Today was my first day back at work after having two weeks off. And I was almost was late starting out my first shift. At home this morning I finished up yesterday's entry for this here journal/diary, and I had trouble uploading it. My computer said my page contained errors and it took up most of my free time trying to find where the errors were so I could fix them. For some reason the java coding, that damn java coding, for both my feedback button and my site meter on the template page keeps changing when I clone off a new entry page. It'll probably happen again when I try to upload this page. I wish I knew what the hell I was doing here.

In my last minute rush, I still found the time to shave off my vacation moustache and wispy goatee. I had to because my place of employment doesn't allow facial hair, which to me is a darn shame. Sometime in my life I'd like to be able to keep my whiskers for more than just fourteen days. My fantasy is to paint a self-portrait of me and my mustache and goatee holding a paintbrush and pallet standing in front of a canvas on an easel.

Very Van Goghish, don't 'cha think?

While on vacation, I still shopped at the grocery store where I work, and a fellow employee of mine, Madeline, upon seeing me would greet me with, "Hi Marmaduke!"

I guess I should be insulted because Marmaduke is that whiskered dog from the comic strips, but I knew Madeline was teasing me affectionately, and so instead I was tickled by the attention. (Insert Scooby-do snicker here.)

You know when ever I take a vacation, it seems that major changes occur at work. I came back to find my grocery store had hired a new checker, as well as promoting two of the courtesy clerks to that position also. That's a good thing because we needed the additional help, especially with me taking two weeks off.

Something bad happened though too (bad for me, that is.) The scan coordinator gave his two weeks notice. Kirk is a good friend of mine and he quit! I have worked with the guy for years! I love this guy like a brother (although I am older than his father! Shut up! I'm aging. I know it... Shut up, I said!) He is an extremely nice fellow and a hard worker. Plus, he's a riot to work with. He's funny as all get out, a real character. He teased me something awful and I gave it right back to him. I don't think there was a day that we worked together that he didn't brighten my life.

Kirk is going on to help run his parents' business and I wish him the best of luck and all the happiness in the world. Nevertheless, this doesn't mean I have to like his leaving. It is like a family member moving away.