Who Am I? What Am I?

Rachel is heading back to college in the morning after having been home for the last month on Christmas break. It doesn't seem like we got to spend much quality time with her. Between our jobs and her being off with friends, the time came and went too fast. She's had a busy break from school and I'm sure it's been nice for her but I have a sense that she's ready to go back. Her Facebook status from a few days ago read: "k im bored of lakeville." I think a record number of jigsaw puzzles have been assembled in the short period of time she's been home: 5, maybe more. We did manage to go out to dinner together Friday night at Mongolian Grill.

Tammy was going to drop her off near Mall of America tomorrow so she could catch an early morning bus for the 75-mile ride back to Rochester but she's going to take her back herself. The drive down will give them some time together and I know Tammy is looking forward to that. Plus, the bus trip with Scooter on her lap would maybe be a bit of a hassle. I wish I was going with them.

Rather than paying ridiculous prices for her books at the bookstore on campus this coming semester, we've resorted to buying them online. Rachel's idea. I think we saved $250 by getting them used at half.com, maybe more.

I'm especially concerned about how much our driveway has lifted this winter where it meets the garage. It looks to be easily a half-inch higher than either of the previous two winters since having it poured. I know that pretty much all concrete driveways eventually crack but I was hoping to go a few more years without that happening. It must be the more than normal amount of moisture we had in the ground when the hard freeze set in that's to blame. Not that it matters but I'll be keeping an eye on it.

Between the snow and the cold, this has been a tough winter in the Midwest. The snowbank at the bottom of our driveway is higher than it's ever been. We're due for a January thaw but I'm afraid that's not happening.

It's nice having a heated garage but it comes at a price and I'm not just referring to the additional electricity to heat it. Each morning I have to vacuum up all the water that's melted off our vehicles overnight. Floor drains were against code when I had our home built in 1992. It's more of a problem this year than last year with all the snow we've been getting.

The Farmers' Almanac appears to have nailed it with respect to their forecast for the Midwest and their prediction for cold temps and abundant snow.

Speaking of predictions—when I was much younger I'd occasionally glance at my daily horoscope. I can't recall ever seeing a correlation between the daily readings and my life but I suppose I found something amusing in reading it. One thing I will say though is that the overall description of a Virgo fits me in almost every aspect. Here are a few:

The Virgo man is known for being a perfectionist and is punctual, and expects the same from others. He is also fond of cleanliness and hygiene. He likes to see everything in its right place and keep the surroundings clean.

The Virgo man is blessed with a sharp memory and tends to pay close attention to details. You don't have to remind him about birthdays, anniversaries or other important events.

The Virgo man is reliable and dependable in his personal and professional life. He carries out his responsibilities in a perfect way at home and at the office. He can be an ideal employee or a good business partner.

The Virgo man has some weaknesses such as he is very critical, fussy and harsh, and often finds faults in others. He is also interfering, inflexible and somewhat conservative in nature.

In a nutshell, the loving and honest Virgo man is perfect for a long-lasting relationship, as he can be a devoted and romantic partner, careful father, efficient employee and a loyal, reliable business partner.


But so much for all that because I'm now a Leo and I see nothing in common with the characteristics of a Leo and myself:

If you want to find a Leo, go to the most dazzling places in the town. You will find him there, surrounded by people and playing his role in the limelight beautifully.

There are hardly any introvert Leos, only those who pretend to be introverts.

It is difficult to ignore the lion for too long, he will be the center of attraction sooner or later. The best way to tame him is to flatter him; he will turn into a purring kitten. Praising the intellect will work as much as admiring the appearance will.

When he's partying, he will put the dance floor on fire. 


They at least got the last line right!


Comments

Tim said…
After some Wikipedia research prompted by your post I now know more about astrology than I did before.

Apparently there are two different astrological calendars: sidereal and tropical. The West traditionally uses the tropical calendar which is fixed relative to the vernal equinox whereas the sidereal calendar bases the calendar on the position of the Earth relative to the constellations (which changes over time).

Regardless, it would appear that the astrological sign "Ophiuchus" isn't widely accepted in either calendar.

From Wikipedia:

"The majority of sidereal astrologers and all tropical astrologers (including those practising the popular Sun sign astrology) use the traditional 12-sign zodiac and do not consider Ophiuchus a sign."

So I think it's safe to still consider yourself a Virgo, Kev.
Kevin Gilmore said…
Tim...thanks for clarifying this. I've been walking around the past two days trying to act all Leo but it's just not me. I'm going home after work today and reorganize my sock drawer.
mpdog said…
That description of a Virgo is SPOT ON for me. I couldn't have described myself any better.

I'm sure my wife, kids and co-workers would wholeheartedly agree!
Kevin Gilmore said…
Dog...Is Virgo the new you or the you you've been all along?
mpdog said…
I've always been the same.

my sock drawer never needs reorganizing because it is ALWAYS organized the correct way!

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