Irene's Weblog

Yesterday, I spent about two hours updating our blogs to the latest version of WordPress. It’s supposed to be a quick 5 minute upgrade, but we all know how well those things go.

For some reason, I couldn’t upgrade the folders all at once and had to go back and transfer each file individually. It kind of sucked because there are several folders and each folder randomly upload files from each folder. That meant that I had to check each folder to make sure the right files were in the right places.

It really sucked because it blew all the free time that I had yesterday. Anyway, everything is updated and I’m using a new template for the blog. I’ll stick with this one until I find something better that I like.

Things here in Scottsbluff are pretty much the same as last week.  Work.  Work.  Work.  Then, some more work.  There isn’t much in the way of exciting news happening at the moment, so this will be short.

My car is getting a new oil pan and its 120,000 mile timing belt change done at the moment, so Paul has to drive me to work every day.  I should have the car back by the end of the week, which is good because I hate waiting an hour for Paul to be finished so I can get picked up and go home.

Also, we’ve booked our tickets to Ireland.  We’re going to go see Matt‘s parents.  We are also hoping to hook up with Annau and Leylah too.  With a little luck, Hendrik and Salma will be able to visit, but that’s not a guarantee.  I totally lucked out with the tickets.  $414 for each ticket, round-trip, from Denver to Dublin.  I also get to learn to drive on the wrong side of the road.  Heh, look out Ireland!

After work today, Paul and I headed over to the elections office to see how we could vote early.  I thought it would be a complicated deal, however, it was quite easy.  We gave our names and address, then the woman behind the counter pulled our files.  We had to fill out a form and she checked our signatures.  Next, we each went to a little table with dividers and voted.

My number was 2587.  There are about 30,000 people in the county and, once you minus all the people under 18 and those not registered to vote, it’s realistic to say that about 10% have taken advantage of voting early.  I was pretty impressed that all the workers were very polite despite being overwhelmed.

I also like the fact that, despite Nebraska being a VERY red state, you had many options to vote for.  You had a choice of John McCain, Barack Obama, Cynthia McKinney, Bob Barr, and Ralph Nader.  I was tempted to vote for McKinney, but, in the end, I filled in the oval for Obama.  Since Nebraska can split their electoral votes, you never know, Obama could pick up a vote here.

Overall, I was pretty happy that I didn’t have to wait in line and it’s all said and done.

Last night, Paul and I went out to dinner with Veronica and Stanna to Rosita’s Mexican Restaurant and, afterwards, went to the last home football game.

The company was excellent.  Too bad the food wasn’t.  I thought the appetizer, which was panchos, was decent enough, but I still much prefer the Ole Restaurant (formerly Mi Ranchito) to Rosita’s.  When I asked Paul what he thought, well, let’s just say he didn’t like it at all.  I suspect we’ll end up at Ole’s again after payday on Monday.

I feel kind of bad because Veronica took us out and she paid for the food.  I know she loves the place.  It’s too bad that there aren’t any Indian restaurants around here so that we can get her some great food.

After dinner, Paul and I went to the last Gering home football game of the season.  They lost.  We weren’t surprised by this.  Still, they’re better than the crap teams from when Paul taught at Pinecrest and Arlington.  At least Gering can win some football games.

Next week, we’ll be going to some high school volleyball games.  There are also basketball games we’ll need to go to as well.  Paul will never hear the end of it from his students if he doesn’t make it to at least one game.  I’m looking forward to the spring when we can go watch some soccer games.  At least I can stay awake for those.

EDIT:  Paul is also chaperoning a dance tonight at the high school that doesn’t get over until midnight.  I hope he has fun.  I’m staying home and attempting to finally get caught up on all my websites.

So, there’s this guy I know.  Let’s call him Billy.  Why Billy, you ask?  Well, that’s in honor of Stan Marsh’s grandpa on South Park who calls everyone Billy.  So, Billy it is.

In all seriousness, Billy fits all the typical gay stereotypes.  He’s got the poofy, 80s feathered hair that’s always combed just so.  He even carries a comb with him, just in case it, somehow, gets messed up.  He’s got the voice.  It’s very difficult to listen to.  Even on a girl his voice would be too girly.

His handshake is limper than a wet noodle.  When he shakes your hand, he always has this, “I’m secretly a creepy guy” look on his face.  The creepy guy thing doesn’t have anything to do with being gay but it’s, well, it’s downright creepy.

He’s also got the 1950s school cardigan.  No one has worn them in 50 years, but, there he is, strutting around like cardigans are the coolest piece of clothing on the planet.  And, when I say strut, I mean he’s watched Harvey Fierstein walk around too much.

Unfortunately, in this town, being gay is worse than being a murderer.  I try not to think about it, but, every time I see Billy, I think how unfortunate he is that we are in the 21st century and he still has to lie about who he is.  It’s really a shame too.  I’m sure Billy does know that he’s gay, but, unless he moves from this town, he’s never going to admit it.