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WordPress updated

It’s over with, and it wasn’t too painful. At least I remembered to update my WP-Config this time.

That said, I’ve been hearing horror stories from others who’ve tried to upgrade, so I guess I’m counting myself lucky. So far I’ve updated this site and BYKYC. I’ll most likely be doing the others later this week (or whenever time allows).

My darling Jim passed this gem to me and I know there are a couple readers here who’ve asked me if I knew of such a thing: WordPress Automatic Upgrade. The website says it’s compatible with the latest version of WP, but I have not yet had a chance to try it out myself. (may do so on a less ‘popular’ site, LOL!)

An update on things …

New Orleans was fun, but like all vacations it wasn’t long enough. Work has been absolute Hell lately, and the insurance company that we’ve been trying to settle with (remember my wreck, going on 2 months ago?) is giving us the run-around, so I’m stressing a bit more than usual.

To those who’ve asked about the Lunarpages WordPress Theme Design contest, no I didn’t win anything. But I am VERY grateful to those who voted for me! There’s been some speculation as to how the deciding votes (LP staff?) really came out, but in all honesty I’m just happy being nominated … for now. ;P

Speaking of theme designs, I’ve submitted a handful of mine to the new WordPress Theme Directory. So hopefully those will show up soon.

SA on the slow track …

I feel pretty bad that I haven’t gotten as much done on my Soldiers’ Angels stuff as I’d hoped. I am beginning to think that maybe I’ve bitten off more than I can chew in helping the warehouse/donations tracking, Walmart grants, all the websites, and even my own projects here for SA of Alabama. I’m feeling VERY overwhelmed, and frankly a little disappointed because the local response hasn’t gone as well as I’d been hoping.

There is a glimmer of hope though. A gentleman waved at me while stopped at a redlight last week and told me that he saw my bumper stickers (Soldiers’ Angels) and that he just had to thank me for supporting our soldiers. I’m not in SA for any kind of recognition or personal glory, but it IS nice feeling appreciated, and reminds me of why I want to do so much …

Geekery

About three weeks ago I heard from one of my old Neopets buddies, Rose. We talked for a bit and caught each other up on how our families were doing, and the usual. She nudged me about possibly re-joining Neopets, so on a whim I did. My character name this time around is BamaAngels so if you’re on, look me up!

(boy, what I wouldn’t give to have all that NP stuff I gave away, LOL!!!)

Also, I am now an active Editor for Addons.Mozilla.org again. I feel badly for neglecting those duties for so long, but am happy to say that I’m now back and trying to do a little each week to help out the AMO gang.

Ya know what I hate?

I mean, do you know what really REALLY gets under my skin?

When I call and leave a message for someone at my doctor’s office to call me back regarding concerns I have about some (possibly serious) side-effects I’m experiencing to some medication I’m on. Now, nobody came near the room all freakin’ day — but the very MINUTE my doctor calls me back, BOTH my boss and the company owner both come in and CAMP OUT!

Granted, I don’t make many personal calls, and I’m very certain that neither man wanted to hear about my symptoms in gory detail, yet it just irks the living shit out of me that I can’t talk to my doctor without someone being up my ass wanting something the moment I get on the phone! Cripes, I haven’t been on the phone all freakin’ day, why do you pick NOW to need something?!!!? And don’t you see I’m on the phone!!?

It’s the little irritations like that that I WON’T MISS … and the total lack of privacy. I don’t give other people shit for taking/making personal calls, and I certainly don’t stand by and listen in (like I’ve caught several doing to me). That’s just RUDE, and quite frankly I don’t WANT to know a whole lot of personal shit about most of the people here.

(Honestly! And some people wonder why I’m leaving.)

The cat’s out of the bag…

I hadn’t said anything because I wasn’t sure how many people knew at work, and didn’t want to blab on the blog, but considering the company owner came to me today to ask about it I might as well share:

I turned in my notice Tuesday evening before leaving work. Monday, I was offered a job with another company, and to be honest there was absolutely no reason NOT to take it. An engineer position — good pay, good benefits, plus I’d be working from home. The only downside I could think of was that I would not be seeing my new projects through … but GOOD PAY, GOOD BENEFITS, … :mrgreen:

When I handed my boss my notice, I knew he wasn’t happy, but he put on a smile and congratulated me anyways. Nobody else has said a word though … not even the “office noseys” … so I don’t know exactly who all knows, but I’m sure it will get around soon.

*breathes a deep sigh of relief*

I GOT A NEW JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hehehe

Time to celebrate!

How was your Thanksgiving?

I guess I can’t complain too much. It went better than I expected, but not as well as I’d hoped — if that says anything.

I had been stressing all week over various things. We had no idea until the day before as to whether or not we were going to have Jessie. I really feel for her during the Holidays because we have to “share” our time with her with her mother. Luckily, Jim’s ex decided to have her Thanksgiving with Jessie on Wednesday. She told me it was so we could have her the next day, but I think it’s because she had to work that night. ??: But hey, I’ll take what I can get.

Mom called me Wednesday morning and asked if Jim’s mother was coming with us again this year. I didn’t know because we hadn’t finalized plans with her — we saw no point until we knew for certain where we were going and with/for whom. She then asked me not to invite her. I think my jaw hit the phone … there was honestly no answer I had for that. When I didn’t say anything, she said “Ok?” I asked if there was a particular reason she didn’t want her there, and she replies that it wasn’t that she wasn’t wanted, but with her (Mother) trying to get things patched up between me and Dad, that it would be “less stressful” with Jim’s mother there. I mumbled something and hung up the phone. Honestly I was burning with anger. I was trying to get ready for work, was in the middle of a shower when she had called, and was trying like mad not to “lose it.” I called her back and asked whose idea it was not to invite her and to make a long conversation short, they (assuming both Mom and Dad, but I feel it was mostly Mom) felt things would go smoother if it was just us (me and Jim) there if there was to be any talking.

(Not that Dad did much talking, but I’ll get to that…)

Work Wednesday was a bit stressed … there’s been some unsettling things come up, but unfortunately I dare not go into them here or now for obvious reasons. I will say this much: there is a meeting next week that will determine how much longer I will be working for this company.

We left work early and came home Wednesday. Thanksgiving morning we got up and got dressed to head to my grandmother’s house. Unfortunately we were later than I would have liked, and were the last ones there … which disappointed me because I had wanted to get to speak to my grandmother before the others arrived.

At least the drive down was nice. My parents had moved from their old house (where I grew up) to a nice place in Morris. (I went out to see Mom a couple of weeks ago at the new place, did I mention that?) The new place is really neat, but the drive isn’t near as nice as the one to Corner. Corner is “God’s Country” — it’s all rural and farmland, lots of trees and wildlife. In the spring and fall it’s absolutely the most gorgeous place on earth. We enjoyed the trip down and back to my grandmother’s … Jessie pointed out just about every cow and horse that we passed. hehehe :lol:

I took pictures of my wedding gown and rings with me, so all the family oooh’d and aaaah’d over them and asked me all about our wedding plans. I finally got to meet my brother’s fiancee — very sweet girl, I like her a lot. What’s she see in him?

Jessie pouted a bit because she was expecting there to be kids there to play with — I think she had this place mixed up with my other grandmother, who lives next to a couple of my cousins and their kids are near Jessie’s age. Poor kid, she was looking forward to playmates … but I think overall she had a good time regardless. She “found” all of my grandmother’s cats and transported them across her yard. (much to their chagrin, I’m sure! lol) She also played football with a couple of my older cousins, so she had a blast doing that. I tell ya, that kid has a GOOD ARM!

Dad spoke to me for a short bit, so that was good, but it was mostly little chit chat. I showed him pictures of my dress and wedding rings. He asked how things were going, but that’s about it. No in-dept discussions or anything … but then again, I knew better than to hope for a miracle.

My aunt and grandmother kept telling me how happy they were for me and how proud they were. I kept thinking of my grandfather and how I wished that he could’ve been there. He and Jim would’ve gotten along great, and Jessie would have absolutely adored him … I know I did.

We ate a lot of good food (fried turkey, YUM!) and sat around and talked and had a good time. Friday morning Jim left for Best Buy (at 5 am!!) for some “Santa” shopping. Jessie and I got up around 6:15 and left with Mom and my brother to head to the Galleria. Gawd, that place was a mad house! It took about an hour to get parked, but once we were inside the mall, it wasn’t so bad. Jessie had a good time, and her behavior was MUCH better than last year’s trip! (much to my relief I assure you!)

She gave me several hints as to what she wanted for Christmas that weren’t on her Santa list, so I’ll be making a few calls this week to try to find a few things that she had wanted. Jim was a trooper and picked up most of her Christmas while he was out, and I’ll handle the little things and her stocking stuffers.

One of the things she wanted is a kitty from the Build-a-Bear Workshop, so I need to check into those and see about getting her a certificate. If they’re not too much (and I don’t think they are), that will be her gift from me, and she can get it made on one of my/Jim’s many trips to the mall.

I was pretty lazy this weekend (other than a cleaning spree yesterday). I spent most of Saturday watching football and cleaning up my website. Last night I sat down and finally finished the holiday theme for my site — I’ll turn it on Friday. I couldn’t bring myself to do it last night … after all, this theme is still new! :mrgreen:

It’s an overcast kind of day…

It’s rainy. It’s cold. It’s “blah” weather.

My day started out ok … Jessie was a bit argumentative this morning. Actually, she has been a lot lately, and I know it will only get worse the closer she gets to her teens.

We were nearly 30 minutes late to work this morning due to the traffic. I swear, the people here totally forget how to drive when it rains. *rolls eyes* Even worse, I’d say a good quarter of the numbnuts I passed on the road didn’t have their lights on, and as dark/foggy as it was this morning, you can’t see SHIT until you’re right up on it!

Got to work and I had already had 3 calls, people wanting me to fix their screwups.

Oh joy. ??:

Jim has a doctor’s appointment first thing in the morning, plus we have new clients in town this week and training is tomorrow — so that means that we don’t be able to go to the mc chris show tonight.

ARGH! *pout* *sobs* *throws a tantrum*

I should have stayed in bed today.

And I knew it too, as soon as I saw that my extension was denied again. I posted a complaint to the umo-reviewer mailing list after posting a note and resubmitting my updated extension.

I know I sound like I’m being a whiny little bitch but that really pisses me off and has been one of the burrs in my fur this morning/today.

PLUS I’ve called several times and left messages for the lady who handles the booking for the Gardens. I’ve been trying to get the date and time finalized for the wedding. I finally heard back from the reception place today, but the downside is that if we LAN like Jim wants to do, we more than likely won’t be able to have any alcohol.

Work is putting more pressure on us to get the new system going, but I can’t do that unless I have all of my other webshit done, so it’s been an endless vicious cycle, and I swear to God they don’t pay me enough to endure this shit!

AND I’M OUT OF CHOCOLATE!

*pout*

Can I go home now?

Getting to know you …

I totally blame Teresa for this. *grins*

1. What is your occupation? Web Developer.

2. What color are your socks right now? White.

3. What are you listening to right now? talk radio (via internet).

4. What was the last thing that you ate? Popeye’s creamed potatoes & gravy.

5. Can you drive a stick shift? Nope.

6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Chartreuse.

7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? A client.

8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yes, she’s cool.

9. How old are you today? Didn’t your mamma ever teach you that it’s rude to ask a lady’s age?

10. Favorite drink? Sour Apple Martini.

11. What is your favorite sport to watch? College football (Roll Tide!!!)

12. Have you ever dyed your hair? Every chance I get. :mrgreen:

13. Pets? cat (Psycho Kitty!)

14. Favorite food? biscuits and gravy, macaroni and cheese, tom kha (thai coconut soup), potatoes (cooked in ANY way!)

15. What was the last movie you watched? Aeon Flux.

16. Favorite holiday? Halloween.

17. What do you do to vent anger? I crank up a mix of some Lordi, Obliviaxe, Pantera, and Killswitch Engage, and play UT.

18. What were your favorite toys as a kid? Barbie, Playdough.

19. What is your favorite season? Spring/Summer.

20. Hugs or kisses? Depends on who’s giving. (Actually, I’m not trying to be funny, I’m just really ‘weird’ about being touched, so it’s usually only by who I trust and/or what I can tolerate at that moment.)

21. Cherry or Blueberry? Blueberry.

22. Do you want your friends to email you back? No, I’d prefer telepathic communications.

23. Who is most likely to respond? Mara, Jeff, or Ben.

24. Who is least likely to respond? You.

25. Where do you live? Birmingham, AL

*pokes Google Earth in the eye — Get out of my backyard, you fruitcake!*

26. When was the last time you cried? Last night … wedding and personal bullshit (don’t ask).

27. What is on the floor of your closet? Probably my cat — she likes to hide/sleep in there.

28. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending this? My wonderful website visitors.

29. What did you do last night? Bitched and moaned to a friend. Then fell asleep watching the movie.

30. What’s your favorite smell? Lavender.

A Foggy Halloween Night

My boss sent me this:

A man was walking home alone late one foggy night, when he hears:

BUMP…

BUMP…

BUMP… behind him.

Walking faster, he looks back and through the fog he makes out the image of an upright casket banging its way down the middle of the street toward him.

BUMP…

BUMP…

BUMP…

Terrified, the man begins to run toward his home, the casket bouncing quickly behind him…

faster…

faster…

BUMP…

BUMP…

BUMP…

He runs up to his door, fumbles with his keys, opens the door, rushes in, slams and locks the door behind him.

However, the casket crashes through his door, with the lid of the casket clapping…

clappity-BUMP…

clappity-BUMP…

clappity-BUMP…

…on his heels. The terrified man runs!

Rushing upstairs to the bathroom, the man locks himself in. His heart is pounding; his head is reeling; his breath is coming in sobbing gasps.

With a loud CRASH the casket breaks down the door.

Bumping and clapping toward him. The man screams and reaches for something, anything, but all he can find is a bottle of cough syrup!

Desperate, he throws the cough syrup at the casket…

… and –

– the coffin stops!

Oh, shut up! I thought it was funny.

Almost whole …

I think I’ve just about licked this stupid cold … though I don’t think I’ve had a decent night’s sleep in over a week. I’m still sore and achy from coughing things up, but am otherwise nearly back to my old self.

Someone at work asked me what I did over the weekend. I answered “Layed in bed and prayed for death” … they didn’t find that too funny.

*shrug*

I can’t believe it’s the 18th already … things have been so busy, then Jim and I were both sick. Hell, I haven’t even hung the Halloween decorations yet!

I missed Ladies Night Out last week, then we missed Mopo’s wedding — but to be fair, Jim and I didn’t need to be out and infecting others. (as devilishly fun as that might otherwise sound, LOL!) I did get to watch most of the Bama game Saturday, but had no voice, so when I’d yell at the TV it was more of a loud whisper and occaisional squeak!

And REALLY freaked out the cat when I did that! hehehe

Work has not let up, and most likely won’t until after Christmas … things aren’t getting much better though. I’ve been told not to put in any more OT … yet I’m quickly falling behind because there’s so much to do, and unfortunately I can’t delegate anything to other people because they’re busy too (or, well, most of them). SO when management comes to me in a few weeks and wants to know why websites are taking so long, I’ll have a good excuse — but in their eyes it’s not an excuse. The PTB seem to think that I have all the time in the world to do both my job and continue to pick up slack for a few others in addition to keeping up the maintenance on existing sites AND do tech support AND continue development on the new system.

*sigh*

Anyways … so yeah, I’m still around — just buried under a pile of work/bullshit and hating life (well, not really, but you get my drift).

Something to talk about …

I was hoping for phenomenal news this week, but didn’t get it. A potential situation that I was hoping for fell through and most likely won’t happen at all. Oh well, life moves on.

Jim and I had bought Bonnie Raitt tickets for his mother for her birthday last month. The concert is this Saturday in Pelham, and her beau won’t be able to go … so she invited me. To tell you the truth, I was hoping to go because I’ve always loved Bonnie Raitt and really wanted to go see her.

So at least that’s one good thing going on this week.

Hobie is doing MUCH better — a big thanks to all who’ve expressed concern and support. I really appreciate it. Ever since going on the mega antibiotics, she’s almost back to her old self — whining, pouting, begging, and all! *LOL* She’s sounding and acting more like she was before she got sick — though I’m afraid I’ve spoiled her (more than usual) with all the rich food I had bought to hide her medicine in.

I hate to disappoint her when it’s time to come off the meds and go back to her regular food.

I found out that I had a few more vacation days available at work than previously thought. I’ve been busting my ass for the last few months (more so than usual, even), and I’m quickly burning out. I’ve requested to take a few days off and might do so next week. I found myself losing my temper with another employee I’ve had problems with and was two steps away from walking out.

Honestly, I’ve quit better jobs than this … I *so* need another job.

I’m finding myself wishing my Ladies Night Out group was meeting this week, I think I need a drink. In fact, that sounds like a pretty good idea. I’ll go home tonight and have myself a few. Jim’s ex has Jessie tonight, and I’m in dire need of a “drink and code pity party”. LOL I have a CD full of new WordPress template ideas that I started but hadn’t had time to finish.

Or maybe I’ll play a little UT instead … killing aliens and robots always makes me feel better.

(That reminds me … Jocelyn: I need to know which CSI disks you need! )

It’s almost that time again …

As I’m sure most of you have noticed, I’ve switched to the Roll Tide Roll theme. I’m sorry I had to switch off the Theme Switcher. It seems that WP-Cache was interfering with it, so I’m hoping that will be resolved soon so that those who enjoy using the other themes will be able to access them again.

Alabama’s first game is next weekend, against Hawaii … though it’s PPV (yes, I’m still grumbling about that one *grrrrr*).

In my most recent fit of Google addiction, I decided to dump the iCalShare calendar feed from my Google Calendar for Alabama’s playing schedule and decided to make my own. It’s incomplete, but I will fill in the times and stations as soon as they’re published to the University’s website. (also available as XML or iCal link)

Work’s still really busy … and stressful. We’re well into our “busy season” … that, and I’ve purposefully NOT blogged about several happenings lately due to many reasons. The biggest being that I’ve noticed referrals coming in from search hits via searches by who I believe are either clients or members of management. There are several “touchy” subjects I’ve tossed out into the open and/or set on fire lately, and I think I’ve pissed off enough people for now … so better safe than sorry. (for now)

I will say this … if the next few days to couple of weeks go well, I may not have to worry about that anymore. *crosses fingers!*

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