After working Monday (27 Jan.) at the car rental branch and a stop for dinner along the way, I attended the monthly soccer referee in-service clinic at Grand Glaze Branch, St. Louis County Library. The clinic this month had a video presentation on match situations and how to correctly deal with them. Some food for thought.
The next night, I went from work to CRM Hobbies in south St. Louis for the IPMS/Gateway business meeting, hosted by CRM Hobbies owner and IPMS/Gateway President Chris Merseal. We planned the February meeting and discussed some club business.
Work has been fine this week. Monday morning found me working out our branch in Ballwin, about 1 mile (1.6 km) east of my home branch in Ellisville. It was temporary duty that morning, as the vehicle service agent normally working there was away. I almost found myself going to another branch Tuesday morning to cover for a sick VSA, but my branch called back soon after I set forth to say I was not needed there and to return to the Ellisville branch.
On my day off today, I got my taxes done (signed, sealed, and e-delivered), and also cleaned my car and my laundry. Plus, I got some flyers run off and distributed promoting the IPMS/Gateway contest on 6 Sept. in Sunset Hills, Mo. More info at http://ipms-gateway.com.
I'm co-hosting Writer's Block, the monthly online radio show, this Saturday (1 Feb.) at Noon, Central Time (1800 GMT). Check it out here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/autistic-people-. The show will be archived for download soon after it airs. Hope you can listen in.
Later.
30 January 2014
26 January 2014
Chowing Down, and Somewhat Off Line
A week ago Thursday night (16 January), I joined with about 12 others at Bailey's Range, a restaurant in downtown St. Louis, for a St. Louis Food Lovers Meetup. Bailey's Range features beef, chicken, pork, bison, and vegetable burgers, along with locally-sourced foods and natural ice cream. I had a great meal there, enjoying a smoked beef burger. This was my first Meetup with this group, and they really made me feel right at home.
Worked hard at the car rental branch that Friday and that Saturday morning, and relaxed at home that weekend. After work on Monday (20 January), I went to join the Monday Indie Movie Club Meetup in Frontenac. Meeting with our party at Panera Bread Co. in Plaza Frontenac, our group of about 20 then walked to the nearby Plaza Frontenac Cinema to catch the Italian film "La Grande Bellezza" (The Great Beauty), which recently won a Golden Globe Award (Best Foreign Film) and is an Oscar Nominee in that category. It's a comedy-drama about a journalist in Rome who's been enjoying the night life there until his 65th birthday and a shock from his past makes him take stock of his life. A rather interesting film, beautifully photographed. Our group generally liked this film. It was my first Meetup with this group, too.
The cold, snowy and icy weather of early this past week (including considerable winds) caused IPMS/Gateway to postpone its meeting by one night, to this past Wednesday (22 January). We had our annual Swap & Sell, where members could sell or trade their model kits and supplies, plus our annual Kit Auction, which raised money for the club's picnic this September. We had a good turnout for our meeting, including three first-time attendees (all of whom joined our club that night), and a reporter from the South County Times, who's doing a story about our club. That should run in this week's issue.
Thursday morning, on my day off work, my computer acted up, so I took it to the Geek Squad at Best Buy. The technician said it looked like it had a lot of viruses and would have to take it in to correct that. He thought I would be without my computer until early this week; however, they called yesterday afternoon and it was ready. I have it back now and it's running fine. In the meantime, I used my smartphone and my parent's computer to access messages and websites.
Later this afternoon, I'm off to yet another Meetup, this time in Richmond Heights. I'll fill you in on that in my next post.
Later.
Worked hard at the car rental branch that Friday and that Saturday morning, and relaxed at home that weekend. After work on Monday (20 January), I went to join the Monday Indie Movie Club Meetup in Frontenac. Meeting with our party at Panera Bread Co. in Plaza Frontenac, our group of about 20 then walked to the nearby Plaza Frontenac Cinema to catch the Italian film "La Grande Bellezza" (The Great Beauty), which recently won a Golden Globe Award (Best Foreign Film) and is an Oscar Nominee in that category. It's a comedy-drama about a journalist in Rome who's been enjoying the night life there until his 65th birthday and a shock from his past makes him take stock of his life. A rather interesting film, beautifully photographed. Our group generally liked this film. It was my first Meetup with this group, too.
The cold, snowy and icy weather of early this past week (including considerable winds) caused IPMS/Gateway to postpone its meeting by one night, to this past Wednesday (22 January). We had our annual Swap & Sell, where members could sell or trade their model kits and supplies, plus our annual Kit Auction, which raised money for the club's picnic this September. We had a good turnout for our meeting, including three first-time attendees (all of whom joined our club that night), and a reporter from the South County Times, who's doing a story about our club. That should run in this week's issue.
Thursday morning, on my day off work, my computer acted up, so I took it to the Geek Squad at Best Buy. The technician said it looked like it had a lot of viruses and would have to take it in to correct that. He thought I would be without my computer until early this week; however, they called yesterday afternoon and it was ready. I have it back now and it's running fine. In the meantime, I used my smartphone and my parent's computer to access messages and websites.
Later this afternoon, I'm off to yet another Meetup, this time in Richmond Heights. I'll fill you in on that in my next post.
Later.
16 January 2014
Learning to Say No
Last Thursday night (9 Jan.), I was at Shameless Grounds in St. Louis' Benton Park neighborhood for a workshop put on by Sex Positive St. Louis. I was on how to say no to a partner or potential partner in a good way. About 36 of us were there and we took turns asking people of the opposite sex questions of an intimate form and each time we were to say no in whatever way we thought best. It took me a bit of time to catch on, but by the end of this exercise (about 1 1/2 hours), I found myself really enjoying this activity. I hope this can be put to good use soon.
Saturday was a socializing time, with back-to-back-to-back events. It started in mid-afternoon in Ballwin, when my one rental car branch colleague hosted our branch mates and their significant others for a reception. It was nice, not too loud, although being without a date did make it awkward for me. We then headed to Spazio in the Westport area for our firm's area party. That was much louder for my taste and I did not really feel happy there. Still, it was interesting to chat with some colleagues I worked with at my branch who are now at other branches.
After that, I was off to Vincenzo's Restaurant in Ferguson, Mo. for the IPMS/Gateway banquet. That was a very nice affair, with about 25 of us in the restaurant's private room. After a nice Italian dinner, we heard from the president of the Jefferson Barracks POW-MIA Museum, who spoke about his museum and how our club's displays there during the museum's dedication last spring were a hit with visitors. The club also presented a pair of awards. Overall, a very nice time for me.
Work has been going well, helping make sure our customers are taken care of in an excellent manner. Since I'm working this Saturday morning, I worked a shortened day last Tuesday (14 Jan.), coming in late that morning. The improving weather during the week was most welcome, as virtually all of the snow we got the week before has melted.
Today is my off day, and I saw my podiatrist this morning. He had good news that my tendonitis has gotten much better and that I should be fine. No need to see him, he said, unless it really flares up, and surgery is needed (although he emphasized that is a remote possibility right now). Getting my laundry done, and taking care of some other household chores. Off to a Meetup in downtown St. Louis tonight.
Later.
Saturday was a socializing time, with back-to-back-to-back events. It started in mid-afternoon in Ballwin, when my one rental car branch colleague hosted our branch mates and their significant others for a reception. It was nice, not too loud, although being without a date did make it awkward for me. We then headed to Spazio in the Westport area for our firm's area party. That was much louder for my taste and I did not really feel happy there. Still, it was interesting to chat with some colleagues I worked with at my branch who are now at other branches.
After that, I was off to Vincenzo's Restaurant in Ferguson, Mo. for the IPMS/Gateway banquet. That was a very nice affair, with about 25 of us in the restaurant's private room. After a nice Italian dinner, we heard from the president of the Jefferson Barracks POW-MIA Museum, who spoke about his museum and how our club's displays there during the museum's dedication last spring were a hit with visitors. The club also presented a pair of awards. Overall, a very nice time for me.
Work has been going well, helping make sure our customers are taken care of in an excellent manner. Since I'm working this Saturday morning, I worked a shortened day last Tuesday (14 Jan.), coming in late that morning. The improving weather during the week was most welcome, as virtually all of the snow we got the week before has melted.
Today is my off day, and I saw my podiatrist this morning. He had good news that my tendonitis has gotten much better and that I should be fine. No need to see him, he said, unless it really flares up, and surgery is needed (although he emphasized that is a remote possibility right now). Getting my laundry done, and taking care of some other household chores. Off to a Meetup in downtown St. Louis tonight.
Later.
09 January 2014
So Cold and Snowy!
I was supposed to have co-hosted Writer's Block on Naturally Autistic Radio last Saturday (4 Jan.), but it was called off the night before by my co-host. We'll try again next month.
Early the next morning, the snow began coming down. By nightfall, we had about 12 inches (30.5 cm) of snow on the ground. I made four trips during the day to shovel snow off the driveway. i went in turns because the snow kept coming down during the day, aided by wind that blew snow onto the driveway. At least I got it in reasonable good shape by the next morning.
That Monday (7 Jan.) was one cold day for sure. We had a high temperature of about -5 degrees F (-20.5 degrees C), with the wind chill as much as -30 degrees F (-34 degrees C). Burr! I dressed in layers for work and stayed outside only as much as absolutely necessary. Despite the cold and snow, our car rental branch kept things going fine, although we did deal with some cancelled reservations early in the week. Still, our morale is good.
Tuesday night after work, I drove to Mark Twain Hobby Center in St. Charles for the IPMS/St. Louis meeting--the first at its new venue. However, I was the only one who showed up. Most likely the weather was to blame. I hope we get more people at next month's meeting.
On my off day today, I got a state inspection for safety and emissions for my Corolla, whose license plates are due to expire at the end of next month. The car passed the inspection. I also ordered some business cards I can use for business networking. They should be printed up for me in about a week or two.
Off to a workshop on dealing with rejection in interpersonal relations. I'll let you know how it goes next time.
Later.
Early the next morning, the snow began coming down. By nightfall, we had about 12 inches (30.5 cm) of snow on the ground. I made four trips during the day to shovel snow off the driveway. i went in turns because the snow kept coming down during the day, aided by wind that blew snow onto the driveway. At least I got it in reasonable good shape by the next morning.
That Monday (7 Jan.) was one cold day for sure. We had a high temperature of about -5 degrees F (-20.5 degrees C), with the wind chill as much as -30 degrees F (-34 degrees C). Burr! I dressed in layers for work and stayed outside only as much as absolutely necessary. Despite the cold and snow, our car rental branch kept things going fine, although we did deal with some cancelled reservations early in the week. Still, our morale is good.
Tuesday night after work, I drove to Mark Twain Hobby Center in St. Charles for the IPMS/St. Louis meeting--the first at its new venue. However, I was the only one who showed up. Most likely the weather was to blame. I hope we get more people at next month's meeting.
On my off day today, I got a state inspection for safety and emissions for my Corolla, whose license plates are due to expire at the end of next month. The car passed the inspection. I also ordered some business cards I can use for business networking. They should be printed up for me in about a week or two.
Off to a workshop on dealing with rejection in interpersonal relations. I'll let you know how it goes next time.
Later.
02 January 2014
Special Post: Single Successful CEO Interview
As promised, here's an interview from my friend Linsey A. Daman, creator of the website Single Successful CEO (http://singlesuccessfulceo.com/). She is also founder of the Cultural Arts Center of St. Louis, LLC (http://www.cacstlouis.com/). Linsey also has a blog here on Blogger: http://singlesuccessfulceo.blogspot.com/. This interview is posted here with Daman's kind permission.
Without further adieu, here's the interview:
“Dating like a Marketer” – Interview
What was the “aha” moment that led you to create Single Successful CEO?
After registering as a “premiere member” on a paid dating site which charged triple the amount than the average dating site; it became clear to me that despite the dramatic price difference the quality between the affluent site vs. the regular site wasn’t that dissimilar at all. Actually this upper crust site was filled with even more fake profiles, dating games and catfish scams than previously found on blue-collar dating sites. The first evening of registering on this site, I regretted my decision to join and was locked into a contract. The end result was a waste of time, money and effort; the only positive aspect gained from this experience was my desire to launch SingleSuccessfulCEO.com.
What percentage of the feedback that you have received is positive?
Approximately 97% is positive feedback. Even if those not available respond they typically offer suggestions, additional sites to try and even referrals to eligible bachelors. I welcome and appreciate all fresh ideas and recently have been given some encouraging leads and advice on new venues for finding Mr. Right.
Being entrepreneurial, do you see a business model for you to take national or international with your Marketing Approach to dating?
Yes, Marketing Internationally is a key component in my search due to the fact that I’m bilingual in French and English. The advertisement door is also open to Italian and Spanish but for now my target market is the Francophone and Anglophone communities. Developing a dating platform in both French and English is my ultimate objective in launching Single Successful CEO, hence utilizing my already established personalized profile as the starting base or “sample” profile for other bachelors/bachelorettes to follow suit. This dating platform will be geared specifically for high net worth individuals to meet other upper class singles in a comfortable and most importantly safe online venue. Background checks will be required for all new members securing the authenticity and overall quality of the site. Compared to competing dating sites, background checks are optional (for a price) and are not offered on an International level.
Single Successful CEO: The Audio Book is a companion to your website. Do you find that the website or the audio book allows you to best express yourself? Why?
Yes, both have offered me ample space to share what I’m seeking in a relationship. I have unlimited amount of space for text, photos, videos and even surveys on my current site. I could even password protect my images, if desired. My site has several tabs which provides more than enough space to write about my personal desires, ideal characteristics and first-date suggestions. I’ve even included a garden photo section on the site which allows a potential suitor to have “a window into my world.”
The site being free to access clearly obtains more traffic than the link to my book. On Amazon the audio book sells for $14.99 which might detour some but ultimately I wrote the book to share with one person, Mr. Right. Counting book sales isn’t my priority at this point because I’m not seeking numbers (quantity) but rather seeking one person (quality).
You are in your 20s. How could a woman in her 50s or 60s use social media, websites and marketing tactics to pursue the goal of a partner?
AARP.com offers AARP Dating and has a free 7-day trial for members. There are also other dating sites specifically geared toward baby boomers and seniors. Visiting Amazon is a good idea to search for unbiased books regarding middle-aged online dating. These books can be used a reference guide containing lists of reputable sites for dating.
Any age bracket could potentially launch an independent site similar to mine; however obtaining the responses you desire depends on your overall objective for the site and who is your target market. Is this person looking for someone in her own age category? The answer would determine which online forums would be the best venue to achieve her desired goal.
You are approaching the challenge of finding a partner like a Marketer. What techniques have given you most “leads” for your “sales funnel?”
Thus far, utilizing business sites has actually been more rewarding than personal or dating sites. I’ve obtained several interview opportunities, featured in an online talk show and personally invited to one of the largest dating conventions in America. For example, here is the link to the online talk show which specifically discusses marketing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2W_PlQT6NWM.
How do you blend your personal life via Single Successful CEO and your professional life at Cultural Arts Center of St. Louis, LLC?
Basically, it’s one in the same. There is not a cut and dried “personal” section or “professional” section of my life because many times lines blur and there are gray areas. For example, I’ve worked with individuals that I’ve also dated or had successful relationships so I’m open to these possibilities if they should arise. So much of life is a “gray area” so why not welcome it. Actually I would love to date or have a relationship with someone who has a similar business mindset and eventually collaborate on our companies or professional and personal aspirations. To me, it only seems natural and quite honestly it is the best of both worlds. I couldn’t see myself with someone who doesn’t support my goals, dreams and overall desires. So finding that balance is comforting to me and what I’m ultimately seeking in a potential partner.
Without further adieu, here's the interview:
“Dating like a Marketer” – Interview
What was the “aha” moment that led you to create Single Successful CEO?
After registering as a “premiere member” on a paid dating site which charged triple the amount than the average dating site; it became clear to me that despite the dramatic price difference the quality between the affluent site vs. the regular site wasn’t that dissimilar at all. Actually this upper crust site was filled with even more fake profiles, dating games and catfish scams than previously found on blue-collar dating sites. The first evening of registering on this site, I regretted my decision to join and was locked into a contract. The end result was a waste of time, money and effort; the only positive aspect gained from this experience was my desire to launch SingleSuccessfulCEO.com.
What percentage of the feedback that you have received is positive?
Approximately 97% is positive feedback. Even if those not available respond they typically offer suggestions, additional sites to try and even referrals to eligible bachelors. I welcome and appreciate all fresh ideas and recently have been given some encouraging leads and advice on new venues for finding Mr. Right.
Being entrepreneurial, do you see a business model for you to take national or international with your Marketing Approach to dating?
Yes, Marketing Internationally is a key component in my search due to the fact that I’m bilingual in French and English. The advertisement door is also open to Italian and Spanish but for now my target market is the Francophone and Anglophone communities. Developing a dating platform in both French and English is my ultimate objective in launching Single Successful CEO, hence utilizing my already established personalized profile as the starting base or “sample” profile for other bachelors/bachelorettes to follow suit. This dating platform will be geared specifically for high net worth individuals to meet other upper class singles in a comfortable and most importantly safe online venue. Background checks will be required for all new members securing the authenticity and overall quality of the site. Compared to competing dating sites, background checks are optional (for a price) and are not offered on an International level.
Single Successful CEO: The Audio Book is a companion to your website. Do you find that the website or the audio book allows you to best express yourself? Why?
Yes, both have offered me ample space to share what I’m seeking in a relationship. I have unlimited amount of space for text, photos, videos and even surveys on my current site. I could even password protect my images, if desired. My site has several tabs which provides more than enough space to write about my personal desires, ideal characteristics and first-date suggestions. I’ve even included a garden photo section on the site which allows a potential suitor to have “a window into my world.”
The site being free to access clearly obtains more traffic than the link to my book. On Amazon the audio book sells for $14.99 which might detour some but ultimately I wrote the book to share with one person, Mr. Right. Counting book sales isn’t my priority at this point because I’m not seeking numbers (quantity) but rather seeking one person (quality).
You are in your 20s. How could a woman in her 50s or 60s use social media, websites and marketing tactics to pursue the goal of a partner?
AARP.com offers AARP Dating and has a free 7-day trial for members. There are also other dating sites specifically geared toward baby boomers and seniors. Visiting Amazon is a good idea to search for unbiased books regarding middle-aged online dating. These books can be used a reference guide containing lists of reputable sites for dating.
Any age bracket could potentially launch an independent site similar to mine; however obtaining the responses you desire depends on your overall objective for the site and who is your target market. Is this person looking for someone in her own age category? The answer would determine which online forums would be the best venue to achieve her desired goal.
You are approaching the challenge of finding a partner like a Marketer. What techniques have given you most “leads” for your “sales funnel?”
Thus far, utilizing business sites has actually been more rewarding than personal or dating sites. I’ve obtained several interview opportunities, featured in an online talk show and personally invited to one of the largest dating conventions in America. For example, here is the link to the online talk show which specifically discusses marketing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2W_PlQT6NWM.
How do you blend your personal life via Single Successful CEO and your professional life at Cultural Arts Center of St. Louis, LLC?
Basically, it’s one in the same. There is not a cut and dried “personal” section or “professional” section of my life because many times lines blur and there are gray areas. For example, I’ve worked with individuals that I’ve also dated or had successful relationships so I’m open to these possibilities if they should arise. So much of life is a “gray area” so why not welcome it. Actually I would love to date or have a relationship with someone who has a similar business mindset and eventually collaborate on our companies or professional and personal aspirations. To me, it only seems natural and quite honestly it is the best of both worlds. I couldn’t see myself with someone who doesn’t support my goals, dreams and overall desires. So finding that balance is comforting to me and what I’m ultimately seeking in a potential partner.
01 January 2014
New Year's Day 2014
Happy New Year, everyone! I hope that the year ahead brings you all peace and joy. Nothing much to last night's New Year's Eve. I'm not into big parties anyway, so I was at home. I actually was asleep when 2013 became 2014. Having worked 10 hours that day at the car rental firm made me rather tired. Before I did fall asleep, I did call into Naturally Autistic radio's annual New Year's Eve show. There, I got to give listeners a brief update on myself and on my wishes for this coming year.
Last weekend began right after work on Friday (27 Dec.), when I went to Mike George's house for the IPMS/Gateway business meeting--my last as Vice President. The January general and business meetings were planned, other club business was discussed, and the special categories for the 2014 Modeler of the Year contests were selected. I will serve as the club's secretary this year, but as the outgoing secretary could not make this meeting, I assumed the role last Friday night by taking down the meeting's minutes.
After working at the car rental branch Saturday morning (28 Dec.) and a short turnaround at home, I was at the Hi-Pointe Theater in Clayton with others from the Midtown Minglers Meetup group. About 12 of us were there to see the new movie "American Hustle," which we loved. Most of us then went to the Olympia Kebab House and Taverna, a Greek restaurant in Richmond Heights, for dinner. This was also very nice.
After chilling out at home Sunday, it was back to work Monday morning. The boss let me out a bit early on Monday, but I pulled the full shift yesterday.
This morning, my brother Brian, his wife Gretchen and their children Rowan and Fischer came by to visit my parents and I. They had stopped by the house early last night while I was at work, but had left for their hotel by the time I got home. It was neat seeing them and they were very happy for me. Brian and company had driven from Gretchen's parents' residence in Wisconsin to here, and they started back there around midday after their visit here.
Before I go, tomorrow I have a special guest blog entry from my friend Linsey Daman, site creator of Single Successful CEO. Hopefully, you can come back to check out that post.
Later.
Last weekend began right after work on Friday (27 Dec.), when I went to Mike George's house for the IPMS/Gateway business meeting--my last as Vice President. The January general and business meetings were planned, other club business was discussed, and the special categories for the 2014 Modeler of the Year contests were selected. I will serve as the club's secretary this year, but as the outgoing secretary could not make this meeting, I assumed the role last Friday night by taking down the meeting's minutes.
After working at the car rental branch Saturday morning (28 Dec.) and a short turnaround at home, I was at the Hi-Pointe Theater in Clayton with others from the Midtown Minglers Meetup group. About 12 of us were there to see the new movie "American Hustle," which we loved. Most of us then went to the Olympia Kebab House and Taverna, a Greek restaurant in Richmond Heights, for dinner. This was also very nice.
After chilling out at home Sunday, it was back to work Monday morning. The boss let me out a bit early on Monday, but I pulled the full shift yesterday.
This morning, my brother Brian, his wife Gretchen and their children Rowan and Fischer came by to visit my parents and I. They had stopped by the house early last night while I was at work, but had left for their hotel by the time I got home. It was neat seeing them and they were very happy for me. Brian and company had driven from Gretchen's parents' residence in Wisconsin to here, and they started back there around midday after their visit here.
Before I go, tomorrow I have a special guest blog entry from my friend Linsey Daman, site creator of Single Successful CEO. Hopefully, you can come back to check out that post.
Later.
26 December 2013
A Merry Christmas 2013
Last Friday (20 Dec.) marked my one year anniversary with the car rental firm, and the branch manager gave me the one-year review all employees get. He gave very glowing marks on my performance, to which I had very little to add. I was most pleased to hear his comments and even more happy with the job I'm doing.
After work Friday, I had a rather quiet weekend, getting ready for Christmas. I did finish my holiday shopping that weekend, sent out some Christmas cards, and attended a party Sunday afternoon (22 Dec.) at HandleBar, a restaurant and bar in St. Louis' Grove neighborhood. This party was for the Friends around the world Meetup group, which consisted mostly of exchange students doing internships here. The Meetup groups' organizer is Dayna O'Brien (nee Fredlund), who was a Mehlville classmate of mine. Dayna and I didn't know each other well then, but we had a nice catching-up chat at this party. I also got to chat with many of the other guests there, who came from countries as far flung as China, India, Latvia, Romania, the Philippines, France, Uzbekistan, and Mexico.
Work went fine this past week, although the very cold weather (especially in the mornings) did make it a bit of a challenge. Myself and my colleagues had to warm up the engines and turn up the defrosters so the windows could be scraped clear of ice. We had a bit of a Christmas party on Monday, with several colleagues bringing in items for lunch. Tuesday (24 Dec.) was a light day after the morning rush. The office closed at 3 pm that day, but the manager let me out around 11:45 am. I attended church service that night with my parents.
Christmas morning, my parents and I opened up a few presents under the tree. I received four DVDs--"A Fish Called Wanda," "The Last Waltz," "Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie," and "The Ten Commandments." Very nice additions to my DVD collection. I also got a new blue long sleeve soccer referee uniform shirt, plus a blue fleece USSF referee jacket, which I find a very nice addition to my wardrobe. Our family's friend Cindy Strohm came over with the turkey dinner that we ate late that afternoon.
Off work today, and it's been rather quiet for me. Just been around the house, watching Barclays Premier League matches on TV. Back to work tomorrow.
I hope my fellow Christians had a very Merry Christmas, and that my African-American friends have a very Happy Kwanzaa. Later.
After work Friday, I had a rather quiet weekend, getting ready for Christmas. I did finish my holiday shopping that weekend, sent out some Christmas cards, and attended a party Sunday afternoon (22 Dec.) at HandleBar, a restaurant and bar in St. Louis' Grove neighborhood. This party was for the Friends around the world Meetup group, which consisted mostly of exchange students doing internships here. The Meetup groups' organizer is Dayna O'Brien (nee Fredlund), who was a Mehlville classmate of mine. Dayna and I didn't know each other well then, but we had a nice catching-up chat at this party. I also got to chat with many of the other guests there, who came from countries as far flung as China, India, Latvia, Romania, the Philippines, France, Uzbekistan, and Mexico.
Work went fine this past week, although the very cold weather (especially in the mornings) did make it a bit of a challenge. Myself and my colleagues had to warm up the engines and turn up the defrosters so the windows could be scraped clear of ice. We had a bit of a Christmas party on Monday, with several colleagues bringing in items for lunch. Tuesday (24 Dec.) was a light day after the morning rush. The office closed at 3 pm that day, but the manager let me out around 11:45 am. I attended church service that night with my parents.
Christmas morning, my parents and I opened up a few presents under the tree. I received four DVDs--"A Fish Called Wanda," "The Last Waltz," "Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie," and "The Ten Commandments." Very nice additions to my DVD collection. I also got a new blue long sleeve soccer referee uniform shirt, plus a blue fleece USSF referee jacket, which I find a very nice addition to my wardrobe. Our family's friend Cindy Strohm came over with the turkey dinner that we ate late that afternoon.
Off work today, and it's been rather quiet for me. Just been around the house, watching Barclays Premier League matches on TV. Back to work tomorrow.
I hope my fellow Christians had a very Merry Christmas, and that my African-American friends have a very Happy Kwanzaa. Later.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)