For the first time ever, I gave money to Microsoft. I feel dirty.
I also feel stupid because their stuff doesn’t work.
One of the things I’m going to miss about working is that I don’t have access to office supplies. I loved being able to use a 3-hole punch. Or a photocopier. These things are lost to me.
I also have to give back my laptop. When my company got acquired, the new company didn’t approve of our old laptops, giving us new ones instead. I took the old laptop home and used it there sporadically. Now that I’m being laid off, I have to return it. Which is unfortunate, because there was a program on it that I need to use occasionally.
So I should get my own Windows computer. I figured I would save money and instead put Windows onto my Macbook Pro. Since my Mac is three and a half years old, I figured XP would be the way to go. But XP is not available anymore. So, I guess I have to use Windows 7. I went out and purchased a copy, and then followed the instructions to install it. And promptly ran into problems that are leading me to believe my computer can’t support Windows 7, despite meeting the system requirements.
I am not a fan of Microsoft right now.

I really should be doing more work looking for a new job. I think part of it is that I don’t really believe I am unemployed. After so many years it feels unnatural. The last time I looked for a job was while I was still in university. There was another time I was looking, but a headhunter got me what would become my present job, so I didn’t feel as active in looking.
My friend describing an opportunity for iPhone development may have taken the edge off as well. The idea that I have this opportunity just waiting for me feels like a safety net I don’t really have. I should buckle down and get serious. But I am sort of looking forward to not having to work for awhile; an enforced vacation.
Not helping is that I’m trying to spring clean my home. Which means that I’m going through old piles of papers, sorting them and trying to figure out what to do with them. I just ran across all my documents from my European vacation two years ago. Hmmm. I have time now, and a nice severance…
Stop! That is the madness place!

What is the policy on keeping brochures from past vacations? Keep ’em as memories, or toss them as clutter?

I’ve done more marathons than I’ve done half-marathons. I’ve done more ultramarthons than I’ve done marathons. (All of the above ignores the Walt Disney Goofy which I am not sure whether it should be classified as a half, a full or an ultra.) I appear to like longer distances to shorter.
My theory for that is that there is less pressure with an ultra. With the shorter (using the word liberally) races, I know I am going to finish. I am competing to have a fast time. I have to figure out what speed I can do and how long I can keep it up for. I have to straddle the line between aerobic and anaerobic.
With an ultra, I’m just worried about finishing. That is the accomplishment. I’m solidly in aerobic exercise the entire time. Walking hills is not frowned upon, and is even encouraged. I can stop and rest without guilt or worrying about who is passing me. As long as I finish, I have plenty of time to catch up with them. And if I don’t, no biggie. My only goal is the getting across the finish line.
I could also say that I am much more susceptible to peer-pressure when I’m running. I usually don’t want to do these stupid-distance races, but my running friends can easily convince me to do one while I’m flush with endorphins. My non-running friends cannot convince me to not do them, because I usually see them in a laid-back environment with very little endorphins.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.