A world without computers

This morning I came to work an hour early because I had so many files to process today and new I'd never get them done in between and around my 22 student appointments. When I arrived the database wasn't accessible, slowly I realized that all things OSU-online were non-functional.  After about an hour, word came out that there had been a fire in a steam tunnel and some services were down.  An hour after that it was confirmed that a dozen buildings on campus have no power and so classes and work in those buildings were cancelled.  No luck, my building has power and heat, I gotta stay.

But I can't do much.  All the databases are offline as well as the OSU main website.  Its surreal how much people are freaking out not knowing what to do.  They say that all non-essential personnel should leave at noon, but the only people here are me and a receptionist - all the bosses are already on vacation or called in sick....I don't feel very essential.....

The time is definitely come....

On Wednesday I went to OHSU and had my pre-surgery appointment to have my eyes restraightened.  I was worried that maybe I was just being vain and maybe it wasn't such a big deal that people can't tell when I am looking at them.

Until today. 

I had an appointment with a student whose eyes are turned as bad or worse than mine.  It actually hurt my face as we both constantly tried to readjust our gaze based on where we kinda maybe thought the other person was looking or thought we were looking.  By the end of the appointmentwe were both concentrating really hard on his file and never looking up.  If I had a fun accent, it could have been a Monty Python sketch - seriously.

Anyone else?

Ever have a conversation with someone after they walk away just think 'what a bitch'.  That's pretty much my office interaction in a nutshell.

Happy November

Wake up!  It's the first Saturday of the month and time for free kid's workshop projects at Home Depot.  today was an actually functional spice rack.  Follow that up with Lawrence's bowling league, haircuts, grocery shopping and I'm so ready to make the snacks and settle in to watch some Beaver Football.  Sometimes I think my hours at work are actually my 'downtime'.

The weather is absolutely amazing for November.  Some rain but not enough to interfere with getting outdoors, temps so mild I haven't bought the winter coats yet, and gorgeous reds, yellows and oranges everywhere.

The other day I went to the Tualatin National Wildlife refuge and walked their trails.   I was stopped to look at a little bird that actually runs up the tree trunk when all of a sudden a breeze came and I was caught in a shower of falling leaves. I half expected fairies to come out and say hello, it was just a magical moment.  It was completely unplanned and I couldn't take people out to that spot to experience it, proof that I need to get outside more.  Something about trees and water sets me at peace.  I guess I need actual quiet around me to find it within me.