BMG Music Service

I have been a faithful member of the BMG Music Service since October of 2001. You've probably heard of them, "Buy 12 CDs for the Price of 1." Well, they sent out an e-mail within the past few months stating they will be 'closing' or more specifically merging with another 'music service' where all CDs cost $6.99 (shipping and handling is included).

Considering the deals they used to have, that's not worth it. They had such deals as Buy Unlimited CDs for $1.99 or Buy 1, Get 4 Free with Free Shipping. Most often, if you knew how to use them . . . the CDs ended up costing less than $5 anyway. Within the past year or so, their selection of music has dwindled as has their clientele (I'd imagine). And so now they're combining with another service.

I submitted my last order today since I still had 6 free CDs left. So long BMG.

Disneyland, Anyone?

So, my degree arrived yesterday. Apparently I have truly graduated now.

So, anybody want to go to Disneyland for a few days? No, I'm not kidding. I'd love to go and I want at least one person to go with. Any takers?

E-mail me.

No Real News

Hey there. I have no real news, nothing special is happening. I'm working, doing therapy one day a week, and casually searching for a job.

Since I have a four day weekend I started doing some cleaning, among other small projects I wanted to do.

We are now in the digital age so I decided to backup all of my music onto an external hard drive and store in in case anything happens. Also due to the recent flood, I am doing the same with the programs I have for my computer since if CDs/DVDs are exposed to "contaminated" water for several days it can affect their playability. As such everything is backed up.

While cleaning I found the backup CDs I made when I was working for IHC. This was before iPods existed/and were popular, otherwise I wouldn't have spent so much time making them. I have a backup of almost every album I owned. In cleaning things up, these are how many I found.


So I'll be throwing them out along with so much other stuff it is nice to get rid of. I've got to admit, that's one thing I love about the new year. Doing your taxes, boxing up the receipts and what not, and storing it (for what is it, three years now?). Then you don't have to bother it again unless you get audited.

So this will be a very relaxing yet worthwhile weekend. I hope yours is the same.

After Much Waiting

The hot water has officially been restored. I washed my hands . . . and they almost got 3rd degree burns. I love it!!! Now we just need to clean the basement out with bleach.

Work . . . Again

Well, every year they threaten to shut my employer down. Apparently this year, it is somewhat more realistic. I say this because one of the three units that I work on is officially being closed within the next two months.

It is the detox unit. According to the managerial staff, they will be taking the current employees at detox and have them work on the other units. What does this mean? It means the previously opened positions will be closed and no new employees will be needed. In fact, there may be too many employees.

As an extra hire that means that there will be less shifts (if any) to sign up for. So . . . unless I hear otherwise, I need to start actively searching for another job. This is both good and bad. There are some open positions in the mental health field . . . but not as many as there once was due to the current recession. So if anybody hears about any jobs in the mental health field . . . please let me know.

As for the flooding in the basement, the water has been drained. The heater works and the dryer appears to be working. We're not sure about the washer and the water heater is water logged.

I guess that's about it. Enjoy!

Texting vs Phone Calls

After reading through a previous post, it became apparent that I did not adequately express what I was trying to get across. Here is another attempt.

I have noticed that I have come to rely on my cell phone more often in inappropriate places and circumstances. For example during dinner with friends, during movies, while at a friend's house, etc. As such, I am drawing boundaries so I do not come across rude to whoever I am with. Besides, I would hate it if they did it to me. So, if I do not pick up the phone and it is time sensitive, please send me a text. I read those immediately.

Secondly, if I had the choice of sending multiple texts back and forth to somebody or talking to them by phone, I would prefer having a conversation. To me, the inflections are crucial and the written word can easily be misunderstood.

Third, often when I am inundated with a lot of conversation I need my time to recuperate. I notice this happening after a long day of therapy.

If something I post seems rude, let me know. It is not my intent.

Flooding

I write this as the sump pump in the basement is attempting to drain the water that was up to my knees around noon today. My roommate discovered it while going to get something. Upon hearing about it, I went down there as I had some boxes and other items stored.

Upon going into the water, it was freezing and fortunately not full of sewage. I went over to where my boxes were stored and found two boxes completely drenched. One contained all of the software for my computer(s), some cords, and the boxes/manuals for varying programs I had. I also had a ice chest thing that was given me by IHC a few years ago. Inside of it I stored several books and a picture. Despite the flooding . . . everything in the ice chest remained perfectly intact and dry. A huge thanks to my previous employer for doing something right. As for the software and whatnot . . . they are CDs so that means no real damage. Of course I'll check through them once everything is dried out, but that's all.

As for my roommate, many photo albums, rare books, and other collected memorabilia was destroyed. Since the water was getting so high, the dryer was flooded (and my clothing that was inside). So it seems like the washer and dryer are gone, the heater is dead, as is the electric water heater.

My roommate (ie: the homeowner) is currently sleeping due to the stress. My other roommate is buying pizza. I canceled my clients for tomorrow since I won't be able to shower but fortunately a friend will be helping me out there. Wait . . . he won't be helping me shower . . . he will be hel . . . :: sigh :: . . . nevermind.

Fortunately, I've got a few friends to lean on in the mean time. So for myself, there was no major damage. We are taking some pictures for the insurance who probably won't kick in until 2-3 months down the road.

Also, it appears that several roads are closed in the area. I have a full caseload scheduled for tomorrow, but due to the flooding I wouldn't be able to do counseling tomorrow or go to school anyway . . . that is, if I had to go to school.

I'll keep you informed.

New Year, New Policy

Hey everyone,

As most of you now know, I'm back in Washington. I arrived yesterday afternoon and made it before it started snowing up here. It was great!

In thinking of what I've been through in the past year I figured I'd elaborate briefly on what I will now be doing with my cell phone. You see, we've had some poor boundaries since I started the program and I don't like where it was going.

As such, I will be turning off my telephone more. I will have it on me most of the time for emergency reasons, but if I'm doing something with somebody I'll be turning it off. So if I don't answer, leave a message or send me a text and I'll respond when I turn it back on.

Also . . . the idea of text messaging is starting to irritate me. Every holiday I have about 30 people sending me a text with "Happy Boxing Day" or something of the sort. Although I appreciate the text . . . it then obligates me to respond in kind. And I dislike feeling obligated. I'm not a person who naturally wishes others a wonderful holiday but I've found myself doing so more often just because it is what they do.

So if you don't receive a response, it is nothing against you. I appreciate it and hope you are doing well. Now as for forwards via text message, I have the same perspective on these as I do on forwards via e-mail. Unless they contain something that will make me fall onto the floor laughing hysterically while trying to stop myself from urinating. . . please don't send them. I don't care to send magical words onto 18 other people to have a miraculous or stop from having a horrid 17 months of my life. Please, keep those to yourself.

Additionally, instead of sending me 30 texts about a topic . . . call me. I believe texts are meant to keep things brief and to stop from having long and somewhat pointless conversations. If it is important enough, call me so we can deal with it and get it over.

Now, this post may sound like I'm irritated. I'm not, far from it in fact. I'm sitting at home in my pajamas just having left my warm electric blanket while staring outside at the beautiful snow covered ground.

So that's where I am. Happy new year and I hope your resolutions don't exceed your abilities.