The Joys of Tech Support

[mb99usa]

Damned if you do, Damned if you don't

The major dilemma in my life has always been balancing work and family. I am the ultimate underachiever.

I scored a 1300 on my SATs. Good score, especially since my friend and I scheduled them near my cousin's so we could hit the Jersey shore immediately upon completing the test.

Thinking about chicks in extremely revealing bikinis the weekend after school lets out your junior year is not the best circumstances to be taking "the test" under. But I still nailed it.

What do I do with my better than average score? Attend a tech school with an 18mo electronics program that doesn't even require taking the SATs.

Why, you might ask. Because my thinking was that I could get a 2.5 year jump on all the chumps hitting the 4 year schools. To tell the truth it has worked out pretty well so far. Got in with a good company and have moved up based on my abilities.

As I've said my company has gone through some downsizing the past few years and that is when the folly of my actions hit me. I have an AE (Specialized Associates) degree but not the Bachelors. Not a problem in a good economy when everyone is working and the interviews are easier to get. When the economy is bad you've got to look good on paper. Experience wise I'm covered, but educationally I'm seriously lacking.

This brings me to my balancing act. I focus on work and bust my butt as much as I can. This crosses over into my home life very little as I can leave the job at work except when I am on-call. The problem is that for me to move up further I need to get back into school. I would bite the bullett and dive right back into classes if I was on my own. I have a wife, a daughter, and a son on the way who all deserve my time when I'm not working.

The trick is going to be fitting school back into this already time crunched life.

What got me thinking about all this was coming into work late after going to 2 of B's doctor visits with her this morning. No worries, the bump on her ass is a benign cyst that they can drain after she has the baby. The prego visit got a little weird at the end when the doc decided he wanted another ultrasound next week to check on the baby. Back to what I was originally saying. After the 2 visits B starting giving me a hard time about having to still come into work. She doesn't always understand how important it is for me to be at work, even if nothing is going on.

Next entry I'll have to tell you about the fun time we had playin gstrip poker with some friends a few years ago. Remind me if I forget.

 

[mb99usa]

I'm bored. Nothing new there if you are a regular reader of this journal. Registered on a new webcam portal site. Pretty good for being free.

OK, I said I was going to tell you about the strip poker game.

This was before B and I were married or had kids. It was back in our first apartment together.

We decided to have another couple over to hang-out and drink with us. It was late spring and nice and warm. Evening started off cool, we hung around the place eating and drinking and probably watching some TV.

As the evening wore on into nite and we all were getting a little buzzed we started playing games. Started with Scattergories and charades. Then we moved on to drinking games. Quarters, guys vs. girls. B is funny when she gets drunk. At the time she was into Zima and would pretend to do commercials for it.

Now the other couple were pretty good looking. B thought the guy was cute and had a decent body and his girlfriend (now his wife) is not bad looking and has a nice chest.

After quarters we got out the cards and someone (can't remember who, though it was probably me) suggested strip poker. None of us had played before, so we layed out some ground rules on what constituted an article of clothing and such.

The game started and we were sitting boy-girl-boy-girl in a circle on the floor. It was going along well with the losers dropping clothes. It started getting interesting when we got down underwear. Everyone was kinda looking around to see if everyone was cool with going forward. The girls started losing bras. Me and the other guy were each feeling our girls up while playing.

Then boxers and panties started coming off. The other guy lost his boxers first. When he did he hopped up and did a little dance sending his cock bouncing. We all fell over laughing (we were still drinking). When he sat down his girl leaned over and gave his dick a nice long suck. A hand or 2 later I lost my boxers and B did the same for me. We continued until everyone was naked. If I remember correctly we all got dressed and plyed again.

This time around the more than just the card playing was going on. When my friend lost his boxers this time around his girl gave him a serious bj. After everyone was naked and we done with cards and went on to more serious games. They were on our futon on one side of the room and me and B started on the couch. Damn B can suck a cock when she wants to.

We decided to move to another room. At the time I had a functional dentist chair (another story). We climbed on and lifted ourselves off the floor, leaned it back and went for it. Only time I ever made B cry because it felt so good.

It was a late morning the next day.

Unfortunately we had a falling out with them and are no longer friends. B and I would love to play more games like that with friends but we seem to be in a friendless stage right now. We miss having drinking parties (never had a lot, but they were always fun). Since then I bought an actual strip poker deck, it comes with agony and ecstacy cards for the winners and losers. Haven't had the opportunity to play though. It's a shame.

I'll let you know if I can remember anymore debauchery from our past.

 

[mb99usa]

V-Day, Woo-Hoo

Thank you Hallmark.

It's V-Day or as I appropriately heard a radio DJ call it this morning "VD".

That got a chuckle from me and I'm not much of a chuckler.

Got B some crap from Walmart last nite for the holiday. She seemed happy with it. Got me much better stuff. She got me 2 DVDs: Ghostbusters and Young Guns. Old, yes, but classics as far as I am concerned.

Almost got in a car wreck this morning. Dumbass in a SUV cut me off. I was in the left lane in a line of cars and we were travelling at around 70mph. Guy in an Explorer flies up next to me catching up with a slower car in the right lane. Then he does just what I expected him to do. Pushes his way into the small gap between me and the car in front of me. It was only a half-car length gap. Now, I drive a pick-up truck, not a full-size so I wasn't gonna hit him like I wanted to. Instead I slammed on the brakes, layed on the horn, and :flip: .

Of course this doesn't faze him in the least and I watched as he pulled the same moves several more times before I reached my exit.

Forgot to mention the overturned SUV on the highway yesterday which had one lane closed. No other vehicles around it.

Fun highway to drive. I've already been bottom side up on it once myself .

On the plus side we got our tax return back:up: . We in da money, we in da money.

Well we were until B went and paid everything we needed to. I do have enough to order her B-day present for next week so that is cool.

I hope I haven't turned off any readers by focusing on sex lately. It will definitely be a recurring theme but by no means the only one. It has just been on my mind lately.

More ramblings later.

 

[mb99usa]

B's B-day Gift

Just ordered B's birthday present. I got her a gift certificate to the Hershey Spa. It's in the Hershey Hotel which is owned by Hershey Foods the big chocolate maker. The place does chocolate baths and stuff like that.

She watched a whole show they had on the Spa when it first opened and has wanted to go since then.

I was going to get her this for Christmas but figured she couldn't use it till after the baby is born anyway. Now she will not have to wait as long.

I love her!:love:

 

[mb99usa]

Stomach Pains

Ugh. I have not been feeling well today.

My stomach has been hurting all day. Sharp stabbing pains. Probably has something to do with all the coffee I drink. Usually around 10+ cups a day. Especially since I have not been eating a lot.

Oh well, I'll survive. Just hurts like a bitch .

Gotta get something to eat and that may help.

I'll probably get to drive home in a snowstorm. They are calling for 3"-6" but have not really said when it is going to start. We'll see what happens.

 

[mb99usa]

Bored Again

Friday nite and I'm at work bored. Big surprise there. I was sitting here reading some journals and thought I should write in mine. Problemis I can't think of anything to write.

I read these other journals where people spill their guts and are full of angst and despair. I look at my life and it is not perfect but I think it's pretty damn good. Makes for boring reading.

I mean I could have a livelier sex life, but hey she's pregnant. It will pick up again and we do still fool around plenty.

I hate where we live but it was what we could afford and thought we would like at the time. It's a nice little house, the problem is the community. It is a gated community with lots of association rules. They arfe usually not real strict but you know the rules are there and the yearly dues are a pain in the ass. I figure if I bought the house and land I want to do with it whatever I want.

We have a plan to move in a few years. When we do we are going to be sure to watch out for the association thing. In some ways I think they are good but in others they suck.


Well it is V-day so I hope everyone gets a little :love: some :worm: a little more 8====D--- and of course some (0)(0).

 

[mb99usa]

Snow Day

We got 2+ feet of snow yesterday and are expecting more today.

Work is not closed but Boss called this morning and we are all going to work remote. All of B's kids are staying home with their families today .

So far so good, get to stay home, not use any vacation time, and have a semi-quiet house to work from.

Nothing exciting to pass on except for the snow and anyone in the U.S. with a TV already knows about that.

B and I got a little freaky Sat. morning. Not much just a little anal finger action. B is worried that the action from a few weeks ago is what prompted the hospital visit so we're going low-key til after the baby. All rubbing, no penetration.

Waiting to hear from the boss-man on how we are going to get calls today, since noone is at the office.

I'll keep you posted as things unfold.

 

[mb99usa]

Snow Day

We took the little one out earlier to play in the snow for the first time. It went OK . Since the snow is as deep as she is tall she couldn't move very well. Some good photo ops for B though.

Working difficult problems remotely is tough enough, but now I'm working on one that I can't view the capture file for. One of my co-workers is relaying the info to me. Talk about working blind:exp:

Gotta shovel later. Don't know how much I'll be able to get done but gotta give it a try. B's kids will be back tomorrow so they need a way to get to the door.

Oh well, I can use the workout. Most I've done lately is masturbating.

Joe Millionaire finaley tonite. Should be interesting .

 

[mb99usa]

Home again

Couldn't get the driveway clear last nite so I'm working from home again.

We are getting more snow now. B is getting all of her daycare kids today except one. People still amaze me.

All I know is I have to get the cars dug out today so we can make B's doctor appointments tomorrow.

Tomorrow is also B's B-day and I want to take her to dinner. I got her the gift certificate a new cell phone. She has the cell phone already because I wanted her to pick it out. She knows she is getting something in the mail for her birthday but not what it is.

Got some customer stuff to take care of in a little while. Looks like it might be a busy day.

If you haven't already you should check out Chastain86's journal. It is very enlightening and we agree on a lot of ideas.

Sugar-Snit we need an update on the new hottie you started chasing.

Love to all and damn I need a bigger shovel for all this snow.

 

[mb99usa]

B's B-day

Today is B's B-day and she catches up to me in age again. We are both now 26, the dark-side of our 20's. Hey, we both still get carded buying alcohol if we don't have M with us. Kids seem to add age even if you don't look different.

B scheduled 2 doctor visits for today cause she knew I had her B'day off and would be here to go with her. Another ultrasound of the new one and her regular check-up. Both went well and the new guy is doing fine.

B loved the Spa gift certificate and is looking forward to going.

We went to dinner last night instead of today. Went to Red Robin. Seemed to be everyone's B'day there. Must have heard them sing at least 6 times. We had a nice dinner.

They had the Red Robin mascot (a red robin ) coming around to the tables. I pointed him out to M on the way in and she kept looking around for the "birdie" all night. When he did come to our table she got all shy and hid behind me. He was giving out "worms", gummi worms, and she loved those.

Snow shovelling update. Finally got my truck dug out this afternoon. Now I have to go to work tomorrow. No excuses left.:loopy:

I've been shoe shopping for several days now. Did the mall and store thing and couldn't find anything I liked for the amount of money I want to spend. I want a pair of casual shoes I can wear to work everyday but will also be nice enough if I need to get dressed up. The catch is I don't want to spend more than $30. I refuse to go the Payless Shoes route. I'll buy boots from them but not shoes.

I have now focused my search to E-Bay. I am having a lot better luck finding what I'm looking for now I just need to win an auction.

When B and I got married we got joint bank accounts. B will go to the stores with M now and then when I work late to pass the time and she will invariably end up buying a few things. She is always responsible and never really overspends. The thing is I never seem to have money to buy things for myself without feeling I am taking away from the family funds.

As a solution I opened a Paypal account and I am going to deposit $25 into it everytime I get paid. This will be my mad money which I can use for whatever I want. It will also give me an account I can buy B's gifts from without her knowing it. This should work out really well and cut down on some of my financial frustration.

Damn this post has rambled on. I didn't think I had that much to say.

 

[mb99usa]

Back to Work

Well, my first day back in the office since Friday. Picking-up right where I left off on Tuesday, in the middle of some big ole customer messes.

This job can be a lot of fun, the biggest downside is that I only hear from the customer when they are having problems. I have a technician's mindset though and like to figure out and resolve problems, so it doesn't get to me too much.

When it does it is usually a customer that is either hostile or unwillingly to do some work on their end. Hostility doesn't happen often and it usually ties into the second issue. Some customers call and want me to work magic without them having to lift a finger. I try my best but most of the time I am simply talking to them on the phone with no direct access into their system. I rely on the customer for the hands-on side of it while I handle the troubleshooting. This can get ugly when dealing with someone completely unfamiliar with our product or with someone who thinks they know more than me.

I admit I don't know everything, but really, if you are calling me for help why not follow my suggestions. If you weren't going to do what I ask then why even bother calling.

Rant over.

We do have some really cool customers who provide access and are more than willing to work with us. These are the guys we go out of our way to help. They realize that by helping us they are really helping themselves.

Took B out for birthday dessert last nite. We went to Ruby Tuesday. She had the strawberry tallcake, which got "oohs and ahs" from the tables around us. If you are familiar with this dessert you will understand, if not I will try to explain. It comes in a huge goblet which is filled with sponge-cake, strawberry mousse, strawberries, and whipped cream. Very tasty if you like strawberries, too bad I don't.

B did a number on it and ate about 2/3. I was very impressed.

More to say but I'll save it for later.

 

[mb99usa]

War on Iraq

Well the "War on Iraq" has hit our family. My brother has been fully reactivated by the Marines and has to report on March 8.

This sucks on so many levels.

My brother now has to move his wife and 2 kids back into my parent's while he finds out whether he is going to stay in N.C. or if he will be shipped overseas to the big sandbox. If he stays in N.C. he will move them down once he gets a place but if he goes to Iraq then they will have to stay at my parent's.

He doesn't seem too upset about being called back, just the whole family situation is going to stress him.

I personally don't agree with what we are doing and I'm willing to take any flak this statement may cause. I will support our troops, without question, but I will question our country's decision. I work with a lot of ex-military who are gung-ho about this conflict and going to war. I am not a peace loving hippie or anything, I just think we have some serious domestic issues that need more attention at this point.

I never served in the armed forces due to medical reasons but it was something I thought about. I have several friends who are active or served. So I do know about the life.

B had some problems last night. She uke: a few times and then uke: again this morning. She does not feel well today, hopefully nothing too serious.


Got a bid in on a pair of shoes on E-bay. I'll find out this afternoon if I win. Wish me luck.

Gotta get some work done. More later.

 

[mb99usa]

Busy,Busy, Busy

Damn it's been busy at work this week. I've been going non-stop at work since Monday. I have been on the phone or replying to e-mails almost non-stop.

Better than being bored.

Only thing that sucks is I haven't had time to read journals. I've kept up with my regular reads but have not had a chance to read anything new.

Late shift next week. I should be able to catch-up then.

 

[mb99usa]

Home Early Today

Heading home from work early today. B is feeling horrible uke:

So I'm gonna head home to take care of her and the kids.

Maybe I'll get to update tonite, we'll see.

 

[mb99usa]

Still Alive

Nothing much happening.

B and I just purchased the Tyson fight on Pay-per-View . What a waste. The 2 undercard fights didn't last more than a total of 3 rounds total. Should have been an indication of what was to come. Tyson knocked the guy out in the first round . The show was supposed to last until 12:30, but it was over by 11:00 . There went $25.00.

Friday night fights on ESPN was better last night. Yes, B and I are both boxing fans and watch it whenever possible. This was the first time we purchased a boxing pay-per-view though.

Now I'm watching college basketball and continuing to shoe shop. Keep losing the auctions.

Visited my parents today. Was a pretty good time. They had a cake for B's birthday since we didn't see them on Wednesday. Just hung-out and talked. They like to play with M. Shot some pool. It was a good time.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Chastain - sorry to here about how bad Sociables was but glad to hear you could still have a good time. Hot chicks and cool friends are usually an aid to making the best of a strange situation.

 

[mb99usa]

Dogs

Let me start this off by saying I LOVE DOGS . Growing up there was always a dog in the house, usually a cat too.

With that said, I'm torn about the dog I have now. Odin is a Newfoundland/Springer Spaniel mix. He looks like a small Newfie with red highlights. By small Newfie, I mean medium sized dog. He was just weighed today and came in at 61lbs. Problem is he has the energy of a springer spaniel. This dog never stops going.

Took him to the vet today to get caught up on all his shots and everything and dropped $185. Not chump change.

The lady we got him from when he was a pup gave us all this information about how she knew dogs and he was the most docile of the litter, blah, blah, blah...

Wrong. He was calm for the first few weeks, then his true personality came out. The dog just gets excited over the littlest thing and he is off for the next 15-20min excited as hell with no way to settle him down.

We can't let him near anyone cause he goes nuts. He's friendly, just doesn't know when enough is enough.

I understand he is still a puppy since he just turned 1 the beginning of January but still. While at the vet today I got the estimate for neutering him, $155.

The past few weeks he has regressed to shitting int he house, but only when I'm home. Last night he chewed a hole in the dining room carpet.

We need to decide what to do with him. B has had it, she wants him out, but I'm still not sure. I know getting him "fixed" will help calm him down but I don't know if I want to put that kind of cash out after just spending the money today on him. I e-mailed the local S.P.C.A. today to find out what we need to do to put him up for adoption and how much that will cost.

Just don't know.

New news on the workfront. A few days ago I said how the company did well last quarter and it looked like we were spared from lay-offs. Well, found out today that is not entirely true .

Seems one of the people in my department was in the elevator with one of the V.P.s of the company and made the comment our department was not real busy.

Good job dumbass:up:

Now we are "under a microscope" as our supervisor put it. We had to put all our games away that we had out for lunch breaks and the slow times. This way it doesn't look like we just sit around and goof-off all day. We all know our call volume dropped off, but a lot of our calls are not getting recorded because customer's are by-passing our ques and calling our direct extensions. Things are starting to get busy again, and customer support is really going to suffer if the group gets cut again.

Just added pressure I don't need right now.

B looks like she is about to explode. The baby should be here anyday now. Just waiting for her to say when to go to the hospital.

Oh well, guess I'll get the resume out and touch it up. Better to be prepared than caught unawares.

 

[mb99usa]

More Doggie News

Let me first start off with this:

oldlady - thank you very much for the advice, problem is I'm not the only one involved here, and I'm not the one home with the dog all day

That said here is the dog situation update. E-mailed the SPCA yesterday to find out what is involved with putting the dog up for adoption. No response yet, may need to call them tomorrow to get an answer.

This morning the dog made the hole in the carpet bigger. B called to let me know .

My take on the situation is that I want to get him "fixed" and see how he does. B's take is "get rid of him". I called and dropped off the last dog after she didn't work out. I told B when we got this dog, if it came to getting rid of him she would have to do it. So much for that.

He is now my problem and I need to take care of it.

I'm just a little mad about this, but I will be the bigger person and do what is in the interest of the family and my wife's sanity.

I think.

 

[mb99usa]

That sucked

I had a long drawn out post which just got lost caused there was a network error when I submitted it.

I'll try to hit the highlights later, I'm too bummed to try now.

 

[mb99usa]

Try #2

Ok. Here is try number 2 to recount the last 2 days happenings.

Yesterday was tough. B had a doctor appt. in the morning so I watched the kids. Not a big deal. B got home and said the doctor had tried to "get things going" and she thought yesterday might be the day. So, being the wonderful hubby I am, called work and arranged to work from home so I would be around if we "had to go."

Well, yesterday wasn't the day but me being there gave B time to finalize her contracts and letters to present to the parents. When B returns from maternity leave she is raising her rates and wants signed contracts from her kids' parents.

The reason for this is B is going to try to get certified by the state. The other reason is that we want this to work as a business and want a more regular pay schedule. B is also looking into joining some state provided programs and doing more activities with the kids. Nothing that a "regular daycare" wouldn't ask of the parents or expect from them.

Tuesday nite one of the kids parents decided it was time he doesn't need a pacifier anymore. Good idea but really bad timing. Middle of the week when they don't have to handle the first few naptimes without it and when B is already stressed with having the baby any day now. Well the kid SCREAMED, not cried, SCREAMED for over an hour yesterday before tiring himself out. The same thing was happening today until B found a pacifier we still had from M to give him. She just couldn't take it again. She also has the other kids trying to take naps while this one screams his head off, doesn't work well.

This kids mom called today with a bunch of questions about the contract and stuff. Got B upset, she's starting to feel like she's failing at doing daycare. I explained that its not her and that we are trying to improve what she is doing and protect everyone involved. If the parents don't see it that way then they can take their kids somewhere else.

Today it took me 45min to get my truck started in the morning. I have decided that whatever is wrong has soemthing to do with moisture. The last few days have been dry and I had no trouble with it. Last nite and this morning it snowed and I had trouble again. Took 3 tries at lunch to get it started. We'll see what happens when I leave work today.

B called this morning and made an appointment with the SPCA for the dog next week. Sorry minou and oldlady but this is in the best interest of my family. We have enough stress in our lives right now and unfortunately the dog is only adding to it. He is also destroying the house and beginning to get hostile towards B. So next Wednesday he will be dropped off at his new home.

Felt like shit coming into work this morning, B and M wanted me to stay home and I had a terrible headache. I think the headache was caused by stress and lack of food. It became more tolerable as I relaxed some today and went away completely when I finally got something to eat this afternoon.

Oh yeah, we also got the baby's crib yesterday. B's mom got it for her as a birthday present. So we set it up last night. Now we just need to clean out the rest of the nursery.

I think that about covers the highlights. Hope I didn't bore anyone too much.

 

[mb99usa]

I'm Back

Sorry I haven't updated in a few days. I lost the site. But I'm back now.

No baby news yet.

B has a doctor appointment tomorrow and we'll see what they say.

Gotta go now, but I'll catch everyone up soon.