***Vacation, is the spice of life (Part VI)***

The Spouse looked at me expectantly as I hung up the phone.

“Did you speak with your HR Director?”

I shook my head. “She was out to lunch.”

“Why would she call you on your day off?”

“Well,” I said lightly even though I didn’t feel it. “Maybe she called to tell me that I’m fired and to just come in Tuesday to pick up my stuff.”

“You think so?”

“No,” I said honestly as we got into my car. We were to see a movie. “I honestly don’t know. I’ll call one more time before going into the theater.”

An hour later

“So, what did she say?” The Spouse asked.

“Well, we were sorta right,” I said slowly. “I am being let go.”

R. moved in close. “I’m sorry—“

“—and so is my entire department and three other ones, too.”

”What?”

I nodded. “Corporate is closing four departments. Our last day is the 29th of this month.” I pulled out my movie ticket. “Ready to see the Fantastic Four?”

End of vacation

(Image found on the Internet and all rights belong to its owner.)

***Vacation, is the spice of life (Part V)***

Sunday we checked out of the B&B.

It was a sad occasion. Though we didn’t particularly like the room (on ground level where you can hear everything), symbolically it meant the end of our vacation. Part of that feeling persisted even at the convention where we made our final purchases. We dined at our favorite Hillcrest restaurant afterwards before settling down at Dave’s with our last remaining booty. Arrival at home was met with insomnia; I just surfed until 0500 Monday morn.



To be continued

***Vacation, is the spice of life (Part IV)***

We only spent a few hours on Saturday at the convention. We learned—from painful experience—that it’s the most crowded day. Even the few hours we spent there—between 1600 to 1900—it was still packed.

We spent the afternoon checked out bookstores: Prince and the Pauper and Mysterious Galaxy. After our few hours at the con, we saw the movie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Good movie but the sound in the theater was way too loud.

Dined in the Gaslamp District. We ended the evening at David’s, reading our booty.



To be continued

***Humor: Woman words***

For a change of pace:

WORDS WOMEN USE


FINE
This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.


FIVE MINUTES
If she is getting dressed, this is half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given 5 more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.


NOTHING
This is the calm before the storm. This means "something," and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with 'Nothing' usually
end in "Fine"


GO AHEAD
This is a dare, not permission. Don't do it.


LOUD SIGH
This is not actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A "Loud Sigh" means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you over "Nothing"


THAT'S OKAY
This is one of the most dangerous statements that a woman can make to a man. "That's Okay" means that she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.


THANKS
A woman is thanking you. Do not question it or faint. Just say you're welcome.


WHATEVER
It's a woman's way of saying *!#@ YOU!

***Vacation, is the spice of life (Part III)***

Is it something in the air? My clothes? My hairstyle? Shortly after finding another spot on the floor Friday afternoon, another guest sat next to me to chat as I ate a hotdog and pizza.

The rest of the afternoon at the con was a repeat of Thursday. This time we tried a new restaurant for dinner that evening.



To be continued

***Vacation, is the spice of life (Part II)***

After getting a bit snappy Thursday morn (hypoglycemic crash. You get used to it. Sorta.), we arrived at the convention center around noon.

Crowds were still small. I purchased our 2006 tickets before we entered the main hall. We split up and I immediately found a food court where I purchased pizza and a drink. While sitting on the floor (all the tables had been taken), I was joined by a father, his son, and two grrrls. The latter two were from the O.C. and we discussed Anime Expo; the latter were locals and anime fanatics.

One thing I immediately noted from last year is the costumes. Or lack of. Far less folks wore costumes even on Saturday. And those who did wore primarily Star Wars garb. Ugh.

R. and I met periodically every two hours. I had already purchased all my items that day (role-playing supplements and a few independent comic books) before our first meeting. We split our purchases and continued on until 1900 before heading out for dinner. We checked a couple of new places before deciding to go back to Wednesday’s restaurant. To work off our very full bellies, we visited Obelisk that evening.



To be continued

***Vacation, is the spice of life***

Wednesday we headed out.

Traffic was a straight shoot. We settled into our bed and breakfast before heading to Hillcrest for a bite to eat.

Wednesday is Preview night for Comic Con. Only those who bought advance tickets can attend. And that was a lot of people: I have no figures but I guesstimate there were easily a couple of thousand folks eagerly waiting for the doors to open at the Convention Center.

Preview night lasted from 1800 to 2100. I didn’t buy anything from the vendors but noted all the major ones.

We ended the evening eating at one of the local restaurants. One of the patrons was so plastered he swore loudly and propositioned our server. While distracting, I mentally “wrote” notes for a future character in one of my books.

To be continued