Photos

I just scored a photo cube and lamps off Craigslist yesterday.  I also did some reading about my camera.  Although it's only a point-and-shoot model, I hope to get some decent photographs of some of the projects I'm working on.  Update to follow...

Bah Humbug!

OK, I admit it, I hate Christmas.  Don't get me wrong; I don't have any problems with the religious aspect of the day.  I hate the commercialization of it.  Sure, you've heard it all before.  Blah, blah, blah.  However, I resent spending 364 days a year counting pennies and keeping the wolves from the door, just to be overextended because I feel obligated to buy gifts for those I don't necessarily know or want to know.  

For instance, I only see my niece or nephews on THEIR birthdays or at holidays -- including Christmas.  Although they are certainly old enough to call or text me, I only hear from them when a gift is expected. "Oh, and please, by the way, make it cash."  

At work, I have to buy gifts for the bosses and the employees -- one more "perk" of being middle management.  Some of the employees deserve gifts and some don't.  Most of them work hard and are generally pleasant and competent; and then there are the others.  You know the ones.  They're always late.  (We have one employee that is late 80%+ of the time.  No kidding.)  They either can't make their deadlines/quotas or they mess up on their tasks so bad, I end up doing their job. I'm powerless to discipline or fire them.  Instead I am forced to work more hours each week to make up for them.  Since I'm salaried, I do this free-of-charge, of course.  And, once a year, I have to buy them a Christmas present.

Do I sound bitter?  Maybe I am.  I stand at the precipice between obligation and self.