probably wrapping up the CC late night.
TUESDAY: I'll be starting on the NCIC Lincoln Conference Call, and hopefully wrapping that up late night. As mentioned, I'm going to class a bit early to concentrate on my math homework. After class, I'm going to spend some time with some friends at Shell.
WEDNESDAY: Hopefully Conference Calls are complete by now. I'm going to my grandmother's to talk about her Will. She wants me to be the executor, and I plan on doing that. Also calling people about Thursday and Friday.
THURSDAY and FRIDAY: Payday! Hopefully I can catch up with a summer feature I've put off for so long. Friday night will be spent at Polo to see the Marcos take on East Dubuque. Friday night I'll try to get myself back in article writing form.
SATURDAY: Figuring out the pick'em, scoreboard, and other NISB things. Working. More to come.
Looks to be a very busy week, and hopefully I can follow this to a T.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Back to WSN
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.12.80
Current Song - What you won't do for love (Bobby Caldwell)
Just an entry because I feel like it at the moment:
Work: I have contacted a couple of stations regarding Wednesdays and Thursdays: Morrison, Grand Detour, and Dixon East. I also kind of inquired at my own station. It turns out that the girl who makes the schedules was so confused as to which days to schedule me. Hopefully this misunderstanding will be clear and I can get a day. But I'm still waiting for calls anyway.
I made a meager $118.41.
School: The weekly classes seem to be alright. I'm still waiting on my Film Appreciation textbook. Stupid bookstore! My math class is okay, but involves group work at times, which I'm really NOT good at.
NISB: Just released this week's version of the Friday 5. Started the pick'em, and finished the Western Big 6 Conference Call - most of the info I got from the banquet on Wednesday. There were also a few audio clips to save for eternity.
I'm tired.
Current Song - What you won't do for love (Bobby Caldwell)
Just an entry because I feel like it at the moment:
Work: I have contacted a couple of stations regarding Wednesdays and Thursdays: Morrison, Grand Detour, and Dixon East. I also kind of inquired at my own station. It turns out that the girl who makes the schedules was so confused as to which days to schedule me. Hopefully this misunderstanding will be clear and I can get a day. But I'm still waiting for calls anyway.
I made a meager $118.41.
School: The weekly classes seem to be alright. I'm still waiting on my Film Appreciation textbook. Stupid bookstore! My math class is okay, but involves group work at times, which I'm really NOT good at.
NISB: Just released this week's version of the Friday 5. Started the pick'em, and finished the Western Big 6 Conference Call - most of the info I got from the banquet on Wednesday. There were also a few audio clips to save for eternity.
I'm tired.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Let the Crusade Begin
Cutter's Log - Stardate 90.02.80
Current Song - Stone Cold Theme
"Hello. My name is Cody Cutter, I am a cashier at the East End Shell (No. 18) in Sterling.
I recently had my hours cut to two nights a week because of a new hire there. I'm a college student still in the process of paying my tuition. Therefore, I'm attempting to seek out more hours.
My family has worked with, or for, Johnson Oil for four generations in some capacity (clerk or electrical work), and I really like working for Mr. Johnson.
I currently work from 5:00 PM to closing time (12:00) on Saturday and Sunday nights. I attend class at Sauk Valley Community College on Monday and Tuesday nights. I am usually at a high school football game every Friday night. This leaves Wednesday and Thursday nights open.
What I would like to do is NOT to cut someone else's hours. Therefore, here's what I would like to propose:
If the person you have scheduled to work on Wednesday night or Thursday night calls off, I would like to be included as an emergency backup. Obviously, you can call your store's workers first before me.
If you are a 24-hour store, I am available "Monday into Tuesday", Tuesday into Wednesday", "Wednesday into Thursday", and "Thursday into Friday."
I have worked the night shift at East End for over a year, and rarely ever do the morning and afternoon (mid) shifts. So I'm used to the night shift. Before working at East End, I spent 19 months as overnight lead at a BP. In my time at East End (btw - we work with RUBY registers), I have passed the Mystery Shopper four times and passed sting operations. A couple of negatives (what is mentioning positives without negatives?) would be that I have not worked with a scratch-off lotto machine, and rarely make food.
I have only missed work once in my time at East End, and have an ability to make the customer feel welcome at the store - in other words, they are not treated as customers who bring in money, but rather people who choose us as their "go-to" place in which we should appreciate.
Thanks for your time in reading this, and if you have any questions please let me know.
Cody Cutter
East End No. 18
Phone: 1-815-626-7181
E-mail: shs42886@yahoo.com"
I'm determined to go to as many JO's as possible. Any attempt to stop this will be looked at as an attempt to destroy me.
Current Song - Stone Cold Theme
"Hello. My name is Cody Cutter, I am a cashier at the East End Shell (No. 18) in Sterling.
I recently had my hours cut to two nights a week because of a new hire there. I'm a college student still in the process of paying my tuition. Therefore, I'm attempting to seek out more hours.
My family has worked with, or for, Johnson Oil for four generations in some capacity (clerk or electrical work), and I really like working for Mr. Johnson.
I currently work from 5:00 PM to closing time (12:00) on Saturday and Sunday nights. I attend class at Sauk Valley Community College on Monday and Tuesday nights. I am usually at a high school football game every Friday night. This leaves Wednesday and Thursday nights open.
What I would like to do is NOT to cut someone else's hours. Therefore, here's what I would like to propose:
If the person you have scheduled to work on Wednesday night or Thursday night calls off, I would like to be included as an emergency backup. Obviously, you can call your store's workers first before me.
If you are a 24-hour store, I am available "Monday into Tuesday", Tuesday into Wednesday", "Wednesday into Thursday", and "Thursday into Friday."
I have worked the night shift at East End for over a year, and rarely ever do the morning and afternoon (mid) shifts. So I'm used to the night shift. Before working at East End, I spent 19 months as overnight lead at a BP. In my time at East End (btw - we work with RUBY registers), I have passed the Mystery Shopper four times and passed sting operations. A couple of negatives (what is mentioning positives without negatives?) would be that I have not worked with a scratch-off lotto machine, and rarely make food.
I have only missed work once in my time at East End, and have an ability to make the customer feel welcome at the store - in other words, they are not treated as customers who bring in money, but rather people who choose us as their "go-to" place in which we should appreciate.
Thanks for your time in reading this, and if you have any questions please let me know.
Cody Cutter
East End No. 18
Phone: 1-815-626-7181
E-mail: shs42886@yahoo.com"
I'm determined to go to as many JO's as possible. Any attempt to stop this will be looked at as an attempt to destroy me.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Almost TOO much to do
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.81.90
Current Song - It Ain't Over Till It's Over (Lenny Kravitz)
I've been so worried about work that I sort of put everything else on the backburner. I'll bet work will be on the backburner when this everything else is accomplished.
My car is a mess. I bought a bicycle last week (yes, I finally got one), and had to move all of the things out of my trunk to fit it in. They're still in my backseat. I may as well get my car cleaned while I'm at that.
I'm starting to make the transition from debit card purchases to writing checks. Of course, I'll have to prewrite them before I enter the store. If I know how much something will cost, I'll write down the price before I walk in. This kind of saves "line time." Coming in with a pre-written check is slightly shorter than using a card (trust me I know). But there's an actual reason for me writing checks. Fast food joints do not take checks. If I get into the habit of writing checks, I will not be likely to drive up to one.
Otherwise, finances are going to be a bit slim. My paycheck will be weak for obvious reasons. Also, since I will be using checks more, it will seem as if I'm getting paid on Thursday instead of Wednesday. Here's why, the direct deposits are entered at 6:00 a.m. Wednesday, but I won't know exactly how much until the stubs come in on Thursday.
I will be going to the Western Big 6 Football Coaches Banquet tomorrow night. I'll try to use that to write my Western Big 6 Conference Call for Edgy Tim. I also have the rest of this week and next to organize these. Plus a Friday 5 for Friday. I also have to set up the pick'ems on Saturday. Other than that, no more NISB stuff until Week 1 of the football season.
I was offered to be my grandmother's executor of her Will. I checked a book out from the library and will start reading about all of this soon.
Classes began yesterday. The Film Appreciation one seems to be going real well, and I will experience the math one tonight. It's my first math class in four years.
I'm going on the bike.
Current Song - It Ain't Over Till It's Over (Lenny Kravitz)
I've been so worried about work that I sort of put everything else on the backburner. I'll bet work will be on the backburner when this everything else is accomplished.
My car is a mess. I bought a bicycle last week (yes, I finally got one), and had to move all of the things out of my trunk to fit it in. They're still in my backseat. I may as well get my car cleaned while I'm at that.
I'm starting to make the transition from debit card purchases to writing checks. Of course, I'll have to prewrite them before I enter the store. If I know how much something will cost, I'll write down the price before I walk in. This kind of saves "line time." Coming in with a pre-written check is slightly shorter than using a card (trust me I know). But there's an actual reason for me writing checks. Fast food joints do not take checks. If I get into the habit of writing checks, I will not be likely to drive up to one.
Otherwise, finances are going to be a bit slim. My paycheck will be weak for obvious reasons. Also, since I will be using checks more, it will seem as if I'm getting paid on Thursday instead of Wednesday. Here's why, the direct deposits are entered at 6:00 a.m. Wednesday, but I won't know exactly how much until the stubs come in on Thursday.
I will be going to the Western Big 6 Football Coaches Banquet tomorrow night. I'll try to use that to write my Western Big 6 Conference Call for Edgy Tim. I also have the rest of this week and next to organize these. Plus a Friday 5 for Friday. I also have to set up the pick'ems on Saturday. Other than that, no more NISB stuff until Week 1 of the football season.
I was offered to be my grandmother's executor of her Will. I checked a book out from the library and will start reading about all of this soon.
Classes began yesterday. The Film Appreciation one seems to be going real well, and I will experience the math one tonight. It's my first math class in four years.
I'm going on the bike.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Another work update
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.41.80
Current Song - Talking in My Sleep (The Romantics)
I'm going to pitch in to Chris's book fund on Monday. He doesn't know it.
An update on the work situation:
Looks like nothing's really open throughout the JO circuit, although Kathy pointed to Route 30 as a possibility. Sounds familar. So really nothing outlandish is going to occur. Personally, I'm kind of waiting for the man who works one day of the week to up and leave (the younger one). That'll add at least one night.
The way I look at it:
5+ is excellent (which won't happen due to football and school)
4 is great
3 is fine
2 is not feasible
1 is an insult
Plus, I don't have the Saturday's where I'm coming in an hour early. So it's a 15-hour week.
15 x 8.25 = 123.75 - ~10% taxes = 111.37
Whoop-de-do!
I'm pretty much down to emergency fill-in on Wednesday and Thursday nights until October. I may have to back down from October Friday night games in order to ensure a 3-4 night schedule at Rt. 30. Thus, I have made a backup plan for Weeks 7-9: Kaneland at DeKalb, Fulton at St. Bede, and Mt. Vernon at Geneseo in that order. Only one week is certain, and that is Week 5 when Kewanee hosts Princeton.
Current Song - Talking in My Sleep (The Romantics)
I'm going to pitch in to Chris's book fund on Monday. He doesn't know it.
An update on the work situation:
Looks like nothing's really open throughout the JO circuit, although Kathy pointed to Route 30 as a possibility. Sounds familar. So really nothing outlandish is going to occur. Personally, I'm kind of waiting for the man who works one day of the week to up and leave (the younger one). That'll add at least one night.
The way I look at it:
5+ is excellent (which won't happen due to football and school)
4 is great
3 is fine
2 is not feasible
1 is an insult
Plus, I don't have the Saturday's where I'm coming in an hour early. So it's a 15-hour week.
15 x 8.25 = 123.75 - ~10% taxes = 111.37
Whoop-de-do!
I'm pretty much down to emergency fill-in on Wednesday and Thursday nights until October. I may have to back down from October Friday night games in order to ensure a 3-4 night schedule at Rt. 30. Thus, I have made a backup plan for Weeks 7-9: Kaneland at DeKalb, Fulton at St. Bede, and Mt. Vernon at Geneseo in that order. Only one week is certain, and that is Week 5 when Kewanee hosts Princeton.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Proposals, proposals
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.31.80
Current Song - One Night in Bangkok (Murray Head)
Since it looks as if I'm unable to pry more hours at the station I work out, I came up with a plan to try to get more hours elsewhere.
The plan does not involve taking someone else's hours away. Rather, it's an emergency call-off plan.
I'm available to work Wednesday nights and Thursday nights. I am also available to work Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at the JO overnight stations (remember, I did 15 months of overnights).
If someone calls off of their shift, and backup plans get cold, I am available as a last resort, and willing to travel all the way to Galesburg, Woodstock, Ottawa, etc.
All I have to do is put this in the right words for a note.
I just can't do 2 nights a week.
Current Song - One Night in Bangkok (Murray Head)
Since it looks as if I'm unable to pry more hours at the station I work out, I came up with a plan to try to get more hours elsewhere.
The plan does not involve taking someone else's hours away. Rather, it's an emergency call-off plan.
I'm available to work Wednesday nights and Thursday nights. I am also available to work Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at the JO overnight stations (remember, I did 15 months of overnights).
If someone calls off of their shift, and backup plans get cold, I am available as a last resort, and willing to travel all the way to Galesburg, Woodstock, Ottawa, etc.
All I have to do is put this in the right words for a note.
I just can't do 2 nights a week.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
What to do, what to do?
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.9002.11.80
Current Song - Undun (The Guess Who)
May take Dan out driving today. Not much else to do, other than phone in my tickets to an event.
May pick up ticket on Wednesday, as well as buy a bicycle - all of this taking Dan driving with me. I also have some books to pick up from the bookstore.
Thursday, I'm going bowling with the family and possibly heading to Ottawa for the rest of the day.
Friday I'm going to be in Dixon.
Will probably be visiting football practices in Ottawa (Thursday) and Dixon (Friday). 21 more practices follow.
Current Song - Undun (The Guess Who)
May take Dan out driving today. Not much else to do, other than phone in my tickets to an event.
May pick up ticket on Wednesday, as well as buy a bicycle - all of this taking Dan driving with me. I also have some books to pick up from the bookstore.
Thursday, I'm going bowling with the family and possibly heading to Ottawa for the rest of the day.
Friday I'm going to be in Dixon.
Will probably be visiting football practices in Ottawa (Thursday) and Dixon (Friday). 21 more practices follow.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Let's find a schedule
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.60.80
Current Song - We Built This City (Starship)
I do not have a schedule in place thus far. Hopefully by the end of the entry I will have one.
The work schedule is going to be nuts. We hired someone who had been working there before, and she was placed above me in the priority list. That means the manager, assistant manager, and two people I have seniority over are literally running the store. I feel degraded a bit. It's not that I need Mondays and Tuesdays off, but apparently Wednesday and Thursday is a problem? That's what I thought at first, but I have to come to the fact that I need to accept my role there. I MAY be picking up a night in the next couple of weeks, but it's still one less that what I really want.
I also may end up getting Friday's completely off. I had asked for just midshift (no night) on Friday, but other priorities made that not happen. So I'm hoping for Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday nights when the Fall semester starts.
Plus, in October, I think I'm still designated as a replacement for someone who's pregnant at Route 30. If so, I want to try to get three nights there, and one night at my place. Me just having one night at my place may still make the schedule there worry-free.
I hope this all works out well.
Anyway, today I'm getting new brake pads installed. I had pads installed in October, and they are squealing already. So I'm getting a refund from Auto Zone. I may also take Dan driving, and cleaning my room. I already filled up my tank this morning.
Michael is gone. His stuff that was left in my room from a long time ago, is now gone. I have a bunch of clothes there I need to get rid of. So I may make a trip to Goodwill today.
I work for Justin on Friday, and I work Saturday and Sunday night. I had a brief morning appearance on Wednesday - yes, a MORNING appearance. So my paycheck next Wednesday is going to be slightly bigger. What to do with that paycheck, which will be roughly $220.00? There's a bike I want that's just less than $100.00 at Walmart. There's also the Film Appreciation textbook that's about the same price. That nearly wipes me out for that week.
The date of my next paycheck also happens to be the start of the 2009-10 high school sports season. As with last season, I will not be doing any kind of preseason previews for the teams (I don't have this time yet), but still able to do a few Conference Calls for Edgy, if he asks me to do these once again. I have to get the pick'em up by the 22nd, and put out a call for cybercasts from radio stations. As well as update the list of MLB Draftees.
I think what I'm going to do again for the football season is continuing the Weekly Observation piece (due Sunday), the Friday 5 (due Friday) and do an NISB Game of the Week or something, since I'm planning on getting Friday nights off. The GOTW is usually the "tiebreaker" game in the Pick'em. Hopefully I have a successful season this year, and nothing like last year.
So the schedule is set, for now.
Current Song - We Built This City (Starship)
I do not have a schedule in place thus far. Hopefully by the end of the entry I will have one.
The work schedule is going to be nuts. We hired someone who had been working there before, and she was placed above me in the priority list. That means the manager, assistant manager, and two people I have seniority over are literally running the store. I feel degraded a bit. It's not that I need Mondays and Tuesdays off, but apparently Wednesday and Thursday is a problem? That's what I thought at first, but I have to come to the fact that I need to accept my role there. I MAY be picking up a night in the next couple of weeks, but it's still one less that what I really want.
I also may end up getting Friday's completely off. I had asked for just midshift (no night) on Friday, but other priorities made that not happen. So I'm hoping for Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday nights when the Fall semester starts.
Plus, in October, I think I'm still designated as a replacement for someone who's pregnant at Route 30. If so, I want to try to get three nights there, and one night at my place. Me just having one night at my place may still make the schedule there worry-free.
I hope this all works out well.
Anyway, today I'm getting new brake pads installed. I had pads installed in October, and they are squealing already. So I'm getting a refund from Auto Zone. I may also take Dan driving, and cleaning my room. I already filled up my tank this morning.
Michael is gone. His stuff that was left in my room from a long time ago, is now gone. I have a bunch of clothes there I need to get rid of. So I may make a trip to Goodwill today.
I work for Justin on Friday, and I work Saturday and Sunday night. I had a brief morning appearance on Wednesday - yes, a MORNING appearance. So my paycheck next Wednesday is going to be slightly bigger. What to do with that paycheck, which will be roughly $220.00? There's a bike I want that's just less than $100.00 at Walmart. There's also the Film Appreciation textbook that's about the same price. That nearly wipes me out for that week.
The date of my next paycheck also happens to be the start of the 2009-10 high school sports season. As with last season, I will not be doing any kind of preseason previews for the teams (I don't have this time yet), but still able to do a few Conference Calls for Edgy, if he asks me to do these once again. I have to get the pick'em up by the 22nd, and put out a call for cybercasts from radio stations. As well as update the list of MLB Draftees.
I think what I'm going to do again for the football season is continuing the Weekly Observation piece (due Sunday), the Friday 5 (due Friday) and do an NISB Game of the Week or something, since I'm planning on getting Friday nights off. The GOTW is usually the "tiebreaker" game in the Pick'em. Hopefully I have a successful season this year, and nothing like last year.
So the schedule is set, for now.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Humanities thing done ... now what?
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.10.80
Current Song - Moonlight Feels Right (Starbuck)
I completed my Humanities project at 7:30 PM Thursday night. A huge weight just got off of my shoulders. Apparently, I wasn't the only one who felt this way. There were many people on the class's discussion board that said this was the most difficult thing they had done. I'm just hoping I pass it. If I pass this project, I pass the class. If I fail the project, I fail the class.
There's only four more classes to take at SVCC before graduating (assuming I pass this HUM final). I will be taking another Humanities class: Film appreciation. According to the SVCC Catalog, "An introduction to film as an art form, emphasizing a study of the aesthetic and production elements of the medium, including narrative genres, directorial style, cinematography, acting and editing." The other one is Principles of Modern Mathematics. According to the Catalog, "An investigation of the key ideas in contemporary mathematics. The following topics will be studied in-depth: mathematics of finance, basic geometry and measurement, coordinate geometry, and introductory probability and statistics. These topics are taught with an emphasis on problem-solving. This course serves as a general mathematics elective for liberal arts majors."
My Film books are going to cost $88.75, and it is a collection I have to get via the bookstore. My math book is going to cost $123.50 in the bookstore, but less than $35 on Amazon. I'm going to get the Amazon book on Wednesday, when I get paid.
I'm doing okay financially. I just made my first college payment yesterday of $193. All I have left this month are the textbooks. Hopefully I won't have to dig in my savings any further than what I just did yesterday.
I mentioned this a few posts back. I want to get a bicycle. There's a bike shop in town that I haven't made my way to yet. There's another bike at Wal-Mart that I like. So money is going to be a bit tight this month.
Which brings me to work. I'm still doing Saturday-Sunday-Monday, and may pick up an extra day next week.
Then there's NISB. I was planning on doing a photo feature, but only got halfway done with it before Humanities crunch time. Hopefully I can get a writeup of it done soon, and at least one more place. I'm also thinking about bringing back the Friday 5 in time for the fall season. I'll know more about the work/NISB arrangement after this string of days.
Finally, I'd like to end tonight by thinking about what Mike told me today. He wants to move out of the house in a week, and apparently he's already found a place to stay. All six of us have been together for 16 years. Kinda sad, but good for him and I hope he survives.
Current Song - Moonlight Feels Right (Starbuck)
I completed my Humanities project at 7:30 PM Thursday night. A huge weight just got off of my shoulders. Apparently, I wasn't the only one who felt this way. There were many people on the class's discussion board that said this was the most difficult thing they had done. I'm just hoping I pass it. If I pass this project, I pass the class. If I fail the project, I fail the class.
There's only four more classes to take at SVCC before graduating (assuming I pass this HUM final). I will be taking another Humanities class: Film appreciation. According to the SVCC Catalog, "An introduction to film as an art form, emphasizing a study of the aesthetic and production elements of the medium, including narrative genres, directorial style, cinematography, acting and editing." The other one is Principles of Modern Mathematics. According to the Catalog, "An investigation of the key ideas in contemporary mathematics. The following topics will be studied in-depth: mathematics of finance, basic geometry and measurement, coordinate geometry, and introductory probability and statistics. These topics are taught with an emphasis on problem-solving. This course serves as a general mathematics elective for liberal arts majors."
My Film books are going to cost $88.75, and it is a collection I have to get via the bookstore. My math book is going to cost $123.50 in the bookstore, but less than $35 on Amazon. I'm going to get the Amazon book on Wednesday, when I get paid.
I'm doing okay financially. I just made my first college payment yesterday of $193. All I have left this month are the textbooks. Hopefully I won't have to dig in my savings any further than what I just did yesterday.
I mentioned this a few posts back. I want to get a bicycle. There's a bike shop in town that I haven't made my way to yet. There's another bike at Wal-Mart that I like. So money is going to be a bit tight this month.
Which brings me to work. I'm still doing Saturday-Sunday-Monday, and may pick up an extra day next week.
Then there's NISB. I was planning on doing a photo feature, but only got halfway done with it before Humanities crunch time. Hopefully I can get a writeup of it done soon, and at least one more place. I'm also thinking about bringing back the Friday 5 in time for the fall season. I'll know more about the work/NISB arrangement after this string of days.
Finally, I'd like to end tonight by thinking about what Mike told me today. He wants to move out of the house in a week, and apparently he's already found a place to stay. All six of us have been together for 16 years. Kinda sad, but good for him and I hope he survives.
Friday, July 24, 2009
One last, difficult challenge for class
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.42.70
Current Song - In a Big Country (Big Country)
I'm taking a break from my "blog absence" to let you in on some school developments. This edition of WSN will be tweaked to be SWN to emphasize the school things.
School: I completed my PSY stuff, and just one Humanities assignment. I'm hovering somewhere around a 57%. Here's what the final project consists of:
It is a teaching unit - come up with a topic to teach people about.
Fill out an "objectives" form about the topic - the topic has to be approved beforehand
Write one lecture - 3 pages
Either write one reading, or use something already published - 8 pages
Write an outline of the reading - 2 pages
Create a 20 question multiple choice quiz on the topic
Write out a writing assignment about the topic, plus an outline - 2 pages
Write out another writing assignment (just an essay answer)
Work Cited page - minimum 7 sources
Come up with five more related links about the topic
Yikes!
The instructions include this:
"Feel free to choose a topic that you may have an interest in or some background in."
The topic has to be related to the Humanities, obviously. So, using these two thoughts, I jotted down a list of things that interested me:
Illinois High School Sports (and it's journalism form)
Asperger's Syndrome
Lost Film/Movies
Destination Shortcuts
Illinois Lottery
Blackjack
Abandoned Buildings
Histories of defunct high schools in Illinois
I sent this list to my Humanities instructor, along with a description that I can't seem to find a topic.
After a day-and-a-half of no response, I went ahead and started on "lost film," and had a good idea about what to write about.
I then get this back:
"You need to accept the fact that this is a humanities course. (This is exactly the reason the State of Illinois requires higher ed students to take different types of courses, so that you begin to appreciate what's out there in this big old world.)"
If I get a teacher to spit out "the State of Illinois requires" it must mean I did something REAL terrible.
"You're right, the only topic on the list that is even close to being appropriate is the Movies. But here's a suggestion based on your list-- how sports are portrayed in the Arts."
Okay, so I'll go with "How Sports Are Portrayed in the Arts" then.
Cody + Sports = Easy ... right?
The Mighty Ducks? The Big Green? Field of Dreams? "Centerfield" by John Fogerty? John Tesh? Ancient Olympics?
Back to square one. Sports is a topic I'm interested in, yes. Sports portrayed in the arts is a topic I'm not interested in. I guess this is the only way I can do the assignment. Time is running out.
The instructor posts a Q&A about the final, with this included:
"But how do I come up with objectives if I don't know anything about the topic?
"Obviously you need to teach yourself about the topic before you can teach it to someone else. In other words, you need to do a fair amount of the research before you begin to see ideas for the sub-topics, although what really happens is that it is sort of a back and forth process."
So I need to learn about "How Sports Are Portrayed in the Arts" before I even fill out the SECOND objective form. I was also recommended to do a Google search for "making sense of sports." Turns out that is a title of a book. A book that I cannot acquire in time for the completion of the project.
I have been given three Internet links to try to figure something out ...
http://www.asama.org/index-2.html
http://www.customsportsart.com/
http://www.edgarbrown.com/index.php
I will have no hair on my head by August.
Work: It looks as if the current scheduling arrangement is going to be the status quo. If this keeps up, the possiblilty of filling in at Route 30 seems hopeful. I get another four-day stretch next week. Plenty of time to work on the Humanities thing.
NISB: I was able to send out the many mailings this week. I have heard back from only one school thus far. Not sure what that really meant, however.
I also posted the NISB Master football schedule on the Message Board. This thing helps for the scoreboard and pick'ems, and it's also a guide for the fans. I'm holding on the photo feature for a while, until I get the Humanities thing done.
IF I GET IT DONE!
Current Song - In a Big Country (Big Country)
I'm taking a break from my "blog absence" to let you in on some school developments. This edition of WSN will be tweaked to be SWN to emphasize the school things.
School: I completed my PSY stuff, and just one Humanities assignment. I'm hovering somewhere around a 57%. Here's what the final project consists of:
It is a teaching unit - come up with a topic to teach people about.
Fill out an "objectives" form about the topic - the topic has to be approved beforehand
Write one lecture - 3 pages
Either write one reading, or use something already published - 8 pages
Write an outline of the reading - 2 pages
Create a 20 question multiple choice quiz on the topic
Write out a writing assignment about the topic, plus an outline - 2 pages
Write out another writing assignment (just an essay answer)
Work Cited page - minimum 7 sources
Come up with five more related links about the topic
Yikes!
The instructions include this:
"Feel free to choose a topic that you may have an interest in or some background in."
The topic has to be related to the Humanities, obviously. So, using these two thoughts, I jotted down a list of things that interested me:
Illinois High School Sports (and it's journalism form)
Asperger's Syndrome
Lost Film/Movies
Destination Shortcuts
Illinois Lottery
Blackjack
Abandoned Buildings
Histories of defunct high schools in Illinois
I sent this list to my Humanities instructor, along with a description that I can't seem to find a topic.
After a day-and-a-half of no response, I went ahead and started on "lost film," and had a good idea about what to write about.
I then get this back:
"You need to accept the fact that this is a humanities course. (This is exactly the reason the State of Illinois requires higher ed students to take different types of courses, so that you begin to appreciate what's out there in this big old world.)"
If I get a teacher to spit out "the State of Illinois requires" it must mean I did something REAL terrible.
"You're right, the only topic on the list that is even close to being appropriate is the Movies. But here's a suggestion based on your list-- how sports are portrayed in the Arts."
Okay, so I'll go with "How Sports Are Portrayed in the Arts" then.
Cody + Sports = Easy ... right?
The Mighty Ducks? The Big Green? Field of Dreams? "Centerfield" by John Fogerty? John Tesh? Ancient Olympics?
Back to square one. Sports is a topic I'm interested in, yes. Sports portrayed in the arts is a topic I'm not interested in. I guess this is the only way I can do the assignment. Time is running out.
The instructor posts a Q&A about the final, with this included:
"But how do I come up with objectives if I don't know anything about the topic?
"Obviously you need to teach yourself about the topic before you can teach it to someone else. In other words, you need to do a fair amount of the research before you begin to see ideas for the sub-topics, although what really happens is that it is sort of a back and forth process."
So I need to learn about "How Sports Are Portrayed in the Arts" before I even fill out the SECOND objective form. I was also recommended to do a Google search for "making sense of sports." Turns out that is a title of a book. A book that I cannot acquire in time for the completion of the project.
I have been given three Internet links to try to figure something out ...
http://www.asama.org/index-2.html
http://www.customsportsart.com/
http://www.edgarbrown.com/index.php
I will have no hair on my head by August.
Work: It looks as if the current scheduling arrangement is going to be the status quo. If this keeps up, the possiblilty of filling in at Route 30 seems hopeful. I get another four-day stretch next week. Plenty of time to work on the Humanities thing.
NISB: I was able to send out the many mailings this week. I have heard back from only one school thus far. Not sure what that really meant, however.
I also posted the NISB Master football schedule on the Message Board. This thing helps for the scoreboard and pick'ems, and it's also a guide for the fans. I'm holding on the photo feature for a while, until I get the Humanities thing done.
IF I GET IT DONE!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Homework Home Stretch
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.02.70
Current Song - That's the Way of the World (Earth, Wind and Fire)
A bunch of things to get done before Sunday.
I completed all of my PSY quizzes. I have to write two papers and do a test (15 fill-in-the-blank, 5 essay). I'm going to try to get this done all at once. I will have PSY done completely, before tackling HUM. I have two papers and a final exam for it.
Updated Grades:
PSY - 84.5%
If I omit the two writing assignments, I'll be at an 82%. It may be worth it in the long run in order to catch up with my HUM. If I did one paper, it would be an 83%. I would have to score no lower than a 67% on the last test in order to maintain a B in the class.
HUM - 66.07%
The class asks for a lot of time commitment that I simply do not have. It was the same situation with the Music class I took.
I think what I'm going to do is this:
Monday after work - Write one of the writing assignments (the one on Asperger's!), and begin the test once I'm done with that.
Tuesday afternoon - Complete the PSY test, and therefore the course.
Tuesday night - Writing assignment on poem readings
Wednesday night - Writing assignment on listening to music
Thursday morning until next Thursday night: The Godawful Final
There's no denying that this classwork will be time consuming. Therefore, I am taking an absence from NISB, IHSGD, MySpace, Facebook, This Blog, and all other message board postings until this is all due - on July 31.
Aside of work, I will be concentrating in full to my classwork. Work has been going well lately. I just left the store in record time tonight. I have four straight days off once more this week. I hope it continues the following week :)
So until July 31 - See ya!
Current Song - That's the Way of the World (Earth, Wind and Fire)
A bunch of things to get done before Sunday.
I completed all of my PSY quizzes. I have to write two papers and do a test (15 fill-in-the-blank, 5 essay). I'm going to try to get this done all at once. I will have PSY done completely, before tackling HUM. I have two papers and a final exam for it.
Updated Grades:
PSY - 84.5%
If I omit the two writing assignments, I'll be at an 82%. It may be worth it in the long run in order to catch up with my HUM. If I did one paper, it would be an 83%. I would have to score no lower than a 67% on the last test in order to maintain a B in the class.
HUM - 66.07%
The class asks for a lot of time commitment that I simply do not have. It was the same situation with the Music class I took.
I think what I'm going to do is this:
Monday after work - Write one of the writing assignments (the one on Asperger's!), and begin the test once I'm done with that.
Tuesday afternoon - Complete the PSY test, and therefore the course.
Tuesday night - Writing assignment on poem readings
Wednesday night - Writing assignment on listening to music
Thursday morning until next Thursday night: The Godawful Final
There's no denying that this classwork will be time consuming. Therefore, I am taking an absence from NISB, IHSGD, MySpace, Facebook, This Blog, and all other message board postings until this is all due - on July 31.
Aside of work, I will be concentrating in full to my classwork. Work has been going well lately. I just left the store in record time tonight. I have four straight days off once more this week. I hope it continues the following week :)
So until July 31 - See ya!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
WSN - Your Favorite Hits from ... the Codeman
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.81.07
Current Song - Deacon Blues (Steely Dan)
W - Work
S - School
N - NISB
For those that don't recall.
Work - I just enjoyed four days off of work in a row. My mini vacation started on Monday and ends today at 5:00. I got a lot done in this time off. I just hope that when I come back nothing has changed. Change always happens when I'm gone. I'm working three days this week. I also work on Sunday. After this, I don't know - hopefully four days. But there goes the good paychecks for a while.
School - It's almost done. But I haven't really started on anything yet. I kind of hit a snag somewhere. My PSY grade is still in the B range, but I'm really not looking forward to the rest of HUM. I'm going to try to get all of my PSY stuff done at once (three quizzes, two writing assignments and a test). Then I'm going to try to accomplish as much HUM crap I can.
NISB - It was a wonderful accomplishment trying to get summer stuff done for NISB. I completed nearly 100 letters to the coverage area's ADs and will get them mailed as soon as I can find money for five books of stamps. I'm also in the middle of doing a photo feature. I have half of it done: four sets of pictures have been snapped, three more are needed, plus the writing part of it. Now that the football schedules are all out, I'm going to try to set up the NISB Master Football schedule. That won't be done until after classwork has been accomplished. Other than these two things, the Edgy previews are next.
As I mentioned before, money is going to be a little tight for a while. I can only hope for quick classwork in order to find an extra work day sometime and somewhere. I have a $15 Yahoo payment later next week.
I'm saving up for a bicycle with the rest of the paychecks. There's a LaJolla bicycle at Wal-Mart I'm wanting. Only because the seat is big and it is sturdy enough to hold someone like me. I hope it can do wonders. Once I get the bike, I will save money to get my left-turn light fixed. That's been a problem for almost a year now. I don't have any real necessities after this.
Current Song - Deacon Blues (Steely Dan)
W - Work
S - School
N - NISB
For those that don't recall.
Work - I just enjoyed four days off of work in a row. My mini vacation started on Monday and ends today at 5:00. I got a lot done in this time off. I just hope that when I come back nothing has changed. Change always happens when I'm gone. I'm working three days this week. I also work on Sunday. After this, I don't know - hopefully four days. But there goes the good paychecks for a while.
School - It's almost done. But I haven't really started on anything yet. I kind of hit a snag somewhere. My PSY grade is still in the B range, but I'm really not looking forward to the rest of HUM. I'm going to try to get all of my PSY stuff done at once (three quizzes, two writing assignments and a test). Then I'm going to try to accomplish as much HUM crap I can.
NISB - It was a wonderful accomplishment trying to get summer stuff done for NISB. I completed nearly 100 letters to the coverage area's ADs and will get them mailed as soon as I can find money for five books of stamps. I'm also in the middle of doing a photo feature. I have half of it done: four sets of pictures have been snapped, three more are needed, plus the writing part of it. Now that the football schedules are all out, I'm going to try to set up the NISB Master Football schedule. That won't be done until after classwork has been accomplished. Other than these two things, the Edgy previews are next.
As I mentioned before, money is going to be a little tight for a while. I can only hope for quick classwork in order to find an extra work day sometime and somewhere. I have a $15 Yahoo payment later next week.
I'm saving up for a bicycle with the rest of the paychecks. There's a LaJolla bicycle at Wal-Mart I'm wanting. Only because the seat is big and it is sturdy enough to hold someone like me. I hope it can do wonders. Once I get the bike, I will save money to get my left-turn light fixed. That's been a problem for almost a year now. I don't have any real necessities after this.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
W-S-N
Cutter's Log - Supplemental
Time for another edition of "WSN" - Just because I'm bored.
WORK: I got next week's work schedule yesterday. Bre is coming back, which reduces my hours. I'm down to three days next week after working five days for over a month. I'll see what I can do with the three days, but if I'm feeling any money effect, I will want to do a fill-in a Route 30 maybe.
I'm working tonight, Sunday night and Monday night. Then I have the next four days OFF. I get these mini-vacations quite often, and I don't know why really.
SCHOOL: I wrote two PSY papers this morning. I have one more paper left, and a unit test to complete by Sunday evening. That means when I get off of work, I will have to work on these two things before sleeping. After this, I can focus on doing a couple of Humanities quizzes before working on papers for it. The days off will help.
NISB: The four days off has created a working period for me. I'm planning on working on my summer projects (the Badminton project, summer mailings, and the 7 Wonders photo feature). I want to get this done and then concentrate on EdgyTim.com football previews.
The four days off is a perfect time for me to get the picture for the 7 Wonders series. Three or four of them do not warrant any kind of permission to snap. The others I think I need advance notice. I hope this plays out well.
Time for another edition of "WSN" - Just because I'm bored.
WORK: I got next week's work schedule yesterday. Bre is coming back, which reduces my hours. I'm down to three days next week after working five days for over a month. I'll see what I can do with the three days, but if I'm feeling any money effect, I will want to do a fill-in a Route 30 maybe.
I'm working tonight, Sunday night and Monday night. Then I have the next four days OFF. I get these mini-vacations quite often, and I don't know why really.
SCHOOL: I wrote two PSY papers this morning. I have one more paper left, and a unit test to complete by Sunday evening. That means when I get off of work, I will have to work on these two things before sleeping. After this, I can focus on doing a couple of Humanities quizzes before working on papers for it. The days off will help.
NISB: The four days off has created a working period for me. I'm planning on working on my summer projects (the Badminton project, summer mailings, and the 7 Wonders photo feature). I want to get this done and then concentrate on EdgyTim.com football previews.
The four days off is a perfect time for me to get the picture for the 7 Wonders series. Three or four of them do not warrant any kind of permission to snap. The others I think I need advance notice. I hope this plays out well.
Rest In Peace Karen
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.11.70
My aunt Judy's best friend of more than 40 years passed away yesterday. Karen Hull had been battling breast cancer for 20 years.
Karen taught at Central School and Jefferson School in Sterling for over 30 years.
Her obit: http://www.saukvalley.com/articles/2009/07/10/r_yqkm9jq4t2uq9whmp_sjfa/index.xml
My aunt Judy's best friend of more than 40 years passed away yesterday. Karen Hull had been battling breast cancer for 20 years.
Karen taught at Central School and Jefferson School in Sterling for over 30 years.
Her obit: http://www.saukvalley.com/articles/2009/07/10/r_yqkm9jq4t2uq9whmp_sjfa/index.xml
Friday, July 10, 2009
Updated Grades
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.01.70
Current Song - Hold Me Now (Thompson Twins)
An update to my PSY Grade from the past post:
Last posting: "PSY: 82% - B- (with one test grade pending)"
Currently: 87.7% B+
I got a 96% on a test.
Current Song - Hold Me Now (Thompson Twins)
An update to my PSY Grade from the past post:
Last posting: "PSY: 82% - B- (with one test grade pending)"
Currently: 87.7% B+
I got a 96% on a test.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Lets do THIS ...
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.80.70
Current Song - Poker Face (Lady GaGa)
There are 3 major entities surrounding my life at this time: Work, School, NISB. One is scheduled to end at a set time. The other two I'm hoping to get merged. That gives me some time to do other things and enjoy life.
I'm spending a lot of time toward these three things. The amount of time is so great, that I've had to cut out certain things. I've delayed Illinois HS Glory Days research, abandoned the Turk board (Turkdom kind of interfered), and the usual social banter. This blog, or journal, or diary, or web site, hasn't had a whole lot of posts in it.
So here's what I'm going to do ...
I'm going to make one post a week. Each post will have an update on the three major things, plus some more information if I care to share.
Here goes ...
WORK: The paycheck I'm about to get will most likely be my biggest until quite a while. I have been working 39 hours a week for a month. When Bre gets back I'm probably going back down to 3-4 days a week. I don't mind the 3-4-day thing because it will make me concentrate more on my schoolwork.
I've developed a plan for getting my chores done. Each night I write down a list of chores on a piece of note paper:
Cigs - Sweep - Mop - F. Cooler
F. Ice - Cap - Coffee - Papers
Restrooms - I. Trash - Rugs*
Sandwiches* - Bags* - Lot*
Lotto - Lotto #s - Lotto 7
*If not already done
BTW - F. Cooler means Facing the beer cooler, F. Ice means put ice in the fountain machine, I. Trash means inside trash, Bags means bagging ice, Lotto 7 means printouts of the last 7 lotto draws in each game. Coffee means dump coffee, Cap means clean and fill Cappuchino machine.
Cigs and Cap by 6
F. Ice and I. Trash by 7
Bags of Ice by 8
Papers, Lotto stuff by 10
Coffee, Restrooms, Beer cooler and lotto markdown by 11
Rugs, Sweep, Mop by 12
Cooler and Sandwiches after Closing
Outisde trash and flower watering after Lockdown
I don't think I should have any problem at all if I follow this to a T.
Starting in August I'm off Mondays and Tuesdays. I'm trying to get mid-shift on Fridays, instead of taking the whole day off. Usual reasons.
Possible splitting time between East End and Route 30 in October. Stay tuned.
SCHOOL: As mentioned, my extra time off after this week should help my schooling. I have three PSY writing assignments and a test to do before Sunday midnight. I'm going to try to get some HUM stuff done in this time. Classes end at the end of the month.
Up-to-date grades:
HUM: 75% - C
PSY: 82% - B- (with one test grade pending)
My goal for both courses is a 70% or higher.
NISB: I have a column at the copy desk (dinner table) waiting to be proofread. I haven't been doing F5's because of the increased work time. I think I've got 3 of 5 items lined up for this week. Let's hope I can get 5 by Friday.
I have begun summer mailings with 3 of 91 sent out thus far. I won't do any more until a gap between the end of schoolwork and Sunday midnight comes up. I've got a few audio clips to upload, and a YouTube channel to post by the end of this month. I'm also trying to put together a photo feature of the NISB 7 Wonders.
By the time August rolls around, I want to concentrate on 13 football previews for EdgyTim.com.
Current Song - Poker Face (Lady GaGa)
There are 3 major entities surrounding my life at this time: Work, School, NISB. One is scheduled to end at a set time. The other two I'm hoping to get merged. That gives me some time to do other things and enjoy life.
I'm spending a lot of time toward these three things. The amount of time is so great, that I've had to cut out certain things. I've delayed Illinois HS Glory Days research, abandoned the Turk board (Turkdom kind of interfered), and the usual social banter. This blog, or journal, or diary, or web site, hasn't had a whole lot of posts in it.
So here's what I'm going to do ...
I'm going to make one post a week. Each post will have an update on the three major things, plus some more information if I care to share.
Here goes ...
WORK: The paycheck I'm about to get will most likely be my biggest until quite a while. I have been working 39 hours a week for a month. When Bre gets back I'm probably going back down to 3-4 days a week. I don't mind the 3-4-day thing because it will make me concentrate more on my schoolwork.
I've developed a plan for getting my chores done. Each night I write down a list of chores on a piece of note paper:
Cigs - Sweep - Mop - F. Cooler
F. Ice - Cap - Coffee - Papers
Restrooms - I. Trash - Rugs*
Sandwiches* - Bags* - Lot*
Lotto - Lotto #s - Lotto 7
*If not already done
BTW - F. Cooler means Facing the beer cooler, F. Ice means put ice in the fountain machine, I. Trash means inside trash, Bags means bagging ice, Lotto 7 means printouts of the last 7 lotto draws in each game. Coffee means dump coffee, Cap means clean and fill Cappuchino machine.
Cigs and Cap by 6
F. Ice and I. Trash by 7
Bags of Ice by 8
Papers, Lotto stuff by 10
Coffee, Restrooms, Beer cooler and lotto markdown by 11
Rugs, Sweep, Mop by 12
Cooler and Sandwiches after Closing
Outisde trash and flower watering after Lockdown
I don't think I should have any problem at all if I follow this to a T.
Starting in August I'm off Mondays and Tuesdays. I'm trying to get mid-shift on Fridays, instead of taking the whole day off. Usual reasons.
Possible splitting time between East End and Route 30 in October. Stay tuned.
SCHOOL: As mentioned, my extra time off after this week should help my schooling. I have three PSY writing assignments and a test to do before Sunday midnight. I'm going to try to get some HUM stuff done in this time. Classes end at the end of the month.
Up-to-date grades:
HUM: 75% - C
PSY: 82% - B- (with one test grade pending)
My goal for both courses is a 70% or higher.
NISB: I have a column at the copy desk (dinner table) waiting to be proofread. I haven't been doing F5's because of the increased work time. I think I've got 3 of 5 items lined up for this week. Let's hope I can get 5 by Friday.
I have begun summer mailings with 3 of 91 sent out thus far. I won't do any more until a gap between the end of schoolwork and Sunday midnight comes up. I've got a few audio clips to upload, and a YouTube channel to post by the end of this month. I'm also trying to put together a photo feature of the NISB 7 Wonders.
By the time August rolls around, I want to concentrate on 13 football previews for EdgyTim.com.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Biggest Customer Meltdown Yet
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.70.70
Current Song - Billie Jean (Michael Jackson)
I've worked at gas stations since September 2006. I've seen a lot of customers during this time from the entire range of demographics. I can decipher what a customer's attitude will be when I look at their face, their license plate, and what car they drive. Because of this, I prepare for the possible conflicts that arise.
You cannot scare the crap out of me. I'm prepared for it.
Today I had a customer who pulled into the prepay pump. He walks in while I'm with a customer. He throws his credit card across the counter (mind you, I'm in the middle of a transaction), and orders me to start the pump for him.
Here's the problem: Inside registers do not have the capability to store your card information after you swipe it. Unlike a card reader.
Easy solution: SWIPE YOUR CARD AT THE PUMP!!!!
I give the card back to him.
"Can you hold on for a sec, mam ... Sir, it doesn't work this way."
(Imagine the voice of a Alaskan prospector) "It's a prepay pump! I'm prepaying!"
"You can't prepay an unknown amount with a credit card in the store."
"Here, give me that!" - He storms out of the store, and proceeds to move his car to the pump on the other side of the prepay one (this particular pump is not a prepay). Credit card in hand, he proceeds to pump his fuel the old-fashioned way. He comes in and pays with his card.
"Sir, the way it ..."
"I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT FROM YOU! (SLAPS HANDS ON THE COUNTER) I'VE ALREADY ... (I couldn't make it out) I'VE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM DOING THIS WITH ANYONE ELSE OTHER THAN YOU!"
What really makes this the biggest meltdown is the decibel level of his voice. It's louder than him striking gold. In my head I'm thinking "prospector"
I don't say a word. I just maintain my cool. I give him the signature receipt and his copy. He signs it and walks away.
Meanwhile, a regular is the next person in line. She is absolutely stunned at what had just happened.
"Was he joking?"
"No," I said, smiling. "What happened was ... Have you ever been to pump one, the prepay one? He doesn't know how to use a credit card at the pump." She is amazed on how I can put up with crap like this.
"In the end, what I'm going to remember from this is how much of an IDIOT he is."
This gentleman has been in the station before. He has used a card at the pump before. I was going to mention this, and the fact that he interrupted a customer in the first place before he screamed "I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT FROM YOU!" His card was a Shell card, so the "account holds" rule does not apply to his card.
I shrug this off, and write a blog entry about it. I hope he finds this.
The sad part about this whole ordeal is that this happened two days after a robbery took place at our store. (Saturday morning - http://www.saukvalley.com/articles/2009/07/06/42391334/index.xml). The clerk in the middle of the robbery was supposed to work today. I told her I would fill in for her. After all of that, I don't blame her for not wanting to work at night. In addition, her Godfather was murdered a week ago. This ordeal with the prospector would have sent her over the edge.
I can put up with a lot of crap. You just CAN'T phase me.
Current Song - Billie Jean (Michael Jackson)
I've worked at gas stations since September 2006. I've seen a lot of customers during this time from the entire range of demographics. I can decipher what a customer's attitude will be when I look at their face, their license plate, and what car they drive. Because of this, I prepare for the possible conflicts that arise.
You cannot scare the crap out of me. I'm prepared for it.
Today I had a customer who pulled into the prepay pump. He walks in while I'm with a customer. He throws his credit card across the counter (mind you, I'm in the middle of a transaction), and orders me to start the pump for him.
Here's the problem: Inside registers do not have the capability to store your card information after you swipe it. Unlike a card reader.
Easy solution: SWIPE YOUR CARD AT THE PUMP!!!!
I give the card back to him.
"Can you hold on for a sec, mam ... Sir, it doesn't work this way."
(Imagine the voice of a Alaskan prospector) "It's a prepay pump! I'm prepaying!"
"You can't prepay an unknown amount with a credit card in the store."
"Here, give me that!" - He storms out of the store, and proceeds to move his car to the pump on the other side of the prepay one (this particular pump is not a prepay). Credit card in hand, he proceeds to pump his fuel the old-fashioned way. He comes in and pays with his card.
"Sir, the way it ..."
"I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT FROM YOU! (SLAPS HANDS ON THE COUNTER) I'VE ALREADY ... (I couldn't make it out) I'VE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM DOING THIS WITH ANYONE ELSE OTHER THAN YOU!"
What really makes this the biggest meltdown is the decibel level of his voice. It's louder than him striking gold. In my head I'm thinking "prospector"
I don't say a word. I just maintain my cool. I give him the signature receipt and his copy. He signs it and walks away.
Meanwhile, a regular is the next person in line. She is absolutely stunned at what had just happened.
"Was he joking?"
"No," I said, smiling. "What happened was ... Have you ever been to pump one, the prepay one? He doesn't know how to use a credit card at the pump." She is amazed on how I can put up with crap like this.
"In the end, what I'm going to remember from this is how much of an IDIOT he is."
This gentleman has been in the station before. He has used a card at the pump before. I was going to mention this, and the fact that he interrupted a customer in the first place before he screamed "I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT FROM YOU!" His card was a Shell card, so the "account holds" rule does not apply to his card.
I shrug this off, and write a blog entry about it. I hope he finds this.
The sad part about this whole ordeal is that this happened two days after a robbery took place at our store. (Saturday morning - http://www.saukvalley.com/articles/2009/07/06/42391334/index.xml). The clerk in the middle of the robbery was supposed to work today. I told her I would fill in for her. After all of that, I don't blame her for not wanting to work at night. In addition, her Godfather was murdered a week ago. This ordeal with the prospector would have sent her over the edge.
I can put up with a lot of crap. You just CAN'T phase me.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Edward Hopper: Nighthawks
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.62.60
Current Song - Highway Blues (Marc Seales)
http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/auth/hopper/street/hopper.nighthawks.jpg
Below is what I have to write for an assignment (the paragraphs are numbered):
1. Hopper's bio
2. What purpose does this painting serve?
3. Cultural and Social Contexts - what does this painting tell us about what was going on in the culture, or how does the painting reflect the culture. what was going on in the society at the time that painting was made, especially events that may have had an impact on the artist.
4. Painting's background information - what was going on in the art world at the time the painting was created, such as style(s), new techniques, or subject matter. what did the critics and other artists think of the painting and its creator.
5. Era background information
6. How realistic is this painting?
7. What are the design elements of this painting?
8. Hermanuetical Paragraph: identifying the objects - relate them to the picture
9. Wollflin Paragraph
10. Overall conclusion?
I could do it if it had to do with SPORTS!
Current Song - Highway Blues (Marc Seales)
http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/auth/hopper/street/hopper.nighthawks.jpg
Below is what I have to write for an assignment (the paragraphs are numbered):
1. Hopper's bio
2. What purpose does this painting serve?
3. Cultural and Social Contexts - what does this painting tell us about what was going on in the culture, or how does the painting reflect the culture. what was going on in the society at the time that painting was made, especially events that may have had an impact on the artist.
4. Painting's background information - what was going on in the art world at the time the painting was created, such as style(s), new techniques, or subject matter. what did the critics and other artists think of the painting and its creator.
5. Era background information
6. How realistic is this painting?
7. What are the design elements of this painting?
8. Hermanuetical Paragraph: identifying the objects - relate them to the picture
9. Wollflin Paragraph
10. Overall conclusion?
I could do it if it had to do with SPORTS!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
So here's what I have to get done by Sunday
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.12.60
Current Song - Hey Nineteen (Steely Dan)
First off, the recent stats on my car say I'm getting 28.6 miles per gallon. Excellent!
MONDAY: Compete a Psychology worksheet dealing with Classical Conditioning.
TUESDAY: Assign and discuss Wolfflin pairs between two paintings.
WENDESDAY: Compare the Psychology research of Bartlett with that of Ebbinghaus.
THURSDAY: Create a "reading" of a painting. Use two of four given perspectives to identify and discuss. Plus do a Wofflin and a Hermanutical circle on it.
FRIDAY: Distinguish between Spearmen’s theories of intelligence with Howard Gardner’s theory of intelligence.
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY: Do the Psychology test.
Current Song - Hey Nineteen (Steely Dan)
First off, the recent stats on my car say I'm getting 28.6 miles per gallon. Excellent!
MONDAY: Compete a Psychology worksheet dealing with Classical Conditioning.
TUESDAY: Assign and discuss Wolfflin pairs between two paintings.
WENDESDAY: Compare the Psychology research of Bartlett with that of Ebbinghaus.
THURSDAY: Create a "reading" of a painting. Use two of four given perspectives to identify and discuss. Plus do a Wofflin and a Hermanutical circle on it.
FRIDAY: Distinguish between Spearmen’s theories of intelligence with Howard Gardner’s theory of intelligence.
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY: Do the Psychology test.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
I hate homework
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.02.60
Current Song - Whispers (unknown artist)
That's all. Would rather be doing site stuff. Or rather just get it out of the way REAL FAST!
(addition - 6/21)
I do. I really do. I was just previewing the assignments for the rest of the year. I'm extremely angry right now! Apparently the rest of the summer requires my undivided attention. There goes the summer projects planned for the website. There goes any research on old schools the rest of the summer. There goes blog entries. There goes my planned comeback to the Turk board. There goes everything, except Friday 5's and work.
If it gets down to that, it's real bull! Really!
Current Song - Whispers (unknown artist)
That's all. Would rather be doing site stuff. Or rather just get it out of the way REAL FAST!
(addition - 6/21)
I do. I really do. I was just previewing the assignments for the rest of the year. I'm extremely angry right now! Apparently the rest of the summer requires my undivided attention. There goes the summer projects planned for the website. There goes any research on old schools the rest of the summer. There goes blog entries. There goes my planned comeback to the Turk board. There goes everything, except Friday 5's and work.
If it gets down to that, it's real bull! Really!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Today's Hit Music
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.81.06
Current Songs ...
I've always liked older music. Just about anything before 1997 I like. Songs released after that date just sound crummy. I don't like them. I don't listen to them. These were the songs that were playing on All-Hit 98.9 when I was in school.
Feeling real bored during a drive one day, I found myself listening to B100 - pretty much the 98.9 replacement. Heard that song by the Black Eyed Peas, "Boom Boom Pow." I really like it. Plus "Poker Face" by Lady Gaga. It made me try to think of all of the songs I like that were released AFTER 1997.
This list is few:
Black Eyed Peas - Boom Boom Pow
Poker Face - Lady Gaga
Black Eyed Peas - My Humps
Sting - Brand New Day
Ja Rule - Livin' It Up
Robby Williams - Millenium
Toya - I do
Mary J. Blige - Family Affair
Junior Senior - Move Your Feet
Low - Flo Rida
Smooth - Santana and Rob Thomas
All My Life - K-Ci and JoJo
Plus there's a techno song out there in which I can't understand the lyrics to.
Yeah, that's it.
Current Songs ...
I've always liked older music. Just about anything before 1997 I like. Songs released after that date just sound crummy. I don't like them. I don't listen to them. These were the songs that were playing on All-Hit 98.9 when I was in school.
Feeling real bored during a drive one day, I found myself listening to B100 - pretty much the 98.9 replacement. Heard that song by the Black Eyed Peas, "Boom Boom Pow." I really like it. Plus "Poker Face" by Lady Gaga. It made me try to think of all of the songs I like that were released AFTER 1997.
This list is few:
Black Eyed Peas - Boom Boom Pow
Poker Face - Lady Gaga
Black Eyed Peas - My Humps
Sting - Brand New Day
Ja Rule - Livin' It Up
Robby Williams - Millenium
Toya - I do
Mary J. Blige - Family Affair
Junior Senior - Move Your Feet
Low - Flo Rida
Smooth - Santana and Rob Thomas
All My Life - K-Ci and JoJo
Plus there's a techno song out there in which I can't understand the lyrics to.
Yeah, that's it.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Day off, getting back on track
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.71.60
Current Song - Livin It Up (JaRule)
The past few days have been hectic with a lot of Northern Illinois Sports Beat site changes and updates. The only two things I have left to do are to change the old homepage, and fix the Story Archive. I've got a couple of more articles left this week.
I can't wait for that mess to get over with. Speaking of messes, my car hasn't been cleaned in quite some time. I'm going to take it to get cleaned today, both a car wash and a good vacuum. I have a box in my back seat of crap that I need put in the house. That box has been sitting there for a month and I never bothered to do anything with it.
I get paid today. I'm going to get my Pick 3 and 4 7-day draws today, get a haircut, get a couple of pairs of pants sewed, and reconcile my money. Typical "day off" stuff.
Current Song - Livin It Up (JaRule)
The past few days have been hectic with a lot of Northern Illinois Sports Beat site changes and updates. The only two things I have left to do are to change the old homepage, and fix the Story Archive. I've got a couple of more articles left this week.
I can't wait for that mess to get over with. Speaking of messes, my car hasn't been cleaned in quite some time. I'm going to take it to get cleaned today, both a car wash and a good vacuum. I have a box in my back seat of crap that I need put in the house. That box has been sitting there for a month and I never bothered to do anything with it.
I get paid today. I'm going to get my Pick 3 and 4 7-day draws today, get a haircut, get a couple of pairs of pants sewed, and reconcile my money. Typical "day off" stuff.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Ta-Da!
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.51.60
Current Song - While You See a Chance (Steve Winwood)
http://www.northernillinoissportsbeat.com
Current Song - While You See a Chance (Steve Winwood)
http://www.northernillinoissportsbeat.com
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