Domestic Geek

Note to Self: Stop drinking carbonated beverages, especially now that you don't drink them all the time. I had a Coke with dinner because the place we went to dinner doesn't serve brewed tea (only that nasty fountain crap). I have got the worst case of heartburn right now as a result. Ugh. This sucks because I had intended on going to bed early to get a good night's rest (still trying to fight off sickness). Does a woman's immune system drop right before her period? It always seems that when I do get sick, it's right around this time of month. *sigh*

Have you ever wanted a pair of night vision goggles? I have! I love going camping, but sometimes that complete darkness freaks me out a little. Especially when you can't tell what kind of critters are roaming around you. Of course, with the skunks, raccoons, cats and loose dogs running around here where I live, they would be helpful when I take Skippy out in the evenings, as well.

I really want to procure myself a pair of these for the next time I go camping. There is a great online optical superstore called Optics Planet that has a large selection of night vision products. I have always wondered how you can see better in the dark with night vision goggles. There is a whole page describing how the whole process works, including some helpful videos.

I was amazed at the large selection of other optic products this company carries by well-known and respected manufacturers: Bushnell, Nikon, ATN, Leupold, Barska, Steiner, Meade, Celestron, Swarovski, Leica and many others. They claim to have a Best Deal Guarantee (see the web site for details) to ensure you get the best possible deal. While checking out some of the other neat gadgets, I found something else I must have — a digital camera binocular! Man, is that cool or what?

If you have an outdoorsman, astronomer, photographer, bird watcher, sports fan or gadget enthusiast on your Christmas list, the folks at Optics Planet have compiled a Holiday Gift Guide chock full of unique gifts ideas. Everything from scopes, night vision devices, cameras, binoculars, microscopes and a whole lot more. If you’re in the market to buy any of these types of items for yourself, Optics Planet has a wealth of information to help you choose the product that is right for you. Buyer's guides, discussion forum and email assistance are all offered on the site to help answer any question you may have. An extra bonus: FREE UPS ground shipping on most orders over $29.95 in the continental United States. You can't beat a deal like that!

The overwhelming feeling that my whole life path is a mistake is creeping back on me. Where did I go wrong? How did I manage to screw my life up this bad? I know part of that sinking feeling is just that I'm coming up on that time of month. But just part of it. I thought by the time I hit 40, I'd have a pretty good idea of where I was going and where I wanted to be. The fact is, I've got less of a clue now than I have at any point in my life. Is it that nagging notion that I'd better hurry up and figure this out getting the best of me? I don't know. I had a thought recently that really freaked me out. If I've only got the same amount of time left on this planet that my mom had, I've only got 11 years left. See, she died right before her 51st birthday. All I do know is that I have never felt this worthless, confused, hopeless or frustrated in my entire life. It's hard to keep telling yourself you're smart and talented when you've been trying to find a job for over six months and nobody will give you a chance.

As usual, I found drawing by Hugh MacLeod of Gaping Void that depict exactly what I'm feeling right now:

While purusing the Apple employment site for me yesterday, Marcus noticed that they are now hiring for a Park Meadows location. I wonder where over there they are planning to put it? I hope it's not in the mall itself. I hate going into that place. Anyway, sometime in the next few months, looks like we're going to another Apple Store opening!

Marcus and I had lunch at a place I think I've written about before called The Sub Stop. It's in the Hobby Lobby shopping center at 6th and Sable here in Aurora. The woman that runs or owns (not sure which) the place is awesome. She remembers her customers—a trait that is rare these days. Hey Mike, Nina and Sarah, she asked how you guys were doing since she hadn't seen you all in awhile! How cool is that? Oh, and they make awesome sweet tea there. I usually get something with roast beef in it—a french dip or a philly sub. They really pile on the ingredients, too. Go check it out!