The life of a VRC

Yesterday I made a number of interesting calls. These included one to a business called Women of the Moose. Another to a woman who goes by "Twizzle the Clown." Her voicemail explained that she went away for a few months with the circus. One business was listed as being called "Place That Sells Vacuums" but was actually called The Sewing Shop. Still had the same manager.

I won't even go into the one about the guy who asked if I was from covert ops who said I might be his assassinator.

I've really enjoyed helping out at the MDA, but these bits definitely take the cake.

Speaking of bird screens...

Straight from Philly...

Yup. That's my fiance. Picture was taken from Tor's blog. What the heck!? Can they do that?

(It is because of this instance that I looked further into the most recent picture I wanted to put up on my professional blog, Conversation A. Turns out after some digging that I needed written permission to use the photo. I ended up calling the photographer who graciously allowed me to use it.)

Maybe I just don't get it...

...but if bird strikes are a common problem for airplanes, couldn't they just put a metal grid, like a screen, over the engines? Would that really mess all that much with the efficiency of the engine?

Even if it did, wouldn't it be worth it to avoid this?

I mean, even in this case, everyone survived. There have been significantly worse results in past instances.

June 21st, 2005

From my Livejournal, which has been with me since 2003. A nice post to remember on occasion.

People are fighting battles every day. Maybe it's drugs, maybe it's love, maybe it's with death, maybe a missed opportunity, maybe sickness, maybe unhappiness, a bad decision, their past. But on every single day that someone loses their battle, someone wins. If today isn't your day, get up ready to fight tomorrow. At least you've got that chance.

Sometimes you're fighting with yourself, and you can't win that kind of battle in just a day. Many nights, you may go to bed defeated. Many nights you may collapse worn and exhausted. But you'll wake up every day with another chance to win. So why stop fighting? It won't get any easier if you're submissive to something you can be powerful over.

I hate to see you hurting.

There have been MIRACLES in the history of our world. Spectacular things have happened against all odds and with everything going against them, including logic, reason, and life as we know it. There are things in life that seem like they need a miracle, but maybe it just takes realizing that when you put all the positive things together in one pile, what you're looking at is indeed a miracle. If nothing else, it's enough. Embrace it. Thrive on it. Live by it. And most importantly, remember it.

When you do, you suddenly wonder what ISN'T going right. That's a damn good feeling. Best of luck.

Unemployment

Well, I'm back to unemployment. I got bit by the "last in, first out" monster and have to take to the streets again. I'm tired of working really hard just to not get paid (aka the job search). Problem is, its not like something will just fall in my lap, I have to keep trying. The forest doesn't just disappear, you have to find your way out. Just kind of tired of the journey.

The good news is that I've been practicing my violin a lot, so perhaps I'll go out and play on the street. Also, I've made some contacts here and there and can check back in with folks (both part-time jobs and career jobs). So, you know, silver lining.

City Playlist

Perfect for a solo walk through the city. Preferable for night-time use, but still enjoyable during the day. I can't quite find the word I'm looking for, but its for when you want to revel in being alone and just watch the world around you. Let me also say that the playlist is a journey, and not meant to be listened to out of order.

The Dear Hunter- Battesimo Del Fuoco

Kate Havnevik- Timeless

Sia- Breathe Me

Imogen Heap- Hide and Seek

Rogue Wave- Love's Lost Guarantee

DeVotchKa- How It Ends

Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova- If You Want Me

Sparta- Air

Travis- The Humpty Dumpty Love Song