Such a let down. After all the hype and media coverage, the hurricane was nothing more than a rain shower with some accompanying wind. While the precipitation did little to no damage near me (other places do have a bit of flooding from what I heard) the wind took its toll. Roads are literally blanketed with debris from trees, several blocked all together with fallen trunks, an example of which can be seen at my neighbors house. Even worse however is the lack of electricity.

At about 10AM, my house, along with most of the town, lost power. As of writing this (8 hours later), it still hasn’t been restored. That means no TV, hot water (showers), broadband, or ability to function past dark without resorting to pre-Edison ways. Fortunately enough, I do have a 3G iPad and iPhone 4, which have so far been the only things keeping me from going insane. I’ve been taking rather lengthy drives in the car for the sole purpose of charging them, which has been working surprisingly well. Regardless, I’m running low on gas and out of places to drive to.

Aside from the lack of power, things are going swimmingly (pun intended). There’s nothing quite like the smell after a rain storm, and things have cooled off considerably. I’m a little sick of having sandwiches for meals, but what can you do. I’m just thankful the trees decided to land on the power lines and not my car or house.

98F. Thats the temperature it’s supposed to be tomorrow, in addition to a few “scattered” thunderstorms (aka humidity). I put scattered in quotation marks, because really, all that ever means is that they don’t even have the slightest clue if, when, or where it’s going to rain. Bad enough I have to sit in traffic for a few hours, but now I have to do so feeling like I’m living in a bubble that is my car. More rain for a at least 5 days after that too. Looks like no riding for me any time soon.

Work is started to get under my skin. Traffic on I95 is horrible during the rush hour commute. In an attempt to avoid this, I’ve been wanting to come in early and leave early, as some others do. I’d miss the traffic and get back home in time to get a bit out use out of my day. Despite my best efforts though, and promises galore to implement this new schedule ”soon,” I’ve got nothing. Not really ok with that. In a somewhat related note, security (if you can even call them that) apparently doesn’t believe my handicap sticker is real, but instead “printed online,” as I found out today through my boss. He overheard some conversation by my car today, I assume while he was out having a smoke. As much as it would suck to have my car towed, I’m not sure I’d enjoy anything more then suing the living hell out of those bastards for damages and inconvenience. People should mind their own business and let people do as they will. Karma will screw with them far worse than you’ll ever be able to.

It seems when the warm weather comes out, so do all the drunks. I don’t get it. I mean, what is with people and drinking? I understand coming home, having a nice glass of wine with dinner, or just to relax with. That’s fine. Alcohol calms the nerves a bit and eases peoples tensions. What I don’t understand is people drinking into oblivion. Is your life THAT horrible that you have to actively try to forget it? Are you literally unable to have fun without help? It’s one thing if you have the money and waist line for it, but it seems every drunk I meet is poor and overweight. At least do shots instead of pounding back the watered down pee known as beer.

Well, another fun packed day. Woke up, ate half a muffin I found sitting around, and washed my car in the freezing cold. After not being able to feel my hands for an hour, came in, took a shower, and sat in bed catching up on some tv. Called to make a haircut appointment, but just my luck, none available.

Tomorrow I’ll be heading down to Connecticut with the significant other for a, hopefully, nice weekend. Her grandparents (who no one seems especially found of) are visiting from out of state and staying at her house along with us and her parents. Hoping to get on a bike, weather permitting, and just get some relaxation time.

I’ve been getting easily annoyed lately; not just in daily face to face interactions, but even online with just general common stupidity. I think being cooped up and subjected to the monotonous schedule of being a bum is getting to me. I know I thought taking some time off would be good for me, but I honestly didn’t realize it would be this daunting. Having nothing to do when you wake up, no purpose or goal, really takes a toll on you. I’m hoping for a job or project or something to come along soon, if for nothing else, just to keep me busy.

I finally got off my ass today and applied for my Class-M license. I’ve been wanting to learn, and ultimately buy, a motorcycle for some time. The fuel economy, ease of parking and traveling in a city, and just general enjoyment makes it pretty appealing to me. Took the written test at the Watertown RMV. Walked in, grabbed a pen to fill out my paperwork, and got called up within a minute of sitting down, and paid my $30. I had to take a written test on one of those new fangled computer terminals that had more to do with drinking and various fines / fees than actual rules of the road. Passed with 1 question wrong. It’s a little cold out now for any kind of biking, but hopefully come this spring, I’ll start up the process.

Job search is going as well as can be expected. Several calls and interested companies, but no offers as of yet. Given the economy, I’m not all that surprised. Things move a lot more slowly than I thought, with most companies I’ve talked to not ready to make a move for another few weeks. I’ve been applying to a few new ones as they pop up, as I haven’t really gotten any rejections yet. Thinking maybe in the next month or so I may get some positive results.

Looking forward to going to this comic convention this coming weekend. The authors of a few various comics I enjoy will be there, possibly giving me a chance to score some signatures and other cool stuff. Tickets are like $10 for 2 days, so there isn’t much to lose really.

This theme of “productivity” seems to be continuing nicely.

Had to drive into Boston today to take care of some arrangements for an upcoming party. Traffic wasn’t too bad, but taking my mother along for the ride was a nightmare. She has what I call the “wet noodle syndrome” in that every time you make a turn, she sways and flops limply around, as if she lacks any muscles to stabilize herself. She complains if you go over a bump, and if you swerve to avoid the bumps. Literally thought about crashing just to get some quiet.

Came home and decided my car needed a wax before it got too late (cold) in the year to do so. Broke out my stuff and went at it. Two hours and a wash later, the car looks exactly the same. I’m hesitant to use any power tools, and the paint was already in pretty good condition, so I’m not too surprised. Read more