The last weekend of the St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF) saw me watch a pair of movies, using the passes I earned for working volunteer shifts earlier in SLIFF. I was at Webster University's Moore Auditorium on Saturday (23 Nov.) for a screening of the 1924 classic "Greed," with live music by a small orchestra. I had seen the movie on cable a few years ago, but was real impressed by this presentation. The next night, at the Wildey Theatre in Edwardsville, Illinois, I attended a screening of "Something in the Water," a documentary about the St. Louis classic rock scene from the late 1960s to early 1980s. Very nice film, I thought. I was invited to SLIFF's closing night awards ceremony that night in midtown St. Louis, but I decided not to, since I had to be up early the next morning for work. (You can get a festival wrap, including award winners, at www.cinemastlouis.org.)
Before the Sunday night movie, I was at the St. Louis Art Museum for a Introverts Meetup. Only two of us showed up (six had said yes), which was a disappointment, but we had a fine time browsing some of the exhibits. This was first visit to the museum in over three decades. I then went to the Central West End, where I had dinner at a Lebanese restaurant there, before going on to the Wildey.
Auto rental vehicle prep work went rather well, with yesterday in particular a bit busy due to the the holiday today. Late Monday afternoon, the area manager stopped by to give me a company jacket and beanie, which I like very much and find very practical due to the cold weather here of late. I'm back at it tomorrow morning.
I was at the monthly soccer referee clinic Monday night (25 Nov.), and the monthly IPMS/Gateway business meeting the next night. I went from work to both events, with a short stop for supper both times.
Today is Thanksgiving Day and it was very nice. My brother Rick came to town last night with his wife Melissa and son Alex. They, my parents and I were joined for dinner tonight by Melissa's cousin Oliver Block, his wife Astrid and their two kids Turkey and all the trimmings were very well prepared and served. I hope my fellow Americans had something to be thankful for today and a good holiday.
Later.
28 November 2013
23 November 2013
Battling a Cold During a Busy Week
Late the week of 15 November, I caught a cold, which was not pleasant. I got over the drippy nose fairly quickly, but the coughing now and then has persisted. It did put only a minor crimp into my volunteer efforts the first weekend of the St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF). The late afternoon and evening of Sat., 16 Nov. found me at Washington University's Brown Hall, where they showed a couple of documentaries: "Tales from the Organ Trade" and "The Undocumented." I stayed in the lobby, so I would not give anyone else in the theater my cold. Both films were well received.
The next night found me at Webster University's Moore Auditorium, where a pair of family-friendly films were screened. The first was "The Blue Tiger," a Czech live action film with a bit of animation added in. It told of two kids who conjured up a blue tiger to save their parents' botanical garden from a mayor's demolition plans. This was followed by an animated French film, "The Day of the Crows." It was about a boy who grew up in a forest who discovers much in a nearby town and helps his father deal with tragic memories. I was able to sit in the theater for both movies (I was well enough to do so), and enjoyed both of them.
Before my Sunday shift at SLIFF, I was in a packed Shameless Grounds in Benton Park for the Sex Positive St. Louis discussion on casual sex. About 50 people attended and although I could only stay for about an hour before heading to Webster U., I found it a very interesting talk, with plenty of opinions put forth by the host and several attendees.
I started my full time vehicle service work for the car rental firm this past Monday (18 Nov.), and welcomed Drew, our new branch manager. Things went well, although the cold and wet conditions much of the week did not do my health any favors. A few of our customers I talked to while driving them do and from the branch were very happy that I am now a full time employee, with the benefits that go with that status. I'll be working four full days a week; every third week, I'll work a half weekday and a Saturday morning with three full days.
Straight from work on Tuesday (19 Nov.), I got the fellowship hall at Calvary Presbyterian Church set up for the IPMS/Gateway meeting. We had our final Modeler of the Year contest of 2013 (which I helped judge), final nominations and voting for the Bob Stroup Award, first nominations for 2014 club officers, and a build night. Busy time.
The next night, I drove from work to Vetta Sports Club in Cottleville, Missouri for the soccer referee in-service recertification clinic. I took in the presentation (in progress) of points of emphasis for referees, and volunteered to do a pre-game talk with my assistant referees to show my colleagues how to do an effective pre-game. All I need now for my 2014 badge is to take and pass my fitness test, which I will do on 1 Dec. Wish me luck!
The off-day from work Thursday (21 Nov.) was most welcome. That night, I was at the Plaza Frontenac Cinema for SLIFF volunteering. I was able to see two films that night, starting with the documentary "Tim's Vermeer." it told of Texas-based video equipment inventor Tim Jemison's attempt to recreate a painting by 17th century Dutch master Johannes Vermeer. A most riveting tale and greatly received by the audience. I then saw the feature "The Jewish Cardinal," from France. That's a fact-based story about Jean-Marie Lustiger, a Jewish convert to Catholicism who becomes Archbishop of Paris in 1981 and has to deal with his dual identify when mediating a dispute when Carmelite nuns set up a convent at Auschwitz. I found that film very interesting.
Back at work yesterday and it was rather slow for a Friday, for the most part. It was OK by me.
Later.
The next night found me at Webster University's Moore Auditorium, where a pair of family-friendly films were screened. The first was "The Blue Tiger," a Czech live action film with a bit of animation added in. It told of two kids who conjured up a blue tiger to save their parents' botanical garden from a mayor's demolition plans. This was followed by an animated French film, "The Day of the Crows." It was about a boy who grew up in a forest who discovers much in a nearby town and helps his father deal with tragic memories. I was able to sit in the theater for both movies (I was well enough to do so), and enjoyed both of them.
Before my Sunday shift at SLIFF, I was in a packed Shameless Grounds in Benton Park for the Sex Positive St. Louis discussion on casual sex. About 50 people attended and although I could only stay for about an hour before heading to Webster U., I found it a very interesting talk, with plenty of opinions put forth by the host and several attendees.
I started my full time vehicle service work for the car rental firm this past Monday (18 Nov.), and welcomed Drew, our new branch manager. Things went well, although the cold and wet conditions much of the week did not do my health any favors. A few of our customers I talked to while driving them do and from the branch were very happy that I am now a full time employee, with the benefits that go with that status. I'll be working four full days a week; every third week, I'll work a half weekday and a Saturday morning with three full days.
Straight from work on Tuesday (19 Nov.), I got the fellowship hall at Calvary Presbyterian Church set up for the IPMS/Gateway meeting. We had our final Modeler of the Year contest of 2013 (which I helped judge), final nominations and voting for the Bob Stroup Award, first nominations for 2014 club officers, and a build night. Busy time.
The next night, I drove from work to Vetta Sports Club in Cottleville, Missouri for the soccer referee in-service recertification clinic. I took in the presentation (in progress) of points of emphasis for referees, and volunteered to do a pre-game talk with my assistant referees to show my colleagues how to do an effective pre-game. All I need now for my 2014 badge is to take and pass my fitness test, which I will do on 1 Dec. Wish me luck!
The off-day from work Thursday (21 Nov.) was most welcome. That night, I was at the Plaza Frontenac Cinema for SLIFF volunteering. I was able to see two films that night, starting with the documentary "Tim's Vermeer." it told of Texas-based video equipment inventor Tim Jemison's attempt to recreate a painting by 17th century Dutch master Johannes Vermeer. A most riveting tale and greatly received by the audience. I then saw the feature "The Jewish Cardinal," from France. That's a fact-based story about Jean-Marie Lustiger, a Jewish convert to Catholicism who becomes Archbishop of Paris in 1981 and has to deal with his dual identify when mediating a dispute when Carmelite nuns set up a convent at Auschwitz. I found that film very interesting.
Back at work yesterday and it was rather slow for a Friday, for the most part. It was OK by me.
Later.
14 November 2013
Good News About My Job & My Foot
My weekend started off well, after a busy Friday at the car rental branch. On Saturday (9 Nov.), I drove in the morning to Columbia, Missouri to attend TigerCon 2013, a scale model contest hosted by the Central Missouri Scale Modelers. The show was held at Hickman High School and I had company from four others from IPMS/Gateway who separately made the trip. It was a nice show, a little thin in some categories and in vendors. I helped judge several categories I was not entered in, and came away with third place for one of my entries (a J-10 fighter in Out of the Box--Military). The other four from Gateway also took home at least one award.
The drive home was made a bit more challenging by a toothache, which got so bad I called my dentist. He agreed to see me the next morning at his office, where he worked to clean out the tooth and stabilize it. He did say I will need a root canal on that tooth in the next few weeks. I was most grateful to him for coming in on a Sunday morning to do this.
Later that Sunday (10 Nov.), I was at the Autism-Aspergers Meetup at the Maryland Heights Community Center, where they had a presentation on body language and voice tone. It was rather interesting, although it was hard to comprehend some of this material at times.
After a full day of work Monday, I drove to St. Louis Futsal Academy in St. Charles for a futsal referee recertification clinic. Having provided proof I passed the written test and paid for registration, I received my new futsal referee badge for 2014. The referees there were given a rundown on the league setup for this season, points of emphasis, and some on-court training in officiating signals and mechanics. I followed along as best I could with the boot on my right foot due to tendonitis.
Speaking of the boot, it came off the next morning at the podiatrist's office during a follow-up visit. He examined my foot and said it was getting better, although concerned that long-term I would need surgery to clean out the Achilles tendon. Now, I am wearing a wrap bandage over my foot, and can ease back into workouts soon. That is such good news; I have been chomping at the bit to get back to walking and running, aiming towards getting back to refereeing soon.
There was nothing unlucky for me about Wednesday the 13th. The area manager for the car rental firm called me late that morning to offer me the full time vehicle service position I recently applied for, which I immediately accepted. He added that the position, which was to be at the Manchester branch, would instead be at Ellisville, so I would not be going anywhere. This will start on Monday (18 Nov.), and my colleagues at Ellisville were so happy for me. (They didn't want to see me leave their branch.) Getting this level of position (with the benefits associated with full time status) is a big help for me.
I'm working this Saturday morning, then its volunteering Sat. and Sun. at the St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF), which began tonight. Looking forward to this event. More info at www.cinemastlouis.org.
Later.
The drive home was made a bit more challenging by a toothache, which got so bad I called my dentist. He agreed to see me the next morning at his office, where he worked to clean out the tooth and stabilize it. He did say I will need a root canal on that tooth in the next few weeks. I was most grateful to him for coming in on a Sunday morning to do this.
Later that Sunday (10 Nov.), I was at the Autism-Aspergers Meetup at the Maryland Heights Community Center, where they had a presentation on body language and voice tone. It was rather interesting, although it was hard to comprehend some of this material at times.
After a full day of work Monday, I drove to St. Louis Futsal Academy in St. Charles for a futsal referee recertification clinic. Having provided proof I passed the written test and paid for registration, I received my new futsal referee badge for 2014. The referees there were given a rundown on the league setup for this season, points of emphasis, and some on-court training in officiating signals and mechanics. I followed along as best I could with the boot on my right foot due to tendonitis.
Speaking of the boot, it came off the next morning at the podiatrist's office during a follow-up visit. He examined my foot and said it was getting better, although concerned that long-term I would need surgery to clean out the Achilles tendon. Now, I am wearing a wrap bandage over my foot, and can ease back into workouts soon. That is such good news; I have been chomping at the bit to get back to walking and running, aiming towards getting back to refereeing soon.
There was nothing unlucky for me about Wednesday the 13th. The area manager for the car rental firm called me late that morning to offer me the full time vehicle service position I recently applied for, which I immediately accepted. He added that the position, which was to be at the Manchester branch, would instead be at Ellisville, so I would not be going anywhere. This will start on Monday (18 Nov.), and my colleagues at Ellisville were so happy for me. (They didn't want to see me leave their branch.) Getting this level of position (with the benefits associated with full time status) is a big help for me.
I'm working this Saturday morning, then its volunteering Sat. and Sun. at the St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF), which began tonight. Looking forward to this event. More info at www.cinemastlouis.org.
Later.
07 November 2013
Good Work and Socializing; Almost SLIFF Showtime
Last Saturday (2 Nov.), I worked that morning at the car rental branch, and things went very well. Overall, these past few days at the branch have been good--kept me busy enough, even with the boot I'm earning over the sore right heel due to tendonitis. This past week, I had an issue resolved that prevented me from entering my times into the computer system for a few days. This should make it much easier with getting my times recorded and getting paid as a result.
Saturday night found me at Kakao Chocolate in Maplewood, Missouri for the St. Louis Singles Meetup, which had a chocolate and wine tasting party there. It was very nice, with about 15 of us there sampling fine chocolates made on the premises and sharing bottles of wine we brought in. I found out much more about chocolate than what I knew going into this event, and I found it very a very happy night.
The next afternoon (3 Nov.), I joined with five others at Dave & Buster's in Maryland Heights, Missouri for the Introverts Meeting Friends Meetup. We came on a comparatively quiet afternoon, which allowed us to better get to know each other through conversation. As with the St. Louis Singles Meetup the night before, I am looking forward to more gatherings with this Meetup group.
I ran the IPMS/St. Louis meeting last Tuesday night (5 Nov.) at the Thornhill Branch, St. Louis County Library. Five of us were there as we talked modeling topics for a while. That day--and today--were off days for me from work, so I got some personal business done.
This afternoon, I took and passed the online futsal referee exam. There will be a recertification clinic for futsal refereeing this Monday night in St. Charles. As soon as I get over this tendonitis, I look forward to getting back out on the pitch. Futsal season starts early next month.
Tonight, I was at the Tivoli Theatre in the Delmar Loop area of University City, Mo. for the volunteer orientation for the 2014 Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF), which runs 14-24 November at several St. Louis area venues. I'm working three shifts at the festival, helping patrons with information and providing them with programs and ballots for some of the films being screened. Many narrative, documentary feature, and short subject films from around the world will be screened at this festival. More information at www.cinemastlouis.org.
Later.
Saturday night found me at Kakao Chocolate in Maplewood, Missouri for the St. Louis Singles Meetup, which had a chocolate and wine tasting party there. It was very nice, with about 15 of us there sampling fine chocolates made on the premises and sharing bottles of wine we brought in. I found out much more about chocolate than what I knew going into this event, and I found it very a very happy night.
The next afternoon (3 Nov.), I joined with five others at Dave & Buster's in Maryland Heights, Missouri for the Introverts Meeting Friends Meetup. We came on a comparatively quiet afternoon, which allowed us to better get to know each other through conversation. As with the St. Louis Singles Meetup the night before, I am looking forward to more gatherings with this Meetup group.
I ran the IPMS/St. Louis meeting last Tuesday night (5 Nov.) at the Thornhill Branch, St. Louis County Library. Five of us were there as we talked modeling topics for a while. That day--and today--were off days for me from work, so I got some personal business done.
This afternoon, I took and passed the online futsal referee exam. There will be a recertification clinic for futsal refereeing this Monday night in St. Charles. As soon as I get over this tendonitis, I look forward to getting back out on the pitch. Futsal season starts early next month.
Tonight, I was at the Tivoli Theatre in the Delmar Loop area of University City, Mo. for the volunteer orientation for the 2014 Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF), which runs 14-24 November at several St. Louis area venues. I'm working three shifts at the festival, helping patrons with information and providing them with programs and ballots for some of the films being screened. Many narrative, documentary feature, and short subject films from around the world will be screened at this festival. More information at www.cinemastlouis.org.
Later.
31 October 2013
Good News on the Foot; Halloween Fun
After a rather routine few days of work with the car rental firm and a relaxing weekend at home, I saw the podiatrist on Tuesday morning (29 October). He confirmed with me the results of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) done of my right foot one week before. The podiatrist said there was no bone fracture or pulled tendon as first feared, but instead I have tendonitis. He told me rest, keeping my foot in the boot as much as possible, occasional icing down of the heel, and anti-inflammatory medicine should help, and asked me to come back in two weeks. I'm glad it's not a fracture, or I'd be laid up for much longer.
That night, I did a favor for my parents and picked up our neighbors, Rick and Diane Holtz, who were returning to town from a vacation in Australia. I med them at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport after their flight arrived from Los Angeles. We got their luggage and I drove the Holtzes back home, which they greatly appreciated me doing.
I was off work today, but was invited in for their Halloween party. The branch took as its theme the 1980 movie "Caddyshack," and the office was decorated with quotes from the movie. We dressed up as characters from the film--I played a golfer, our manager was the groundskeeper Carl Spackler (Bill Murray's character), one of the management trainees came as a gopher, another was Judge Elihu Smails (Ted Knight's character), and the rest were fellow golfers. We had snacks laid out and customers could try to put a ball into a cup for a discount on a vehicle rental. It was fun.
My parents and I welcomed a few trick-or-treaters from the neighborhood tonight. We had some treats for these kids, which they (and a few parents that accompanied them) appreciated.
Later.
That night, I did a favor for my parents and picked up our neighbors, Rick and Diane Holtz, who were returning to town from a vacation in Australia. I med them at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport after their flight arrived from Los Angeles. We got their luggage and I drove the Holtzes back home, which they greatly appreciated me doing.
I was off work today, but was invited in for their Halloween party. The branch took as its theme the 1980 movie "Caddyshack," and the office was decorated with quotes from the movie. We dressed up as characters from the film--I played a golfer, our manager was the groundskeeper Carl Spackler (Bill Murray's character), one of the management trainees came as a gopher, another was Judge Elihu Smails (Ted Knight's character), and the rest were fellow golfers. We had snacks laid out and customers could try to put a ball into a cup for a discount on a vehicle rental. It was fun.
My parents and I welcomed a few trick-or-treaters from the neighborhood tonight. We had some treats for these kids, which they (and a few parents that accompanied them) appreciated.
Later.
24 October 2013
A More Pleasant Footnote; Talking Scale Modeling to Cub Scouts
Last Thursday night (17 Oct.), I attended the Missouri Aviation Historical Society's monthly meeting at Creve Coeur Airport. They screened the 1953 aviation drama "Island in the Sky," which starred John Wayne. It's quite a good film and we enjoyed seeing it. Back to work the next two days at the car rental firm (just in the morning on Saturday). The society meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm. More info at www.moavhist.org.
After attending church on Sunday morning (20 Oct.) and lunch at home, I was at Shameless Grounds in the Benton Park neighborhood of St. Louis for a discussion program. The Sex Positive St. Louis (SEX+TL) Meetup group had a discussion on sexual compatibility, which I found rather interesting.
Work has been going well this week. Off on Tuesday (22 Oct.), I was at Cedar Imaging in south St. Louis County for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan on my right foot. It was my first time getting an MRI done and I had to lay still for about 30 minutes while the machine scanned my foot. The technician said it went real well and the results were forwarded to my Podiatrist. Yesterday, while I was at work, the podiatrist's office left a message on my home phone saying that the MRI showed no bone break or tendon tear. The office added it was likely tendonitis, but wanted to schedule a follow up appointment with me on this. That appointment is this Tuesday. Stay tuned.
Tuesday night, I was at Rockport Heights Elementary School in Arnold, Missouri with two of my IPMS/Gateway colleagues. We were there for the meeting of Cub Scout Pack 962, who asked us to give a presentation on scale modeling and our club. We showed off some of our models, a few kits, and some modeling tools as we explained to these Cub Scouts and their parents what our hobby is about. Club literature was also passed out to the kids and their parents, and the kids and the pack leaders really seemed to enjoy our talk. Efforts like this should help gain new members for our club. Our website is: http://ipms-gateway.com.
Last night, after work, I was at Marion Morris' house for the IPMS/Gateway business meeting. We planned next month's general and business meetings and discussed a bit of club business, as well as followed the start of the World Series between the Cardinals and the Boston Red Sox. The Sox took advantage of some fielding errors to beat the Cardinals 8-1, with game 2 tonight in Boston. Go Cardinals!
This morning, I took my Corolla into Weiss Toyota Scion for an 80,000-mile check up. The car is in great shape, the service adviser told me, and the tires were rotated.
Later.
After attending church on Sunday morning (20 Oct.) and lunch at home, I was at Shameless Grounds in the Benton Park neighborhood of St. Louis for a discussion program. The Sex Positive St. Louis (SEX+TL) Meetup group had a discussion on sexual compatibility, which I found rather interesting.
Work has been going well this week. Off on Tuesday (22 Oct.), I was at Cedar Imaging in south St. Louis County for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan on my right foot. It was my first time getting an MRI done and I had to lay still for about 30 minutes while the machine scanned my foot. The technician said it went real well and the results were forwarded to my Podiatrist. Yesterday, while I was at work, the podiatrist's office left a message on my home phone saying that the MRI showed no bone break or tendon tear. The office added it was likely tendonitis, but wanted to schedule a follow up appointment with me on this. That appointment is this Tuesday. Stay tuned.
Tuesday night, I was at Rockport Heights Elementary School in Arnold, Missouri with two of my IPMS/Gateway colleagues. We were there for the meeting of Cub Scout Pack 962, who asked us to give a presentation on scale modeling and our club. We showed off some of our models, a few kits, and some modeling tools as we explained to these Cub Scouts and their parents what our hobby is about. Club literature was also passed out to the kids and their parents, and the kids and the pack leaders really seemed to enjoy our talk. Efforts like this should help gain new members for our club. Our website is: http://ipms-gateway.com.
Last night, after work, I was at Marion Morris' house for the IPMS/Gateway business meeting. We planned next month's general and business meetings and discussed a bit of club business, as well as followed the start of the World Series between the Cardinals and the Boston Red Sox. The Sox took advantage of some fielding errors to beat the Cardinals 8-1, with game 2 tonight in Boston. Go Cardinals!
This morning, I took my Corolla into Weiss Toyota Scion for an 80,000-mile check up. The car is in great shape, the service adviser told me, and the tires were rotated.
Later.
17 October 2013
Hobbling Along
With my fractured heel bone in a boot, I am forced to cancel my soccer refereeing assignments for the rest of this month and I may be out until well into November. It's rather frustrating, as I would rather be out doing games, but what I can I do? I will just have to carry on.
Last Sunday afternoon (13 Oct.), I was in Maryland Heights attending a Meetup of the Autism STL group. It was an introduction meeting, with a discussion about physical behavior. About 15 people attended this event.
Work has been going well and my colleagues have been considerate of my condition.
Tuesday night (15 Oct.), I set up and helped run the IPMS/Gateway meeting, which included a demonstration of airbrushing. I found it very informative. We also had our monthly beauty contest for "Model of the Month." Tonight, I'm going to the Missouri Aviation Historical Society's monthly meeting at Creve Coeur Airport.
Later.
Last Sunday afternoon (13 Oct.), I was in Maryland Heights attending a Meetup of the Autism STL group. It was an introduction meeting, with a discussion about physical behavior. About 15 people attended this event.
Work has been going well and my colleagues have been considerate of my condition.
Tuesday night (15 Oct.), I set up and helped run the IPMS/Gateway meeting, which included a demonstration of airbrushing. I found it very informative. We also had our monthly beauty contest for "Model of the Month." Tonight, I'm going to the Missouri Aviation Historical Society's monthly meeting at Creve Coeur Airport.
Later.
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