I Ain't Afraid of No Daleks

Two and a half hours into my job, I stood up and almost fell down again. That's not good, is it? So, I (very carefully) walked home...god, my pay check is really going to put me back into finanical hole, even with the extra funds.

I think I may be on the cusp of getting fired. The "big" bosses are avoiding making eye contact with me, all of the sudden. Maybe I'm reading too much into this, I don't know. What happens, happens. I almost dont' care anymore, honestly. I'm tired and I'm worn out, and I feel really old right now.

I called into work, both today and yesterday, but apparently no one in that stinking office ever checks voice mail messages, and the new receptionist down in the other office may be a nice woman--I can't say, as I don't know her---but she's shite as a receptionist.
So, I was put down as a no-call, no-show yesterday, when I did call! Stupid bastards. I hate this company, it's so rubbish and disorganized. How the hell they stay in business is beyond me...okay, how they stay in business is to diddle the people who work for them, out of raises and benefits and all other perks, and work people to death, as well...but force them to keep working each week, part-time, so they don't have to give us any state mandated benefits. Bastards.

I was so thrilled to be working there, when I was hired--little did I know what gypsy outfit it was! Bah--maybe I can find another job, but, with my health the way it is, it's hard. I probably won't get a good recomendation, now.

I feel so rubbish, right now. Lighthead and head-achey and...funny. Like I'm spaced out or something.

I swear, if I hear one more person say to me, "you need someone to take care of you," I'm gonna' vomit. Yeah, well, all's I've got here is three cats and a partially estranged--okay, well, more like just 'strange'-- sister that I've not seen in almost 3 years, whom lives 100 miles away. Oh, and a nephew I've not seen since the day of our mum's funeral, who's presently tucked away in the Albany County jail.

So, I worked 2 1/2 hours and picked my way very carefully home over the icy walks--and found out going to work that my ugly ol' black rubber wellies have a hole on the right foot--same foot my winter boots last year got a hole in, and I spent those 2 1/2 hours with a cold, sopping wet right foot, having found out the hard way that my boots leak, by stepping in an ankle-deep puddle of muddy, icy slushy water.

I'm not having a good day, people.

I still want to go in to work...not that I actually like my job, mind you--it's the thought of getting a 20 dollar pay check next week that gives me great pause---I just almost fell down again. Damn, I've had bumps on the head before...one time a horse swung his head into mine, and knocked me flat out cold! I just walked into the bedroom from the kitchen, and had a touch of vertigo...hell, if the bed hadn't of been there for me to grab onto, I would've taken another flippin' fall!

Every part of me wants to call in sick again, and just sleep this off, but...

...I have to go in though, don't want to risk losing my job, I've still got bills to pay and my disablity check doesn't cover every expense I've got. We just got, in the last hour, another inch or two of snow, but it's tapering off and the sky is brightening now, and I think this last bit was the end of the storm.

I have no clue why I'm so knackered though--heaven knows I obeyed the doctor's orders and stayed in bed a goodly part of the day yesterday. I went to bed early--so why the hell can't I keep my eyes open today???

I've had Pandora radio on all morning, listening to some tunes:

TITLE/ARTIST

If I needed someone---the McGanns
There she goes---the La's
Letter from America--The Proclaimers
Sailing---Christopher cross
Kokomo---the Beach Boys
Ruby---The Kaiser Cheifs
I'm a Believer--The Monkee's
Won't Give In--Finn Brothers
Ain't No Good---Cake
Everything Had Changed--Barenaked Ladies
Slide--The Goo Goo Dolls
Man on the Moon--R.E.M.
Tell Me a lie--the Fratellis
Local Boy--The Rifles
Wild Thing--the Troggs

Well, it stopped sleeting and now we're getting heavy snowfall again, coming down at a pretty good clip, in less than 15 minutes, Glen Street is snowcovered already. A city fire truck just went screaming by--someone's having a rubbish morning.

I hear that the city of Troy, NY--about 50 miles south of here, is totally without power, due to the storm. I grew up across the river from south Troy, trust me, Troy without power is no big loss, ha-ha. I remember one summer once, about 15 or 16 years ago, I stopped for a red light while driving through north Troy, and some scruffy guy came up to my pick up truck's driver's side window, openly trying to sell me crack coccaine. Lovely.

I have to go a bit of a long stretch without eating, today, so I opted to do a full-blown Adirondack type breakfast: scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, bacon, toast.

Yummy!

Thought work might be closed this morning, when I rang them up to see, and kept getting the "we are currentlyy closed" message--20 minutes after they were supposed to be open. But, the naf receptionist in the Albany office, finally decided to actually turn off the recording, and I do have to go into work today---need the money badly, even tho' I'm still a tad washed out and light-headed and sore-headed, as well---I must carry on laughing, as they say--god, I'm so not looking forward to working today...I could use another day's rest, truth to tell, but I've been hurt before, loads of times, and gotten back in the saddle, and so I must, today.

The walking's a bit dicey, though...think I'll grab a bus, even tho' it's only a 10 minute walk to work. We've only had about 4 or 5 inches of snow, which isn't much, but then we had some freezing rain/ice on top of that--and that is a pain in the arse to try and negotiate, especially for me with my dodgy right foot.

The main roads are mostly clear, and even now I can hear snowblowers put-putting away, clearing the walks...not our walk. The trendy yuppie type building managers are incredibly irresponsible and lazy about getting things done around here--say what you will about people on the dole, but rich people can very much be just as much a bunch of lazy layabouts, as so-called "welfare scroungers," trust me on this. They're just better at faking being active, repsonsible citizens then the poor are, that's all.

So, going to work, I'll literally have to try and guess where the steps to the front porch are, as I go down them--and pray that I don't fall on my arse again!

Some of the local schools are delayed, but all seems to be running as usual. Down south of here, around 60 miles or so, and over my sister's way in southern Vermont, they've got their share of headaches--some places getting over a 1/2 inch coating of ice--and, localized flooding because of them getting over 2 inches of heavy rain, yesterday. There's been widespead power outages in the southern part of the state, from what I've read, with the Red Cross setting up an emergency shelter in one county.

I guess my city got off pretty easy--though as I write this, I can see that there's ice pellets coming down, mixed, it looks like, with some freezing rain. The branches of the maple tree outside my front windows are all coated with snow and ice. Nope, not going to be a fun walk to work today--break out those ugly black wellies...suppose I'll have to pack my trainers along, to put on once I get to the office--thank goodness it's casual dress on weekends!

I was reading a review of Tennant's understudy--wow, some very nice reviews, and congrats to Mr. Bennett.

Anyway, it mentions that Tennant's back really is pretty bad, and his recovery may take as much as 3 months, before he can return to work.

For those of you whom have not hat the "fun" experience of a bad back (three times for me), it is a paralyzing injury, and extremely painful--really, you just have to believe me when I say that there simply aren't many injuries more painful and debilitating than a bad back--and, it CAN leave you in a wheelchair for life, if not taken care of properly, you can trust me on this.

So, as hard as it is for Tennant to stop acting for a while, and as difficult as it's being on his understudy and the rest of the company, and as much as fans will be moaning with disappointment, I do hope Tennant uses his amble common sense and listens to the advice of his specialist, and shows patientce and lets the injury heal properly.

Physical therapy is a pain in the arse, it hurts like hell, and it can take quite a while to start working--but it does work, and I'm sure Mr. Tennant will have an excellent therapist to help him recover. I'm walking today, as proof that it works.

And, patience it will take, for a man so bursting with energy as David Tennant.

I know you'll never know I wrote any of this mate, but I surely do commiserate with you, and am pulling for you. You give so many people so much joy through your performances, and of course, you do so seem to adore your craft so very much, that I know that being unable to work, must hurt you every bit as much as the back pain.

Wishing DT a full and speedy recovery, and best wishes for a happy holiday, despite everything.

This website is possibly being used to troll for your personal information.

If you must go there, be warned that you visit it AT YOUR OWN RISK.

If you're an idiot and a tried and true fool, and you don't care about being scammed or having your computer harmed, than be my guest.

If you've been thinking there are fewer commercials on TV, and fewer ads in the newspaper, you're right.
Advertising in the Capital Region is down 10-percent this year from last year. In 2007, it was off 12-percent from 2006.

But not everyone is pulling back.

"We've cranked it up quite a bit," said Dave DeMarco, Executive Vice President at Glens Falls National Bank.

The bank, with 27 offices, has avoided the kneejerk reaction to cut advertising in a down time. Instead, they've increased it, and changed its focus. They're running "double truck" ads that tell customers 'it's time to turn down the doom and gloom, and turn up the optimism."

The ad says sales tax revenue and home values are up, and lists some of the projects, like a new library, new condos, and a successful theater as reasons for optimism.

The local bank, through its advertising, has become a cheerleader for the community.

"There's a lot of good things happening. Again, I'm not trying to say we're in a booming economy here, but trying to get folks to think about the fact that we've got some really good things here in our community that helps make us strong and will help us get through this," said DeMarco.

It appears to be working, added DeMarco, because business is good.

"We're having a very good year. Our numbers through the third quarter are up about 20-percent."

The bank's advertisements are even being used by Chamber of Commerce and economic development types as reminders to their constituents that there are reasons for optimism.

I've had four people either leave a comment or write me about the baseball cap in my avatar photo.

The "Life is Good" baseball caps--also known as "chill caps," are available online, here: http://www.jakeslakeplace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=550

And also I believe the "life is good" chill cap is available through Amazon and e-bay, as well. There are dozens of different designs covering a wide range of interests.

However, mine, that has the horse in sunglasses with a piece of hay hanging from it's mouth, is apparently temporarily out of stock, and is no longer avaiable in khaki. I bought mine in autumn of 2003, but they do still make them, apparently.

. Do you try to look hot when you go to the grocery store just in case someone recognizes you from your blog?

Erm--that would be a very definite no. When I got to Price Chopper or Price-rite or wherever, I just basically look like me--sometimes I look tidy, sometimes...not so much. Except in extenuating circumstances (workdays, special occaisons), I'm pretty much a "take me as I am," kind of person--which is why I'm not Miss Popular, I suppose.

2. Are the photos you post Photoshopped or otherwise altered?

Beats me, I got a "D" in my photoshop class in college. I am just so technolgically backwards, I just plain suck at photoshop. Heck, I think it's a minor miracle that I can hook up my computer, my old VCR or an NES.

3. Do you like it when creeps or dorks email you?

Dorks are fine...creeps, no--does anyone actually LIKE it when creeps send them e-mails? Not sure I want to know the answer to that.

4. Do you lie in your blog?

Don't recall ever doing that, no. I do tell fibs though, as part of a practical joke--like all those David Tennnat and Doctor Who fake news captions and stuff.

5. Are you passive-aggressive in your blog?

What the hell does that mean? I got a "C-" in phycology in college--I can't even flippin' spell the word! I genuinely have no clue what the hell this question is asking, i'm stupid, I guess.

6. Do you ever threaten to quit writing so people will tell you not to stop?

Definitely not. I have said that I would quit writing several times in the past--but for very definite (mostly personal) reasons, and not as an attention getter.

7. Are you in therapy? If not, should you be? If so, is it helping?

I would like to be in therapy--truthfully though? Well, it never really helped much as I always had to go to public health therapists who are vastly overworked and basically totally suck (one fell asleep on me, another kept forgetting my first name, and...just trust me: state public mental health therapists suck like a bunch of wheezy old Hoovers)--but no, I am not in a position (financially) to get therapy at this time---(it's very complicated, okay?)

That said, I use blogging as therapy and turn to sites that address my illness, and get support through the site, when I feel it's needed.

8. Do you delete mean comments?

Yes, I almost always delete mean or snarky or angry comments. It's a personal blog, not a newspaper editorial, and that's my perrogative. I also may delete comments that go too far, or are too pushy and get too personal, to the point of being somewhat rude.

I also will delete or edit a comment with swearing in it--on the theory that if you are reasonably intelligent, and do want me to take your comment seriously--you really don't need to swear at me to make your point.

9. Have any nutjobs left any really insane comments on you blog?

Yeah, once or twice. I just delete them...if they don't get the message, and start to "stalk" my blog though, I may retaliate by baldly insulting them publically in their own specail little post...and listing their IP address, URL and e-mail address, for good measure. That's an absolute very last resort, though. I've only had to do that twice in two years of blogging. It works, by the way.

10. If your readers knew you in person, would they like you more or like you less?

Probably less, for the most part, I don't have a very high opinion of myself.

11. Do you have a job?

Yup.

12. If someone offered you a decent salary to blog full-time without restrictions, would you do it?

Well, hell yes. I'd love it--well, if it wasn't blogging about something boring, like specifications for a washing machine or something...and if I didn't have to sell anything--I hate selling, I suck at it.

13. Which blogger do you want to meet in real life?

All of the friends on my friend's list--great bunch of people, and I could never be so churlish to single any one person out--tho' there is one very special person that's been my blog friend from practically day one, that I'd love to meet and give a great big hug to!

14. Which bloggers have you made out with?

Come again? I've never "made out" with anyone! Ever.

15. Do you usually act like you have more money or less money than you really have?

I don't act either way--as I said, I am what I am, take me or leave me.

16. Does your family read your blog?

I've only a sister and nephew. My sister doesn't know how to use a computer and my teenage nephew doesn't blog, I'm pretty sure.

17. How old is your blog?

Approximately 2 years 3 months old

18. Do you get more than 1000 page views per day? Do you care?

Last time I checked my stats, earlier this week, I was getting just a hair over 1000 visitors a day...but that's unusual. Usually the number's average more in the 800 range.

19. Do you have another secret blog in which you write about being depressed, slutty, or a liar?

I do write about being depressed sometimes--tho' it's not exactly my favourite subject to blog about. I don't think I could ever remotely be described as "slutty" and I don't think I've written about lying, to the best of my knowlege.

20. Have you ever given another blogger money for his/her writing?

No.

21. Do you report the money you earn from your blog on your taxes?

I dont' use my blog(s) to earn money. It's just a cheap hobby really, I suppose.

22. Is blogging narcissistic?

Well, that would depend on what the blog is used for. Personal blogs certainly can be narcissistic, I guess. But, I know quite a few that aren't. Is mine? I really don't know, as I mentioned, I nearly flunked physcology.

23. Do you feel guilty when you don't post for a long time?

That issue hasn't come up. Just the opposite: sometimes I feel like a git, for posting too much stuff in one day.

24. Do you like David Tennant, or do you prefer one of the other Doctor's?

I adore Tennant's Doctor, he's my all-time fav....but I don't hate any of the other Doctor's--they've all brought something unique and wonderful to the role, bless them.

25. Do you have enemies?

Probably, I don't know.

26. Are you lonely?

Oh sure. But, that said, loneliness has never been a big issue for me. I've been lonely for 40 years, on and of. Being lonely is just...completely normal, for me. Like breathing.

27. Based on what you've read on other people's blogs, is there somewhere else you'd rather live?

Scotland sounds lovely, as does Wales and Ireland and London and...am I getting carried away? Both our nation's have their unpleasant sides and massive social and political issues...I've found we have cultural differences as well, but in many other ways, we're still very much alike...except the Brits aren't gun crazy, and are still a lot more politer than we are, despite what they say.

28. Has another blog influenced what you read, watch or listen to?

I've had some blog friends turn me on to new music and television programmes, sure.

29. Do you have any blog friends who share your interest in Doctor Who, or any other of your interests?

Sure, I've some lap-over friends from Doctor Who Online who are on here, and some of my other blog friends like Who--tho' probably not to the extent that I do, perhaps.

30. Have you shared stories or photos of the place where you live, with other bloggers?

Yes.

My blog hat day avatar. This was taken on a feluca on the Nile at Aswan, Jan. 2004. I still have the hat, on which is embroidered a picture of a horse with sunglasses on, that says, "life is good."

Well, the snow's here in full force. falling at a rate of about half an inch an hour at times, and mixed with sleet and freezing rain.

The snow plows are out, banging and scraping the pavement as they go by. Traffic is bustling right along though, and no one seems to having difficulties...the buses are running almost on time, and people are out walking the streets. It might be a different story elsewhere though, as this storm is effecting different parts of the area in many different ways--they're having a full-blown ice storm I hear, east of the city of Albany, where freezing rain has been the order of the day.

It's 25 degrees--(minus 4 C), and we're in the throes of a heavy band of snow, inching it's way up here from the southeast---which is weird, in a nor'easter, I must say.

This is what one Albany, New York TV station's website has to say:
HAZARDOUS TRAVEL TONIGHT, MAJOR ICE STORM !!!

SATURDAY: Cold with sunshine, HIGH: 15-20.

While conservative deliberately stall the auto maker's bailout bill, Wall Street took another downturn today, because of republican lawmaker's foot-dragging.

In other bad news, Bank of America is annoucing a minimum of 30 to 35 thousand job cuts, sometime in the next few months...possibly more. Bank of America has been formally known as one of the US's strongest banks, but since taking over Merrill-Lynch, they seem to be a bit wobbly.

In the Month of Novemeber alone, in 2008, the United States lost over half a million jobs.

Laid off workers who had staged a sit-in in an Illinois window factory, refusing to leave the premises until they were guarenteed to get their severance package, have ended the stand in after Wells Fargo Bank--the busines owner's creditor, promised to see to it that employees were paid the money owed to them. Workers alleged that they were only given 3 days notice of the lay off--which is against labour laws, which state a business must give workers 60 days notice prior to a complete shut down--and were not given their severence pay of accrued holiday and sick pay and other benefits owed them.

Despite the recession--which the politically correct call an "economic downturn"--the state of California has passed even stricter pollution regulations--which may cause more businesses to fail, whom cannot afford to upgrade to become more environmentally friendly. Calfornia--home to many weathy entrepenurs and film industry stars and mogols--has pledged to be more viligant in the area of climate change, even if it causes hardship to consumers and businesses alike, by issuing a stricter set of new rules, which could transform everything from the way factories operate, to the appliances people buy and the fuel they put in their cars. The Air Resources Board unanimously approved the plan.

Yes, the men and women running the state of California did this, despite warnings it will put costly new burdens on businesses during a deep recession--which could conceivably turn into a global depression--and, with California forecasting a staggering budget gap of $41.8 billion through mid-2010. Rather than wait a year, to give the economy of California to recover a little from the economic crisis, Gov. Arnold Swartzenager said that he believes the regulations will actually act as a spur to drive forward the state's economy, and serve as a model for the rest of the country. Yeah, and oranges grow in Vemont in the winter time, Arnold.

The gov claims that green technology is the only business that is still booming. And, it is healthier in the western U.S, than other parts of America and the rest of the world. This is a sentiment echoed by a group called "green technology investment.org." Yet, another group states that consumer backlash--especially in the wake of new "green taxes"-- could hurt green tech companies, and eliminate their firmer footing as the year 2009 progresses and the recession deepens. Yet, green technology investment did in fact rise, last month...but, in the end, while green investors--and the climate, may get a boost by these new rules, how many innocent families will suffer from hunger and other woes, due to lost jobs?