I am so creative

This week's anthem is a song by Rush called..."Anthem". Yeah, anyone who knows me has probably seen this coming.

Ouch

I am in all sorts of pain. Could the reason be that I haven't done any real lifting since my March departure from the shooting range only to be thrust back into the heavy lifting of the lead pull, or could it be the sheer volume of one of the periodic table's densest metals bearing down on my arms, legs and back in seemlessly endless repetition? I say it is a little from column "A" and a lot from column "B".

On the inside of my left forearm (my support arm when I pull lead), there are about 12 welts that bear the mark of sixteen successive 120 pound buckets. The good news is I have 12 to go tomorrow. Yippee. This will never be a problem again after tomorrow because I will keep up with it.

I did discover that the threat I mentioned in the last post of the traps becoming indefinitely stopped up has been abated. Well, about 90% abated. There is buildup I cannot reach with any kind of scraping tool. But let me tell you, the 5 to 10 pound chunks of lead I did manage to get out were impressive.

I look forward to relaxing the rest of the evening. Blockbuster sent me a documentary on ancient Egypt, and I must get to that.

Under the Microscope

As I said before, the guy who replaced me when I left the range was fantastic. Partially because things worked fairly well (he made it much better), but mostly because he had an inclination for fixing things I simply do not. I have to really look at something, reverse engineer it, and then I figure it out. But that takes time.

Anyway, I started back at the range this morning - a full week earlier than I promised - to at least help in the mornings before I head off to the pharmacy. My intention was to pull the lead from the traps in the back. I was expecting to walk into quite the Charlie Foxtrot with lead all over the floor and a clean up job that would take hours. Imagine the pleasant surprise when I found very little lead on the floor. Yay! Imagine my sunken spirits when I started to pull the buckets and I realized that the lead is not only in the buckets, but also up inside the trap. For those of you who don't know, hot lead tends to fuse together. The people who installed the backstop warned us against buildup in the traps because the fusing could cause an all out barricade preventing the lead from ever getting close to the buckets.

I go to Bridger (my boss) and explain the situation reminding him of the conversation Action Target had with both of us about this very possibility. It seems that lead pulling never really seemed very important to the man. He is a good boss in that he knows how to generate revenue, and that is all he thinks about. I guess he didn't see how having working backstops directly affects said. I will go on record to say that I drove that correlation home to him in a huge way. When I asked him how long it had been, he said the lead has only been pulled twice this month, both times toward the beginning. The range is busy enough that it merits no less than 2 pulls every week.

So I put a sincere fear of things that could be today. Although, this isn't to say there is definitely a problem. I am going in tomorrow to view the lead accumulation in the buckets so I can give a proper prognosis.

Then he said something to me that made me suspicious of this whole arrangement I have entered into. He told me that Dan, the guy after me, had called and decided he wanted the maintenance job back. Bridger told me that he turned the guy down because he rehired me, and more or less told me that Dan would come back depending on how I work out. Needless to say, this has been bothering me all day.

So here is the position I am placed in: they really like Dan, and rightfully so. However, I just quit my job at the pharmacy. I am in the position now where putting all of my eggs in the Caswell's basket is too risky. So, while I will work for the range as I promised, and I will do it to the full extent of my ability, I am going to also keep my eyes open and actively search for different employment. I don't need Dan held over my head and the constant threat of being replaced. If I knew this Dan guy got a job elsewhere, then I would breathe a sigh of relief and stop my job search.

I will gauge things better tomorrow. I need to know my job is solid for me to rest at night. I have 4 mouths to feed aside from my own, and I can't have anyone put that in jeopardy and not actively search for an alternative.

Jeez, Lady! This isn't McDonald's!

An event took place today that both reminded me of why I hate the pharmacy so much as well as why my brother may have snapped that day at Fuddruckers when he exclaimed, "Jeez, Lady! This isn't McDonald's!"

I took a phone call at about 6:30 this evening from a patient who dared to refer to me as "you people". Apparently, Walgreens dropped some sort of ball in that this lady's prescription was not ready. I explained that it was entirely the fault of her insurance company as they were not willing to pay their end of it until they spoke to her doctor. I did tell her the alternative was to simply pay full cash price and forget about the run around the insurance company was putting her through. Imagine her disgust when she found out that price was $140. Now, it really was our fault - and it was an insult that I would even present the option. At this point, I had enough. Enjoy the dialogue that followed:

"I merely suggested it as an option. That is the full cost, though. It doesn't really matter where the money comes from, as long as we get it."

"Oooohhhh. I see. So you don't really care, is that it? Just as long as you get the money, huh?"

"Absolutely. It is basic economics. We live in a capitalistic society. In such societies, businesses exist to make money. Walgreens is such a business. So either you can wait for your insurance company to cover their part, or you can choose to pay for it altogether. It really makes no difference to us."

It was oh so vindicating to finally let one of these jerks have it. Needless to say, I only stoked the fire, and I knew it as I did it. But about 30 seconds later, she backed down and even sincerely thanked me for my patience. Interesting. I guess sticking to one's guns can only serve to gain another's respect.

Anyway, as promised, I will briefly explain why I am going for an MBA rather than a PharmD.

1. I hate pharmacy, and being a pharmacist won't change that.
2. the pre-requisites for pharmacy school keep changing, and at some universities, are even set up so that one must take pre-reqs at said university.
3. Marketing will allow me to tap into my dominant creativivity as opposed to having to force my recessive left-brainedness.
4. In the time it would take me at this point to get my PharmD, I could be almost a year into pursuing a PhD. Certainly, my MBA will have long passed.
5. The money is actually better on the path I am taking. Not immediately, but over the course of my life, I will have made much more money.

I hope that about explains it. Believe me, a lot of thought has gone into this. 2 months at least to be exact. And as Mike said Saturday night, I have looked at this objectively. For those of you who support, thanks. For those of you who don't, well, that is your problem.

For this week's anthem, I am going with Faith No More's "Midlife Crisis". Enjoy.

Leave with honor, return with pride

Some of you may know this already, and some of you definitely do not - I have decided the Pharmacy field is not for me. My reasons are many, but let's just say that in the last 4 months of my time as a pharmacy technician, I can recall about 4 good days. I really don't like my job.

To that end, I sent my resume out to several different employers only to come up with dead ends. Almost all of them had no interest in allowing me to complete my degree (Which has now reverted back to marketing). Then something rather interesting happened. I remembered this morning that my old boss from the shooting range, Bridger, had called me at least a month ago telling me they had a pay stub I needed to pick up. Since I was out that way, I stopped by to pick it up. Fifteen minutes later, I walked out with my old job as maintenance technician. Not only that, I was offered $2 per hour more than what I was making, and $3.50 per hour more than I make now.

The guy who replaced me got a job offer with pensions and all kindds of benefits, so it is understandable why he left. He also left with the range operating at its fullness. I am not afraid to admit he was better than I am at that job. He had a knack for it. I know I will be held to that standard. To that end, I also can say he didn't walk into the charlie foxtrot I did. Now when I go back, I will be able to start with the range performing the way it should be. A luxury I didn't have the first time around. Preventative maintenance is always easier than fixing what is broken. Oh, and the free shooting was sorely missed. I am thinking I will buy my firearm very soon...

Ironically, though I had been actively seeking new employment, I found it in the place I wasn't actually looking.

Next post: I am sure some may want to know why I am leaving the pharmacy field and pursuing my MBA...that question shall be answered...

Back to the Irons

This will be the firt time Iron Maiden appears on this blog as an anthem announcement, but not the first time since I have been dedicating entire weeks to one particular song. The song Wasted Years has also been designated worthy of anthemhood. This week, I present the third most widely known Maiden song (Run to the Hills and The Number of the Beast being the top 2 in terms of recognizability), The Trooper:



For added entertainment, check this manualist out. He plays The Trooper's vocal and lead guitar lines with his hands. At least we know that if Bruce Dickinson or Dave murray (or both) left the band, the band could go on.

Hypocrisy

I know I have said on several occasions that I have absolutely no interest in reading fiction recreationally. Most of what I read are history books steeped in either archaeological fact or conjecture. My favorite literature are ancient texts written by real people expressing real beliefs, desires, and emotions. My favorite mystery books examine the unanswered questions left by civilizations decimated by man's only natural enemy: time.

Because I am such a history nut, my sister Jen recommended that I read historical fiction. She is the only person I know with a love of history that I would say rivals mine, and she assured me that I would enjoy it. So I caved. I figured that if she is good enough to name my only daughter after, I could take her word for it. I did some research on Ancient Egyptian fiction and came upon an author (Turns out one of the most successful in history) I was introduced to in high school - Wilbur Smith.

The book I had to read was "When the Lion Feeds". I can't say that I remember too much about it other than the lingering impression that the author didn't suck. He has written over 30 books with only a handful on the topic of Egypt, but the one that caught my eye was "River God". This is the first in a four part series about a warrior in Pharaoh's army as seen through the eyes of his servant, a eunuch named Taita. So far, I am still in the character buildup of the novel, but the attention to detail on the dress, landscape, social classes, and atmosphere of how we understand the era is phenomenal. I am very much ingratiated into this book. I (so far) recommend it to anyone interested in a historical fiction. From that I understand of it, there will be fierce war battles as well as a little romance, which began to manifest itself on about the second page.

Things around the house are settled down. I look forward to resuming my social life this weekend. So to my local buddies - how does Saturday evening strike you?

Oh yes, and Pharmacy school has just been pushed out another year. So now I am forced to reevaluate my pursuit. At this point, I will be 35 by the time I am finished. So now my future is in the air. College degree? You bet. Will it necessarily be in pharmacy? I don't know.

How could I have passed this up?

I have been declaring anthems longer than I have had this blog. In the time I have been designating them, it never really occured to me to post this song...a song a band I was in were intending to cover because it kicks so much keister (that is how cowboys would say it, right?).

Without further adieu, I give you Pantera's "Cowboys From Hell"

Settling in

As was the case with my boys, Kristin and I are now starting to settle in with our family's newest addition. It seems to be easier each time. I chalk this time up to the help the boys have been giving us. Granted, they are too young to cook or clean, but they are not arguing as much, so a lot of potential stress is avoided. The only lingering affect that Kristin and I are still trying to get over (more her than me) is this blithering sleepiness. Luckily, Jenna is pretty easy to keep quiet at night. Kristin figured her out quickly. By Monday, we should be back to our normal sleep schedule.

I intend to post pictures soon. I am not sure how to do that on this site though. I will have to seek out Mike's assistance on that.

Speaking of Mike (subject change), he posted a comment on my last post that I agree with 100%. I will comment on that shortly as I want to break down my feelings on the new DT album song for song now that I have listened to it a few times:

1. In the Presence of Enemies Part 1 - Starts off great. The whole instrumental thing that leads the song off for the first several minutes rules in a classic DT way. Then the vocals enter the equation. And so begins the lame lyrics and equally lame vocal lines. I am not a big fan with how this song is sung.

2. Forsaken - One mono-syllabic expression says it all: meh

3. Constant Motion - This is the "single" track from the album. This is the tune the record label allowed as a free download. I stand by my original assessment in that this is a good song. The vocals are done very well, the lyrics aren't hateful, and the music is in keeping with the normal DT format. The one thing that stands out is the angry, aggressive vocals James LaBrie lays down. He is definitely a metal singer when he needs to be. Kudos.

4. The Dark Eternal Night - Anyone who plays the videos I post will have heard this song as a promotional video was posted on Sunday. This song has everything one would want from the band. Only thing is that an ending to the song was obviously never established because it fades out at the end. I expect better from DT. For a second, I thought I was listening to a Whitesnake album. This is not the last time this problem will manifest.

5. Repentence - Yeah, I will be ok if I never hear it again. Not at all good, but not the worst thing they have released. That title is reserved for the next song.

6. Prohets of War - This is by far, on several levels, the worst song they have ever written. It is the only one I designate as hateful. I hate it like I hate emo. Mike's comment says that this is the second worst song lyrically trumped only by Never Enough (from the last album). I guess I agree, but at least Never Enough was performed well. Prohets of War not only has crappy lyrics, but it is sung poorly, the music is boring, and the subject only serves to confuse the audience. One thing that I have always liked about Dream Theater is their conservative view they sometimes relate in their songs. This song is clearly an anti-war tune based on shoddy research. Of course, the singer (who is Canadian) wrote the lyrics, but it was somehow greenlighted by both Mike Portnoy and John Petrucci, the clear owners of the band. Those two members write conservative songs like The Great Debate (anti stem cell research tune) and Sacrificed Sons (about the tribal mindset of the Middle East) while the singer writes a "Screw Bush" song. I'm sorry James, but I don't find this song especially special.

7. The Ministry of Lost Souls - As a whole, this is my favorite song on the album. The album's best lyrics are found here, and the music is overall beautiful. The band couldn't figure an end to this song either, so they faded it out too. So sad. But the rest of the song is so good that it merits my unconditional forgiveness.

8. In the Presence of Enemies Part 2 - This is the last song on the album, and pretty much picks up where part 1 left off. It starts off quite lame, but musically, it gets really good...probably 5 minutes into it. The lyrics are rough throughout. I just focus on the music.

Overall, I am not as disapointed as I was the first time I heard it because I now focus on the good things the album offers. Still, it is my least favorite album. That's ok though. I still love them.

I got some information as to why I could not find that special edition Rush album. It isn't out yet. They had to delay it (again) to the 26th. As consolation, Rush is giving away a free screensaver. If you are interested in it, just click the above link. Also, the website plays their new song Far Cry. Check it out. In my opinion, it is one of the best songs they have released since 1989.

A day of great joy and comparitively trivial sorrow

This morning at 8:14 am, through my wife's loins came my baby girl Jenna Rachel Ketterer. She is a healthy 7 pounds 11 ounces making her the second heaviest child Kristin has given birth to. She is 20 1/2 inches long. Her hair is brown. Eye color...well, all babies aree born with blue eyes, so we will see where she falls. My oldest has green, my middle child has blue. Maybe she will have hazel or brown. I think it would be cool for each of my children to have different eye colors.

Jenna is very comfortable with me. A comfort my boys did not exhibit until months after they were born. She falls asleep easily when I hold her, and her cries are supressed just as easily. Maybe that father-daughter bond is already there as far as she is concerned.

Now my boys have a sister. They are very excited to have her in the house. As they should be. For those of you guys out there with sisters, you can probably attest to the special place they hold in your lives. The way we feel about our sisters is different, though no less intense than we do our brothers. I love my sisters well, and I know I will see that sentiment expressed through my sons.

Onto the other events of the day --

As Mike's comment clearly states, Dream Theater's new album was easily accessed, but the special edition fo Rush's new album was not. At least, not where I went. That is part 1 of the trivial sorrow. The other part is in Dream Theater's album. It proved to be quite underwhelming. Up until now, I have loved everything they have released. It just seems like they didn't try this time. Though musically there are some jewels to be found, they just didn't pull it off lyrically. In fact, the lyrics are downright awful in all but one song.

As disappointing as this is, they are still tied with Rush as my favorite band. They can't all be jewels, I suppose.

T-Minus...?

Well, in a few minutes, Kristin and I will be driving up to Scottsdale Health Center for her 12:00 AM induction appointment. When the baby will be born...I am not sure. Labor time is always the variable.

This will be a great day. Rush, Dream Theater, and a new baby. This is an omen. Maybe I should do what Mike (Seppy) told me to do...name her Rushalina Dreamtheatera Ketterer. Maybe Kristin will be on board for that. Probably not.

I will post with more details very soon.

This Tuesday = *boing*

Oh man! This is freakin' unbelievable. I am just glad Tuesday is as long as I have to wait. Oh, and while I am on the subject of Dream Theater, I got my tickets in the mail today.



Oh, and my favorite female-fronted band, Nightwish announced their new singer recently. Here is the official announcement from Roadrunner Records. I am just glad the band approves.