So, I'm manifesting several boxes full of these old "Amalgamators" in the office today, (basically machines that mix the stuff that they fill teeth with, which means they are mercury contaminated.). The boxes were right next to Mickey's desk, so as I worked I got to listen in and lightly participate in discussions going on around me.
The main topic of discussion was Motorcycles, showing off photos of harley's, etc.
One of the guys from Facilities, a painter, just got a motorcycle recently, and they went on and on talking about mods for it. (It's a Harley Davidson, so it's kind of a big deal.)
When the topic of seats came up, it was mentioned that he bought a really expensive comfortable seat, but that most women would ride a Harley regardless of the seat.
His response was that he didn't want them to get sore like that.
Everyone knew what he meant and feigned disgust, but in reality they all wanted to be exactly like him.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Dentistry in Pictures
Today my boss is meeting with a woman who works for the Coen brothers, directors from Minnesota made famous by movies like Fargo, No Country for Old Men and the Big Lebowski.
Apparently they are seeking old Dental equipment, specifically old X-ray units. This excites me, as it lets me think of Joyce as a person in power. She usually projects power, but in all reality is a coordinator, getting things done not for herself, but to accomplish the goals of others.
People throughout the school act as though she's a power-hungry control freak, seeking to seriously effect them. Earlier this morning I heard a couple of accountants talking about some move with the overtones of, "If Joyce wants something, (to happen or whatever), it will be.
BTW: I have little patience for kids who come to the biomedical library's computers. I don't care if they want to use the web, but it seems like as of late, they are constantly playing music without headphones. It may be quiet, but I have good enough hearing that it's still fairly distracting.
Apparently they are seeking old Dental equipment, specifically old X-ray units. This excites me, as it lets me think of Joyce as a person in power. She usually projects power, but in all reality is a coordinator, getting things done not for herself, but to accomplish the goals of others.
People throughout the school act as though she's a power-hungry control freak, seeking to seriously effect them. Earlier this morning I heard a couple of accountants talking about some move with the overtones of, "If Joyce wants something, (to happen or whatever), it will be.
BTW: I have little patience for kids who come to the biomedical library's computers. I don't care if they want to use the web, but it seems like as of late, they are constantly playing music without headphones. It may be quiet, but I have good enough hearing that it's still fairly distracting.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Fish
I'm a person who admittedly has a slight fear of fish biting at my feet and hurting me. The thought of fish harming me disgusts me for whatever reason, and it's the biggest problem I have with swimming in lakes and rivers. I can put away the fear normally and force myself to swim, but it does occasionally pop up once I'm in the water.
Interestingly enough, a salon now offers a treatment involving exactly what I fear. A person immerses their feet in a tub of water in which fish swim about and nibble. The fish then go about eating off dead skin, creating something of a bio-pedicure. Pretty interesting I suppose, and bizarre enough to be newsworthy.
Interestingly enough, a salon now offers a treatment involving exactly what I fear. A person immerses their feet in a tub of water in which fish swim about and nibble. The fish then go about eating off dead skin, creating something of a bio-pedicure. Pretty interesting I suppose, and bizarre enough to be newsworthy.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Why I love the internet
Scribd.com is my prime reason for loving the web right now, and I hope it never dies. It's like a virtual library of human knowledge, any book I could think of was there.
I can browse anything. Its like wikipedia but with access to seemingly limitless primary sources. The day of sitting at the computer and having access to basically whatever you want for basically free appears to be here, and it's a beautiful dream that I know will one day die.
But, please, don't stop, believing. Hold onto that feeeeling.
I can browse anything. Its like wikipedia but with access to seemingly limitless primary sources. The day of sitting at the computer and having access to basically whatever you want for basically free appears to be here, and it's a beautiful dream that I know will one day die.
But, please, don't stop, believing. Hold onto that feeeeling.
New CD of Some sort
I'm considering building a new "in-car" summer heat sort of album.
I want to have Will Smith's "Miami", but I also want the Hold Steady's "Cattle and the Creeping things" How can I work them together? Should they be on opposite ends of the album and build into bleeding together in mood?
Also, I need to get these songs in MP3 format.
What else to improve?
I want to have Will Smith's "Miami", but I also want the Hold Steady's "Cattle and the Creeping things" How can I work them together? Should they be on opposite ends of the album and build into bleeding together in mood?
Also, I need to get these songs in MP3 format.
What else to improve?
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Oh the Changes
Another sign that I've been working for the School of Dentistry for too long is the number of times that I've had the solemn duty of changing locker combinations, and then removing crap people leave in their lockers. This is normally a duty I utterly hate, as it's mind numbing and occasionally a little difficult and painful (from a physical perspective).
I didn't mind it so much this time. It's still just as draining to walk several feet at a time, spin the dial on a combo lock to test that the old combo is there, then insert a key, zero the dial and hold a button as you turn it a few numbers, and then test the new combo (for like 3-4 hours at a time) but I've gotten better at it, so there are fewer issues, and when issues do arise, I know generally how to fix them.
This confidence is probably a big part of my boredom. Most things I do at work have no air of adventure to them anymore. I can fix things without anywhere near the fear that used to accompany such jobs. Fear isn't always good, but it does keep me on my toes.
Side note: I came into the computer lab today to write this blog, and saw a computer that was labeled "Out of Order." on it's screen. It turns out it was not out of order, but instead in use by a very deceptive man. He just used powerpoint to make a big and attractive page sized image saying "Out of Order" on a blank white screen, so that he could keep his computer going while he went off to do something.
Logging in and logging out again are pretty tough, they take entire 20 second intervals of time, so I can completely understand.
I didn't mind it so much this time. It's still just as draining to walk several feet at a time, spin the dial on a combo lock to test that the old combo is there, then insert a key, zero the dial and hold a button as you turn it a few numbers, and then test the new combo (for like 3-4 hours at a time) but I've gotten better at it, so there are fewer issues, and when issues do arise, I know generally how to fix them.
This confidence is probably a big part of my boredom. Most things I do at work have no air of adventure to them anymore. I can fix things without anywhere near the fear that used to accompany such jobs. Fear isn't always good, but it does keep me on my toes.
Side note: I came into the computer lab today to write this blog, and saw a computer that was labeled "Out of Order." on it's screen. It turns out it was not out of order, but instead in use by a very deceptive man. He just used powerpoint to make a big and attractive page sized image saying "Out of Order" on a blank white screen, so that he could keep his computer going while he went off to do something.
Logging in and logging out again are pretty tough, they take entire 20 second intervals of time, so I can completely understand.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Boredom leads to job search
I've spent a fair ammount of time recently tweaking my resume and idly browsing craigslist looking for some kind of other job. I don't necessarily want to quit at the Dental school, but I guess I'm used to having more stress in my life than the current level. Because of that, I feel bored just working an adult schedule (7:30-4:30), 5 days a week. I'm also bored because my work doesn't generally require much higher thinking, or really any higher thinking. I truly enjoy my position in the School of Dentistry, I just worry that continuing here will not help me to advance in the world.
I've been thinking alot about my position in society and the world at large lately. I'm curious as to what kind of work I'll be doing once I actually finish my schooling at the U this year. Eventually I'd like to leave the country and teach English, as it seems like an eye-opening experience, but for now I imagine I will find something to do in the Twin Cities (I don't want to break my lease immediately upon graduating or anything)
So, I have an open question for the sporadic readership of a sporadically updated web log.
What should my other job be? (Remember when answering this, I'm not done with my bachelors degree, also note that I have some customer service skills, some phone skills, I know the basics of the Office Suite, I'm moderately handy, and lastly I'm decent at teaching English as a Second language (one on one at least)
I've been thinking alot about my position in society and the world at large lately. I'm curious as to what kind of work I'll be doing once I actually finish my schooling at the U this year. Eventually I'd like to leave the country and teach English, as it seems like an eye-opening experience, but for now I imagine I will find something to do in the Twin Cities (I don't want to break my lease immediately upon graduating or anything)
So, I have an open question for the sporadic readership of a sporadically updated web log.
What should my other job be? (Remember when answering this, I'm not done with my bachelors degree, also note that I have some customer service skills, some phone skills, I know the basics of the Office Suite, I'm moderately handy, and lastly I'm decent at teaching English as a Second language (one on one at least)
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
An overwhelming sense of dread
Yesterday I was driving home, when all of a sudden a wave of dread washed over me. It hit me hard. I was in South Minneapolis, maybe a mile from my house when it hit. It had a feeling somewhat like a minor panic attack, increased heartrate, irregular breathing, crazy jumpy thoughts, and a general feeling of being on edge. The worst part of it was that I had no clear idea of why I felt that way.
I did get home alright though, to find a couple of my neighbors outside with a dog. I got out of the car and approached them. We chatted amicably and pet the dog, and the dread somewhat dissapeared.
On a mostly unrelated note, there is a rabbit slaying maniac with at least 30 kills (unless there are copycat killers) in a couple of small german towns. The killer leaves the bodies, but collects the head and drains the blood. The worst incident was at a school, where children discovered several corpses together. The story.
song of the day: Language City- Wolf Parade
I did get home alright though, to find a couple of my neighbors outside with a dog. I got out of the car and approached them. We chatted amicably and pet the dog, and the dread somewhat dissapeared.
On a mostly unrelated note, there is a rabbit slaying maniac with at least 30 kills (unless there are copycat killers) in a couple of small german towns. The killer leaves the bodies, but collects the head and drains the blood. The worst incident was at a school, where children discovered several corpses together. The story.
song of the day: Language City- Wolf Parade