Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.82.21
Current Song - That's All (Genesis)
Tonight's meeting of East End's evening coffee clatch brought up the topic about how Sterling has gone downhill. It's a common topic.
This time, we talked a little about the "old" downtown. Places like Fourth Street Methodist, the Lincoln Hotel, Emil's, Susan's, etc.
For those who remember these places, the word "businesses" is the synonymous word. To me, that word is "destruction."
You see, I was a five-year-old kid when these places fell to the wrecking ball. It was my first visual experience with things ceasing to exist. When you are that young, you think everything lasts forever. Then, "out of nowhere" there's a big hole in the church building. Then more buildings had big holes in them.
Pretty soon I thought every building would have big holes in them. My house, my neighbor's, the Synagogue, the old chiropracter's home, Wallace School, grandpa and grandma's house ...
I thought the whole town was going to be destroyed. Where were we going to live now??
I didn't say anything until the Wayne-Burdue building (in the other part of downtown) had holes in it.
"Are they going to tear down Sterling?" I asked either mommy or daddy.
(That building was actually being renovated)
It was extremely weird seeing these buildings just not there anymore. The KFC was where my grandma was an assistant manager. On a pre-school walking trip, we stopped at the Kastle for ice cream - and Mr. Fell of Fell's Barber Shop (remember "New Bosnia?") invited us all in and we each got a piece of candy. Eberley's Drug was a frequent errand for the family.
The specific area I'm referring to (if you don't know) is bounded by Locust Street on the east, Avenue C to the west, Fifth Street to the north, and Third Street to the south.
I found an online archive of the old buildings. It's from the Sterling Public Library's photo album. A lot of the pictures are of the library's new addition.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Work
Cutter's Log - Supplemental
My fill-in assignment at Dixon appears to be over. They hired someone.
I really enjoyed working there. Some of the things I learned there that I can bring back to my store include: making sandwiches faster, facing bills, and caring about the coffee.
This is why I like working at different stores. I get to learn things that can help me at my own station (see how). But the biggest thing I will miss about Dixon East is getting to meet a lot of new people. The customers there are more friendly than the customers who come in my store. I find myself not stereotyping customers there compared to East End. It actually made me look forward to working THERE, compared to my place.
I'm going to miss it there. I'm going to miss getting along with everyone there. Can't say that same thing about my place.
Call it the generation rivalry rekindled. I thought things were getting better about a month ago, but lately things have been going down a slippery slope. A bad chord was struck when it came to the super-regular customers. "Those people." Those people? You aren't going to talk to my regular customers, then I won't talk to your regular customers. Plus, I don't like talking to other workers about work gossip. I don't bring my personal life to work, I leave it at home. That way I don't let it get in the way of my performance, and my customer relations.
I'm doing just three days this week: Christmas day from 10:00 to 6:30 p.m. and the usual weekend nights. I'm working one extra hour on the weekend, plus the Christmas shift is a 2 1/2 hour extension of a normal shift. Holiday pay for me is $12.37/hour. I'm probably going to make just over $200 for the week, which is roughly $100 less than doing two stores.
So I'm going to go back on the floating block: One day a week at another store.
My fill-in assignment at Dixon appears to be over. They hired someone.
I really enjoyed working there. Some of the things I learned there that I can bring back to my store include: making sandwiches faster, facing bills, and caring about the coffee.
This is why I like working at different stores. I get to learn things that can help me at my own station (see how). But the biggest thing I will miss about Dixon East is getting to meet a lot of new people. The customers there are more friendly than the customers who come in my store. I find myself not stereotyping customers there compared to East End. It actually made me look forward to working THERE, compared to my place.
I'm going to miss it there. I'm going to miss getting along with everyone there. Can't say that same thing about my place.
Call it the generation rivalry rekindled. I thought things were getting better about a month ago, but lately things have been going down a slippery slope. A bad chord was struck when it came to the super-regular customers. "Those people." Those people? You aren't going to talk to my regular customers, then I won't talk to your regular customers. Plus, I don't like talking to other workers about work gossip. I don't bring my personal life to work, I leave it at home. That way I don't let it get in the way of my performance, and my customer relations.
I'm doing just three days this week: Christmas day from 10:00 to 6:30 p.m. and the usual weekend nights. I'm working one extra hour on the weekend, plus the Christmas shift is a 2 1/2 hour extension of a normal shift. Holiday pay for me is $12.37/hour. I'm probably going to make just over $200 for the week, which is roughly $100 less than doing two stores.
So I'm going to go back on the floating block: One day a week at another store.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Computer is Back
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.32.21
Current Song - Hello News
Another virus came. Another virus gone.
Now it's time to get the website back on schedule.
Current Song - Hello News
Another virus came. Another virus gone.
Now it's time to get the website back on schedule.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Without a car
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.41.21
Current Song - Stormy (Classics IV)
I've been battling a cold/sore throat/runny nose/headache/cough, and just about the whole nine yards on a Nyquil bottle. I've been staying at home lately (aside of work) to try to make myself feel better. I don't think there's much out there as far as sports in the coming days. I can only imagine what's out there - rides to and from places only close by.
I'm working the nightshift up in Dixon tonight for the second time. Most of the sandwiches were made over the weekend, so that cuts out some time. The cooler isn't what I thought it was, so that's cut out. I think I'll be okay.
I'm off Tuesday and Wednesday all day. I'm working Thursday and Friday midshift, and the usual weekend close, along with Sunday afternoon at Dixon. There's a wrestling meet in Dixon on Thursday vs. Rocky, and that's about it. Hopefully I get the car back by Friday. I really want to go to Hononegah-Boylan on Friday night.
What was supposed to be a couple of days at Dixon has now turned into a month and a half.
Also, there's supposed to be some Christmas get-together of the store's employees on Saturday. It's going to be AT the store. When I'M working. My performance may be judged or something?
Current Song - Stormy (Classics IV)
I've been battling a cold/sore throat/runny nose/headache/cough, and just about the whole nine yards on a Nyquil bottle. I've been staying at home lately (aside of work) to try to make myself feel better. I don't think there's much out there as far as sports in the coming days. I can only imagine what's out there - rides to and from places only close by.
I'm working the nightshift up in Dixon tonight for the second time. Most of the sandwiches were made over the weekend, so that cuts out some time. The cooler isn't what I thought it was, so that's cut out. I think I'll be okay.
I'm off Tuesday and Wednesday all day. I'm working Thursday and Friday midshift, and the usual weekend close, along with Sunday afternoon at Dixon. There's a wrestling meet in Dixon on Thursday vs. Rocky, and that's about it. Hopefully I get the car back by Friday. I really want to go to Hononegah-Boylan on Friday night.
What was supposed to be a couple of days at Dixon has now turned into a month and a half.
Also, there's supposed to be some Christmas get-together of the store's employees on Saturday. It's going to be AT the store. When I'M working. My performance may be judged or something?
Thursday, December 10, 2009
I hate Winter
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.01.21
Current Song - Deacon Blues (Steely Dan)
When I was younger I never really cared about how wet my clothes were. Now I can't go outside without trying to figure out how NOT to get them wet. This always ends up failing. There's nothing I can do about it, though. It's a texture thing.
We don't have a garage at home (well, we do, but it's filled with junk), so our cars are always outside. Mine and Chris's are out on the street, and they either get plowed in or snowed in. So we have to dig our cars out and try to get them over the pile of snow that's in the way of the street. It takes a lot of driving and reversing to do that. I got it out and headed to work in Dixon.
I get halfway there and my car starts to vibrate. So I think there's something stuck between the car and one of the tires. I clean it out and proceed to Dixon. The same thing happens. So I turn onto another road and it seemed to have cleared out. Now I needed to turn around and go out. I pull in a driveway, and put it in reverse, and I hear a bunch of clanging. I get the car back on the road, but I can't move anywhere.
I go to a house and call a tow place, and call work and tell them I'll be late. My car is towed back home and I get a ride to work. The problem, we think for now, is a broken drive axle on my front side. A rough estimate is $250 to get it fixed. It won't be looked at until Monday.
I feel like Greg Oden.
Of course, the stretch where I plan on covering things is the same stretch my car breaks down. So I'm going to have to come up with backup plans. I think I can get rides from my parents and my brother. Chris is going to work the Carson on Saturday, and I already told him to have me tag along and take some pictures.
I'm pretty much limited to Sterling, Rock Falls and Newman until the car is fixed. Absolutely okay for anyone, but most of the events are going to be yawners for me. A quick look at their sports schedules for the week shows there's not much excitement going on for the next week or two. Many away games, some absolute yawners, etc.
Current Song - Deacon Blues (Steely Dan)
When I was younger I never really cared about how wet my clothes were. Now I can't go outside without trying to figure out how NOT to get them wet. This always ends up failing. There's nothing I can do about it, though. It's a texture thing.
We don't have a garage at home (well, we do, but it's filled with junk), so our cars are always outside. Mine and Chris's are out on the street, and they either get plowed in or snowed in. So we have to dig our cars out and try to get them over the pile of snow that's in the way of the street. It takes a lot of driving and reversing to do that. I got it out and headed to work in Dixon.
I get halfway there and my car starts to vibrate. So I think there's something stuck between the car and one of the tires. I clean it out and proceed to Dixon. The same thing happens. So I turn onto another road and it seemed to have cleared out. Now I needed to turn around and go out. I pull in a driveway, and put it in reverse, and I hear a bunch of clanging. I get the car back on the road, but I can't move anywhere.
I go to a house and call a tow place, and call work and tell them I'll be late. My car is towed back home and I get a ride to work. The problem, we think for now, is a broken drive axle on my front side. A rough estimate is $250 to get it fixed. It won't be looked at until Monday.
I feel like Greg Oden.
Of course, the stretch where I plan on covering things is the same stretch my car breaks down. So I'm going to have to come up with backup plans. I think I can get rides from my parents and my brother. Chris is going to work the Carson on Saturday, and I already told him to have me tag along and take some pictures.
I'm pretty much limited to Sterling, Rock Falls and Newman until the car is fixed. Absolutely okay for anyone, but most of the events are going to be yawners for me. A quick look at their sports schedules for the week shows there's not much excitement going on for the next week or two. Many away games, some absolute yawners, etc.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Wow! Been a while
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.70.21
Current Song - All I Want (Toad the Wet Sprocket)
My wall calendar is still on November - which should give you a glimpse of how far I'm really behind because of work and school.
Part one of class is now over with. I just took my Film final tonight. Half of it was to be done over the course of the week in the form of essay questions. I could only try to put together a mildly coherent thought as I was answering them. I'm making a guess at high D or low C. This leaves one more day left, and that's the Math final. I'll prepare for that all day tomorrow.
Because I've been spending a lot of time worrying about finals, I've been very slow at keeping up with NISB. I didn't even get a F5 piece in last week. Things I've been putting off are noe too late to be put up. Since school will be out of the way for the time being, I have more time.
Plus - I was able to reduce my work schedule to the point where I am off of East End for four days, but in Dixon on Wednesday afternoon. I'm working Friday afternoon at Sterling.
This means I have Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights open - and possibly Saturday morning if I can muster it. I have four of the five Friday bits figured out so far, so I guess I'm doing okay.
Saturday afternoon - Carson DeJarnatt Wrestling Invite (hopefully a gamer)
Friday night - South Beloit @ Pecatonica boys basketball (gamer)
Thursday night - Bolingbrook @ Morris wrestling (pics) & Ottawa @ Morris girls basketball
Wednesday night - Rock Falls @ Dixon wrestling (pics)
... and hopefully I follow this.
Current Song - All I Want (Toad the Wet Sprocket)
My wall calendar is still on November - which should give you a glimpse of how far I'm really behind because of work and school.
Part one of class is now over with. I just took my Film final tonight. Half of it was to be done over the course of the week in the form of essay questions. I could only try to put together a mildly coherent thought as I was answering them. I'm making a guess at high D or low C. This leaves one more day left, and that's the Math final. I'll prepare for that all day tomorrow.
Because I've been spending a lot of time worrying about finals, I've been very slow at keeping up with NISB. I didn't even get a F5 piece in last week. Things I've been putting off are noe too late to be put up. Since school will be out of the way for the time being, I have more time.
Plus - I was able to reduce my work schedule to the point where I am off of East End for four days, but in Dixon on Wednesday afternoon. I'm working Friday afternoon at Sterling.
This means I have Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights open - and possibly Saturday morning if I can muster it. I have four of the five Friday bits figured out so far, so I guess I'm doing okay.
Saturday afternoon - Carson DeJarnatt Wrestling Invite (hopefully a gamer)
Friday night - South Beloit @ Pecatonica boys basketball (gamer)
Thursday night - Bolingbrook @ Morris wrestling (pics) & Ottawa @ Morris girls basketball
Wednesday night - Rock Falls @ Dixon wrestling (pics)
... and hopefully I follow this.
Friday, November 27, 2009
What strikes my nerve
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.72.11
Current Song - Sweetheart (Franke and the Knockouts)
It's Friday afternoon, and both East End and Dixon East schedules are not made yet. That's really odd.
This is the kind of thing that irritates me. Not knowing my schedule until the last minute isn't good when I try to figure out what to do in my off days.
Plus, Dixon has to know what I'm doing in Sterling before they make their schedule. Yikes!
Current Song - Sweetheart (Franke and the Knockouts)
It's Friday afternoon, and both East End and Dixon East schedules are not made yet. That's really odd.
This is the kind of thing that irritates me. Not knowing my schedule until the last minute isn't good when I try to figure out what to do in my off days.
Plus, Dixon has to know what I'm doing in Sterling before they make their schedule. Yikes!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Doing What I want to Do
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.52.11
Current Song - Across the Universe (The Beatles)
Today was one of those days where I wanted to just walk out and leave.
After trying to get new pumps at our store, we finally got them last week. We were toward the bottom of the list for some reason (along with Walnut and maybe Davis). There were many times the credit card readers would not work. This was one of the reasons why I yearned for new pumps.
We got them. But the network connecting register and pump doesn't want to cooperate. That's just one problem: the other involves the collective consciousness of the store's customer base. Let's talk about the latter.
There's a certain procedure to operate the new pumps. 1. Lift up the nozzle. 2. Select the grade of fuel. 3. Wait for the pump to authorize. 4. Begin pumping. Sounds like any pump out there, doesn't it?
However, there are many older customers who seem to think that their own way of doing it is the only way it will work. To them I say, please understand the English language. There is a screen on the pump. "Please wait" means please wait. "Please wait" does NOT mean hold on to the lever, or lock it. "Please wait" is not directed to the gas that's coming out, but rather a direction to you the pumper.
If anything it made me more impatient having to walk this through the customers than the impatiences of the customers themselves. I darn near had a brain hemorrhage at the end of my shift. I think I pissed off many customers today, and even a few friends. I don't normally do this, but the emotions just kept coming back with each error.
During each period of calm, I tried to imagine myself following my dreams and escaping this joint. Then it would disappear.
When I got back home, I wrote something (with the Beatles' Across the Universe humming in my head):
"I want to fly away. I want to escape from the problems that are bugging me. I can't be frustrated many times. It's happened before.
When I get tense, I imagine myself accomplishing my dreams. I lose all focus of the present. The constant interruptions get annoying. I want to break free from the annoyance and fly away toward my dreams.
I am where I am because it contains a couple of things that I want: money and friends. I have made some money and garnered a few friends. But I'm still unhappy inside.
I want to fly away and toward my dreams. But what may be in my way? If there's something, I want to rid of it.
There are those who say it cannot be done anymore. That it's closed off to new people. But not if it can be re-revolutionized by my presence.
With each passing day I dream of new ways to enhance my dream. I dream of making new friends in thise quest and establishing a friend base I can always lean on in times of need. At least they can understand where I'm coming from.
Probably the biggest obstacle I have is the timing of this dream.
I'm 23 years old. I have a lot of life left in me. If something were to destroy my dream with plenty of time left, I'd have a life for not. Thus I can create a backup plan. I know what I can do. I can create new dreams based on the experiences of prior ones. It'll be a cycle, with each version being better than the previous one.
However, what I want now is something I want to do for the rest of my life.
I have the support. I will end up having the time. But will I have the fuel to accomplish my dream? And thus fly away from the problems that are in front of me?
I want to fly away. I want to be myself, and I want to enjoy doing what I want to do.
My dreams - here I come."
Nothing's gonna change my world.
It starts with some cutting back and preservation measures.
Current Song - Across the Universe (The Beatles)
Today was one of those days where I wanted to just walk out and leave.
After trying to get new pumps at our store, we finally got them last week. We were toward the bottom of the list for some reason (along with Walnut and maybe Davis). There were many times the credit card readers would not work. This was one of the reasons why I yearned for new pumps.
We got them. But the network connecting register and pump doesn't want to cooperate. That's just one problem: the other involves the collective consciousness of the store's customer base. Let's talk about the latter.
There's a certain procedure to operate the new pumps. 1. Lift up the nozzle. 2. Select the grade of fuel. 3. Wait for the pump to authorize. 4. Begin pumping. Sounds like any pump out there, doesn't it?
However, there are many older customers who seem to think that their own way of doing it is the only way it will work. To them I say, please understand the English language. There is a screen on the pump. "Please wait" means please wait. "Please wait" does NOT mean hold on to the lever, or lock it. "Please wait" is not directed to the gas that's coming out, but rather a direction to you the pumper.
If anything it made me more impatient having to walk this through the customers than the impatiences of the customers themselves. I darn near had a brain hemorrhage at the end of my shift. I think I pissed off many customers today, and even a few friends. I don't normally do this, but the emotions just kept coming back with each error.
During each period of calm, I tried to imagine myself following my dreams and escaping this joint. Then it would disappear.
When I got back home, I wrote something (with the Beatles' Across the Universe humming in my head):
"I want to fly away. I want to escape from the problems that are bugging me. I can't be frustrated many times. It's happened before.
When I get tense, I imagine myself accomplishing my dreams. I lose all focus of the present. The constant interruptions get annoying. I want to break free from the annoyance and fly away toward my dreams.
I am where I am because it contains a couple of things that I want: money and friends. I have made some money and garnered a few friends. But I'm still unhappy inside.
I want to fly away and toward my dreams. But what may be in my way? If there's something, I want to rid of it.
There are those who say it cannot be done anymore. That it's closed off to new people. But not if it can be re-revolutionized by my presence.
With each passing day I dream of new ways to enhance my dream. I dream of making new friends in thise quest and establishing a friend base I can always lean on in times of need. At least they can understand where I'm coming from.
Probably the biggest obstacle I have is the timing of this dream.
I'm 23 years old. I have a lot of life left in me. If something were to destroy my dream with plenty of time left, I'd have a life for not. Thus I can create a backup plan. I know what I can do. I can create new dreams based on the experiences of prior ones. It'll be a cycle, with each version being better than the previous one.
However, what I want now is something I want to do for the rest of my life.
I have the support. I will end up having the time. But will I have the fuel to accomplish my dream? And thus fly away from the problems that are in front of me?
I want to fly away. I want to be myself, and I want to enjoy doing what I want to do.
My dreams - here I come."
Nothing's gonna change my world.
It starts with some cutting back and preservation measures.
Clawing back
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.52.11
Current Song - Open Your Eyes (Doobie Brothers)
Another virus hit the computer. So I just got it back, and am in the process of trying to make sure this doesn't happen again.
I think this happened because of the long process of using HighSchoolSports.net's scheduling service. I wanted to create a master schedule of all of the NISB teams. However, the process ended up nearly crashing my computer and therefore letting a virus come in. So much for that project. So I went ahead and deleted my account with it.
I also deleted several accounts on websites that I don't go to anymore.
Current Song - Open Your Eyes (Doobie Brothers)
Another virus hit the computer. So I just got it back, and am in the process of trying to make sure this doesn't happen again.
I think this happened because of the long process of using HighSchoolSports.net's scheduling service. I wanted to create a master schedule of all of the NISB teams. However, the process ended up nearly crashing my computer and therefore letting a virus come in. So much for that project. So I went ahead and deleted my account with it.
I also deleted several accounts on websites that I don't go to anymore.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The Week Ahead
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.71.11
Current Song - Virtual Insanity (Jamiroquai)
I don't have class today due to Sauk's inservice. So that frees me up to go anywhere tonight. I'm going to the opening night of the Bureau Valley Thanksgiving Tournament. It is one of two new Turkey tournaments starting in the area: the other being in Rochelle.
I also have Wednesday open, as I usually do. I may wind up doing some website cleaning all day.
I'm working the Thursday midshift and get off at 5. I'm working the Friday night shift @ Dixon. I plan on covering Morrison's semifinal game vs. GCMS on Saturday afternoon, then heading to work afterward. I've already been okayed for a late start.
Pulling off another double-shift on Sunday.
I'm trying to find something for Wednesday the 23rd. I will be covering the final day of the Sauk Valley Shootout on the 28th.
---
I worked the midshift on Monday afternoon, and was unexpectedly asked to train someone. This was also inventory day, so it was absolutely nuts. I'm training her once more on Friday. So I get to train someone how to close a store that I have never closed before. How weird is that?
Current Song - Virtual Insanity (Jamiroquai)
I don't have class today due to Sauk's inservice. So that frees me up to go anywhere tonight. I'm going to the opening night of the Bureau Valley Thanksgiving Tournament. It is one of two new Turkey tournaments starting in the area: the other being in Rochelle.
I also have Wednesday open, as I usually do. I may wind up doing some website cleaning all day.
I'm working the Thursday midshift and get off at 5. I'm working the Friday night shift @ Dixon. I plan on covering Morrison's semifinal game vs. GCMS on Saturday afternoon, then heading to work afterward. I've already been okayed for a late start.
Pulling off another double-shift on Sunday.
I'm trying to find something for Wednesday the 23rd. I will be covering the final day of the Sauk Valley Shootout on the 28th.
---
I worked the midshift on Monday afternoon, and was unexpectedly asked to train someone. This was also inventory day, so it was absolutely nuts. I'm training her once more on Friday. So I get to train someone how to close a store that I have never closed before. How weird is that?
Friday, November 13, 2009
Work Never Ends
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.31.11
Current Song - Pray (MC Hammer)
I'm working today from 11-5 in addition to the usual weekend nights.
I'm working the mid at Dixon, and once again rushing to get to my film class. If I'm not working at my place on Tuesday, I'm going to see the debut of the Bureau Valley girls Thanksgiving tournament that night. Most likely working at my place Wednesday and Thursday. Working my first close at Dixon on Friday night. Doing Saturday night at my place, and once again going double on Sunday.
At least that's what I think I'm doing.
I know I'm going to write girls basketball previews this weekend.
This is the time of year I hate -- when sports and work collide.
Current Song - Pray (MC Hammer)
I'm working today from 11-5 in addition to the usual weekend nights.
I'm working the mid at Dixon, and once again rushing to get to my film class. If I'm not working at my place on Tuesday, I'm going to see the debut of the Bureau Valley girls Thanksgiving tournament that night. Most likely working at my place Wednesday and Thursday. Working my first close at Dixon on Friday night. Doing Saturday night at my place, and once again going double on Sunday.
At least that's what I think I'm doing.
I know I'm going to write girls basketball previews this weekend.
This is the time of year I hate -- when sports and work collide.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Cards: What's For Sale
Cutter's Log - Supplemental
Information on the thousand-for-a-hundred set ($100)
Information on the other starter sets and certain cards
Just added:
Box of 64 super-star cards (including game used, rookies, couple of autographs): Book value nearly $400 ... selling it for $75.
Or just take the entire collection of available sale items for $400.
Information on the thousand-for-a-hundred set ($100)
Information on the other starter sets and certain cards
Just added:
Box of 64 super-star cards (including game used, rookies, couple of autographs): Book value nearly $400 ... selling it for $75.
Or just take the entire collection of available sale items for $400.
Wednesday Free Day
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.11.11
Current Song - Biggest Part of Me (Ambrosia)
Today is Veteran's Day: I'm going to use this day to buy five of the Veteran's Cash scratch-off tickets. I really only buy scratch-off tickets during holidays.
I'm also going to be registering for spring classes at SVCC today. I have to do it through an advisor because of a prerequisite conflict. I was suggested to take ART 231 in SHS's Tech Zone, but a requirement for that class is a lower level one. But I was given "consent of instructor" to take it. After I get that registered, I'll have to call the TZ and create a class time. Once I create a class time, I'll then pick which speech class I will take.
Once my spring class schedule is determined, I'll create my custom work schedule for the semester. The semester ends on December 8 and begins January 11.
Really that's all I have planned for today. I'll be going to the Morrison-Orion football game on Saturday. I'll also have to find something to do for Tuesday the 17th, because we have no class on that night. I may get started on the F5 today.
As far as work is concerned, I'm expecting a 5-day check tomorrow and a six-day check next Wednesday.
Current Song - Biggest Part of Me (Ambrosia)
Today is Veteran's Day: I'm going to use this day to buy five of the Veteran's Cash scratch-off tickets. I really only buy scratch-off tickets during holidays.
I'm also going to be registering for spring classes at SVCC today. I have to do it through an advisor because of a prerequisite conflict. I was suggested to take ART 231 in SHS's Tech Zone, but a requirement for that class is a lower level one. But I was given "consent of instructor" to take it. After I get that registered, I'll have to call the TZ and create a class time. Once I create a class time, I'll then pick which speech class I will take.
Once my spring class schedule is determined, I'll create my custom work schedule for the semester. The semester ends on December 8 and begins January 11.
Really that's all I have planned for today. I'll be going to the Morrison-Orion football game on Saturday. I'll also have to find something to do for Tuesday the 17th, because we have no class on that night. I may get started on the F5 today.
As far as work is concerned, I'm expecting a 5-day check tomorrow and a six-day check next Wednesday.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Other Stores
Cutter's Log - Supplemental
I finished my third day at Dixon East. I'm not going to be needed for the rest of the week, and I don't know the possibilities of the week after. I'm going to assume that they'll get someone hired by then. So I'm going into today thinking I've worked my last day there.
I found the experience working there a great one. I don't know if that's how the others feel, though. Personally, I've learned a thing or two from the way they run things there, which I can carry over to my own store.
1. Mystery Shopper - I have NEVER been that fond of the whole Mystery Shopper thing. Sometimes I think it's only out there to ruin employees. I was that lucky person seven times. I passed 6 of 7. The one I didn't pass was a November one. We never had that at BP, and I kept saying, "have a good day" after every customer. That soon changed to "we'll see you later." I've passed "shoppers" that way.
Apparently the correct salutation is something in the tune of "stop in again." I tried saying that early on at my store, but it felt very awkward after saying it. Especially because I get the same customers over and over again. So I started saying that. I'm going to retry this at my store, and see if this still feels weird.
2. Facing Bills - Someone please comment on this one and explain this to me.
I never face my bills. Here's why:
Take two pop cans. Put one on the table and ask yourself if that is a pop can. Now, take the other can and flip it over and put that on the table, and ask yourself if that is a pop can. Do the same with five-dollar bills. Put one on the table right-side-up and ask yourself if that is a five-dollar bill. Now, take another five-dollar bill and flip it over and put it on the other bill. Is that a five-dollar bill?
I've always thought this was some sort of OCD thing. After looking up the whole phenomenon on the Internet, I found out that banks HAVE TO have their bills upright. The money we get in the register goes to banks eventually. Facing them before entry in the register cuts time.
Now, banks have to have it that way. But people? I guess it depends on how much flexibility one can handle. I have found myself able to have a TON of flexibility, do I consider this a talent?
Another thought on this: if you keep doing it, does it really get contagious? It's like I'm being forced to change to accommodate those who can't count as quick as I can. And another: I don't face my coins.
3. Sandwich making made easy - I had to make 24 salad sandwiches the Sunday afternoon I was there. I don't make more than six in a month at my place. After looking at the list of sandwiches I nearly gasped. That was until I was shown how to make six of them at a time.
I never made sandwiches until a few months ago. I now make them as needed, which isn't often.
I changed my salutation to "we'll see you later" after finding out "see 'ya" didn't work. That was a pickup from Route 30. Another pickup from Route 30 was the amount of money per drop. Theirs is more than ours, and I have found that a more confortable way of dropping.
I finished my third day at Dixon East. I'm not going to be needed for the rest of the week, and I don't know the possibilities of the week after. I'm going to assume that they'll get someone hired by then. So I'm going into today thinking I've worked my last day there.
I found the experience working there a great one. I don't know if that's how the others feel, though. Personally, I've learned a thing or two from the way they run things there, which I can carry over to my own store.
1. Mystery Shopper - I have NEVER been that fond of the whole Mystery Shopper thing. Sometimes I think it's only out there to ruin employees. I was that lucky person seven times. I passed 6 of 7. The one I didn't pass was a November one. We never had that at BP, and I kept saying, "have a good day" after every customer. That soon changed to "we'll see you later." I've passed "shoppers" that way.
Apparently the correct salutation is something in the tune of "stop in again." I tried saying that early on at my store, but it felt very awkward after saying it. Especially because I get the same customers over and over again. So I started saying that. I'm going to retry this at my store, and see if this still feels weird.
2. Facing Bills - Someone please comment on this one and explain this to me.
I never face my bills. Here's why:
Take two pop cans. Put one on the table and ask yourself if that is a pop can. Now, take the other can and flip it over and put that on the table, and ask yourself if that is a pop can. Do the same with five-dollar bills. Put one on the table right-side-up and ask yourself if that is a five-dollar bill. Now, take another five-dollar bill and flip it over and put it on the other bill. Is that a five-dollar bill?
I've always thought this was some sort of OCD thing. After looking up the whole phenomenon on the Internet, I found out that banks HAVE TO have their bills upright. The money we get in the register goes to banks eventually. Facing them before entry in the register cuts time.
Now, banks have to have it that way. But people? I guess it depends on how much flexibility one can handle. I have found myself able to have a TON of flexibility, do I consider this a talent?
Another thought on this: if you keep doing it, does it really get contagious? It's like I'm being forced to change to accommodate those who can't count as quick as I can. And another: I don't face my coins.
3. Sandwich making made easy - I had to make 24 salad sandwiches the Sunday afternoon I was there. I don't make more than six in a month at my place. After looking at the list of sandwiches I nearly gasped. That was until I was shown how to make six of them at a time.
I never made sandwiches until a few months ago. I now make them as needed, which isn't often.
I changed my salutation to "we'll see you later" after finding out "see 'ya" didn't work. That was a pickup from Route 30. Another pickup from Route 30 was the amount of money per drop. Theirs is more than ours, and I have found that a more confortable way of dropping.
Ripped?
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.01.11
Current Song - Ah Leia! (Donnie Iris)
Advice on finding plagarism: If you suspect plagarism has occured, please make sure you've read the piece first.
Really.
I did a take-home essay for my film mid-term about a month back. I was to discuss a significant moment that lighting was used well in a scene from Citizen Kane. I was also to do the same about a camera angle. The way I looked at this - it was 1/4 of the whole mid-term. Something that large had to be well-done.
So I rented Citizen Kane and played it in my DVD player. I was armed with a notepad and the textbook (and I think popcorn and pop). I watched the entire movie and paused, rewound and fast forwarded to try to put together some good notes. I then took the notes and wrote five paragraphs to answer the two questions.
I took the mid-term the next night. I couldn't answer any of the other essay questions because I had only seen the movies once and couldn't find a way to rewatch them. So with the other essay questions not answered, and this one completed, the instructor called me into his office. He thought I ripped the take-home essay from elsewhere. Apparently it was only supposed to be two paragraphs.
So I explained how I wrote it and showed my notes, all while rolling my eyes behind his back. He then read it, and saw that the piece had a poor amount of film vocabulary, he then knew it was not another product.
Problem rectified = 68%, which was "good compared to the rest of the class."
NOW ...
There was a 50-point paper due tonight. I never did it.
It was supposed to be a critical analysis paper on the film I did a review on: De Sica's Bicycle Thieves. I got as far as the prewriting stage. I found things to write about, such as why the onlooker of the theft acted all "ho hum," the double-life of the thief, the similarities of the movie's opening to the casting of the film, and the whole "distruption in a church" thing. These were the main points and I had to try to find something to string them together with - which is something I can pretty much do in my sleep.
However, my plan for the paper was not one of the suggested ways to write the piece. After finding this out, oh a couple of days ago, I was back at square one and dead in the water. I had to work (more on that later).
With the realization of this analysis piece not being turned in, and the suspected "ripping," somehow I think I'm going to relive this moment next week.
For the record, I did complete a 25-point review of a review (Ebert on Freddy Got Fingered) earlier in the semester, and the 25-point review on Bicycle Thieves. I have also aced every quiz we have taken thus far.
I'll just have to see how this plays out.
Current Song - Ah Leia! (Donnie Iris)
Advice on finding plagarism: If you suspect plagarism has occured, please make sure you've read the piece first.
Really.
I did a take-home essay for my film mid-term about a month back. I was to discuss a significant moment that lighting was used well in a scene from Citizen Kane. I was also to do the same about a camera angle. The way I looked at this - it was 1/4 of the whole mid-term. Something that large had to be well-done.
So I rented Citizen Kane and played it in my DVD player. I was armed with a notepad and the textbook (and I think popcorn and pop). I watched the entire movie and paused, rewound and fast forwarded to try to put together some good notes. I then took the notes and wrote five paragraphs to answer the two questions.
I took the mid-term the next night. I couldn't answer any of the other essay questions because I had only seen the movies once and couldn't find a way to rewatch them. So with the other essay questions not answered, and this one completed, the instructor called me into his office. He thought I ripped the take-home essay from elsewhere. Apparently it was only supposed to be two paragraphs.
So I explained how I wrote it and showed my notes, all while rolling my eyes behind his back. He then read it, and saw that the piece had a poor amount of film vocabulary, he then knew it was not another product.
Problem rectified = 68%, which was "good compared to the rest of the class."
NOW ...
There was a 50-point paper due tonight. I never did it.
It was supposed to be a critical analysis paper on the film I did a review on: De Sica's Bicycle Thieves. I got as far as the prewriting stage. I found things to write about, such as why the onlooker of the theft acted all "ho hum," the double-life of the thief, the similarities of the movie's opening to the casting of the film, and the whole "distruption in a church" thing. These were the main points and I had to try to find something to string them together with - which is something I can pretty much do in my sleep.
However, my plan for the paper was not one of the suggested ways to write the piece. After finding this out, oh a couple of days ago, I was back at square one and dead in the water. I had to work (more on that later).
With the realization of this analysis piece not being turned in, and the suspected "ripping," somehow I think I'm going to relive this moment next week.
For the record, I did complete a 25-point review of a review (Ebert on Freddy Got Fingered) earlier in the semester, and the 25-point review on Bicycle Thieves. I have also aced every quiz we have taken thus far.
I'll just have to see how this plays out.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
"The World According to Mister Rogers"
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.70.11
Current Song - Praise You (Fatboy Slim)
The book I'm reading right now is called "The World According to Mister Rogers." It was a book I got for my 19th birthday, but never really read until now.
Current Song - Praise You (Fatboy Slim)
The book I'm reading right now is called "The World According to Mister Rogers." It was a book I got for my 19th birthday, but never really read until now.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Even more Cards for Sale
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.60.11
Current Song - People's Court Theme
In addition to the $100 5k set, I'm also selling the following:
Random 1992 Starter Set (3 boxes of roughly 1k cards) - $15
Complete set of 1992 Fleer (and then some) - $11
800-card Starter Set (early-to-mid 1990s) - $13
1k mixed common/rookie/star - $20
900-card mixed common/rookie/star - $18
Complete set of 1984 Topps rub-ons (tattoos) - $8
Pack of Pokemon cards - $1
Cal Ripken Jr. - 1997 Collectors Choice, The Big Show insert (rare World Headquarters edition), plus you get a tiny mugshot of Dan & Keith on the card - $60
Bo Jackson - 1987 Topps Rookie card - $3
Andy Van Slyke - 1984 Donruss Rookie card - $4
Sammy Sosa - 2002 Leaf (Beckett magazine rare gold sample card) - $5
Barry Bonds - 2005 Topps Home Run History (No. 700 in a 750+ card set) - $5
Barry Bonds - 1993 Topps Finest (the first chrome set in card history) - $15
George Brett - 1993 Topps Finest (the first chrome set in card history) - $15
Nolan Ryan - 1994 Collectors Choice silver signature - $8
David Wright - 2001 Upper Deck Pros and Propspects rookie card - $20
Mark McGwire - 1987 Press Box (a virtually unknown card) - $5 (I have a few of these)
Chris Duncan - 2003 Topps rookie card - $3
Current Song - People's Court Theme
In addition to the $100 5k set, I'm also selling the following:
Random 1992 Starter Set (3 boxes of roughly 1k cards) - $15
Complete set of 1992 Fleer (and then some) - $11
800-card Starter Set (early-to-mid 1990s) - $13
1k mixed common/rookie/star - $20
900-card mixed common/rookie/star - $18
Complete set of 1984 Topps rub-ons (tattoos) - $8
Pack of Pokemon cards - $1
Cal Ripken Jr. - 1997 Collectors Choice, The Big Show insert (rare World Headquarters edition), plus you get a tiny mugshot of Dan & Keith on the card - $60
Bo Jackson - 1987 Topps Rookie card - $3
Andy Van Slyke - 1984 Donruss Rookie card - $4
Sammy Sosa - 2002 Leaf (Beckett magazine rare gold sample card) - $5
Barry Bonds - 2005 Topps Home Run History (No. 700 in a 750+ card set) - $5
Barry Bonds - 1993 Topps Finest (the first chrome set in card history) - $15
George Brett - 1993 Topps Finest (the first chrome set in card history) - $15
Nolan Ryan - 1994 Collectors Choice silver signature - $8
David Wright - 2001 Upper Deck Pros and Propspects rookie card - $20
Mark McGwire - 1987 Press Box (a virtually unknown card) - $5 (I have a few of these)
Chris Duncan - 2003 Topps rookie card - $3
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Cards for Sale
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.50.11
Current Song - Morning Train (Sheena Easton)
I moved my baseball cards from the basement to my second-floor bedroom. My back hurts.
I haven't really collected since I started my career in high school sports, so there's a portion of them I'm looking to sell. After buying the Beckett magazine and pricing some of the cards, I've come up with at least one bunch of cards to sell for sure.
There's 5,000 cards in this large box: 3 3/4 commons, and 1 1/4 star/rookie cards. Plenty of doubles, triples, etc. Cards date as late as 1980 and early as 2006. The total mint value of all of these cards is over $1,000. However, I'm not going to sell it for that much. The asking price for this large box will be 90% off: $100.
The box is a perfect start for a young collector who's just starting out. I began collecting baseball cards when I was 4 years old. The collection kept getting bigger. After a while, I started sending cards to the players to get autographed. The "starter set," as I like to call this, is good for autograph sending (as long as you know the player's addresses).
I will warn though, you're not going to find any super-super star cards in there. No Griffeys, Pujols, Jeters, etc. From these starter cards, you can work your way up by trading or selling in order to get that star card.
The box can't clutter my room forever. I'll deliver.
Current Song - Morning Train (Sheena Easton)
I moved my baseball cards from the basement to my second-floor bedroom. My back hurts.
I haven't really collected since I started my career in high school sports, so there's a portion of them I'm looking to sell. After buying the Beckett magazine and pricing some of the cards, I've come up with at least one bunch of cards to sell for sure.
There's 5,000 cards in this large box: 3 3/4 commons, and 1 1/4 star/rookie cards. Plenty of doubles, triples, etc. Cards date as late as 1980 and early as 2006. The total mint value of all of these cards is over $1,000. However, I'm not going to sell it for that much. The asking price for this large box will be 90% off: $100.
The box is a perfect start for a young collector who's just starting out. I began collecting baseball cards when I was 4 years old. The collection kept getting bigger. After a while, I started sending cards to the players to get autographed. The "starter set," as I like to call this, is good for autograph sending (as long as you know the player's addresses).
I will warn though, you're not going to find any super-super star cards in there. No Griffeys, Pujols, Jeters, etc. From these starter cards, you can work your way up by trading or selling in order to get that star card.
The box can't clutter my room forever. I'll deliver.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Dixon East Thoughts
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.04.11
Current Song - Disco Inferno (The Trammps)
I've now worked in three Shell stations, with Route 30 being the other one. To compare the transitions from mine to that one to mine to this one is going to be different. Route 30 was very easy to transition into because much of that was run similar to mine. In fact, I would rather work there than my own store, but things may have changed since there is a new manager there now.
Let me just say that Dixon East is WAY different than my own store. We don't have diesel at our store, and they do (okay, so that's not a big problem). They count cigarettes after every shift, and we don't (big time consumer). They save their carton flaps (both of them) after stocking, and we just pitch them. They have a hot dog machine and we don't (which isn't a problem since I was very used to cleaning BP's nightly). They go through a boatload of coffee.
Procedure-wise, there's not much of a difference. The cigarettes are different. But the thing that probably scared me the most was the fact that there has been no Mystery Shopper fail in "a long, long, long time here." If I failed, I would be dead. Plus this is November, and I was reminded that this is the one for $1000. So it nulls the opinion I made last November.
Apparently, the mystery shopper bonus money goes toward getting Christmas presents. I disagree with that. I don't like HOPING the money comes from a chance. That's like going to the boat to get shopping money. It's a Bonus, which is something that is not expected. Christmas shopping for six employees shouldn't hang on whether or not someone passes the mystery shopper. There are ways to get around this.
Current Song - Disco Inferno (The Trammps)
I've now worked in three Shell stations, with Route 30 being the other one. To compare the transitions from mine to that one to mine to this one is going to be different. Route 30 was very easy to transition into because much of that was run similar to mine. In fact, I would rather work there than my own store, but things may have changed since there is a new manager there now.
Let me just say that Dixon East is WAY different than my own store. We don't have diesel at our store, and they do (okay, so that's not a big problem). They count cigarettes after every shift, and we don't (big time consumer). They save their carton flaps (both of them) after stocking, and we just pitch them. They have a hot dog machine and we don't (which isn't a problem since I was very used to cleaning BP's nightly). They go through a boatload of coffee.
Procedure-wise, there's not much of a difference. The cigarettes are different. But the thing that probably scared me the most was the fact that there has been no Mystery Shopper fail in "a long, long, long time here." If I failed, I would be dead. Plus this is November, and I was reminded that this is the one for $1000. So it nulls the opinion I made last November.
Apparently, the mystery shopper bonus money goes toward getting Christmas presents. I disagree with that. I don't like HOPING the money comes from a chance. That's like going to the boat to get shopping money. It's a Bonus, which is something that is not expected. Christmas shopping for six employees shouldn't hang on whether or not someone passes the mystery shopper. There are ways to get around this.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Dixon East
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.03.01
Current Song - Couldn't Get it Right (Climax Blues Band)
I just picked up a shift at the Shell station on Franklin Grove Road in Dixon. I'm working Tuesday from 10:30 to 5:00. There's a possible Sunday afternoon in store too. I'm only doing three days at my store next week: Friday mid, and the weekend nights at 4.
Because I picked up this extra shift, I had to make some more adjustments.
I will NOT be at the Somonauk Volleyball Regional final on Saturday afternoon. I'm going to use Saturday afternoon as time to get the Film paper put together. Hopefully I can get that settled early and start working on the Round 1 Obs piece early.
Wednesday figures to be another off day. Thursday will be spent at a Volleyball Sectional: either Eastland, Oregon or Rochelle depending on who's actually there. Friday night will have to be spent at a somewhat close football game.
Saturday afternoon will be the same as well, but I have a bad feeling there's not going to be much around. I work at 4. The best hope is for Rockford Christian to beat Oregon, and Newman to beat Sherrard - which makes a Newman home game for 1:00 usually. An Oregon-Sherrard rematch may also work, but will be cutting it close. If EPC beats Downs Tri-Valley, they'll host Morrison. If the game is in Lanark, that may also work. These are the only scanerios for Saturday.
Friday's scenarios look dim.
At least I'm getting some hours.
I hope I pass the audition!
Current Song - Couldn't Get it Right (Climax Blues Band)
I just picked up a shift at the Shell station on Franklin Grove Road in Dixon. I'm working Tuesday from 10:30 to 5:00. There's a possible Sunday afternoon in store too. I'm only doing three days at my store next week: Friday mid, and the weekend nights at 4.
Because I picked up this extra shift, I had to make some more adjustments.
I will NOT be at the Somonauk Volleyball Regional final on Saturday afternoon. I'm going to use Saturday afternoon as time to get the Film paper put together. Hopefully I can get that settled early and start working on the Round 1 Obs piece early.
Wednesday figures to be another off day. Thursday will be spent at a Volleyball Sectional: either Eastland, Oregon or Rochelle depending on who's actually there. Friday night will have to be spent at a somewhat close football game.
Saturday afternoon will be the same as well, but I have a bad feeling there's not going to be much around. I work at 4. The best hope is for Rockford Christian to beat Oregon, and Newman to beat Sherrard - which makes a Newman home game for 1:00 usually. An Oregon-Sherrard rematch may also work, but will be cutting it close. If EPC beats Downs Tri-Valley, they'll host Morrison. If the game is in Lanark, that may also work. These are the only scanerios for Saturday.
Friday's scenarios look dim.
At least I'm getting some hours.
I hope I pass the audition!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
The Next Great Debate
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.92.01
Current Song - Break my Stride (Matthew Wilder)
In the turn of this century, there was much talk about the expansion of football classes. It was the first hot topic discussed on Illinois high school sports message boards, I'm sure.
Then a couple of years later, there was an even greater hot topic. Many message boards even laid out rules regarding the public-private debate, which included such things as the Multiplier.
A couple of years later, another hot topic was debated. However, the class expansion wave didn't generate as much talk as the public-private debate did.
I'm predicting a pattern here. Whatever is the next great debate may be as big as public-private.
I believe Geographical Competition will be the next biggest thing to debate. Included in this are sectional complexes, and the ever-growing call for 1-32 seeding in football.
---
It's Wednesday, so that means I'm trying to plan my week.
I'm getting more money at work. At first I thought I was going to need new shoes, but they are okay at the moment. My shoes got torn up while walking along the muddy Rock Falls football sideline this past Friday. I'm aiming for 28.5 hours this week. I work tomorrow afternoon, Friday afternoon, and the weekend nights. That's another $200 to put in safe keeping. I think it'll be the richest I've ever been when I get next week's paycheck.
I'm going to write the F5 when I get home from work tomorrow afternoon. Friday afternoon will be work, and then straight to the Sterling-LP game that I'm covering. I will be in the press box for this one, that way I can try to improve my stat keeping.
Hopefully I can make it to the Somonauk VB Regional on Saturday, and cover it. I'll be passing out candy for Halloween while at work. That leaves Round 1 Observations left to do.
I'm actually going to postpone Round 1 Observations until Tuesday morning. That's because I have this all-important two-page paper to write about a film we saw in class. The film is called "Bicycle Thieves," which is an Italian film often called one of the best ever made. I'm going to spend all day Sunday and all day Monday working on it. Luckilly I found a complete print on YouTube.
That leaves a column and a blog proposal on the backburner for now. I'm going to have to cancel an appearance at the PJStar Message Board get-together. That is, unless I can rush through the F5 and have time to start the Film paper. Monday morning at 8:00 a.m. I'm also going to have to register for my Sauk classes for spring.
Current Song - Break my Stride (Matthew Wilder)
In the turn of this century, there was much talk about the expansion of football classes. It was the first hot topic discussed on Illinois high school sports message boards, I'm sure.
Then a couple of years later, there was an even greater hot topic. Many message boards even laid out rules regarding the public-private debate, which included such things as the Multiplier.
A couple of years later, another hot topic was debated. However, the class expansion wave didn't generate as much talk as the public-private debate did.
I'm predicting a pattern here. Whatever is the next great debate may be as big as public-private.
I believe Geographical Competition will be the next biggest thing to debate. Included in this are sectional complexes, and the ever-growing call for 1-32 seeding in football.
---
It's Wednesday, so that means I'm trying to plan my week.
I'm getting more money at work. At first I thought I was going to need new shoes, but they are okay at the moment. My shoes got torn up while walking along the muddy Rock Falls football sideline this past Friday. I'm aiming for 28.5 hours this week. I work tomorrow afternoon, Friday afternoon, and the weekend nights. That's another $200 to put in safe keeping. I think it'll be the richest I've ever been when I get next week's paycheck.
I'm going to write the F5 when I get home from work tomorrow afternoon. Friday afternoon will be work, and then straight to the Sterling-LP game that I'm covering. I will be in the press box for this one, that way I can try to improve my stat keeping.
Hopefully I can make it to the Somonauk VB Regional on Saturday, and cover it. I'll be passing out candy for Halloween while at work. That leaves Round 1 Observations left to do.
I'm actually going to postpone Round 1 Observations until Tuesday morning. That's because I have this all-important two-page paper to write about a film we saw in class. The film is called "Bicycle Thieves," which is an Italian film often called one of the best ever made. I'm going to spend all day Sunday and all day Monday working on it. Luckilly I found a complete print on YouTube.
That leaves a column and a blog proposal on the backburner for now. I'm going to have to cancel an appearance at the PJStar Message Board get-together. That is, unless I can rush through the F5 and have time to start the Film paper. Monday morning at 8:00 a.m. I'm also going to have to register for my Sauk classes for spring.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
More Site Talk
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.82.9002
Current Song - Don't Sleep in the Subway (Petula Clark)
When I started the site, the message board began with many NCIprep holdovers. The posters were from bits and pieces from all over the place. Many retired, except for the ones closer to Sterling. They helped bring in many new message board posters from around their area.
Many times I had tried to think of a way to get more posters on the message board. I tried flyers, and even tried mailing letters to each school. Nothing really brought people to the boards. It just had to take some time. Now, I think I've pinpointed the general area of the board's popularity.
Current Song - Don't Sleep in the Subway (Petula Clark)
When I started the site, the message board began with many NCIprep holdovers. The posters were from bits and pieces from all over the place. Many retired, except for the ones closer to Sterling. They helped bring in many new message board posters from around their area.
Many times I had tried to think of a way to get more posters on the message board. I tried flyers, and even tried mailing letters to each school. Nothing really brought people to the boards. It just had to take some time. Now, I think I've pinpointed the general area of the board's popularity.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Free days
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.12.90
Current Song - Shattered Dreams (Johnny Hates Jazz)
Now that I'm working a little more often, I find myself excited at the opportunity of getting a Free Day. A free day means no work and no classes. Today is a free day. A free day is fun until the end, where you have to plan the rest of the week until your next free day.
I have the pressure of two exams and two pieces of homework lifted from me. I've got things on the website done. Now what?
I've got to get my paycheck, make my monthly car insurance payment, and put a portion of that in my savings.
I work on Thursday night, Friday afternoon, and the weekend nights. There's nothing real good going on tonight. I'm going to Rock Falls-Rockridge on Friday night, and can't really go anywhere else until next Wednesday, and it's going to be the usual nothing. I'm also going to be at work for Pairings Night, too, which is a big disappointment.
As far as the first round of the playoffs goes, I think I'm going to find a good Friday night football game and cover a Volleyball Regional on Saturday afternoon. All that plus the usual written banter on NISB.
I wouldn't be surprised to see next week's post look just like this one.
Current Song - Shattered Dreams (Johnny Hates Jazz)
Now that I'm working a little more often, I find myself excited at the opportunity of getting a Free Day. A free day means no work and no classes. Today is a free day. A free day is fun until the end, where you have to plan the rest of the week until your next free day.
I have the pressure of two exams and two pieces of homework lifted from me. I've got things on the website done. Now what?
I've got to get my paycheck, make my monthly car insurance payment, and put a portion of that in my savings.
I work on Thursday night, Friday afternoon, and the weekend nights. There's nothing real good going on tonight. I'm going to Rock Falls-Rockridge on Friday night, and can't really go anywhere else until next Wednesday, and it's going to be the usual nothing. I'm also going to be at work for Pairings Night, too, which is a big disappointment.
As far as the first round of the playoffs goes, I think I'm going to find a good Friday night football game and cover a Volleyball Regional on Saturday afternoon. All that plus the usual written banter on NISB.
I wouldn't be surprised to see next week's post look just like this one.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Hours!
Cutter's Log - Stardate 9002.41.01
Current Song - Everybody Everybody (Black Box)
I got more hours at work, but it was due to a very unfortunate circumstance. One of the women there, who is really good at what she does, was let go. We're trying to fill in her hours, and I'm going to work Thursday night, Friday afternoon, and my usual weekend. The paycheck is going to double, and that should work out well for my school/insurance payments. However, I still can't believe she is gone.
With my Thursday plans (Moline-Quincy VB) cancelled, I tried to find the best Wednesday event. Turns out a volleyball game between Freeport and Rockford East was the best one, as the two teams were 1-2 seeds at their Regional tournament. The match didn't turn out to be a good one, as Freeport stomped on East. I ended up just posting a score on the message board.
Hopefully I can get out of work at a decent time to make it up to the Alden-Hebron/Rockford Christian game. If I can't get that far, then the crosstown showdown between the two Belvidere schools will do.
The coming days are going to be VERY hectic. I've got an essay to do for the film class. I've got a math test to study for, and a film mid-term as well. The football article, Friday 5 and Weekly observations piece too. Plus work. In fact, I forgot to do the Fake Polls for last week. I think I can try to see what I can get done tonight before passing out.
Current Song - Everybody Everybody (Black Box)
I got more hours at work, but it was due to a very unfortunate circumstance. One of the women there, who is really good at what she does, was let go. We're trying to fill in her hours, and I'm going to work Thursday night, Friday afternoon, and my usual weekend. The paycheck is going to double, and that should work out well for my school/insurance payments. However, I still can't believe she is gone.
With my Thursday plans (Moline-Quincy VB) cancelled, I tried to find the best Wednesday event. Turns out a volleyball game between Freeport and Rockford East was the best one, as the two teams were 1-2 seeds at their Regional tournament. The match didn't turn out to be a good one, as Freeport stomped on East. I ended up just posting a score on the message board.
Hopefully I can get out of work at a decent time to make it up to the Alden-Hebron/Rockford Christian game. If I can't get that far, then the crosstown showdown between the two Belvidere schools will do.
The coming days are going to be VERY hectic. I've got an essay to do for the film class. I've got a math test to study for, and a film mid-term as well. The football article, Friday 5 and Weekly observations piece too. Plus work. In fact, I forgot to do the Fake Polls for last week. I think I can try to see what I can get done tonight before passing out.
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