I'm off today, but I worked the four previous days (Mon., 11 March through Thu., 14 March) at the car rental firm. This included an all-day session on Monday, plus half days the other three days. Fortunately, there was plenty to do, between cleaning and prepping rental vehicles, picking up and dropping off customers, and getting vehicles to and from our satellite locations. I could have done without the cold weather much of this week, but at least the work days went well.
Earlier today, I watched on TV the Saint Louis University Billikens win their first game in the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament in Brooklyn, New York. SLU beat Charlotte 72-55 in the quarterfinals today, and play in tomorrow's semifinal against the Butler-LaSalle winner. Go Billikens!
Later.
15 March 2013
10 March 2013
Drawing Blood and Blowing the Whistle
I'm pretty much recovered now from the loss of an hour early this morning with the switch to Daylight Savings Time.
A week ago Thursday (28 Feb.), I was at the Missouri Aviation Historical Society meeting at Creve Coeur Airport, where I took in an interesting presentation on the history of aircraft instruments. I also turned in my article with photos for the society's newsletter. No firm idea when the article will run, though.
The following Saturday (2 March), I co-hosted the monthly program Writer's Block from Naturally Autistic Radio, which is streamed through blogtalkradio.com. Host Tim Pylypiuk and I talked about the writing behind video games--rather out of my depth, but I did my best to go along. We'll have a new episode on Sat., 6 April at 10 am pacific Time (12 pm Central Time; 1800 hrs GMT). I was at the Scott Gallagher Complex in Maryland Heights the next day (3 Mar.) to officiate under 14 boys' soccer games. I was scheduled to run lines on both games, but I was asked to referee the second match, which I did. The games went fine and I really didn't feel as fusty as I feared in my first outdoor matches since last November.
Busy week of work this past week, including pulling in all-day shifts (with a lunch break) on two days. We're had a change in personnel in my branch, so the manager is trying to figure out for myself and my colleagues our schedules. Still, I don't mind the work; a few extra hours means a few extra dollars in my account.
Last Wednesday morning (6 Mar.), I went to a lab to have some blood drawn for tests ordered by my doctor the week before. I don't know the results yet, but I did not have any ill effects from the test.
Yesterday (9 Mar.), after working at the car rental branch that morning, I was at The World Cafe in south St. Louis for the Human Sexuality and Relationships in the 21st Century (HSR21) Meetup. They had a discussion focused on answering questions about sexuality. I could only stay about an hour, as I had to get home and get ready for work that night. At the Soccer Park, I officiated three boys under 12 8v8 games (including one middle). All games went well.
This afternoon, I attended the visitation for Steven Hunsicker, Sr., who died three days ago. His son Steve was my Saint Louis University classmate, and the elder Hunsicker was my dad's colleague at Southwestern Bell Telephone. Steve was very happy to see me and others from our SLU days who came to express their condolences.
Later.
A week ago Thursday (28 Feb.), I was at the Missouri Aviation Historical Society meeting at Creve Coeur Airport, where I took in an interesting presentation on the history of aircraft instruments. I also turned in my article with photos for the society's newsletter. No firm idea when the article will run, though.
The following Saturday (2 March), I co-hosted the monthly program Writer's Block from Naturally Autistic Radio, which is streamed through blogtalkradio.com. Host Tim Pylypiuk and I talked about the writing behind video games--rather out of my depth, but I did my best to go along. We'll have a new episode on Sat., 6 April at 10 am pacific Time (12 pm Central Time; 1800 hrs GMT). I was at the Scott Gallagher Complex in Maryland Heights the next day (3 Mar.) to officiate under 14 boys' soccer games. I was scheduled to run lines on both games, but I was asked to referee the second match, which I did. The games went fine and I really didn't feel as fusty as I feared in my first outdoor matches since last November.
Busy week of work this past week, including pulling in all-day shifts (with a lunch break) on two days. We're had a change in personnel in my branch, so the manager is trying to figure out for myself and my colleagues our schedules. Still, I don't mind the work; a few extra hours means a few extra dollars in my account.
Last Wednesday morning (6 Mar.), I went to a lab to have some blood drawn for tests ordered by my doctor the week before. I don't know the results yet, but I did not have any ill effects from the test.
Yesterday (9 Mar.), after working at the car rental branch that morning, I was at The World Cafe in south St. Louis for the Human Sexuality and Relationships in the 21st Century (HSR21) Meetup. They had a discussion focused on answering questions about sexuality. I could only stay about an hour, as I had to get home and get ready for work that night. At the Soccer Park, I officiated three boys under 12 8v8 games (including one middle). All games went well.
This afternoon, I attended the visitation for Steven Hunsicker, Sr., who died three days ago. His son Steve was my Saint Louis University classmate, and the elder Hunsicker was my dad's colleague at Southwestern Bell Telephone. Steve was very happy to see me and others from our SLU days who came to express their condolences.
Later.
27 February 2013
Futsal, Meetups, Work, and Checkup
Last Saturday night (23 Feb.), I refereed three high school boys futsal matches at Christian Academy of Greater St. Louis. The games went well, and were a good end for me to the winter futsal season. I'm back outdoors this Sunday.
The next day found me taking in a pair of Meetups. First was the International Festival at the Maryland Heights Centre, with the Saint Louis Friends Meetup. We took in ethnic food, music and dance, and crafts from several ethnic groups in the area. It was nice, a smaller-scale version of the Festival of Nations every August in St. Louis. That night, I was in Maplewood with several other STL Screeners members watching the Oscars on TV. We shared out opinions of the show, the host, and the Oscar winners. Guessing correctly on one of the categories in the pre-ceremony pool earned me a gift bag that included candy and a DVD.
Back to work on Monday (25 Feb.), and I pulled a full day. (The supervisor asked me late last week if I would, and I said I could.) A bit frantic at times, with plenty of vehicles to prep and customers to pick up or drop off. Somehow, I got through all that OK. Then, I was at Grand Glaize Library for the monthly soccer referee clinic, where I took in presentations on "Why do referees make mistakes" and "Pre-game for assistant referees." Always informative and several referees comments on their experiences (good and bad) in these areas.
On my day off, I wrote an article that is to go into Missouri Aviation Historical Society's newsletter. I'll let you know more once this article is published. I hope to turn that in, with the photos I took two months ago of the subject, to the newsletter editor at the MAHS meeting tomorrow (Thursday) night. I was at the IPMS/Gateway business meeting that night at Marion Morris' house, to plan the March meetings and to discuss our Invitational in September.
Work today was fine. It wasn't too busy, but it sure was depressing to see the snow coming down under the gray sky. I'm glad it's not accumulating; that would be a considerable problem. After getting off work today, I went to a doctor by St. Anthony's Medical Center for a checkup. It went fine; the doctor examined me and said I was in good shape, his assistant cleared out some wax in one ear, and the doctor prescribed some pain reliever for my sore knees. He also asked me to get some blood work done soon, which I plan to do early next week.
I should be co-hosting Writer's Block from Naturally Autistic Radio this Saturday (2 Mar.) at noon Central Time (10 am Pacific Time; 1800 GMT). I haven't received the script yet; I'll send my hosting partner a reminder in a moment. Anyway, I hope you can tune in (live or the archive); details at www.naturallyautistic.com/radio-show.
Later.
The next day found me taking in a pair of Meetups. First was the International Festival at the Maryland Heights Centre, with the Saint Louis Friends Meetup. We took in ethnic food, music and dance, and crafts from several ethnic groups in the area. It was nice, a smaller-scale version of the Festival of Nations every August in St. Louis. That night, I was in Maplewood with several other STL Screeners members watching the Oscars on TV. We shared out opinions of the show, the host, and the Oscar winners. Guessing correctly on one of the categories in the pre-ceremony pool earned me a gift bag that included candy and a DVD.
Back to work on Monday (25 Feb.), and I pulled a full day. (The supervisor asked me late last week if I would, and I said I could.) A bit frantic at times, with plenty of vehicles to prep and customers to pick up or drop off. Somehow, I got through all that OK. Then, I was at Grand Glaize Library for the monthly soccer referee clinic, where I took in presentations on "Why do referees make mistakes" and "Pre-game for assistant referees." Always informative and several referees comments on their experiences (good and bad) in these areas.
On my day off, I wrote an article that is to go into Missouri Aviation Historical Society's newsletter. I'll let you know more once this article is published. I hope to turn that in, with the photos I took two months ago of the subject, to the newsletter editor at the MAHS meeting tomorrow (Thursday) night. I was at the IPMS/Gateway business meeting that night at Marion Morris' house, to plan the March meetings and to discuss our Invitational in September.
Work today was fine. It wasn't too busy, but it sure was depressing to see the snow coming down under the gray sky. I'm glad it's not accumulating; that would be a considerable problem. After getting off work today, I went to a doctor by St. Anthony's Medical Center for a checkup. It went fine; the doctor examined me and said I was in good shape, his assistant cleared out some wax in one ear, and the doctor prescribed some pain reliever for my sore knees. He also asked me to get some blood work done soon, which I plan to do early next week.
I should be co-hosting Writer's Block from Naturally Autistic Radio this Saturday (2 Mar.) at noon Central Time (10 am Pacific Time; 1800 GMT). I haven't received the script yet; I'll send my hosting partner a reminder in a moment. Anyway, I hope you can tune in (live or the archive); details at www.naturallyautistic.com/radio-show.
Later.
23 February 2013
A Model Completed, a Dentist Visit, and a Snow Job
I did finish one model for the IPMS/Gateway meeting last Tuesday night (19 Feb.). It was a 1:72 scale T26E3 Pershing heavy tank, built Out of the Box (OOB). There were 52 entries in the OOB contest--the most I recall at a IPMS/Gateway meeting in recent memory. That was great to see. I didn't place with my model, but at least I got two points towards Modeler of the Year. Also at the meeting, the club announced that the Holiday Inn at I-44 (formerly the Viking) will host our Invitational in September. Stephanie Saulet, widow of late IPMS/Gateway member Chris Saulet, was there to sign copies of her book about her and Chris, "Ride On!"
Work at the car rental place was fine, although we did get hit a bit by snow and sleet on Thursday (21 Feb.). It started snowing late that morning and picked up around midday. I was let off early from work, then was there the next day to help everyone dig out. The snow was easy enough, but the sleet atop it made it a bit harder to clear off the cars. We actually had a lot of vehicles at the facility Friday, with very few takers. That should change early next week.
After work Wednesday afternoon (20 Feb.), I visited a dentist for the first time in about 2 1/2 years. (That's what not having work and insurance will do for you.) My teeth were cleaned and the dentist and his assistant noticed some problems needed further attention. Two follow up visits were scheduled for the coming weeks to take care of those issues.
Last night, I was at Andre's in Oakville for the Eastern Missouri Soccer Referee Association's Mouse Races fundraiser. Somehow, I did not really find this interesting. That, and a toothache, caused me to leave the event early.
I'm refereeing futsal tonight, the last games of the season.
Later.
Work at the car rental place was fine, although we did get hit a bit by snow and sleet on Thursday (21 Feb.). It started snowing late that morning and picked up around midday. I was let off early from work, then was there the next day to help everyone dig out. The snow was easy enough, but the sleet atop it made it a bit harder to clear off the cars. We actually had a lot of vehicles at the facility Friday, with very few takers. That should change early next week.
After work Wednesday afternoon (20 Feb.), I visited a dentist for the first time in about 2 1/2 years. (That's what not having work and insurance will do for you.) My teeth were cleaned and the dentist and his assistant noticed some problems needed further attention. Two follow up visits were scheduled for the coming weeks to take care of those issues.
Last night, I was at Andre's in Oakville for the Eastern Missouri Soccer Referee Association's Mouse Races fundraiser. Somehow, I did not really find this interesting. That, and a toothache, caused me to leave the event early.
I'm refereeing futsal tonight, the last games of the season.
Later.
17 February 2013
A Good Week
Not much this past week. Work at the auto rental firm has been going real well. Keeping busy and with good morale. I worked this past Saturday morning there (I do so every third Saturday) and I had plenty to do. Yesterday afternoon, I was at GameTime in St. Peters refereeing youth futsal. The three games I did went well, with no incidents. The season ends this coming weekend. Looking forward to going back to outdoor games.
This afternoon, I was at Cafe Ventana in midtown St. Louis for a discussion organized by the Sex Positive St. Louis Meetup group. It was my first meetup with this group (although I have been a member for some months), and I didn't really have anything to contribute to this discussion (how mental health affects one's sex life), but it was rather fascinating and I plan to attend future meetups with this group.
Working to finish a model for Tuesday night's IPMS/Gateway meeting and the Out of the Box Contest. I should just make it. More about that in my next post.
Later.
This afternoon, I was at Cafe Ventana in midtown St. Louis for a discussion organized by the Sex Positive St. Louis Meetup group. It was my first meetup with this group (although I have been a member for some months), and I didn't really have anything to contribute to this discussion (how mental health affects one's sex life), but it was rather fascinating and I plan to attend future meetups with this group.
Working to finish a model for Tuesday night's IPMS/Gateway meeting and the Out of the Box Contest. I should just make it. More about that in my next post.
Later.
10 February 2013
A Happy Birthday, and Plenty of Work
I turned one year older last Thursday (7 Feb.). Not that I really felt or noticed the change; after all, what's one year in my life. My colleagues at the car rental facility remembered my big day with a decorated large cookie they presented me before I left work early that afternoon, and my parents treated me to dinner at Chevy's Fresh Mex in south St. Louis County. (The three of us had slices from the cookie for desert after we got back home from Chevy's.) I did get a polo shirt and a DVD (the film "Beetlejuice") from my parents, two of my brothers each gave me a Barnes & Noble gift certificate, and the third brother gave me an ebook for my Nook. I received birthday wishes from my friends and acquaintances, mostly on my Facebook profile, plus a nice card from my friend Maria Falls. Overall, a fine birthday.
The last two Saturday nights (2 and 8 Feb.), I refereed youth futsal matches at GameTime in St. Peters. Overall, the games went well, although in one game on 2 Feb. I dismissed a coach who kept dissenting with my decisions. After coming home that night, I made a report to the league on this issue. Last night went real well, with a very good partner and teams that came to play.
There was plenty of work for me at the auto rental facility this past week, as plenty of customers came to us wanting to rent vehicles. I think many of them were people whose vehicles were damaged in accidents that the snow storm we got last Sunday was a contributing factor. Anyway, we had to scramble to get vehicles ready to go. Although hectic at times, at least I had plenty to do and the work days went along better. I'm very happy to be working for this firm at this facility, with a great group of people.
Last Tuesday morning (5 Feb.) saw me get my Corolla's license plates renewed for another year at the license bureau in Oakville. I also got a bit of work done on a model I hope to finish by next Tuesday's IPMS/Gateway meeting.
After supper on Friday (8 Feb.), I went to Club 270 in Ferguson for last week's Stress Free Fridays. The group's regulars saluted me on my birthday and I had a nice time, including dancing a bit. That got my weekend off to a fine start. Yesterday, I co-hosted a new edition of Writer's Block, the monthly program on Naturally Autistic Radio (streamed via Blog Talk Radio). Normally, this show runs the first Saturday of the month at 12 pm Central Time, but it was pushed back a week due to matters at Naturally Autistic. On this month's show, host Tim Pylypiuk and I discussed video games and the writing that goes into them. I have limited experience with video games, but I did my best to keep up with Pylypiuk on this topic for the hour. The show is now available to download from this link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/autistic-people-/2013/02/09/writers-block-10am-pstradio-drama-11am-pst
Later.
The last two Saturday nights (2 and 8 Feb.), I refereed youth futsal matches at GameTime in St. Peters. Overall, the games went well, although in one game on 2 Feb. I dismissed a coach who kept dissenting with my decisions. After coming home that night, I made a report to the league on this issue. Last night went real well, with a very good partner and teams that came to play.
There was plenty of work for me at the auto rental facility this past week, as plenty of customers came to us wanting to rent vehicles. I think many of them were people whose vehicles were damaged in accidents that the snow storm we got last Sunday was a contributing factor. Anyway, we had to scramble to get vehicles ready to go. Although hectic at times, at least I had plenty to do and the work days went along better. I'm very happy to be working for this firm at this facility, with a great group of people.
Last Tuesday morning (5 Feb.) saw me get my Corolla's license plates renewed for another year at the license bureau in Oakville. I also got a bit of work done on a model I hope to finish by next Tuesday's IPMS/Gateway meeting.
After supper on Friday (8 Feb.), I went to Club 270 in Ferguson for last week's Stress Free Fridays. The group's regulars saluted me on my birthday and I had a nice time, including dancing a bit. That got my weekend off to a fine start. Yesterday, I co-hosted a new edition of Writer's Block, the monthly program on Naturally Autistic Radio (streamed via Blog Talk Radio). Normally, this show runs the first Saturday of the month at 12 pm Central Time, but it was pushed back a week due to matters at Naturally Autistic. On this month's show, host Tim Pylypiuk and I discussed video games and the writing that goes into them. I have limited experience with video games, but I did my best to keep up with Pylypiuk on this topic for the hour. The show is now available to download from this link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/autistic-people-/2013/02/09/writers-block-10am-pstradio-drama-11am-pst
Later.
02 February 2013
Work Rolls On, and A Movie Night
Work at the auto rental firm has been going well of late. Last week, it was a matter of adjusting to fluctuating temperatures, going from unseasonably warm to bitter cold in 48 hours. Still, I persevered and helped keep our branch running smoothly, between cleaning and preparing vehicles, picking up and dropping off customers, and running personnel and vehicles between the branch and the satellite locations.
Sunday afternoon (27 Jan.) found me at The World Cafe in south St. Louis for a discussion of intimate matters with the Human Sexuality and Relationships in the 21st Century (HSR21) Meetup. Our group raised sex questions and got informed answers. A very informative and interesting time.
On my day off last Tuesday (29 Jan.), I went to the license office in south St. Louis County to renew my driver's license. After supplying the required identification information, taking the vision test, and getting my image taken, I was issued with a temporary license. This will serve me until my permanent one (good for six years) arrives in the mail in the next 10-15 days. That night, I hosted the IPMS/Gateway business meeting, which had been postponed for a week due to potential weather problems. We planned our February meeting and discussed other club matters.
The next night, I was in Maplewood for a movie night with the STL Screeners Meetup. This was at a residence of our group's leader, and several of us gathered to watch a movie on home video. I provided the night's entertainment on DVD, the 1957 drama "Sweet Smell of Success." We all had a fine time together, enjoying and discussing this movie and getting to know each other better. I'm looking forward to more such meetups in the coming months.
Last night (1 Feb.) saw me at Andre's in Oakville for the Mehlville-Oakville Alumni Association (MOAA) Trivia Night. We had a good turnout for this event, which raised money for college scholarships for Mehlville and Oakville seniors. Our table did rather well, finishing in the top half of the 28 tables playing that night.
I'm off to referee youth futsal in St. Peters tonight. Take care and talk to you soon. I'm sure with my birthday coming up this coming Thursday, I'll have something to write about.
Later.
Sunday afternoon (27 Jan.) found me at The World Cafe in south St. Louis for a discussion of intimate matters with the Human Sexuality and Relationships in the 21st Century (HSR21) Meetup. Our group raised sex questions and got informed answers. A very informative and interesting time.
On my day off last Tuesday (29 Jan.), I went to the license office in south St. Louis County to renew my driver's license. After supplying the required identification information, taking the vision test, and getting my image taken, I was issued with a temporary license. This will serve me until my permanent one (good for six years) arrives in the mail in the next 10-15 days. That night, I hosted the IPMS/Gateway business meeting, which had been postponed for a week due to potential weather problems. We planned our February meeting and discussed other club matters.
The next night, I was in Maplewood for a movie night with the STL Screeners Meetup. This was at a residence of our group's leader, and several of us gathered to watch a movie on home video. I provided the night's entertainment on DVD, the 1957 drama "Sweet Smell of Success." We all had a fine time together, enjoying and discussing this movie and getting to know each other better. I'm looking forward to more such meetups in the coming months.
Last night (1 Feb.) saw me at Andre's in Oakville for the Mehlville-Oakville Alumni Association (MOAA) Trivia Night. We had a good turnout for this event, which raised money for college scholarships for Mehlville and Oakville seniors. Our table did rather well, finishing in the top half of the 28 tables playing that night.
I'm off to referee youth futsal in St. Peters tonight. Take care and talk to you soon. I'm sure with my birthday coming up this coming Thursday, I'll have something to write about.
Later.
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