Closet Extremist

Holiday Update

I've been pretty wiped out over the past couple of days. After the long day on Sunday, then the drive to Chattanooga, I was already tired, but the brackets came in for the other freight elevator, so Ford and I jumped right to it. As I think I've mentioned, each of the brackets weighs about 150 lbs, and the rails weigh just under 500 lbs. This one is a three-stop, so there are three rails per side, and three brackets per rail. We've got a few tools to help hold things up, but I've had a really good Upper Body workout nonetheless. Holding that stuff up while I get it anchored to the hoistway wall is a LOT of work.

The bottom three brackets were the easiest to "set" as they are anchored into concrete, but the top six needed to be welded to a couple of steel beams that run all the way up the wall. Ford welded the first one, and I did the other five. This was the first time I've ever had the chance to try welding in my life. I really enjoyed it, but I can honestly say that the welds on the first two brackets are the ugliest things in existence. They get a bit better as they go up though, so I'm pleased with my progress as a welder. Two days took me from completely ignorant, to a "mostly decent" welder. I'm pretty frickin' proud of that.

I got "the call" from Tammi on Tuesday evening that let me know she wasn't going to be able to meet up as we had planned. I was "Most bummed" by the news, but I took it in stride. She's got her carreer to think of, and I'm sure that we'll get a chance to get together eventually. I'm really looking forward to that day. Since she hasn't posted since she left, I've really had to stop myself from giving her a call to make sure that she made it. I hope you're having fun with your Family, and that you and Momma Vi make it back to Florida safe and sound.

Wednesday night, I got home and started surfing through the blogroll, and came across a little Puzzler that BlogBro Jeff posted. What can I say? it intrigued me, so I answered as best I could. How was I to know that I'd become the proud winner of a sparkling new dead dolphin? I'm as "proud as punch" to be able to win a "code"contest, as I've not done any of that sort of thing for more than a year. An "Elevator Man" who knows computer code. I think it's a first.

Today was absolutely Wonderful. I got to spend it with Mom and Dad down on their boat, and we had an outstanding Thanksgiving Dinner. You must understand that my Mom really doesn't like to cook. If given the choice between cooking, and boxing Mike Tyson, I'm thinking that the "Ear Biter" might just have a fight on his hands. Although she doesn't enjoy it, she's Damn Good at it. With an oven the size of a postage stamp, she managed to cook a twelve and a half pound Turkey, Dressing, Sweet Potato's, Mashed Potato's, Green Bean's, Gravy, Rolls, and Cranberry Sauce. I got to spend a fabulous day with my Parents, and it even included a Nap after supper. In my new world, that's what you call bliss.

When it comes down to the Boat, I ran into a bit of a disappointment yesterday. It seems that the boat will cost me 19K, but the financier will only carry a note for 15K. I'm so supposed to come up with $4,000 dollars down, pay taxes, get it insured, pay slip rent, and set up electricity? I don't think so. As I was leaving the marina this evening, I ran across the seller, and he had the temerity to "Push Me" on the deal. Well, I believe that it will cost him at least $3,000 dollars, and a Month or more before closing the deal. He showed that he was desperate, but I can wait. I will either have this boat, or I won't, but he's not going to get the satisfaction of fleecing me. He's the one hurting for money, but I do not intend to be the next one in line. If he keeps pushing, he'll keep that boat for another year, and I won't buy it from him. No mattter how low the price goes, or how much I want it.

There's some shit I'll put up with, but that ain't it.

Posted by Johnny - Oh at November 25, 2004 09:58 PM