Old Dogs and Cats

Feeling a bit under the weather - kind of fighting off some flu-like symptoms. Yesterday was a long day at work - it's tough to be friendly when feeling like hell. Survived Christmas in good style, the trip to Beloit and Albany was smooth - a nice break from the routine here in Point.

My house sitting gig continues until the 1st. 2 old cats, 1 old dog and 1 old man makes for an interesting combination of personalities, as well as odors. I think the pets enjoy the quiet and attention from their owner absence, I probably do too. Nice being out in the country during a snow storm. Just started snowing again here in Central Wisconsin, 5 inches expected today, which will add nicely to the 8 inches we got on Sunday. Wish I had some X-Country skis.

Spending some time in the office this morning then going back to the shack to make Chili and maybe drink some beers with my feline and canine pals. They don't drink nearly as much as Catfish Jim but fart about the same. I'm not sure if Catfish still drinks beer - I've seen him only about 5 minutes since October. I'll let you know.

The Christmas Card

My own HotforWords Christmas card!
I feel loved all of a sudden.
It is in fact the only one I've received this year.
Isn't their a word for that.

Mr. Amato is a Bastard

Worked my last shift before X-Mass yesterday and now am enjoying some moments of reflection and solitude. Had my share of rude people the last few days - the holidays seem to bring out the best of people and the worst. It's fun working with customers from all over the country in the course of my day and I hate to stereotype individuals based on their geographic locations but certain personality traits are very apparent in my dealings with the public. Customers from the New York Metro area tend to be the rudest bastards in the country and often the least intelligent. It seems many try to impress you with how fast they can talk - when your keying their info into the computer this can lead to problems - one wrong digit and the order can be screwed up. I'm pretty fast, but their's no way anyone can keep up with some of these dumb asses. Very often customers with prestigious locations such as Park Ave in Manhattan or Beverly Hills in California are by far the most difficult. The privileged always seem to want something for nothing. Go figure.........
A rainy day here in Wisconsin -Yes Rain! The snow is melting and it's foggy and icky. A great day to work inside. Not too much on my agenda today. Spending some time in my new office this morning getting situated - love my new space! I wanted some quiet and got it. Still sparsely furnished but that will change soon. I need to recruit some muscle to move a few items down the steps - any volunteers? I'm house,dog and cat sitting for some friends starting today until the first of the year. Looking forward to some quality time with one of my favorite felines - Pip - a cool cat. I'll also be venturing South for a day or 2 next week to see the family for Christmas. Always an adventure when I travel to Beloit.

That's all for now. Have some much more interesting news to share soon. Stay in touch.....

One man that has a mind and knows it can always beat ten men who haven't and don't.
- George Bernard Shaw

Martian Alert

Space Weather News for Dec. 17. 2007
http://spaceweather.com

CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH MARS: Have you noticed an intense red star rising in the east in recent evenings? That's no star, that's Mars. The red planet is having a close encounter with Earth this week. At closest approach on Tuesday evening, Dec. 18th, the two worlds will lie only 55 million miles apart. Mars won't be this nearby again until the year 2016. To the naked eye, Mars now outshines every star in the night sky (it is slightly brighter than Sirius) and it looks great through a backyard telescope. Visit http://spaceweather.com for photos, observing tips and sky maps.

NOTE: While, technically speaking, Mars is at its best and brightest only on Dec. 18th, the red planet will remain unusually close and beautiful for weeks to come. This makes it a Merry Martian Christmas for anyone who finds a telescope under their tree on Dec. 25th: http://spaceweather.com/ccount.php?linkURL=http://meade.com

Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.

Aristotle (9)

Peaked

Hi all. Survived the busiest week of the year on the job at Lands' End and am feeling good about it. The Christmas rush is officially over though business is still brisk with activity from last minute shoppers. Great to get some solid paychecks. January will bring a lull in the action at work, looking forward to calm and serenity returning to my world.
Moved into my new office yesterday. I don't have much for furniture yet, so things are sparse in my new digs. Space has a way of filling itself up however. I have lot's of stuff to liberate from my storage areas throughout the state and I'm always finding treasures at rummage sales and on the curb around town - my suite will fill up fast. Love it so far. One problem however. Its HOT. 82 degree's this morning. My suite does have a thermostat but it obviously isn't functioning - I have it set at 50. I'm not sure what the landlord can do about this. The building has a boiler and my space is at the start of system where the water is the hottest. Another problem to solve, what else is new.
A day off today and I plan to enjoy every moment. The Packer game starts in 15 minutes - time to prepare myself.
A boring post but that's about all thats going on in the world of Jeff Kopp. At least all that I care to share today. In a week I'll have lot's of time to be crazy again and perhaps even In Back of Beyond...........

Salutations

I've said "Lands' End, Jeff speaking - how can I help you today? thousands of times the past 2 months and am quite delighted to have a day off from engaging in dialog about clothing on this fine Saturday. Most customers are a pleasure to work with - 1 out of ten are a total pain in the ass. Miraculously I have not lost my composure dealing with the difficult one's. Patience is one virtue I possess thankfully. You need it on my current gig. Christmas shopping is a very stressful activity for many.
Doing some shopping and other domestic related activities this afternoon. This is my last full day off until next Saturday and have not even thought about my own Christmas shopping. My family is hard to buy for - they already have everything needed for several lifetimes. I like to be creative in holiday gift giving but have no good ideas this year. Any suggestions?

Here's some news! - I rented some indoor space to set up operations.
My new office will be in downtown Stevens Point.
Looking forward to setting up shop in a real heated building,
in a good downtown locale. It's going to be great. Details forthcoming.........
Anyone have any office furniture they want to get rid of ? I'm taking the space over on the 15th.

Time to resume the "Jeff Kopp Experience" It's lunch time. I'm craving Taco Bell. Sometimes even semi feral humans need a burrito.

It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.

Wellness

All is well here in icy Central Wisconsin. For the record, despite conflicting opinions, I am warm and cozy in all ways. Survived the first blizzard of the year in good style, I thought it was fun. The drive from work on Saturday evening was a bit precarious - white out conditions, no signs of snow plows in operation anywhere. I got into the driveway where I've been staying fine - getting out required a little digging but not too bad. Another 2 to 4 inches expected this afternoon and tonight. Wisconsin is a winter wonderland!
Working hard the past few weeks and enjoying it. The next 2 weeks will be a blur of activity but will go fast. It always does. The Christmas rush is in full swing!
Making some January plans. A trip to Florida to visit an old friend is on my mind - hoping to make it happen.

I work from noon to 8pm tonight, time to get ready. Have a great day!

Every man, wherever he goes, is encompassed by a cloud of comforting convictions, which move with him like flies on a summer day.
- Bertrand Russell