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The Madwoman of Menotomy
[ website | neitherday.com ]
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Spring!!!

Date and Time  - Mar. 20th, 2008, 11:01 am

Current Mood  - optimistic optimistic
Current Music  - air purifier

Spring has arrived. Soon, the plants my sister and brother are sending me for my birthday will start arriving and I'll be able to put the compost to good use. They are sending me 3 butterfly bushes, 3 red latham raspberry bushes, and 6 oriental poppies. I'm very excited about gardening this year.

I haven't done any gardening since I rented the house in Columbia, Missouri and grew carrots out back. It was a very small house with a small yard, but it was a house with a yard and it was $185/month. Wow, that price seems great now, I couldn't rent a room for that around here these days. It's a different season here, in more ways than just not being winter anymore.

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Doing It Myself

Date and Time  - Sep. 4th, 2007, 05:37 pm

Current Mood  - blank blank
Current Music  - budgies in conference

I went down to New England Photo this afternoon and learned that [info]zarthon's assessment of how much my camera will cost to repair was much more accurate than mine, and unfortunately the cost of getting my camera fixed is well over what I can afford to spend. On faith that it will be fixed, I bought the new lens cap I've been needing.

I'm going to see if I can repair the problem myself without taking the camera apart. There is at least a chance that I might be able to get it working and the risk of breaking the camera further is relatively low as long as I don't actually pry it open. Christian suggested swabbing the prongs in the battery case with alcohol. If that doesn't work, I'm going to attempt ti gently but firmly reposition the prongs. I have a few other ideas up my sleeve, but if none of that works I'll have to reassess my options.

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Voice Post: The Movers Arrive

Date and Time  - May. 31st, 2007, 01:51 pm


VoicePost Help
154K 0:48
“Hi, they finally arrived. It's the same crew that move Anthea and we're back to the 3 guys, so the original rate. there are nice guys and they did a really good job moving Anthea.

So, hopefully, now that everything's been sorted out and they're here, everything will go well with the rest of the move and of course I'm going to knock on some wood for that. There, I just did it. I don't know if you can hear the knocking on the wood, but I did. Here, just so you can hear it. There, see? Probably heard it that time, eh?

That's it.”

Transcribed by: [info]neitherday


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Voice Post: Meltdown

Date and Time  - May. 31st, 2007, 01:24 pm


VoicePost Help
352K 1:50
“Now, so shortly after my last call, I talked to the Bell Rock Moving people and they said they are sending out a different truck and it would have been there in twenty minutes which would have, what, been almost an hour ago. And, uh, they are sending 4 guys so it will cost more money per hour for some reason, because they're late I guess?

But, we can't go with someone else at this point. I don't know what's up with these people. Um, but now I just talked to them and they said, "Oh, it's going to be twenty minutes". So, I mean, I could have done something with this time, but no, I sit around here waiting for these idiots.

I'm just getting very frustrated, it's one thing after another, they keep fucking up, and they're going charge me more for their fuck-ups and it's going to rain. If it thunderstorms they're going to sitting around here with their thumbs up their asses charging me per hour for it and they could have done it during the nice weather we had all morning.

Oh my gosh, I am very very angry at this point. Hopefully they'll arrive soon.

I wish I could just go with someone else. I really do. But at this point, you know, you have to hire movers in advance. You can't switch this day. I have to be gone today. I can't get anyone else. There's not time. I'll wait for these idiots.”

Transcribed by: [info]neitherday


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Finally Took It

Date and Time  - Apr. 3rd, 2007, 12:51 pm

Current Mood  - blah blah
Current Music  - budgies in conference

The Everything Test

There are many different types of tests on the internet today. Personality tests, purity tests, stereotype tests, political tests. But now, there is one test to rule them all.

Traditionally, online tests would ask certain questions about your musical tastes or clothing for a stereotype, your experiences for a purity test, or deep questions for a personality test.We're turning that upside down - all the questions affect all the results, and we've got some innovative results too! Enjoy :-)

Personality
You are more emotional than logical, more concerned about others than concerned about self, more religious than atheist, more dependent than loner, more lazy than workaholic, more rebel than traditional, more engineering mind than artistic mind, more idealist than cynical, more follower than leader, and more introverted than extroverted.

As for specific personality traits, you are adventurious (100%), religious (93%), intellectual (89%), romantic (71%).

Stereotypes
Old Geezer100%
White Trash64%
Punk Rock60%
 
Life Experience
Sex58%
Substances73%
Travel24%

Politics
Your political views would best be described as Socialist, whom you agree with around 100% of the time.
  Socioeconomic
Your attitude toward life best associates you with . You make more than 47% of those who have taken this test, and 77% less than the U.S. average.

If your life was a movie, it would be rated R.
By the way, your hottness rank is 45%, hotter than 10% of other test takers.

TAKE THE TEST
brought to you by thatsurveysite



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Room Needed

Date and Time  - Mar. 2nd, 2007, 12:16 pm

Current Mood  - depressed depressed
Current Music  - rain

As we'll be down two roommates, I don't foresee the [info]house_of_clocks surviving. Hence, I'm looking for a room in or within public transit of any of the following cities: Boston, MA; Lowell, MA; Northampton, MA; Brattleboro, VT; Providence, RI; Portland, OR; Portland ME; San Francisco, CA; Boulder, CO; Seattle, WA; or Minneapolis, MN. I can pay up to $400/month and have two cats. Let me know if you know of any openings. Thank you.

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Winging It

Date and Time  - Jan. 8th, 2007, 02:12 am

Current Mood  - awake awake
Current Music  - silence

I'm going to be landing in Saint Louis this Friday on a one-way airline ticket. It will be the first time my brother, my sister, my parents, and I will all be in the same place at the same time in over a decade. I'm looking very much forward to this.

Sunday, we will all be heading down for the day to Murphysboro, Illinois - where I was born - to see my family down there.

Sometime during my stay in Missouri I hope to see [info]type_40.

I also want to find a way to get to Columbia, I haven't seen the town for a long while and I'd really like to meet up with [info]ceruleanct11. However my tight budget and the infrequent bus schedule very well might thwart that endeavour.

I plan to go home via rail and/or bus, but that leg of the trip has not been fully set in place. I will definitely be stopping in Saint Thomas, Ontario on the way back to spend some time with [info]goldmourn.

I'm also hoping to meet up with [info]likeamermaid on my journey, but if that will occur is not certain as of yet.

While this isn't well planned out, I have a good feeling about it. I'm sure it will be an adventure at the very least.

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Voice Post: Bank check

Date and Time  - Jan. 4th, 2007, 03:59 pm


VoicePost Help
309K 1:33
“Well! I went to the bank, and they didn't even know that they didn't have the check! For all they would have known, I could have kept it. I could have cashed it somewhere else, and doubled my money.

I didn't. I don't know why I didn't. Perhaps I'm honest, perhaps I'm afraid, perhaps I'm moral. I don't know All I succeeded in doing, though, was possibly, inadvertantly, getting the teller in trouble. I hope I didn't, but... I really hope I didn't... but, not much I can do.

I don't understand why I did what I did, you know, returning it. I mean, it just seemed like the right thing do, and I do things, a lot of times, because they seem like the right thing to do. Why is it the right thing to do? I don't know. It just seemed it. It's stupid. But, you know, I'm probably not going to change, in that regard. And perhaps that makes me a bit of a loser. But, you know what? I can live with being a loser.”

Transcribed by: multiple users


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Voice Post: Discovery

Date and Time  - Jan. 4th, 2007, 03:14 pm


VoicePost Help
149K 0:42
“I was headin' out, and I noticed in my pocketbook -- I still have my check! The check I deposited yesterday! Whoops! Well, the teller at the bank put it through, the money is in my account, but they don't have the check! So, I'm heading to the bank right now to give them the check, so they're all happy. I don't know if they're confused and think they lost it, or... what went on, because I don't think I should have the check anymore. So, I will make sure they have it momentarily. We'll see how this goes.”

Transcribed by: [info]electricube


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Fare Hikes

Date and Time  - Nov. 9th, 2006, 02:34 pm

Current Mood  - pissed off pissed off
Current Music  - traffic

With the new MBTA fare hikes, it seems there is a desire make it more economically advantageous to buy a cheap used smog-belching car that otherwise would be heading to the junkyard than take public transit. This is because liberal Massachusetts is so concerned about fossil fuel use and air pollution.

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Seek and See

Date and Time  - Oct. 30th, 2006, 06:35 pm

Current Mood  - blank blank
Current Music  - silence

I've been getting out more, which is good. My cycle of vertigo episodes appears to be waning, but I am still not free of this wave. If I keep improving at this rate perhaps in a week I'll stop carrying a staff or cane with me when I go out.

My primary care nurse has yet to produce the referral to the neurologist I wanted. I have given up on her being of much use and have located on my own a doctor of oral pathology who is an expert on Behçet's Disease as well as a sufferer himself. He should be able to rule in or rule out Behçet's as an explanation for my symptoms. Unfortunately, I'll have to pay for the appointment out of pocket, which will definitely be a strain on the coming month's already tight budget.

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Why I Want To

Date and Time  - Sep. 26th, 2006, 08:44 pm

Current Mood  - okay okay
Current Music  - budgies in conference

In therapy yesterday, we discussed why I want to get off disability and back into the job market. I hadn't really thought that much on the question other than that I wanted to.

The reason I want a job is not because I feel guilty in some way for not having one. I don't feel guilty. First, it's only recently that I've been doing well enough to realistically consider getting one. Second, it's not like any job I'm likely to go into is going to make the world a better place or let me do my part or any such crap. Most likely, if I go back into databases, I'm be schlepping code to fill some corporate coffers. The likelihood of landing another non-profit gig isn't terribly high.

The reason is not that I'd simply like to have more money either. Sure it would be nice to not have to count pennies so much, to not worry about how I'm going to pay for rent and oil. But, I'm getting by. Anything else is gravy. Gravy is nice, but not necessary.

The reason is autonomy. I don't want to be beholden to the government for my check. And while I am grateful for those friends who have helped me out when I've been in tight spots, I do not want to be beholden to them for support either. I want to control my own life, and in this hyperquasicapitalist dollar-worshiping society that means holding my own purse strings to as much of an extent as possible. I want to control my income because even if they hold their power benignly, I want to lessen the power others hold over me.

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Drift

Date and Time  - Sep. 22nd, 2006, 04:23 pm

Current Mood  - blank blank
Current Music  - budgies in conference

I've been drifting away the last several days. The dizzy spells and twitchiness have enveloped me. I cannot move and flicker out. I fight this place, it is hard, but I am not giving up.

Sometimes I end up caught in a nasty cycle in which I have one of my "episodes", can't get up, and fall asleep. My "episodes" are more common and intense right after waking, and in these cycles I'll wake right into another episode, not be able to get up, and fall asleep again. Yesterday, I spent 3 hours on the couch in such a cycle – drifting in and out of consciousness.

I was planning a trip to Maine to see [info]invalid_userid this weekend, but [info]purpleglitter convinced me I should wait until the current wave subsides. However, in preparing for the trip I did find out that the bus route to Maine was quicker, cheaper, and more frequent than I had previously thought. This will make the prospect of making plans to visit less daunting in the future.

Project Schedule has not happened since Monday. I wonder if perhaps the concept is flawed. I've always had large portions of my work day where I could not be productive. I was able to compensate before, why not now? A refined and rigid schedule leaves no room for compensation. However, I am not sure if I should give up Project Schedule until I come up with a better plan to increase my productivity and ready myself for re-entry into employment.

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The View from Here

Date and Time  - Sep. 14th, 2006, 11:03 pm

Current Mood  - indifferent indifferent
Current Music  - crickets

When I was 18 I wanted to have my surgery by the time I was 25. I wanted to get it done while I was young and could then enjoy my youth without having to deal with a body I did not want.

I waited a long time. Now I am 32 and I wait no longer. This is not because it has come to pass, but because I believe it never will.

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Project Schedule - Attempt 3, Week 2, Day 4

Date and Time  - Sep. 14th, 2006, 01:56 pm

Current Mood  - crazy crazy
Current Music  - Men Without Hats - Pop Goes the World

Cloude and Galileo were fighting over Dandelion, so moved Cloude and Skye into the small flight cage. No problem with the finches. Food was well devoured by all.

No problem with [info]mazzycat. Her food dispenser is filled again. While this means she won't be getting so much wet food, she'll have round the clock access to her dry stuff.

My room cleaning looks as if it went backwards. My room is far messier after this afternoon's cleaning session than it was before. This is principally because I've begun my journey into the Left Closet of Doom and much of the contents yielded by my expedition are scattered about. Some I might try to sell or give away, some I will use, some I'll keep in storage, and much is going to the curb Sunday evening.

I only went in about 7 feet today, tomorrow I'll attempt to reach the back. The Left Closet of Doom will be a large project, and I anticipate the Right Closet of Doom will be more work than the Left even though the Left is slightly deeper.

I'm going to pay some bills, then head over to [info]purpleglitter's to do some laundry.

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Surveying the Land

Date and Time  - Aug. 29th, 2006, 09:07 am

Current Mood  - optimistic optimistic
Current Music  - fan

Yesterday, I went to therapy for the first time since July. During our talks, my therapist told me that I'm in the final stages of therapy. With that comes the question: "What now?".

It's a difficult question. Moving back into the productive workforce carries a good deal of it's own issues and getting in with a 6 year gap and outdated geek skill will present a challenge. I did really enjoy databases and if I do go back into tech I'd like to go back into designing them. There is something about databases that deeply appeals to me. I've done a small amount of data mining in the past, and that appeals to me even more than design. But, it would be easier to go back to design as that is where my experience really lies. It's been 6 years since I've done database design and I would need some refreshing is in order along with updating my skill set to fit the current environment.

However, I'm not entirely certain I want to go back into tech. It would be the easiest and likely the most lucrative choice available to me, but doing something artistic and/or crafty appeals to me greatly as well. Working on the tangible and creating things that will take on a journey and life of their own. I know that some of my databases are still in use and in that way they've taken on a life of their own, but it's not the same as something you can touch. I want to create and build. I just don't know if that is a viable prospect, as it requires capital to get started and insurance is a pain in the ass for the self-employed.

Going back to school would be a happy thing, perhaps studying math and physics like I started out on over a decade ago now, perhaps studying something else. But, that appears the least likely path right now. Financially I don't see how it could happen.

I am overwhelmed with possibilities. It's like I'm coming out a deep dark cave and can finally see great meadows and mountains and forests in front of me, all wondrous but I must choose if I will head towards the meadows or the mountains or the forests. Eyes opening for the first time, yet again.

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An Account

Date and Time  - Aug. 7th, 2006, 06:48 pm

Current Mood  - happy happy
Current Music  - budgies in conference

I have a checking account. It's been almost a year without an account. I chose Citizen's Bank, because the cashiers were always nice and helpful when I came in to cash my SSDI check. Other banks would consistently give me grief. It feels odd. First a cell phone (temporarily out of commission), now a bank account. I feel all modern-aged.

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Motherlode

Date and Time  - Jun. 15th, 2006, 07:40 pm

Current Mood  - excited excited
Current Music  - budgies in conference

I hit the motherlode of Doctor Who videos at Goodwill today! I got a little over 20 of them. I know that might sound a big crazy, but I couldn't help myself as even one is a rare find in the thrift stores. I got my favorite serial as well, Logopolis. I also got a Powerpuff Girls video, Dead Poets Society, an abacus, the Bad Cat book, and a pair of shiny purple satin pants. One of my best trips to goodwill ever!

Doctor, Adric, Nyssa, and the Watcher in Logopolis


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Visiting the Old House of Clocks

Date and Time  - May. 21st, 2006, 01:14 pm

Current Mood  - peaceful peaceful
Current Music  - traffic

As I stated in an earlier post: the old [info]house_of_clocks, which due to its dilapidated condition was sometimes called the Crackhouse of Clocks, was completely renovated and turned into a condo a couple years after we moved out. [info]purpleglitter and I went to the open house today to check the place out. The layout of the place was virtually the only thing that was familiar. The place is astounding, wonderful. I'd love to move back in if I could afford it. Even if I could afford it, however, the housing market is poised on the verge of a giant bubble burst and now would definitely not the time to be buying.

Former Crackhouse of Clocks - 1261 Mass Ave - exterior
tour of the renovated old house of clocks )


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