Friday, October 31, 2003
Yippee! Blogger's working tonight
There I was, all set to write last night's post. Logged on to the Internet, no problems (thanks DSL service). Click on favorites to go to E-Blogger and suddenly get a damn error message. A problem has been encountered and has been reported. If the problem persists, please trying logging off and then back on. Well, after 30 to 40 minutes of trying, I said the hell with it and went to bed. Once again, I'm forced to think of an alternative to E-Blogger/Blogspot. I don't want nor need the hassle right now.
Happy Halloween
Went to Rachel's school today to assist with a class project called pumpkin math. This project used math to turn creating jack-o-lanterns into a learning experience. The kids had to estimate such things as the circumference, diameter, weight, thickness, and number of seeds of their pumpkins. Then, the did the actual measurements of those items to see how close they came. Finally, we carved the pumpkins (which is why the adults were there). The kids then took the measurements and as a group figured out the minimum, maximum, and average numbers of the pumpkins. As a way to learn, it was pretty cool. Sure beats some lame party where the kids just get hyped up on sugar.
Rachel went trick-or-treating with a friend this evening and had a blast. I sat with the parents of her friend while another friend took the girls out. This meant that I did not have to hop up and down to hand out candy. Of course, it also means that I had purchased candy for passing out at home that didn't get passed out. Rachel isn't too sad about that. More for her.
Who turned the heat off?
Damn, it is cold around here today. Wednesday, the temperature here was 82 degrees. Yesterday, it was in the low thirties and today the "high" temp was 30 degrees. Plus, it's been raining, drizzling, and snowing around here, so we have a nice amount of ice hanging around. I had to go spread salt around on my front porch before any kids came by tonight just so they wouldn't slip and hurt themselves. I think tomorrow we have a chance at hitting fifty. Will probably seem hot compared to the last couple of days. At least this weather has helped the two fires we had earlier this week.
Poker Night tomorrow
I have a poker game to go to tomorrow evening. This will be the first time I've played poker (other than PokerStars.com) in several years. Why is it that people (usually guys) don't play cards much anymore. I remember years ago that my dad used to play quite often at his apartment complex. I also recall screwing up a hand or two for him or his friends by commenting on their cards during a hand. I don't recall the stakes of the games my dad played, but I don't think that the money was the most important thing. When I play poker (usually nickel, dime, and quarter), I play more for the conversation, joking, drinking, smoking, and just general bull that occurs. I'm not going to this game looking to make a mint, I'm just looking to have a good time. Sure, winning a couple of bucks would be nice, but it's not my main reason for playing. I'm more interested in the play than the outcome. It's nice to think more about the enjoyment of just playing a game then to stress about the outcome.
The other reason I mention tomorrow's game is that I may not post before I leave for the game. So, if you don't see something here tomorrow, it's because I'm out being a guy and drinking, smoking, and gambling. Wow, sounds better every time I mention it. Now, if I could only hope for a stripper, I'd be set. Just kidding. No, I'm not.
There I was, all set to write last night's post. Logged on to the Internet, no problems (thanks DSL service). Click on favorites to go to E-Blogger and suddenly get a damn error message. A problem has been encountered and has been reported. If the problem persists, please trying logging off and then back on. Well, after 30 to 40 minutes of trying, I said the hell with it and went to bed. Once again, I'm forced to think of an alternative to E-Blogger/Blogspot. I don't want nor need the hassle right now.
Happy Halloween
Went to Rachel's school today to assist with a class project called pumpkin math. This project used math to turn creating jack-o-lanterns into a learning experience. The kids had to estimate such things as the circumference, diameter, weight, thickness, and number of seeds of their pumpkins. Then, the did the actual measurements of those items to see how close they came. Finally, we carved the pumpkins (which is why the adults were there). The kids then took the measurements and as a group figured out the minimum, maximum, and average numbers of the pumpkins. As a way to learn, it was pretty cool. Sure beats some lame party where the kids just get hyped up on sugar.
Rachel went trick-or-treating with a friend this evening and had a blast. I sat with the parents of her friend while another friend took the girls out. This meant that I did not have to hop up and down to hand out candy. Of course, it also means that I had purchased candy for passing out at home that didn't get passed out. Rachel isn't too sad about that. More for her.
Who turned the heat off?
Damn, it is cold around here today. Wednesday, the temperature here was 82 degrees. Yesterday, it was in the low thirties and today the "high" temp was 30 degrees. Plus, it's been raining, drizzling, and snowing around here, so we have a nice amount of ice hanging around. I had to go spread salt around on my front porch before any kids came by tonight just so they wouldn't slip and hurt themselves. I think tomorrow we have a chance at hitting fifty. Will probably seem hot compared to the last couple of days. At least this weather has helped the two fires we had earlier this week.
Poker Night tomorrow
I have a poker game to go to tomorrow evening. This will be the first time I've played poker (other than PokerStars.com) in several years. Why is it that people (usually guys) don't play cards much anymore. I remember years ago that my dad used to play quite often at his apartment complex. I also recall screwing up a hand or two for him or his friends by commenting on their cards during a hand. I don't recall the stakes of the games my dad played, but I don't think that the money was the most important thing. When I play poker (usually nickel, dime, and quarter), I play more for the conversation, joking, drinking, smoking, and just general bull that occurs. I'm not going to this game looking to make a mint, I'm just looking to have a good time. Sure, winning a couple of bucks would be nice, but it's not my main reason for playing. I'm more interested in the play than the outcome. It's nice to think more about the enjoyment of just playing a game then to stress about the outcome.
The other reason I mention tomorrow's game is that I may not post before I leave for the game. So, if you don't see something here tomorrow, it's because I'm out being a guy and drinking, smoking, and gambling. Wow, sounds better every time I mention it. Now, if I could only hope for a stripper, I'd be set. Just kidding. No, I'm not.
Wednesday, October 29, 2003
Judi's House
My daughter Rachel (don't know that I've actually typed her name before) and I went to a place this afternoon called Judi's House. This place is basically a grief counseling place primarily for children (although the parent(s) have counseling available) who have lost someone close to them. The house is named after Judith Griese who was (former Bronco quarterback) Brian Griese's mom. He set up this house as a place where kids can go and learn about grief, how to handle it, how to deal with it, that they are not the only ones going through it, etc...
So anyway, while my daughter was touring the house, I had a chance to speak to one of the counselors. Well, to keep a long story short, she determined that I could use at least some group grief therapy, possibly some private therapy, and probably some meds to treat anxiety and/or depression. All of that is probably true to some extent. It's just weird to have someone you just met tell you that. The interesting thing is that I usually feel that I'm fine. However, the woman I was speaking with today asked me just a handful of questions that made me really emotional. I can't quite remember what the questions were, but they sure did strike a nerve. So, maybe I do need to talk with someone. I don't know. But, if talking to someone helps me and my daughter, it will be worth it.
Fire!
There is a fire about 30 miles (as the crow flies) from my home. The last report I heard, over 800 acres have burned to this point. When I went out today, I could see the cloud of smoke hanging over the sky. I could see the red/orange/yellow influence of the fire in the clouds. I can also smell the smoke from my house. This is nowhere near the size or intensity of the CA fires, but they still are big enough to be concerned about. Hopefully, we'll get the snow/rain they are predicting tomorrow or Friday. That will help the situation.
Short post tonight
Well, the counselor really got to me today. I don't feel bad, but I'm sitting here just thinking about "stuff". So, I'm going to keep it short tonight. I'll let you know what I learn concerning grief therapy. Could be interesting.
My daughter Rachel (don't know that I've actually typed her name before) and I went to a place this afternoon called Judi's House. This place is basically a grief counseling place primarily for children (although the parent(s) have counseling available) who have lost someone close to them. The house is named after Judith Griese who was (former Bronco quarterback) Brian Griese's mom. He set up this house as a place where kids can go and learn about grief, how to handle it, how to deal with it, that they are not the only ones going through it, etc...
So anyway, while my daughter was touring the house, I had a chance to speak to one of the counselors. Well, to keep a long story short, she determined that I could use at least some group grief therapy, possibly some private therapy, and probably some meds to treat anxiety and/or depression. All of that is probably true to some extent. It's just weird to have someone you just met tell you that. The interesting thing is that I usually feel that I'm fine. However, the woman I was speaking with today asked me just a handful of questions that made me really emotional. I can't quite remember what the questions were, but they sure did strike a nerve. So, maybe I do need to talk with someone. I don't know. But, if talking to someone helps me and my daughter, it will be worth it.
Fire!
There is a fire about 30 miles (as the crow flies) from my home. The last report I heard, over 800 acres have burned to this point. When I went out today, I could see the cloud of smoke hanging over the sky. I could see the red/orange/yellow influence of the fire in the clouds. I can also smell the smoke from my house. This is nowhere near the size or intensity of the CA fires, but they still are big enough to be concerned about. Hopefully, we'll get the snow/rain they are predicting tomorrow or Friday. That will help the situation.
Short post tonight
Well, the counselor really got to me today. I don't feel bad, but I'm sitting here just thinking about "stuff". So, I'm going to keep it short tonight. I'll let you know what I learn concerning grief therapy. Could be interesting.
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Ugh! No Bowling tonight
Damn, for the first time in several years, my team did not bowl tonight. Seems one teammate (Harry) is stuck in Arizona (possibly because of CA's fires) because his flight was canceled. His wife (Pat) doesn't bowl if Harry is out of town. Also, the other female on my team (Tracey) came up sick today. So, her husband (Dave) and I were the only ones who could bowl and 2 people is not enough for a legal line-up. Therefore, no bowling for us this evening. This means that we will have to go in on Sunday and make-up the games. I hate make-ups. One, you're bowling in the morning on lanes that are in whatever condition they were left in from the previous night. Two, you're bowling by yourselves, so it's difficult to pace yourself properly so you don't tire out from bowling too fast. Three, it's just different bowling early in the morning versus after a normal day, you aren't feeling the same physically, you can't drink (well, you could, but who wants to drink that early), and lastly, you have to put up with open bowlers who don't know the first thing about bowling etiquette. Oh well, still going to have to do it, so might as well just prepare myself to do the best I can.
The worst part about this is that I didn't know what to do with myself this evening. I am one of these people who when they sign up for a league (or class) commits to being there every week. This is the seventh year I have bowled with Harry and Pat (4 years with them, 3 just in the same league). In the three full years plus this season I have bowled with them, I have missed a grand total of zero weeks. We're talking 35 week leagues. So, we've bowled 8 weeks this year so far and have had 105 weeks in the preceding years. That's one reason Harry and Pat asked me to be on their team. They know I will show up each week. In fact, this past summer I actually missed a week of bowling due to a trip to Missouri. It was the first week of bowling I'd missed in 3 years. In those three years, I was in a league year-round and often bowled multiple times per week. I am one of only two or three people each year who haven't missed a week. It's something that I'm proud of.
Extended Unemployment
Found out today that I qualify for the Colorado Extended Unemployment Insurance benefits. This means that I will continue to receive unemployment benefits for the next 13 weeks. This also means that I will be able to complete my current classes at school without having to worry about an income. This means that I can now plan to start applying for a job in December (probably at a bank or other financial institution) and hopefully start working in January. I'll receive benefits until the beginning of February, so I should have plenty of time to find something. Wish me luck.
Colorado Schools
My father (aka Oldcatman) left a comment asking whether my daughters school district wasn't one surrounded by expensive homes. Well dad, actually no. See, Colorado has what is called, open enrollment. This means that a child can attend any school they desire as long as the school has room. My daughter and I currently do not live in the district for the school she attends. However, when we moved into this home, her current school was the closest elementary school with room for new students. The elementary school for the district we are in hadn't been completed when my daughter started school. So, she started at her current school which is where a lot of the kids in our neighborhood go. But, we also have an equal number in this neighborhood who now attend the new school. There is another elementary school a mile or so from our home, but it currently does not have room (and hasn't for awhile) for students outside it's boundaries.
One other thing about moving into my the correct district is that it will allow my daughter to attend the same middle and high school as her friends will. Right now, she would attend one middle school, her friends attend another, and the kids in the elementary school a mile away, will attend still another school. One thing we are not short of here in my neighborhood is schools. We just had our fourth middle and high schools open up here. That's in a sub-division (not a town) of less than 60,000 folks. And, we're not talking about small schools here. Each of these schools is classified as 5A schools which is the category in Colorado for large schools. At least it's nice to see my tax dollars doing something positive.
So, just to summarize dad, your granddaughters school district is in an area of older, less expensive, and smaller homes. But, they're good houses in a good neighborhood, so the kiddo will be safe.
Damn, for the first time in several years, my team did not bowl tonight. Seems one teammate (Harry) is stuck in Arizona (possibly because of CA's fires) because his flight was canceled. His wife (Pat) doesn't bowl if Harry is out of town. Also, the other female on my team (Tracey) came up sick today. So, her husband (Dave) and I were the only ones who could bowl and 2 people is not enough for a legal line-up. Therefore, no bowling for us this evening. This means that we will have to go in on Sunday and make-up the games. I hate make-ups. One, you're bowling in the morning on lanes that are in whatever condition they were left in from the previous night. Two, you're bowling by yourselves, so it's difficult to pace yourself properly so you don't tire out from bowling too fast. Three, it's just different bowling early in the morning versus after a normal day, you aren't feeling the same physically, you can't drink (well, you could, but who wants to drink that early), and lastly, you have to put up with open bowlers who don't know the first thing about bowling etiquette. Oh well, still going to have to do it, so might as well just prepare myself to do the best I can.
The worst part about this is that I didn't know what to do with myself this evening. I am one of these people who when they sign up for a league (or class) commits to being there every week. This is the seventh year I have bowled with Harry and Pat (4 years with them, 3 just in the same league). In the three full years plus this season I have bowled with them, I have missed a grand total of zero weeks. We're talking 35 week leagues. So, we've bowled 8 weeks this year so far and have had 105 weeks in the preceding years. That's one reason Harry and Pat asked me to be on their team. They know I will show up each week. In fact, this past summer I actually missed a week of bowling due to a trip to Missouri. It was the first week of bowling I'd missed in 3 years. In those three years, I was in a league year-round and often bowled multiple times per week. I am one of only two or three people each year who haven't missed a week. It's something that I'm proud of.
Extended Unemployment
Found out today that I qualify for the Colorado Extended Unemployment Insurance benefits. This means that I will continue to receive unemployment benefits for the next 13 weeks. This also means that I will be able to complete my current classes at school without having to worry about an income. This means that I can now plan to start applying for a job in December (probably at a bank or other financial institution) and hopefully start working in January. I'll receive benefits until the beginning of February, so I should have plenty of time to find something. Wish me luck.
Colorado Schools
My father (aka Oldcatman) left a comment asking whether my daughters school district wasn't one surrounded by expensive homes. Well dad, actually no. See, Colorado has what is called, open enrollment. This means that a child can attend any school they desire as long as the school has room. My daughter and I currently do not live in the district for the school she attends. However, when we moved into this home, her current school was the closest elementary school with room for new students. The elementary school for the district we are in hadn't been completed when my daughter started school. So, she started at her current school which is where a lot of the kids in our neighborhood go. But, we also have an equal number in this neighborhood who now attend the new school. There is another elementary school a mile or so from our home, but it currently does not have room (and hasn't for awhile) for students outside it's boundaries.
One other thing about moving into my the correct district is that it will allow my daughter to attend the same middle and high school as her friends will. Right now, she would attend one middle school, her friends attend another, and the kids in the elementary school a mile away, will attend still another school. One thing we are not short of here in my neighborhood is schools. We just had our fourth middle and high schools open up here. That's in a sub-division (not a town) of less than 60,000 folks. And, we're not talking about small schools here. Each of these schools is classified as 5A schools which is the category in Colorado for large schools. At least it's nice to see my tax dollars doing something positive.
So, just to summarize dad, your granddaughters school district is in an area of older, less expensive, and smaller homes. But, they're good houses in a good neighborhood, so the kiddo will be safe.
Monday, October 27, 2003
Untitled
Well, I'm back to posting. Haven't written anything in three days for a couple of reasons. One was that Friday night, I was changing an electrical outlet for a friend (female) of mine and we then went out to dinner. I wish I could call this a date, but it was truly just two friends going out and spending some time together. Course, that kind of sounds like a date, but I tend to consider a get-together a date only if the possibility of intimacy is involved. Sexist, yes. But, when you go out with someone for lunch, it's not a date. So, this doesn't qualify either.
The second and main reason I haven't written anything is that I was trying to solve a problem I've been having lately. Basically, the problem is that I have allowed my computer (including this blog) and alcohol to turn me into a lazy bum. Time that I should have spent doing things around the house, I instead spent playing games, surfing the web, blogging, and generally wasting time on the computer. Add the fact that most days I was drinking way too much, and you don't get much done. The drinking was relaxing me to the point that the only thing I could get the energy to do was play poker on-line or to write my posts (which may explain a few of my poorer posts). Instead of spending time with my daughter, reading, relaxing, or whatever, I was too busy being lazy because I had had a few (or more) drinks.
So, this weekend, I decided enough was enough. I told myself that I wasn't going to go near my computer (other than to clean my office) for the weekend. Also, I was going to do any drinking. Success on both parts. I spent my time cleaning the house, playing with my daughter, doing laundry, reading, having breakfast with friends, and pumpkin shopping with my daughter. I made it through the entire weekend (and today) with having a single beer or glass of wine. Now, at bowling tomorrow, I'll have a couple of beers. I'm not trying to totally ban alcohol from my life, just trying to not let it be my life. Every now and then I have a problem where I'll let life's daily events get to me to the point that I drink more than I should. If I'm not careful, then it becomes an issue. Well, I have the power to control this situation, so thats what I'm going to do.
Words (revisited)
Here's an interesting happening here in Denver. A few days ago, a local reporter for the Denver Post reported (in an opinion column) that the Denver Police use transcribers to document the questioning/interviews the police conduct. It seems that the transcribers will phonetically spell out words that people say. Well, guess which group of people were the most offended by this news. Some of the local blacks were in a tizzy because most of the differences between an English vs. Phonetic word were transcribed in interviews with blacks. This practice makes fun of blacks and makes them sound stupid they said. It wasn't fair to point out the differences in speech patterns. Blah, Blah, and so on. The reporter was commenting on how awful this practice was. This was truly being insulting when it was obvious the transcriber knew what the right word was. Okay, I agree that maybe transcribing is not the best idea. Especially if it's not being done across the board to whites, latinos, asians, and blacks. But, the really funny part of this entire situation was that right next to this editorial spouting that writing words as they sound or in street lingo was demeaning to blacks was the following headline/article - Sistah Pride Conference (Empowering Sistah's to.......). Guess his rantings don't apply to his own paper. The humorous part of this is the number of letter writers who are expressing their opinions on the subject and commenting on the Sistah's headline.
Decision
I am currently 95% positive that I will be moving sometime after the first of the year. The remaining 5% is for the possibility that my home won't sell or that I won't be able to find a suitable place.
I talked with my daughter about this and she is fine with it. She should be, she'll be within walking distance of her friends and school. Her biggest question about moving is wheter she can get new bedroom furniture, a trampoline, a dog, and her latest desire, an ATV. Greedy little bugger I'm raising.
Between now and the new year, I am going to be spending time acquainting myself with the neighborhoods closer to my daughter's school. I'll be reading MLS (multi-listing service) reports to identify homes to go look at. Probably walk through a few homes to get an idea of what type of homes are in the area. Do the open house tour through some homes, typical stuff. This will be really interesting since the last place of my own that I picked out was my apartment after my divorce. Other than that, I've had a female do the majority of the house hunting. My biggest worry is that I'll not think of something like window coverings, appliances, etc... that I really should consider. Just what I would need is to buy a house and then realize that I don't have a stove or oven.
Well, I'm back to posting. Haven't written anything in three days for a couple of reasons. One was that Friday night, I was changing an electrical outlet for a friend (female) of mine and we then went out to dinner. I wish I could call this a date, but it was truly just two friends going out and spending some time together. Course, that kind of sounds like a date, but I tend to consider a get-together a date only if the possibility of intimacy is involved. Sexist, yes. But, when you go out with someone for lunch, it's not a date. So, this doesn't qualify either.
The second and main reason I haven't written anything is that I was trying to solve a problem I've been having lately. Basically, the problem is that I have allowed my computer (including this blog) and alcohol to turn me into a lazy bum. Time that I should have spent doing things around the house, I instead spent playing games, surfing the web, blogging, and generally wasting time on the computer. Add the fact that most days I was drinking way too much, and you don't get much done. The drinking was relaxing me to the point that the only thing I could get the energy to do was play poker on-line or to write my posts (which may explain a few of my poorer posts). Instead of spending time with my daughter, reading, relaxing, or whatever, I was too busy being lazy because I had had a few (or more) drinks.
So, this weekend, I decided enough was enough. I told myself that I wasn't going to go near my computer (other than to clean my office) for the weekend. Also, I was going to do any drinking. Success on both parts. I spent my time cleaning the house, playing with my daughter, doing laundry, reading, having breakfast with friends, and pumpkin shopping with my daughter. I made it through the entire weekend (and today) with having a single beer or glass of wine. Now, at bowling tomorrow, I'll have a couple of beers. I'm not trying to totally ban alcohol from my life, just trying to not let it be my life. Every now and then I have a problem where I'll let life's daily events get to me to the point that I drink more than I should. If I'm not careful, then it becomes an issue. Well, I have the power to control this situation, so thats what I'm going to do.
Words (revisited)
Here's an interesting happening here in Denver. A few days ago, a local reporter for the Denver Post reported (in an opinion column) that the Denver Police use transcribers to document the questioning/interviews the police conduct. It seems that the transcribers will phonetically spell out words that people say. Well, guess which group of people were the most offended by this news. Some of the local blacks were in a tizzy because most of the differences between an English vs. Phonetic word were transcribed in interviews with blacks. This practice makes fun of blacks and makes them sound stupid they said. It wasn't fair to point out the differences in speech patterns. Blah, Blah, and so on. The reporter was commenting on how awful this practice was. This was truly being insulting when it was obvious the transcriber knew what the right word was. Okay, I agree that maybe transcribing is not the best idea. Especially if it's not being done across the board to whites, latinos, asians, and blacks. But, the really funny part of this entire situation was that right next to this editorial spouting that writing words as they sound or in street lingo was demeaning to blacks was the following headline/article - Sistah Pride Conference (Empowering Sistah's to.......). Guess his rantings don't apply to his own paper. The humorous part of this is the number of letter writers who are expressing their opinions on the subject and commenting on the Sistah's headline.
Decision
I am currently 95% positive that I will be moving sometime after the first of the year. The remaining 5% is for the possibility that my home won't sell or that I won't be able to find a suitable place.
I talked with my daughter about this and she is fine with it. She should be, she'll be within walking distance of her friends and school. Her biggest question about moving is wheter she can get new bedroom furniture, a trampoline, a dog, and her latest desire, an ATV. Greedy little bugger I'm raising.
Between now and the new year, I am going to be spending time acquainting myself with the neighborhoods closer to my daughter's school. I'll be reading MLS (multi-listing service) reports to identify homes to go look at. Probably walk through a few homes to get an idea of what type of homes are in the area. Do the open house tour through some homes, typical stuff. This will be really interesting since the last place of my own that I picked out was my apartment after my divorce. Other than that, I've had a female do the majority of the house hunting. My biggest worry is that I'll not think of something like window coverings, appliances, etc... that I really should consider. Just what I would need is to buy a house and then realize that I don't have a stove or oven.
Thursday, October 23, 2003
Feeling Better
It's amazing what a good nights sleep can do for you. I slept fairly well last night, just woke up a couple of times. But, I got enough sleep so that when I woke up in the morning, I felt pretty good. Most of my cold is gone, and I actually feel like I have some energy.
School Days
Found out today that I got 100% on my last chapter test in Business Math. That makes my current average just a little over 97% in this class with two chapters remaining. I'll be taking the next test probably next Tuesday or Thursday. That will leave me with one chapter to go before finishing the class (self-paced, if you haven't guessed). Combine that with the fact that I've only missed out on 5 points out of 210 in my Accounting class, and I'd say I'm doing well this semester.
Decisions to be made
Well, I've reached a point that I feel I have to make some decisions in my life. I've come to the conclusion that my career as a mainframe computer programmer/analyst is probably over. Accepting this fact, I'm now exploring other possible employment possibilities. I'm leaning toward finding a job in the banking industry either as a teller or a personal banking representative. I would like to wait until I finish my current classes before I get to work, but that will depend on unemployment and whether something pops before then. Either way, the fact that I'm not going to sit around waiting anymore is making me feel pretty good. I'm just so tired of waiting for someone to approach me about a programming job. So, I'll move forward on my own.
Another decision that I am currently working on is selling my current home and buying a new one. My daughter and I live in a home that really is more than we need. So, I've been thinking that maybe I should sell this place and buy a smaller one. Thankfully, I own this place outright, so I should be able to buy a smaller (cheaper) home and come out ahead. My biggest requirement in a new home is that we still reside in my daughter's school district. This would in fact possibly get my daughter closer to more of her friends. If she doesn't have to change schools, that would make her happy.
I'm also considering trading my Lexus RX300 in on another car. Basically, I have quite a bit of equity in the car, and I'm making monthly payments. With any luck, I can find a smaller vehicle that would suit my needs and eliminate my car payments. This would help make a lower paying job doable. I could keep the car with no problems, but there is a part of me that is saying the more I can cut back, the better I'll be.
Financially, neither the move or car situation has to be done. The one benefit to being a widower, is that I have the financial resources to ride out a long dry spell. I'm just choosing not to ride that long. I want to get back to feeling that I'm moving ahead instead of just treading water. I am willing and able to do whatever I can to help my daughter and my situation. And guess what, I'm going to do it. I have reached the point where I am ready to take charge of things and make the best life for both me and my daughter.
It's amazing what a good nights sleep can do for you. I slept fairly well last night, just woke up a couple of times. But, I got enough sleep so that when I woke up in the morning, I felt pretty good. Most of my cold is gone, and I actually feel like I have some energy.
School Days
Found out today that I got 100% on my last chapter test in Business Math. That makes my current average just a little over 97% in this class with two chapters remaining. I'll be taking the next test probably next Tuesday or Thursday. That will leave me with one chapter to go before finishing the class (self-paced, if you haven't guessed). Combine that with the fact that I've only missed out on 5 points out of 210 in my Accounting class, and I'd say I'm doing well this semester.
Decisions to be made
Well, I've reached a point that I feel I have to make some decisions in my life. I've come to the conclusion that my career as a mainframe computer programmer/analyst is probably over. Accepting this fact, I'm now exploring other possible employment possibilities. I'm leaning toward finding a job in the banking industry either as a teller or a personal banking representative. I would like to wait until I finish my current classes before I get to work, but that will depend on unemployment and whether something pops before then. Either way, the fact that I'm not going to sit around waiting anymore is making me feel pretty good. I'm just so tired of waiting for someone to approach me about a programming job. So, I'll move forward on my own.
Another decision that I am currently working on is selling my current home and buying a new one. My daughter and I live in a home that really is more than we need. So, I've been thinking that maybe I should sell this place and buy a smaller one. Thankfully, I own this place outright, so I should be able to buy a smaller (cheaper) home and come out ahead. My biggest requirement in a new home is that we still reside in my daughter's school district. This would in fact possibly get my daughter closer to more of her friends. If she doesn't have to change schools, that would make her happy.
I'm also considering trading my Lexus RX300 in on another car. Basically, I have quite a bit of equity in the car, and I'm making monthly payments. With any luck, I can find a smaller vehicle that would suit my needs and eliminate my car payments. This would help make a lower paying job doable. I could keep the car with no problems, but there is a part of me that is saying the more I can cut back, the better I'll be.
Financially, neither the move or car situation has to be done. The one benefit to being a widower, is that I have the financial resources to ride out a long dry spell. I'm just choosing not to ride that long. I want to get back to feeling that I'm moving ahead instead of just treading water. I am willing and able to do whatever I can to help my daughter and my situation. And guess what, I'm going to do it. I have reached the point where I am ready to take charge of things and make the best life for both me and my daughter.
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
Sick and Tired
Bet that title makes one think that something has really upset me. But, the truth is that I am feeling sick and I'm really tired. I've been fighting a minor cold for a few days and now it's starting to win. A big part of the reason for that is that I haven't been sleeping well at all the last couple of nights. So, I'm literally, sick and tired. So, this will be a short posting.
Parent/Teacher Conference
Had a conference with my daughters teacher this evening. I am very proud to say that my daughter is doing quite well. She is doing great on the three R's (Reading, writing, and arithmetic - only one of which starts with an R, no wonder kids have problems at times). The teacher said my daughter is attentive, thoughtful, pushes herself, and a general joy to have in class. I can't tell you how proud I am of her. Especially since last year spelling was such a difficult item for her (it was the only thing she was below grade level on). And now, this year, she is doing great on her spelling tests. Way to go kiddo!
Bet that title makes one think that something has really upset me. But, the truth is that I am feeling sick and I'm really tired. I've been fighting a minor cold for a few days and now it's starting to win. A big part of the reason for that is that I haven't been sleeping well at all the last couple of nights. So, I'm literally, sick and tired. So, this will be a short posting.
Parent/Teacher Conference
Had a conference with my daughters teacher this evening. I am very proud to say that my daughter is doing quite well. She is doing great on the three R's (Reading, writing, and arithmetic - only one of which starts with an R, no wonder kids have problems at times). The teacher said my daughter is attentive, thoughtful, pushes herself, and a general joy to have in class. I can't tell you how proud I am of her. Especially since last year spelling was such a difficult item for her (it was the only thing she was below grade level on). And now, this year, she is doing great on her spelling tests. Way to go kiddo!
Monday, October 20, 2003
Chiefs - ?, Raiders -?
Oh damn, I was going to watch the football game tonight, but haven't gotten around to it. My daughter and I we're watching a movie, she did her homework, and I've started a new book. The book is Violets are Blue by James Patterson. It's another of the Alex Cross stories. While reading this book, I can't get the image and voice of Morgan Freeman out of my head. But, he is the perfect person for this character. He also should have been the character Bagger Vance in the movie "Legend of Bagger Vance". But, they screwed that movie up totally by taking the religious/mystical aspect out. To do that is like taking the south of of Gone with the Wind.
Shakespeare
I wonder if, based on what I've previously written, it would surprise folks that I like to watch plays/movies based on the writings of the bard. My favorite story is Hamlet. I also like Taming of the Shrew and Much Ado about Nothing (which I watched today). During the summer between my Junior and Senior year in high school, I took a school trip to Ashford/Ashland Oregon to view a Shakespeare festival. I saw Taming of the Shrew, The Tempest, and Tragedy of King Richard III. I really loved these plays even though I didn't understand Tempest. I've seen three different Hamlets. I've seen the Kenneth Branaugh version, the Mel Gibson version, and of course, Sir Laurence Olivier. It was fascinating to learn that many of our cliches come from these plays. For example, (and I'm paraphrasing here) Clothes make the man, Neither a lender nor borrowe be, give every man your ear, but few thy tongue. Plus, I just love the sound of the words, phrasing, and such.
World Series Status
After two games, the world series: Oh, that's right. I don't give a flip about it this year. Next topic.
My Moods
The last couple of posts, I written about my up and down emotions the last few days. And, I've mentioned how I was feeling in previous posts also. But, with all I've said, I don't think I've ever mentioned that basically, I am basically pretty happy with my life these days. Yes, I miss my wife, my mother, I wish I was closer (physically and emotionally) with my father, sister, and brother. Financially, my daughter and I are fine for quite awhile, so that's not a big issue. I'd like to have a steady income coming in just so I have the resources to treat my daughter to something special every now and then. And to allow me to continue bowling and golfing without worrying about the cost. I would like to have a job not only to provide that income, but for the challange of getting things done. I am happiest when I have a task/goal that I have to accomplish. While not working, most of my tasks have no deadline, so it's a case of who cares when they get done. That's what makes school nice, I have to do the reading and homework by a certain time. I really do wish I had closer friends, but if I did, would that impact my spending time with my daughter? So, it's a trade-off at times. As far as romance, I think I do miss the closeness, physical contact, emotional connection, but I honestly know that it will happen at some point. Some days, I just get impatient (wonder if it's a horniness issue?). I generally feel that I do a good job with my daughter and I love her so very much. I enjoy doing things with her or just having her around. The scary thing is that I only have a couple of years before she reaches the age where it will be un-cool for her to be with her father and not her friends. But, I think we are close enough that we won't totally stop doing things together. If I could change one thing about my personality, I think I'd want to work on the tendency I have a times to get lazy. I tend to put things off at times for no real reason. And, it's not like I'm putting off major stuff, I'm talking about minor things I just don't do at times. But, since I know that I want to change that, it's up to me to do it. If I don't, I have no one to blame but myself. That's another nice thing about this posting, it forces me out of my laziness and gives me a task that I want/need to accomplish.
Oh damn, I was going to watch the football game tonight, but haven't gotten around to it. My daughter and I we're watching a movie, she did her homework, and I've started a new book. The book is Violets are Blue by James Patterson. It's another of the Alex Cross stories. While reading this book, I can't get the image and voice of Morgan Freeman out of my head. But, he is the perfect person for this character. He also should have been the character Bagger Vance in the movie "Legend of Bagger Vance". But, they screwed that movie up totally by taking the religious/mystical aspect out. To do that is like taking the south of of Gone with the Wind.
Shakespeare
I wonder if, based on what I've previously written, it would surprise folks that I like to watch plays/movies based on the writings of the bard. My favorite story is Hamlet. I also like Taming of the Shrew and Much Ado about Nothing (which I watched today). During the summer between my Junior and Senior year in high school, I took a school trip to Ashford/Ashland Oregon to view a Shakespeare festival. I saw Taming of the Shrew, The Tempest, and Tragedy of King Richard III. I really loved these plays even though I didn't understand Tempest. I've seen three different Hamlets. I've seen the Kenneth Branaugh version, the Mel Gibson version, and of course, Sir Laurence Olivier. It was fascinating to learn that many of our cliches come from these plays. For example, (and I'm paraphrasing here) Clothes make the man, Neither a lender nor borrowe be, give every man your ear, but few thy tongue. Plus, I just love the sound of the words, phrasing, and such.
World Series Status
After two games, the world series: Oh, that's right. I don't give a flip about it this year. Next topic.
My Moods
The last couple of posts, I written about my up and down emotions the last few days. And, I've mentioned how I was feeling in previous posts also. But, with all I've said, I don't think I've ever mentioned that basically, I am basically pretty happy with my life these days. Yes, I miss my wife, my mother, I wish I was closer (physically and emotionally) with my father, sister, and brother. Financially, my daughter and I are fine for quite awhile, so that's not a big issue. I'd like to have a steady income coming in just so I have the resources to treat my daughter to something special every now and then. And to allow me to continue bowling and golfing without worrying about the cost. I would like to have a job not only to provide that income, but for the challange of getting things done. I am happiest when I have a task/goal that I have to accomplish. While not working, most of my tasks have no deadline, so it's a case of who cares when they get done. That's what makes school nice, I have to do the reading and homework by a certain time. I really do wish I had closer friends, but if I did, would that impact my spending time with my daughter? So, it's a trade-off at times. As far as romance, I think I do miss the closeness, physical contact, emotional connection, but I honestly know that it will happen at some point. Some days, I just get impatient (wonder if it's a horniness issue?). I generally feel that I do a good job with my daughter and I love her so very much. I enjoy doing things with her or just having her around. The scary thing is that I only have a couple of years before she reaches the age where it will be un-cool for her to be with her father and not her friends. But, I think we are close enough that we won't totally stop doing things together. If I could change one thing about my personality, I think I'd want to work on the tendency I have a times to get lazy. I tend to put things off at times for no real reason. And, it's not like I'm putting off major stuff, I'm talking about minor things I just don't do at times. But, since I know that I want to change that, it's up to me to do it. If I don't, I have no one to blame but myself. That's another nice thing about this posting, it forces me out of my laziness and gives me a task that I want/need to accomplish.
Sunday, October 19, 2003
Emotion (part II)
On that great sea of emotion, my boat has found a little better water to travel in. Had a discussion with my daughter that went very well. We both figured out that we need to work together around here and be a little more respectful of each other. I knew all along that we'd work things out, but I still don't like going through things like that. Nothing else that was emotionally bothering me has turned around, but I seem to have a better attitude about it today. As long as things are good between my daughter and I, I seem to view the rest of my problems as annoyances rather than major issues. I'd better not let her know that, she doesn't need to be that aware of the power she holds over me.
Vikings - 28, Broncos - 20
Ouch, another notch in the loss column. Not only did the Broncos lose the game, they may have lost their back-up quarterback (Steve Beuerlein) definitely dislocated his pinkie finger and possibly broke it. With Jake Plummer out for a few weeks, it is now down to Steve Kanell to handle the job. Boy, I feel good about this ---- not. Guess we'll also have to go out and find another back-up. Problem is, the incoming guy would be someone who isn't good enough to even be a third string guy on any of the other 29 teams, so how good of a guy are you going to be able to get.
One of my favorite players on the team, Ed McCaffrey, didn't play today as he was de-activated. Man, that really sucks. Here's a guy who has busted his ass off for the team since he's got here, and suddenly this year, he is the odd man out. I don't know if he was hurt somewhat and couldn't go, or what. But, he's a quasi-starter (depending on the game plan) and he gets sit down instead of some of these other so called receivers on the team.
Local Voting
It's voting time of the year around here. We have a few state-wide issues (water, real estate taxes, and gambling) to vote on and the usual assortment of school board and county issues. This is a mail-in ballot only election. The county I live in has mailed out to all registered voters our ballots. We simply need to fill them out and send them back in. Now, here's the kicker. I have to provide the postage (estimated at 60 cents) to mail my ballot to the county offices. Great, now we have an election that will be decided not only by those willing to vote (which is less than it should be), but those also willing to cough up for the postage. Guess they wanted to eliminate the cheapskate vote. Oh, you can drop your ballot off at one of a few drop-off locations, but there isn't one of those within 15 miles from my home. So, it would cost me more to drive to the sight than to mail the damn thing. Plus, 60 cents postage means either having to go to the post office and get that exact amount, or use two 37 cent stamps and waste (value wise) a portion of the second stamp. Got to love this state and their cost cutting ways.
One of the issues that I get to vote on is an Amendment that will allow Video Lottery Terminals to be legal in certain places (primarily racetracks). Now, the difference between a VLT and a slot machine is that a VLT gives you a piece of paper that you then take to a cashier to get your winnings. Other than that, their the same things. What's funny about this is that the anti- vote seems to think that the towns where these machines will go in shouldn't be forced to have gambling. Hello! They're going in at racetracks. What do these idiots think is going on there now? The small casino's in the state are warning that these machines will create problems for people by addicting them to gambling. What, their machines and tables don't do that now? I still don't know how I'll vote on this, I need to find our web-site for the issues which lists what the true question is and the pro's/con's of it without going into all the political hype of the ads. What's sad is that so many people vote not on what they know, but what they've seen and heard. Whoever has the best commercials, wins. Sad.
On that great sea of emotion, my boat has found a little better water to travel in. Had a discussion with my daughter that went very well. We both figured out that we need to work together around here and be a little more respectful of each other. I knew all along that we'd work things out, but I still don't like going through things like that. Nothing else that was emotionally bothering me has turned around, but I seem to have a better attitude about it today. As long as things are good between my daughter and I, I seem to view the rest of my problems as annoyances rather than major issues. I'd better not let her know that, she doesn't need to be that aware of the power she holds over me.
Vikings - 28, Broncos - 20
Ouch, another notch in the loss column. Not only did the Broncos lose the game, they may have lost their back-up quarterback (Steve Beuerlein) definitely dislocated his pinkie finger and possibly broke it. With Jake Plummer out for a few weeks, it is now down to Steve Kanell to handle the job. Boy, I feel good about this ---- not. Guess we'll also have to go out and find another back-up. Problem is, the incoming guy would be someone who isn't good enough to even be a third string guy on any of the other 29 teams, so how good of a guy are you going to be able to get.
One of my favorite players on the team, Ed McCaffrey, didn't play today as he was de-activated. Man, that really sucks. Here's a guy who has busted his ass off for the team since he's got here, and suddenly this year, he is the odd man out. I don't know if he was hurt somewhat and couldn't go, or what. But, he's a quasi-starter (depending on the game plan) and he gets sit down instead of some of these other so called receivers on the team.
Local Voting
It's voting time of the year around here. We have a few state-wide issues (water, real estate taxes, and gambling) to vote on and the usual assortment of school board and county issues. This is a mail-in ballot only election. The county I live in has mailed out to all registered voters our ballots. We simply need to fill them out and send them back in. Now, here's the kicker. I have to provide the postage (estimated at 60 cents) to mail my ballot to the county offices. Great, now we have an election that will be decided not only by those willing to vote (which is less than it should be), but those also willing to cough up for the postage. Guess they wanted to eliminate the cheapskate vote. Oh, you can drop your ballot off at one of a few drop-off locations, but there isn't one of those within 15 miles from my home. So, it would cost me more to drive to the sight than to mail the damn thing. Plus, 60 cents postage means either having to go to the post office and get that exact amount, or use two 37 cent stamps and waste (value wise) a portion of the second stamp. Got to love this state and their cost cutting ways.
One of the issues that I get to vote on is an Amendment that will allow Video Lottery Terminals to be legal in certain places (primarily racetracks). Now, the difference between a VLT and a slot machine is that a VLT gives you a piece of paper that you then take to a cashier to get your winnings. Other than that, their the same things. What's funny about this is that the anti- vote seems to think that the towns where these machines will go in shouldn't be forced to have gambling. Hello! They're going in at racetracks. What do these idiots think is going on there now? The small casino's in the state are warning that these machines will create problems for people by addicting them to gambling. What, their machines and tables don't do that now? I still don't know how I'll vote on this, I need to find our web-site for the issues which lists what the true question is and the pro's/con's of it without going into all the political hype of the ads. What's sad is that so many people vote not on what they know, but what they've seen and heard. Whoever has the best commercials, wins. Sad.
Saturday, October 18, 2003
Emotion
I probably should not be creating my post right now because emotionally I'm a wreck right now. Basically, in the last couple of days, my daughter has made me feel like I'm little more than a hired hand around the house than a family member/father. I'm pissed off about my job situation (same tired song and dance). I'm lonelier than shit because I don't have any real true friends that I can sit down and talk with. I'm frustrated because I feel like doing something to change my home for the better but can't think of what to do. It's really aggravating to know you have the energy to do something, but can't for the life of you figure out what to do.
My daughter
Whenever I see a spoiled brat, I generally blame the parents. After all, if the kid didn't always get their way with the parents, they wouldn't be like that. So, if I believe that, then I'm failing as a parent. My daughter in the last few days has acted as if I'm here just to serve her. So, under my reasoning, I must have given her permission or not objected to her doing so in the past. Great parenting skill. I have tried to teach my daughter to treat people with respect, concern for their feelings, to listen to others, and to generally be a good person. Based on the comments I get back, that is the type of person she is around others. But, do I get the same treatment? I have tried everything I know to get my daughter to help me around the house. But, I cannot seem to get her to do simple things like put dishes in the dishwasher, bring laundry downstairs, say excuse me, say thank you, or things like that for me. In fact, last night, she informed me that I was treating her friend like she was my daughter and not being nice to her (the pain this comment caused was so great, I couldn't even think about doing a post last night). She was jealous of the way I was treating her friend. Now, I can't seem to get my daughter to tell me what it is that I did, but according to my daughter, I was wrong. Great, what the hell do I do about that? Today, she's spent the day telling me what she was going to do. Not asking, not saying excuse me, may I, or whatever. She came home from her friends house after playing and instead of telling me she was home, giving me a hug or kiss, she just told me she was going to be in the backyard. Well, I guess I reap what I sow. Since I obviously haven't taught her anything about treating me respectfully, I don't get respect. God I hope somehow I learn what I need to do before I raise her to treat me any worse.
Other negative shit
Well, my job situation is the same. Have no job, nothing in the works, can't even find a job to apply to on-line or in the newspaper. My damn initial unemployment runs out in the next week or two. I don't know if I'll be eligible for an extension, so I have no idea whats going to happen financially. If I don't qualify for an extension, then I'll have to quit school and find some sort of work no matter what. Problem is, that my entire adult working life, I've been a programmer. I don't have any other skills that easily move to another job (well, I think I do, but the hiring folks don't).
The on-line personal thing is moving way too slowly for my liking. The one lady I've been trying to set up a date with has disappeared. E-mails are going unanswered. So, once again, my social life is at a total standstill.
How many true friends do you have? I don't mean acquaintences and the like. I mean actual friends that you can call or visit anytime. People/persons who you can totally be yourself with. Someone who will listen to you talk and just let you talk, not try to solve everything. I know quite a few people, but I don't have anyone that I can trust to be open and totally honest with. I know these people are few and far between, but I damn sure do miss having someone like that around.
Okay, enough
Well, I've typed, whined, cried, bitched, whatever you want to call it long enough. Typing this has made me feel a little better, at least I feel like I've said some things that up to this writing I've only had in my head. I know that I will survive these things and that life will go on. But, damn it, I'm tired of having to deal with so much shit (I know, join the crowd). I have friends (not close ones) that tell me that God has a plan. Well, folks, so far, I'm not impressed with the details of the plan God has for me. And people wonder why I have such a hard time getting the energy to go to church.
I probably should not be creating my post right now because emotionally I'm a wreck right now. Basically, in the last couple of days, my daughter has made me feel like I'm little more than a hired hand around the house than a family member/father. I'm pissed off about my job situation (same tired song and dance). I'm lonelier than shit because I don't have any real true friends that I can sit down and talk with. I'm frustrated because I feel like doing something to change my home for the better but can't think of what to do. It's really aggravating to know you have the energy to do something, but can't for the life of you figure out what to do.
My daughter
Whenever I see a spoiled brat, I generally blame the parents. After all, if the kid didn't always get their way with the parents, they wouldn't be like that. So, if I believe that, then I'm failing as a parent. My daughter in the last few days has acted as if I'm here just to serve her. So, under my reasoning, I must have given her permission or not objected to her doing so in the past. Great parenting skill. I have tried to teach my daughter to treat people with respect, concern for their feelings, to listen to others, and to generally be a good person. Based on the comments I get back, that is the type of person she is around others. But, do I get the same treatment? I have tried everything I know to get my daughter to help me around the house. But, I cannot seem to get her to do simple things like put dishes in the dishwasher, bring laundry downstairs, say excuse me, say thank you, or things like that for me. In fact, last night, she informed me that I was treating her friend like she was my daughter and not being nice to her (the pain this comment caused was so great, I couldn't even think about doing a post last night). She was jealous of the way I was treating her friend. Now, I can't seem to get my daughter to tell me what it is that I did, but according to my daughter, I was wrong. Great, what the hell do I do about that? Today, she's spent the day telling me what she was going to do. Not asking, not saying excuse me, may I, or whatever. She came home from her friends house after playing and instead of telling me she was home, giving me a hug or kiss, she just told me she was going to be in the backyard. Well, I guess I reap what I sow. Since I obviously haven't taught her anything about treating me respectfully, I don't get respect. God I hope somehow I learn what I need to do before I raise her to treat me any worse.
Other negative shit
Well, my job situation is the same. Have no job, nothing in the works, can't even find a job to apply to on-line or in the newspaper. My damn initial unemployment runs out in the next week or two. I don't know if I'll be eligible for an extension, so I have no idea whats going to happen financially. If I don't qualify for an extension, then I'll have to quit school and find some sort of work no matter what. Problem is, that my entire adult working life, I've been a programmer. I don't have any other skills that easily move to another job (well, I think I do, but the hiring folks don't).
The on-line personal thing is moving way too slowly for my liking. The one lady I've been trying to set up a date with has disappeared. E-mails are going unanswered. So, once again, my social life is at a total standstill.
How many true friends do you have? I don't mean acquaintences and the like. I mean actual friends that you can call or visit anytime. People/persons who you can totally be yourself with. Someone who will listen to you talk and just let you talk, not try to solve everything. I know quite a few people, but I don't have anyone that I can trust to be open and totally honest with. I know these people are few and far between, but I damn sure do miss having someone like that around.
Okay, enough
Well, I've typed, whined, cried, bitched, whatever you want to call it long enough. Typing this has made me feel a little better, at least I feel like I've said some things that up to this writing I've only had in my head. I know that I will survive these things and that life will go on. But, damn it, I'm tired of having to deal with so much shit (I know, join the crowd). I have friends (not close ones) that tell me that God has a plan. Well, folks, so far, I'm not impressed with the details of the plan God has for me. And people wonder why I have such a hard time getting the energy to go to church.
Thursday, October 16, 2003
Thursday Bowling
Wow, I guess admitting I was in a slump helped me. I went to bowling tonight and decided just to go back to basics. Just concentrate on the fundamentals and go from there. So, that's what I did. My first game wasn't that hot, but I felt good about the way I was throwing the ball and felt that I was doing okay. Second game, got more consistent and had a better game. Last game, did great. Ten strikes and ended with a 246. So, I really feel good about the way I bowled. The fact that the scores were good was second. I really felt like I bowled well and only made a couple of poor shots. Can't wait to hit the lanes next Tuesday.
World Series - Yankees/Marlins
Okay, the series is set. I have two words concerning this years World Series - Who Cares? I'll tune in a week or so from now just to see who won. Other than that, I couldn't care less about the series.
Accounting
As strange as it may seem, I really loving my accounting class. I love working with numbers and logically working out the problems. I think I'm driving the instructor batty with all my questions and comments. But, she's a really good instructor who keeps me interested in the class and the work. In fact, she's one of the best teachers I've had. My only complaint is that she sometimes talks faster than I can take notes. But, when she talks, she really explains the material well.
Denver City Bowling Tournament
Well, I've decided to enter the city bowling tournament. I'm going to bowl in the singles and doubles (with a friend of mine) events. This will be the first tournament I've ever bowled in that was not connected to a league. So, I'll have to mentally prepare myself for this. I think my goals will be to just bowl the best I can. Hopefully, I'll bowl half my games over two hundred and half my series over six hundred. However I do, I'm just happy that I'm finally going to do this and see how I do. Just by signing up, I win.
Wow, I guess admitting I was in a slump helped me. I went to bowling tonight and decided just to go back to basics. Just concentrate on the fundamentals and go from there. So, that's what I did. My first game wasn't that hot, but I felt good about the way I was throwing the ball and felt that I was doing okay. Second game, got more consistent and had a better game. Last game, did great. Ten strikes and ended with a 246. So, I really feel good about the way I bowled. The fact that the scores were good was second. I really felt like I bowled well and only made a couple of poor shots. Can't wait to hit the lanes next Tuesday.
World Series - Yankees/Marlins
Okay, the series is set. I have two words concerning this years World Series - Who Cares? I'll tune in a week or so from now just to see who won. Other than that, I couldn't care less about the series.
Accounting
As strange as it may seem, I really loving my accounting class. I love working with numbers and logically working out the problems. I think I'm driving the instructor batty with all my questions and comments. But, she's a really good instructor who keeps me interested in the class and the work. In fact, she's one of the best teachers I've had. My only complaint is that she sometimes talks faster than I can take notes. But, when she talks, she really explains the material well.
Denver City Bowling Tournament
Well, I've decided to enter the city bowling tournament. I'm going to bowl in the singles and doubles (with a friend of mine) events. This will be the first tournament I've ever bowled in that was not connected to a league. So, I'll have to mentally prepare myself for this. I think my goals will be to just bowl the best I can. Hopefully, I'll bowl half my games over two hundred and half my series over six hundred. However I do, I'm just happy that I'm finally going to do this and see how I do. Just by signing up, I win.
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Video killed the radio star
I spent a good part of today doing chores around the house and accounting homework. While I was doing all this, I had my TV on and turned to the VH1 Classic station. It sometimes takes watching videos to remember that they have only been around since the early eighties. And since I was never a huge fan of 80's music in general, I really laugh at some of the videos. One, I can't remember or identify about half of the groups that appear on this station. Two, there are songs I never think I heard before. Now, to be honest, there are enough groups or songs I like being shown to keep me interested. Artists like Pink Floyd (okay, the two videos they made), Dire Straits, Police, Sting, Blondie, Journey, Queen, and Billy Joel. But, there is also a lot of one hit wonders on there. And some of these "hits", I just have to assume were hits because they say so.
Letters to the editor
In the Denver Post today, there was a letter to the editor that caught my eye. This letter was concerning our local Race for the Cure and fund-raising for Breast Cancer in general. The writer (a woman) was saying that it was all fine and good that so many people participated in the race and that a lot of money was being donated. But, she wondered why other cancers weren't being equally promoted. After all, she stated, Breast Cancer is 90% percent curable with early detection, so it's risk is not that big (tell that to my wife). Well, Ms. Letter Writer, the reason Breast Cancer gets so much attention and money is that a sister of Susan G. Komen decided to do something about the disease that claimed her sister. She decided that other women and families should not have to suffer as she did, so she formed this foundation. And, after many years, she has built the Komen Foundation into the wonderful organization that it is. So, if you have something you care about and want money to go for reasearch, get off your ass and start doing something.
A Possible Date
Well, last Thursday, I was wondering whether I should spend $20 dollars on a membership to a internet personal site. By the end of my post, I had decided the hell with it, I'm going for it. Guess what, I've been trading e-mails with a nice lady for a couple of days and we're trying to set up a day and time to have coffee, lunch, or drinks. I don't know what will happen here, but it's a very positive start. So, I'm excited. I'll keep you all posted, but as I said yesterday, should anything sexual occur, don't expect details.
Favorite Movies or Movie Lines
Was talking to a few classmates yesterday when the subject of movies and memorable lines came up. We were each coming up with some movies or comments that we just especially liked. Here's a list of some of my favorites listed by movie followed by a line (if applicable):
I spent a good part of today doing chores around the house and accounting homework. While I was doing all this, I had my TV on and turned to the VH1 Classic station. It sometimes takes watching videos to remember that they have only been around since the early eighties. And since I was never a huge fan of 80's music in general, I really laugh at some of the videos. One, I can't remember or identify about half of the groups that appear on this station. Two, there are songs I never think I heard before. Now, to be honest, there are enough groups or songs I like being shown to keep me interested. Artists like Pink Floyd (okay, the two videos they made), Dire Straits, Police, Sting, Blondie, Journey, Queen, and Billy Joel. But, there is also a lot of one hit wonders on there. And some of these "hits", I just have to assume were hits because they say so.
Letters to the editor
In the Denver Post today, there was a letter to the editor that caught my eye. This letter was concerning our local Race for the Cure and fund-raising for Breast Cancer in general. The writer (a woman) was saying that it was all fine and good that so many people participated in the race and that a lot of money was being donated. But, she wondered why other cancers weren't being equally promoted. After all, she stated, Breast Cancer is 90% percent curable with early detection, so it's risk is not that big (tell that to my wife). Well, Ms. Letter Writer, the reason Breast Cancer gets so much attention and money is that a sister of Susan G. Komen decided to do something about the disease that claimed her sister. She decided that other women and families should not have to suffer as she did, so she formed this foundation. And, after many years, she has built the Komen Foundation into the wonderful organization that it is. So, if you have something you care about and want money to go for reasearch, get off your ass and start doing something.
A Possible Date
Well, last Thursday, I was wondering whether I should spend $20 dollars on a membership to a internet personal site. By the end of my post, I had decided the hell with it, I'm going for it. Guess what, I've been trading e-mails with a nice lady for a couple of days and we're trying to set up a day and time to have coffee, lunch, or drinks. I don't know what will happen here, but it's a very positive start. So, I'm excited. I'll keep you all posted, but as I said yesterday, should anything sexual occur, don't expect details.
Favorite Movies or Movie Lines
Was talking to a few classmates yesterday when the subject of movies and memorable lines came up. We were each coming up with some movies or comments that we just especially liked. Here's a list of some of my favorites listed by movie followed by a line (if applicable):
- Blazing Saddles
- What in the wide world of sports is going on here
- Mongo only pawn in game of life
- Monty Python and the Holy Grail
- What is the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow?
- Dirty Harry
- I know what you're thinking, did he fire five shots or six? To tell you the truth, in all this excitement I forgot myself. So, you have to ask yourself, do you feel lucky punk?
- Arthur
- You're a hooker? I thought I was just doing great with you
- Usually, one must go to a bowling alley to meet a woman of your quality
- This country is so small, Rhode Island could beat the crap out of it in a war, we're talking a small country
Tuesday, October 14, 2003
Reaction to Yesterday's Post
Just wanted to take a moment to thank Jai, Tas, Anonymous Gurl, and of course Oldcatman (aka Dad) for the nice comments on yesterday's post. Believe it or not, everything you special folks said helped me feel better. I truly value your comments, insights, and even jokes about what I write. I still don't write for anyone in particular, but it's nice to know that what I do write touches someone else.
Tuesday Bowling
Well, I may have to consider the fact that I may be in a slump. Still averaged 190 for three games, but it was a wildly inconsistent night. Lots of bad frames lumped in with good frames. But, that describes my entire teams night. Man, I have never seen us as a team have such an off night. But, incredibly, we're still tied for first place. So, I guess I just need to lighten up and continue to do the best I can.
Cubs, Marlins game
Did anyone see tonight's game? I feel so sorry for the fan that interfered with Moises Alou catching the ball in the eighth inning. It looked like a teenager. Whatever his age, he's going to appear on ESPN, probably the Chicago papers, and on newscasts and be branded a reason for tonight's loss by the Cubs. I realize that other events caused the loss (the shortstop's error for example), but this poor guy is going to be blamed. Doesn't this guy know that when your team is trying to make a catch, you're supposed to back off?
Accounting Class
Just thought I'd write about my accounting test I took last Thursday. I received my grade today at class. I got a 99 on the test. Now, I should be happy about that, but I'm honestly bugged about the one question I missed. I really need to lighten up.
My Family
With no real purpose in mind, I want to write about my family. Now, by family I mean, Oldcatman, my sister, my brother, and myself. I am the middle child of the three kids. My sister is a little over 4 years older than me, she'll be 46 in less than two weeks. My brother is just under 3 years younger than I am. He is 39 and his birthday is a month before mine. I am fairly close to my sister and unfortunately am not close to my brother. He has chosen to ignore our father, sister, and I for most of his adult life. To be honest, I really don't know why. Also, he and I were never that close as brothers. He, like our father, is a very creative, free thinking type of person. I am the anal logical thinking member of our family. My sister is somewhere between those two poles. She's creative but also thinks a bit more logically than my brother (not much mind you). As you can probably tell from the preceeding, I was the odd person out considering creative/artistic thoughts and abilities. I can out-think them all in a linear fashion and can follow instructions better than any of them, but they can create so much better than I. My brother is the only one of the three of us who is biologically related to Oldcatman. Now, one might think this would make the two of them closer than the rest of us. But, to his credit, Oldcatman really seems to love and treat us all the same. Yes, growing up, Dad and my brother were always close. But, I never thought he loved me (or my sister) and less than his own son (hell, for most of my life, I didn't know we weren't all his kids). It really iritates me that my brother is being such an asshole where our family is concerned. I have had my problems with my father during my life, but I really believe he loves me and I know I love him. With the pain of loss that I and my family has felt, I just really wish that my brother would get over whatever petty shit is keeping him apart from us. We'll never be the Cleavers or Cunninghams family wise, but damn it, we have a chance to be a family and he's not taking it. It really pisses me off.
Oh, and just so you all have an idea of the sometimes warped sense of humor the Oldcatman has, I'll tell you about a joke he pulled on my sister and I. One night, when we were both very young, we were taking a bath together (I said we were young, so chill out). Now, the house we lived in had the slat type of windows in it. Basically, the type of windows that look and act like blinds. Well, while we were bathing, my father reached his hand through the slats and gave an evil laugh (he can create a laugh that sounds most evil and belongs in a horror film). Well, talk about two little kids who were scared to death. But, by the time we got out of the bathroom, he was already sitting in the family room acting like he knew nothing about this. Some people will think that this sounds cruel, but looking back, it was really a good joke. I didn't think so at the time, but I vaguely remember my mother yelling at Dad about scaring the children. This is one of the clearest things I remember about my childhood (please, Dad, don't tell me I'm mistaken) and in retrospect, I really look back fondly about the whole thing. Although to this day, I've never taken another bath with my sister (which is not a bad thing). But, seeing my sister scared has always made me laugh.
Well, I didn't say much about my family, but it's a start. I'll have to write about more odd things that have occured. I wouldn't want to repeat everything that's occurred in my life, but considering that they have made me the person I am, I can't complain.
Just wanted to take a moment to thank Jai, Tas, Anonymous Gurl, and of course Oldcatman (aka Dad) for the nice comments on yesterday's post. Believe it or not, everything you special folks said helped me feel better. I truly value your comments, insights, and even jokes about what I write. I still don't write for anyone in particular, but it's nice to know that what I do write touches someone else.
Tuesday Bowling
Well, I may have to consider the fact that I may be in a slump. Still averaged 190 for three games, but it was a wildly inconsistent night. Lots of bad frames lumped in with good frames. But, that describes my entire teams night. Man, I have never seen us as a team have such an off night. But, incredibly, we're still tied for first place. So, I guess I just need to lighten up and continue to do the best I can.
Cubs, Marlins game
Did anyone see tonight's game? I feel so sorry for the fan that interfered with Moises Alou catching the ball in the eighth inning. It looked like a teenager. Whatever his age, he's going to appear on ESPN, probably the Chicago papers, and on newscasts and be branded a reason for tonight's loss by the Cubs. I realize that other events caused the loss (the shortstop's error for example), but this poor guy is going to be blamed. Doesn't this guy know that when your team is trying to make a catch, you're supposed to back off?
Accounting Class
Just thought I'd write about my accounting test I took last Thursday. I received my grade today at class. I got a 99 on the test. Now, I should be happy about that, but I'm honestly bugged about the one question I missed. I really need to lighten up.
My Family
With no real purpose in mind, I want to write about my family. Now, by family I mean, Oldcatman, my sister, my brother, and myself. I am the middle child of the three kids. My sister is a little over 4 years older than me, she'll be 46 in less than two weeks. My brother is just under 3 years younger than I am. He is 39 and his birthday is a month before mine. I am fairly close to my sister and unfortunately am not close to my brother. He has chosen to ignore our father, sister, and I for most of his adult life. To be honest, I really don't know why. Also, he and I were never that close as brothers. He, like our father, is a very creative, free thinking type of person. I am the anal logical thinking member of our family. My sister is somewhere between those two poles. She's creative but also thinks a bit more logically than my brother (not much mind you). As you can probably tell from the preceeding, I was the odd person out considering creative/artistic thoughts and abilities. I can out-think them all in a linear fashion and can follow instructions better than any of them, but they can create so much better than I. My brother is the only one of the three of us who is biologically related to Oldcatman. Now, one might think this would make the two of them closer than the rest of us. But, to his credit, Oldcatman really seems to love and treat us all the same. Yes, growing up, Dad and my brother were always close. But, I never thought he loved me (or my sister) and less than his own son (hell, for most of my life, I didn't know we weren't all his kids). It really iritates me that my brother is being such an asshole where our family is concerned. I have had my problems with my father during my life, but I really believe he loves me and I know I love him. With the pain of loss that I and my family has felt, I just really wish that my brother would get over whatever petty shit is keeping him apart from us. We'll never be the Cleavers or Cunninghams family wise, but damn it, we have a chance to be a family and he's not taking it. It really pisses me off.
Oh, and just so you all have an idea of the sometimes warped sense of humor the Oldcatman has, I'll tell you about a joke he pulled on my sister and I. One night, when we were both very young, we were taking a bath together (I said we were young, so chill out). Now, the house we lived in had the slat type of windows in it. Basically, the type of windows that look and act like blinds. Well, while we were bathing, my father reached his hand through the slats and gave an evil laugh (he can create a laugh that sounds most evil and belongs in a horror film). Well, talk about two little kids who were scared to death. But, by the time we got out of the bathroom, he was already sitting in the family room acting like he knew nothing about this. Some people will think that this sounds cruel, but looking back, it was really a good joke. I didn't think so at the time, but I vaguely remember my mother yelling at Dad about scaring the children. This is one of the clearest things I remember about my childhood (please, Dad, don't tell me I'm mistaken) and in retrospect, I really look back fondly about the whole thing. Although to this day, I've never taken another bath with my sister (which is not a bad thing). But, seeing my sister scared has always made me laugh.
Well, I didn't say much about my family, but it's a start. I'll have to write about more odd things that have occured. I wouldn't want to repeat everything that's occurred in my life, but considering that they have made me the person I am, I can't complain.
Monday, October 13, 2003
Emotional Weekend
Well, this was a weekend I was just happy to get through. I was frustrated last Thursday night at "things" plus I was nervous about the upcoming weekend, so I had decided on Friday to take the day off from posting.
Saturday, my daughter and I attended an event called "Cook For The Cure". Basically, this is a party where someone (or multiple someones) cook up a bit of food and then invite friends over. The invitees are expected to donate money to the Susan G. Komen foundation. These events usually have a sign/poster where people can write whether they were donating money in celebration or in memory of someone. Besides myself, four or five other individuals donated money that evening in memory of my wife. I can't express how touching that is while at the same time being very saddening. It still feels strange to see the words "In Memory Of" connected to my wife's name. The other odd thing is that I had one individual remark while I was talking that they had thought I was the one who lost his wife to Breast Cancer. Basically, this person let me know that many of the attendees had been informed that I would be attending. Now, the one thing I really dislike is being considered the poor widower. Yes, technically, I am a widower. But, that is not all that I am. There was a part of me that felt that a was a freak show at a circus. Hey, hey, step right up and see the poor widower.
On Sunday, my daughter and I attended the Denver Race For The Cure. Talk about an amazing sight. Denver had over 60,000 people participating. We are the second (and maybe the single) biggest Race in the country. It's just awesome to see that many people in one place supporting a cause (other than a sports team). It's also a little saddening to see all the survivors walk in their pink t-shirts. Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy for them and their families, but that damn Why Her/Me/Us question just keeps popping up. Plus, I met up with a couple of my neighbors who are both survivors and walked with them. One of their husbands said that he couldn't help but feel guilty about celebrating his wife's health when my wife died. I constantly have to remind people that their success did not cause our failure. I don't want people to feel bad about their survival. It's not like it was a coin flip and one person had to lose.
The hardest thing about attending the Race is the ceremony at the end of the walk. The first race I participated in was shortly after my wife was diagnosed. We watched the ceremony with our friends (the survivors). One of the ladies asked my wife if she was going to set a goal to walk in the next Race. My wife stated that her only goal was not to be a dove at the next ceremony. See, they release a bunch of white doves in memory of the ladies who died since the last race. Well, sure enough, by the time the next Race came along, she had died. When they released the doves, I totally lost it. Thankfully, if you're a guy, there is no more appropriate or acceptable place to break down and cry then at that ceremony. This year, I decided to do the smart thing and skip the ceremony all together.
Words and Death
If you noticed, I tend to say my wife died more than anything else. I don't like the term "passed away" because it sound to politically correct more than accurate. And I laugh when people say I "lost" my wife. No, I know exactly where she is. Lost implies that I mis-placed her and am now searching for her. The ashes of my wife's body are in an urn that is buried at our church. Her soul is in Heaven. She and my mother are probably up their having a cup of coffee (or two) and a smoke discussing where they went right/wrong with me and my daughter.
My own review
Wow, gloomy posting today. I read a bunch of blogs today. I stumbled on quite a few that belong in the sexual realm. I don't have a problem telling people my feelings, pains, joys, or whatever. But, tell everyone about my sex life (at least when I get one)? Man, don't know if I could do that. Okay, I might brag and tell when I get lucky. But don't be expecting a blow by blow (no pun intended) description of the action. Sorry to dissapoint. Hopefully, I will feel like writing about happier things tomorrow.
Well, this was a weekend I was just happy to get through. I was frustrated last Thursday night at "things" plus I was nervous about the upcoming weekend, so I had decided on Friday to take the day off from posting.
Saturday, my daughter and I attended an event called "Cook For The Cure". Basically, this is a party where someone (or multiple someones) cook up a bit of food and then invite friends over. The invitees are expected to donate money to the Susan G. Komen foundation. These events usually have a sign/poster where people can write whether they were donating money in celebration or in memory of someone. Besides myself, four or five other individuals donated money that evening in memory of my wife. I can't express how touching that is while at the same time being very saddening. It still feels strange to see the words "In Memory Of" connected to my wife's name. The other odd thing is that I had one individual remark while I was talking that they had thought I was the one who lost his wife to Breast Cancer. Basically, this person let me know that many of the attendees had been informed that I would be attending. Now, the one thing I really dislike is being considered the poor widower. Yes, technically, I am a widower. But, that is not all that I am. There was a part of me that felt that a was a freak show at a circus. Hey, hey, step right up and see the poor widower.
On Sunday, my daughter and I attended the Denver Race For The Cure. Talk about an amazing sight. Denver had over 60,000 people participating. We are the second (and maybe the single) biggest Race in the country. It's just awesome to see that many people in one place supporting a cause (other than a sports team). It's also a little saddening to see all the survivors walk in their pink t-shirts. Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy for them and their families, but that damn Why Her/Me/Us question just keeps popping up. Plus, I met up with a couple of my neighbors who are both survivors and walked with them. One of their husbands said that he couldn't help but feel guilty about celebrating his wife's health when my wife died. I constantly have to remind people that their success did not cause our failure. I don't want people to feel bad about their survival. It's not like it was a coin flip and one person had to lose.
The hardest thing about attending the Race is the ceremony at the end of the walk. The first race I participated in was shortly after my wife was diagnosed. We watched the ceremony with our friends (the survivors). One of the ladies asked my wife if she was going to set a goal to walk in the next Race. My wife stated that her only goal was not to be a dove at the next ceremony. See, they release a bunch of white doves in memory of the ladies who died since the last race. Well, sure enough, by the time the next Race came along, she had died. When they released the doves, I totally lost it. Thankfully, if you're a guy, there is no more appropriate or acceptable place to break down and cry then at that ceremony. This year, I decided to do the smart thing and skip the ceremony all together.
Words and Death
If you noticed, I tend to say my wife died more than anything else. I don't like the term "passed away" because it sound to politically correct more than accurate. And I laugh when people say I "lost" my wife. No, I know exactly where she is. Lost implies that I mis-placed her and am now searching for her. The ashes of my wife's body are in an urn that is buried at our church. Her soul is in Heaven. She and my mother are probably up their having a cup of coffee (or two) and a smoke discussing where they went right/wrong with me and my daughter.
My own review
Wow, gloomy posting today. I read a bunch of blogs today. I stumbled on quite a few that belong in the sexual realm. I don't have a problem telling people my feelings, pains, joys, or whatever. But, tell everyone about my sex life (at least when I get one)? Man, don't know if I could do that. Okay, I might brag and tell when I get lucky. But don't be expecting a blow by blow (no pun intended) description of the action. Sorry to dissapoint. Hopefully, I will feel like writing about happier things tomorrow.
Thursday, October 09, 2003
Feeling Frustrated Tonight
Man, I don't know what I really feel tonight. I'm guessing that my primary emotion is frustration. Another damn struggling night at bowling tonight. Took my accounting test and now have to wait until Tuesday for the results (did I mention I sometimes am not the most patient person in the world). I'm trying an internet personal site and it looks like my profile is getting viewed alot, but not much is happening. I did have one lady e-mail me, but to respond, I have to join the service to the tune of $20 a month. I'm also feeling like I want to do things around the house, but, with my (lack of) job situation, not sure if spending money on decorations, minor improvements, and the like is a good thing.
Bowling
Well, one good game and two games that sucked. At least the team won three out of four points. We were two games out of first going into tonight, so we should be okay. We had to give 198 points in handicap to the team we were bowling. Man, I really despise having to give that much. All it takes is for one bowler on the other team to get lucky a couple of frames, and whammo, we're toast. That's exactly what happened in the third game tonight. One guy was 60 pins over his average, one gal 30 pins over, and we were doing good to get ours.
I miss conversation
I've known this for awhile, but I'm at the point where I really miss having converations with someone. My wife and I used to talk all the time. We'd talk about our days, jobs, schedules, something that made us happy that day, something sad or mad, etc.. It was just nice to be talking. I so truly miss that. In my day to day exsistence right now, I just don't have the chance to sit down and really talk with someone. Yes, school and bowling do provide some relief, but not enough (ok, I'm greedy also).
I think that's one of the things that I'm most looking forward to in getting into a relationship. Just the chance to talk to someone and listen to them. The verbal give and take. Don't get me wrong, I'm looking forward to some physical intimacy also, but in your average relationship, what do you do more, talk or have sex. I just so enjoy talking with someone that I'm close to and bouncing things off each other. My dad and I talk on the phone quite a bit lately, it's amazing that the things we write bring up things to ask or discuss with each other. I have a few friends that I can chat with, but no one that I totally feel comfortable totally opening up to. Does that make sense? Don't you prefer talking with someone that you don't have to worry about what you say or how you say it? Isn't it nice just to be able to speak about what you're feeling without having to edit anything? That's what I'm missing.
Screw It, I'm going for it
While typing this post, I've decided a couple of things. I'm going to cough up a few bucks and join the personal service I'm using. Hell, I win the amount of money it will take at an average week of bowling. And, as decorating inept as I am, I'm going to go buy a few things to spruce up the house. My daughter and I deserve it.
Man, I don't know what I really feel tonight. I'm guessing that my primary emotion is frustration. Another damn struggling night at bowling tonight. Took my accounting test and now have to wait until Tuesday for the results (did I mention I sometimes am not the most patient person in the world). I'm trying an internet personal site and it looks like my profile is getting viewed alot, but not much is happening. I did have one lady e-mail me, but to respond, I have to join the service to the tune of $20 a month. I'm also feeling like I want to do things around the house, but, with my (lack of) job situation, not sure if spending money on decorations, minor improvements, and the like is a good thing.
Bowling
Well, one good game and two games that sucked. At least the team won three out of four points. We were two games out of first going into tonight, so we should be okay. We had to give 198 points in handicap to the team we were bowling. Man, I really despise having to give that much. All it takes is for one bowler on the other team to get lucky a couple of frames, and whammo, we're toast. That's exactly what happened in the third game tonight. One guy was 60 pins over his average, one gal 30 pins over, and we were doing good to get ours.
I miss conversation
I've known this for awhile, but I'm at the point where I really miss having converations with someone. My wife and I used to talk all the time. We'd talk about our days, jobs, schedules, something that made us happy that day, something sad or mad, etc.. It was just nice to be talking. I so truly miss that. In my day to day exsistence right now, I just don't have the chance to sit down and really talk with someone. Yes, school and bowling do provide some relief, but not enough (ok, I'm greedy also).
I think that's one of the things that I'm most looking forward to in getting into a relationship. Just the chance to talk to someone and listen to them. The verbal give and take. Don't get me wrong, I'm looking forward to some physical intimacy also, but in your average relationship, what do you do more, talk or have sex. I just so enjoy talking with someone that I'm close to and bouncing things off each other. My dad and I talk on the phone quite a bit lately, it's amazing that the things we write bring up things to ask or discuss with each other. I have a few friends that I can chat with, but no one that I totally feel comfortable totally opening up to. Does that make sense? Don't you prefer talking with someone that you don't have to worry about what you say or how you say it? Isn't it nice just to be able to speak about what you're feeling without having to edit anything? That's what I'm missing.
Screw It, I'm going for it
While typing this post, I've decided a couple of things. I'm going to cough up a few bucks and join the personal service I'm using. Hell, I win the amount of money it will take at an average week of bowling. And, as decorating inept as I am, I'm going to go buy a few things to spruce up the house. My daughter and I deserve it.
Wednesday, October 08, 2003
Cubbies and Red Sox win!
Well, I still wish the Giant's and A's were in the playoffs, but if they're not, I'm going to root for these two teams to meet in the World Series. It would be nice for one of the franchises to win a Series finally. If both teams make it to the Series, there is something pleasing about the idea of the games all being played in Fenway and Wrigley.
Pediatrician and Orthodontist
It was doctor day around here. Took my daughter to the Pediatrician for a routine check-up today. Kiddo is doing fine and is nice and healthy. Her doctor talked to her a little about the changes that will happen in the upcoming years (god help me) and about her diet, drinking milk, and riding in the back seat of the car. My so called little girl is 4' 7 1/4" tall and 86 pounds and is 3 months shy of her 10th birthday.
Next up was my visit to the Orthodontist. Another routine check on the braces and adjusting the wires a little. Right now the plan is that I'll have these things off sometime next summer. In the mean time, it's just a matter of getting things expanded a little and broadening my smile.
Accounting Test tomorrow
My evening has been spent reading through my Accounting textbook and assignments to prepare for a test tomorrow morning. Shouldn't be that difficult and I feel like I've prepared well. I've never been one to sweat out tests much. I figure that if I haven't learned the material in the weeks before the test, no amount of cramming is going to really help. So, usually I will just re-verify the items I haven't totally committed to memory and go with that. I figure that either I know it or I don't. Luckily, this method seems to work for me. The one subject this didn't work for was history. But, I'm one of these people who really doesn't care about history other than to learn not to repeat past mistakes. Just have to keep that little tid-bit from my daughter when she starts studying it.
Well, I still wish the Giant's and A's were in the playoffs, but if they're not, I'm going to root for these two teams to meet in the World Series. It would be nice for one of the franchises to win a Series finally. If both teams make it to the Series, there is something pleasing about the idea of the games all being played in Fenway and Wrigley.
Pediatrician and Orthodontist
It was doctor day around here. Took my daughter to the Pediatrician for a routine check-up today. Kiddo is doing fine and is nice and healthy. Her doctor talked to her a little about the changes that will happen in the upcoming years (god help me) and about her diet, drinking milk, and riding in the back seat of the car. My so called little girl is 4' 7 1/4" tall and 86 pounds and is 3 months shy of her 10th birthday.
Next up was my visit to the Orthodontist. Another routine check on the braces and adjusting the wires a little. Right now the plan is that I'll have these things off sometime next summer. In the mean time, it's just a matter of getting things expanded a little and broadening my smile.
Accounting Test tomorrow
My evening has been spent reading through my Accounting textbook and assignments to prepare for a test tomorrow morning. Shouldn't be that difficult and I feel like I've prepared well. I've never been one to sweat out tests much. I figure that if I haven't learned the material in the weeks before the test, no amount of cramming is going to really help. So, usually I will just re-verify the items I haven't totally committed to memory and go with that. I figure that either I know it or I don't. Luckily, this method seems to work for me. The one subject this didn't work for was history. But, I'm one of these people who really doesn't care about history other than to learn not to repeat past mistakes. Just have to keep that little tid-bit from my daughter when she starts studying it.
Tuesday, October 07, 2003
Governor Arnold
So, we now have the second actor from the film Predator (Jesse Ventura, the first) to become the governor of a state. What's next, the guy that played Apollo Creed (played a CIA agent in Predator) in the Rocky movies? I don't know the final vote tallies, but I hear that Gary Coleman came up a little short (sorry, couldn't resist). As for the porn star that was running, the idea of Sacramento or bust wasn't so hot. Who wouldn't rather see a porn stars bust rather than elect them to an office. The only thing that scares me about Arnold's election is that I keep thinking about the movie Demolition Man (starring Slyvestor Stallone and co-incidentally co-starring Jesse Ventura) where they talk about Arnold becoming president because he was so popular (they repealed the law that stated the president had to be American born).
My little girl is growing up
Okay, stop the world, I want to get off. While I was bowling tonight, my daughter went shopping with her god-mother. Okay, no big deal, right? Well, they went shopping for items that they felt were more appropriate for a god-mother/god-daughter to shop for rather than a father/daughter. They went shopping for sports bra's, panties (why is that plural?), leggings, and socks. You know, what the old-timers might call unmentionables. My daughter is only a couple of months shy of being 10, can we already have the female situations popping up? I want my little baby girl back. She already has reached the point of closing her bathroom door when she's getting ready for school in the morning. I don't think I have that long (relatively speaking) before I'm faced with puberty, periods, the birds and bees talk, and other female problems. God, please help me.
Tuesday Bowling
Well, for Tuesday, it was a night of struggles. I didn't bowl my 639 average, in fact I didn't get close to 600. But, all was not a loss. We won four points and I moderated (political speak for had a bad night thereby lowering) my average. We entered the night one point in first place. That means that next week we will still be in first and possibly ahead by more than one point. We had weird lane conditions tonight. No one in the league had any real good games. It was a case of who struggled the least. Also, part of my problem was that I forgot to eat anything today. Until I started munching on something while I typed this, I hadn't eaten any food today, just have had coffee and some de-caf tea. Not smart.
Ouch!
Watched the Red Sox, A's game last night. Pretty good game. I'm sorry the A's lost, but hey, it's nice to see the Red Sox advance. I also saw that collision between Damon and Jackson. Ouch and double ouch! Why did the network feel they had to show the impact umpteen times? Wasn't one or two replays enough? It really bugs me when TV does that. Hey, people getting hurt, news and replays at 11 (and 11:02, 11:04, 11:06, etc..). Just show it once and move on.
This is similar to the newscasts here in Denver (and I'm sure elsewhere). Some tragedy occurs somewhere. It's sad, but luckily, nobody from Colorado was involved. Many thousands die in Europe from the summer heat wave (what? no air conditioning over there?) but all's well, no Coloradans were among the dead. Why do the news people think that a tragedy is less so if no one from the state they're broadcasting from is involved?
So, we now have the second actor from the film Predator (Jesse Ventura, the first) to become the governor of a state. What's next, the guy that played Apollo Creed (played a CIA agent in Predator) in the Rocky movies? I don't know the final vote tallies, but I hear that Gary Coleman came up a little short (sorry, couldn't resist). As for the porn star that was running, the idea of Sacramento or bust wasn't so hot. Who wouldn't rather see a porn stars bust rather than elect them to an office. The only thing that scares me about Arnold's election is that I keep thinking about the movie Demolition Man (starring Slyvestor Stallone and co-incidentally co-starring Jesse Ventura) where they talk about Arnold becoming president because he was so popular (they repealed the law that stated the president had to be American born).
My little girl is growing up
Okay, stop the world, I want to get off. While I was bowling tonight, my daughter went shopping with her god-mother. Okay, no big deal, right? Well, they went shopping for items that they felt were more appropriate for a god-mother/god-daughter to shop for rather than a father/daughter. They went shopping for sports bra's, panties (why is that plural?), leggings, and socks. You know, what the old-timers might call unmentionables. My daughter is only a couple of months shy of being 10, can we already have the female situations popping up? I want my little baby girl back. She already has reached the point of closing her bathroom door when she's getting ready for school in the morning. I don't think I have that long (relatively speaking) before I'm faced with puberty, periods, the birds and bees talk, and other female problems. God, please help me.
Tuesday Bowling
Well, for Tuesday, it was a night of struggles. I didn't bowl my 639 average, in fact I didn't get close to 600. But, all was not a loss. We won four points and I moderated (political speak for had a bad night thereby lowering) my average. We entered the night one point in first place. That means that next week we will still be in first and possibly ahead by more than one point. We had weird lane conditions tonight. No one in the league had any real good games. It was a case of who struggled the least. Also, part of my problem was that I forgot to eat anything today. Until I started munching on something while I typed this, I hadn't eaten any food today, just have had coffee and some de-caf tea. Not smart.
Ouch!
Watched the Red Sox, A's game last night. Pretty good game. I'm sorry the A's lost, but hey, it's nice to see the Red Sox advance. I also saw that collision between Damon and Jackson. Ouch and double ouch! Why did the network feel they had to show the impact umpteen times? Wasn't one or two replays enough? It really bugs me when TV does that. Hey, people getting hurt, news and replays at 11 (and 11:02, 11:04, 11:06, etc..). Just show it once and move on.
This is similar to the newscasts here in Denver (and I'm sure elsewhere). Some tragedy occurs somewhere. It's sad, but luckily, nobody from Colorado was involved. Many thousands die in Europe from the summer heat wave (what? no air conditioning over there?) but all's well, no Coloradans were among the dead. Why do the news people think that a tragedy is less so if no one from the state they're broadcasting from is involved?
Monday, October 06, 2003
Why do I do this?
I'm not talking about why I write a blog, I'm talking about why do I tend to write a lot of personal stuff. I started thinking about this after reading Anonymous Gurl's blog a week or so ago. She was wondering how people (like me) can open up and write all sorts of personal stuff in their blog. Well, I can't speak for everyone (wouldn't that be tiring), but I do have my reasons.
A big part of the reason is that I enjoy sharing my life with someone. I got so used to talking with my wife about how our days went, what we were happy about, what was upsetting us, etc. Now that she is gone, I really miss having that person to tell my daily highs and lows. So, I'm using blogger as my listening ear. Blogger is basically a good listener, it never interupts, doesn't laugh at me, doesn't offer annoying opinions or stupid advice. On the other hand, it doesn't offer encouragement, good advice, or laugh at my jokes.
Another reason is that I find the process cathartic. It really is a relief at times to have a method of expressing my joys, sorrows, pain, anger, or whatever. And, it's a lot cheaper than seeing a shrink. Hell, except for asking me how I feel about something, it's exactly like the last shrink I saw. And, I don't have to pay extra for daily sessions. Course, I don't get any good drugs doing Blogs.
There is also the advantage that my father and I communicate a lot more this way. We probably learn more about our daily goings on through our respective blogs then we've known in years. Plus, this is cheaper than long distance phone calls.
Sports news for the day
Man, what a suck weekend for the teams I tend to root for. Out of the Broncos, 49er's, Chiefs, SF Giants, Oakland A's, Colorado Buffalos, and Colorado State University, the only teams to win were the Chiefs and Colorado State. And the Chiefs beat the Broncos, so it's a mixed blessing. Sure glad I didn't bet any money or anything on any of these games.
Win the Lottery, quit the Army
Okay, so we have a Soldier who wins the Lottery (to the tune of $159 million) while on leave, and now wants the Army to release him from his contract. What a fricken ingrate. The military has supported this guy (and his wife and family) for better than 8 years. It's fed him, clothed him, gave him a place to live, provided him with training and a job, and medical care, and now that he has money he has no use for the Army. Hey, GI, go fuck yourself. You signed the contract, you owe the time to your country. There is nothing in your contract that says either party can kick the other one out if one party gets lucky. Damn, I really despise people who do shit like this. If you sign a contract, you are giving your word that you will be a man and honor the terms. People like this soldier (and athletes included) who suddenly want to change the contract when things are going their way make me sick. An athlete has a good year and it's renegotiation time. But, if they have a bad year, they never seem to think the team can change the contract.
I'm not talking about why I write a blog, I'm talking about why do I tend to write a lot of personal stuff. I started thinking about this after reading Anonymous Gurl's blog a week or so ago. She was wondering how people (like me) can open up and write all sorts of personal stuff in their blog. Well, I can't speak for everyone (wouldn't that be tiring), but I do have my reasons.
A big part of the reason is that I enjoy sharing my life with someone. I got so used to talking with my wife about how our days went, what we were happy about, what was upsetting us, etc. Now that she is gone, I really miss having that person to tell my daily highs and lows. So, I'm using blogger as my listening ear. Blogger is basically a good listener, it never interupts, doesn't laugh at me, doesn't offer annoying opinions or stupid advice. On the other hand, it doesn't offer encouragement, good advice, or laugh at my jokes.
Another reason is that I find the process cathartic. It really is a relief at times to have a method of expressing my joys, sorrows, pain, anger, or whatever. And, it's a lot cheaper than seeing a shrink. Hell, except for asking me how I feel about something, it's exactly like the last shrink I saw. And, I don't have to pay extra for daily sessions. Course, I don't get any good drugs doing Blogs.
There is also the advantage that my father and I communicate a lot more this way. We probably learn more about our daily goings on through our respective blogs then we've known in years. Plus, this is cheaper than long distance phone calls.
Sports news for the day
Man, what a suck weekend for the teams I tend to root for. Out of the Broncos, 49er's, Chiefs, SF Giants, Oakland A's, Colorado Buffalos, and Colorado State University, the only teams to win were the Chiefs and Colorado State. And the Chiefs beat the Broncos, so it's a mixed blessing. Sure glad I didn't bet any money or anything on any of these games.
Win the Lottery, quit the Army
Okay, so we have a Soldier who wins the Lottery (to the tune of $159 million) while on leave, and now wants the Army to release him from his contract. What a fricken ingrate. The military has supported this guy (and his wife and family) for better than 8 years. It's fed him, clothed him, gave him a place to live, provided him with training and a job, and medical care, and now that he has money he has no use for the Army. Hey, GI, go fuck yourself. You signed the contract, you owe the time to your country. There is nothing in your contract that says either party can kick the other one out if one party gets lucky. Damn, I really despise people who do shit like this. If you sign a contract, you are giving your word that you will be a man and honor the terms. People like this soldier (and athletes included) who suddenly want to change the contract when things are going their way make me sick. An athlete has a good year and it's renegotiation time. But, if they have a bad year, they never seem to think the team can change the contract.
Sunday, October 05, 2003
Chiefs 24 - Broncos 23
Oh hell, there goes the perfect season. Overall, a pretty good game, but I think it came down to the team the made the fewest mistakes and one great play. As you would expect, the local media is harping about why Coach Mike (Shanahan) didn't have the punter kick the ball away from Dante Hall. How about asking why just over half your punt team can get within 2 feet of the guy and no one can tackle him. ESPN showed the highlight, and counted the players who Dante Hall eluded. The count was about seven or eight (although, a couple misses were by the same players). My biggest complaint about football is that too many players are more interested in making an ESPN highlite reel type hit than in making a simple tackle. What's wrong with wrapping your arms around a guy and putting him down. Players are just too big and strong these days to consistently go down just by being hit.
Tiger - The 6 Million Dollar Man
Tiger Woods won this weeks golf tournament (damn, I'm starting to sound like a sportscaster here) and pushed his yearly winnings to $6.5 million. That's for playing golf. Tiger only plays about half the tournaments in a year. I think this one brought his count to somewhere around 20 give or take. So, he's averaging 1 win every 4 tournaments (the fifth year in a row he's won 5 tournaments). If he's played 20 tournaments, he's averaging over $300,000 a tournament. Not bad work if you can get it. And that doesn't even count the $40 - $50 million a year he gets in endorsements. And before you ask, hell yes I'm jealous.
Guide Dogs for the Blind
Friends of mine assist in training guide dogs. They get the puppies (labradors) from the breeders and raise them until the puppy is somewhere between nine months and a year old. They then have to return the puppy to the foundation so it can receive the advanced training. If the dog passes the training (about 60% do), it is matched with a blind person for a final month of co-training.
Well, today was the day they had to return their latest puppy. Rayla (which was named by combing parts of my daughter's and wife's name) is heading to California for training. My daughter went with Rayla to the kennel truck with our friends. I can't imagine raising a puppy for a year and then letting go of it. Even my daughter was a little distraught over Rayla's departure. The good news is that our friends are baby-sitting a new puppy (Wilimena - another black lab) and my daughter got to hold and play with her. Our friends will probably get a new puppy for training in the next couple of months.
Word Definitions
Just a quick thought here - I'm tired of the over-used word irony (or ironic) when the correct word should be coincidence. Too many people (most of them on TV) seem to think that the two words are interchangable. Folks, they're not! Irony is the term for a condition that occurs that is directly opposite the expected result. It would be ironic if an ambulance coming to your rescue, ran over and further injured you.
Oh hell, there goes the perfect season. Overall, a pretty good game, but I think it came down to the team the made the fewest mistakes and one great play. As you would expect, the local media is harping about why Coach Mike (Shanahan) didn't have the punter kick the ball away from Dante Hall. How about asking why just over half your punt team can get within 2 feet of the guy and no one can tackle him. ESPN showed the highlight, and counted the players who Dante Hall eluded. The count was about seven or eight (although, a couple misses were by the same players). My biggest complaint about football is that too many players are more interested in making an ESPN highlite reel type hit than in making a simple tackle. What's wrong with wrapping your arms around a guy and putting him down. Players are just too big and strong these days to consistently go down just by being hit.
Tiger - The 6 Million Dollar Man
Tiger Woods won this weeks golf tournament (damn, I'm starting to sound like a sportscaster here) and pushed his yearly winnings to $6.5 million. That's for playing golf. Tiger only plays about half the tournaments in a year. I think this one brought his count to somewhere around 20 give or take. So, he's averaging 1 win every 4 tournaments (the fifth year in a row he's won 5 tournaments). If he's played 20 tournaments, he's averaging over $300,000 a tournament. Not bad work if you can get it. And that doesn't even count the $40 - $50 million a year he gets in endorsements. And before you ask, hell yes I'm jealous.
Guide Dogs for the Blind
Friends of mine assist in training guide dogs. They get the puppies (labradors) from the breeders and raise them until the puppy is somewhere between nine months and a year old. They then have to return the puppy to the foundation so it can receive the advanced training. If the dog passes the training (about 60% do), it is matched with a blind person for a final month of co-training.
Well, today was the day they had to return their latest puppy. Rayla (which was named by combing parts of my daughter's and wife's name) is heading to California for training. My daughter went with Rayla to the kennel truck with our friends. I can't imagine raising a puppy for a year and then letting go of it. Even my daughter was a little distraught over Rayla's departure. The good news is that our friends are baby-sitting a new puppy (Wilimena - another black lab) and my daughter got to hold and play with her. Our friends will probably get a new puppy for training in the next couple of months.
Word Definitions
Just a quick thought here - I'm tired of the over-used word irony (or ironic) when the correct word should be coincidence. Too many people (most of them on TV) seem to think that the two words are interchangable. Folks, they're not! Irony is the term for a condition that occurs that is directly opposite the expected result. It would be ironic if an ambulance coming to your rescue, ran over and further injured you.
Saturday, October 04, 2003
Dating
Man, what does it take these days to meet someone to date? I am really at the point where I would like to have a lady in my life. My problem is that I don't know where to meet said lady. Where does somone go to meet people? My biggest problem is that 95% of my friends are married. And the people they know are married. School isn't cutting it because the only single ladies are in their teens, and the ladies anywhere near my age are married. My church doesn't work, the only single ladies there are old enough to be my mother. So far, internet dating isn't doing much for me. I've had a grand total of one date that way. Bowling isn't working either, again, no single ladies. What's a poor horny white boy to do?
Colorado Gambling
Colorado has a referendum coming up for a vote in November. Basically, we are going to decide if we want to allow racetracks (primarily dogs) to have Video Lottery Terminals. Now, the only difference between a VLT and a slot machine is that the VLT just gives you a ticket to redeem at a cashier and doesn't allow you to cash out. So far, the biggest arguement against these things is the idea that it will promote gambling and will cause people to become addicted to gambling. Now, I'm sorry, but if someone wants to gamble, they are going to do so whether we have VLT's or not. We currently have limited stakes gambling here in Colorado. And these VLT's will be at racetracks. So, if you were susceptible to a gambling addiction, you'd already be visiting one of these places anyway. So why would these machines put you anymore at risk?
A spouse's death
Someone asked me recently whether I was upset that my wife had died. Now, what they were asking is whether I was upset with her. To tell the truth, I am not the least bit upset with my wife because she contracted breast cancer and passed away. Some days though, I am envious. See, if you have a spouse who dies, they have the easier part. No, I don't think dying is easy, but think about it. The person who dies does not have to deal with all the ramifications. As a surviving spouse, I have to deal with living day to day without her. I have to sleep in the bed we shared, alone. I have to raise my daughter by myself and deal with everything that that entails. I have to deal with phone calls, mail, e-mail, etc. addressed to my wife. I have to go on each day knowing that the person I most counted on, needed, and loved, is not going to be there that day. So, angry, no. I will admit to being envious at times, sometimes being a single person, parent, head-of-household just really sucks.
Man, what does it take these days to meet someone to date? I am really at the point where I would like to have a lady in my life. My problem is that I don't know where to meet said lady. Where does somone go to meet people? My biggest problem is that 95% of my friends are married. And the people they know are married. School isn't cutting it because the only single ladies are in their teens, and the ladies anywhere near my age are married. My church doesn't work, the only single ladies there are old enough to be my mother. So far, internet dating isn't doing much for me. I've had a grand total of one date that way. Bowling isn't working either, again, no single ladies. What's a poor horny white boy to do?
Colorado Gambling
Colorado has a referendum coming up for a vote in November. Basically, we are going to decide if we want to allow racetracks (primarily dogs) to have Video Lottery Terminals. Now, the only difference between a VLT and a slot machine is that the VLT just gives you a ticket to redeem at a cashier and doesn't allow you to cash out. So far, the biggest arguement against these things is the idea that it will promote gambling and will cause people to become addicted to gambling. Now, I'm sorry, but if someone wants to gamble, they are going to do so whether we have VLT's or not. We currently have limited stakes gambling here in Colorado. And these VLT's will be at racetracks. So, if you were susceptible to a gambling addiction, you'd already be visiting one of these places anyway. So why would these machines put you anymore at risk?
A spouse's death
Someone asked me recently whether I was upset that my wife had died. Now, what they were asking is whether I was upset with her. To tell the truth, I am not the least bit upset with my wife because she contracted breast cancer and passed away. Some days though, I am envious. See, if you have a spouse who dies, they have the easier part. No, I don't think dying is easy, but think about it. The person who dies does not have to deal with all the ramifications. As a surviving spouse, I have to deal with living day to day without her. I have to sleep in the bed we shared, alone. I have to raise my daughter by myself and deal with everything that that entails. I have to deal with phone calls, mail, e-mail, etc. addressed to my wife. I have to go on each day knowing that the person I most counted on, needed, and loved, is not going to be there that day. So, angry, no. I will admit to being envious at times, sometimes being a single person, parent, head-of-household just really sucks.
Friday, October 03, 2003
Little Girls
Being a nice father today. My daughter has a friend over for a sleep-over. Why it's called that I do not know. The two girls are totally wound up and it's 11 pm. I didn't even stuff them (or allow them to stuff themselves) with sugar. I guess it's just the idea of playing together that winds them up. Hopefully, I'll get them to slow down a little and go to bed soon. Oh well, it's fun to see the smiles on their faces.
Movies
I've had the TV on today for background noise while I was working around the house. It is really amazing the amount of crappy movies that HBO and Cinemax show on a daily basis. The only good thing about that is that the movies are all different. I remember having HBO 20 years ago and they should maybe a dozen different movies all week. So, if you missed something during one showing, you could just watch it later that evening or the next day. Of course, you were screwed if you didn't like a couple of movies, because you were going to see them 10 times in a week. Thinking about that reminded that the first "Movie Channel" I ever saw was while my mom was still alive and we were in San Jose. Gill Cable showed The Posideon (sp?) Adventure un-cut and commercial free. Remember that movie? Started a whole slew of disaster movies. Next came movies like Airport (followed by II, III, etc..), and The Towering Inferno. Basically, we had movies that brought a bunch of mid-level or bigger stars together, put them in a life or death situation, kill some of them off, and then celebrate the ones who survived. That was the fun part of the movies. Betting on who would make it and who wouldn't.
As I type this, the future Governor of California (you know, Ah-nuld) is starring in Commando. Now, my biggest problem with this movie is trying to figure out how a single guy, weighed down by what looks to be over a hundred pounds of weaponry, can run through a courtyard and live. The bad guys are crouching behind walls, fences, statues, and here's our hero running out in the open. Bad guys can't hit shit, but our hero is picking them off one by one without even bothering to aim. Why can't the evil folks ever hire henchmen that have an IQ above 10 and can actually hit something when they fire a gun. Oh, another thing, I love when they show someone firing an M-16 (Rifle I used in the Marines) on full-automatic with a short magazine. Now, the magazines they show people using are 10 to 20 round clips. If you fired even a 20 round clip on full-automatic, you'd get a 5 - 10 second burst. But, in movies, these guys fire for minutes at a time, over and over.
Truisms in Movies or TV
Have you ever noticed that certain things occur in movies or TV shows over and over? Here's a short list of some things:
Anyone have any more? I love lists like this.
Being a nice father today. My daughter has a friend over for a sleep-over. Why it's called that I do not know. The two girls are totally wound up and it's 11 pm. I didn't even stuff them (or allow them to stuff themselves) with sugar. I guess it's just the idea of playing together that winds them up. Hopefully, I'll get them to slow down a little and go to bed soon. Oh well, it's fun to see the smiles on their faces.
Movies
I've had the TV on today for background noise while I was working around the house. It is really amazing the amount of crappy movies that HBO and Cinemax show on a daily basis. The only good thing about that is that the movies are all different. I remember having HBO 20 years ago and they should maybe a dozen different movies all week. So, if you missed something during one showing, you could just watch it later that evening or the next day. Of course, you were screwed if you didn't like a couple of movies, because you were going to see them 10 times in a week. Thinking about that reminded that the first "Movie Channel" I ever saw was while my mom was still alive and we were in San Jose. Gill Cable showed The Posideon (sp?) Adventure un-cut and commercial free. Remember that movie? Started a whole slew of disaster movies. Next came movies like Airport (followed by II, III, etc..), and The Towering Inferno. Basically, we had movies that brought a bunch of mid-level or bigger stars together, put them in a life or death situation, kill some of them off, and then celebrate the ones who survived. That was the fun part of the movies. Betting on who would make it and who wouldn't.
As I type this, the future Governor of California (you know, Ah-nuld) is starring in Commando. Now, my biggest problem with this movie is trying to figure out how a single guy, weighed down by what looks to be over a hundred pounds of weaponry, can run through a courtyard and live. The bad guys are crouching behind walls, fences, statues, and here's our hero running out in the open. Bad guys can't hit shit, but our hero is picking them off one by one without even bothering to aim. Why can't the evil folks ever hire henchmen that have an IQ above 10 and can actually hit something when they fire a gun. Oh, another thing, I love when they show someone firing an M-16 (Rifle I used in the Marines) on full-automatic with a short magazine. Now, the magazines they show people using are 10 to 20 round clips. If you fired even a 20 round clip on full-automatic, you'd get a 5 - 10 second burst. But, in movies, these guys fire for minutes at a time, over and over.
Truisms in Movies or TV
Have you ever noticed that certain things occur in movies or TV shows over and over? Here's a short list of some things:
- Star Trek - In a landing party, the guy wearing the different color shirt from everyone will be the first to die
- War Movies - The first guy to pull out a picture of his girlfriend back home, is the first one to die, applies equally to the first person to talk about their girl (usually named Betty, Sue, or Mary Ann)
- Horror Films - By the middle of the film, after half-a-dozen of their friends have been killed when they were alone, some idiot will still suggest they split up to find the killer
- Still horror films - the only time you're at risk to be killed when you're not alone is when you're having sex. Why, in the middle of a killing spree some one would feel the urge to have sex, I don't know
Anyone have any more? I love lists like this.
Thursday, October 02, 2003
Thank You
To all the people who commented on my piece yesterday concerning Breast Cancer and my wife, I wish to thank you. Your comments mean a lot to me. Just to remind everyone, early detection is the key. I don't care if it makes you uncomfortable to do an exam, just do it. Hell, if you have to have your boyfriend, significant other, or spouse do it for you.
Denver Drivers
Okay, I don't know what's going on around here, but Damn! The drivers around here have gotten pathetic. In the last couple of days, I've had people move over two lanes in front of me to make right hand turns. Can't these idiots think ahead? I've seen a vehicle that rolled over and took out about thirty feet of fence. And this wasn't even at an intersection. What happened here? People are driving around like they have two minutes to get somewhere. Hey folks, leave the house a few minutes earlier. Geez, it's getting to the point that I'm almost afraid to leave my house because of these morons. Is driving that tough a skill? Hell, my nine year old daughter can drive a golf cart better than these "adults" can drive their car.
Thursday Bowling
Hey, I finally got my head out of my ass concerning bowling on Thursday. I bowled a 609 series tonight with two 200+ games. I decided to have a couple of beers before going bowling tonight, figuring that they would make me a little relaxed so I wouldn't think as much. Once I had the first 200, the second one was easier. I had an open frame, and my attitude didn't nose-dive. I just concentrated on the next frame. I knew the problem had to be mental, I just tend to overthink things at time.
Boobie Thon?
Well, it's a unique way to raise money for the Susan G. Komen foundation, but there is a Boobie Thon site that so far has raised over 13 hundred dollars. The only bad thing I can find about the site is that I don't get to see these in person. Being single with no girlfriend, this site really makes me wish I had a female in my life. I have to admit, even with my wife's illness, I do like a nice set of boobies, hooters, knockers, gazongas, or whatever you wish to call them.
Rush Limbaugh
Oh my god! Rush, who I've listened to a time or two (hey, it was on the channel my favorite sports talk radio program is on) has really stepped in it this time. Rush expressed the opinion that Donovan McNabb (the Eagles quarterback) is thought of highly solely because he is black. Now, I'm not a McNabb or Eagles fan enough to know whether this is true or not, but my god, you just can't get away with saying things like that. The problem I have with this whole situation is everyone is attacking Rush as a racist. Is anyone looking at the possibility that he may be right? Mr McNabb has a quarterback rating that is not even in the top 25. So, could the attention he receives be because of his color? Maybe, maybe not. So, why isn't anyone defending Rush? Maybe he's right about the situation or maybe he's wrong. But shouldn't we consider what he's saying without just labeling him a racist first? My official position on this is that I don't know if he's right or wrong (McNabb is not a Bronco, so he get's little coverage here). But, I do know that I dislike seeing someone labeled a racist simply because they raised a valid question.
To all the people who commented on my piece yesterday concerning Breast Cancer and my wife, I wish to thank you. Your comments mean a lot to me. Just to remind everyone, early detection is the key. I don't care if it makes you uncomfortable to do an exam, just do it. Hell, if you have to have your boyfriend, significant other, or spouse do it for you.
Denver Drivers
Okay, I don't know what's going on around here, but Damn! The drivers around here have gotten pathetic. In the last couple of days, I've had people move over two lanes in front of me to make right hand turns. Can't these idiots think ahead? I've seen a vehicle that rolled over and took out about thirty feet of fence. And this wasn't even at an intersection. What happened here? People are driving around like they have two minutes to get somewhere. Hey folks, leave the house a few minutes earlier. Geez, it's getting to the point that I'm almost afraid to leave my house because of these morons. Is driving that tough a skill? Hell, my nine year old daughter can drive a golf cart better than these "adults" can drive their car.
Thursday Bowling
Hey, I finally got my head out of my ass concerning bowling on Thursday. I bowled a 609 series tonight with two 200+ games. I decided to have a couple of beers before going bowling tonight, figuring that they would make me a little relaxed so I wouldn't think as much. Once I had the first 200, the second one was easier. I had an open frame, and my attitude didn't nose-dive. I just concentrated on the next frame. I knew the problem had to be mental, I just tend to overthink things at time.
Boobie Thon?
Well, it's a unique way to raise money for the Susan G. Komen foundation, but there is a Boobie Thon site that so far has raised over 13 hundred dollars. The only bad thing I can find about the site is that I don't get to see these in person. Being single with no girlfriend, this site really makes me wish I had a female in my life. I have to admit, even with my wife's illness, I do like a nice set of boobies, hooters, knockers, gazongas, or whatever you wish to call them.
Rush Limbaugh
Oh my god! Rush, who I've listened to a time or two (hey, it was on the channel my favorite sports talk radio program is on) has really stepped in it this time. Rush expressed the opinion that Donovan McNabb (the Eagles quarterback) is thought of highly solely because he is black. Now, I'm not a McNabb or Eagles fan enough to know whether this is true or not, but my god, you just can't get away with saying things like that. The problem I have with this whole situation is everyone is attacking Rush as a racist. Is anyone looking at the possibility that he may be right? Mr McNabb has a quarterback rating that is not even in the top 25. So, could the attention he receives be because of his color? Maybe, maybe not. So, why isn't anyone defending Rush? Maybe he's right about the situation or maybe he's wrong. But shouldn't we consider what he's saying without just labeling him a racist first? My official position on this is that I don't know if he's right or wrong (McNabb is not a Bronco, so he get's little coverage here). But, I do know that I dislike seeing someone labeled a racist simply because they raised a valid question.
Wednesday, October 01, 2003
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
On June 7, 2001, I lost my wife due to Breast Cancer. It is my sincere hope that no one who reads this posting every has to go through the pain that my wife and I experienced in during her illness. My mother died on January 17, 1977. Until my wife was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, I thought that was the most terrible thing that could or would happend to me. But, my mother's death was simple. She passed out on a Tuesday morning, on Wednesday morning, my father received a phone call and had the duty of informing myself and my brother that our mother had died. Yes, it hurt (and sometimes still does) but it was quick. Breast Cancer is not quick. It is a disease that kills you over time.
My wife was diagnosed a year prior to her death. She went to the doctor to have a bump in her neck of all places looked at. What it turned out to be was a malignant tumor in her lymph node that had spread from her breast. Over the next year, my wife had to put up with 3 different forms of chemotherapy, radiation treatment, and a stem cell replacement procedure. The last six months of her life were filled with almost daily visits to some doctor or clinic or visits from a home nurse. My wife was an intelligent, creative, funny, and sexy lady. Breast Cancer slowly ate away at everything that made her who she was. The last month and especially the last week or so, my wife ceased to be a person. Her mind had gone, but through her strength of will, her body refused to quit. At her funeral, I stated that though I have been a Marine and an athlete, I had never met a tougher, stronger fighter than my wife. I still believe that.
Okay, enough with the history. Here's where I get serious. Any lady who is reading this, please please do monthly self-exams. Go and visit your doctor, have whatever tests they have to detect Breast Cancer. Early detection is still the single best method of beating this disease. For you males out there. If you care about a female whether it be your wife, mother, sister, other relative, or just a friend. Please feel free to be a pain in their ass and make sure they are doing self-exams and yearly mammograms. No one reading this wants to go through what my wife and I went through. You don't want your family and friends to watch a loved one literally waste away because of a damn disease.
Also, please support your local chapter of the Komen Foundation. Whether you do it by participating in the Race, Drive, Cook for the Cure or simply support someone who does, your assistance helps. The year my wife died, 43 thousand other women also died. While that is still a horrendous number, it is a fraction of the number of women who died as recently as ten or fifteen years ago. Your assistance is making a difference. On behalf of anyone who survives this disease, I wish to express my deepest and most heartfelt thanks.
Other thoughts tonight
I had planned on writing a few other things tonight, but truthfully, writing that last item has just emotionally drained me. All I can think of to write at this point is the following.
To my beautiful daughter, curmudgeonly father, and good ole gal and boy mother and father-in-law, I love you all so very much. You all mean the world to me and I hope that you will always be here. I have lost so much in my life and to lose one of you would probably push me over the edge. Please all of you take care of yourselves and fight the good fight to live another day. I pray everyday for you, your health and your safety. I love you all.
To anyone who reads this, thank you for taking the time. Take care of yourselves and your loved ones. I wish you all peace, health, and happiness.
On June 7, 2001, I lost my wife due to Breast Cancer. It is my sincere hope that no one who reads this posting every has to go through the pain that my wife and I experienced in during her illness. My mother died on January 17, 1977. Until my wife was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, I thought that was the most terrible thing that could or would happend to me. But, my mother's death was simple. She passed out on a Tuesday morning, on Wednesday morning, my father received a phone call and had the duty of informing myself and my brother that our mother had died. Yes, it hurt (and sometimes still does) but it was quick. Breast Cancer is not quick. It is a disease that kills you over time.
My wife was diagnosed a year prior to her death. She went to the doctor to have a bump in her neck of all places looked at. What it turned out to be was a malignant tumor in her lymph node that had spread from her breast. Over the next year, my wife had to put up with 3 different forms of chemotherapy, radiation treatment, and a stem cell replacement procedure. The last six months of her life were filled with almost daily visits to some doctor or clinic or visits from a home nurse. My wife was an intelligent, creative, funny, and sexy lady. Breast Cancer slowly ate away at everything that made her who she was. The last month and especially the last week or so, my wife ceased to be a person. Her mind had gone, but through her strength of will, her body refused to quit. At her funeral, I stated that though I have been a Marine and an athlete, I had never met a tougher, stronger fighter than my wife. I still believe that.
Okay, enough with the history. Here's where I get serious. Any lady who is reading this, please please do monthly self-exams. Go and visit your doctor, have whatever tests they have to detect Breast Cancer. Early detection is still the single best method of beating this disease. For you males out there. If you care about a female whether it be your wife, mother, sister, other relative, or just a friend. Please feel free to be a pain in their ass and make sure they are doing self-exams and yearly mammograms. No one reading this wants to go through what my wife and I went through. You don't want your family and friends to watch a loved one literally waste away because of a damn disease.
Also, please support your local chapter of the Komen Foundation. Whether you do it by participating in the Race, Drive, Cook for the Cure or simply support someone who does, your assistance helps. The year my wife died, 43 thousand other women also died. While that is still a horrendous number, it is a fraction of the number of women who died as recently as ten or fifteen years ago. Your assistance is making a difference. On behalf of anyone who survives this disease, I wish to express my deepest and most heartfelt thanks.
Other thoughts tonight
I had planned on writing a few other things tonight, but truthfully, writing that last item has just emotionally drained me. All I can think of to write at this point is the following.
To my beautiful daughter, curmudgeonly father, and good ole gal and boy mother and father-in-law, I love you all so very much. You all mean the world to me and I hope that you will always be here. I have lost so much in my life and to lose one of you would probably push me over the edge. Please all of you take care of yourselves and fight the good fight to live another day. I pray everyday for you, your health and your safety. I love you all.
To anyone who reads this, thank you for taking the time. Take care of yourselves and your loved ones. I wish you all peace, health, and happiness.
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