Last Saturday morning (22 March) found me at the Chesterfield branch of the car rental firm. I was asked that week to fill in for a car prep person there, so I did work the three hour shift there. I didn't do any pickups and drop offs of customers, but I did get a few vehicles ready to rent and took a vehicle to the O'Fallon branch to trade it for another one for Chesterfield. A good morning overall, and I was glad to help.
Late on Sunday morning, I drove to the St. Louis Artists' Guild at Oak Knoll Park in Clayton. The Midtown Mingles Meetup group met there to take in the Young Artists Showcase, which presented works by area high school students. There were two others with me at this event and we were impressed by these works of art. After spending about 30 minutes there, the three of us went to Brasserie by niche in the Central West End for brunch. We had a good meal--I ordered eggs Benedict--and we had a nice conversation on a variety of things. I only wish we had more people there; this was a nice event to take in.
The next night (24 March), after work, I drove right away to the Tivoli Theatre in the Delmar Loop to join the Monday Indie Movie Club Meetup group. About 30 of us saw "The Grand Budapest Hotel," a new movie by Wes Anderson, a comedy-drama we all agreed was most entertaining. Because of the time before the show, my dinner that night was a large bag of popcorn, a box of Rasinettes, and a large soda.
After work on Tuesday, I was able to get a roast beef and cheese sandwich from Arby's before driving to Mike George's house in Florissant for the IPMS/Gateway business meeting. I took down the minutes as the board planned next month's general and business meetings and discussed some other club business.
Yesterday, I was let off work four hours early, since I am working this Saturday morning and this would keep me at 40 hours for the week. I took advantage of the time to browse at West County Center, especially at the Barnes and Noble store. There, I enjoyed a cupcake and coffee drink at the cafe, and bought a magazine and a display shield for my Nook HD. Early that night, I headed to Senor Pique, a Mexican restaurant and bar in Ballwin, for a happy hour. It was in honor of one of my colleagues, who is leaving our branch early next week for a position at our commercial truck rental division in Earth City. I told her I'd stop by for a bit, and I was there for about 45 minutes. Loud crowds and I don't mix very well, and I wasn't in much of a mood. (I just had a glass of ice water.) I didn't want to spoil the night for everyone, so I just chatted a bit with my colleagues before I called it a night.
I've felt a lot of stress lately. Part of it was adjusting to my age and a feeling increasing mortality, part of it was the scare of my dad's recent illness and hospitalization, and part was a concern about my future. I feel so frustrated I cannot find more social success, and to feel happier and more confident about myself.
I'm at the Missouri Aviation Historical Society's meeting tonight at Creve Coeur Airport, and work Saturday morning at the Ellisville branch. Next Saturday (5 April), I'll be co-hosting "Writer's Block" from Naturally Autistic Radio. The show airs at noon, Central Time (10 am, Pacific Time; 1700 GMT). More info at: http://www.naturallyautistic.com/radiotv-oline/
Later.
27 March 2014
20 March 2014
Frantic Days
I had a pretty nice weekend. Nothing much going on. Just as well, since I was coming off a busy week at work. Saturday afternoon (15 March), I did make the trip to Duchesne Bar and Grill in St. Charles, Missouri for a couple of beers. That, and seeing the bartender that afternoon, my high school classmate and friend Debbie Allred (nee Bond), who I have not seen since graduating from Mehlville High. We got caught up on each other's lives and I admired her superb work behind the bar. Debbie and I may touch base soon.
A lot of business at the car rental branch this past week, and that meant a lot of work for me. Monday (17 March) was particularly busy, especially in the morning, with many vehicles to clean up and get ready for rental at our branch or satellite locations. (One of my fellow car preps was out sick, so we were a bit shorthanded.) However, we got through this and this week has been real good overall.
Right after work Tuesday night, it was off to Calvary Presbyterian Church for the IPMS/Gateway meeting. We had a nice meeting, with a demo on seam filling (getting into scale modeling's seamier side), and our monthly Beauty Contest. After opening up the meeting room and getting it set up, I took notes as club secretary for the minutes.
Off work today, I took my Corolla in for a maintenance check at Weiss Toyota. They rotated the tires and gave my car a once over. It's running great, with no urgent maintenance needs.
Earlier this past week, I was really feeling down. I wondered if things were really going to work out for me in my life--particularly my career and my non-existent love life. Several friends assured me I am still on the right track, that things will pick up for me in those areas soon. I sure hope so.
Later.
A lot of business at the car rental branch this past week, and that meant a lot of work for me. Monday (17 March) was particularly busy, especially in the morning, with many vehicles to clean up and get ready for rental at our branch or satellite locations. (One of my fellow car preps was out sick, so we were a bit shorthanded.) However, we got through this and this week has been real good overall.
Right after work Tuesday night, it was off to Calvary Presbyterian Church for the IPMS/Gateway meeting. We had a nice meeting, with a demo on seam filling (getting into scale modeling's seamier side), and our monthly Beauty Contest. After opening up the meeting room and getting it set up, I took notes as club secretary for the minutes.
Off work today, I took my Corolla in for a maintenance check at Weiss Toyota. They rotated the tires and gave my car a once over. It's running great, with no urgent maintenance needs.
Earlier this past week, I was really feeling down. I wondered if things were really going to work out for me in my life--particularly my career and my non-existent love life. Several friends assured me I am still on the right track, that things will pick up for me in those areas soon. I sure hope so.
Later.
13 March 2014
Dad at the Hospital; Me at the Movies
Last night, my father came home from the hospital, where he was admitted late last Thursday. He had pneumonia and a urinary infection, but he's OK now--at least to be home. My mom spent much time at the hospital visiting him, and she and I are happy he is back home.
Work has been going well. Been real busy the past few days. I didn't have much down time, which was actually good as far as I'm concerned.
Last Sunday (9 March), I replaced the DVD/YHS recorder/player I've had the last four years with a new DVD recorder/player. I did have problems hooking it up, including several calls to customer serviced that seemed to have me on a run around and a trip back to the store for help. It turned out to be just some incorrect hookup of wiring between the TV and the DVD recorder. I finally got that straightened out and the device is working great.
Twice this past week, I have been to Plaza Frontenac Cinema to see movies. Last Monday night (10 March), right after work, I joined with others from the Monday Indie Movie Club Meetup to see the documentary "Tim's Vermeer." It tells of video equipment inventor Tim Jenison's quest to recreate a painting by the 17th century Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer. I saw this film last November at the St. Louis International Film Festival and it was great seeing this film again. This afternoon, I was at that theatre to see the Japanese animated film "The Wind Rises." This Oscar-nominated feature tells the story of aircraft designer Jiro Horikoshi, who designed the famed A6M Zero fighter used in World War II. This was a beautifully drawn film and a very wonderful story (at least to me). I highly recommend both "Tim's Vermeer" and "The Wind Rises."
Later.
Work has been going well. Been real busy the past few days. I didn't have much down time, which was actually good as far as I'm concerned.
Last Sunday (9 March), I replaced the DVD/YHS recorder/player I've had the last four years with a new DVD recorder/player. I did have problems hooking it up, including several calls to customer serviced that seemed to have me on a run around and a trip back to the store for help. It turned out to be just some incorrect hookup of wiring between the TV and the DVD recorder. I finally got that straightened out and the device is working great.
Twice this past week, I have been to Plaza Frontenac Cinema to see movies. Last Monday night (10 March), right after work, I joined with others from the Monday Indie Movie Club Meetup to see the documentary "Tim's Vermeer." It tells of video equipment inventor Tim Jenison's quest to recreate a painting by the 17th century Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer. I saw this film last November at the St. Louis International Film Festival and it was great seeing this film again. This afternoon, I was at that theatre to see the Japanese animated film "The Wind Rises." This Oscar-nominated feature tells the story of aircraft designer Jiro Horikoshi, who designed the famed A6M Zero fighter used in World War II. This was a beautifully drawn film and a very wonderful story (at least to me). I highly recommend both "Tim's Vermeer" and "The Wind Rises."
Later.
06 March 2014
Up and Down Weather to Start March
The weather was rather chilly as February ended and March began last weekend. Last Sunday night (2 March), we got a bit of ice and then snow. Fortunately, the commute to work the next morning wasn't too bad, although it was rather unpleasant being out in the below freezing weather, as I was that morning getting cars warmed up and ice removed from windows.
After work Tuesday (4 March), I drove to Mark Twain Hobby Center in St. Charles for the IPMS/St. Louis meeting. Two others made it to the meeting, which showed that third time was the charm. (I was the only one to show up for January, and last month's meeting was cancelled due to bad weather.) We had a nice little get together and agreed this new venue will work out for us.
Today on my off day, I applied for a job in corporate communications here in St. Louis, and saw my dentist. The exam showed no cavities, but that one tooth will need to be removed due to root damage.
Work has been going well of late. Tuesday, two colleagues and I drove to our sister branch in Washington, Missouri to pick up some vehicles--the longest such trip I've done since starting work at the car rental branch. Late yesterday, we got an influx of vehicles returned by renters.
Later.
After work Tuesday (4 March), I drove to Mark Twain Hobby Center in St. Charles for the IPMS/St. Louis meeting. Two others made it to the meeting, which showed that third time was the charm. (I was the only one to show up for January, and last month's meeting was cancelled due to bad weather.) We had a nice little get together and agreed this new venue will work out for us.
Today on my off day, I applied for a job in corporate communications here in St. Louis, and saw my dentist. The exam showed no cavities, but that one tooth will need to be removed due to root damage.
Work has been going well of late. Tuesday, two colleagues and I drove to our sister branch in Washington, Missouri to pick up some vehicles--the longest such trip I've done since starting work at the car rental branch. Late yesterday, we got an influx of vehicles returned by renters.
Later.
27 February 2014
A Winner at Trivia
Last Thursday night (20 Feb.) saw me at Creve Coeur Airport for the monthly Missouri Aviation Historical Society meeting. We had former Air Force, Lockheed, and TWA pilot George Andre speaking this month about his extensive flying career, which I found most interesting.
The next night, right after work, I was at Andre's in Oakville for the Mehlville-Oakville Alumni Association (MOAA) trivia night, which benefitted the MOAA's scholarship program and operations. I was at a table with eight other players, of whom only two I knew: Paul Trelford and his wife Laura, both fellow Mehlville 1982 grads and neighbors. We were one of 30 table playing the game and we finished the night on top, winning the night with a score of 92 out of a possible 100 correct. The ten sets of questions covered: Presidential Trivia; Best Picture Oscar winners; Flags of the World (with visual clues); Las Vegas; Twin Trivia (answers were about various twins); Famous First Lines of novels; Actors and The Characters They Played in movies; TV Show Theme Songs (audio clues); Directional Trivia (answers had at least one direction of the compass); and, Late Night Trivia (late night TV shows). We at our table each won our $25 entry fee back as a prize for the top score on the night. It was fun and I was very happy to help out.
Sunday afternoon (23 Feb.) marked my first refereeing assignments since last fall, due to my bout with tendonitis. I refereed four youth futsal games at the C4 Complex at Creve Coeur Racquet Club, and this was the final match day of the season. I had an under 12 boys game, an under 12 girls game, and two under 13 boys games. The first two were blowouts, but the other two were reasonably close. I was worried about being rusty in my refereeing, but the games went well and I was happy, if a bit sore in my right heel.
Work has been going well, with plenty to do. At least the weather hasn't been too bad this week, although the start of next week doesn't seem so hospitable.
I hosted the IPMS/Gateway business meeting on Tuesday night (25 Feb.), in which the club's board planned the March general meeting and discussed some club business. Everyone there seemed to have enjoyed my hospitality.
Last night after work, I made sure I did not forget my brother Rick's birthday, by sending him an amazon.com gift card and calling him up. The gift card was in response to the one he sent me for my birthday earlier this month.
Later.
The next night, right after work, I was at Andre's in Oakville for the Mehlville-Oakville Alumni Association (MOAA) trivia night, which benefitted the MOAA's scholarship program and operations. I was at a table with eight other players, of whom only two I knew: Paul Trelford and his wife Laura, both fellow Mehlville 1982 grads and neighbors. We were one of 30 table playing the game and we finished the night on top, winning the night with a score of 92 out of a possible 100 correct. The ten sets of questions covered: Presidential Trivia; Best Picture Oscar winners; Flags of the World (with visual clues); Las Vegas; Twin Trivia (answers were about various twins); Famous First Lines of novels; Actors and The Characters They Played in movies; TV Show Theme Songs (audio clues); Directional Trivia (answers had at least one direction of the compass); and, Late Night Trivia (late night TV shows). We at our table each won our $25 entry fee back as a prize for the top score on the night. It was fun and I was very happy to help out.
Sunday afternoon (23 Feb.) marked my first refereeing assignments since last fall, due to my bout with tendonitis. I refereed four youth futsal games at the C4 Complex at Creve Coeur Racquet Club, and this was the final match day of the season. I had an under 12 boys game, an under 12 girls game, and two under 13 boys games. The first two were blowouts, but the other two were reasonably close. I was worried about being rusty in my refereeing, but the games went well and I was happy, if a bit sore in my right heel.
Work has been going well, with plenty to do. At least the weather hasn't been too bad this week, although the start of next week doesn't seem so hospitable.
I hosted the IPMS/Gateway business meeting on Tuesday night (25 Feb.), in which the club's board planned the March general meeting and discussed some club business. Everyone there seemed to have enjoyed my hospitality.
Last night after work, I made sure I did not forget my brother Rick's birthday, by sending him an amazon.com gift card and calling him up. The gift card was in response to the one he sent me for my birthday earlier this month.
Later.
20 February 2014
Chill, Then Warmer Weather
Last Friday (14 Feb.) was Valentine's Day. However, not having a Valentine close by made it hard to really be up for that part of the day. Fortunately for me, work at the car rental branch kept me busy and focused. I also worked last Saturday morning. We got a bit of freezing rain before work last Monday, so I sprinkled some rock salt over the pavement. The weather warmed up a bit that day, and has really gotten warmer as this week has progressed. High temperatures reached 60 degrees F (16 degrees C) yesterday. This was most welcome.
Right after work last Tuesday (18 February), I headed to Calvary Presbyterian Church in Mehlville for the IPMS/Gateway meeting. We had our first contest towards Modeler of the Year, the Out of the Box contest, which I helped judge. (I had no contest entries this month.) Good turnout of models in the contest (about 30), and we had two first-time visitors.
Taking care of some personal business today on my off day from work. I'm attending the Missouri Aviation Historical Society's meeting tonight, and a trivia night tomorrow. I'll let you know about these events in my next post.
Later.
Right after work last Tuesday (18 February), I headed to Calvary Presbyterian Church in Mehlville for the IPMS/Gateway meeting. We had our first contest towards Modeler of the Year, the Out of the Box contest, which I helped judge. (I had no contest entries this month.) Good turnout of models in the contest (about 30), and we had two first-time visitors.
Taking care of some personal business today on my off day from work. I'm attending the Missouri Aviation Historical Society's meeting tonight, and a trivia night tomorrow. I'll let you know about these events in my next post.
Later.
13 February 2014
Reaching the Big 5-0
Last Friday (7 Feb.) was my 50th birthday. Mom & Dad had a card for me when I was at the breakfast table that morning. My co-workers served up a large decorated cookie. At home after work, I opened a package from my brother Doug and his wife Helen. It had a flight jacket from the California ScienCenter in Los Angeles, showcasing the Space Shuttle Endeavour that's on display there. It is a very nice jacket and I love it. My brothers Rick and Brian each sent me an amazon.com gift certificate, which I should have no problem using. (I ordered two documentary series DVDs, which arrived today, and still have some value left on those gift certificates.)
The next night, my parents threw a birthday dinner for me at O'Charley's in Mehlville. Five of my friends joined us for a nice dinner, especially nice as I had not seen some of these guests for some months. We all enjoyed each other's company.
Sunday (9 Feb.), I was at a house in south St. Louis for a seminar conducted via Skype on overcoming shyness. There were several other women there and it was a rather interesting session which lasted about 2 1/2 hours. I learned a few tips for overcoming shyness, and perhaps they may help.
Work this past week has been going well. We're all looking forward to the weather improving in the coming days, after another slight snow burst tomorrow.
Later.
The next night, my parents threw a birthday dinner for me at O'Charley's in Mehlville. Five of my friends joined us for a nice dinner, especially nice as I had not seen some of these guests for some months. We all enjoyed each other's company.
Sunday (9 Feb.), I was at a house in south St. Louis for a seminar conducted via Skype on overcoming shyness. There were several other women there and it was a rather interesting session which lasted about 2 1/2 hours. I learned a few tips for overcoming shyness, and perhaps they may help.
Work this past week has been going well. We're all looking forward to the weather improving in the coming days, after another slight snow burst tomorrow.
Later.
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