The comments are back!!!!!
I made them a little more law-related, since this is, technically, a law (school)-related blog.....not that everyone is going to rush to comment, but there you go.
The weather this morning was nice: in the 40's, sunny. Then the rain came. And now it's snowing. What a beautiful day. At least I didn't care - I was stuck inside doing taxes all day. Tonight, I'll head home, cook some dinner, and attempt to reclaim my life a bit. The bathroom is woefully in need of cleaning, as is the rest of the apartment; the checkbook needs to be balanced, and I just need some downtime before I start working on the trial-level brief. Doesn't that sound exciting? Weren't you glad you dropped in here to read that?
Saturday, March 08, 2003
What is going on with my blog??????
I noticed last night that I'd lost my comments. At first, I thought it was a temporary glitch, or maybe they'd been taken down for maintenance. But now, I'm beginning to wonder what, exactly is going on..............
I need to work on this, but right now, I have tax clients to work on. So bear with me on this. In the meantime, feel free to email your comments to me at gregzbylut@msn.com, and I'll add them to the comments when I figure out how to recover them...
I noticed last night that I'd lost my comments. At first, I thought it was a temporary glitch, or maybe they'd been taken down for maintenance. But now, I'm beginning to wonder what, exactly is going on..............
I need to work on this, but right now, I have tax clients to work on. So bear with me on this. In the meantime, feel free to email your comments to me at gregzbylut@msn.com, and I'll add them to the comments when I figure out how to recover them...
Friday, March 07, 2003
A letter to the President:
Dear Mr. Bush:
I thought I'd post a letter here, because let's face it - you'd never read it anyway if I did mail it to the White House. Instead, I'd get some crappy card thanking me for my interest in the US Government or something. But I digress.
I wonder if, during your dating years, you ever had a friend who dated someone totally wrong for them. You know, the kind of person you told your friend to break up with, but they were so in love, they couldn't. And when it all went to hell (as it always does), and they told you that you were right all along, you bought them a beer and commiserated with them, and talked about how others can see things in a relationship that you can't.
Well, you're that person now. The one dating the lousy person. Only it isn't a dating relationship, it's Iraq. The fact that almost every other country in the world refuses to back you up should give you pause. But it doesn't, because you're too headstrong, and too in love with the idea of finishing what your father started. Sure, Bill Clinton was scum. But right now, Saddam wouldn't have a friend in the world if Clinton were running this thing.
Don't get me wrong; I think Saddam is a big scumbag. But so is North Korea's Kim. And that's the funny thing. You talk tough about Saddam, but that's like being a kid who claims he can beat up the class geek, while the bully shouts threats at him. Saddam has screwed over the people of Iraq. He's poisoned them, shot them and raped them. He needs to go. But not like this.
Perhaps you should have studied abroad, as Clinton did. Then you'd realize how much damage you're doing by continuing down the path you have us on. You'd realize that two hundred years of diplomacy is about to go out the window to satisfy your ego. And normally, I wouldn't care. But what you're doing will reflect upon me. I will pay the price of your actions, because I am an American. I will be the one who gets blown up on a plane, or in a club, or shot by some kidnapper, because of your decisions. You will give the orders, but others will drop the bombs, and give their lives, in the name of "freedom", and "democracy". But what you offer isn't freedom, or democracy. You can't because you can't control the citizens of other countries. You can't guarantee what works (for the most part) here will work there. You don't recognize that this country has its share of problems, which we shouldn't wish upon the world.
But you're too wrapped up in conquest to see that under the veneer, the wood is rotten. This country needs to be fixed. The people here need food, work and shelter. That's what they want. They see no benefit to them by sending their hard earned tax dollars to fix some other country, provide food and shelter to people thousands of miles away who will have no qualms about charging us exorbitant amounts of money for gasoline, while people here have such glaring needs.
What we need to do right now is to step back. Find out why no one wishes to support us. Are they too afraid of losing precious contracts? Fine. Leave Saddam alone. Let them pay the price for inaction. Why do we always need to ride to the rescue? We do it so often, no one appreciates it anymore. They just figure we'll fix it, and they won't have to do anything. Well, I'm tired of being taken advantage of. Let France play cop for a while. After all, they've shown how well they can defend themselves, right? They know everything, so let them deal with explaining how they were so smart for doing nothing. Let Chirac be the modern-day Chamberlin, waving the piece of paper in front of the plane, and claiming "peace in our time" while spouting the benefits of appeasement.We'll still have to ride to the rescue, but at least it will be willing partners, not as a bully.
For your sake, and mine, I hope this all goes the way you want to. Otherwise, I'm voting for the other guy in 2004.
Dear Mr. Bush:
I thought I'd post a letter here, because let's face it - you'd never read it anyway if I did mail it to the White House. Instead, I'd get some crappy card thanking me for my interest in the US Government or something. But I digress.
I wonder if, during your dating years, you ever had a friend who dated someone totally wrong for them. You know, the kind of person you told your friend to break up with, but they were so in love, they couldn't. And when it all went to hell (as it always does), and they told you that you were right all along, you bought them a beer and commiserated with them, and talked about how others can see things in a relationship that you can't.
Well, you're that person now. The one dating the lousy person. Only it isn't a dating relationship, it's Iraq. The fact that almost every other country in the world refuses to back you up should give you pause. But it doesn't, because you're too headstrong, and too in love with the idea of finishing what your father started. Sure, Bill Clinton was scum. But right now, Saddam wouldn't have a friend in the world if Clinton were running this thing.
Don't get me wrong; I think Saddam is a big scumbag. But so is North Korea's Kim. And that's the funny thing. You talk tough about Saddam, but that's like being a kid who claims he can beat up the class geek, while the bully shouts threats at him. Saddam has screwed over the people of Iraq. He's poisoned them, shot them and raped them. He needs to go. But not like this.
Perhaps you should have studied abroad, as Clinton did. Then you'd realize how much damage you're doing by continuing down the path you have us on. You'd realize that two hundred years of diplomacy is about to go out the window to satisfy your ego. And normally, I wouldn't care. But what you're doing will reflect upon me. I will pay the price of your actions, because I am an American. I will be the one who gets blown up on a plane, or in a club, or shot by some kidnapper, because of your decisions. You will give the orders, but others will drop the bombs, and give their lives, in the name of "freedom", and "democracy". But what you offer isn't freedom, or democracy. You can't because you can't control the citizens of other countries. You can't guarantee what works (for the most part) here will work there. You don't recognize that this country has its share of problems, which we shouldn't wish upon the world.
But you're too wrapped up in conquest to see that under the veneer, the wood is rotten. This country needs to be fixed. The people here need food, work and shelter. That's what they want. They see no benefit to them by sending their hard earned tax dollars to fix some other country, provide food and shelter to people thousands of miles away who will have no qualms about charging us exorbitant amounts of money for gasoline, while people here have such glaring needs.
What we need to do right now is to step back. Find out why no one wishes to support us. Are they too afraid of losing precious contracts? Fine. Leave Saddam alone. Let them pay the price for inaction. Why do we always need to ride to the rescue? We do it so often, no one appreciates it anymore. They just figure we'll fix it, and they won't have to do anything. Well, I'm tired of being taken advantage of. Let France play cop for a while. After all, they've shown how well they can defend themselves, right? They know everything, so let them deal with explaining how they were so smart for doing nothing. Let Chirac be the modern-day Chamberlin, waving the piece of paper in front of the plane, and claiming "peace in our time" while spouting the benefits of appeasement.We'll still have to ride to the rescue, but at least it will be willing partners, not as a bully.
For your sake, and mine, I hope this all goes the way you want to. Otherwise, I'm voting for the other guy in 2004.
Wednesday, March 05, 2003
Man do I wish I was further along in law school. Then I could be this guy's attorney. If this isn't a juicy Con Law case, I don't know what is. But then, since Con Law isn't until next spring, I could be wrong.....
I don't know about you, but I'm wondering how many people protested today because they actually believed that we should not go to war against Iraq, and how many viewed it as a good excuse to blow off class.
This story is interesting. On the one hand, it's disturbing, because children and women could be endangered. On the other hand, how many people check the sex criminal registry to see if one lives by them. True story - an aquaintance of mine was arrested for molesting a 13-year-old boy. He pled guilty, and got probation. No one who knew him knew - only his ex-wife knew. So how did we find out? A bartender ex of his spilled the beans. And like a match to gasoline, it flew around to everyone (courtesy of my roommate, who couldn't keep a secret if his life depended on it). Never heard from the guy again. But then, given the way he acted toward us the last time we saw him, I'm not saddened.
Tonight was the curriculum planning seminar. It was interesting, to say the least. And it's given me more reason to consider the switch to full-time. But that's a big change.....so I'll have to toss it around for a bit.
I don't know about you, but I'm wondering how many people protested today because they actually believed that we should not go to war against Iraq, and how many viewed it as a good excuse to blow off class.
This story is interesting. On the one hand, it's disturbing, because children and women could be endangered. On the other hand, how many people check the sex criminal registry to see if one lives by them. True story - an aquaintance of mine was arrested for molesting a 13-year-old boy. He pled guilty, and got probation. No one who knew him knew - only his ex-wife knew. So how did we find out? A bartender ex of his spilled the beans. And like a match to gasoline, it flew around to everyone (courtesy of my roommate, who couldn't keep a secret if his life depended on it). Never heard from the guy again. But then, given the way he acted toward us the last time we saw him, I'm not saddened.
Tonight was the curriculum planning seminar. It was interesting, to say the least. And it's given me more reason to consider the switch to full-time. But that's a big change.....so I'll have to toss it around for a bit.
Tuesday, March 04, 2003
What is it about bad weather that changes people's driving habits? Drop three consecutive snowflakes, and all hell breaks loose.
First you get those who insist on driving 70, even if there are eight inches of snow on the ground. At the other end of the spectrum are those who suddenly have to drive 5 miles an hour. These two types DO NOT mix, so the drive home tonight, through heavy snow, was quite interesting. Amazingly, I only passed two accidents, both one-car. Almost saw one, but the fishtailing Caprice was able to get traction and save the car. His lesson learned, he then proceeded to.........speed up.
It feels good to turn in the Research Memo. I feel like I have one huge burden off my back. But another looms - the Contracts mid-term. I have forty-eight hours to catch up. I don't think it's going to happen. Life goes on.
Tomorrow is the big day - the curriculum planning seminar. I'm hoping it'll help me decide if I should switch to full-time or hang in there as part-time.
On the plus side, today was Mardi Gras. But to those of us who are of Polish decent (I'm half Polish), it's even better - it's Paczki day! It's pronounced 'pone-chkey", though you'll be forgiven if you say it 'poonch-key'. Either way, it's a once-a-year treat, and I have three sitting in my fridge - one each of strawberry (yum), prune (yum) and poppyseed (double yum). My other Polish co-worker, Tom brought in a dozen or so, which raised everyone's spirits, and reminded me of the reception my father got at Electro-Motive when he came in with the Paczki.
So to all my Polish friends - happy Paczki day! And Megan promised Soda Bread in Legal Writing in two weeks, so that's something to look forward to.....
First you get those who insist on driving 70, even if there are eight inches of snow on the ground. At the other end of the spectrum are those who suddenly have to drive 5 miles an hour. These two types DO NOT mix, so the drive home tonight, through heavy snow, was quite interesting. Amazingly, I only passed two accidents, both one-car. Almost saw one, but the fishtailing Caprice was able to get traction and save the car. His lesson learned, he then proceeded to.........speed up.
It feels good to turn in the Research Memo. I feel like I have one huge burden off my back. But another looms - the Contracts mid-term. I have forty-eight hours to catch up. I don't think it's going to happen. Life goes on.
Tomorrow is the big day - the curriculum planning seminar. I'm hoping it'll help me decide if I should switch to full-time or hang in there as part-time.
On the plus side, today was Mardi Gras. But to those of us who are of Polish decent (I'm half Polish), it's even better - it's Paczki day! It's pronounced 'pone-chkey", though you'll be forgiven if you say it 'poonch-key'. Either way, it's a once-a-year treat, and I have three sitting in my fridge - one each of strawberry (yum), prune (yum) and poppyseed (double yum). My other Polish co-worker, Tom brought in a dozen or so, which raised everyone's spirits, and reminded me of the reception my father got at Electro-Motive when he came in with the Paczki.
So to all my Polish friends - happy Paczki day! And Megan promised Soda Bread in Legal Writing in two weeks, so that's something to look forward to.....
Monday, March 03, 2003
I've been so busy between both jobs and class this semester, that I've fallen behind. So next week's spring break is perfectly timed. The intent is to use the time to work on my trial-level brief. Hopefully, I'll be able to accomplish that. But I'm digressing from the point I wanted to make.
Falling behind means that I sit in every Contracts class, dreading being called on. Now, I think I have some level of security here, because my last name is so difficult to pronounce, and Professor Contracts is quite the formal one - Miss Johnson, Mr Smith, not Jenny and Bill, like Professor Sex, uh, Torts. Every time I've volunteered in class it's been "yes? (while pointing to me)","in the back", or something similar. Never by my name. Then there's been the near misses - Tim on my left got tapped last week, Beth on my right got it tonight, and Michelle and Bridget in front of me have both been called on. But not me.Yet.
I think being called on when unprepared is the biggest fear of any law student. Most of my classmates will probably tell you that it's their biggest fear, followed closely by looking foolish. I know there's been times when people haven't been prepared and gotten called on - they stammer, and usually get bailed out by one of the Springbutt Bingo stars - the five or six people who dominate class by constantly raising their hand and getting called on. But last Thursday was a first. Someone actually took a pass. I figured it would be me and my big mouth who'd be the first to pass, but it was this girl near the front, who I've never heard speak in any class. I think it took Professor Contracts by surprise - but she recovered quickly. And guess who got called on tonight? This time, she was prepared. I think. I'm not sure since her voice was so soft, I could barely hear her. Which is a problem in class. I sit in the back, near one of the few outlets in the room (since I have a laptop, which at this moment is living up to its name), and most of the soft-voiced people sit in front, facing away from me. So when they speak, it's like listening to Charlie Brown's teacher - wah, wah, wahwah wah. Or in some cases, blah blah blah blah.......
The next three days are going to be interesting. The Legal Writing Paper tomorrow (I think my instructor saw it, at least - I got an email from her today, though not about the paper), then Curriculum planning on Wednesday, followed by the Contracts mid-term on Thursday, followed by full collapse on Friday. I'm no way prepared for this mid-term; I'm too far behind. One other frustration is that I haven't been able to attend any review sessions - they've all been on Saturday, when I have to work. So I have absolutely no idea what to expect.
On a side note, we have 3 Chicago cops in class. I wanted to ask them what they thought of what happened today, but didn't get to. It seems two 14th district cops stopped a guy for speeding, then arrested them when they learned he didn't have a license and shouldn't be driving in the first place. Somehow, they were outside the car when the perp pulled a Houdini; he managed to get his hands from behind his back, climb into the front seat, and drive off. They recovered the car about a mile later, but he was long gone - and still handcuffed. Methinks the officers have a lot of questions to answer...
Oh well, day 2 of close tomorrow. More fun at work....
Falling behind means that I sit in every Contracts class, dreading being called on. Now, I think I have some level of security here, because my last name is so difficult to pronounce, and Professor Contracts is quite the formal one - Miss Johnson, Mr Smith, not Jenny and Bill, like Professor Sex, uh, Torts. Every time I've volunteered in class it's been "yes? (while pointing to me)","in the back", or something similar. Never by my name. Then there's been the near misses - Tim on my left got tapped last week, Beth on my right got it tonight, and Michelle and Bridget in front of me have both been called on. But not me.Yet.
I think being called on when unprepared is the biggest fear of any law student. Most of my classmates will probably tell you that it's their biggest fear, followed closely by looking foolish. I know there's been times when people haven't been prepared and gotten called on - they stammer, and usually get bailed out by one of the Springbutt Bingo stars - the five or six people who dominate class by constantly raising their hand and getting called on. But last Thursday was a first. Someone actually took a pass. I figured it would be me and my big mouth who'd be the first to pass, but it was this girl near the front, who I've never heard speak in any class. I think it took Professor Contracts by surprise - but she recovered quickly. And guess who got called on tonight? This time, she was prepared. I think. I'm not sure since her voice was so soft, I could barely hear her. Which is a problem in class. I sit in the back, near one of the few outlets in the room (since I have a laptop, which at this moment is living up to its name), and most of the soft-voiced people sit in front, facing away from me. So when they speak, it's like listening to Charlie Brown's teacher - wah, wah, wahwah wah. Or in some cases, blah blah blah blah.......
The next three days are going to be interesting. The Legal Writing Paper tomorrow (I think my instructor saw it, at least - I got an email from her today, though not about the paper), then Curriculum planning on Wednesday, followed by the Contracts mid-term on Thursday, followed by full collapse on Friday. I'm no way prepared for this mid-term; I'm too far behind. One other frustration is that I haven't been able to attend any review sessions - they've all been on Saturday, when I have to work. So I have absolutely no idea what to expect.
On a side note, we have 3 Chicago cops in class. I wanted to ask them what they thought of what happened today, but didn't get to. It seems two 14th district cops stopped a guy for speeding, then arrested them when they learned he didn't have a license and shouldn't be driving in the first place. Somehow, they were outside the car when the perp pulled a Houdini; he managed to get his hands from behind his back, climb into the front seat, and drive off. They recovered the car about a mile later, but he was long gone - and still handcuffed. Methinks the officers have a lot of questions to answer...
Oh well, day 2 of close tomorrow. More fun at work....
Sunday, March 02, 2003
Saturday, March 01, 2003
Creating Havoc.....and showing some gratitude
Seems I happen to share a popular name. Or at least I'm the Johnny-come-lately of gregs. Like a lot of other people, I surf other blogs (and seem to always find my blog wanting compared to some of them out there, like this one or this one or this one or even this one.)
So, one day, I happened to surf over to le petit hiboux, which I immediately found interesting. And me being me, I noticed that her "crush" for February was none other than a guy named greg. Not me, of course, but this greg. Having the twisted sense of humor that I do, I decided to have some fun, and create confusion, which I did fairly well. And darnitall if the lovely krissa didn't chastise me for it. So I will go by another name on her site (and a few others who link to her) and profusely apologize for the confusion. And say that I'm honored to be mentioned in another's blog - my visits have shot up as a result. Not that anyone's been inclined to comment, but at least they stop by......
Speaking of mentions, my post on Mr. Rogers got noticed elsewhere and linked to the University of Pittsburgh's School of Law website, which just impressed the hell out of me. A hale and hearty thanks for that......I do appreciate links here (and I try to reciprocate, if I'm aware), which leads me to further thank Sue Sponte for her link here (although, m'lady, I am not a pre-1L, as you have my link labeled, but a full-fledged 1L. An overworked, stressed-out 1L.). Welcome to one and all. Feel free to leave an opinion/comment. I do appreciate different viewpoints.
Ok, back to tax returns. Or should I write my paper? Decisions, decisions.....
Seems I happen to share a popular name. Or at least I'm the Johnny-come-lately of gregs. Like a lot of other people, I surf other blogs (and seem to always find my blog wanting compared to some of them out there, like this one or this one or this one or even this one.)
So, one day, I happened to surf over to le petit hiboux, which I immediately found interesting. And me being me, I noticed that her "crush" for February was none other than a guy named greg. Not me, of course, but this greg. Having the twisted sense of humor that I do, I decided to have some fun, and create confusion, which I did fairly well. And darnitall if the lovely krissa didn't chastise me for it. So I will go by another name on her site (and a few others who link to her) and profusely apologize for the confusion. And say that I'm honored to be mentioned in another's blog - my visits have shot up as a result. Not that anyone's been inclined to comment, but at least they stop by......
Speaking of mentions, my post on Mr. Rogers got noticed elsewhere and linked to the University of Pittsburgh's School of Law website, which just impressed the hell out of me. A hale and hearty thanks for that......I do appreciate links here (and I try to reciprocate, if I'm aware), which leads me to further thank Sue Sponte for her link here (although, m'lady, I am not a pre-1L, as you have my link labeled, but a full-fledged 1L. An overworked, stressed-out 1L.). Welcome to one and all. Feel free to leave an opinion/comment. I do appreciate different viewpoints.
Ok, back to tax returns. Or should I write my paper? Decisions, decisions.....
Friday, February 28, 2003
The Week From Hell is nearly upon us. The topic of at least one conversation last night was all of the things going on next week – paper due Tuesday (for some of us, including yours truly), curriculum planning on Wednesday, Contracts Review session on Thursday, followed immediately by Contracts mid-term. Friday brings welcome relief in the form of spring break, and not a moment too soon. Of course, for the Saturday Legal Writing people (SLWP), their break doesn’t start until the afternoon.
My plan for spring break is simple – work on the trial-level brief due March 25th and catch up on reading, etc. There are a precious few who actually plan to travel to places like Cozumel and Cancun. More than one SLWP openly self-debated about skipping class to start Spring Break early, though most stopped when reminded of the miss-a-class-lose-a-half-grade penalty.
That segued into a discussion about Professor Contracts’ absence policy: miss two classes, and lose part of a grade, miss four and forget taking the final. This is unduly harsh to some, including me, whose work/commute schedules don’t always make it easy to show up promptly all the time.
From what I hear, I have the dreaded two strikes, simply because I arrived late. If that’s the case, I’m invoking the email I sent to Professor Contracts prior to the class’ start. The overall consensus is that Professor Contracts’ strategy is not a good one, nor popular.
Supposedly, Professor Contracts has a good memory. Last night, however, it must have been shut off. I bumped into her on the street outside one of the buildings shortly after class. She was looking for the Public Interest Law Society (hereinafter known as PILS) Charity Auction. She asked if I knew where it was, and I told her, whereupon she asked if I had been there in a prior year. I of course told her no, but seeing as I sit directly in front of her in class (albeit in the last row, but at roughly eye level), it made me wonder how much she paid attention to us.
The boyfriend of my classmate and friend Anita owns a restaurant in Highland Park, called Belle Via . He was kind enough to donate a $50 gift certificate to the auction, which I managed to win, beating out a woman none of us knew. Ironically, I was standing in line later in the evening behind several women, one of whom complained, “Can you believe I lost out to a GUY? A GUY? What guy would outbid me?” Well – me, that’s who. And you should have bid more, wench. Not that I bid a lot, but mine topped yours by $4, a nearly 20% increase. So there. Nyah.
My plan for spring break is simple – work on the trial-level brief due March 25th and catch up on reading, etc. There are a precious few who actually plan to travel to places like Cozumel and Cancun. More than one SLWP openly self-debated about skipping class to start Spring Break early, though most stopped when reminded of the miss-a-class-lose-a-half-grade penalty.
That segued into a discussion about Professor Contracts’ absence policy: miss two classes, and lose part of a grade, miss four and forget taking the final. This is unduly harsh to some, including me, whose work/commute schedules don’t always make it easy to show up promptly all the time.
From what I hear, I have the dreaded two strikes, simply because I arrived late. If that’s the case, I’m invoking the email I sent to Professor Contracts prior to the class’ start. The overall consensus is that Professor Contracts’ strategy is not a good one, nor popular.
Supposedly, Professor Contracts has a good memory. Last night, however, it must have been shut off. I bumped into her on the street outside one of the buildings shortly after class. She was looking for the Public Interest Law Society (hereinafter known as PILS) Charity Auction. She asked if I knew where it was, and I told her, whereupon she asked if I had been there in a prior year. I of course told her no, but seeing as I sit directly in front of her in class (albeit in the last row, but at roughly eye level), it made me wonder how much she paid attention to us.
The boyfriend of my classmate and friend Anita owns a restaurant in Highland Park, called Belle Via . He was kind enough to donate a $50 gift certificate to the auction, which I managed to win, beating out a woman none of us knew. Ironically, I was standing in line later in the evening behind several women, one of whom complained, “Can you believe I lost out to a GUY? A GUY? What guy would outbid me?” Well – me, that’s who. And you should have bid more, wench. Not that I bid a lot, but mine topped yours by $4, a nearly 20% increase. So there. Nyah.
Thursday, February 27, 2003
It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood......
No, it's not. Mr. Rogers has died. He was 74. He had stomach cancer.
I'll admit to being old enough to have watched Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood as a child. I would say it had an influence on my life, because it was all about exploring and learning, and I've done plenty of both. I love to read, love to travel and love to learn. How else do you explain getting a CPA, then an MBA, and then a JD? It's either that, or masochism......
I'm sure (I hope) that there's plenty of educational, informative TV out there. I grew up watching Saturday cartoons (the Bugs Bunny & Roadrunner show!!!), but it wasn't all just cartoons. Every now and then I turn on CBS radio (usually for traffic reports), and hear Christopher Glenn doing the World News Roundup. Takes me back to when he used to do "In the News", a regular spot on Saturday mornings. Between the two (Mr. Rogers and Christopher Glenn), it would be hard to decide who had a larger impact on where my life has gone.
What's sad is that I don't think my 14 and 11 year-old-nephews can say the same thing. The big impact on their lives hasn't been a news reporter, or TV host. It's been Play Station. And there's something lost there. I'm afraid of what it will mean for them when they turn 30.
No, it's not. Mr. Rogers has died. He was 74. He had stomach cancer.
I'll admit to being old enough to have watched Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood as a child. I would say it had an influence on my life, because it was all about exploring and learning, and I've done plenty of both. I love to read, love to travel and love to learn. How else do you explain getting a CPA, then an MBA, and then a JD? It's either that, or masochism......
I'm sure (I hope) that there's plenty of educational, informative TV out there. I grew up watching Saturday cartoons (the Bugs Bunny & Roadrunner show!!!), but it wasn't all just cartoons. Every now and then I turn on CBS radio (usually for traffic reports), and hear Christopher Glenn doing the World News Roundup. Takes me back to when he used to do "In the News", a regular spot on Saturday mornings. Between the two (Mr. Rogers and Christopher Glenn), it would be hard to decide who had a larger impact on where my life has gone.
What's sad is that I don't think my 14 and 11 year-old-nephews can say the same thing. The big impact on their lives hasn't been a news reporter, or TV host. It's been Play Station. And there's something lost there. I'm afraid of what it will mean for them when they turn 30.
Wednesday, February 26, 2003
I should have known today was going to be a bad day when I woke up. First, I slept later than I wanted to. Worse, I had enough hot water in the shower this morning to get wet – and no more. I think I managed to shower in about 4 minutes flat.
Despite a fitful night of sleep, I arrived at work in a coherent state of mind, and a fairly decent mood, as opposed to the usual fog and crappy mood. Again, outside the norm, and a red flag.
Today was bonus day. Since no one had discussed my rating with me, I braced myself for the worst. Around Thanksgiving, I’d been dragged into the middle boss’ office and told all my sins for the year. Of course, it was couched in the ‘but you’re improving’ language to soften the blow, but there it was. Never mind that the person training me hadn’t done a complete job. Or that I was often left out of the loop about due dates, etc (usually finding out less than a day before with the comment “oh, we didn’t tell you? I thought so-and-so told you. Sorry.”) Not to mention that no one ever complained that they weren’t happy to me. No, no. I find out at the end of the year that my mistake my second week in this position was going to penalize me come bonus/increase time.
So it was with trepidation that I reluctantly followed my boss into an office to hear the news. Of course, he thought I should have gotten more, but, darnit, the powers that be didn’t want to hear of it. Of course, one of those powers that be doesn’t even know what I do (and has admitted as much openly), but he didn’t think I did it well enough. So, I get shafted.
So much for a good mood.
Now, I know about 20 people a day read this, but nobody ever comments. So if you’re tempted, don’t hesitate, because I could use some cheering up right now…………
Despite a fitful night of sleep, I arrived at work in a coherent state of mind, and a fairly decent mood, as opposed to the usual fog and crappy mood. Again, outside the norm, and a red flag.
Today was bonus day. Since no one had discussed my rating with me, I braced myself for the worst. Around Thanksgiving, I’d been dragged into the middle boss’ office and told all my sins for the year. Of course, it was couched in the ‘but you’re improving’ language to soften the blow, but there it was. Never mind that the person training me hadn’t done a complete job. Or that I was often left out of the loop about due dates, etc (usually finding out less than a day before with the comment “oh, we didn’t tell you? I thought so-and-so told you. Sorry.”) Not to mention that no one ever complained that they weren’t happy to me. No, no. I find out at the end of the year that my mistake my second week in this position was going to penalize me come bonus/increase time.
So it was with trepidation that I reluctantly followed my boss into an office to hear the news. Of course, he thought I should have gotten more, but, darnit, the powers that be didn’t want to hear of it. Of course, one of those powers that be doesn’t even know what I do (and has admitted as much openly), but he didn’t think I did it well enough. So, I get shafted.
So much for a good mood.
Now, I know about 20 people a day read this, but nobody ever comments. So if you’re tempted, don’t hesitate, because I could use some cheering up right now…………
Tuesday, February 25, 2003
Lately, it seems like I'm perenially behind. I was able to get a whopping three hours of study time this Sunday. What frustration.
I have two tax clients who live near each other. One had already made an appointment for me to pick up his materials on Sunday. The other called during the week and asked when I could come out. What an opportunity, right? Nope. Party II would not be home when I was to meet with Party I. So I had to come earlier - five hours earlier. Now, it takes me an hour to get there. Add in b.s. time, and an hour back, and I've torpedoed three hours. I was desperately hoping to avoid that Sunday. But, alas, 'twas not to be. And to make matters worse - Party II didn't even have all of his materials ready! I told him to mail them to me, I'm not making another trip. I drove back to the apartment in a crappy mood.
My regular job was at least a little less stresful this week - my boss has been out of town the last two days. Not that he bugs me or anything, but things lighten up when the bosses are gone. Always a nice atmosphere. Of course, it would have been nice if he'd told me, so I didn't schedule a meeting with a VP to discuss salary issues. As it was, I tried my best to slough my way through.....I think I did ok.
And class - ugh. Tomorrow is the MANDATORY public service convocation. It starts at 5. Unless God himself comes down and frees up a lane on the Eisenhower, there's not a chance in hell of me making it there in time. Next weeks even worse - a paper due on Tuesday in Legal Writing, the career planning seminar on Wednesday (another pre-class event that I'll be late for), and to top it off, a mid-term on Thursday in Contracts. I am in no way prepared for a mid-term. Professor Contracts mentioned we should have our outlines well underway. I had to stifle a laugh. Right. Well underway. On five hours a weekend. Sure, no problem.
The best part of last week was getting back the homework assignment, and reading the tutor's comments - "You're on your way to IRACing..." blah, blah, blah. Apparently she thinks (1) I actually take the time to brief a case (no) and (2) I actually care what she says (no). I don't have time to IRAC, or FIHR, or any other briefing method. I'm lucky I have time to read the case. Lately, I live in dread of being called on, and wonder what smart-ass remark will fly from my lips when I'm not prepared. Hopefully, I'll be in a good mood that day, and not a grouch.
Truthfully, the best part of last week was going out for drinks with Gretchen after class. It was nice, relaxing, intelligent conversation, and much better than the blind date I had the week before.
Ok, I'm off the soapbox now. I just needed to vent. Lately, life seems a lot about frustration.
Sunday night, I had dinner with my dad. Mom had surgery, so she didn't go. During dinner, my father tried to play devil's advocate, and suggest that I pursue the personal leave of absence route. I looked into it today. The only downside is that when I come back, location isn't guaranteed. And since we have a site clear across the state, I'm concerned that I could get screwed in the long run. I'll have to wait until next week. Part of that shindig next Wednesday deals with issues like this...
I have two tax clients who live near each other. One had already made an appointment for me to pick up his materials on Sunday. The other called during the week and asked when I could come out. What an opportunity, right? Nope. Party II would not be home when I was to meet with Party I. So I had to come earlier - five hours earlier. Now, it takes me an hour to get there. Add in b.s. time, and an hour back, and I've torpedoed three hours. I was desperately hoping to avoid that Sunday. But, alas, 'twas not to be. And to make matters worse - Party II didn't even have all of his materials ready! I told him to mail them to me, I'm not making another trip. I drove back to the apartment in a crappy mood.
My regular job was at least a little less stresful this week - my boss has been out of town the last two days. Not that he bugs me or anything, but things lighten up when the bosses are gone. Always a nice atmosphere. Of course, it would have been nice if he'd told me, so I didn't schedule a meeting with a VP to discuss salary issues. As it was, I tried my best to slough my way through.....I think I did ok.
And class - ugh. Tomorrow is the MANDATORY public service convocation. It starts at 5. Unless God himself comes down and frees up a lane on the Eisenhower, there's not a chance in hell of me making it there in time. Next weeks even worse - a paper due on Tuesday in Legal Writing, the career planning seminar on Wednesday (another pre-class event that I'll be late for), and to top it off, a mid-term on Thursday in Contracts. I am in no way prepared for a mid-term. Professor Contracts mentioned we should have our outlines well underway. I had to stifle a laugh. Right. Well underway. On five hours a weekend. Sure, no problem.
The best part of last week was getting back the homework assignment, and reading the tutor's comments - "You're on your way to IRACing..." blah, blah, blah. Apparently she thinks (1) I actually take the time to brief a case (no) and (2) I actually care what she says (no). I don't have time to IRAC, or FIHR, or any other briefing method. I'm lucky I have time to read the case. Lately, I live in dread of being called on, and wonder what smart-ass remark will fly from my lips when I'm not prepared. Hopefully, I'll be in a good mood that day, and not a grouch.
Truthfully, the best part of last week was going out for drinks with Gretchen after class. It was nice, relaxing, intelligent conversation, and much better than the blind date I had the week before.
Ok, I'm off the soapbox now. I just needed to vent. Lately, life seems a lot about frustration.
Sunday night, I had dinner with my dad. Mom had surgery, so she didn't go. During dinner, my father tried to play devil's advocate, and suggest that I pursue the personal leave of absence route. I looked into it today. The only downside is that when I come back, location isn't guaranteed. And since we have a site clear across the state, I'm concerned that I could get screwed in the long run. I'll have to wait until next week. Part of that shindig next Wednesday deals with issues like this...
Monday, February 24, 2003
It's amazing how fast a week can go zipping by, and it seems like mere hours.
I took a "mental health" day on Friday, simply because after the last two weeks of buzzing activity, I was simply exhausted, and there was ironing to do. Not to mention the near-successful assault on my apartment by the dust bunny army. Needless to say, there is still ironing to do, and cleaning as well.
I also need to revisit my weekend plans. They never seem to allow enough time for all I need to get done.
I took a "mental health" day on Friday, simply because after the last two weeks of buzzing activity, I was simply exhausted, and there was ironing to do. Not to mention the near-successful assault on my apartment by the dust bunny army. Needless to say, there is still ironing to do, and cleaning as well.
I also need to revisit my weekend plans. They never seem to allow enough time for all I need to get done.
Tuesday, February 18, 2003
Got my research memo back today. Got a 'B' which means my grade has slipped slightly. This is only a 'shadow grade,' however, so it counts for nada. Still, I would have liked to do better. But I had to admit that it was a direct result of being crunched for time lately. I forsee a lot of late nights. My classmate Anita must have too, since she announced in class tonight that she resigned from her job at the bank. Her first comment? "It'll be nice to get more than four hours a night sleep." Uh-huh. I know that 'permanently tired' feeling.
Rome trip is starting to gather steam. Only one person has expressed worry about traveling, given the situation. I'm worried, but not sufficiently so to avoid getting on a plane. After all, I could get run over by a car tomorrow walking to my garage. Life is unpredictable.
The real drag came yesterday, when Professor Contracts announced she was giving a mid-term on March 6th. No grade given, and only an hour long, but just so not what I needed right now. And this afternoon's budget meeting went poorly, which just added to the feeling that the mountain is only growing bigger, not smaller.
I had a date Saturday. With the recently-divorced friend of a tax client, whose wife thought we'd be a good match. It was about as uncomfortable as it gets, and yet I told her I'd call. She seemed nice, but she's about 2 inches taller, and I really didn't detect a lot of enthusiasm from her. I'll call her tomorrow. I doubt if date 2 will occur. Heck, I didn't even get the 'handshake of death.' How bad is that?
Ok, I need some bitch time. My neighbors are morons. Mike moved at the beginning of January, and the replacement neighbors, I found out, have a dog. How did I find out? Because the damn thing was whining all through my lunch today. Great. Just what I need - a dog with separation anxiety.
That's not the half of it, though. Our fire door is not (as the other two floors' are) self-closing. So the people on this floor regularly leave it wide open. That's not to say having it as self closing would help, though, since the other two doors are regularly blocked open. I swear this must be some kind of violation, but damn if I can find it on Lexis or Westlaw. I hope there isnt a fire before my lease is up. Otherwise, there'll be one really big lawsuit.
To top things off, I have lazy neighbors. Just about everyone in this complex (save me) has a dog, and half of them get together regularly to walk them. So what makes them lazy? Well, last Friday, it snowed here. And on Saturday, I walked out to go to the tax office. I get a paper delivered six days a week, and most days its tossed right around the front door somewhere. Saturday, it was tossed on top of some snow, just outside the door. And some a-hole's dog had peed all over it. All over my frigging paper. Some lazy a-hole couldn't be bothered to walk across the way to the open field. How annoying. And inconsiderate, since my paper wasn't the only one this dog had peed on. Fortunately, the paper is wrapped in plastic, and one small corner was unimpacted, so I was able to get the paper safely out. But the fact still ticks me off.
Ok, I'm done venting............have a great night. I think I'm taking a vacation day Friday. I need some R&R........
Rome trip is starting to gather steam. Only one person has expressed worry about traveling, given the situation. I'm worried, but not sufficiently so to avoid getting on a plane. After all, I could get run over by a car tomorrow walking to my garage. Life is unpredictable.
The real drag came yesterday, when Professor Contracts announced she was giving a mid-term on March 6th. No grade given, and only an hour long, but just so not what I needed right now. And this afternoon's budget meeting went poorly, which just added to the feeling that the mountain is only growing bigger, not smaller.
I had a date Saturday. With the recently-divorced friend of a tax client, whose wife thought we'd be a good match. It was about as uncomfortable as it gets, and yet I told her I'd call. She seemed nice, but she's about 2 inches taller, and I really didn't detect a lot of enthusiasm from her. I'll call her tomorrow. I doubt if date 2 will occur. Heck, I didn't even get the 'handshake of death.' How bad is that?
Ok, I need some bitch time. My neighbors are morons. Mike moved at the beginning of January, and the replacement neighbors, I found out, have a dog. How did I find out? Because the damn thing was whining all through my lunch today. Great. Just what I need - a dog with separation anxiety.
That's not the half of it, though. Our fire door is not (as the other two floors' are) self-closing. So the people on this floor regularly leave it wide open. That's not to say having it as self closing would help, though, since the other two doors are regularly blocked open. I swear this must be some kind of violation, but damn if I can find it on Lexis or Westlaw. I hope there isnt a fire before my lease is up. Otherwise, there'll be one really big lawsuit.
To top things off, I have lazy neighbors. Just about everyone in this complex (save me) has a dog, and half of them get together regularly to walk them. So what makes them lazy? Well, last Friday, it snowed here. And on Saturday, I walked out to go to the tax office. I get a paper delivered six days a week, and most days its tossed right around the front door somewhere. Saturday, it was tossed on top of some snow, just outside the door. And some a-hole's dog had peed all over it. All over my frigging paper. Some lazy a-hole couldn't be bothered to walk across the way to the open field. How annoying. And inconsiderate, since my paper wasn't the only one this dog had peed on. Fortunately, the paper is wrapped in plastic, and one small corner was unimpacted, so I was able to get the paper safely out. But the fact still ticks me off.
Ok, I'm done venting............have a great night. I think I'm taking a vacation day Friday. I need some R&R........
Monday, February 17, 2003
Tell me why, I don’t like Mondays
Tell me why, I don’t like Mondays
I wanna shoot
The
Whole
Day
Down.
- The Boomtown Rats
So today is President’s day, the day we honor all our presidents. There was a time when only two were considered so great that we should honor them – Lincoln and Washington. Of course, here in Illinois, Lincoln’s adopted state (he technically was born in Kentucky, and spent a few years there before his family moved to Illinois) only Lincoln’s birthday was a school holiday. Since my dad’s birthday was the same day, we always had off, which was nice. Dad, of course, usually had to work, but that was beside the point.
Today, we honor all presidents; the great – Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson – and the not-so-great – Clinton, Nixon, Harding. The ones we all know – Kennedy, Reagan – and the ones that make us say “who?” – van Buren, Fillmore. Let’s face it; ask 9 out of 10 Chicagoans who van Buren is, and they’ll correct you and say ‘no, no, van Buren is a street - it’s between Adams and Congress.’ So happy president’s day to you. And if you happen to be one of the lucky ones off today, more to you. But since you want electric power to watch Springer today, I have to work. So there.
I decided to peruse the Internet to find a link relevant to president’s day. I found this. Read it, and see if you can guess who spoke these words, and when (I’ve deleted a couple of sentences which would have been dead giveaways, but left in one). Then decide for yourself how relevant they are today.
The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe--the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God.
We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans--born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage--and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this Nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.
Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty.
This much we pledge--and more.
To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends. United, there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided, there is little we can do--for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder.
To those new States whom we welcome to the ranks of the free, we pledge our word that one form of colonial control shall not have passed away merely to be replaced by a far more iron tyranny. We shall not always expect to find them supporting our view. But we shall always hope to find them strongly supporting their own freedom--and to remember that, in the past, those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside.
To those peoples in the huts and villages across the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required--not because the Communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.
To our sister republics south of our border, we offer a special pledge--to convert our good words into good deeds--in a new alliance for progress--to assist free men and free governments in casting off the chains of poverty. But this peaceful revolution of hope cannot become the prey of hostile powers. Let all our neighbors know that we shall join with them to oppose aggression or subversion anywhere in the Americas. And let every other power know that this Hemisphere intends to remain the master of its own house.
To that world assembly of sovereign states, the United Nations, our last best hope in an age where the instruments of war have far outpaced the instruments of peace, we renew our pledge of support--to prevent it from becoming merely a forum for invective--to strengthen its shield of the new and the weak--and to enlarge the area in which its writ may run.
Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request: that both sides begin anew the quest for peace, before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction.
We dare not tempt them with weakness. For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed.
But neither can two great and powerful groups of nations take comfort from our present course--both sides overburdened by the cost of modern weapons, both rightly alarmed by the steady spread of the deadly atom, yet both racing to alter that uncertain balance of terror that stays the hand of mankind's final war.
So let us begin anew--remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.
Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us.
Let both sides, for the first time, formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms--and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations.
Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and commerce.
Let both sides unite to heed in all corners of the earth the command of Isaiah--to "undo the heavy burdens ... and to let the oppressed go free."
And if a beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of suspicion, let both sides join in creating a new endeavor, not a new balance of power, but a new world of law, where the strong are just and the weak secure and the peace preserved.
In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than in mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course. Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty. The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe.
Now the trumpet summons us again--not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need; not as a call to battle, though embattled we are--but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation"--a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself.
Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort?
In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shank from this responsibility--I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it--and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.
My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.
Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.
Tell me why, I don’t like Mondays
I wanna shoot
The
Whole
Day
Down.
- The Boomtown Rats
So today is President’s day, the day we honor all our presidents. There was a time when only two were considered so great that we should honor them – Lincoln and Washington. Of course, here in Illinois, Lincoln’s adopted state (he technically was born in Kentucky, and spent a few years there before his family moved to Illinois) only Lincoln’s birthday was a school holiday. Since my dad’s birthday was the same day, we always had off, which was nice. Dad, of course, usually had to work, but that was beside the point.
Today, we honor all presidents; the great – Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson – and the not-so-great – Clinton, Nixon, Harding. The ones we all know – Kennedy, Reagan – and the ones that make us say “who?” – van Buren, Fillmore. Let’s face it; ask 9 out of 10 Chicagoans who van Buren is, and they’ll correct you and say ‘no, no, van Buren is a street - it’s between Adams and Congress.’ So happy president’s day to you. And if you happen to be one of the lucky ones off today, more to you. But since you want electric power to watch Springer today, I have to work. So there.
I decided to peruse the Internet to find a link relevant to president’s day. I found this. Read it, and see if you can guess who spoke these words, and when (I’ve deleted a couple of sentences which would have been dead giveaways, but left in one). Then decide for yourself how relevant they are today.
The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe--the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God.
We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans--born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage--and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this Nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.
Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty.
This much we pledge--and more.
To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends. United, there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided, there is little we can do--for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder.
To those new States whom we welcome to the ranks of the free, we pledge our word that one form of colonial control shall not have passed away merely to be replaced by a far more iron tyranny. We shall not always expect to find them supporting our view. But we shall always hope to find them strongly supporting their own freedom--and to remember that, in the past, those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside.
To those peoples in the huts and villages across the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required--not because the Communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.
To our sister republics south of our border, we offer a special pledge--to convert our good words into good deeds--in a new alliance for progress--to assist free men and free governments in casting off the chains of poverty. But this peaceful revolution of hope cannot become the prey of hostile powers. Let all our neighbors know that we shall join with them to oppose aggression or subversion anywhere in the Americas. And let every other power know that this Hemisphere intends to remain the master of its own house.
To that world assembly of sovereign states, the United Nations, our last best hope in an age where the instruments of war have far outpaced the instruments of peace, we renew our pledge of support--to prevent it from becoming merely a forum for invective--to strengthen its shield of the new and the weak--and to enlarge the area in which its writ may run.
Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request: that both sides begin anew the quest for peace, before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction.
We dare not tempt them with weakness. For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed.
But neither can two great and powerful groups of nations take comfort from our present course--both sides overburdened by the cost of modern weapons, both rightly alarmed by the steady spread of the deadly atom, yet both racing to alter that uncertain balance of terror that stays the hand of mankind's final war.
So let us begin anew--remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.
Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us.
Let both sides, for the first time, formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms--and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations.
Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and commerce.
Let both sides unite to heed in all corners of the earth the command of Isaiah--to "undo the heavy burdens ... and to let the oppressed go free."
And if a beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of suspicion, let both sides join in creating a new endeavor, not a new balance of power, but a new world of law, where the strong are just and the weak secure and the peace preserved.
In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than in mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course. Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty. The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe.
Now the trumpet summons us again--not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need; not as a call to battle, though embattled we are--but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation"--a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself.
Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort?
In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shank from this responsibility--I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it--and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.
My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.
Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.
Friday, February 14, 2003
Hello? Anybody here? Hmm…..awful quiet around here…..
It’s all about me, dammit…………….
I have determined that my shower hates me. I don’t know what I did to it, but it no longer likes me. Either that, or the ghost of one of my ex-girlfriends is now haunting it. My shower is officially a tease. It starts out nice and hot, but within moments, it turns tepid at best. Factor in the fact that my bedroom is on two outside walls, and that the walk-in closet is cold enough to store food in during the winter, and the bathroom itself (which is attached to both) is cold. Cold bathroom + cold shower = I don’t spend a lot of time primping.
My apartment has been officially labeled a hazmat zone. I know there’s no chance of my having female accompaniment anytime soon, because she’d walk in, take one look and run. There’s crap all over, and the dust bunnies have completed their buildup in the living room and are preparing to launch on the kitchen soon. Intel tells me it’ll be sometime in the next week…….
Ok, so I took yesterday off from posting. I read Wednesday’s post, and realized it was totally disjointed, like I was on drugs or something. Were I that lucky. Then things might be interesting.
I’m starting to get excited about going to Europe, even if it is mainly because the weather here sucks so bad. I just asked for weather warm enough so that my car can return to its natural ruby red color, instead of salt white. So what do I get? A winter storm warning. A good excuse if I wanted to stay in and study all weekend, but it’s tax season, and I have appointments tonight. I’m not sticking around late, I guarantee that. I have research to do.
Yesterday, I finally decided to do the Bar Character and Fitness Application. Originally, I thought that Illinois bars really had cracked down on their patrons, until I realized this joke was all about being licensed to practice in Illinois. This exercise in stupidity is unbelievable – they want to know everything about anything you might have possibly considered doing. I was expecting them to ask the last time I had sex. And god forbid you miss a question – they won’t process your application!
Not that these chowderheads are anywhere near being in the 21st century. Up until late December, their requirements were that you printed the application out and typed the answers. Typed. Who the fuck still owns a typewriter? Jesus H. Christ – even my company, notorious for having big, clunky, adding machines circa 1962 vintage – tossed out their typewriters. Of course, it took a move to a new building for that to happen, but it did. And fee payment? Certified check, cashiers check or money order ONLY. Hey morons – you hear of this new invention, the credit card? Or the real fandangled new thing – direct debit? *Sigh*. And I’m planning on joining these techo-morons. I doubt if the Illinois, Chicago or American Bar Associations will see dime one of my money.
Anyway, they’ve somewhat gotten into the 20th century. In late December, they added the ability to type onto the form while still on the computer. You can then print it out, and pay via 19th century methodology. Of course, they call it “downloadable”, which implies that you can download the file, and save changes. Wrong. I spent an hour typing crap in yesterday, and hit save, and…………..it all disappeared. ARRRGGGHHHH!
Anyway………..another weekend is upon us. Maybe this one, I’ll actually be productive.
It’s all about me, dammit…………….
I have determined that my shower hates me. I don’t know what I did to it, but it no longer likes me. Either that, or the ghost of one of my ex-girlfriends is now haunting it. My shower is officially a tease. It starts out nice and hot, but within moments, it turns tepid at best. Factor in the fact that my bedroom is on two outside walls, and that the walk-in closet is cold enough to store food in during the winter, and the bathroom itself (which is attached to both) is cold. Cold bathroom + cold shower = I don’t spend a lot of time primping.
My apartment has been officially labeled a hazmat zone. I know there’s no chance of my having female accompaniment anytime soon, because she’d walk in, take one look and run. There’s crap all over, and the dust bunnies have completed their buildup in the living room and are preparing to launch on the kitchen soon. Intel tells me it’ll be sometime in the next week…….
Ok, so I took yesterday off from posting. I read Wednesday’s post, and realized it was totally disjointed, like I was on drugs or something. Were I that lucky. Then things might be interesting.
I’m starting to get excited about going to Europe, even if it is mainly because the weather here sucks so bad. I just asked for weather warm enough so that my car can return to its natural ruby red color, instead of salt white. So what do I get? A winter storm warning. A good excuse if I wanted to stay in and study all weekend, but it’s tax season, and I have appointments tonight. I’m not sticking around late, I guarantee that. I have research to do.
Yesterday, I finally decided to do the Bar Character and Fitness Application. Originally, I thought that Illinois bars really had cracked down on their patrons, until I realized this joke was all about being licensed to practice in Illinois. This exercise in stupidity is unbelievable – they want to know everything about anything you might have possibly considered doing. I was expecting them to ask the last time I had sex. And god forbid you miss a question – they won’t process your application!
Not that these chowderheads are anywhere near being in the 21st century. Up until late December, their requirements were that you printed the application out and typed the answers. Typed. Who the fuck still owns a typewriter? Jesus H. Christ – even my company, notorious for having big, clunky, adding machines circa 1962 vintage – tossed out their typewriters. Of course, it took a move to a new building for that to happen, but it did. And fee payment? Certified check, cashiers check or money order ONLY. Hey morons – you hear of this new invention, the credit card? Or the real fandangled new thing – direct debit? *Sigh*. And I’m planning on joining these techo-morons. I doubt if the Illinois, Chicago or American Bar Associations will see dime one of my money.
Anyway, they’ve somewhat gotten into the 20th century. In late December, they added the ability to type onto the form while still on the computer. You can then print it out, and pay via 19th century methodology. Of course, they call it “downloadable”, which implies that you can download the file, and save changes. Wrong. I spent an hour typing crap in yesterday, and hit save, and…………..it all disappeared. ARRRGGGHHHH!
Anyway………..another weekend is upon us. Maybe this one, I’ll actually be productive.
Wednesday, February 12, 2003
Dashed Dreams Dept.
What is this world coming to? Steven Segal being shaken down by the mob? No way! C’mon, we all know he’d just kick their butts…….unless……he’s a……….wimp.
Michael Jordan not an angel? Having an affair? Getting caught by a photographer? Never!
In student news....a/k/a things I learned while reading the paper
The Chicago Sun-Times' Red Streak edition has an interesting article for those of you who are planning on going to U of I and thinking about pursuing grants to pay for your education, be it legal or otherwise. If you haven't done your FAFSA yet, get on it. The money pool just shrank.
DePaul students who don't already know will be depressed to learn that the CTA is trying to boot out Demon Dogs. I've never been there, but people I know who have rave about this place. To me, a hot dog is a hot dog. To Bill the Heart Surgeon, it's future business.
Interesting case in California - seems a 17-year-old couple was having sex (no! teenagers don't have sex, do they?), when the girl realized it was time for her to go home. So she asked her date (boyfriend?) to stop. When he didn't, she filed rape charges - and won.
Now lets take a minute to examine this case, which the Sun-Times says can impact laws in Illinois. The S-T doesn't mention details, but law.com does. And it's pretty interesting. The girl claims that she told the guy to stop when she realized that it was time for her to go home. Ok. But later, the article notes that the dissenting justice pointed out that the girl was enjoying the sex. Ok, now explain this, please. She was enjoying the sex, but not so much that she couldn't help but notice that she should be leaving now. Don't get me wrong, I'm not condoning what happened. Just pointing out that little inconsistency. In a related case, a woman in North Carolina really got creative in filing her case - hers was for "Wrongful Seduction."
So the lesson here is (1) if you used a really cheap pick up line, and (2) the sex was bad, you might wind up in court.
What is this world coming to? Steven Segal being shaken down by the mob? No way! C’mon, we all know he’d just kick their butts…….unless……he’s a……….wimp.
Michael Jordan not an angel? Having an affair? Getting caught by a photographer? Never!
In student news....a/k/a things I learned while reading the paper
The Chicago Sun-Times' Red Streak edition has an interesting article for those of you who are planning on going to U of I and thinking about pursuing grants to pay for your education, be it legal or otherwise. If you haven't done your FAFSA yet, get on it. The money pool just shrank.
DePaul students who don't already know will be depressed to learn that the CTA is trying to boot out Demon Dogs. I've never been there, but people I know who have rave about this place. To me, a hot dog is a hot dog. To Bill the Heart Surgeon, it's future business.
Interesting case in California - seems a 17-year-old couple was having sex (no! teenagers don't have sex, do they?), when the girl realized it was time for her to go home. So she asked her date (boyfriend?) to stop. When he didn't, she filed rape charges - and won.
Now lets take a minute to examine this case, which the Sun-Times says can impact laws in Illinois. The S-T doesn't mention details, but law.com does. And it's pretty interesting. The girl claims that she told the guy to stop when she realized that it was time for her to go home. Ok. But later, the article notes that the dissenting justice pointed out that the girl was enjoying the sex. Ok, now explain this, please. She was enjoying the sex, but not so much that she couldn't help but notice that she should be leaving now. Don't get me wrong, I'm not condoning what happened. Just pointing out that little inconsistency. In a related case, a woman in North Carolina really got creative in filing her case - hers was for "Wrongful Seduction."
So the lesson here is (1) if you used a really cheap pick up line, and (2) the sex was bad, you might wind up in court.
Tuesday, February 11, 2003
Welcome to the jungle, we’ve got fun ‘n’ games……..
Ok, so the temperatures here in balmy Chicago are more approaching the Arctic than the jungle, but who’s noticing. I mean, just because I drove to class tonight in near white-out conditions, should that be an issue? Here I am, on the phone, doing the right thing and pulling over, and what happens? An inch of snow, that’s what. And ten minutes (ok, thirty) later? Snow’s over. Ya gotta love this city.
Another thing to love about the cold – I’m a non-smoker. Every winter, I see the smokers outside the building, bundled up to their ears, sucking their life away. I envy them to a degree; they get to get away from their desks from time to time and not have to go to a meeting. But in winter? Never. If I were a smoker, the weather here the last month would have been incentive enough. If it wasn’t, this case would be.
Mayor Daley has a way with words. What it is, I don’t know. But he has a way with them. I think if his words were human, you’d call it bondage. I’m wondering why the media has never sued for intentional infliction of emotional distress after one of his press conferences. Today, he lashed out at Hollywood for filming “Chicago” in – of all places – Toronto. Ahh, were there but a link to this one. Maybe tomorrow.
The fun begins
Tax season is always hectic. Trying to balance regular work, and tax work can be trying sometimes. Now add in law school, plus commitments, and....well, it gets nuts. I'm already resorting to hitting the library after class. I've got nine weeks to go. And a trial level brief to write. On the upside, however, I did get pulled over last night on the way home. Seems that October has passed, and someone neglected to inform me. (I'm working on who to sue for that now.) Mr. Bad Man wasn't happy that I insisted on doing 5 over, or that my plates are slightly past their use-by date. I had heard that mentioning law school could help, so I did. And I'm over $100 richer tonight, since Mr. Bad Man decided to let me slide with a verbal chastising. Thank you officer!
I guess I'll be visiting the Secretary of State at lunch tomorrow. I would've gone today, but the fridge was empty......
Ok, so the temperatures here in balmy Chicago are more approaching the Arctic than the jungle, but who’s noticing. I mean, just because I drove to class tonight in near white-out conditions, should that be an issue? Here I am, on the phone, doing the right thing and pulling over, and what happens? An inch of snow, that’s what. And ten minutes (ok, thirty) later? Snow’s over. Ya gotta love this city.
Another thing to love about the cold – I’m a non-smoker. Every winter, I see the smokers outside the building, bundled up to their ears, sucking their life away. I envy them to a degree; they get to get away from their desks from time to time and not have to go to a meeting. But in winter? Never. If I were a smoker, the weather here the last month would have been incentive enough. If it wasn’t, this case would be.
Mayor Daley has a way with words. What it is, I don’t know. But he has a way with them. I think if his words were human, you’d call it bondage. I’m wondering why the media has never sued for intentional infliction of emotional distress after one of his press conferences. Today, he lashed out at Hollywood for filming “Chicago” in – of all places – Toronto. Ahh, were there but a link to this one. Maybe tomorrow.
The fun begins
Tax season is always hectic. Trying to balance regular work, and tax work can be trying sometimes. Now add in law school, plus commitments, and....well, it gets nuts. I'm already resorting to hitting the library after class. I've got nine weeks to go. And a trial level brief to write. On the upside, however, I did get pulled over last night on the way home. Seems that October has passed, and someone neglected to inform me. (I'm working on who to sue for that now.) Mr. Bad Man wasn't happy that I insisted on doing 5 over, or that my plates are slightly past their use-by date. I had heard that mentioning law school could help, so I did. And I'm over $100 richer tonight, since Mr. Bad Man decided to let me slide with a verbal chastising. Thank you officer!
I guess I'll be visiting the Secretary of State at lunch tomorrow. I would've gone today, but the fridge was empty......
Monday, February 10, 2003
{inhale}……hold it, hold it….{woosh}….hmm. So THAT’S what it feels like to breathe..
Venting
I hate whiny co-workers. And I have several. Every time some minor issue occurs, they act like the world is coming to an end. Of course, this necessitates that I immediately drop everything and tend to their issue. It’s probably the most frustrating thing about working here. Well, after the political bullshit.
This morning, one of my co-workers, “Betty” (obviously, not her real name) comes rushing over to tell me that, over the weekend, someone booked a journal entry, and the corporate numbers have changed by $150K, and she needs a new allocation right away. Never mind that this is a $150K on thirteen million (or 1% of the total expenditures for the month), or around $15,000 per site. No, the fact that it’s financial peanuts doesn’t matter, she needs her allocation right away. This is someone you can’t rationally discuss this with, either. Last week, a discussion between her and another co-worker, Julio (not his name, either) got out of hand in a hurry. Julio, admittedly, got a little short with her, but still gave her enough info to do what needed to be done. Not good enough. She started to run, not to her boss the Manager of Financial Reporting, or his boss, the Director of Accounting, but his boss – the VP of Business Operations. So when she came over, I looked at what she wanted, and gave her a short, terse “fine”. She went away, then I went and pled my case to her boss. Not that I’m whiny, but that we’ve already moved on – the invoices have been sent to the stations, and other parties have made decisions on what we put out last Friday. To send out a minor change now, and expect everyone to revise their presentations based on it would seriously damage our credibility, to say nothing of making us look foolish. We true-up the numbers next month anyway, so there would be no great loss to waiting until then. And he agreed. It’s nice to have one person I can talk rationally to…
Moving on….
Nikki, Esq. wrote last week about some self-doubt now that she’s in law school. Nikki, I know how you feel. All too well. I make pretty good money doing what I do – around sixty thousand dollars – and I supplement that with money I earn doing tax work, which varies depending on the level of effort I put into showing up at the tax office. And I’m putting it all on the line to chase this lawyer fantasy of mine.
At some point, probably sooner than later, I’m going to have to give up this job. That means giving up twenty paid vacation days a year, a (fairly) regular schedule of 7:30-4:15, good health benefits, an excellent pension plan, and the convenience of being 1.5 miles from home to work for an uncertain future, and the hope that someone out there will want to hire me, despite the fact that, when I graduate, I’ll be 40 years old. I’m hoping that some law firm will find my CPA and my MBA valuable additions to my background. Otherwise, the time I dedicated to passing the CPA exam and the five years (and twenty seven thousand dollars in loans) I invested in getting an MBA would be a total waste of time and money.
I’ve signed up for the Rome and Oxford programs offered by Loyola, which means that I’ve committed myself to spending two months in Europe. I have no idea how I’m going to support myself, and, more importantly, I’m sure I won’t be allowed to take two month’s leave, either, which pushes the discussion of the previous paragraph into the “sooner” part, rather than the “later” part. I originally wanted to wait until next year to leave, so that I’d have five years in here, and be vested. But there are a thousand things swirling about in my head right now, and I don’t know how to resolve them all so that I am totally satisfied. The drive from work to school is an hour, and when you factor in parking, it costs me $25 a day. I could take the train, which would be cheaper, but then I’m tied to the train schedule, and it won’t save me time – it’ll actually take longer. Plus, research after class is out, since there’s only one free shuttle in the evening, and it leaves after class. If I hang around, I’m stuck with cab fare, which wipes out any savings, since it costs as much to park.
So you get the idea. I’m going through the same angst you are, only a little differently. What gets me through? Well, as an athlete would say, “keeping your eye on the prize.” In other words, remembering why I decided to pursue this, despite all the stress that I’m under. In the end, I think it’ll be worth it. At the very least, my job won’t be as routine and unchallenging as it is right now.
Venting
I hate whiny co-workers. And I have several. Every time some minor issue occurs, they act like the world is coming to an end. Of course, this necessitates that I immediately drop everything and tend to their issue. It’s probably the most frustrating thing about working here. Well, after the political bullshit.
This morning, one of my co-workers, “Betty” (obviously, not her real name) comes rushing over to tell me that, over the weekend, someone booked a journal entry, and the corporate numbers have changed by $150K, and she needs a new allocation right away. Never mind that this is a $150K on thirteen million (or 1% of the total expenditures for the month), or around $15,000 per site. No, the fact that it’s financial peanuts doesn’t matter, she needs her allocation right away. This is someone you can’t rationally discuss this with, either. Last week, a discussion between her and another co-worker, Julio (not his name, either) got out of hand in a hurry. Julio, admittedly, got a little short with her, but still gave her enough info to do what needed to be done. Not good enough. She started to run, not to her boss the Manager of Financial Reporting, or his boss, the Director of Accounting, but his boss – the VP of Business Operations. So when she came over, I looked at what she wanted, and gave her a short, terse “fine”. She went away, then I went and pled my case to her boss. Not that I’m whiny, but that we’ve already moved on – the invoices have been sent to the stations, and other parties have made decisions on what we put out last Friday. To send out a minor change now, and expect everyone to revise their presentations based on it would seriously damage our credibility, to say nothing of making us look foolish. We true-up the numbers next month anyway, so there would be no great loss to waiting until then. And he agreed. It’s nice to have one person I can talk rationally to…
Moving on….
Nikki, Esq. wrote last week about some self-doubt now that she’s in law school. Nikki, I know how you feel. All too well. I make pretty good money doing what I do – around sixty thousand dollars – and I supplement that with money I earn doing tax work, which varies depending on the level of effort I put into showing up at the tax office. And I’m putting it all on the line to chase this lawyer fantasy of mine.
At some point, probably sooner than later, I’m going to have to give up this job. That means giving up twenty paid vacation days a year, a (fairly) regular schedule of 7:30-4:15, good health benefits, an excellent pension plan, and the convenience of being 1.5 miles from home to work for an uncertain future, and the hope that someone out there will want to hire me, despite the fact that, when I graduate, I’ll be 40 years old. I’m hoping that some law firm will find my CPA and my MBA valuable additions to my background. Otherwise, the time I dedicated to passing the CPA exam and the five years (and twenty seven thousand dollars in loans) I invested in getting an MBA would be a total waste of time and money.
I’ve signed up for the Rome and Oxford programs offered by Loyola, which means that I’ve committed myself to spending two months in Europe. I have no idea how I’m going to support myself, and, more importantly, I’m sure I won’t be allowed to take two month’s leave, either, which pushes the discussion of the previous paragraph into the “sooner” part, rather than the “later” part. I originally wanted to wait until next year to leave, so that I’d have five years in here, and be vested. But there are a thousand things swirling about in my head right now, and I don’t know how to resolve them all so that I am totally satisfied. The drive from work to school is an hour, and when you factor in parking, it costs me $25 a day. I could take the train, which would be cheaper, but then I’m tied to the train schedule, and it won’t save me time – it’ll actually take longer. Plus, research after class is out, since there’s only one free shuttle in the evening, and it leaves after class. If I hang around, I’m stuck with cab fare, which wipes out any savings, since it costs as much to park.
So you get the idea. I’m going through the same angst you are, only a little differently. What gets me through? Well, as an athlete would say, “keeping your eye on the prize.” In other words, remembering why I decided to pursue this, despite all the stress that I’m under. In the end, I think it’ll be worth it. At the very least, my job won’t be as routine and unchallenging as it is right now.
Wednesday, February 05, 2003
A day at the office......
I was sitting at my desk when the phone rang. It was John, a classmate.
“Hey, how’s it goin?”
Hey John, what’s up?” I was trying to book a journal entry; John’s timing wasn’t great right now.
“Hey, I’m on my way to Palos.”
John had emailed me that he was going to go to Palos, from there to Evanston, and from there to downtown, for class. I’d told him to wave hi to my parents, since they lived in Palos. If he hadn’t said that he was on a tight schedule, I would have told him to stop by and see if Mom had any food for me. I looked at the little clock on top of my computer. It was 3:30.
“ON YOUR WAY? You’re not there yet?”
“No. but I’m close. I’m on One-twenty-seven street.” He said it just like that. One. Twenty. Seven. Not ‘a hundred and twenty-seventh’, but one-twenty-seven. Strange. “Hey, so I called you because I’ll be driving in tonight, and I wanted to know the parking places. I figured you’d know them all.”
“Well, there’s 111 East Chestnut, it’s two blocks down the street from school, it’s heated and it’s eight bucks with validation.”
“Two blocks from school?”
“Yeah right down the street.”
“I thought Chestnut was East-West, like Pearson?”
“It is. The garage entrance is on Pearson, but the main entrance to the condos is on Chestnut, so they call it 111 East Chestnut, even though it’s on Pearson. Don’t ask.”
“Okay. Because I’m gonna be cutting it close. I’ve got to go from here to Evanston.”
“Evanston? You’re still going there?”
“Yeah. What’s the best way to get downtown?”
“Well, your best bet is to go west on McCarthy, and north on LaGrange to the Stevenson.”
“I was thinking of heading back to the Ryan.”
“No. Too long. Too many lights. LaGrange is faster, trust me.”
“I don’t know. Is it fast? I don’t want to go 35.”
“No, no. It’s forest preserve there. It’s 55.”
“Oh wait. I just crossed 294. I could take that, couldn’t I?”
“Yeah, you could. But the exit to the Stevenson is west of LaGrange.”
“Yeah but I’d be doing 65 a lot sooner.”
“You’re still going to Evanston?”
”Yeah, I need to be there by 4:30.”
”No way. Not a chance. It takes an hour on a good day from my parents to Evanston, and you’re on your way to a meeting. Where are you now?”
”Central.” It was pushing 3:45. By the time he got to the bank met the trust administrator, then drove to Evanston, he’d be lucky if it were 6.
“No way John…..no way.”
”Yeah.” A long pause. “You might be right.”
I was sitting at my desk when the phone rang. It was John, a classmate.
“Hey, how’s it goin?”
Hey John, what’s up?” I was trying to book a journal entry; John’s timing wasn’t great right now.
“Hey, I’m on my way to Palos.”
John had emailed me that he was going to go to Palos, from there to Evanston, and from there to downtown, for class. I’d told him to wave hi to my parents, since they lived in Palos. If he hadn’t said that he was on a tight schedule, I would have told him to stop by and see if Mom had any food for me. I looked at the little clock on top of my computer. It was 3:30.
“ON YOUR WAY? You’re not there yet?”
“No. but I’m close. I’m on One-twenty-seven street.” He said it just like that. One. Twenty. Seven. Not ‘a hundred and twenty-seventh’, but one-twenty-seven. Strange. “Hey, so I called you because I’ll be driving in tonight, and I wanted to know the parking places. I figured you’d know them all.”
“Well, there’s 111 East Chestnut, it’s two blocks down the street from school, it’s heated and it’s eight bucks with validation.”
“Two blocks from school?”
“Yeah right down the street.”
“I thought Chestnut was East-West, like Pearson?”
“It is. The garage entrance is on Pearson, but the main entrance to the condos is on Chestnut, so they call it 111 East Chestnut, even though it’s on Pearson. Don’t ask.”
“Okay. Because I’m gonna be cutting it close. I’ve got to go from here to Evanston.”
“Evanston? You’re still going there?”
“Yeah. What’s the best way to get downtown?”
“Well, your best bet is to go west on McCarthy, and north on LaGrange to the Stevenson.”
“I was thinking of heading back to the Ryan.”
“No. Too long. Too many lights. LaGrange is faster, trust me.”
“I don’t know. Is it fast? I don’t want to go 35.”
“No, no. It’s forest preserve there. It’s 55.”
“Oh wait. I just crossed 294. I could take that, couldn’t I?”
“Yeah, you could. But the exit to the Stevenson is west of LaGrange.”
“Yeah but I’d be doing 65 a lot sooner.”
“You’re still going to Evanston?”
”Yeah, I need to be there by 4:30.”
”No way. Not a chance. It takes an hour on a good day from my parents to Evanston, and you’re on your way to a meeting. Where are you now?”
”Central.” It was pushing 3:45. By the time he got to the bank met the trust administrator, then drove to Evanston, he’d be lucky if it were 6.
“No way John…..no way.”
”Yeah.” A long pause. “You might be right.”
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