Today is a Very Big Day.

Avadore is three. In about an hour or so, we're going out to celebrate and have some fun. He's very excited; he gets presents, and he remembers all about presents from Christmas.

Lately I've been reading Umberto Eco's On Literature. It fits nicely with King's On Writing, which I just finished, don't you think? I'm thoroughly enjoying the book, but I really tend to enjoy Eco's writing. In any event, I heartily suggest it.

Last night I spent pretty much the whole night dreaming about Donnie Darko. Rice and I saw this movie for the first time (how did we miss it before now???) a few months ago, and I can't get the movie out of my head. More than once, I've woken in the night, thinking about Donnie.

If you havne't seen it already, I'd suggest doing so. However, be aware that it may wake you up at night and make you think about it. Thankfully, I wasn't young when I saw it; it would have left me with nightmares.

Speaing of nightmares, one of our friends and neighbors who we've known for several years now just plead guilty to embezzling $162,000 over a five year period from his previous employer (Avadore's doctor's office). He's up for sentencing next month. Part of the deal, in addition to the likelihood of jail time, is that he pay back the money plus a several thousand dollar fine.

My head is having a hard time wrapping around the whole thing. We knew he wasn't happy at his job, but jeez it's hard to believe he did such a thing. I feel really bad about it. Last time we knew he'd plead not guilty. I'll tell Rice later; Rice is having a hard enough time right now as it is.

Rice recently had a company he did some work for a few years ago call and say they wanted to hire him as a software engineering consultant on a huge long-term project.

They had price disucssions, where the company beat around the bush for awhile before telling Rice that they wouldn't pay what he charges per hour (which is the going rate around here). They offered a really low price, Rice said he'd consider it, he came home, we discussed it, and he decided he'd take it. Then they called back and said they'd pay the lowest price Rice offered per hour. So that was fine. This was Friday.

Yesterday, they called and said they'd decided that even though they agreed to the low price, it's still too much. Now they told him they're putting the project up for bid. They really, really want him and what he can do, but they don't want to pay his prices. They say they can hire web developers for a lot less, which is true. However, web developers can't and don't do all that they said they wanted done on the project. What they want is what Rice does.

It's really confusing and frustrating, especially since Rice could really use the job. They said they'd put some specs together, etc., and be in touch in a bit, so we'll see what happens. It's such a stupid mess. Rice has already spent several hours gratis, that he can't afford really (it's not like he doesn't have other work to do), and the phone conversations from yesterday really wound him up. I wish I knew what to do to help.

But today is Avadore's birthday, and we're going to have a good time.