Code Ernie

As I right this, my page shows that we're at Code Ernie. That color of orange doesn't match my color scheme at all. Curses! Unlike the last few Code Oranges, I actually believe that there is a threat. This isn't another scare tactic like the last few. Now I get to go to work and keep my eye on everything that walks by. Thank you, today's administration...I like that scared feeling. The sort-of-ironic part about this is that I'll attempt to show up at work tomorrow at 8 a.m. sharp. I'm not usually in a hurry to get to work that early based on what they said about the timing of the attacks in 2001. Oh well, I only have half a day to work in the loop before I ride public transportation all over the city to re-take my real estate exam. In fact, I get to stay out of the loop until next monday. I can breathe easier once I know I'm at least a few miles away from a potential site.

- In celebration of Code Ernie, I think we should all half-jokingly ask: If 'chatter' shows that there exists the threat of attacks similar in magnitude to those of 9/11, will the Government fail to act on these warnings like they did in the months leading up to 9/11/01?

- Tomorrow I get to re-take the state portion of my Real Estate exam. This is all memory work and since I second-guessed myself into not passing last week, I should at last pass. Last weekend, I spent about a total of three hours reviewing seventeen chapters. This weekend, I have spent about a total of three hours reviewing two chapters. By that logic, I should ace this shit.

- I need an Illinois ID/Drivers license. I'm sick of people spending more than 30 seconds staring at my Wisconsin ID before giving me a strange look. With a fresh haircut and a new m(o)ustache, I should be Drivers License ready. My plan is to take the bus from Lincolnwood a few miles south to the Northside DMV. The afternoon will be an adventure in bus riding and line waiting. I can't wait.

- R.I.P. Brett Favre's Dad. In the words of Bobby Smiley, "Tip and Shout!"

- My work group went to a corporate outing type place to bowl. I have never bowled on shittier lanes. If you threw a hook, the ball would slide right off the lane. If you rolled it straight towards the pins, the ball would slide off the right side. All in all it was a fun time, but I think I'm spending way too much time with these people.

- New Years Resolution #1: drinking in moderation. It's just not as fun anymore. I'm sure my dietary habits have something to do with it...but I'm sick of feeling sick at the end of every night. I'm going to see how long I can keep myself at a pace of no more than 3 drinks an hour...we'll see how long this lasts.

- The word is out about this year's holiday card. Everyone who's called me about it has been laughing. JP called last night to say they stated drinking in celebration of my holiday card. I'm glad I brought a smile to people's faces. What I can't put my finger on is the fact that my Mom is convinced that I tried to look Mexican. What's the deal with my parent's distaste for Mexicans? They always seem to use that term in a negative fashion...I don't get it.

- It's a holiday week, folks. Enjoy the time!

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