BashUp

Limping: A few weeks ago (May?), I stubbed a toe on my left foot something fierce. The top of my foot was all bruised, discolored and swollen. I limped through that and it stopped hurting after a week or so. Yesterday, it started smarting again - didn’t do anything to re-injure it, but it’s throbbing and tres uncomfortable to walk or stand much. I’ll see the doctor on Thursday morning.

Tee Arr!: Todd Rundgren at the Great American Music Hall Thursday, September 13. No New Cars, just Tee Arr by his old self. That’ll be good. 

Pampering: Had a manicure yesterday, ran some errands, lounged while listening to The Talk of Gasoline Alley and Brickyard qualifying, then caught the baseball game on the radio. Bonds is still at 754, but the Giants won the game, which needs to keep happening.

Taxicabs: Tony Stewart won at the Brickyard today. Followed it on the radio network until the Giants game started. Still no Bonds homers, and we lost this one. Ah well, if it doesn’t happen at home, there’s no better place than L.A. for Barry to tie and perhaps break Aaron’s record than Dodger-land. *evil grin*

Tarrrrd: Glad this week is over. Lots of work projects are finally scooting off my plate, and we have a month of “cleanup” to do before the next wave of complete insanity hits. I have to find a way to restore my energy levels and, frankly, my desire to be in this workplace, before that wave hits.

WOW: The package arrived from my UK pal today. Wish I could tell you what it contained, but WOW - my boys ‘r’ just THAT good.

Other Racin’: So the Chump Car World Series is racing in “Sanazay” as the locals call it (that’s San Jose for the non-locals), and the taxicabs are ruining the bricks at IMS. I love my IMS Radio Network guys so much that I’ll probably tune in for some of their broadcast anyway, and I may pop over to the Chump Car site to see what their online coverage is like. Can’t wait for my Indy cars to get back on track next week.

The Release from HELL: So my boss shows me what’s up with the release we have planned for the fall (we don’t usually do dev in the fall). To do all the high and enhanced priority projects, we’ll need me, Jon B., John F., three other people we DON’T have now and likely won’t find due to the tight market - and we’ll still fall a week short based on man hours. And that’s if NOTHING grows in scope and no last minute projects get added. (Hey, THAT never happens….) Y’know, my workplace is full of wonderful people, but those who decide our project load just don’t seem to understand that we aren’t available 24/7/365. I told my boss yesterday that I was about to start looking for work elsewhere because if one tiny thing goes off track during this next release, it’ll be left to me to pick up the slack again and I can’t carry the team for a third release in a row.

Trained to Death: Had two solid days of training so far this work week - project management and presentation skills. Really good facilitator from the home office made it fun, but that’s just SO long to be in “class” - my brain is all mushy.

Ire: So I got an email from Mr. Tour Manager last night, telling me to ignore all the unpaid help and to come to him if I need or want anything while the boys are all around. He’d make sure I was taken care of.

Bonds Watch: Barry’s three homers away from breaking Hank Aaron’s all-time record and the media has descended on San Francisco. It would be nice to see him at least get closer today - it’s his birthday.

Mid-OH!: Huge crowd and gorgeous weather for the race at Mid-Ohio. Really miss that place, and everyone visiting for the IRL’s first run there seemed to love it. Scott Dixon marked his birthday by winning his 3rd race in a row, but Dario Franchitti kept his lead in the championship, although the margin is reduced, by finishing 2nd. Next weekend is off for the series, then we’ll run for the last time (in the forseeable future, anyway) at Michigan International.

Lounging: Well, okay, I logged on for a couple of hours and did some work writing, but mostly just lazed around the house trying to recover from the general exhaustion I’ve suffered the last few months.

Finished: All 759 pages. And I would hate to spoil it for anyone out there, but I can say it didn’t quite go as I expected. I won’t elaborate further. Now to find time to see The Order of the Phoenix…

Harry’s Hallows: UPS brought my copy of HP&TDH at about 10 this morning. I’ll be spending the weekend with it, hopefully getting it knocked out before I have to go back to work.

You GO, Girl!: Danica Patrick qualified second for Mid-Ohio today, her best starting position for a road course. These big powerful machines have no traction control or power steering and they’ve been a challenge for Patrick (a 5-foot, 100-pounder) to muscle around non-oval races. Her three AGR teammates are right behind her on the starting grid - a really strong showing for Andretti Green.

Ripped: Heard from one of my musical pals today. He ripped the local help for only looking out for their own good time and “thinking with their willy” and being too far up the butt of the other unpaid help (they don’t have any paid help outside of the tour manager) who’s always overstating their position and doing shit that pisses the band off. He also said he had something really cool to send me…can’t mention it here, but can’t wait ’til it arrives!

Illin’ Again: Ever since I was sick about 10 days ago, I haven’t been able to eat very much without feeling queasy. Sunday I went to my favorite Indian hole in the wall, Naan n Curry, with Rupert, Ira and Jimmy and dared only nibble on some naan. I was jonesin’ for my favorite chicken tikka masala, but gave it a pass. So last night, I decided I needed something other than yogurt and had a normal meal. Bad idea. Tummy’s been rejecting everything that hits it since I got up this morning. *sigh*

Can’t Wait for Mid-OH!: The IndyCars return to Mid-Ohio, one of the best stops of the season back when there was only one big league open-wheel series. I went to a couple races there back in the early 90s - it’s a beautiful place and a great spot to see a race. I’ll be drinking that in while devouring the final Harry Potter book this weekend.

Serial Sorrys: Got a PM from my favorite cereal today - “Sorry to miss you Sunday.” Got a call from Rupe - “sorry didn’t get you backstage Sunday night.” He said he was coming out to find me and his friend Rob Hughes, but got stopped by other visitors who wanted to chat and chat and chat. He remembered how tired I said I was at dinner earlier that night, and was sorry I missed seeing everyone. Also told me their Vegas gig in August is canceled.

Slightly Rested: Nice to have yesterday off. Really just fiddled around at my place and took it easy. Tossed some photos on my web site and fielded calls and texts from people I’d missed the night before. Although it was a bummer to miss them, the upside was “No drama! No soap suds! No soppy male tears!” You’ll know that means if you’ve read the early parts of my blog. (And I had a hearty laugh today when I saw a picture of that certain someone wearing a Cure t-shirt with an incredibly ironic saying on it. All I could think was “…must be a girl”… LOL!)

HB2U: Two of my favorite people ever, ever, ever are celebrating birthdays today - virtual cake all around in honor of Gus and Aki!

Fast Going: We raced at Nashville, a day late. Scott Dixon had the Energizer livery on the 9 car, and spent the weekend being followed from pit to garage by a huge pink Energizer bunny. At one point, he quipped that it was getting annoying. It’s the second time that sponsor went primary on the 9 car, and each time, it has turned up in the same spot - Victory Lane. I’m thinking he’d be willing to put up with the bunny being around more often if that’s the end result.

Slow Going: Dragged myself to dinner with Rupert, Ira and roadie Jimmy from The Fixx, then went for their show at the Mezzanine. The Alarm went on first and cranked out a fun set. Then my Fixx boys blew the socks off the packed in, sold out crowd. Now, I don’t mind the headliners, the Psychedelic Furs, but after The Fixx…it just doesn’t work that well. Took off after a couple songs and headed back to my place, just a few blocks from the venue. The plan was to reconvene with The Fixx and some pals a little later at a nearby Irish pub, but I fell asleep within 15 minutes of getting home. I’m happy I made it that far into the evening - it was a terrific show. Just got a call from Adam who said he saw me in the audience and thought he might see me after the show - said they had a terrific time at the pub. Look for photos on Bash*tography.

Wet: So it hasn’t rained in middle Tennessee for the whole month of July…until tonight. Buckets, cats and dogs, men - it’s raining everything but green, yellow and checkered flags. Not a lap turned at Nashville tonight. We’ll run at 10 a.m PT tomorrow. (If it doesn’t rain…)

Wiped:  Went for a mani/pedi today, plus ran errands all over the Union Square area. Still battling this bug and officially wiped out for the day.

Worldwide: Visitors in the last two weeks from Cote d’Ivoire, Tilbury in the UK, and California, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Texas, Virginia, New Jersey, D.C., and New York here in the U.S.

Slogging Through: Tired and achy, but there’s so much to do today - gotta power through it all. Hoping to turn in extra early tonight and see if some additional sleep will beat this bug.

Music City Speed Show: My Indy Cars are racing on the bumpy 1.33-mile oval at Nashville tonight. Here’s hoping the only rumble is that of the engines (or the cars barreling over the bumps). Don’t need any more of the lo-jinks that we saw at the Glen lat weekend.

Tee Arr Not Fixxed: Heard from a couple of my Fixx boys. They had to bail for a 4-hour drive after their appearance at the Moondance Jam and didn’t cross paths with Todd Rundgren, who was appearing four hours later with The New Cars.  I’m still iffy for the gig tomorrow night here in SF, so I may not be Fixxed either. Good thing I’m just sick and not broken… *grin*

Pile on Bash: Just when I thought it was gonna get better, two projects I’d put to bed (one SIX WEEKS ago) have cropped back up for extra edits, etc. What part of “No bandwidth” isn’t sinking in? Sheesh. Ah well, I cranked on a lot of things today and need to crawl in early for lots more cranking tomorrow, so it’s early to bed for this tired pup. SO looking forward to three days off…

Tee Arr: For you folks who were asking me during my Memorial weekend visit home if I’d heard from my musical pal Todd Rundgren lately, the answer is now yes. He dropped me a line in the wee hours this a.m. - he’s on the road with The New Cars. I think he was drunk - pretty darned funny email. He and the Fixx boys are on the same bill on Friday the 13th. Sadly, it’s in B.F.E, Minnesota, so I won’t be there to take in such a delightful happening. Told him to have a drink for me if he hooks up with my Fixx boys.

Fixxed Soon - Maybe: That is, if I don’t relapse on whatever I’ve been battling all week, bug-wise. The Rockin’ the Colonies tour rolls in Sunday with the P. Furs, The Alarm and The Fixx. We’ll see if I can make it. If not, well, they’ll be back this fall.

Chillin’: Was up most of the night rejecting last night’s dinner. Really weak and woozy, but took advantage of the day working at home to get a huge chunk of work done. Takes the pressure off a bit, but I still think I’ll be worthless by the end of the week. Took next Monday off for a breather, and a low-key weekend with some pampering is on the menu. Cannot WAIT.

Beisbol: The All-Star Game is on right now, just a 20-minute walk away in AT&T Park. I’ve had it on the radio as I finished up some more work. Definitely heading to bed early, so glad it started early and is winding down now.

Throwdown: For the third year in a row, Scott Dixon took the win at Watkins Glen, and then all hell broke loose. Sam Hornish and Tony Kanaan got together on the track - hard to call fault in the incident - and both continued on to finish. When they were coming in to park after the race was over, Kanaan cut Hornish off in an ill-advised move to show his displeasure about the incident during the race. They exchanged words after they got out of their cars and as Kanaan approached Hornish to finish the conversation, Sam’s elderly father blocked Tony and shoved him away. Lots of tussling happened after than, with an Andretti hanger-on eventually body slamming Sam’s dad to the ground. This sort of crap should be saved for NECKCAR - really doesn’t belong in my series. Something remarkable happened today - Dixon pulled a threepeat - and he had to take a backseat to folks like Hornish Senior and the AGR entourage getting into business that Sam and Tony should have been left alone to chat out.

7 is 8th on 07/07/07: Davey Hamilton returned to supermodified racing, driving the number 7 car to 8th place in Oswego. Not too bad, considering the car was late to be finished and he hadn’t practiced much in it. He commented on the IMS radio broadcast from the Glen today that it was one 7 too many on 07/07/07 (he was actually due to drive the 6 car, but Otto Sitterly drove that). Davey’ll race in Oswego again on 9/2.

TGIF: So today, I took back the chunk of the project I took from my new guy a couple weeks ago and had given back to him last week. I have no bandwidth for it, but there’s too much left to do on the part he kept, plus help files to update. His part is due first, so I have to take the other part. Next week is going to be tough.

Watkins Glen: The Indy Cars are racing at the Glen this weekend, plus Davey Hamilton’s returning to the cockpit of a supermodified for the first time since his crash at Texas. He’s racing at Oswego, where my pal Diamond is involved with SBS racing. Diamond, though, is being a traitor to us openwheelers - he’s missing that race (and a simultaneous Fixx show in Buffalo) to watch taxicabs wreck in Daytona. (Okay, so he’s visiting family, too…*grin*) I’ll be keeping up with the activities at the Glen while I continue declutterizing my house. (Whee.)

Ugh: My knee kept me from doing too much on the 4th, but I did clear out some filing and magazine/recycling sorting, and I did purge the bathroom of a ton of inferior bath products. *grin* It’s a start. Today, the knee is a bit better. Work was exasperating, though. Seems my new guy was a bit optimistic in promising some copy to designers and subsequently missed his deadline. A crisis raged all morning about it - all while I sat blissfully at my desk, cranking out work a little ahead of schedule. I didn’t know about the promised deadline (it was brokered while I worked from home Tuesday), the missing of that deadline or the furor it created. When deadlines are missed, the first person who’s supposed to be contacted is the manager. Oops, guess they forgot. Too bad - I coulda jumped in to help. This is turning into a big political mess, and the poor guy has been plopped unfairly into the middle of a hellacious project first thing off the bat. Wouldn’t blame him if he decided to bail. I’m still thinking about it myself.

OUCH: Yesterday morning I re-injured my knee on the yoga mat. Spent the day working from home with the ice pack on - it’s taking a bit longer to snap back this time. Got a lot of writing and editing done, though, so there’s the upside.

Independence: Most folks I know are out of town right now, so our usual 4th of July picnics and parties are not happening this year. So long as my knee holds out, I’ll be spending today getting free of clutter here at home. I’m looking forward to the end result!

Readers: Just checked my stats for the first time in ages - in the last month, there have been readers from the UK, Germany and Chile, as well as DC, New York, Georgia, California, Virginia and Indiana here in the US. Welcome!

No Knee’d to Worry: My knee injury has sorted itself out. Not quite sure how, but I’d rather not repeat that incident. Seriously, whoever designed the human knee was dead drunk at the time…

Smoothing Out: Things at work are a little smoother - after I spent time this weekend working, of course. Gave my part of the photo project back to my new guy, who’s in a better place to handle it now, and got a lot of things done today. Still plenty busy this week, but last week’s marathons took care of the crisis. Still thinking about my long-term future, however. I see things potentially getting worse and staying there for quite a while before they get better and I don’t have any extra to give.