Ravings of a Textual Deviant

I don’t know what possessed me last night, but I managed to make some inroads into the sewing-and-mending pile. Baby blankets for two sets of twins– done. Quilt top that’s been hanging around for ages and using up my straight pins–2/3 done, and easy to polish off tonight. That leaves the not-so-fun stuff, mostly hemming and mending, with a bit of fabric salvage. At least I can actually see the basket now. There’s still the Box of Neverending Unfinished Projects, but I can pretend that doesn’t exist, at least for a little while.

I have a new client–just started last week–whom I vastly prefer to the client I will bid farewell on Wednesday. New Client is a ten-minute drive, with parking right outside the door. Old Client is a 35-minute drive, with parking the the next county. New Client is software development work, which I am both familiar with and like to do. Old Client’s type of work was neither familiar nor fun. New Client is a small business, full of friendly, helpful people who get things done quickly. Old Client was part of a Very Big Company, which couldn’t get things done quickly if you gave the entire staff amphetamines and a time machine. New Client actually believes that I know what I am doing, and has given me the leeway to do it. I’m not convinced that Old Client knows what its doing, let alone what I’m supposed to do there.

It’s the best Chanukah present I could ask for.

There’s nothing like finishing up a major project. The project in question was a personal one, and been going on for about 5 1/2 years. Five years and three months of it was procrastination and delays…including three years where the darn thing was lost. But it’s found, packed up, addressed, and ready to be shipped off. I hope the recipients are at least as happy to see it arrive as I am to see it leave.

One of my very favorite Canadians…

I wish I knew what it was about a few white flakes that makes people drive like complete morons. This isn’t the years first snowfall, but it’s actually managed to accumulate and make the roads a bit slick in places. People from upstate New York–or even northern Indiana–wouldn’t think twice about it. However, after yesterday morning’s complete and utter mess, I am just as glad to stay off the freeways today. Not because of the snow, mind you. Because of the other people.

Heard on NPR this evening–

“Once you’ve been at something for a while, you’ve got some experience there.”

Bill Frist, Senate Majority Leader, on his job performance to date.

I’d give it snaps, except for overuse of the word “shite.” Thanks to Ginger for, er, digging it up.

One of my co-workers has an identical–and I do mean identical; it’s positively uncanny–twin sister who just started working here at the home office. They have very similar body language. They even tend to dress alike; completely inadvertently, we’re assured. (For example, today, L is wearing a maroon turtleneck sweater and black pants; N is wearing a maroon turtleneck knit top with black pants.) Fortunately, both twins have a very good sense of humor and are used to being mistaken for one another. Most of the time I am fairly certain which one I am talking to, but it has been fun watching everyone else–especially before morning cups of coffee are consumed.

In a misguided attempt at near-sponteneity, Ed and I made plans for the weekend. Less than two hours later we had to cancel, due to utterly unforseen circumstances. I think from here on out, I’ll just wait for the unforseen circumstances, and then make plans, as I’m not competent to invent time travel.

Normally, I am not one to put much stock in signs and portents. However, when the neighbor’s dog attempted to commit suicide under my car on New Year’s Day, I probably ought to have paid attention. If the world doesn’t end before the year does, I’ll be happy. And next New Year’s Day, I’m going to stay home, properly hung over, and not tempt fate. Or the neighbor’s dog.