Cutter's Log - Stardate 0102.42.90
Current Song - Shattered Dreams (Johnny Hates Jazz)
I wish I could talk about today, but I'm not supposed to.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Making Financial Cents (Sort of)
Cutter's Log - Stardate 0102.12.90
Current Song - What You Won't Do For Love (Bobby Caldwell)
I play the lottery. I try to play smart. Therefore, I don't play often.
The only time I play lotto is whenever I travel out of town. This can be for any reason, like covering games. I will play $7-$9 in Pick 3 and Pick 4 (combined), and maybe some Lotto or Little Lotto quick picks to make it $10. I've been doing this for a month now, and hit twice on my Pick 3s (playing them $0.50 in any order - Box).
It's not because I'm not hitting. It's because I'm realizing that my money needs to go elsewhere. I don't play for the jackpot, but rather for them smaller prizes. College is coming up in less than a year, and I'll need a new car by that time too.
The key here is to not cut ot completely, but rather cut back a few times until nothing. I will be cutting back by only buying tickets whenever I travel to Chicagoland. That's where the winners seem to come from. A week's worth of the jackpot games, plue a few Pick 3's and Pick 4's should be good. What helps is the fact that I don't travel into Chicagoland that much.
Lotto tickets aren't my only gambling vice ... It spreads out to the blackjack table.
I've been cutting back on the blackjack table little by little for a long time. The last time I was up there was a couple of weeks ago at Diamond Jo in Dubuque. I used $50.00, got up to about $135.00 and lost it all. That took me 1 1/2 hours. So I thought maybe I'll let the clock dictate my table playing. I figure 45 minutes is sufficent. I'll see if there's a way to amek that possible through the casino itself.
Eventually it should cease alltogether.
Current Song - What You Won't Do For Love (Bobby Caldwell)
I play the lottery. I try to play smart. Therefore, I don't play often.
The only time I play lotto is whenever I travel out of town. This can be for any reason, like covering games. I will play $7-$9 in Pick 3 and Pick 4 (combined), and maybe some Lotto or Little Lotto quick picks to make it $10. I've been doing this for a month now, and hit twice on my Pick 3s (playing them $0.50 in any order - Box).
It's not because I'm not hitting. It's because I'm realizing that my money needs to go elsewhere. I don't play for the jackpot, but rather for them smaller prizes. College is coming up in less than a year, and I'll need a new car by that time too.
The key here is to not cut ot completely, but rather cut back a few times until nothing. I will be cutting back by only buying tickets whenever I travel to Chicagoland. That's where the winners seem to come from. A week's worth of the jackpot games, plue a few Pick 3's and Pick 4's should be good. What helps is the fact that I don't travel into Chicagoland that much.
Lotto tickets aren't my only gambling vice ... It spreads out to the blackjack table.
I've been cutting back on the blackjack table little by little for a long time. The last time I was up there was a couple of weeks ago at Diamond Jo in Dubuque. I used $50.00, got up to about $135.00 and lost it all. That took me 1 1/2 hours. So I thought maybe I'll let the clock dictate my table playing. I figure 45 minutes is sufficent. I'll see if there's a way to amek that possible through the casino itself.
Eventually it should cease alltogether.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Mending the Rips
Cutter's Log - Stardate 0102.41.90
Current Song - Sara Smile (Hall & Oates)
Recent complaints about the coverage area of NISB led me to read some history about the late Roman Empire. While I am no king, or dictator, I have before me a large coverage area. The Roman Empire didn't just vanish all at once, it became divided.
I keep my mind on that bit of world history because I'm seeing what I have predicted for the past couple of years.
That's the division of the coverage into smaller areas. The diehard fan focus has diminished in the past couple of years. Our understanding of other teams has become less and less. Our "high school sports world" has been limited to their own school and the nearest two or three. We're keeping fewer tabs. Each portion of the area believes that they are more superior than the others.
Maybe that is changing, but what is not changing is the way our regionals and sectionals and supersectionals are set up. When we enter a sectional tournament, what do we know of the opponent? If this trend keeps going, we won't know anything. We won't be able to understand the value of any win any more than what we do now.
I have always said that a team is so much better than a group of five people.
SYNERGY!!!!
***
I have to hold back and ask myself this: Have I evolved a great deal, or has everyone else scaled back? Which of the two carries a greater truth?
You'll find that I cover large schools and big schools, Jo Daviess County schools and Bureau County schools, the Western Big 6 and Little 10, and football and bowling. Sometimes I'll even venture into the Chicagoland side of things when our area teams enter that realm. So I guess I've seen almost everything. Is that wrong? Is it wrong to claim that my knowledge of this particular world is more superior than others?
***
If I had to make a determination at this time, I would say that NISB pretty much have three great factions: The New-Mor-Rock-Ster portion, the Winnebago portion, and the Little 10 portion (which is sort of invisible, but is noticable when it comes to just the content side of things).
Any business person would respond to that with wanting to focus in on these three portions more than the others. That would leave out a few chunks. If we abandon them, and later try to expand into them, how will the reception be?
Current Song - Sara Smile (Hall & Oates)
Recent complaints about the coverage area of NISB led me to read some history about the late Roman Empire. While I am no king, or dictator, I have before me a large coverage area. The Roman Empire didn't just vanish all at once, it became divided.
I keep my mind on that bit of world history because I'm seeing what I have predicted for the past couple of years.
That's the division of the coverage into smaller areas. The diehard fan focus has diminished in the past couple of years. Our understanding of other teams has become less and less. Our "high school sports world" has been limited to their own school and the nearest two or three. We're keeping fewer tabs. Each portion of the area believes that they are more superior than the others.
Maybe that is changing, but what is not changing is the way our regionals and sectionals and supersectionals are set up. When we enter a sectional tournament, what do we know of the opponent? If this trend keeps going, we won't know anything. We won't be able to understand the value of any win any more than what we do now.
I have always said that a team is so much better than a group of five people.
SYNERGY!!!!
***
I have to hold back and ask myself this: Have I evolved a great deal, or has everyone else scaled back? Which of the two carries a greater truth?
You'll find that I cover large schools and big schools, Jo Daviess County schools and Bureau County schools, the Western Big 6 and Little 10, and football and bowling. Sometimes I'll even venture into the Chicagoland side of things when our area teams enter that realm. So I guess I've seen almost everything. Is that wrong? Is it wrong to claim that my knowledge of this particular world is more superior than others?
***
If I had to make a determination at this time, I would say that NISB pretty much have three great factions: The New-Mor-Rock-Ster portion, the Winnebago portion, and the Little 10 portion (which is sort of invisible, but is noticable when it comes to just the content side of things).
Any business person would respond to that with wanting to focus in on these three portions more than the others. That would leave out a few chunks. If we abandon them, and later try to expand into them, how will the reception be?
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
New Camera
Cutter's Log - Stardate 0102.80.80
Current Song - American Boy (Estelle/Kanye)
I'm having a hard time writing this.
My parents bought me, for my college graduation, a video camera that takes pictures. I tried it out a couple of times. The video isn't all too bad, really. I can shoot something and upload it to YouTube, and it will come out alright.
The photos are another story. Absolutely blurry. I can stand it still and not zoom in, and it will still be blurry. It's hideous.
The hard part of all of this, is telling them about the fact that I just can't take any photos with this. After my camera broke down after six years, that's what I really needed.
The optimist part of me says, "but you can still shoot pictures with it." The pessimist part of me says, "yeah, but ..."
I hate dissapointing people.
Current Song - American Boy (Estelle/Kanye)
I'm having a hard time writing this.
My parents bought me, for my college graduation, a video camera that takes pictures. I tried it out a couple of times. The video isn't all too bad, really. I can shoot something and upload it to YouTube, and it will come out alright.
The photos are another story. Absolutely blurry. I can stand it still and not zoom in, and it will still be blurry. It's hideous.
The hard part of all of this, is telling them about the fact that I just can't take any photos with this. After my camera broke down after six years, that's what I really needed.
The optimist part of me says, "but you can still shoot pictures with it." The pessimist part of me says, "yeah, but ..."
I hate dissapointing people.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Riverfronts
Cutter's Log - Stardate 0102.10.90
Current Song - She's Not There (The Zombies)
I drive on First Avenue Bridge between Sterling and Rock Falls every day it seems. I'm used to seeing all of the rubble on both sides of the Rock River. Bring in anyone whos never been here before, and they'll think it's South Bronx in the 1970s.
There are a couple of spots that are being redevolped into hopefully something useful: the west side of the bridge in Sterling and the east side of the bridge in Rock Falls.
Rock Falls already has a plan for their riverfront. Sterling is trying to come up with one. We will focus on Rock Falls today, with Sterling at another time.
ROCK FALLS
http://www.rockfallsdevelopment.org/Master_Plan.pdf
The plan includes: A 2.5-acre waterfront plaza, including an amphitheater; a 185,000 square feet of new commercial and residential space; a bike trail connecting the upper and lower dams; and the extension of two city streets -- Second Street and Avenue A.
Most of the former Reliant/RB&W complex is gone. When all of this is cleared, there is a large open space between Wood Avenue and the bridge. I do like the open area promenade. The extension of second street (or rebuilding, depending on how old you are) relieves a traffic obstacle for those who live along the river.
I just don't know what is going to go into all these buildings that are proposed, and therefore the parking lots. Plus, building "H" is the old office complex, and is going to look ugly in all of this. We already have difficulty attracting businesses into our existing downtown buildings.
The best way to answer this question is, what are we lacking?
Hotels - It would compliment both Sterling and Rock Falls. No more driving all of the way to the Interstate for lodging. Examples: Rock Island District Holiday Inn and Freeport's Hamilton Inn. Maybe put that in buildings "A", "B" and "A'". I know that the plan says the "A" buildings are suggested for retail, but a hotel can't be that small. Building "C" would be the hotel's accompanying restaurant. Maybe shave off a part of "A'" to make for more parking.
That leaves 2, D, E, F, G, and H left. What else do we need? Okay maybe put some retail in "2" and "H" (maybe even the Hare-hopefully VA clinic), the long-awaited Post Office in "D," (with the current structure turned in a small bank), lofts in "G," and "E" and "F" for Coloma Park District use (offices, swimming pool, rec center, etc.).
I don't feel as if the whole complex should be entirely office and retail because it would take away from the existing downtown area. The artist's rendering shows that 2nd Steet will be turned into a boulevard. How about we improve the rear of the existing downtown businesses north of 2nd Street and between 1st and 2nd avenues, keep the parking spaces, and cut off 1st street to make it end/curve at 2nd Avenue and turn the old street into more parkland.
Still, you have the large open area west of 2nd Avenue (I doubt the limestone building is in any future use). Use the limestone area for expanded Lower Dam Park use, the burned-down part of IH for more lofts, and every empty lot beween 4th Avenue and 8th Avenue for houses (including the tearing down of the old art deco S&S building and Henry's laundrymat).
Next, is the connection all of these places will have with one another. The rendering has a bike trail connecting the "City Parkland" on east 2nd Street to the existing trail just west of the Bridge.
It would be nice if the bike trail could connect with the river front of Riverside Park, go up the hill onto 2nd Street and go on the sidewalk in front of the A.G. Smith Mansion to connect with the walking bridge and canal.
The trail should connect with First Avenue on the west side of the bridge. Maybe smooth the grade from the river trail to the Love Light Tree (remember, we are cutting off 1st Street). Another trail should follow Avenue A from the riverfront to the trail along the old CB&Q tracks.
I think it would also be cool if the western side of the bike trail crosses the river into Lawrence Park. And have a similar bike bridge to the Sterling side, right in front of what's being developed there.
***
These are just my ideas. I don't know whether or not they will work out, but that's what I'd like to see.
Now, if I can draw something up on Sterling ...
Current Song - She's Not There (The Zombies)
I drive on First Avenue Bridge between Sterling and Rock Falls every day it seems. I'm used to seeing all of the rubble on both sides of the Rock River. Bring in anyone whos never been here before, and they'll think it's South Bronx in the 1970s.
There are a couple of spots that are being redevolped into hopefully something useful: the west side of the bridge in Sterling and the east side of the bridge in Rock Falls.
Rock Falls already has a plan for their riverfront. Sterling is trying to come up with one. We will focus on Rock Falls today, with Sterling at another time.
ROCK FALLS
http://www.rockfallsdevelopment.org/Master_Plan.pdf
The plan includes: A 2.5-acre waterfront plaza, including an amphitheater; a 185,000 square feet of new commercial and residential space; a bike trail connecting the upper and lower dams; and the extension of two city streets -- Second Street and Avenue A.
Most of the former Reliant/RB&W complex is gone. When all of this is cleared, there is a large open space between Wood Avenue and the bridge. I do like the open area promenade. The extension of second street (or rebuilding, depending on how old you are) relieves a traffic obstacle for those who live along the river.
I just don't know what is going to go into all these buildings that are proposed, and therefore the parking lots. Plus, building "H" is the old office complex, and is going to look ugly in all of this. We already have difficulty attracting businesses into our existing downtown buildings.
The best way to answer this question is, what are we lacking?
Hotels - It would compliment both Sterling and Rock Falls. No more driving all of the way to the Interstate for lodging. Examples: Rock Island District Holiday Inn and Freeport's Hamilton Inn. Maybe put that in buildings "A", "B" and "A'". I know that the plan says the "A" buildings are suggested for retail, but a hotel can't be that small. Building "C" would be the hotel's accompanying restaurant. Maybe shave off a part of "A'" to make for more parking.
That leaves 2, D, E, F, G, and H left. What else do we need? Okay maybe put some retail in "2" and "H" (maybe even the Hare-hopefully VA clinic), the long-awaited Post Office in "D," (with the current structure turned in a small bank), lofts in "G," and "E" and "F" for Coloma Park District use (offices, swimming pool, rec center, etc.).
I don't feel as if the whole complex should be entirely office and retail because it would take away from the existing downtown area. The artist's rendering shows that 2nd Steet will be turned into a boulevard. How about we improve the rear of the existing downtown businesses north of 2nd Street and between 1st and 2nd avenues, keep the parking spaces, and cut off 1st street to make it end/curve at 2nd Avenue and turn the old street into more parkland.
Still, you have the large open area west of 2nd Avenue (I doubt the limestone building is in any future use). Use the limestone area for expanded Lower Dam Park use, the burned-down part of IH for more lofts, and every empty lot beween 4th Avenue and 8th Avenue for houses (including the tearing down of the old art deco S&S building and Henry's laundrymat).
Next, is the connection all of these places will have with one another. The rendering has a bike trail connecting the "City Parkland" on east 2nd Street to the existing trail just west of the Bridge.
It would be nice if the bike trail could connect with the river front of Riverside Park, go up the hill onto 2nd Street and go on the sidewalk in front of the A.G. Smith Mansion to connect with the walking bridge and canal.
The trail should connect with First Avenue on the west side of the bridge. Maybe smooth the grade from the river trail to the Love Light Tree (remember, we are cutting off 1st Street). Another trail should follow Avenue A from the riverfront to the trail along the old CB&Q tracks.
I think it would also be cool if the western side of the bike trail crosses the river into Lawrence Park. And have a similar bike bridge to the Sterling side, right in front of what's being developed there.
***
These are just my ideas. I don't know whether or not they will work out, but that's what I'd like to see.
Now, if I can draw something up on Sterling ...
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Football Boxes
Cutter's Log - Stardate 0102.13.80
Current Song - Baker Street (Gerry Rafferty)
I had been writing about most sports on a regular basis since the time I began in this profession nearly 8 years ago. I started writing about football on a regular basis, during its season, 5 years ago.
I've found it difficult to put together a football box. I can put together a story without problem. The darn box keeps delaying me.
There's three parts to the football box:
The first part of the box is easy: that's listing each score.
The second part is a bit tough because you have to add a bunch of things together. I don't know whether or not I can add these things up from whistle to interview. However, I've never tried. So I will this Friday.
Last year I typed up a worksheet that was supposed to help me put a box together quicker. I can't recall if it worked. The things that are a part of the second part of the box are: first downs, total offense, rushing yards, passing yards, completions-attempts-interceptions (C-A-I), fumbles and those lost, penalties and yards lost, and number of punts and average distance.
I have seen boxes that omit first downs, penalties and punts. In my first attempt this season, I will try to skip these stats in order to better formulate the rest. Then once I get better, I'll try to include the first downs, punts and penalties.
The third part is totaling up individual stats. I don't need a calculator.
I guess the biggest problem for me is actually formulating these numbers into a box. My template is two-sided: one for first-half stats, and the other for final game stats.
I'll just see if this works on Friday. I'm heading to Galena for their game with East Dubuque.
Current Song - Baker Street (Gerry Rafferty)
I had been writing about most sports on a regular basis since the time I began in this profession nearly 8 years ago. I started writing about football on a regular basis, during its season, 5 years ago.
I've found it difficult to put together a football box. I can put together a story without problem. The darn box keeps delaying me.
There's three parts to the football box:
The first part of the box is easy: that's listing each score.
The second part is a bit tough because you have to add a bunch of things together. I don't know whether or not I can add these things up from whistle to interview. However, I've never tried. So I will this Friday.
Last year I typed up a worksheet that was supposed to help me put a box together quicker. I can't recall if it worked. The things that are a part of the second part of the box are: first downs, total offense, rushing yards, passing yards, completions-attempts-interceptions (C-A-I), fumbles and those lost, penalties and yards lost, and number of punts and average distance.
I have seen boxes that omit first downs, penalties and punts. In my first attempt this season, I will try to skip these stats in order to better formulate the rest. Then once I get better, I'll try to include the first downs, punts and penalties.
The third part is totaling up individual stats. I don't need a calculator.
I guess the biggest problem for me is actually formulating these numbers into a box. My template is two-sided: one for first-half stats, and the other for final game stats.
I'll just see if this works on Friday. I'm heading to Galena for their game with East Dubuque.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
A Thought About Scoreboards
Cutter's Log - Stardate 0102.52.80
Current Song - PYL Theme (???)
I run a weekly football scoreboard on NISB. Posters can post scores to each game on this particular thread. Because I'm writing a football gamer after these football games, I won't touch the scoreboard until around 1:00.
There were times when I thought about putting up one big scoreboard for the area, for all sports. I would have to obtain every schedule from every high school sports team in the area. I have tried this, but each time I've tried there has been some sort of computer crash via highschoolsports.net. It's not their fault, I just happen to be loading a LOT of schedules.
It will take a lot of arthritis in order to just get the schedules posted to NISB. That's just to post the schedules. Now I would want people to chip in. That's the tough part. Plus, if no one chips in, all that arthritis will mean nothing. In order for people to chip in, I'll need to persuade the coaches to put me on the contact list. That, and find a way to not only get a fax machine (@#$& !!!), but to also pay for a large phone bill. That, and ALSO trying to find time each night to update it.
I think it will be quite some time before we get a scoreboard concept going. I may have to quit the Shell gig in order just to run it.
Now a little something about fax machines: I don't have one. I don't know where to put one. I give up there.
Current Song - PYL Theme (???)
I run a weekly football scoreboard on NISB. Posters can post scores to each game on this particular thread. Because I'm writing a football gamer after these football games, I won't touch the scoreboard until around 1:00.
There were times when I thought about putting up one big scoreboard for the area, for all sports. I would have to obtain every schedule from every high school sports team in the area. I have tried this, but each time I've tried there has been some sort of computer crash via highschoolsports.net. It's not their fault, I just happen to be loading a LOT of schedules.
It will take a lot of arthritis in order to just get the schedules posted to NISB. That's just to post the schedules. Now I would want people to chip in. That's the tough part. Plus, if no one chips in, all that arthritis will mean nothing. In order for people to chip in, I'll need to persuade the coaches to put me on the contact list. That, and find a way to not only get a fax machine (@#$& !!!), but to also pay for a large phone bill. That, and ALSO trying to find time each night to update it.
I think it will be quite some time before we get a scoreboard concept going. I may have to quit the Shell gig in order just to run it.
Now a little something about fax machines: I don't have one. I don't know where to put one. I give up there.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Five Years Later ...
Cutter's Log - Stardate 0102.22.08
Current Song - Dance With Me (112)
About 25% of our high school graduating class got together for our 5th Year Reunion. I attended.
I had a blast! Even though if you saw me there sometimes standing alone, I still had a good time. It was good to see everyone after these few years in a setting I could be comfortable in. I couldn't really get going until some more people showed up. The real thrill for me was keeping up with most of those there. A couple of which I hadn't seen since graduation.
A lot of us have gone on to do some very successful things, and work for very successful businesses (such as the Seattle Seahawks). I told a few people about my two websites, as well as some stories about working at the Shell station. I guess the kick out of all that is that I didn't seem like I was doing nothing with my life :)
I sat with the crowd with the most beer. All that beer. Okay, maybe a small sip. Thank you, B, for pouring the entire cup full! One, two, three ... my eyes widened up and I was shaking a little bit after just a small sip. I walked away for a bit and went off to the side of the building and dumped the rest out. It wasn't the first time I had tasted something intoxicating: I had a couple of sips of some kind of wine at my sister's wedding. This was the first taste of beer (Bud Light). It tasted like cold, flat Fresca. Nothing I would want to try again. After that, I really can't believe there are people that drink many cans of that a day!
Enough about Bud Light (thank God). I can't wait for our tenth. Maybe a few more people will show up. I did learn a few things about myself tonight - that if I actually try to put some sort of effort into finding a connecting point, it will happen. That I can still at least attempt to fit in with a crowd. That I also kind of need more time off from what I'm doing.
After talking with one classmate about what I've been up to, somehow I was able to spit out the fact that I'm working and writing a lot and need to quit doing that a lot. He agreed that I was always busy.
We'll see about that.
Current Song - Dance With Me (112)
About 25% of our high school graduating class got together for our 5th Year Reunion. I attended.
I had a blast! Even though if you saw me there sometimes standing alone, I still had a good time. It was good to see everyone after these few years in a setting I could be comfortable in. I couldn't really get going until some more people showed up. The real thrill for me was keeping up with most of those there. A couple of which I hadn't seen since graduation.
A lot of us have gone on to do some very successful things, and work for very successful businesses (such as the Seattle Seahawks). I told a few people about my two websites, as well as some stories about working at the Shell station. I guess the kick out of all that is that I didn't seem like I was doing nothing with my life :)
I sat with the crowd with the most beer. All that beer. Okay, maybe a small sip. Thank you, B, for pouring the entire cup full! One, two, three ... my eyes widened up and I was shaking a little bit after just a small sip. I walked away for a bit and went off to the side of the building and dumped the rest out. It wasn't the first time I had tasted something intoxicating: I had a couple of sips of some kind of wine at my sister's wedding. This was the first taste of beer (Bud Light). It tasted like cold, flat Fresca. Nothing I would want to try again. After that, I really can't believe there are people that drink many cans of that a day!
Enough about Bud Light (thank God). I can't wait for our tenth. Maybe a few more people will show up. I did learn a few things about myself tonight - that if I actually try to put some sort of effort into finding a connecting point, it will happen. That I can still at least attempt to fit in with a crowd. That I also kind of need more time off from what I'm doing.
After talking with one classmate about what I've been up to, somehow I was able to spit out the fact that I'm working and writing a lot and need to quit doing that a lot. He agreed that I was always busy.
We'll see about that.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
The Fall Grind
Cutter's Log - Stardate 0102.12.80
Current Song - Tired of Being Alone (Al Green)
Tuesdays and Fridays are off days. Friday will be spent doing a football game.
Friday afternoons could be spent snapping either a XC meet or tennis match at the site of the football game. Soccer games can be fully-covered with less emphasis at the town of the football game. However, I have never turned this trick before. The odds of either happening are at least 1 in 25.
Tuesdays are free days, and I can cover pretty much anything.
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday if I'm working the midshift: I'm out the door at 5:30 if I have something planned. The only thing that late would be volleyball, or a RARE football game. I can make a varsity tip-off no later than 7:00, meaning I can travel an hour and 15 minutes. Thursday's are special because I may be out by 4:30.
Saturday and "school holiday" coverage (if I am closing at Shell) has to start no later than 8:00 for boys golf, 10:00 for XC, 1:00 for boys soccer, and has to be within 30 miles from Sterling. I also factor in the time it takes to drive immediately to work. So, yeah, Saturday's suck.
Everything revolves around the Shell schedule.
Current Song - Tired of Being Alone (Al Green)
Tuesdays and Fridays are off days. Friday will be spent doing a football game.
Friday afternoons could be spent snapping either a XC meet or tennis match at the site of the football game. Soccer games can be fully-covered with less emphasis at the town of the football game. However, I have never turned this trick before. The odds of either happening are at least 1 in 25.
Tuesdays are free days, and I can cover pretty much anything.
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday if I'm working the midshift: I'm out the door at 5:30 if I have something planned. The only thing that late would be volleyball, or a RARE football game. I can make a varsity tip-off no later than 7:00, meaning I can travel an hour and 15 minutes. Thursday's are special because I may be out by 4:30.
Saturday and "school holiday" coverage (if I am closing at Shell) has to start no later than 8:00 for boys golf, 10:00 for XC, 1:00 for boys soccer, and has to be within 30 miles from Sterling. I also factor in the time it takes to drive immediately to work. So, yeah, Saturday's suck.
Everything revolves around the Shell schedule.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
A State of Flux
Cutter's Log - Stardate 0102.11.80
Current Song - Just The Two of Us (Bill Withers)
I was reminded today that I'm not faring so well in this battle versus the real world.
I was reminded today that I think I have a case of a mixture of solitude, depression and lonliness.
Between work, high school sports, and the battle to live a normal life, today I find my mind in a scramble.
A blah day at work was followed by a nap, looking at a state atlas, dinner, another nap, news and Leno, reading a book, and typing this. I did nothing else other than this.
The effort to communicate better isn't going so well. I would like to share an example of my failure to communicate:
On Monday afternoon, I traveled to a golf meet in Rockford. I was going to cover it, but had to be back in Sterling at a certain time. I park at the course parking lot. I had to think of a plan for a couple of minutes: okay, I'm going to go inside, try to find someone important and ask him/her when the meet's going to end. I exit my car thinking as if I'm breaking out of a huddle.
I walk in the clubhouse and find a bunch of people. I don't know any of them. Nobody looked too important, and they were all engaged in discussion. Rather than rudely interrupt the conversations, I walked outside and thought of a Plan B.
Plan B, as odd as it is, was to call the clubhouse and ask someone. I'm thinking, they have to answer the phone and I'll finally get my answer. I can't just say, when's it going to end. I called the clubhouse and disguised my voice as if I were someone older. I told them I couldn't reach my son, who's playing in the meet, and I wanted to know when things were going to wrap up (it wasn't going to wrap up in time for me to report to work).
That is what I did.
Years of not engaging in general conversation had made me sort of forget HOW to converse.
I write this stuff here because I don't know who will WANT to listen to me.
When I was out of work from the summer of '05 to the fall of '06, I was told that getting a job would help me interact. It has, a little bit. Four years later, I find myself as an afterthought in customer-clerk conversation when another clerk is in the store. They'll acknowlegde my presence, and then converse with the off-duty clerk.
They say converstation starters are things such as the weather, gas prices, weird items (especially the large beef jerky), and the Gazette. "It's nice out." "It's cheaper in Dixon." "that's a HUGE piece of beef jerky!" "Sheley's on the front page, AGAIN." These are things that I can only concur. I can't really find that connecting point to extend the conversation. I do succeed in finding it at times, but they are repetitive.
So if it's communication, it's generic communication. I deeply hate that.
I can't even find a conversation starter when it comes to classmates and high school friends from both Sterling and Rock Falls. What HAVE I been up to? I feel as if I want to tell the entire story of my life post-graduation. At the same time, I realize they don't have TIME to hear everything. So I try to abbreviate it in the form of "still working and writing."
We have our Five-Year Class Reunion this Saturday. I kind of know what everyone's up to because I'm Facebook friends with a bunch of classmates. Speaking of Facebook, I only have about 140 friends. I'm not going to engage in some sort of popularity contest of who has the most friends. The 140orso people are those people who are important to me.
I guess when I try to be respectful, I don't often succeed.
So that's how my lack of conversation fails me at work.
I truly feel that if I had more time to spend with high school sports maybe my communication in that area would improve. Maybe I would have a stronger inner circle (more about that later). I guess you can say vice-versa with Shell. Also, sometimes I think that my desire to be involved more with sports friends kind of turns off my Shell co-workers. Like customers, I can't seem to find a connection to a conversation piece with my co-workers, and it seems as if we don't work together well. It hurts a lot.
My lack of communication also fails me when it comes to my career: high school sports journalism. I was reminded during this past spring season that what I do and who I cover has hindered my communication ability. How?
My coverage area is the combined coverage areas of about 10 different daily newspapers. My coverage schedule and dedication time only allows me to stay in touch with the top of the top. In a newspaper's coverage area, I could only tell you about the top two teams. I hear all these writers talk about all of their teams, and it blows me away. It should NOT blow me away. It sure makes me look dumb.
In knowing a lot about all of their teams, the writers it seems are in more constant contact with coaches and players outside of the sports event. I like to refer to this as an "Inner Circle" of sorts. If I had one of my own, it currently would be a very weak one with only a few coaches. Constant contact is something that's being preached to journalists these days. That's something that I cannot excel in.
Then fix it. Establish constant contact.
That's when the respect factor comes in. I know people have a lot more on their minds than wanting to be an interview subject for a website that's looking for some popularity. I'm so AFRAID that it will turn into stalking, that I shy away from constant contact with coaches. I tell myself that this is prepatory sports and not professional sports, and coaches are teachers first.
I guess when I try to be respectful, I don't often succeed.
There is still a lot of places to explore in the high school sports scene. Working at the Shell station, I feel very stuck in the same loop of disappointment when it comes to communication. However, as I have mentioned time and time again, Shell is where I'm making my money and NISB is where I'm just trying to keep my career going. What would make this much better is that coveted journalism job.
Establishing a knack for simple conversation leads to friends, friends lead to having girlfriends, and so on.
As for right now, all I can do is dream.
Current Song - Just The Two of Us (Bill Withers)
I was reminded today that I'm not faring so well in this battle versus the real world.
I was reminded today that I think I have a case of a mixture of solitude, depression and lonliness.
Between work, high school sports, and the battle to live a normal life, today I find my mind in a scramble.
A blah day at work was followed by a nap, looking at a state atlas, dinner, another nap, news and Leno, reading a book, and typing this. I did nothing else other than this.
The effort to communicate better isn't going so well. I would like to share an example of my failure to communicate:
On Monday afternoon, I traveled to a golf meet in Rockford. I was going to cover it, but had to be back in Sterling at a certain time. I park at the course parking lot. I had to think of a plan for a couple of minutes: okay, I'm going to go inside, try to find someone important and ask him/her when the meet's going to end. I exit my car thinking as if I'm breaking out of a huddle.
I walk in the clubhouse and find a bunch of people. I don't know any of them. Nobody looked too important, and they were all engaged in discussion. Rather than rudely interrupt the conversations, I walked outside and thought of a Plan B.
Plan B, as odd as it is, was to call the clubhouse and ask someone. I'm thinking, they have to answer the phone and I'll finally get my answer. I can't just say, when's it going to end. I called the clubhouse and disguised my voice as if I were someone older. I told them I couldn't reach my son, who's playing in the meet, and I wanted to know when things were going to wrap up (it wasn't going to wrap up in time for me to report to work).
That is what I did.
Years of not engaging in general conversation had made me sort of forget HOW to converse.
I write this stuff here because I don't know who will WANT to listen to me.
When I was out of work from the summer of '05 to the fall of '06, I was told that getting a job would help me interact. It has, a little bit. Four years later, I find myself as an afterthought in customer-clerk conversation when another clerk is in the store. They'll acknowlegde my presence, and then converse with the off-duty clerk.
They say converstation starters are things such as the weather, gas prices, weird items (especially the large beef jerky), and the Gazette. "It's nice out." "It's cheaper in Dixon." "that's a HUGE piece of beef jerky!" "Sheley's on the front page, AGAIN." These are things that I can only concur. I can't really find that connecting point to extend the conversation. I do succeed in finding it at times, but they are repetitive.
So if it's communication, it's generic communication. I deeply hate that.
I can't even find a conversation starter when it comes to classmates and high school friends from both Sterling and Rock Falls. What HAVE I been up to? I feel as if I want to tell the entire story of my life post-graduation. At the same time, I realize they don't have TIME to hear everything. So I try to abbreviate it in the form of "still working and writing."
We have our Five-Year Class Reunion this Saturday. I kind of know what everyone's up to because I'm Facebook friends with a bunch of classmates. Speaking of Facebook, I only have about 140 friends. I'm not going to engage in some sort of popularity contest of who has the most friends. The 140orso people are those people who are important to me.
I guess when I try to be respectful, I don't often succeed.
So that's how my lack of conversation fails me at work.
I truly feel that if I had more time to spend with high school sports maybe my communication in that area would improve. Maybe I would have a stronger inner circle (more about that later). I guess you can say vice-versa with Shell. Also, sometimes I think that my desire to be involved more with sports friends kind of turns off my Shell co-workers. Like customers, I can't seem to find a connection to a conversation piece with my co-workers, and it seems as if we don't work together well. It hurts a lot.
My lack of communication also fails me when it comes to my career: high school sports journalism. I was reminded during this past spring season that what I do and who I cover has hindered my communication ability. How?
My coverage area is the combined coverage areas of about 10 different daily newspapers. My coverage schedule and dedication time only allows me to stay in touch with the top of the top. In a newspaper's coverage area, I could only tell you about the top two teams. I hear all these writers talk about all of their teams, and it blows me away. It should NOT blow me away. It sure makes me look dumb.
In knowing a lot about all of their teams, the writers it seems are in more constant contact with coaches and players outside of the sports event. I like to refer to this as an "Inner Circle" of sorts. If I had one of my own, it currently would be a very weak one with only a few coaches. Constant contact is something that's being preached to journalists these days. That's something that I cannot excel in.
Then fix it. Establish constant contact.
That's when the respect factor comes in. I know people have a lot more on their minds than wanting to be an interview subject for a website that's looking for some popularity. I'm so AFRAID that it will turn into stalking, that I shy away from constant contact with coaches. I tell myself that this is prepatory sports and not professional sports, and coaches are teachers first.
I guess when I try to be respectful, I don't often succeed.
There is still a lot of places to explore in the high school sports scene. Working at the Shell station, I feel very stuck in the same loop of disappointment when it comes to communication. However, as I have mentioned time and time again, Shell is where I'm making my money and NISB is where I'm just trying to keep my career going. What would make this much better is that coveted journalism job.
Establishing a knack for simple conversation leads to friends, friends lead to having girlfriends, and so on.
As for right now, all I can do is dream.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Back in the midshift groove
Cutter's Log - Stardate 0102.41.80
Current Song - Opening Act (Prevue Channel)
Finally tonight, as promised, a Special Comment on the -1% of gas station customers.
Gee, after working a few daytime shifts the whole point about "I, me, my" doesn't seem as abundant as I thought it would be. In other words, I haven't had any major headaches.
I have had minor headaches, however. I lose track of time quite a bit, and sometimes don't even make it to the other side of the counter where the coffee's at. Non-stop lines until about 3:30, with small pockets of time for unpacking a carton of cigarettes or taking a sip of my Dew.
All of this goes on with the stupid two-counter/one-register format (the ONLY thing I miss about BP is having just one counter). At times, there is no line. It's a blob of people. And when there's a line of people at one register, someone comes into the store and is the only person in the other line, and thinks he/she is the next person in line.
They do not know that there's a second line. They don't see the second line. They don't see anything other than their purchase, the clerk and the exit door. Everything else is blank white. These are your "I, me, my" people that make me want to puke. They don't pay any attention to the world around them, as opposed to the the world should be revolved around him or her.
Some may think it's easy to point these people out. Look at their clothes. However, in the nearly four years I've been behind gas station counters, I have noticed that well-dressed people are more cooperative than the sub-one. I have noticed that the area's celebrities and public servants are more cooperative than not only the sub-one, but the large majority of total customers. I don't judge the book by the cover.
So who exactly makes up the sub-one?
If you pester me about the ATM fee, even though that's decided by the ATM - chill, man!
If you toss your credit card on the counter like a ragdoll, that's just like throwing money - chill, man!
If we don't carry your cigarettes, and you've never seen an advertisement of them - chill, man!
If you inform me that the Jif peanut butter is ten cents cheaper down the street - chill, man!
If you use the words "should" and "therefore" during a transaction - chill, man!
If you think we're informed every day from Mr. J about why Dixon's gas is cheaper - chill, man!
Good night and Good Luck.
Current Song - Opening Act (Prevue Channel)
Finally tonight, as promised, a Special Comment on the -1% of gas station customers.
Gee, after working a few daytime shifts the whole point about "I, me, my" doesn't seem as abundant as I thought it would be. In other words, I haven't had any major headaches.
I have had minor headaches, however. I lose track of time quite a bit, and sometimes don't even make it to the other side of the counter where the coffee's at. Non-stop lines until about 3:30, with small pockets of time for unpacking a carton of cigarettes or taking a sip of my Dew.
All of this goes on with the stupid two-counter/one-register format (the ONLY thing I miss about BP is having just one counter). At times, there is no line. It's a blob of people. And when there's a line of people at one register, someone comes into the store and is the only person in the other line, and thinks he/she is the next person in line.
They do not know that there's a second line. They don't see the second line. They don't see anything other than their purchase, the clerk and the exit door. Everything else is blank white. These are your "I, me, my" people that make me want to puke. They don't pay any attention to the world around them, as opposed to the the world should be revolved around him or her.
Some may think it's easy to point these people out. Look at their clothes. However, in the nearly four years I've been behind gas station counters, I have noticed that well-dressed people are more cooperative than the sub-one. I have noticed that the area's celebrities and public servants are more cooperative than not only the sub-one, but the large majority of total customers. I don't judge the book by the cover.
So who exactly makes up the sub-one?
If you pester me about the ATM fee, even though that's decided by the ATM - chill, man!
If you toss your credit card on the counter like a ragdoll, that's just like throwing money - chill, man!
If we don't carry your cigarettes, and you've never seen an advertisement of them - chill, man!
If you inform me that the Jif peanut butter is ten cents cheaper down the street - chill, man!
If you use the words "should" and "therefore" during a transaction - chill, man!
If you think we're informed every day from Mr. J about why Dixon's gas is cheaper - chill, man!
Good night and Good Luck.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Busy, Busy Week
Cutter's Log - Stardate 0102.70.80
Current Song - Jackie Blue (Ozark Mountain Daredevils)
I got stuck with the same work schedule (wink, wink) for next week.
Sunday off, Monday night, Tuesday mid, Wednesday off, Thursday and Friday mid, and Saturday night.
I closed this past Thursday, and had to come in at 10:00 in the morning. Little sleep. I've done this before, so it's not new. The only time when it gets irritating is when you have one of your "Top 5 sales shifts" ever during the day, and your relief is an hour late. Then again, Friday middays were once a staple for me during the past football season. However, that made the football games not that interesting.
When I got home, I needed to lay down. It was a nice day outside, so the air conditioning at home wasn't on. However, I had it on all day at work. You know how that feels. I eventually did lay down in the sauna (the nickname for my bedroom - where the insulating is worn out). I could feel my feet literally tingling toward my knees.
But that's all over with.
I'm closing tonight and getting tomorrow off. While off in the following week, I'm going to get caught up on stuff I actually had planned for June and July. There's three features, an event, and more bits and tweaking with NISB.
The sports season is starting soon!!
Current Song - Jackie Blue (Ozark Mountain Daredevils)
I got stuck with the same work schedule (wink, wink) for next week.
Sunday off, Monday night, Tuesday mid, Wednesday off, Thursday and Friday mid, and Saturday night.
I closed this past Thursday, and had to come in at 10:00 in the morning. Little sleep. I've done this before, so it's not new. The only time when it gets irritating is when you have one of your "Top 5 sales shifts" ever during the day, and your relief is an hour late. Then again, Friday middays were once a staple for me during the past football season. However, that made the football games not that interesting.
When I got home, I needed to lay down. It was a nice day outside, so the air conditioning at home wasn't on. However, I had it on all day at work. You know how that feels. I eventually did lay down in the sauna (the nickname for my bedroom - where the insulating is worn out). I could feel my feet literally tingling toward my knees.
But that's all over with.
I'm closing tonight and getting tomorrow off. While off in the following week, I'm going to get caught up on stuff I actually had planned for June and July. There's three features, an event, and more bits and tweaking with NISB.
The sports season is starting soon!!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Love Is Blue
Cutter's Log - Stardate 0102.40.80
Current Song - Love is Blue (Paul Mauriat)
Today, I got a dose of an instrumental piece you may have heard on an oldies station. You know, that one with the string guitar and the piano doing some sort of French waltz? No, not Classical Gas.
You can probably say that Paul Mauriat's "Love is Blue" is my kryptonite. It's a song that closely resembles two of my favorite foreign films ("Bicycle Thieves" and "Band of Outsiders"). All active thought in my very active brain ceases for this moment.
In the words of a YouTube comment of an audio file of the song, "My heart sighs heavily."
More difficult than "A Tale of Two Cities," "War and Peace," and any early T.S. Eliot poem is the understanding of life's greatest adventure. Eventually we all finally understand the literary works, but it takes years to understand this adventure.
I feel like I'm back in the literature part of my English classes: Everyone is at the fun and exciting part, while I'm still trying to figure out what the first paragraph of the prolouge means.
Okay, so it means this ... and I advance forward in the reading.
NO! ... and I get thrown back to square one.
Again, I try to make sense of it and again I get thrown back.
I try many different ways. However, I'm unable to get anything off the ground. And as time goes on, the task gets even more difficult. These are the only ways I know, and they have all failed, even if I repeat them. And when I do repeat them, the fewer the people who hold me back - but I still get held back.
Avenues I once went down are permanantly being blocked quite a bit these days.
When, oh when, will that time come?
And which lady will it be? Who will strike me with a zap of romance?
Current Song - Love is Blue (Paul Mauriat)
Today, I got a dose of an instrumental piece you may have heard on an oldies station. You know, that one with the string guitar and the piano doing some sort of French waltz? No, not Classical Gas.
You can probably say that Paul Mauriat's "Love is Blue" is my kryptonite. It's a song that closely resembles two of my favorite foreign films ("Bicycle Thieves" and "Band of Outsiders"). All active thought in my very active brain ceases for this moment.
In the words of a YouTube comment of an audio file of the song, "My heart sighs heavily."
More difficult than "A Tale of Two Cities," "War and Peace," and any early T.S. Eliot poem is the understanding of life's greatest adventure. Eventually we all finally understand the literary works, but it takes years to understand this adventure.
I feel like I'm back in the literature part of my English classes: Everyone is at the fun and exciting part, while I'm still trying to figure out what the first paragraph of the prolouge means.
Okay, so it means this ... and I advance forward in the reading.
NO! ... and I get thrown back to square one.
Again, I try to make sense of it and again I get thrown back.
I try many different ways. However, I'm unable to get anything off the ground. And as time goes on, the task gets even more difficult. These are the only ways I know, and they have all failed, even if I repeat them. And when I do repeat them, the fewer the people who hold me back - but I still get held back.
Avenues I once went down are permanantly being blocked quite a bit these days.
When, oh when, will that time come?
And which lady will it be? Who will strike me with a zap of romance?
Monday, August 2, 2010
Daytime
Cutter's Log - Stardate 0102.20.80
Current Song - Sign Your Name (Terence Trent D'arby)
I'll be working the daytime shift at work in the next couple of days. I only get one or two daytime shifts a month. I'll be doing three this week. It's like having to fill a dayshift quota. Actually, we're a bit short-staffed.
I haven't written in this blog for a while because of being busy. But when I do, it's likely something I need to share (probably because of frustration).
The reason why I'm the "night specialist" is because of me being a night owl. The night shift, to many people, is one where you taper off as the night goes on. The way I avoid this is by waking up in the afternoon. When I come to work, it's as if it's the first thing I'm doing. That philosophy is what made me survive the overnights at BP for a year-and-a-half and the evenings at Shell for over two years.
So when I have to work during the daytime, I'm usually finding my sleep pattern interrupted. I'm entering work feeling groggy. However, through the years I have seemed to manage it well ...
Until recently.
The way I conduct my "clerking" is a bit different. I have a set schedule for chorework. Everything's routine. A good portion of the night is spent doing chorework. This is reversed during daytime.
There's more time at the register during the daytime. There are more customers at the store during daytime. The busyness doesn't frazzle me.
What DOES frazzle me is the make-up of the customer base in the daytime, compared to the nighttime. I have found out that there are more customers who are rude, insubordinate and mean. Everyone thinks that nighttime customers are all drunk and vagrant. I find it the opposite with the 5% of daytime customers I'm writing about.
The real reason why I don't like working during the daytime is because of that ONE such confrontation that will absolutely ruin my day. It is all about disgruntled customers.
I'll admit that I'm the worst at dealing with disgruntled customers. Everyone else who works where I work at, all with a lot of daytime experience and one with over 20 years, is so much better at this. I rarely, if ever, get disgruntled customers at night, and when I do, it is in the early part of the shift (5-7). They scare the hell out of me.
When this kind of thing happens, here is what is going through my mind afterward:
-You are not God.
-If you kill us youth off like that, the cycle of evolution will break, and you are effectively killing society as we know it.
-Johnson Oil's future depends on youthful people such as myself.
-Those guys from Turk 190's are right, people from Sterling really CAN'T read.
-Mr. Williams' lecture on healthy Time Management in my college health class.
-I don't want to work a dayshift ever again.
-Why am I worrying so much?
-You ever notice that it's always the pump and never the card?
-You ever notice that it's always our problem and never yours?
-This never happens when I work at Wende's.
... and I will add more later.
Current Song - Sign Your Name (Terence Trent D'arby)
I'll be working the daytime shift at work in the next couple of days. I only get one or two daytime shifts a month. I'll be doing three this week. It's like having to fill a dayshift quota. Actually, we're a bit short-staffed.
I haven't written in this blog for a while because of being busy. But when I do, it's likely something I need to share (probably because of frustration).
The reason why I'm the "night specialist" is because of me being a night owl. The night shift, to many people, is one where you taper off as the night goes on. The way I avoid this is by waking up in the afternoon. When I come to work, it's as if it's the first thing I'm doing. That philosophy is what made me survive the overnights at BP for a year-and-a-half and the evenings at Shell for over two years.
So when I have to work during the daytime, I'm usually finding my sleep pattern interrupted. I'm entering work feeling groggy. However, through the years I have seemed to manage it well ...
Until recently.
The way I conduct my "clerking" is a bit different. I have a set schedule for chorework. Everything's routine. A good portion of the night is spent doing chorework. This is reversed during daytime.
There's more time at the register during the daytime. There are more customers at the store during daytime. The busyness doesn't frazzle me.
What DOES frazzle me is the make-up of the customer base in the daytime, compared to the nighttime. I have found out that there are more customers who are rude, insubordinate and mean. Everyone thinks that nighttime customers are all drunk and vagrant. I find it the opposite with the 5% of daytime customers I'm writing about.
The real reason why I don't like working during the daytime is because of that ONE such confrontation that will absolutely ruin my day. It is all about disgruntled customers.
I'll admit that I'm the worst at dealing with disgruntled customers. Everyone else who works where I work at, all with a lot of daytime experience and one with over 20 years, is so much better at this. I rarely, if ever, get disgruntled customers at night, and when I do, it is in the early part of the shift (5-7). They scare the hell out of me.
When this kind of thing happens, here is what is going through my mind afterward:
-You are not God.
-If you kill us youth off like that, the cycle of evolution will break, and you are effectively killing society as we know it.
-Johnson Oil's future depends on youthful people such as myself.
-Those guys from Turk 190's are right, people from Sterling really CAN'T read.
-Mr. Williams' lecture on healthy Time Management in my college health class.
-I don't want to work a dayshift ever again.
-Why am I worrying so much?
-You ever notice that it's always the pump and never the card?
-You ever notice that it's always our problem and never yours?
-This never happens when I work at Wende's.
... and I will add more later.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Not much luck on the Card Trip
Cutter's Log - Stardate 0102.32.70
Current Song - Steppin Out (Joe Jackson)
It wasn't an entirely good day on the Pirate adventure.
My first stop was a card shop in Muscatine IA. I arrived at 9:00 in the morning. They were closed and wasn't going to be open until 1:00. I kind of joked to myself that they were all hiding from me. I'm only kidding. My next stop was one in Milan. Again, they opened at 1:30, too late for me.
The next stop, in Moline, was a success, but only because they were actually open when I got there. No 10/25 boxes, and the only thing they had in a bin were $4 game useds. I didn't want to walk away empty, so I bought a Frank Thomas game used (of the Thomas's I have, this is the 1st game used), and a 45-print run Marcus Giles. I have no idea how much they are actually worth, but I figured at least $10 each - meaning I may have doubled.
The final stop was in Clinton. There were a couple of small 25 boxes. I walked away with a couple of Bowman refractors and a Willie Hernandez rookie card. Who is Willie Hernandez, you may ask? The closer for the 1984 Tigers that won the world series. He started his career as a Cub.
No more card treks for a while.
My brakes are squealing once again. I can now hear them with my windows rolled up. Sometime next week I'm going to take it to Midas. I may also probably get my lights fixed.
***
I just kick-started things with summer coverage. This will be more like pre-prep-season coverage. I gave Bill some stories and I'll give myself some stories.
Current Song - Steppin Out (Joe Jackson)
It wasn't an entirely good day on the Pirate adventure.
My first stop was a card shop in Muscatine IA. I arrived at 9:00 in the morning. They were closed and wasn't going to be open until 1:00. I kind of joked to myself that they were all hiding from me. I'm only kidding. My next stop was one in Milan. Again, they opened at 1:30, too late for me.
The next stop, in Moline, was a success, but only because they were actually open when I got there. No 10/25 boxes, and the only thing they had in a bin were $4 game useds. I didn't want to walk away empty, so I bought a Frank Thomas game used (of the Thomas's I have, this is the 1st game used), and a 45-print run Marcus Giles. I have no idea how much they are actually worth, but I figured at least $10 each - meaning I may have doubled.
The final stop was in Clinton. There were a couple of small 25 boxes. I walked away with a couple of Bowman refractors and a Willie Hernandez rookie card. Who is Willie Hernandez, you may ask? The closer for the 1984 Tigers that won the world series. He started his career as a Cub.
No more card treks for a while.
My brakes are squealing once again. I can now hear them with my windows rolled up. Sometime next week I'm going to take it to Midas. I may also probably get my lights fixed.
***
I just kick-started things with summer coverage. This will be more like pre-prep-season coverage. I gave Bill some stories and I'll give myself some stories.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Baseball Cards
Cutter's Log - Stardate 0102.22.70
Current Song - Gold Dust Woman (Fleetwood Mac)
I've mentioned on this blog a few times that I have been keeping an eye on my baseball cards. My collection is divided into two parts. One part is the collection I have built together in the past 20 years. The second part is the collection I acquired from a gentleman who ran a business in Rock Falls.
About a couple of years ago, I swaped some cards between both collections. I then added in another 1,000 cards I acquired from a card shop in Madison into the second collection.
I will not be adding any more cards into the first collection. In fact, I want to permanantly store them somewhere. Maybe I should just bury them in the backyard with a note saying "do not open in 200 years." I will be selling off my second collection in the form of starter sets and single cards.
The decision to semi-retire from card collecting is based on two things: one is my time spent away from it, and two is the changing atmosphere of collecting.
I subscribe to Beckett monthly, and have done so off and on for at least 15 years. All of the attention is being given to rare cards, autographed cards, game piece cards, subset cards, etc. One, I can't afford to do that. Two, I have learned a lot from the horror stories of people collecting Travis Lee, Rick Ankiel, Rick Asadoorian, Brad Nelson, J.D. Drew, etc. These are rookie cards that were at the top of the world at one time. I have Nelson's. It was once $15. It is now $0.60. A side note - I own the card with the largest market freefall (1992 Donruss Update Kenny Lofton from $75.00 to $2.00).
When I began high school, the journalism thing and the job thing, I didn't collect as much. So my collection roughly stops at 2002.
As for the "hot" cards, I simply can't waste my money HOPING I will find the lucky card. I have seen dealers badly inflate pack prices in hopes that buyers have a chance at finding a hot rookie card. Barbaric. I have better things to do with my money.
***
So I will be selling off that second collection in the form of starter sets and single cards. The single cards were taken out of the primary collection in hopes that I can sell them for what they are worth.
The above statement causes a lot of heat between buyers and sellers.
I remember about 10 years ago when I had an Eric Moulds (remember him?) Topps Chrome rookie card, valued at $80.00. The guy that owned the card shop in town wanted to buy it for $20. We had a bit of a quarrel before I settled on $20 and took 20 cards from the $1 bin. He was soon selling that same card for $80.
So he makes $60 off the card, and I make $20 off it? What's wrong here?
Instead of bowing down and getting a fraction of the cost off of the card, I won't deal with people who are looking to make money off of my cards. I won't deal with pickers. I won't deal with pawners. I won't deal with ubercollectors. Instead, I would like to pass on what I know about collecting onto other people who are either just starting, or would like to start.
I am actually selling my single cards at a rung below book value. The "rung" is as follows: 05-10-15-20-25-30-40-50-60-75-100-125-150-200-250-300-400-500-600-800-1000 ...
My overall hope is that the new collectors can truely appreciate the value and the existance of the trading card, as well as the hobby.
Current Song - Gold Dust Woman (Fleetwood Mac)
I've mentioned on this blog a few times that I have been keeping an eye on my baseball cards. My collection is divided into two parts. One part is the collection I have built together in the past 20 years. The second part is the collection I acquired from a gentleman who ran a business in Rock Falls.
About a couple of years ago, I swaped some cards between both collections. I then added in another 1,000 cards I acquired from a card shop in Madison into the second collection.
I will not be adding any more cards into the first collection. In fact, I want to permanantly store them somewhere. Maybe I should just bury them in the backyard with a note saying "do not open in 200 years." I will be selling off my second collection in the form of starter sets and single cards.
The decision to semi-retire from card collecting is based on two things: one is my time spent away from it, and two is the changing atmosphere of collecting.
I subscribe to Beckett monthly, and have done so off and on for at least 15 years. All of the attention is being given to rare cards, autographed cards, game piece cards, subset cards, etc. One, I can't afford to do that. Two, I have learned a lot from the horror stories of people collecting Travis Lee, Rick Ankiel, Rick Asadoorian, Brad Nelson, J.D. Drew, etc. These are rookie cards that were at the top of the world at one time. I have Nelson's. It was once $15. It is now $0.60. A side note - I own the card with the largest market freefall (1992 Donruss Update Kenny Lofton from $75.00 to $2.00).
When I began high school, the journalism thing and the job thing, I didn't collect as much. So my collection roughly stops at 2002.
As for the "hot" cards, I simply can't waste my money HOPING I will find the lucky card. I have seen dealers badly inflate pack prices in hopes that buyers have a chance at finding a hot rookie card. Barbaric. I have better things to do with my money.
***
So I will be selling off that second collection in the form of starter sets and single cards. The single cards were taken out of the primary collection in hopes that I can sell them for what they are worth.
The above statement causes a lot of heat between buyers and sellers.
I remember about 10 years ago when I had an Eric Moulds (remember him?) Topps Chrome rookie card, valued at $80.00. The guy that owned the card shop in town wanted to buy it for $20. We had a bit of a quarrel before I settled on $20 and took 20 cards from the $1 bin. He was soon selling that same card for $80.
So he makes $60 off the card, and I make $20 off it? What's wrong here?
Instead of bowing down and getting a fraction of the cost off of the card, I won't deal with people who are looking to make money off of my cards. I won't deal with pickers. I won't deal with pawners. I won't deal with ubercollectors. Instead, I would like to pass on what I know about collecting onto other people who are either just starting, or would like to start.
I am actually selling my single cards at a rung below book value. The "rung" is as follows: 05-10-15-20-25-30-40-50-60-75-100-125-150-200-250-300-400-500-600-800-1000 ...
My overall hope is that the new collectors can truely appreciate the value and the existance of the trading card, as well as the hobby.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Space
Cutter's Log - Stardate 0102.91.70
Current Song - Trololo (Edward Kuhl)
I've been in sort of a funk in the past month or so. I don't feel like doing anything other than working or sleeping. When I'm not working, I want to close my eyes and lay down. When I'm not sleeping, I'm usually working.
I don't know if this is my body telling me that it wants to start a long-term catch-up-on-sleep project, or what. Maybe it's because I'm constantly finding myself bored. There are times I don't even feel like writing.
Why am I constantly bored? I think it's because I'm constantly worrying so much. Among the things I'm worrying about include the love life and friendships. The love life has been something I've always had trouble with. But before I can even think about finding a girlfriend, I have to work on maintaining friendships.
What?
You see, I feel like I never do my part in maintaining them. The few who have actually reached out to me, I've had trouble keeping it up. Apparently I have to reach out to everyone else. It's as if others are forcing me to play offense. It's like saying, “don't reach out to him, let him reach out to you.”
I can't. I don't know how. My interest levels do not match those of the people I find myself around. Wait, did I just talk like an android?
As I am typing this, I am sitting on my computer chair staring off into space. Android? Data? I'm finding myself staring off into space a lot these days. Doesn't seem like fun, doesn't it? Id' rather be having a fun time. I can't remember the last time I had a fun time with other people. Most of those with whom I've interacted with in high school seem to have this kind of fun every couple of days.
Real life is setting in. It seems as if those I was once with are drifting into a large melting pot, leaving me all alone (but not on purpose).
(10 more minutes of staring into space)
Okay, I now remember the last time – in March at March Madness in Peoria, eating wings at Hooters with some Winnebago fans. March. Four months ago.
I need to stare off some more ...
Current Song - Trololo (Edward Kuhl)
I've been in sort of a funk in the past month or so. I don't feel like doing anything other than working or sleeping. When I'm not working, I want to close my eyes and lay down. When I'm not sleeping, I'm usually working.
I don't know if this is my body telling me that it wants to start a long-term catch-up-on-sleep project, or what. Maybe it's because I'm constantly finding myself bored. There are times I don't even feel like writing.
Why am I constantly bored? I think it's because I'm constantly worrying so much. Among the things I'm worrying about include the love life and friendships. The love life has been something I've always had trouble with. But before I can even think about finding a girlfriend, I have to work on maintaining friendships.
What?
You see, I feel like I never do my part in maintaining them. The few who have actually reached out to me, I've had trouble keeping it up. Apparently I have to reach out to everyone else. It's as if others are forcing me to play offense. It's like saying, “don't reach out to him, let him reach out to you.”
I can't. I don't know how. My interest levels do not match those of the people I find myself around. Wait, did I just talk like an android?
As I am typing this, I am sitting on my computer chair staring off into space. Android? Data? I'm finding myself staring off into space a lot these days. Doesn't seem like fun, doesn't it? Id' rather be having a fun time. I can't remember the last time I had a fun time with other people. Most of those with whom I've interacted with in high school seem to have this kind of fun every couple of days.
Real life is setting in. It seems as if those I was once with are drifting into a large melting pot, leaving me all alone (but not on purpose).
(10 more minutes of staring into space)
Okay, I now remember the last time – in March at March Madness in Peoria, eating wings at Hooters with some Winnebago fans. March. Four months ago.
I need to stare off some more ...
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
A breakdown of the Final Four
Cutter's Log - Supplemental
I have narrowed my undergraduate choices to four schools: Northern Illinois, Western Illinois, Illinois State and Wisconsin-Whitewater.
This post will be used as a drawing board for thinking. Feel free to add in your input either via comment or other means (email, messaging, etc).
Distance (Mapquest):
NIU - 1 hour; 55 miles
WW - 2 hours; 117 miles
ISU - 2 hours; 120 miles
WIU - 2 hours; 135 miles
Art's Nearest Store:
NIU - Rochelle (15 miles) [Midpoint: N/A]
WW - Woodstock, Marengo and Belvidere (all within 46-49 miles) [Midpoint: Sharon, WI]
WIU - Galesburg (50 miles) [Midpoint: Roseville or Avon]
ISU - Oglesby (57 miles) [Midpoint: Wenona or Minonk]
NISB Info:
NIU - Plethora of schools
WW - Harvard is nearest school (33 miles), Rockford nearest group (53 miles)
ISU - Streator is nearest school (57 miles), IV nearest group (62 miles)
WIU - Rock Island is nearest school (78 miles), QCA nearest group (78 miles)
Living off Campus:
NIU - Yes
WW - Yes
ISU - Yes
WIU - Not Sure
RateMyProfessors (overall/easiness):
ISU - 3.2/3.1 -- 3.2
WIU - 2.9/2.9 -- 2.9
WW - 3.3/2.5 -- 2.9
NIU - 3.1/2.3 -- 2.7
Composite Favorite so far (on a scale of 10):
NIU - 8.5
WW - 6.0
ISU - 5.0
WIU - 5.0
I have narrowed my undergraduate choices to four schools: Northern Illinois, Western Illinois, Illinois State and Wisconsin-Whitewater.
This post will be used as a drawing board for thinking. Feel free to add in your input either via comment or other means (email, messaging, etc).
Distance (Mapquest):
NIU - 1 hour; 55 miles
WW - 2 hours; 117 miles
ISU - 2 hours; 120 miles
WIU - 2 hours; 135 miles
Art's Nearest Store:
NIU - Rochelle (15 miles) [Midpoint: N/A]
WW - Woodstock, Marengo and Belvidere (all within 46-49 miles) [Midpoint: Sharon, WI]
WIU - Galesburg (50 miles) [Midpoint: Roseville or Avon]
ISU - Oglesby (57 miles) [Midpoint: Wenona or Minonk]
NISB Info:
NIU - Plethora of schools
WW - Harvard is nearest school (33 miles), Rockford nearest group (53 miles)
ISU - Streator is nearest school (57 miles), IV nearest group (62 miles)
WIU - Rock Island is nearest school (78 miles), QCA nearest group (78 miles)
Living off Campus:
NIU - Yes
WW - Yes
ISU - Yes
WIU - Not Sure
RateMyProfessors (overall/easiness):
ISU - 3.2/3.1 -- 3.2
WIU - 2.9/2.9 -- 2.9
WW - 3.3/2.5 -- 2.9
NIU - 3.1/2.3 -- 2.7
Composite Favorite so far (on a scale of 10):
NIU - 8.5
WW - 6.0
ISU - 5.0
WIU - 5.0
Time
Cutter's Log - Stardate 0102.31.70
Current Song - Us and Them (Pink Floyd)
Somehow, somehow I have found a small pocket of time.
A lot has been going through my head lately.
I'm figuring out that this Peoria Woodruff project is taking longer than I thought. The research part is actually easy compared to actually formatting it on the Glory Days site. It's taking me two sports at a time before getting tired.
With the way I function, I can't work on anything else until I get this thing done. I've got a bunch of minor sports left to do (Boxing?), as well as the activities portion. I have today off of work. Maybe before the All-Star Game, I'll work on more of it.
I spent last Friday down in Peoria doing research for it. This is kind of like building a template for record book audits. What are record book audits? When this Woodruff thing gets done, the next school I'll work on is Sterling St. Marys and Community Catholic (the predecessor to Newman).
As I mentioned, the Woodruff project is kind of putting a big hold on things for NISB. I do have stuff planned, but I'm trying to find a good time to start on it. We're still pretty early.
---
Then there's the rummage sale plan.
I have all of the items lined up and boxed. I am just in need of tables and an area to do it at. A date to do it, too.
---
Work is going good.
---
The time-off thing is being criticized by more customers. Once again, I was told by someone else that I need to be in school NOW.
Okay Real World, here's a question for you ...
Is is possible to plan the whole college thing, from scratch, in two weeks?
Bear in mind, my choices range from: NIU, Wisconsin-Whitewater, Illinois State and Western Illinois. Secondary choices are: Chicago State, Illinois-Chicago, Eastern Illinois and Wisconsin.
---
Last, but not least, the private life. The search still continues for that special woman.
Current Song - Us and Them (Pink Floyd)
Somehow, somehow I have found a small pocket of time.
A lot has been going through my head lately.
I'm figuring out that this Peoria Woodruff project is taking longer than I thought. The research part is actually easy compared to actually formatting it on the Glory Days site. It's taking me two sports at a time before getting tired.
With the way I function, I can't work on anything else until I get this thing done. I've got a bunch of minor sports left to do (Boxing?), as well as the activities portion. I have today off of work. Maybe before the All-Star Game, I'll work on more of it.
I spent last Friday down in Peoria doing research for it. This is kind of like building a template for record book audits. What are record book audits? When this Woodruff thing gets done, the next school I'll work on is Sterling St. Marys and Community Catholic (the predecessor to Newman).
As I mentioned, the Woodruff project is kind of putting a big hold on things for NISB. I do have stuff planned, but I'm trying to find a good time to start on it. We're still pretty early.
---
Then there's the rummage sale plan.
I have all of the items lined up and boxed. I am just in need of tables and an area to do it at. A date to do it, too.
---
Work is going good.
---
The time-off thing is being criticized by more customers. Once again, I was told by someone else that I need to be in school NOW.
Okay Real World, here's a question for you ...
Is is possible to plan the whole college thing, from scratch, in two weeks?
Bear in mind, my choices range from: NIU, Wisconsin-Whitewater, Illinois State and Western Illinois. Secondary choices are: Chicago State, Illinois-Chicago, Eastern Illinois and Wisconsin.
---
Last, but not least, the private life. The search still continues for that special woman.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Bored out of my mind
Cutter's Log - Stardate 0102.70.70
Current Song - Love is Blue (Paul Mauriat)
I had wanted some sort of progress this summer. I'm only getting it in the form of more work hours and a 0.25 pay raise due to 7/1. While that is great, I could do more outside of work.
Like that rummage sale that's been in the planning stages for a couple of years now.
I just need to round up all of the things I don't want, do announcements somewhere, price them reasonable, get the posterboard, etc. My biggest obstacle is finding tables, and the time to do it.
I have all day Sunday off of work. I want to gather things together and plan it out for a future date that I'm off of work. To prevent it from being put off any further, I will schedule it for some time next week or two weeks from now.
The summer calendar has so far been sketchy. Work and tiredness had a lot to do with it.
I was going to go to Peoria to complete my work on the Woodruff page of the Glory Days site, but little did I know that libraries were closed on the 5th in observance of the 4th. Luckilly, I didn't waste 160 miles on my car before I looked to see if Sterling's library was open.
So that's what I'll do on Friday. I have the general history section researched, and will be spending time working on a more elaborate athletic history.
Sunday is my next day off - rummage sale planning
A couple of weeks ago, I made a Glory Days trip toward DeKalb and Yorkville. I'm finding out that there were a couple of spots I missed, but only missed them because I needed to get to the DeKalb library before they close. They are: Richmond, Ringwood, Roscoe, Channahon and Lisbon. Future trips for unknown dates.
I will clamp down on the summer stuff for NISB in about a week. We've got a college-bound piece pending.
I'm tired. Good night.
Current Song - Love is Blue (Paul Mauriat)
I had wanted some sort of progress this summer. I'm only getting it in the form of more work hours and a 0.25 pay raise due to 7/1. While that is great, I could do more outside of work.
Like that rummage sale that's been in the planning stages for a couple of years now.
I just need to round up all of the things I don't want, do announcements somewhere, price them reasonable, get the posterboard, etc. My biggest obstacle is finding tables, and the time to do it.
I have all day Sunday off of work. I want to gather things together and plan it out for a future date that I'm off of work. To prevent it from being put off any further, I will schedule it for some time next week or two weeks from now.
The summer calendar has so far been sketchy. Work and tiredness had a lot to do with it.
I was going to go to Peoria to complete my work on the Woodruff page of the Glory Days site, but little did I know that libraries were closed on the 5th in observance of the 4th. Luckilly, I didn't waste 160 miles on my car before I looked to see if Sterling's library was open.
So that's what I'll do on Friday. I have the general history section researched, and will be spending time working on a more elaborate athletic history.
Sunday is my next day off - rummage sale planning
A couple of weeks ago, I made a Glory Days trip toward DeKalb and Yorkville. I'm finding out that there were a couple of spots I missed, but only missed them because I needed to get to the DeKalb library before they close. They are: Richmond, Ringwood, Roscoe, Channahon and Lisbon. Future trips for unknown dates.
I will clamp down on the summer stuff for NISB in about a week. We've got a college-bound piece pending.
I'm tired. Good night.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Future
Cutter's Log – Stardate 0102.40.70
Current Song – While my Guitar Gently Weeps (George Harrison)
Yesterday's personal disappointment made me want to think about my recent future. As mentioned, I consider myself a free agent in the high school sports journalism world. Actually, I've been a free agent since August 2004.
Unlike LeBron, I won't wait.
I have decided to go at least one more year with Northern Illinois Sports Beat. After that, the future seems more open.
Could the 2010-11 season be the final season for NISB? Maybe. Then again, maybe not.
I have certain expectations for NISB for the upcoming year. If they are met, good. If they aren't met, the future is uncertain.
What do I mean by this, exactly?
NISB is pretty much a “second job” for me. My “first job” is with Johnson Oil. I get paid there. I don't get paid for NISB, that's because I run it. I have always tried to find a way to make NISB something where money can flow. I just haven't been able to find a way that will not aggravate people.
Right now, the only thing I charge for is past stories. I recently decided to permanently archive stories of the past two sports seasons. All Fall 2009 stuff will be archived at the start of Fall 2010, for example. All stories and information are mostly free, except for the archived stories. I really do not feel like charging people for fresh information.
So in the coming days, I will think about things that I could do make the “second job” feel like one. As long as it doesn't harm the website traffic.
The middle ground will be found soon.
Current Song – While my Guitar Gently Weeps (George Harrison)
Yesterday's personal disappointment made me want to think about my recent future. As mentioned, I consider myself a free agent in the high school sports journalism world. Actually, I've been a free agent since August 2004.
Unlike LeBron, I won't wait.
I have decided to go at least one more year with Northern Illinois Sports Beat. After that, the future seems more open.
Could the 2010-11 season be the final season for NISB? Maybe. Then again, maybe not.
I have certain expectations for NISB for the upcoming year. If they are met, good. If they aren't met, the future is uncertain.
What do I mean by this, exactly?
NISB is pretty much a “second job” for me. My “first job” is with Johnson Oil. I get paid there. I don't get paid for NISB, that's because I run it. I have always tried to find a way to make NISB something where money can flow. I just haven't been able to find a way that will not aggravate people.
Right now, the only thing I charge for is past stories. I recently decided to permanently archive stories of the past two sports seasons. All Fall 2009 stuff will be archived at the start of Fall 2010, for example. All stories and information are mostly free, except for the archived stories. I really do not feel like charging people for fresh information.
So in the coming days, I will think about things that I could do make the “second job” feel like one. As long as it doesn't harm the website traffic.
The middle ground will be found soon.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
I know how LeBron ... and D-Wade and Bosh ... Feels
Cutter's Log - Stardate 0102.30.70
Current Song - Promises, Promises (Naked Eyes)
I feel like my career is somewhat paralleling LeBron's.
I "filed for free agency" this past spring from NISB. I'm contemplating several opportunities. A part-time job recently opened in LP. There's a big NIU and preps (80/20) opportunity at DeKalb. The second Peoria paper may still have an opening. There's another in Munster, Indiana. There's desk stuff in Mattoon. Creston, IA is a ways away. Then there's always NISB.
I have been bugged by A LOT of people regarding what I do next. Relatives, customers at the gas station, friends, instructors, etc. I stated during graduation that I would take a year off to try to "get on my own two feet." Apparently no one knows what that means --- It means find a place to live on my own. I just CANNOT understand why people think it is so easy to get out and just find a place willy-nilly.
The fact is, right now I am in no shape to get a place of my own. I do not know how to find a place of my own. I do not know how to successfully be on my own. I do not know how to earn enough money, without dying of excessive body pain, to sucessfully pay the money (bills, groceries) needed to be on my own.
After pausing for about 45 minutes after writing the next paragraph, I have come to the conclusion that my biggest lack (communication) is preventing me from doing what I want to do.
I do not want to live like a lonely reculse my entire life.
Current Song - Promises, Promises (Naked Eyes)
I feel like my career is somewhat paralleling LeBron's.
I "filed for free agency" this past spring from NISB. I'm contemplating several opportunities. A part-time job recently opened in LP. There's a big NIU and preps (80/20) opportunity at DeKalb. The second Peoria paper may still have an opening. There's another in Munster, Indiana. There's desk stuff in Mattoon. Creston, IA is a ways away. Then there's always NISB.
I have been bugged by A LOT of people regarding what I do next. Relatives, customers at the gas station, friends, instructors, etc. I stated during graduation that I would take a year off to try to "get on my own two feet." Apparently no one knows what that means --- It means find a place to live on my own. I just CANNOT understand why people think it is so easy to get out and just find a place willy-nilly.
The fact is, right now I am in no shape to get a place of my own. I do not know how to find a place of my own. I do not know how to successfully be on my own. I do not know how to earn enough money, without dying of excessive body pain, to sucessfully pay the money (bills, groceries) needed to be on my own.
After pausing for about 45 minutes after writing the next paragraph, I have come to the conclusion that my biggest lack (communication) is preventing me from doing what I want to do.
I do not want to live like a lonely reculse my entire life.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Doesn't get any slower
Cutter's Log - Stardate 0102.51.60
Current Song - You're My Best Friend (Queen)
I released the 2010 NISB State of the Site Address, and updated the website a bunch. Hopefully I can live up to these changes. There are still a few kinks to work on. As to when I can find time to do it, I'm not sure of.
I begin a string of nights working beginning Thursday. I'll be at my store on Thursday and Saturday, and at Dixon on Friday and Sunday. This week should be over 40 hours once again. I worked a tad bit over 40 last week between the two stores. I also know what I'll be doing next week. I'll be doing at least 33 hours at my store.
Aside from working, I'm trying to make up plans for NISB summer coverage. I don't know what will happen just yet, but I'm hoping next week I'll be able to come up with something.
All of this working will make my paycheck somewhat bigger. Sometime over the summer I will be making good on my plan to try to get off on my own two feet. I will be trying to figure out what the "living bills" will be.
What are they? (I'm trying to remember the Mr. Underwood math class budget)
Groceries
Fuel
Verizon/Phone
ComEd/Electric
Water
Nicor/Heating
Cable
Internet
Fun Stuff ("Entertainment" just doesn't sound right)
Out of my paycheck, roughly 15% is taken out for taxes. If I work a minimum of 20 hours a week (I will almost always work more than 20) @ $8.50/hour, that's $170 total. Take that times 0.15 and the weekly check is usually $144.50. That's a minimum monthly earning of $578.
Divy up that 144.50 into the bills:
Phone - I use the refill cards. I currently recharge $15/week. (129.50)
Fuel - The tank goes from top to bottom in about a week. A max of $3 in a 12-gallon tank: $36. It may just end up being $30/week instead. They say it's not wise to top off. (93.50)
Groceries - I haven't figured this one out yet. It's just me for now. I wouldn't mind trying it out for one week. In preparation for a bunch of work on the State of the Site Address, I bought a 12-pack of Dr. Pepper last night for $5.34 (w/tax). It's about half gone now. I may have to go 24/30 pack and try to save it for a week. That's just pop. Other stuff is just not known right now.
Electric, Water, Heating, Cable - Five people live in my house. I don't know whether or not to just divide the monthly bill, or perhaps the highest month thus far, my parents get by 5.
Internet - I don't even know how this one works.
All of this is NOT counting the biggest expense of them all: RENT
Current Song - You're My Best Friend (Queen)
I released the 2010 NISB State of the Site Address, and updated the website a bunch. Hopefully I can live up to these changes. There are still a few kinks to work on. As to when I can find time to do it, I'm not sure of.
I begin a string of nights working beginning Thursday. I'll be at my store on Thursday and Saturday, and at Dixon on Friday and Sunday. This week should be over 40 hours once again. I worked a tad bit over 40 last week between the two stores. I also know what I'll be doing next week. I'll be doing at least 33 hours at my store.
Aside from working, I'm trying to make up plans for NISB summer coverage. I don't know what will happen just yet, but I'm hoping next week I'll be able to come up with something.
All of this working will make my paycheck somewhat bigger. Sometime over the summer I will be making good on my plan to try to get off on my own two feet. I will be trying to figure out what the "living bills" will be.
What are they? (I'm trying to remember the Mr. Underwood math class budget)
Groceries
Fuel
Verizon/Phone
ComEd/Electric
Water
Nicor/Heating
Cable
Internet
Fun Stuff ("Entertainment" just doesn't sound right)
Out of my paycheck, roughly 15% is taken out for taxes. If I work a minimum of 20 hours a week (I will almost always work more than 20) @ $8.50/hour, that's $170 total. Take that times 0.15 and the weekly check is usually $144.50. That's a minimum monthly earning of $578.
Divy up that 144.50 into the bills:
Phone - I use the refill cards. I currently recharge $15/week. (129.50)
Fuel - The tank goes from top to bottom in about a week. A max of $3 in a 12-gallon tank: $36. It may just end up being $30/week instead. They say it's not wise to top off. (93.50)
Groceries - I haven't figured this one out yet. It's just me for now. I wouldn't mind trying it out for one week. In preparation for a bunch of work on the State of the Site Address, I bought a 12-pack of Dr. Pepper last night for $5.34 (w/tax). It's about half gone now. I may have to go 24/30 pack and try to save it for a week. That's just pop. Other stuff is just not known right now.
Electric, Water, Heating, Cable - Five people live in my house. I don't know whether or not to just divide the monthly bill, or perhaps the highest month thus far, my parents get by 5.
Internet - I don't even know how this one works.
All of this is NOT counting the biggest expense of them all: RENT
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Five Days Until SOSTA
Cutter's Log - Stardate 0102.10.60
Current Song - Chelsea Dagger (The Fratellis)
I have written the 2010 NISB State of The Site Address, and will tweak it for any more suggestions up until Tuesday. I work on Monday night, so it will be a long night when I get off.
It will also be a very long few days as well. I'm heading into work early today to relieve someone who isn't feeling well. I had to do an energency fill-in at Dixon yesterday, and may wind up doing more in the near future. At least it looks good on the paycheck.
After I get off work I should have plenty of sleep, because on Friday I'm covering Moline-Sandburg at the Softball State Tournament at 7:00 p.m. That could be followed by a early DeKalb Baseball game on Saturday -- followed by work.
Sunday may be the only off day I'll have for a while.
Current Song - Chelsea Dagger (The Fratellis)
I have written the 2010 NISB State of The Site Address, and will tweak it for any more suggestions up until Tuesday. I work on Monday night, so it will be a long night when I get off.
It will also be a very long few days as well. I'm heading into work early today to relieve someone who isn't feeling well. I had to do an energency fill-in at Dixon yesterday, and may wind up doing more in the near future. At least it looks good on the paycheck.
After I get off work I should have plenty of sleep, because on Friday I'm covering Moline-Sandburg at the Softball State Tournament at 7:00 p.m. That could be followed by a early DeKalb Baseball game on Saturday -- followed by work.
Sunday may be the only off day I'll have for a while.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Another Busy Weekend
Cutter's Log - Supplemental
It looks like it will be another busy weekend for me with NISB. Both DeKalb Baseball and Moline Softball will be competing at the large school roundball State Tournaments.
I will be doing Moline Softball on Friday and Bill will be doing DeKalb Baseball on Friday. I will be doing DeKalb on Saturday, and Bill does Moline on Saturday. Everything really worked out. I have to work on Saturday night, and DeKalb will be playing in the afternoon.
Bill covered the small school softball action this past weekend, while I covered IVC Baseball at Baseball State. Hopefully the weather cooperates.
Coming back from Joliet on Saturday was a mess. I was going west on I-80 when it started to sprinkle when I hit Morris. It was a downpour after that. I couldn't see more than ten feet in front of me. When I got home I found out that I was at least five miles north of a tornado near Marseilles.
Yeah, I really hope the weather is nice.
It looks like it will be another busy weekend for me with NISB. Both DeKalb Baseball and Moline Softball will be competing at the large school roundball State Tournaments.
I will be doing Moline Softball on Friday and Bill will be doing DeKalb Baseball on Friday. I will be doing DeKalb on Saturday, and Bill does Moline on Saturday. Everything really worked out. I have to work on Saturday night, and DeKalb will be playing in the afternoon.
Bill covered the small school softball action this past weekend, while I covered IVC Baseball at Baseball State. Hopefully the weather cooperates.
Coming back from Joliet on Saturday was a mess. I was going west on I-80 when it started to sprinkle when I hit Morris. It was a downpour after that. I couldn't see more than ten feet in front of me. When I got home I found out that I was at least five miles north of a tornado near Marseilles.
Yeah, I really hope the weather is nice.
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