Archive for November, 2008

Giving Thanks

Published
by
seanb
on November 28, 2008
in Personal
. 0 Comments

As the holiday season starts with my favorite holiday, I am taking the time to list what I am thankful for:

I am thankful that I got the opportunity to say goodbye to Grandma D. She was a great woman, and though sometimes she and I would butt heads over silly things, she taught me well how to be mindful of my manners in all situations, and with all people.

I am thankful that the election for president is over, and am especially thankful that Obama won by the margin he did. I’m also pleased that he understands the game he’s entering, and knows the bridges he will need to build to get things done. He may not be able to accomplish everything he set out to, but I think he has the intelligence and political savvy to get most of it done.

I am thankful for my beautiful family. Donovan, who gets a certain glint in his eye this time of year as he tries to be good. Logan, who is good, despite being goaded into doing things he shouldn’t (by the one with the glint in his eye). Tracy, who, while not being the best housekeeper is, in fact, the perfect mom (and educator) to our children (yes, this is the pot calling the kettle black, as far as the housekeeping bit is concerned).

I’m especially thankful for my extended family (on both sides): mom, dad, jenny, and evan, and tom and cathy. Without them, it would be immensely difficult to raise such a great family. While it’s true that we don’t get together as often as we should, whenever we do, it is always fun to bounce ideas off ‘em.

I am thankful that I have a decent job. Yes, I grouse about not being paid what I’m worth, but that will be the same at any job. I’m glad that while this job at FIU doesn’t pay well, at least it has great benefits, a decent environment, and opportunities for personal enrichment that go beyond a paycheck.

I am thankful for my friends. Whether they be close friends or distant aquaintences, friends are the spices that add the sweetness and zest to what could otherwise be a mundane experience.

In closing, I am thankful to all of you who read my musings, be they newsworthy, mundane, or salacious. I don’t share only what I agree with - I try to mix it up. And I enjoy it most when you respond.

Grandma “D”…

Published
by
seanb
on November 21, 2008
in Personal
. 2 Comments

I was up in Melbourne (Florida) yesterday with my mom, visiting my Grandma “D,” who, for the last two years has lived in a skilled nursing facility.  When I visited last, which was about nine months ago, she was able to sit up in her wheelchair.  Now, she’s barely able to hold her own head up.  I drove up because my mom feels that grandma’s end is near – and I’m glad I went: as when we walked in, the nurse who has been caring for her approached my mom about bringing in hospice.

I’ve long held my grandmother at a distance – ever since she and I got into a verbal altercation while we were driving my sister (Jennifer) from Stuart to Gainesville so that Jenny could attend the University of Florida.  That’s a long time to hold a grudge for being told one is fat and always hungry… but hold that grudge I did.  Too long.  So long that I wasn’t really ever able to tell my grandma that I was sorry for doing so, and that I love her so much.

I got that chance yesterday, and while I didn’t utter the words, I do think she understands.

Thanks, Grandma “D,” for being you…

It’s over…

Published
by
seanb
on November 19, 2008
in Personal
. 0 Comments

It’s been over for a while - the presidential election. But I just want to say FINALLY that it’s over. A two-year media circus has come to a close.  I personally think that Jon Stewart had it right when they called it Clusterfu*k to the White House on The Daily Show.  But it is, indeed, over.

I gave blood today, at the convenient, on-campus Bloodmobile.  South Florida Community Blood Centers has their stuff together – not that the American Red Cross didn’t, but whenever I would donate through the Red Cross, it would take me 60–90 minutes.  South Florida Community Blood Centers has never taken me longer than 45 minutes – today it took 30.

Today is my meh day: I’m on campus from 8:30 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. tonight because of classes.  Of course, that’s my fault – I need to go through my transcript and see where I am with my Ph. D., and figure out where I’m headed.

Where are you headed?

Fully Wireless…

Published
by
seanb
on November 2, 2008
in Personal
. 0 Comments

Well, after futzing with cables for two years, and trying to keep the house’s computing needs met by a daisy chain of gigabit routers, I’ve given up. We’re completely wireless now. Some of our devices are running wireless G, some are running wireless N.

We’ve even given up our telephone service, and replaced it with cellular service ONLY.

I know - it’s a boring update to you, but it’s quite exciting for me. :-D

I’m a geek.