ok. so in celebration of my new venture, Lisa and I decided to get a Tivo. Supposedly they're the greatest thing since sliced bread. Well, I ordered one online from tivo.com, a cool one - it also has a DVD burner in it so you can burn the shows or movies you save to DVD and watch them whenever. It also has a wireless option and we can watch tv on our computers to. Pretty slick, huh? Well, it's supposed to be. After having this piece of crap for two days it still is not working and will not set up. Apparently you have to have a phone line (I mean who even has those anymore) for the initial programming. The only person I know who has one still is my mom. Si I go over to her house, let it do its thing last night and went over there at 6am this morning to pick it up and get it ready. I get home plug it up - nothing. Still doesn't work. Junk. So I am now back over at mom's house (using my mac which is awesome, batting .500 on the technical things) and just waited for 1.5 hours to download a new update and now it is processing it. Still. I am about ready to throw this thing away and I've not even used it yet.
On another matter, I think we have found the perfect office space for this new startup. It is way sweet. Curved walls, walls at an angle, lots of color...right up our alley. I even would have had a sale yesterday but was worried more about finding the right space. The guy said to definitely call him when we were ready because he already was. hahahahahaha This thing is going to be big. I've talked to a couple of people who are interested in coming to work for us already after just hearing rumors of what we're doing. After I explained it to them, they were like...yeah, i want in. hahahahaha I told them we may hire them, we may not. We don't know yet. I do have a new work email and I will send that out to people as soon as the website is redone and finished. I will send that link out as well.
So all is good right now...except for this stupid Tivo. But it looks like it's getting ready to reboot, so maybe that's a good thing. If not, you'll be able to find one in my dumpster - all yours.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
apples to apples
Alright - it is late but I had to post. I've been without a PC for the last couple of days. Until now. My new company is an Apple house. Yes, MACs. I got my new one today. Pretty cool. If I knew that this thing was this cool, I would have ordered one personally when they came out. I really don't know how PCs are staying around. When more people see these things...they will have to buy them...soooo cool. OK - that's really all I have right now. Except I think our new office space is going to rock...unbelievable...
~l8r
~l8r
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
today's 2fer
1 - In celebration of my new career direction, I went running this morning and got my best time on my 5K with "the hill" at my house. 25:00.61 - ahh yeah - that's pretty good for me here. i can't wait until the race on turkey day in NC where it's all flat. I hope I can shave over a minute off my time at least.
2 - I am having the hardest time ever in deciding what kind of phone to get. i was talking to Steffany today (who is my verizon rep) and she made the statement, "I think you've tried or had every phone we carry." I said, "you know, I think you're right." there are maybe a couple I haven't, like the Q and KRAZR. I know I don't want the KRAZR (too many fingerprints) and the jury is still out on the Q. I'm afraid it will be like my TREO 700w - cool gadget, but aweful phone.
Oh well, any thoughts, please let me know. ;)
2 - I am having the hardest time ever in deciding what kind of phone to get. i was talking to Steffany today (who is my verizon rep) and she made the statement, "I think you've tried or had every phone we carry." I said, "you know, I think you're right." there are maybe a couple I haven't, like the Q and KRAZR. I know I don't want the KRAZR (too many fingerprints) and the jury is still out on the Q. I'm afraid it will be like my TREO 700w - cool gadget, but aweful phone.
Oh well, any thoughts, please let me know. ;)
Monday, October 30, 2006
good thoughts
Don't ever confuse the two, your life and your work. That's what I have to say. The second is only a part of the first.
~Anna Quindlen, A Short Guide to a Happy Life, 2000(1953 - )
Seeing how today is the last day of my current job, I found this quote very fitting. And it is true. Since starting out in the biz world being self-employed, it is a natural tendency for me to feel that life and work are the same. Of course, with the job I am finishing, I have come to realize that it's not. People want to know me for me, not because of work. Which is cool. It has been hard over the past few months declining job offers from various places because I felt that it would be hard to separate life and my then current work. I now feel totally relieved about my journey into my new venture/position (which a month or so ago, I didn't).
I'm sure I will go into more detail in the days/weeks to come, but felt I had to share this. ;)
~Anna Quindlen, A Short Guide to a Happy Life, 2000(1953 - )
Seeing how today is the last day of my current job, I found this quote very fitting. And it is true. Since starting out in the biz world being self-employed, it is a natural tendency for me to feel that life and work are the same. Of course, with the job I am finishing, I have come to realize that it's not. People want to know me for me, not because of work. Which is cool. It has been hard over the past few months declining job offers from various places because I felt that it would be hard to separate life and my then current work. I now feel totally relieved about my journey into my new venture/position (which a month or so ago, I didn't).
I'm sure I will go into more detail in the days/weeks to come, but felt I had to share this. ;)
Sunday, October 29, 2006
winter
Yellow green red and brown
Winter’s coming, sure enough
Pretty soon we’ll be seeing the white stuff
The leaves are changing all over town
Seasons come and seasons go
Soon people will play in snow and ice
Coming into a warm house will be very nice
The seasons behind us we should let go
The future brings us something new
Like springtime flowers among the dew
hahahahaha - can you believe it? i actually followed the true "sonnet" rules...hahahaha
Winter’s coming, sure enough
Pretty soon we’ll be seeing the white stuff
The leaves are changing all over town
Seasons come and seasons go
Soon people will play in snow and ice
Coming into a warm house will be very nice
The seasons behind us we should let go
The future brings us something new
Like springtime flowers among the dew
hahahahaha - can you believe it? i actually followed the true "sonnet" rules...hahahaha
Saturday, October 28, 2006
seriously...
Monday is my last day at my current job :) i will fill you all in later as to what I'm doing next...tre cool ;) sometimes things are laid in your lap that you have to pursue.
Friday, October 27, 2006
101(2) ways to annoy people
1. Sing the Batman theme incessantly.
2. In the memo field of all your checks, write "for sensual massage."
3. Specify that your drive-through order is "to go."
4. Learn Morse code, and have conversations with friends in public consisting entirely of "Beeeep Bip Bip Beeep Bip..."
5. If you have a glass eye, tap on it occasionally with your pen while talking to others.
6. Amuse yourself for endless hours by hooking a camcorder to your TV and then pointing it at the screen.
7. Speak only in a "robot" voice.
8. Push all the flat Lego pieces together tightly.
9. Start each meal by conspicuously licking all your food, and announce that this is so no one will "swipe your grub".
10. Leave the copy machine set to reduce 200%, extra dark, 17 inch paper, 98 copies.
11. Stomp on little plastic ketchup packets.
12. Sniffle incessantly.
13. Leave your turn signal on for fifty miles.
14. Name your dog "Dog."
15. Insist on keeping your car windshield wipers running in all weather conditions "to keep them tuned up."
16. Reply to everything someone says with "that's what YOU think."
17. Claim that you must always wear a bicycle helmet as part of your "astronaut training."
18. Declare your apartment an independent nation, and sue your neighbors upstairs for "violating your airspace".
19. Forget the punchline to a long joke, but assure the listener it was a "real hoot."
20. Follow a few paces behind someone, spraying everything they touch with Lysol.
21. Practice making fax and modem noises.
22. Highlight irrelevant information in scientific papers and "cc:" them to your boss.
23. Make beeping noises when a large person backs up.
24. Invent nonsense computer jargon in conversations, and see if people play along to avoid the appearance of ignorance.
25. Erect an elaborate network of ropes in your backyard, and tell the neighbors you are a "spider person."
26. Finish all your sentences with the words "in accordance with the prophesy."
27. Wear a special hip holster for yourremote control.
28. Do not add any inflection to the end of your sentences, producing awkward silences with the impression that you'll be saying more any moment.
29. Signal that a conversation is over by clamping your hands over your ears.
30. Disassemble your pen and "accidentally" flip the ink cartridge across the room.
31. Give a play-by-play account of a persons every action in a nasal Howard Cosell voice.
32. Holler random numbers while someone is counting.
33. Adjust the tint on your TV so that all the people are green, and insist to others that you "like it that way."
34. Drum on every available surface.
35. Staple papers in the middle of the page.
36. Ask 1-800 operators for dates.
37. Produce a rental video consisting entirely of dire FBI copyright warnings.
38. Sew anti-theft detector stripsinto peoples backpacks.
39. Hide dairy products in inaccessible places.
40. Write the surprise ending to a novel on its first page.
41. Set alarms for random times.
42. Order a side of pork rinds with your filet mignon.
43. Instead of Gallo, serve Night Train next Thanksgiving.
44. Publicly investigate just how slowly you can make a "croaking" noise.
45. Honk and wave to strangers.
46. Dress only in clothes colored Hunters Orange.
47. Change channels five minutes before the end of every show.
48. Tape pieces of "Sweating to the Oldies" over climactic parts of rental movies.
49. Wear your pants backwards.
50. Decline to be seated at a restaurant, and simply eat their complimentary mints by the cash register.
51. Begin all your sentences with "ooh la la!"
52. ONLY TYPE IN UPPERCASE.
53. only type in lowercase.
54. dont use any punctuation either
55. Buy a large quantity of orange traffic cones and reroute whole streets.
56. Pay for your dinner with pennies.
57. Tie jingle bells to all your clothes.
58. Repeat everything someone says, as a question.
59. Write "X - BURIED TREASURE" in random spots on all of someone's roadmaps.
60. Inform everyone you meet of your personal Kennedy assassination/UFO/ O.J Simpson conspiracy theories.
61. Repeat the following conversation a dozen times: "Do you hear that?" "What?" "Never mind, its gone now."
62. Light road flares on a birthday cake.
63. Wander around a restaurant, asking other diners for their parsley.
64. Leave tips in Bolivian currency.
65. Demand that everyone address you as "Conquistador."
66. At the laundromat, use one dryer for each of your socks.
67. When Christmas caroling, sing "Jingle Bells, Batman smells" until physically restrained.
68. Wear a cape that says "Magnificent One."
69. As much as possible, skip rather than walk.
70. Stand over someone's shoulder, mumbling, as they read.
71. Pretend your computer's mouse is a CB radio, and talk to it.
72. Try playing the William Tell Overture by tapping on the bottom of your chin. When nearly done, announce "no, wait, I messed it up," and repeat.
73. Drive half a block.
74. Inform others that they exist only in your imagination.
75. Ask people what gender they are.
76. Lick the filling out of all the Oreos, and place the cookie parts back.
77. Cultivate a Norwegian accent. If Norwegian, affect a Southern drawl.
78. Routinely handcuff yourself to furniture, informing the curious that you don't want to fall off "in case the big one comes".
79. Deliberately hum songs that will remain lodged in co-workers brains, such as "Feliz Navidad", the Archies "Sugar" or the Mr. Rogers theme song.
80. While making presentations, occasionally bob your head. like a parakeet.
81. Lie obviously about trivial things such as the time of day.
82. Leave your Christmas lights up and lit until September.
83. Change your name to "AaJohn Aaaaasmith" for the great glory of being first in the phone book. Claim it's a Hawaiian name, and demand that people pronounce each "a."
84. Sit in your front yard pointing a hair dryer at passing cars to see if they slow down.
85. Chew on pens that you've borrowed.
86. Wear a LOT of cologne.
87. Listen to 33rpm records at 45rpm speed, and claim the faster speed is necessary because of your "superior mental processing." 88. Sing along at the opera.
. Mow your lawn with scissors.
90. At a golf tournament, chant "swing-batabatabata-suhWING-batter!"
91. Ask the waitress for an extra seat for your "imaginary friend."
92. Go to a poetry recital and ask why each poem doesn't rhyme.
93. Ask your co-workers mysterious questions, and then scribble their answers in a notebook. Mutter something about "psychological profiles."
94. Stare at static on the TV and claim you can see a "magic picture."
95. Select the same song on the jukebox fifty times.
96. Never make eye contact.
97. Never break eye contact.
98. Construct elaborate "crop circles" in your front lawn.
99. Construct your own pretend "tricorder," and "scan" people with it, announcing the results.
100. Make appointments for the 31st of September.
101. Invite lots of people to other people's parties.
102. Copy this and send it to as many people as you can (hahahaha - i added that one ~ t ) ;)
2. In the memo field of all your checks, write "for sensual massage."
3. Specify that your drive-through order is "to go."
4. Learn Morse code, and have conversations with friends in public consisting entirely of "Beeeep Bip Bip Beeep Bip..."
5. If you have a glass eye, tap on it occasionally with your pen while talking to others.
6. Amuse yourself for endless hours by hooking a camcorder to your TV and then pointing it at the screen.
7. Speak only in a "robot" voice.
8. Push all the flat Lego pieces together tightly.
9. Start each meal by conspicuously licking all your food, and announce that this is so no one will "swipe your grub".
10. Leave the copy machine set to reduce 200%, extra dark, 17 inch paper, 98 copies.
11. Stomp on little plastic ketchup packets.
12. Sniffle incessantly.
13. Leave your turn signal on for fifty miles.
14. Name your dog "Dog."
15. Insist on keeping your car windshield wipers running in all weather conditions "to keep them tuned up."
16. Reply to everything someone says with "that's what YOU think."
17. Claim that you must always wear a bicycle helmet as part of your "astronaut training."
18. Declare your apartment an independent nation, and sue your neighbors upstairs for "violating your airspace".
19. Forget the punchline to a long joke, but assure the listener it was a "real hoot."
20. Follow a few paces behind someone, spraying everything they touch with Lysol.
21. Practice making fax and modem noises.
22. Highlight irrelevant information in scientific papers and "cc:" them to your boss.
23. Make beeping noises when a large person backs up.
24. Invent nonsense computer jargon in conversations, and see if people play along to avoid the appearance of ignorance.
25. Erect an elaborate network of ropes in your backyard, and tell the neighbors you are a "spider person."
26. Finish all your sentences with the words "in accordance with the prophesy."
27. Wear a special hip holster for yourremote control.
28. Do not add any inflection to the end of your sentences, producing awkward silences with the impression that you'll be saying more any moment.
29. Signal that a conversation is over by clamping your hands over your ears.
30. Disassemble your pen and "accidentally" flip the ink cartridge across the room.
31. Give a play-by-play account of a persons every action in a nasal Howard Cosell voice.
32. Holler random numbers while someone is counting.
33. Adjust the tint on your TV so that all the people are green, and insist to others that you "like it that way."
34. Drum on every available surface.
35. Staple papers in the middle of the page.
36. Ask 1-800 operators for dates.
37. Produce a rental video consisting entirely of dire FBI copyright warnings.
38. Sew anti-theft detector stripsinto peoples backpacks.
39. Hide dairy products in inaccessible places.
40. Write the surprise ending to a novel on its first page.
41. Set alarms for random times.
42. Order a side of pork rinds with your filet mignon.
43. Instead of Gallo, serve Night Train next Thanksgiving.
44. Publicly investigate just how slowly you can make a "croaking" noise.
45. Honk and wave to strangers.
46. Dress only in clothes colored Hunters Orange.
47. Change channels five minutes before the end of every show.
48. Tape pieces of "Sweating to the Oldies" over climactic parts of rental movies.
49. Wear your pants backwards.
50. Decline to be seated at a restaurant, and simply eat their complimentary mints by the cash register.
51. Begin all your sentences with "ooh la la!"
52. ONLY TYPE IN UPPERCASE.
53. only type in lowercase.
54. dont use any punctuation either
55. Buy a large quantity of orange traffic cones and reroute whole streets.
56. Pay for your dinner with pennies.
57. Tie jingle bells to all your clothes.
58. Repeat everything someone says, as a question.
59. Write "X - BURIED TREASURE" in random spots on all of someone's roadmaps.
60. Inform everyone you meet of your personal Kennedy assassination/UFO/ O.J Simpson conspiracy theories.
61. Repeat the following conversation a dozen times: "Do you hear that?" "What?" "Never mind, its gone now."
62. Light road flares on a birthday cake.
63. Wander around a restaurant, asking other diners for their parsley.
64. Leave tips in Bolivian currency.
65. Demand that everyone address you as "Conquistador."
66. At the laundromat, use one dryer for each of your socks.
67. When Christmas caroling, sing "Jingle Bells, Batman smells" until physically restrained.
68. Wear a cape that says "Magnificent One."
69. As much as possible, skip rather than walk.
70. Stand over someone's shoulder, mumbling, as they read.
71. Pretend your computer's mouse is a CB radio, and talk to it.
72. Try playing the William Tell Overture by tapping on the bottom of your chin. When nearly done, announce "no, wait, I messed it up," and repeat.
73. Drive half a block.
74. Inform others that they exist only in your imagination.
75. Ask people what gender they are.
76. Lick the filling out of all the Oreos, and place the cookie parts back.
77. Cultivate a Norwegian accent. If Norwegian, affect a Southern drawl.
78. Routinely handcuff yourself to furniture, informing the curious that you don't want to fall off "in case the big one comes".
79. Deliberately hum songs that will remain lodged in co-workers brains, such as "Feliz Navidad", the Archies "Sugar" or the Mr. Rogers theme song.
80. While making presentations, occasionally bob your head. like a parakeet.
81. Lie obviously about trivial things such as the time of day.
82. Leave your Christmas lights up and lit until September.
83. Change your name to "AaJohn Aaaaasmith" for the great glory of being first in the phone book. Claim it's a Hawaiian name, and demand that people pronounce each "a."
84. Sit in your front yard pointing a hair dryer at passing cars to see if they slow down.
85. Chew on pens that you've borrowed.
86. Wear a LOT of cologne.
87. Listen to 33rpm records at 45rpm speed, and claim the faster speed is necessary because of your "superior mental processing." 88. Sing along at the opera.
. Mow your lawn with scissors.
90. At a golf tournament, chant "swing-batabatabata-suhWING-batter!"
91. Ask the waitress for an extra seat for your "imaginary friend."
92. Go to a poetry recital and ask why each poem doesn't rhyme.
93. Ask your co-workers mysterious questions, and then scribble their answers in a notebook. Mutter something about "psychological profiles."
94. Stare at static on the TV and claim you can see a "magic picture."
95. Select the same song on the jukebox fifty times.
96. Never make eye contact.
97. Never break eye contact.
98. Construct elaborate "crop circles" in your front lawn.
99. Construct your own pretend "tricorder," and "scan" people with it, announcing the results.
100. Make appointments for the 31st of September.
101. Invite lots of people to other people's parties.
102. Copy this and send it to as many people as you can (hahahaha - i added that one ~ t ) ;)
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Vegas Pix
OK - long overdue but here they are...
First, my room...and yes, flatscreens and an LCD in the mirror in the bathroom (way cool).
City Shots...
I sorta stopped taking pics after i realized i didn't have a card. sorry.
First, my room...and yes, flatscreens and an LCD in the mirror in the bathroom (way cool).
City Shots...
I sorta stopped taking pics after i realized i didn't have a card. sorry.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
the smoke is not a problem...repeat, not a problem
oh the joys of hearing that come over the loudspeaker while sitting in the plane as it starts up.
let me back up...
first in LV yesterday, I met up with Jeremy, a buddy of mine from here (actually a really good friend). he happened to be out there for another conference and we had dinner and hung out and lost some money on the slot machines...hahahahaha too fun! I get to the airport afterwards and my flight was out ay 1045p. so we board and I sleep. Prett boring. i get to the ATL this morning at 5a and have to wait until 9a for my flight home. Which I do...I wait patiently. not too many people to watch either. I think that was the first time I have been there and I was pretty much the only person there except for some maint people. Oh well, time to board for the flight. I get on, sit down with everyone else and tey start the engines to go. The left engine busts out in a big cloud of gray/black smoke. The engines keep running. The smoke keeps appearing. The captain comes over the loud speaker and says, "You may be noticing the smoke coming out of the left engine. Well, this is perfectly normal. It's kind of like having a bad plug in your car, and you let it rn for a sec and it's ok." What? First, i thought a bad plug would prevent you from really starting your car and second I fly all the time - literally and I have NEVER seen this. Needless to say, I just put my iPod in my ears and closed my eyes and went to sleep. I figured if we're going to crash once we take off, I might as well go ahead and go to sleep. hahahaha well, you guessed it, we didn't crash. ;) anyway, very interesting. So, now I can add to my list of flight occurances (which include getting struck by lightning while in the air) the smoking engine phenomenon.
My motto will continue to be - any landing you can walk away from is a good one. hahahaha
Oh yeah, i should be able to put up pics tomorrow. yeah!
let me back up...
first in LV yesterday, I met up with Jeremy, a buddy of mine from here (actually a really good friend). he happened to be out there for another conference and we had dinner and hung out and lost some money on the slot machines...hahahahaha too fun! I get to the airport afterwards and my flight was out ay 1045p. so we board and I sleep. Prett boring. i get to the ATL this morning at 5a and have to wait until 9a for my flight home. Which I do...I wait patiently. not too many people to watch either. I think that was the first time I have been there and I was pretty much the only person there except for some maint people. Oh well, time to board for the flight. I get on, sit down with everyone else and tey start the engines to go. The left engine busts out in a big cloud of gray/black smoke. The engines keep running. The smoke keeps appearing. The captain comes over the loud speaker and says, "You may be noticing the smoke coming out of the left engine. Well, this is perfectly normal. It's kind of like having a bad plug in your car, and you let it rn for a sec and it's ok." What? First, i thought a bad plug would prevent you from really starting your car and second I fly all the time - literally and I have NEVER seen this. Needless to say, I just put my iPod in my ears and closed my eyes and went to sleep. I figured if we're going to crash once we take off, I might as well go ahead and go to sleep. hahahaha well, you guessed it, we didn't crash. ;) anyway, very interesting. So, now I can add to my list of flight occurances (which include getting struck by lightning while in the air) the smoking engine phenomenon.
My motto will continue to be - any landing you can walk away from is a good one. hahahaha
Oh yeah, i should be able to put up pics tomorrow. yeah!
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
2fer + rant
1 - I Have a new favorite drink. ;) Also I'm pretty sure I bumped into Erika (i think is her name) from the bigbrother show yesterday in my hallway. I didn't ask, but she sure did look and sound like her.
2 - I was at the best dance club last night i have ever been to. The music was awesome - didn't even leave until 2a - had no idea what time it was - when we realized what time it was we all were baffled - it went by sooo fast.
rant - i am at a freakin technology conference and NOBODY has a memory card for my phone - unbelievable!
2 - I was at the best dance club last night i have ever been to. The music was awesome - didn't even leave until 2a - had no idea what time it was - when we realized what time it was we all were baffled - it went by sooo fast.
rant - i am at a freakin technology conference and NOBODY has a memory card for my phone - unbelievable!
Monday, October 23, 2006
making friends...
You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.
~Dale Carnegie
I agree this is true. I have made many friends this way and spent this evening with some of them. We have had a blast in LV. Hanging out at the MGM (where I got upgraded to the West Wing - tre cool) and the Wynn, which is so cool it has a Ferrari store. ;) Oh well...Tomorrow should be just as fun!!!
~l8r
~Dale Carnegie
I agree this is true. I have made many friends this way and spent this evening with some of them. We have had a blast in LV. Hanging out at the MGM (where I got upgraded to the West Wing - tre cool) and the Wynn, which is so cool it has a Ferrari store. ;) Oh well...Tomorrow should be just as fun!!!
~l8r
Sunday, October 22, 2006
catchup and vegas
Yep – so I know I need to make up for missing yesterday so here goes.
First, I have lost my memory card out of my phone and I am so ticked. I am typing this on the airplane while listening to my ipod and I wanted to get pics and stuff ready and now I can’t. Oh this ticks me off beyond belief. No pics of my trip until I get back, or unless I can get one while I’m here. Which I probably can. Anyway, yesterday…
First we got up in the morning and went to a pancake breakfast with my mom (which was funny because I learned the “pancake” dance the other day when I was teaching the crunk). We ate and then got on the road and went to NC to drop the kiddos off at the other mom’s and by 10:30/11ish we were off to see this thing called a football game. Well, it was great, we got there and got our “usual” spot, which is a good spot, btw, and got some food and some “Beat BAMA” buttons, which I did wear (seeing as how the tide is my #2 team). It was an exciting game, for sure! And we had awesome seats! And they were cheap…way cool. The only problem I had was this super obnoxious guy who sat right beside me second guessing every call made and wanting to take over the team. He was about my age, and I am guessing that he’d never even played football in his whole life. He didn’t even know the plays he was talking about or the calls the officials were making etc., saying, they’re giving the wrong signals for such and such – the whole game. Now I know there was bad officiating (at least according to all the people around us), but every play throughout the whole game? Doubt it. We left at the end of the game and drove back to NC to pick up the kids and then got home late and went to bed. Which was nice, yesterday was a long day (which explains the non-post). I got up this morning, and had to get ready (and pack…hahahah) for my trip. I will be back sometime weds., so another whirlwind…should be fun. I was even planning on taking a new cell phone t try out while I was away (a new Mobile 5.0 phone) but I forgot it and am still using my treo (which sucks still…don’t buy one – at least not the windows one – I don’t know about the palm version, but then again, I don’t know why anyone would still be using one of those anymore since they’re a bit outdated. Oh, yeah, I do actually. They work and the phone part probably works well….hahahaha enough of my tirade).
So, if I get a new mem card soon, I will put up pics of the game…I also have a cool video too I’ll try to post. The whole crowd is chanting “you suck, BAMA” instead of like “let’s go, BAMA”, which was funny and when we scored the TD the place erupted…like a little MT ST Helens. Hahahahha
And now, drum roll please……….
It’s actually Sunday so it’s time for a little rhyme:
Sitting in the plane, earphones on
Listening to the surf punks “Party bomb”
A nice collection of fast, witty tunes
Enjoying a remake of “beat on the brat”
About another hour, should be landing soon
I’ll be in Vegas, viva itself
Fun in the desert, hope I don’t melt
Maybe I’ll come away with more cool swag
If not at least something to wipe my head, maybe a do-’rag.
I’m writing another book, did I tell you all that
About an average American and his big cowboy hat.
OK – song change to the offspring, gotta go
These guys rock, you need to see them at a show
HAHAHAHAHAH
out
First, I have lost my memory card out of my phone and I am so ticked. I am typing this on the airplane while listening to my ipod and I wanted to get pics and stuff ready and now I can’t. Oh this ticks me off beyond belief. No pics of my trip until I get back, or unless I can get one while I’m here. Which I probably can. Anyway, yesterday…
First we got up in the morning and went to a pancake breakfast with my mom (which was funny because I learned the “pancake” dance the other day when I was teaching the crunk). We ate and then got on the road and went to NC to drop the kiddos off at the other mom’s and by 10:30/11ish we were off to see this thing called a football game. Well, it was great, we got there and got our “usual” spot, which is a good spot, btw, and got some food and some “Beat BAMA” buttons, which I did wear (seeing as how the tide is my #2 team). It was an exciting game, for sure! And we had awesome seats! And they were cheap…way cool. The only problem I had was this super obnoxious guy who sat right beside me second guessing every call made and wanting to take over the team. He was about my age, and I am guessing that he’d never even played football in his whole life. He didn’t even know the plays he was talking about or the calls the officials were making etc., saying, they’re giving the wrong signals for such and such – the whole game. Now I know there was bad officiating (at least according to all the people around us), but every play throughout the whole game? Doubt it. We left at the end of the game and drove back to NC to pick up the kids and then got home late and went to bed. Which was nice, yesterday was a long day (which explains the non-post). I got up this morning, and had to get ready (and pack…hahahah) for my trip. I will be back sometime weds., so another whirlwind…should be fun. I was even planning on taking a new cell phone t try out while I was away (a new Mobile 5.0 phone) but I forgot it and am still using my treo (which sucks still…don’t buy one – at least not the windows one – I don’t know about the palm version, but then again, I don’t know why anyone would still be using one of those anymore since they’re a bit outdated. Oh, yeah, I do actually. They work and the phone part probably works well….hahahaha enough of my tirade).
So, if I get a new mem card soon, I will put up pics of the game…I also have a cool video too I’ll try to post. The whole crowd is chanting “you suck, BAMA” instead of like “let’s go, BAMA”, which was funny and when we scored the TD the place erupted…like a little MT ST Helens. Hahahahha
And now, drum roll please……….
It’s actually Sunday so it’s time for a little rhyme:
Sitting in the plane, earphones on
Listening to the surf punks “Party bomb”
A nice collection of fast, witty tunes
Enjoying a remake of “beat on the brat”
About another hour, should be landing soon
I’ll be in Vegas, viva itself
Fun in the desert, hope I don’t melt
Maybe I’ll come away with more cool swag
If not at least something to wipe my head, maybe a do-’rag.
I’m writing another book, did I tell you all that
About an average American and his big cowboy hat.
OK – song change to the offspring, gotta go
These guys rock, you need to see them at a show
HAHAHAHAHAH
out
Friday, October 20, 2006
funny (lookin) stuff
OK – yesterday I had to teach a bunch of high schoolers about leadership and part of that was myself being suckered in to teaching them how to crunk. You don’t know what crunking is? Well, it’s a style of dance (that I don’t know how to do) where you shake really fast and it is reminiscent of a seizure…hahahahaha Well, I had to get up in front of these kids and show them that it’s ok to try something new and step out of your comfort zone. Well, there were pictures taken, but I haven’t seen them yet. When I get them, I’ll share. I think the only thing the kids learned while watching me attempt the crunk was that I am a dork…hahahahahahaha – we’ll see in the evaluations. ;)
Another funny thing is that I helped out electrician install some of our stuff at our house today...again, no pics…and again – I really didn’t know what I was doing…hahahahahahaha.
Tomorrow is the UT Bama game and I’m pumped…my 2 fav teams playing each other and we’re going…sweet.
Another funny thing is that I helped out electrician install some of our stuff at our house today...again, no pics…and again – I really didn’t know what I was doing…hahahahahahaha.
Tomorrow is the UT Bama game and I’m pumped…my 2 fav teams playing each other and we’re going…sweet.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
I need to tell you this too
Last night i was suprised with my first ever spa treatment massage. Holy cow! (and I'm not talking about India here) - It was AWESOME!!! And what's even better is the girl that did said I need to some back regularly b/c it would be very beneficial. So I think I will. Now, lisa was there too and like it also. i think this will become a regular occurance...who knew there was such a high end spa here? go figure - I thought the closest was the one at Grove Park. Oh well...saves some drive time.
India...
OK, so today I am actually in Virginia attending a conference about doing business with India. Why am I here? No Clue. Heheh - Other than to learn about international trade. This is actually part of their international Business Program at this college. Hopefully I will learn something. Wait I remember why I’m here. Free breakfast & lunch…yeah that’s why I agreed to come. Hahahaha What’s funny is that most of the companies here presenting are from Tennessee. Eastman, a company in Knoxville, and a couple from the Tri-Cities. So why is this in VA? Again, no clue. But I am about to learn all about India. The only thing I know so far is that they can’t drive. Here are a few facts on India:
Supposedly 5000 years old, 325 languages spoken, 29 states, 576B GDP, world’s largest democracy and 4th largest economy, largest English speaking nation in the world.
Just a couple of FYI’s for you. Hinduism, then Buddhism, then Christianity, then Muslim – is the order of religions that came into India. Used to be a British empire, too. Oh well, for more info feel free to look it up sometime. Pretty interesting. They also had the world’s first university. They developed navigation, supposedly invented medicine and surgery (like C-sections, artificial limbs, anesthesia, etc.).
Yoga – another thing from there, developed in sanskrit. But Yoga, misunderstood today. Also Martial Arts started in India. Kung Fu, began from an Indian monk. I didn’t even know that, and I studied a style of KungFu for a long time (Shao Lin Quan) – who knew?
OK – I’m getting tired of typing while they are talking…if anything else comes up interesting I’ll add it. ;)
“An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” – Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)
Maybe we'll go visit one day...
Supposedly 5000 years old, 325 languages spoken, 29 states, 576B GDP, world’s largest democracy and 4th largest economy, largest English speaking nation in the world.
Just a couple of FYI’s for you. Hinduism, then Buddhism, then Christianity, then Muslim – is the order of religions that came into India. Used to be a British empire, too. Oh well, for more info feel free to look it up sometime. Pretty interesting. They also had the world’s first university. They developed navigation, supposedly invented medicine and surgery (like C-sections, artificial limbs, anesthesia, etc.).
Yoga – another thing from there, developed in sanskrit. But Yoga, misunderstood today. Also Martial Arts started in India. Kung Fu, began from an Indian monk. I didn’t even know that, and I studied a style of KungFu for a long time (Shao Lin Quan) – who knew?
OK – I’m getting tired of typing while they are talking…if anything else comes up interesting I’ll add it. ;)
“An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” – Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)
Maybe we'll go visit one day...
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
the two4
1 - Starbuck's Marble Mocha Macchiato is the best coffee drink they have! I have one almost every morning.
2 - ok - can only think of one thing today...except I'm doing something tonight...not sure what it's going to be...
2 - ok - can only think of one thing today...except I'm doing something tonight...not sure what it's going to be...
Monday, October 16, 2006
gambolling
Here's a whole new meaning for you if someone asks you if you "gambol" or not. I think it's funny considering next Monday I'll be in Vegas. ;)
gambol
(intransitive verb, noun)[GAM-bahl]
intransitive verb
1. to run and skip about playfully; frolic: "There are few sights that fill me with more silly joy sitting by the field, watching our lambs gambol."
noun
2. an instance of running or skipping about playfully; playful leaping
gambol
(intransitive verb, noun)[GAM-bahl]
intransitive verb
1. to run and skip about playfully; frolic: "There are few sights that fill me with more silly joy sitting by the field, watching our lambs gambol."
noun
2. an instance of running or skipping about playfully; playful leaping
gambolling
Here's a whole new meaning for you if someone asks you if you "gambol" or not. I think it's funny considering next Monday I'll be in Vegas. ;)
gambol
(intransitive verb, noun)[GAM-bahl]
intransitive verb
1. to run and skip about playfully; frolic: "There are few sights that fill me with more silly joy sitting by the field, watching our lambs gambol."
noun
2. an instance of running or skipping about playfully; playful leaping
gambol
(intransitive verb, noun)[GAM-bahl]
intransitive verb
1. to run and skip about playfully; frolic: "There are few sights that fill me with more silly joy sitting by the field, watching our lambs gambol."
noun
2. an instance of running or skipping about playfully; playful leaping
Sunday, October 15, 2006
carvin'
Today is pumpkin carving day
Lots of fun, a time to play
Orange goo all over our hands
Time to throw away 4 pairs of pants
Keeping the seeds and throw them in rows
In hopes of next year seeing some pumpkins grow
If they do, we’ll give you a hollar’
Cause we’ll be sitting beside the road selling them for 5 dollars
hehehe
Lots of fun, a time to play
Orange goo all over our hands
Time to throw away 4 pairs of pants
Keeping the seeds and throw them in rows
In hopes of next year seeing some pumpkins grow
If they do, we’ll give you a hollar’
Cause we’ll be sitting beside the road selling them for 5 dollars
hehehe
Saturday, October 14, 2006
busy morning
alright, today we went to a soccer game (and quickly left because it is aweful...I'll explain in a sec), then went to get pricing on cabinets and countertops (but would up buying our wood flooring...I'll explain in a sec), found out we're going to the UT Alabama game next week and had a HUGE lunch. ;)
1 - Soccer - Why do people who know nothing about Soccer or coaching, coach soccer? I don't know either. We went to Lib's soccer game this morning which is a 3-4-5 league (which I used to coach in for 3 years in a row) and there is a herd of 3-4-5 year olds running all over a field, a small field. And by herd I mean about 20 kids on it at once (10 for each team)! OK, when I played soccer there were 11 on a team and the field was bigger than a football field. The field they are playing on is an 8th of a normal field. So there are 8 fields they could be playing on, yes the others were empty. When I coached, we divied up the players to where there were 3, 4 max, on a side on a little field against 3 or 4 on the other side. Everyone got to play, and they were broken up into skill level which made it fun for everyone. The guy coaching now has absolutely no idea what he's doing. Oh, you ask..."why are you complaining. Go coach them yourself." Well, I probably will next year. Although it is hard for me being gone all the time to be here to coach. So, if my travel is slowed next year, i will coach. That being said, we got there this morning and it was the "herd" playing, so we left. Ridiculous.
2 - We then decided to go get pricing on countertops. Well, we already have a quote for some granite for the whole house (kitchen, bathrooms, etc.) which is a great deal. We're getting it direct from China and avoiding the usual markup. ;) We just wanted to know how good of a deal we're getting. Well, it is awesome. We are getting real granite for right at the same price as formica. Insane. So we stopped that and decided to price cabinets. Well, we got a quote whic hwas nice and happened to notice the hardwood and laminate flooring. After looking around, we saw some closeout laminate in the corner and went to go look at it. Oh my. It was $3.69 a sqft and was marked down to $1.99 a sqft and it was NICE! 30yr wty, grooved grain, wide long planks...wow - all we could say. Well, We went ahead and bought enough for the whole 1st floor and got it for $1.69 a sqft (I know the people well at the store and they gave us a better deal). That included padding, etc. Amazing. The only reason it was discounted was because they didn't carry that manufaturer in store anymore. Wow. Insane. If they would have to order it again it would be at the $3.69 price...they just wanted to get rid of what they had, so I went ahead and got it while I could.
3 - Football - Lisa was asked today (by people we don't know) at work if we wanted tickets to the UT Alabama game on saturday. She called me, "Uh, duh? Yes, we want them." So, we are going next week. Now, i just have to decide what to wear. Crimson or Orange? hmmmmm...hahaha - I'll wear orange. i just hope it's a good game. ;)
4 - Lunch - It was a nice hearty Bojangle's lunch today. ummm, ummm, good. That's all I got to say about that.
1 - Soccer - Why do people who know nothing about Soccer or coaching, coach soccer? I don't know either. We went to Lib's soccer game this morning which is a 3-4-5 league (which I used to coach in for 3 years in a row) and there is a herd of 3-4-5 year olds running all over a field, a small field. And by herd I mean about 20 kids on it at once (10 for each team)! OK, when I played soccer there were 11 on a team and the field was bigger than a football field. The field they are playing on is an 8th of a normal field. So there are 8 fields they could be playing on, yes the others were empty. When I coached, we divied up the players to where there were 3, 4 max, on a side on a little field against 3 or 4 on the other side. Everyone got to play, and they were broken up into skill level which made it fun for everyone. The guy coaching now has absolutely no idea what he's doing. Oh, you ask..."why are you complaining. Go coach them yourself." Well, I probably will next year. Although it is hard for me being gone all the time to be here to coach. So, if my travel is slowed next year, i will coach. That being said, we got there this morning and it was the "herd" playing, so we left. Ridiculous.
2 - We then decided to go get pricing on countertops. Well, we already have a quote for some granite for the whole house (kitchen, bathrooms, etc.) which is a great deal. We're getting it direct from China and avoiding the usual markup. ;) We just wanted to know how good of a deal we're getting. Well, it is awesome. We are getting real granite for right at the same price as formica. Insane. So we stopped that and decided to price cabinets. Well, we got a quote whic hwas nice and happened to notice the hardwood and laminate flooring. After looking around, we saw some closeout laminate in the corner and went to go look at it. Oh my. It was $3.69 a sqft and was marked down to $1.99 a sqft and it was NICE! 30yr wty, grooved grain, wide long planks...wow - all we could say. Well, We went ahead and bought enough for the whole 1st floor and got it for $1.69 a sqft (I know the people well at the store and they gave us a better deal). That included padding, etc. Amazing. The only reason it was discounted was because they didn't carry that manufaturer in store anymore. Wow. Insane. If they would have to order it again it would be at the $3.69 price...they just wanted to get rid of what they had, so I went ahead and got it while I could.
3 - Football - Lisa was asked today (by people we don't know) at work if we wanted tickets to the UT Alabama game on saturday. She called me, "Uh, duh? Yes, we want them." So, we are going next week. Now, i just have to decide what to wear. Crimson or Orange? hmmmmm...hahaha - I'll wear orange. i just hope it's a good game. ;)
4 - Lunch - It was a nice hearty Bojangle's lunch today. ummm, ummm, good. That's all I got to say about that.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Waffle house
Well, my boy's dream was to eat breakfast at a Waffle House. So today his dream came true. Since he was out of school we got up and went to chow down while the girls stayed at home. He was so excited he got the All-Start Breakfast which is pretty much 
everything; a waffle, 2 eggs, 4 pieces of toast, 2 pieces of sausage, grits, milk and jelly. Guess what? Yep. He ate almost every bit of it. Insane. Yes he is 7. I ordered the same thing and only got through about half. I think he literally ate his weight in food. HAHAHAHAHHAenjoy...
Thursday, October 12, 2006
NYC 2
OK – first off, for all concerned…yes I am OK.
It was a sad day in NYC today. I was in the hotel on 43rd, while the crash was up in the 70’s about 30 blocks away. Cory Lidle who was a pitcher for the Yankees was in the plane that crashed into the condos. I really appreciate all the call and texts. Nice to know you all read my blog…hahaha – ok or work with me. ;)
So, not much else happened today…I met up woth some good friends of mine who live here, Steve and John – I see them at every conf I go to. They’re both older but a lot of fun. And I will be seeing them again in LV in a couple of weeks. The coolest thing though is that I won an Apple
iPod (yes another one – that’s 4 or 5 now…I can’t remember) that’s a 30GB video model. Way Cool. Just in time for the airplane ride home…hahahahaha. Which is good because I left one of my nano’s at home. Oh well. Not too much going on today except for the plane crash. I am on my way home…hopefully the airport 
won’t be too delayed. Who knows, maybe I’ll get a funny story in the airport for tomorrow. heh
It was a sad day in NYC today. I was in the hotel on 43rd, while the crash was up in the 70’s about 30 blocks away. Cory Lidle who was a pitcher for the Yankees was in the plane that crashed into the condos. I really appreciate all the call and texts. Nice to know you all read my blog…hahaha – ok or work with me. ;)
So, not much else happened today…I met up woth some good friends of mine who live here, Steve and John – I see them at every conf I go to. They’re both older but a lot of fun. And I will be seeing them again in LV in a couple of weeks. The coolest thing though is that I won an Apple
iPod (yes another one – that’s 4 or 5 now…I can’t remember) that’s a 30GB video model. Way Cool. Just in time for the airplane ride home…hahahahaha. Which is good because I left one of my nano’s at home. Oh well. Not too much going on today except for the plane crash. I am on my way home…hopefully the airport 
won’t be too delayed. Who knows, maybe I’ll get a funny story in the airport for tomorrow. heh
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
NYC 1
Alright…well the weirdest/neatest things happen to me on these trips. So, yesterday, I’m at the airport checking in and who comes up in line behind me? 
My friend Daniel…we get to talking and we’re both going to NYC. He works for Viacom/MTV and sold his company to them. He’s here for a big video game promotion tomorrow and I’m here for my dinner. Know what’s even weirder…we’re staying at the same hotel. You may remember him from a previous post. We both live in the same small town, but only happen to run into each other in places like LA and NYC. Too Weird. 
So, we get to NYC and his car is waiting for him and he’s like…c’mon you can ride with me – which is cool. We decide to go to the Rangers game (which was a great experience…Madison Square Garden) and had a blast! Well, the commissioner of the NHL was
there (pic with Daniel) and so were some of the NY Mets sitting 2 rows over from us. Tom Glavine (above pic), Paul Lo Duca, and two other guys (can’t remember their names…oh well – 
I’m a Yankees fan, remember…) – anyway, everyone was trying to get autographs and pics etc. It was crazy! Needless to say the Rangers lost 4-2 to the Flyers. Oh well…early in the season…I wonder what will happen today?I will let you know. ;)
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
today's 2fer
1 - I am going to NYC today, leaving on a jet plane...yes I'll try to get some pics for you.
2 - Yes, I am going because I was invited because of some of my avhievements...awards, etc. hahahahahaha - OK - seriously I'll stop ... ;p hahahahahaha
2 - Yes, I am going because I was invited because of some of my avhievements...awards, etc. hahahahahaha - OK - seriously I'll stop ... ;p hahahahahaha
Monday, October 09, 2006
some faves...
Well, most of you know I am a fan of Mark Twain, so to celebrate Columbus Day, I am giving you a few of my favortie comments from him. Enjoy.
"Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint. "
"Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society. "
"Facts are stubborn things, but statistics are more pliable. "
"Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please. "
"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him. "
Oh, yeah...I have no idea what connection there is between Mark Twain and Columbus Day either. hahahahaha
"Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint. "
"Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society. "
"Facts are stubborn things, but statistics are more pliable. "
"Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please. "
"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him. "
Oh, yeah...I have no idea what connection there is between Mark Twain and Columbus Day either. hahahahaha
Sunday, October 08, 2006
the bench
Along the path strangers pass
A lone wooden bench, waiting, in the grass
In hopes someone will stop and rest
To take a break from their woodsy quest
Surrounded by trees and woods all around
Patiently listening, not hearing a sound
Of someone who is tired, who wants to sit down
So the bench continues to wait
In hopes of one day having a mate
~TDS
Saturday, October 07, 2006
your home is your castle
well, work on the house is moving along, albeit a bit slowly, but hey, it'll get done one day. I decided to put up some pics and a link to a tour of the house for you to download if you're interested. It's a bit dark, sorry.
What's funny is that one of our neighborhood kids came over yesterday and saw what was going on in the yard and said, "Oh Cool!!! You're going to have a moat around your house!" He was referring to the 5x8 ditch being dug around the house (it doesn't look that big inthe pics, but it is). Our moat. ;) Funny - it's the water/sewer, etc. stuff. But looking at it, it could be a moat. I can barely jump across it, but I did. ;)
Anyway, enjoy the updated pics and vid. BTW the vid is 6MB.
What's funny is that one of our neighborhood kids came over yesterday and saw what was going on in the yard and said, "Oh Cool!!! You're going to have a moat around your house!" He was referring to the 5x8 ditch being dug around the house (it doesn't look that big inthe pics, but it is). Our moat. ;) Funny - it's the water/sewer, etc. stuff. But looking at it, it could be a moat. I can barely jump across it, but I did. ;)
Anyway, enjoy the updated pics and vid. BTW the vid is 6MB.
Friday, October 06, 2006
amusing...
Well, yesterday was a unique experience. We were chosen to be the cover shot of a magazine coming out next month and also in some ads in some other mags like Southern home living, etc. The guy taking the pics was pretty funny and was actually the "official" state photographer (he works for the Dept of tourism). So I asked him if that was like being the state bird. Everyone thought that was pretty funny. And then I asked them why they chose us...I mean we're not professional models or anything (wow - and yes it really is hard work to keep looking good while you're sweating...hahahaha). He replied, "Well it was either you guys or another model who was available, and I didn't feel like he would make a good cover shot."
"Really?", I asked. "Why not?"
"Let's just say he was a little over the top...". and then he proceeded to show me the picture of the guy.
OK - enough said...
"Really?", I asked. "Why not?"
"Let's just say he was a little over the top...". and then he proceeded to show me the picture of the guy.
OK - enough said...
Thursday, October 05, 2006
feel good about yourself...at least you're not in this video
For Therapeutic Thursday (and yes, I know it’s spelled wrong above in the box), if you’re felling bad…just watch this video and you won’t feel bad anymore. Gosh, were things really this cheesy in the 80’s?
A Wendy's employee video on how to make those burgers of ultimate ectasy. Truly weird and funny.
A Wendy's employee video on how to make those burgers of ultimate ectasy. Truly weird and funny.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
"I can't drive 55..."
yes, i know you can hear Sammy Hagar's voice in your head - screaming out the song...Well, I can relate to it...however, this is not going to be ablut me. It's Weds, so it's time to go off.
It all begins yesterday evening...
Last night, Lisa & I were on our way to a fundraiser at the racetrack and are heading toward the interstate when, from out of nowhere, this ford crown vic careens out from the side of the road across 2 lanes of traffic like a bat out of hell right in front of us. Lisa goes "Is that a cop?" I say "No, it's not."
"Well, are you sure? It looks like an unmarked cop car."
"No, it's not. I did that for about 6 years...definately not a cop, nor a cop car."
During this conversation, the car proceeds to slow down...to like 30mph, on a 45mph road. There is nowhere he would be turning off. So, knowing it's not a police car, I get on his bumper. ;) To help push him along...
Understand, we don't want to be late to this thing we are going to. We're dressed up, it's a political fundraiser for a friend of mine, we paid to go and I wanted to be there.
The guy looks up in his rearview mirror at me and sees me really close. "Aha", I say, "He sees me and will speed up." - Nope. He SLOWS DOWN EVEN MORE. Now we are at 20mph. I get a good look at him. It is an old man. Obviously senile and too old to drive. But he was playing the game. If he was in a Buick, I would have overlooked the whole incident (you know my love for Buicks), but he wasn't even smart enough to get a Buick. He was driving a Ford...anyway, after what seems to be forever (literally, 10 minutes on what should be a 2 minute drive), we pull up to the interstate, to a 2 lane on ramp. I get beside him, look at him and rev my engine...he does the same. The light turns green and I floor it. HE DOES TOO! I tell Lisa, look at this old guy.
So, I've had lots of Aggressive and Defensive driving courses, etc. because of my previous life in law, so I take full advantage...I cut him off. Properly, mind you. I win. He understands he met his match and backs off. Or more likely, his sobriety was kicking in. So we get to our fundraiser on time and all is well.
Or so we think...
After the fundraiser, we are one our way home, stop and get some gas and get back on the road. What happens? Yes, I get behind another "boat", a Caprice, with an old guy driving (not on the interstate). At least it's not the same guy. I don't think the minivan could handle drag racing twice in one night...I gotta get a vette. Anyway, this guys turns on his blinker and I say "Whew, at least he's driving properly and getting off the road." We are approaching a right turn lane and I figure he's going to get in it. He doesn't. I tell Lisa, "What is wrong with all these people driving? I mean, I feel like I'm in Florida or something." Tuna joke...Maybe I'll explain that later...This guy drives all the way beside the right lane and turns sharply right, off the road. "Did he not see the turn lane? What an idiot!" Keep in mind, I'm not mad...just concerned these people will kill someone attempting to drive.
These guys have given me a mission. When my friend is elected, I am going to ask him to sponsor a bill that requires mandatory driver's testing after the age of 65. A national law. I know some states do similar things already...but ours is not one of them. It is a national concern anyway.
OK - I'm done. Yes, I do feel a little better. I could have even posted this for tomorrow too. Oh well.
It all begins yesterday evening...
Last night, Lisa & I were on our way to a fundraiser at the racetrack and are heading toward the interstate when, from out of nowhere, this ford crown vic careens out from the side of the road across 2 lanes of traffic like a bat out of hell right in front of us. Lisa goes "Is that a cop?" I say "No, it's not."
"Well, are you sure? It looks like an unmarked cop car."
"No, it's not. I did that for about 6 years...definately not a cop, nor a cop car."
During this conversation, the car proceeds to slow down...to like 30mph, on a 45mph road. There is nowhere he would be turning off. So, knowing it's not a police car, I get on his bumper. ;) To help push him along...
Understand, we don't want to be late to this thing we are going to. We're dressed up, it's a political fundraiser for a friend of mine, we paid to go and I wanted to be there.
The guy looks up in his rearview mirror at me and sees me really close. "Aha", I say, "He sees me and will speed up." - Nope. He SLOWS DOWN EVEN MORE. Now we are at 20mph. I get a good look at him. It is an old man. Obviously senile and too old to drive. But he was playing the game. If he was in a Buick, I would have overlooked the whole incident (you know my love for Buicks), but he wasn't even smart enough to get a Buick. He was driving a Ford...anyway, after what seems to be forever (literally, 10 minutes on what should be a 2 minute drive), we pull up to the interstate, to a 2 lane on ramp. I get beside him, look at him and rev my engine...he does the same. The light turns green and I floor it. HE DOES TOO! I tell Lisa, look at this old guy.
So, I've had lots of Aggressive and Defensive driving courses, etc. because of my previous life in law, so I take full advantage...I cut him off. Properly, mind you. I win. He understands he met his match and backs off. Or more likely, his sobriety was kicking in. So we get to our fundraiser on time and all is well.
Or so we think...
After the fundraiser, we are one our way home, stop and get some gas and get back on the road. What happens? Yes, I get behind another "boat", a Caprice, with an old guy driving (not on the interstate). At least it's not the same guy. I don't think the minivan could handle drag racing twice in one night...I gotta get a vette. Anyway, this guys turns on his blinker and I say "Whew, at least he's driving properly and getting off the road." We are approaching a right turn lane and I figure he's going to get in it. He doesn't. I tell Lisa, "What is wrong with all these people driving? I mean, I feel like I'm in Florida or something." Tuna joke...Maybe I'll explain that later...This guy drives all the way beside the right lane and turns sharply right, off the road. "Did he not see the turn lane? What an idiot!" Keep in mind, I'm not mad...just concerned these people will kill someone attempting to drive.
These guys have given me a mission. When my friend is elected, I am going to ask him to sponsor a bill that requires mandatory driver's testing after the age of 65. A national law. I know some states do similar things already...but ours is not one of them. It is a national concern anyway.
OK - I'm done. Yes, I do feel a little better. I could have even posted this for tomorrow too. Oh well.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
1twofer3 - lunches today are the theme (yeah it rhymes)
ok - for today's twofer...1 - You haven't lived until you have enjoyed a happy meal with your kids at mcdonald's while wearing "Ariel the Little Mermaid" sunglasses. Even my mom joined in. Lisa was at a weekend conference so we all decided to go have a little fun for lunch. Enjoy the pics. (and yes, Lib makes the same silly face for most pics..hahaha)
2 - Speaking of lunch - I went to lunch yesterday with a couple of friends from work (Kim & Steffany). Well, this is for Steffany. Kim told her about my blog so I am making her famous. ;) hahahaha jk - But, if I ever get to intorduce any of
you to Steffany (who is pretty cool, btw) you HAVE to ask her to tell some of her "dating" stories. Seriously, my stomach was hurting yesterday after laughing so hard at one in particular. But I won't share it here. I'll leave that up to her. heh3 - Yes, a third thing for two for tuesday. No it is not related to lunch. Heh. Just thought I'd share that we won a softball tournament last night. Pretty cool. gotta give "props" to my teammates. Man, we're a good team, if I do say so myself. hahahahahaha
~l8r
Monday, October 02, 2006
keep this one in memory...
It is wise to remember that you are one of those who can be fooled some of the time.
-Laurence J. Peter
-Laurence J. Peter
Sunday, October 01, 2006
The race
Your engine revs, 5000 rpm
Waiting for the green light, some will call it a sin.
Tonight is the night, time to take it all the way
No more messing around, you’ve decided to go all the way..
The light turns green and the flag falls away
Tires screeching
Smoke billowing
Time to come out and play.
Heart beating faster and palms are getting sweaty
Hard to grip
Don’t want to slip
Thoughts racing through your head.
What were all the things you said?
Coming soon, you’re going faster, the finish line awaits
Just a little longer, your control is your fate
Crossing the line, now that you’re done
Was it worth it? Did you have your fun?
Smoke begins flowing out of your radiator
Will you still think it was worth it
When you look back nine months later?
{:-p
Waiting for the green light, some will call it a sin.
Tonight is the night, time to take it all the way
No more messing around, you’ve decided to go all the way..
The light turns green and the flag falls away
Tires screeching
Smoke billowing
Time to come out and play.
Heart beating faster and palms are getting sweaty
Hard to grip
Don’t want to slip
Thoughts racing through your head.
What were all the things you said?
Coming soon, you’re going faster, the finish line awaits
Just a little longer, your control is your fate
Crossing the line, now that you’re done
Was it worth it? Did you have your fun?
Smoke begins flowing out of your radiator
Will you still think it was worth it
When you look back nine months later?
{:-p
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Teddybears inMotion
OK – so today I am helping some high schoolers in their leadership development. I’ve been doing this for several years now and really enjoy it. For the beginning of the meeting I am doing an icebreaker that seems like it might be pretty cool. This is only the second meeting for the whole year and the only other time these kids have met was during the orientation phase. So, the idea of this icebreaker is to get them out of their shell really quick. I’m taking an iPod and am going to play songs for them to dance to. Individually. Heheh - It should be pretty funny. And yes, I usually will do it first, so I know there’s going to be a big laugh there.
So, anyway, in preparing for this I needed to get some cool music for them to dance to and came across a band called the Teddybears. Wow! All I have to say. Way cool. I downloaded most of their stuff off iTunes. Really cool beats, and some different guest singers on songs. Very fun stuff! The main album they have out was only released last week, and I’m sure some songs off it will be popular.
So I get all of this ready and realize…hmmmmm now how am I going to play the iPod out loud. I need speakers. On to Best Buy. I found the coolest speakers for my nano. They are Altec Lansing inMotion IM500 speakers. Incredible! I mean, A-these speakers are as thin as a pen and otherwise about the size of a small book, and B-you should hear the sound. I had no idea. I was half expecting them to be tinny, and honestly, was planning on taking them back after using them. But, I’ll probably keep them. Very reminiscent of a Bose system. Needless to say – way cool. Although they were $130, but, they sound great & Lisa can put her nano in it to and listen during the day. They can operate off AC or batteries and they charge the nano at the same time.
OK OK – I know – sorry for this being a big commercial. And no, I don’t work for the speaker company or apple, and I’m not in the band, etc. I was just genuinely impressed. I mean, I really don’t need a home stereo system with the nano and IM500. They are my new home stereo system…hahahahahahaha
So, anyway, in preparing for this I needed to get some cool music for them to dance to and came across a band called the Teddybears. Wow! All I have to say. Way cool. I downloaded most of their stuff off iTunes. Really cool beats, and some different guest singers on songs. Very fun stuff! The main album they have out was only released last week, and I’m sure some songs off it will be popular.
So I get all of this ready and realize…hmmmmm now how am I going to play the iPod out loud. I need speakers. On to Best Buy. I found the coolest speakers for my nano. They are Altec Lansing inMotion IM500 speakers. Incredible! I mean, A-these speakers are as thin as a pen and otherwise about the size of a small book, and B-you should hear the sound. I had no idea. I was half expecting them to be tinny, and honestly, was planning on taking them back after using them. But, I’ll probably keep them. Very reminiscent of a Bose system. Needless to say – way cool. Although they were $130, but, they sound great & Lisa can put her nano in it to and listen during the day. They can operate off AC or batteries and they charge the nano at the same time.
OK OK – I know – sorry for this being a big commercial. And no, I don’t work for the speaker company or apple, and I’m not in the band, etc. I was just genuinely impressed. I mean, I really don’t need a home stereo system with the nano and IM500. They are my new home stereo system…hahahahahahaha
Friday, September 29, 2006
How to beat anyone at Rock Paper Scissors
OK - Yes I found this elsewhere...the original author is quoted at the bottom - enjoy...
With the 2006 World Rock Paper Scissors Championships coming up in November in Toronto and $10,000.00 on the line (not to mention bragging rights of being able to call yourself "World Champion of RPS"), trying to get some sort of edge on your competition is becoming a focal point for a lot of players.
Little bit of background. Contrary to what you might think RPS is not simply a game of luck or chance. While it is true that from a mathematical perspective the 'optimum' strategy is to play randomly, it still is not a winning strategy for two reasons.
With the 2006 World Rock Paper Scissors Championships coming up in November in Toronto and $10,000.00 on the line (not to mention bragging rights of being able to call yourself "World Champion of RPS"), trying to get some sort of edge on your competition is becoming a focal point for a lot of players.
Little bit of background. Contrary to what you might think RPS is not simply a game of luck or chance. While it is true that from a mathematical perspective the 'optimum' strategy is to play randomly, it still is not a winning strategy for two reasons.
First, 'optimum' in this case means you should win, lose and draw an equal number of times (hardly a winning strategy over the long term).
Second, Humans, try as they might, are terrible at trying to be random, in fact often humans in trying to approximate randomness become quite predictable. So knowing that there is always something motivating your opponent's actions, there are a couple of tricks and techniques that you can use to tip the balance in your favour.
The secret to winning at RPS
Basically, there are two ways to win at RPS. First is to take one throw away from your opponent options. ie - If you can get your opponent to not play rock, then you can safely go with scissors as it will win against paper and stalemate against itself. Seems impossible right? Not if you know the subtle ways you can manipulate someone. The art is to not let them know you are eliminating one of their options. The second way is to force you opponent into making a predictable move. Obviously, the key is that it has to be done without them realizing that you are manipulating them.
Most of the following techniques use variations on these basic principles. How well it works for you depends upon how well you can subtly manipulate your opponent without them figuring out what you are doing. So, now that the background is out of the way, let's get into these techniques:
1 - Rock is for Rookies
In RPS circles a common mantra is "Rock is for Rookies" because males have a tendency to lead with Rock on their opening throw. It has a lot to do with idea that Rock is perceived as "strong" and forceful", so guys tend to fall back on it. Use this knowledge to take an easy first win by playing Paper. This tactic is best done in pedestrian matches against someone who doesn't play that much and generally won't work in tournament play.
2 - Scissors on First
The second step in the 'Rock is for Rookies' line of thinking is to play scissors as your opening move against a more experienced player. Since you know they won't come out with rock (since it is too obvious), scissors is your obvious safe move to win against paper or stalemate to itself.
3 - The Double Run
When playing with someone who is not experienced at the RPS, look out for double runs or in other words, the same throw twice. When this happens you can safely eliminate that throw and guarantee yourself at worst a stalemate in the next game. So, when you see a two-Scissor run, you know their next move will be Rock or Paper, so Paper is your best move. Why does this work? People hate being predictable and the perceived hallmark of predictability is to come out with the same throw three times in row.
4 - Telegraph Your Throw
Tell your opponent what you are going to throw and then actually throw what you said. Why? As long as you are not playing someone who actually thinks you are bold enough to telegraph your throw and then actually deliver it, you can eliminate the throw that beats the throw you are telegraphing. So, if you announce rock, your opponent won't play paper which means coming out with that scissors will give you at worst a stalemate and at best the win.
5 - Step Ahead Thinking
Don't know what to do for your next throw? Try playing the throw that would have lost to your opponents last throw? Sounds weird but it works more often than not, why? Inexperienced (or flustered) players will often subconsciously deliver the throw that beat their last one. Therefore, if your opponent played paper, they will very often play Scissors, so you go Rock. This is a good tactic in a stalemate situation or when your opponent lost their last game. It is not as successful after a player has won the last game as they are generally in a more confident state of mind which causes them to be more active in choosing their next throw.
6 - Suggest A Throw
When playing against someone who asks you to remind them about the rules, take the opportunity to subtly "suggest a throw" as you explain to them by physically showing them the throw you want them to play. ie "Paper beats Rock, Rock beats scissors (show scissors), Scissors (show scissors again) beats paper." Believe it or not, when people are not paying attention their subconscious mind will often accept your "suggestion". A very similar technique is used by magicians to get someone to take a specific card from the deck.
7 - When All Else Fails Go With Paper
Haven't a clue what to throw next? Then go with Paper. Why? Statistically, in competition play, it has been observed that scissors is thrown the least often. Specifically, it gets delivered 29.6% of the time, so it slightly under-indexes against the expected average of 33.33% by 3.73%. Obviously, knowing this only gives you a slight advantage, but in a situation where you just don't know what to do, even a slight edge is better than none at all.
8 - The Rounder's Ploy
This technique falls into more of a 'cheating' category, but if you have no honour and can live with yourself the next day, you can use it to get an edge. The way it works is when you suggest a game with someone, make no mention of the number of rounds you are going to play. Play the first match and if you win, take it is as a win. If you lose, without missing a beat start playing the 'next' round on the assumption that it was a best 2 out of 3. No doubt you will hear protests from your opponent but stay firm and remind them that 'no one plays best of one for a kind of decision that you two are making'. No this devious technique won't guarantee you the win, but it will give you a chance to battle back to even and start again.
About the author: Graham Walker - As a co-author of the Official Rock Paper Scissors Strategy Guide (published by Simon and Schuster) and five-time organizer of the World Rock Paper Scissors Championships, Graham Walker is one of the few people who is actually a credible authority on the strategy and cultural significance on the game of Rock Paper Scissors.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Therapuetic Thursday with Stuart Smalley
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Ear Wax and Herpes (not the genital kind) - Catchy title, huh?
OK – so yesterday I had an eye doctor appointment to check on my eyes and to see about how new contacts would work. In case you didn’t know - I haven’t been able to wear any since june because my left eye was messed up a little bit. It had something to do with wearing contacts that were too old for too long without taking them out of my eye. Go figure. ;) hahahahaha
Anyway, I go to there and it was a blast as usual. My eye doctor is hilarious and her staff is just as funny – through me into the mix…needless to say they are always excited when I come in. hahahaha So, I’m in there and the first girl I see tells me to take off my glasses, then put them on, then take them off…over and over for all these tests. Then cover left/right eye, etc. After a few minutes of this I ask her…wouldn’t it be simpler if you did all the glasses off tests at the same time…all the right eye tests and the same time, left eye same time, etc.? She said ”yeah, and I do it that way most of the time, but I just like making you work and watch you take your glasses off and on – it’s funny.” It really was funny – although I had to be there 2 hours so I figured I needed to make the best use of my time. I had to have my eyes dialated etc., so it was best to have fun.
Now when Dr. Jones came in she started with the whole glasses thing and just started laughing (she knew what the other girl had done). Anyway, she’s examining my eyes and looking around (blinding me – which I complain greatly of) and notices a fever blister on my lip. She asks “Is that a fever blister?”
“Yes”, I replied.
“Well, I get those too and there’s this over the counter medicing that works great on them. It’s called abrevia (or something like that).”
“Oh yeah, I tried that once. Didn’t work too well. I am using Lovitra which is awesome – 2-3 days – done. It’s OTC too.”
“hmmmm.” She said. “Well, you know what my mom always told me.
“No what?”
“She said that you can use ear wax and place it on your fever blister and it will go away.”
Now I start thinking to myself…”OK, maybe the people here aren’t just messing with me…maybe they are actually psyco. I need to find an exit quick…Was that real eyes drops they put in my eye…or something more sinister, like a homegrown concoction?” And just as my train of hought starts heading down the track, I hear…
“Of course, I’ve never tried it…I don’t think it would work.”
Whew…ok I feel a little better now – at least the doctor hasn’t tried it…ok not so bad.
Then suddenly…
“Oh my gosh,” she seemed very startled. “It’s 4 o’clock (I got there at 3) and my son had a dentist appointment at 3:30 – I completely forgot.”
Yep – mind starts racing again…has she forgot to do anything with my eyes?
She picks up the phone in the room. And over the intercom I hear “Ummm, Julie or Jessica, can either one of you take Johnny to the dentist? Or see if Randy (her husband who works there too) can take him – I clean forgot his appointment was at 3:30.”
I laugh out loud (as I am prone to do) and look at her as she hangs up the phone. She hangs up and says, “Yeah, laugh it up. I had to get their attention because I don’t know where anyone is and he’s already late…if he’s too late they won’t see him and still charge me.”
“Oh”, I reply sarcastically, “is that what there policy book states.”
“Nooooo, I have had to pay for three visits that he didn’t get to.”
“WHAT?!?! You mean it’s taken 3 times for you to learn not to forget the appointments? Wow. One, I wouldv’e chalked up as a learning experience. Two, yeah OK, maybe things come up and you have to miss. But three? And now maybe four? You need to get a PDA or something. Hahahahaha”
This was a very funny conversation. Needless to say I love my eye doctor and staff – they really are great, if not certifiably insane. But I fit in. HAHAHAHAHA
So – as for WaxOnWaxOff – the whole ear wax thing is still with me, so I decided to look it up. If any of you suffer from cold sores, fever blisters, herpes – whatever…check this out. Not only does ear wax appear to work, but so do a lot of other things. And artificial sweetener causes outbreaks…very wild stuff. I think that’s why I got mine. I drank a few Diet Cokes a week or so ago and got a fever blister. I hadn’t drank any cokes for about 6-7 months and never had one during that time…hmmm.interesting. From now on it’s “sugar in the raw”.
Anyway, I go to there and it was a blast as usual. My eye doctor is hilarious and her staff is just as funny – through me into the mix…needless to say they are always excited when I come in. hahahaha So, I’m in there and the first girl I see tells me to take off my glasses, then put them on, then take them off…over and over for all these tests. Then cover left/right eye, etc. After a few minutes of this I ask her…wouldn’t it be simpler if you did all the glasses off tests at the same time…all the right eye tests and the same time, left eye same time, etc.? She said ”yeah, and I do it that way most of the time, but I just like making you work and watch you take your glasses off and on – it’s funny.” It really was funny – although I had to be there 2 hours so I figured I needed to make the best use of my time. I had to have my eyes dialated etc., so it was best to have fun.
Now when Dr. Jones came in she started with the whole glasses thing and just started laughing (she knew what the other girl had done). Anyway, she’s examining my eyes and looking around (blinding me – which I complain greatly of) and notices a fever blister on my lip. She asks “Is that a fever blister?”
“Yes”, I replied.
“Well, I get those too and there’s this over the counter medicing that works great on them. It’s called abrevia (or something like that).”
“Oh yeah, I tried that once. Didn’t work too well. I am using Lovitra which is awesome – 2-3 days – done. It’s OTC too.”
“hmmmm.” She said. “Well, you know what my mom always told me.
“No what?”
“She said that you can use ear wax and place it on your fever blister and it will go away.”
Now I start thinking to myself…”OK, maybe the people here aren’t just messing with me…maybe they are actually psyco. I need to find an exit quick…Was that real eyes drops they put in my eye…or something more sinister, like a homegrown concoction?” And just as my train of hought starts heading down the track, I hear…
“Of course, I’ve never tried it…I don’t think it would work.”
Whew…ok I feel a little better now – at least the doctor hasn’t tried it…ok not so bad.
Then suddenly…
“Oh my gosh,” she seemed very startled. “It’s 4 o’clock (I got there at 3) and my son had a dentist appointment at 3:30 – I completely forgot.”
Yep – mind starts racing again…has she forgot to do anything with my eyes?
She picks up the phone in the room. And over the intercom I hear “Ummm, Julie or Jessica, can either one of you take Johnny to the dentist? Or see if Randy (her husband who works there too) can take him – I clean forgot his appointment was at 3:30.”
I laugh out loud (as I am prone to do) and look at her as she hangs up the phone. She hangs up and says, “Yeah, laugh it up. I had to get their attention because I don’t know where anyone is and he’s already late…if he’s too late they won’t see him and still charge me.”
“Oh”, I reply sarcastically, “is that what there policy book states.”
“Nooooo, I have had to pay for three visits that he didn’t get to.”
“WHAT?!?! You mean it’s taken 3 times for you to learn not to forget the appointments? Wow. One, I wouldv’e chalked up as a learning experience. Two, yeah OK, maybe things come up and you have to miss. But three? And now maybe four? You need to get a PDA or something. Hahahahaha”
This was a very funny conversation. Needless to say I love my eye doctor and staff – they really are great, if not certifiably insane. But I fit in. HAHAHAHAHA
So – as for WaxOnWaxOff – the whole ear wax thing is still with me, so I decided to look it up. If any of you suffer from cold sores, fever blisters, herpes – whatever…check this out. Not only does ear wax appear to work, but so do a lot of other things. And artificial sweetener causes outbreaks…very wild stuff. I think that’s why I got mine. I drank a few Diet Cokes a week or so ago and got a fever blister. I hadn’t drank any cokes for about 6-7 months and never had one during that time…hmmm.interesting. From now on it’s “sugar in the raw”.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
one21two
today's twofer...
1 - this is kind of funny...
2 - I am pissed at a local bank - if it doesn't get any better, I am publishing a whole site dedicated to their demise and will start advertising it too. ;)
ok - that's all...
1 - this is kind of funny...
2 - I am pissed at a local bank - if it doesn't get any better, I am publishing a whole site dedicated to their demise and will start advertising it too. ;)
ok - that's all...
Monday, September 25, 2006
smile...you're on candid camera
well, no. Not really, but in an effort to motivate positively - I'm posting this quote:
"I have witnessed the softening of the hardest of hearts by a simple smile."
Goldie Hawn (1945 - )
Now - I'm not the biggest Goldie Hawn fan...I don't know her, never met her, etc. etc. But I agree with this statement she made. I have seen it work too. So, next time you're in line somewhere and it takes forever, or your coffee is wrong, someone is extremely rude to you, etc. Just smile at the person - not only will it break the ice, but it will make you feel better too. Trust me. ;) Plus, you never know who's watching...
"I have witnessed the softening of the hardest of hearts by a simple smile."
Goldie Hawn (1945 - )
Now - I'm not the biggest Goldie Hawn fan...I don't know her, never met her, etc. etc. But I agree with this statement she made. I have seen it work too. So, next time you're in line somewhere and it takes forever, or your coffee is wrong, someone is extremely rude to you, etc. Just smile at the person - not only will it break the ice, but it will make you feel better too. Trust me. ;) Plus, you never know who's watching...
Sunday, September 24, 2006
beats to the rhyme
This is my blog, as you well know
But sometimes my comments stay at zero
I do not understand why this is so
Because there’s always something to say to me or tell me where to go
This isn’t the poem that lisa really loved
But I will put that one up soon enough
It’s a funny one that’s slightly metaphoric
I’ll type it, revise it, and put it up next week.
But sometimes my comments stay at zero
I do not understand why this is so
Because there’s always something to say to me or tell me where to go
This isn’t the poem that lisa really loved
But I will put that one up soon enough
It’s a funny one that’s slightly metaphoric
I’ll type it, revise it, and put it up next week.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
r u serious?
1st - i know today is serious saturday. That being said...I had the question posed to me on funny friday about how i can make my eyes move. It was funny yesterday...I told them, and they were like are you serious? Yes. Without going into great detail...here's a video to show just how serious I am when i say i can make my eyes move around slightly differently than normal.
After you watch the video, if you'd like to learn how to do it...just send me $19.95 +5.95 S&H and i can send you the secrects on jedi eye movement...hahahahahaha - scroll down and enjoy...
After you watch the video, if you'd like to learn how to do it...just send me $19.95 +5.95 S&H and i can send you the secrects on jedi eye movement...hahahahahaha - scroll down and enjoy...
Friday, September 22, 2006
Thursday, September 21, 2006
DC2
Alright – well another fun day…and yep…I was too wrapped up in it all to get lots of pictures. But, I did meet Lamar, and got to see and hear john Sununu, john thune, elaine chao, lisa Murkowski, among others. They were really good… The real surprise and treat was getting to hear carly fiorina (formerly of HP fame) speak – she was awesome! She started out as a receptionist in a real estate office…way cool. I learned so much stuff it’s not even funny. I even found a new business opportunity (oh yeah…I was even asked about a job…will have to get more detail on that one) All in all a great time – I met so many really cool people. This was the first event like this of its kind. Everyone seemed a little bewildered as to why they were there. It was definitely a prepping for running for office of some kind. Almost spooky – but hey…I’m in the club now and that is cool. Even though I know anyone/everyone can call up their senator and talk to them etc., I really feel like I can and they know who I am. Very cool. What’s better, is that now I could even call out to anyone that was there that I met and go see them. Very nice. I also met some other really cool people…I ate lunch with the atty gnl of NH – she was really cool. The Dir of Hmlnd Scrty of NH too. Awesome. I got to hang with some big dogs. I felt by far to be one of the least significant people there. All these people (most of them anyway) had some idea of running for office in some capacity and they were all talking to me and I’m like…"well, I’m a business guy…I sell things. I’ve started and sold a couple of businesses etc., but I’m no PHD or anything - no Harvard or Princeton...not sure why I'm here really"...hahahaha. Oh yeah, Bill, the guy that started F@stCompany was there too – very bright guy. Oh well…not sure what else to say – I had a blast and will most likely do it again. They asked us if it was valuable and if we’d come back. I said…uh, yeah. Totally a once in a lifetime opportunity. Now I have even more friends across the country…hahahahaha And what's really neat, out of the 9 people from TN there - I was the only one representing the state East of Nashville. Yep...that was actually pretty cool. I represented Chattanooga, knoxvegas and tri-cities and all the little places in between. Heh.Ok – now for something a little different. I was on the plane heading home…I have just finished reading this week’s TIME magazine – a really good issue (Sept 25th). But I have just read something that absolutely disturbs me beyond belief. Have you heard of a “Safe-Surrender” Law? If so, you’re in the know more than me. 47 states have this. 47 out of 50. Wanna know what it is? Well, it allows a mother to give up her child anywhere from 3 days (in 16 states) up to 1 year old (in Missouri and North Dakota) just because she doesn’t want it, or feels “overwhelmed”. Can you believe this? Supposedly it is to prevent unnecessary killing of unwanted babies. All a mother has to do is show up at a proper “drop off” location, like a fire station and tell them she doesn’t want the baby and then leaves. I mean – seriously…This has absolutely blown my mind. So now, if you get pregnant and want to know what having a baby is like, you can do that and if you don’t like it, you can give it away. What is this supposed to prevent or make positive? Sure, I guess those mothers are not having abortions or killing their babies, but still. And the statistics are showing that it is not preventing deaths on newborns either. Roughly the same amount of babies are being killed every year after birth, even with this law. Read the article here - http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1535837,00.html (copy and paste in your browser)
Anyway – I just thought I’d share that. Totally blew me away! I had no idea things like this exist. And even in California right now, they are looking to go from 3 days to 30 days. A “test drive” period. “Hey kids, try before you buy…” I think Arnold has until Sept 30 to decide if it’s going to pass or not. We’ll see. Just thought I’d share.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
DC - one
Ok – so yesterday I fly into DC for this “invitation only” summit for young professionals. I must say – very cool. Last night I got to meet and greet Kay Bailey Hutchinson, Orrin Hatch, Bill Frist and Trent Lott, just to name a few. It didn’t even dawn on me to get pictures until the end b/c it was such a great night. I did get a pic of Trent Lott toward the end, so at lest one pic is better than none. They encouraged all of us to get into some type of office and eventually look toward a bigger goal. And they were all willing to help. Very cool. It had to be one of the coolest nights I’ve had in a meet & greet in a long time. Also, I met 3 other people that I just clicked with right away. One is Robby, who is about 40 – a banker (VP) and mayor if his town in West TN, who happens to be married to a Ukrainian (so my Russian came into play), another was Anne (27), who is the PR director for a posh (very nice) resort in Florida (she helped run part of Jeb’s campaign when he first ran for gov), and Justin (30) who is an International Affairs Strategist for a Tampa firm – way cool people. We all hung out last night and got to know each other pretty well. Soooo fun. Anyway – today is all day 
of what last night was like…meet/greet, etc. So I must go – but I’ll try to remember to get more pics. ;)Later
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
TWOFER
1 – My new longboard is sweet. Fast, Smooth, 47” – and turns on a dime :P
2 – I had 2 ball games last night – we won both – but in the second won, I hit 3 home runs. The best part – 2 were right handed and 1 was left handed…ahhhh yeah. ;)
Monday, September 18, 2006
Motivation from Starbucks...
So, I go to Starbucks this morning (as usual, unless I'm at Panera), through the drivethrough and order my standard Marble Mocha Macchiato (get one if you haven't - awesome) and drink it down during this morning's meeting. I decided to read "The Way I See It" quote on the cup. This is something I rarely do, but today was different. Here's is the quote (It's #178, btw):
"The measure of genuine civilization, it has been said, is the quality of life for a nation's poorest and least privileged people. By that measure, we are barbarians. Our current level of inequality cannot be justified or sustained." - Robert W. McChesney
After reading this I thought to myself, hmmm - interesting and very true. I mean how can we call oursleves civil and not treat those less fortunate with dignity and respect. I know I sometimes don't. I often look down on people who don't "fit my mold or idea" of who or what a "normal" person is. I mean, we sponsor children/families in other countries and try to help them succeed, we're involved with one.org, among other things. But what do I do for people here to help our nation grow? Well, I pay taxes, so the gov't can deal with them so I don't have to get "dirty". Just like I send money to other places to empower other people to get "dirty". What do I do to get "dirty" other than give money? I volunteer a lot for various things...sometimes I wonder how much of that I do for myself instead of for helping others. Probably most of it, if I were honest.
What do you do to get "dirty"?
Just a thought.
"The measure of genuine civilization, it has been said, is the quality of life for a nation's poorest and least privileged people. By that measure, we are barbarians. Our current level of inequality cannot be justified or sustained." - Robert W. McChesney
After reading this I thought to myself, hmmm - interesting and very true. I mean how can we call oursleves civil and not treat those less fortunate with dignity and respect. I know I sometimes don't. I often look down on people who don't "fit my mold or idea" of who or what a "normal" person is. I mean, we sponsor children/families in other countries and try to help them succeed, we're involved with one.org, among other things. But what do I do for people here to help our nation grow? Well, I pay taxes, so the gov't can deal with them so I don't have to get "dirty". Just like I send money to other places to empower other people to get "dirty". What do I do to get "dirty" other than give money? I volunteer a lot for various things...sometimes I wonder how much of that I do for myself instead of for helping others. Probably most of it, if I were honest.
What do you do to get "dirty"?
Just a thought.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
football fun....
OK - So I had a poem for today - all original...Lisa even read it and really, really liked it (heh), but after yesterday I have decided to do something different and save my original for maybe next week, or another, better time. This week is not original...but do continue on...
We went to the game last night (surely I don't have to tell you which one...) after meeting some friends downtown and going out to eat. It was so fun...and free - doesn't get much better than that. After we ate we decided to go down the to stadium and get tickets. Here's a little hint for you...the games are always "get inable". The closer you wait 'til kickoff, the cheaper the tix. If you wait until after kickoff, they are usually well below face value. Anyway, we wanted to see kickoff, so we bought them ahead of time. Everyone I talked to said they would be between $400 - $500 a pair. Which they were...but, at 10 mins. before kickoff - they were only $70 ea. Since face value is $44, I didn't think that was too much extra to pay to get in to see all the intro stuff...plus, Lisa had never been before so I wanted to make sure she got the "full" experience. Oh yeah...and we sat right above the enemy student section. Crazy. Sooooooo much fun though - I'd definately sit there again...really good seats - great view.
So, I'm posting some pics (from my phone) and putting down the rhymes...enjoi.
Rocky Top
by Boudleax and Felice Bryant
We went to the game last night (surely I don't have to tell you which one...) after meeting some friends downtown and going out to eat. It was so fun...and free - doesn't get much better than that. After we ate we decided to go down the to stadium and get tickets. Here's a little hint for you...the games are always "get inable". The closer you wait 'til kickoff, the cheaper the tix. If you wait until after kickoff, they are usually well below face value. Anyway, we wanted to see kickoff, so we bought them ahead of time. Everyone I talked to said they would be between $400 - $500 a pair. Which they were...but, at 10 mins. before kickoff - they were only $70 ea. Since face value is $44, I didn't think that was too much extra to pay to get in to see all the intro stuff...plus, Lisa had never been before so I wanted to make sure she got the "full" experience. Oh yeah...and we sat right above the enemy student section. Crazy. Sooooooo much fun though - I'd definately sit there again...really good seats - great view.
So, I'm posting some pics (from my phone) and putting down the rhymes...enjoi.
Rocky Top
by Boudleax and Felice Bryant
Wish that I was on ol' Rocky Top
Down in the Tennessee hills
Aint' no smoggy smoke on Rocky Top
Ain't no telephone bills
Once I had a girl on Rocky Top
Half bear, other half cat
Wild as a mink, but sweet as soda pop
I still dream about that.
Rocky Top you'll always be
Home sweet home to me
Good ol' Rocky Top
Rocky Top Tennessee, Rocky Top Tennessee
Once two strangers climbed ol' Rocky Top
Lookin' for a moonshine still
Strangers ain't come down from Rocky Top
Reckon they never will
Rocky Top you'll always be
Home sweet home to me
Good ol' Rocky Top
Rocky Top Tennessee, Rocky Top Tennessee
Corn won't grow at all on Rocky Top
Dirt's too rocky by far
That's why all the folks on Rocky Top
Get their corn from a jar
Rocky Top you'll always be
Rocky Top you'll always be
Home sweet home to me
Good ol' Rocky Top
Rocky Top Tennessee, Rocky Top Tennessee
I've had years of cramped-up city life
Trapped like a duck in a pen
All I know is it's a pity life
Can't be simple again
Rocky Top you'll always be
Home sweet home to me
Good ol' Rocky Top
Rocky Top Tennessee, Rocky Top Tennessee
Saturday, September 16, 2006
not sure of a title
Things today -
1 - Birthday Party
2 - Going to Knoxville - apparently there is a "BIG GAME" there tonight that is a "MUST SEE"
3 - New Longboard - Sector9 46" (oh yeah and I got this real cheap...debating on whether to keep it or sell it)
4 - House is wrapped - Windows & Doors should be installed this week - Yep taking a bit - but the house is bigger that I thought it was going to be
not sure what else to put - just needed to post to keep the dream alive....heh
1 - Birthday Party
2 - Going to Knoxville - apparently there is a "BIG GAME" there tonight that is a "MUST SEE"
3 - New Longboard - Sector9 46" (oh yeah and I got this real cheap...debating on whether to keep it or sell it)
4 - House is wrapped - Windows & Doors should be installed this week - Yep taking a bit - but the house is bigger that I thought it was going to be
not sure what else to put - just needed to post to keep the dream alive....heh
Friday, September 15, 2006
Pepsi...the mysterious origins...
So, most of you know I'm a Coke man. When I drink softdrinks, it's Coca-Cola, Diet Coke or Cherry Coke. I usually don't stray from those, unless it's Mtn Dew. Well...most of you don't know why I drink Coke products. I'll fill you in.
Pepsi Cola was originally named Brad's Drink. Now, back in 1893, it was fairly common for mom and pop alchemists to concoct certain beverages and brews in their basement and "invent" the next big thing. Well, Caleb Bradham (who was from New Bern, NC, btw) invented something that was actually drinkable. He started selling it in his fountain shop, and he dubbed it "Brad's Drink". Since his last name contained "Brad" in it. So, first I think to myself, why didn't he call it "Caleb's Drink"? What was so mysterious that he wouldn't put his first name, or full last name on the drink (think "Dr. Pepper")? Hmmmmm....
Well, Mr. Bradham, had such a good drink on his hands he decided to market it medicinally. He traveled extensively marketing his new concoction as a digestive aid (ummmm...pepto-bismally), then marketed it as an energy booster (similar to a RockStar or Red Bull). Well...I know what you're thinking, an energy booster, ok I can see that, but a digestive aid? OK, so the name changed in 1898 to Pepsi-Cola. Why? Seems the part of the name Pepsi, comes from the pepsin that is in the drink. Think, Pepcid AC. Yep, the heartburn medicine. And as for the cola...that comes form the kola nut content that flavors up the pepsin.
So, in short, I do not like to have a refreshing drink that is sometimes prescribed for heartburn. HAHAHAHAHA
Now compare that with Coca-Cola, (which was made first - and the inventor of it actually wrote the logo by hand that is still used today) which first contained the same kola nut stuff for flavor and cocaine. Of course, they stopped that in the 80's. hahahahahaha - but you can see why it's been the more popular one over the years.
~l8r
Pepsi Cola was originally named Brad's Drink. Now, back in 1893, it was fairly common for mom and pop alchemists to concoct certain beverages and brews in their basement and "invent" the next big thing. Well, Caleb Bradham (who was from New Bern, NC, btw) invented something that was actually drinkable. He started selling it in his fountain shop, and he dubbed it "Brad's Drink". Since his last name contained "Brad" in it. So, first I think to myself, why didn't he call it "Caleb's Drink"? What was so mysterious that he wouldn't put his first name, or full last name on the drink (think "Dr. Pepper")? Hmmmmm....
Well, Mr. Bradham, had such a good drink on his hands he decided to market it medicinally. He traveled extensively marketing his new concoction as a digestive aid (ummmm...pepto-bismally), then marketed it as an energy booster (similar to a RockStar or Red Bull). Well...I know what you're thinking, an energy booster, ok I can see that, but a digestive aid? OK, so the name changed in 1898 to Pepsi-Cola. Why? Seems the part of the name Pepsi, comes from the pepsin that is in the drink. Think, Pepcid AC. Yep, the heartburn medicine. And as for the cola...that comes form the kola nut content that flavors up the pepsin.
So, in short, I do not like to have a refreshing drink that is sometimes prescribed for heartburn. HAHAHAHAHA
Now compare that with Coca-Cola, (which was made first - and the inventor of it actually wrote the logo by hand that is still used today) which first contained the same kola nut stuff for flavor and cocaine. Of course, they stopped that in the 80's. hahahahahaha - but you can see why it's been the more popular one over the years.
~l8r
Thursday, September 14, 2006
What are you lookin' at?
So, coming back from Seattle the other day, I decided to have a little fun with people and do a bit of an experiment. I got this green shirt (bright Kelly Green) that says on the front – “STOP LOOKING AT MY SHIRT”. hahahahaha – It’s an awesome shirt! Size L, not XL, btw…hehehe - Anyway, I wore this shirt on my way back home knowing I would be wearing it in Seattle, SEATAC and Atlanta. I think you can tell a lot about people when you can notice their reaction to something like that. And, man oh man…did I get lots of reaction. Most people who I watched read it (I need to show a pic of it…it really does attract attention so you can see people looking at it before they actually look at your face…it’s quite humorous), would be looking down at it and then look up to see who would wear such a shirt and notice me looking at them already (the knew I was watching them read my shirt) and they would quickly turn their head. It’s a wonder none of them got whiplash. A couple of people who saw it laughed out loud, which was really what I was going for, and oddly enough, the only ones who laughed out loud were older women – maybe 50ish – and they also talked to me telling me how much they loved the shirt! So, after this, I decided to mix it up a bit and see if I could control the responses by the way I looked at people. None of this was in any way scientific, but boy did I have fun with it! Some people I did not smile at, at all. I just stared them down when they looked at me. These people, all of them I did that to, turned and looked away really fast. Others, I smiled at when they looked at me and most of them smiled back…and all of them looked at my shirt a 2nd time (which the ones I stared at did not). Then I decided to say “hey/hi” when others looked at my shirt. I don’t remember exact numbers, but it was less than half that said hey back. I just thought this was really neat. Then I decided to say “so, you like my shirt?” to people and smiled while saying it. Keep in mind, I wore this all morning (at Starbucks, Border’s, the airport for 2 hours and getting on the plane – all of this before ATL) and had plenty of time to come up with things to do. Most of these people (easily more than half, but not all) would smile back and say, “yeah”, or “it’s cute (the women said that)”, etc. No one said “no”. I thought this was pretty funny, because I’m sure at least one person I asked didn’t like it but lied to my face. Anyway, not super therapeutic, but it was a fun social experiment that I enjoyed. I’m gonna have to wear that shirt more often.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
wow
ok ok ok - I can't believe it! I have actually posted every day for over a week. hahahaha - insane. Now let's see if I can go 2 weeks...baby steps, baby steps. So, I really don't have much to slam on today. No crazy comments - I mean, even my flights went well. I even landed late in ATL and they held my next flight for me (made it 20 minutes late just so they could get my luggage)...so that was good. Went skating up in kpt yesterday at the park...that was fun (that park is nice btw). Next time I'll get some footage and post it. ;) I ate lunch with Luke today, Mr. VIP for a day - his bday. Wore my new suit to work...let's see, what else? Not much really - I even won an umbrella today and it is raining! How funny! Lots of work to catch up on, so I'm going to get off here - just needed to post. - cya
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
the 2fer
1 - i am reading an awesome book called "risk". It's by kenny luck and I recommend it to all guys out there who like to read. Kenny is from Saddleback and has some neat encouragements in there.
2 - the more I go to Seattle/Redmond, the more I like it. I could easily live there. It's such a neat place...it reminds me of here. If you've not been there you definately need to go visit - lots of stuff to do - with similar awesome scenery.
2 - the more I go to Seattle/Redmond, the more I like it. I could easily live there. It's such a neat place...it reminds me of here. If you've not been there you definately need to go visit - lots of stuff to do - with similar awesome scenery.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Seattle, part Duex w/motivations....
9/11 – ok, so I’m flying cross country today. I should be home by midnight, just in time to do my 2fer.
Now I know it’s motivational Monday. I have 2 quotes – 1 that fits me right now and another that fits me right now…hahahahaha – there’s a third one that deals with seattle and a lot to tell there.
First things first…I found these quotes:
Use your imagination not to scare yourself to death but to inspire yourself to life.
-Adele Brookman
The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.
-Bertrand Russell (1872 - 1970)
I think these quotes are pretty motivational. It’s neat to be encouraged by other people who look at things in a different way. The first quote is a neat glass half empty/half full thing for me – which I’m trying to look at things that way even more so than usual. The 2nd just makes me feel better about some of my doubts/confusion, etc. that I’ve been having and knowing that I’ll be better for it in the long run.
Now the 3rd quote for you today is this:
When you meet your antagonist, do everything in a mild and agreeable manner. Let your courage be as keen, but at the same time as polished, as your sword.
-Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751 - 1816)
Now the trip/show up here was awesome! Other than our display stuff being lost for a day – it couldn’t have gone any better. Last night was great. Of course all week(end) I’ve hung out with my Canadian buds (and I think it’s decided that I am going to Ottowa soon, too) and last night they had a big party in the Presidential Suite of the hotel. So, of course they want me to come, etc. Well, the party was co-hosted by one of my competitors in the software arena. A bigger one – we’re like the "Dr. Pepper" drink – a Cadbury brand that’s 3rd only to "Coke" & "Pepsi". This competitor is like Coke. Easily the biggest. I know the president of the company pretty well and told him I was coming and to be ready for me. I said, “I’m not going to wear my (company) shirt b/c you’re paying for all this stuff, and I’m not going to do too much business – I coming to hang with my peeps and get free food and drink.” Of course he was way cool with that and was like “yeah, totally – you know you’re more than welcome at my stuff. I really like you and know your cool and you’re a great competitor. Not like those a$$holes at “pepsi”. I hate those guys.” So – I show up at the party around 9. And it was a great time – but this is the funniest part – (I don’t want to use real names so I’ll call the president of coke – armwood – he’s from tampa…hahahah) Armwood was telling the people there about our software – yes, mine. He was selling it for me. It was hilarious – I got just as many hot leads from that party in 7 hours as I did in 2 days at the show. Of course Armwood didn’t really realize what he was doing…he had been drinking a lot. But nonetheless, I took full advantage of the situation. It was awesome – the Canadians couldn’t believe it…one of the girls was like “so, he [armwood] is paying for the other half of this party that we’re not, which is like $10K or so, and he’s selling your stuff. That’s odd, isn’t it?” “Uh, yeah – but I’m not complaining – let’s just not remind him of it in the morning.” And everyone laughed…it was funny. What’s even funnier is that he is coming to the TN/FLA game this weekend and wants to take us (by us – I actually mean me & Lisa, maybe Allan) out to dinner – wherever we want to go. And of Course I never pass up free food. Another thing – it seems everyone here loves my accent. "Que?" or "What?", you ask? I have an accent? Well, apparently I do, and the people up here love it. They knew it was southern, but not deep southern (think SC, GA, etc), no big drawl, and they just ate it up – it was pretty funny. They were all about being annoyed with the deep accent they’re used to from the south and not always understanding what’s said – but mine and the guy that was with me – they thought was sooo cool. And yes, they all do get out a lot, but apparently they’ve never been around my part of the south and they were all wanting to come here by the end of the show and party. (so lisa, be prepared – I told them all it was ok to come - that we only needed a couple days notice...)
So, Sunday, I went to a Mariners game – got tickets in the 16th row, behind 3rd – almost got hit in the head with a ball (the 16th row is pretty close – lots of foul balls), got sunburnt (yes in seattle) on only half of my neck (yes I look funny – hold comments), got jumped on for another ball – to which I told everyone around me – “People, you can go buy these balls for less than $10 in a store – it’s not that big of a deal to maim people to try to get a ball…really.” Of course the guy that jumped on me apologized (and kept on through the rest of the game – I had to finally “politely” tell him I was tired of hearing it. hahahaha)
OK – that’s about it. Here’s some pics from this trip – for more seattle pics – see my last post when I was there.
OK – a pic of the stadium, some action, a very cool information booth (all mobile) and a horse and buggy - enjoi.
company names used in this post are NOT the said companies - only used for comparison
Now I know it’s motivational Monday. I have 2 quotes – 1 that fits me right now and another that fits me right now…hahahahaha – there’s a third one that deals with seattle and a lot to tell there.
First things first…I found these quotes:
Use your imagination not to scare yourself to death but to inspire yourself to life.
-Adele Brookman
The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.
-Bertrand Russell (1872 - 1970)
I think these quotes are pretty motivational. It’s neat to be encouraged by other people who look at things in a different way. The first quote is a neat glass half empty/half full thing for me – which I’m trying to look at things that way even more so than usual. The 2nd just makes me feel better about some of my doubts/confusion, etc. that I’ve been having and knowing that I’ll be better for it in the long run.
Now the 3rd quote for you today is this:
When you meet your antagonist, do everything in a mild and agreeable manner. Let your courage be as keen, but at the same time as polished, as your sword.
-Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751 - 1816)
Now the trip/show up here was awesome! Other than our display stuff being lost for a day – it couldn’t have gone any better. Last night was great. Of course all week(end) I’ve hung out with my Canadian buds (and I think it’s decided that I am going to Ottowa soon, too) and last night they had a big party in the Presidential Suite of the hotel. So, of course they want me to come, etc. Well, the party was co-hosted by one of my competitors in the software arena. A bigger one – we’re like the "Dr. Pepper" drink – a Cadbury brand that’s 3rd only to "Coke" & "Pepsi". This competitor is like Coke. Easily the biggest. I know the president of the company pretty well and told him I was coming and to be ready for me. I said, “I’m not going to wear my (company) shirt b/c you’re paying for all this stuff, and I’m not going to do too much business – I coming to hang with my peeps and get free food and drink.” Of course he was way cool with that and was like “yeah, totally – you know you’re more than welcome at my stuff. I really like you and know your cool and you’re a great competitor. Not like those a$$holes at “pepsi”. I hate those guys.” So – I show up at the party around 9. And it was a great time – but this is the funniest part – (I don’t want to use real names so I’ll call the president of coke – armwood – he’s from tampa…hahahah) Armwood was telling the people there about our software – yes, mine. He was selling it for me. It was hilarious – I got just as many hot leads from that party in 7 hours as I did in 2 days at the show. Of course Armwood didn’t really realize what he was doing…he had been drinking a lot. But nonetheless, I took full advantage of the situation. It was awesome – the Canadians couldn’t believe it…one of the girls was like “so, he [armwood] is paying for the other half of this party that we’re not, which is like $10K or so, and he’s selling your stuff. That’s odd, isn’t it?” “Uh, yeah – but I’m not complaining – let’s just not remind him of it in the morning.” And everyone laughed…it was funny. What’s even funnier is that he is coming to the TN/FLA game this weekend and wants to take us (by us – I actually mean me & Lisa, maybe Allan) out to dinner – wherever we want to go. And of Course I never pass up free food. Another thing – it seems everyone here loves my accent. "Que?" or "What?", you ask? I have an accent? Well, apparently I do, and the people up here love it. They knew it was southern, but not deep southern (think SC, GA, etc), no big drawl, and they just ate it up – it was pretty funny. They were all about being annoyed with the deep accent they’re used to from the south and not always understanding what’s said – but mine and the guy that was with me – they thought was sooo cool. And yes, they all do get out a lot, but apparently they’ve never been around my part of the south and they were all wanting to come here by the end of the show and party. (so lisa, be prepared – I told them all it was ok to come - that we only needed a couple days notice...)
So, Sunday, I went to a Mariners game – got tickets in the 16th row, behind 3rd – almost got hit in the head with a ball (the 16th row is pretty close – lots of foul balls), got sunburnt (yes in seattle) on only half of my neck (yes I look funny – hold comments), got jumped on for another ball – to which I told everyone around me – “People, you can go buy these balls for less than $10 in a store – it’s not that big of a deal to maim people to try to get a ball…really.” Of course the guy that jumped on me apologized (and kept on through the rest of the game – I had to finally “politely” tell him I was tired of hearing it. hahahaha)
OK – that’s about it. Here’s some pics from this trip – for more seattle pics – see my last post when I was there.
OK – a pic of the stadium, some action, a very cool information booth (all mobile) and a horse and buggy - enjoi.
company names used in this post are NOT the said companies - only used for comparison
Sunday, September 10, 2006
see my poem/
Loaded and ready – some may call it sin
The urge unrelenting – set to release from within
Control. All-consuming, waiting for the right time
Unloading before expectation
Holding back a wry sigh.
Soaked and wet you look up to see
A smile on my face, a sense of joy and glee
Who knew that people could have so much fun
Squirting other people with a plastic water gun
The Watergun
so that's my poem this week...not too much time to think about it.... ;)
The urge unrelenting – set to release from within
Control. All-consuming, waiting for the right time
Unloading before expectation
Holding back a wry sigh.
Soaked and wet you look up to see
A smile on my face, a sense of joy and glee
Who knew that people could have so much fun
Squirting other people with a plastic water gun
The Watergun
so that's my poem this week...not too much time to think about it.... ;)
Saturday, September 09, 2006
UPS still sucks
ok - so my stuff comes in today at 4p - just in time for the big part of the show at 5. I go get it, get back and set everything up in time and make it look really nice. When people come back in they are amazed (we seriously got commented on the new look at least 50 times) - some of them think we changed our booth around just for the dinner thing. It was kind of funny - but worked out really well. Not quite a day late and a dollar short...just a day late. Come to find out UPS doesn't even guarantee their overnight to be overnight. I'm still not going to pay for the shipping, nor am I ever going to use UPS again. From now on it's either FedEx or DHL. I suggest you do the same. And yes, it's 1am here and I am posting - ridiculous - I fell asleep at 10ish here and just woke up...I guess I'll get used to the time change as soon as I get home...figures.
Friday, September 08, 2006
not really funny, like ha ha...
so, it's 3am here in Seattle and I am up. I have 3 hours before I can start setting up our stuff that we are to do here. I also have 3 hours to hopefully get our stuff.
You see, I was going to check everything in luggage (which was why I bought & packed everthing the way I did), but I was persuaded by a couple of people at the office to just "ship it all". Yes, it would be easier at the airport, no it wouldn't get lost, etc. Well, guess what...it's not here. I don't know why, but i can't sleep because i am wondering if it will get here on time to show to people. AAAGGGHHH!!! What I'm really worried about is that it may not be here today, which leaves monday for it to get here when everything is pretty much done - then I will have to miss my flight to make sure I get it to bring back home. THIS SUCKS! And what makes it all worse is that it was all overnighted and should have been here. I got 2 out of the 3 boxes - and the one I didn't get is the MAIN one.
Oh well, I'll just have to make due with what I have...in the meantime I just hope they find my $8000 box.
OK - enough about my crap...here's a joke that kinda relates...
There was this guy at a bar, just looking at his drink. He stays like that for half of an hour.Then, this big trouble-making truck driver steps next to him, takes the drink from the guy, and just drinks it all down. The poor man starts crying. The truck driver says, "Come on man, I was just joking. Here, I'll buy you another drink. I just can't stand to see a man cry.""No, it's not that. This day is the worst of my life. First, I fall asleep, and I go late to my office. My boss, outrageous, fires me. When I leave the building, to my car, I found out it was stolen. The police said that they can do nothing. I get a cab to return home, and when I leave it, I remember I left my wallet and credit cards there. The cab driver just drives away.""I go home, and when I get there, I find my wife in bed with the gardener. I leave home, and come to this bar. And just when I was thinking about putting an end to my life, you show up and drink my poison."
You see, I was going to check everything in luggage (which was why I bought & packed everthing the way I did), but I was persuaded by a couple of people at the office to just "ship it all". Yes, it would be easier at the airport, no it wouldn't get lost, etc. Well, guess what...it's not here. I don't know why, but i can't sleep because i am wondering if it will get here on time to show to people. AAAGGGHHH!!! What I'm really worried about is that it may not be here today, which leaves monday for it to get here when everything is pretty much done - then I will have to miss my flight to make sure I get it to bring back home. THIS SUCKS! And what makes it all worse is that it was all overnighted and should have been here. I got 2 out of the 3 boxes - and the one I didn't get is the MAIN one.
Oh well, I'll just have to make due with what I have...in the meantime I just hope they find my $8000 box.
OK - enough about my crap...here's a joke that kinda relates...
There was this guy at a bar, just looking at his drink. He stays like that for half of an hour.Then, this big trouble-making truck driver steps next to him, takes the drink from the guy, and just drinks it all down. The poor man starts crying. The truck driver says, "Come on man, I was just joking. Here, I'll buy you another drink. I just can't stand to see a man cry.""No, it's not that. This day is the worst of my life. First, I fall asleep, and I go late to my office. My boss, outrageous, fires me. When I leave the building, to my car, I found out it was stolen. The police said that they can do nothing. I get a cab to return home, and when I leave it, I remember I left my wallet and credit cards there. The cab driver just drives away.""I go home, and when I get there, I find my wife in bed with the gardener. I leave home, and come to this bar. And just when I was thinking about putting an end to my life, you show up and drink my poison."
Thursday, September 07, 2006
hrmmmm...
Well, as of this moment I don't have too much to go off on. I got my B12 shot, was prescribed vitamins (I am getting old - first time I've ever had to take vitamins - Kelly, shut it :P) and told another guy my life story, which left his mouth agape. I am coming to the conclusion that life is short. Yeah yeah yeah - so you all say you already know that...blah blah blah. I mean, really...what have I done in the past 33 years that is of any significance. I know I have 2 great kids that hopefully I'm helping to raise right, a great wife (but i can't take any credit there) and sure, I've been successful in the businesses I've started (who cares). I've had lots of "success" in my life, done lots of things and I guess I'm wondering what else there is. Where's the significance? I mean, now to do something bigger and better - it has to really be bigger and better - and why do I feel the need to do that? Why is my personality the way it is? Anyway, not looking for answers so much as just putting down my thoughts...I know you'd all respond with a "God" answer. That's not really where I am coming from, I don't think. I've had 4 different people tell me they think I'm clinically depressed (2 of those have the credentials to make me stop and think). But I don't agree. I just think I'm trying to do bigger and better (or at least look for it) and it's wearing me out. Even though I know this, I still don't necessarily want to stop. Oh well...
So, as for the picture...that's kind of how I feel right now...looking up through the whirlwind and trying to focus on the end game or what's ahead or whatever. At least "it" seems closer now...not sure what "it" is specifically, just a part of the future...I think that's why I am having such a hard time. I usually have a big picture in mind, a goal or an overall agenda with what I'm moving toward...I don't really have that right now and I think that may be what's bothering me...and that is making it even harder to focus...
Hopefully this wasn't too much of a ramble fest...just needed to put it down so I can look back on it later. I am going to bed - I have to go to Seattle tomorrow for a week. Happy, happy, joy, joy...I'm sure I'll get some good things to post about...
So, as for the picture...that's kind of how I feel right now...looking up through the whirlwind and trying to focus on the end game or what's ahead or whatever. At least "it" seems closer now...not sure what "it" is specifically, just a part of the future...I think that's why I am having such a hard time. I usually have a big picture in mind, a goal or an overall agenda with what I'm moving toward...I don't really have that right now and I think that may be what's bothering me...and that is making it even harder to focus...Hopefully this wasn't too much of a ramble fest...just needed to put it down so I can look back on it later. I am going to bed - I have to go to Seattle tomorrow for a week. Happy, happy, joy, joy...I'm sure I'll get some good things to post about...
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Sissy, eh?
So – I thought about responding to Kelly’s little sissy remark…but thought better of it (I figured she wouldn’t be able to take it - plus I ran about 5 miles and am feeling good before typing this). I figured the debut WaxOnWaxOff should be nice, fun and interesting. Besides, I really don’t feel like ripping on Kelly right now anyway…I think it’s enough punishment for her to be white, female & overseas in a Muslim country. Hahahahaha
So, here’s a neat little fact that you probably didn’t know…
Pfizer sells about 9 Viagra pills every second. Before the “little blue pill” became so popular, it was meant to be a treatment for hypertension and angina. It failed as a treatment for those conditions. The scientists at Pfizer were ready to call it quits on the drug when they started noticing an odd side-effect during testing…yep, they decided to remarket it as you know it today.
And that’s the truth, straight up.
PS - 3 days of blogging in a row...I'm even a little impressed myself... :P And Yes, it is 6:30am.
So, here’s a neat little fact that you probably didn’t know…
Pfizer sells about 9 Viagra pills every second. Before the “little blue pill” became so popular, it was meant to be a treatment for hypertension and angina. It failed as a treatment for those conditions. The scientists at Pfizer were ready to call it quits on the drug when they started noticing an odd side-effect during testing…yep, they decided to remarket it as you know it today.
And that’s the truth, straight up.
PS - 3 days of blogging in a row...I'm even a little impressed myself... :P And Yes, it is 6:30am.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
today's 2fer
1 - last night I grilled 40 hamburgers and ~40 hot dogs for a cookout at the girls house. It was raining and I burnt my hand, but it was a good time. There were a lot of people who showed up even though the weather was bad. It was funny because I also ruined 2 of their spatulas b/c they were plastic. Maybe for Christmas I'll get them a grilling kit. ;) I haven't been by there since - I'm hoping my yard isn't ruined...hahahaha
2 - I think I know what's wrong with me. (ok, insert your witty retort here)
No, not that.... ;) Some of you know that I've been having problems lately being moody, forgetful, a bit spastic, etc. Well, seems my doc caught on to something that makes sense. I am Vitamin B12 deficient. The normal range for B12 in you is between 200-900. My B12 is 230, which means I'm not dead and don't have any diseases, but it is super low. So, I have to schedule a time to get injected with some B12. Good Times. ;)
Oh well, just thought I'd share.
2 - I think I know what's wrong with me. (ok, insert your witty retort here)
No, not that.... ;) Some of you know that I've been having problems lately being moody, forgetful, a bit spastic, etc. Well, seems my doc caught on to something that makes sense. I am Vitamin B12 deficient. The normal range for B12 in you is between 200-900. My B12 is 230, which means I'm not dead and don't have any diseases, but it is super low. So, I have to schedule a time to get injected with some B12. Good Times. ;)
Oh well, just thought I'd share.
Monday, September 04, 2006
time to think...
In the name of God, stop a moment, cease your work, look around you.
- Leo Tolstoy
Today is Labor Day and it's a sad day in the world. I'm sure you heard that Steve Irwin died today while filming a new underwater documentary. Steve Irwin, in case you didn't know, was the famed "Crocodile Hunter". He was 44. He died totally doing what he loved and I don't believe he had too many regrets with what he did and made of his life. This has me thinking...
Do I take breaks and stop work and look around? Am I doing what I love? Do I enjoy life to the fullest? Will I have any regrets later on in life? Do I appreciate what I have?
Not sure...but I do know this, I am going to start enjoying life more and enjoying what I have more. Are you?
- Leo Tolstoy
Today is Labor Day and it's a sad day in the world. I'm sure you heard that Steve Irwin died today while filming a new underwater documentary. Steve Irwin, in case you didn't know, was the famed "Crocodile Hunter". He was 44. He died totally doing what he loved and I don't believe he had too many regrets with what he did and made of his life. This has me thinking...
Do I take breaks and stop work and look around? Am I doing what I love? Do I enjoy life to the fullest? Will I have any regrets later on in life? Do I appreciate what I have?
Not sure...but I do know this, I am going to start enjoying life more and enjoying what I have more. Are you?
Friday, September 01, 2006
a new era...
So, the rabbit thing yesterday got me to thinking. How much stuff happens to me that is interesting in some way? How much stuff can I share to display my witt, thoughtfulness, charm and general positive attitude? How much bad attitude can I share? I don't know the answers to those questions, but I do know that like sand through the hourglass, these are the Days of Our Lives (hahahah). I decided to step up the blogging thing. If you notice, I am no longer advertising for ifrogz. I changed the look to let everyone know what they can expect when they come to my blog on any given day. I am going to attempt to keep this updated every day (starting Monday, btw) and stick to the themes above. I got up at 4:30a this morning, ran about 5 miles, went to a 7a meeting and for whatever weird reason am motivated to overachieve today, so with that in mind, I am doing this. Now, I will go into definitions for the themes, so you can know what to expect - and hopefully enjoy. ;)
motivational monday - monday's you will find either a quote, statement, etc. that should help get you through the day/week whatever. Some will be serious, some funny, some real, some fake - one day it could be winston churchill and another it could be jack handy (oh yeah, don't let the names fool you into thinking this is all going to be super serious or touchy feely - you know me better than that).
twofer tuesday - I believe you are all familiar with this since I have done it in the past. Plus, many of you have done it too. I'll just be sharing 2 things from the day, week, whatever with you.
WaxOnWaxOff Wednesday - this is your opportunity to shine. During the week, through my comments i will be looking for a good topic that i can write about. you wax on, i wax off. For example, let's say you leave a comment on motivational monday about the author of a quote. Well, Wednesday could be a short bio on that author. Or on funny friday, you make fun of what I put down. Wednesday I'll make fun of you. ;)
therapudic thursday - this is my day to rant and rave - simple as that.
funny friday - this will highlight things I've found humorous, either directly affecting me or directly effecting me. heheh
serious saturday - i know, i know...if there's one day that may get left off here and there it will be this one. But I will attempt to post things sincere and serious and thought-provoking. a strech, i know....
sonnet sunday - YES! I am looking forward to this. I will astound and amaze you with original poetry. It could be short or long - whatever I'm in the mood for. Hopefully most of it will rhyme, but if not I am going to now declare artistic creativity, so if it doesn't rhyme, it means it's ok. ;)
So - there you have it. I hope you enjoy! Any suggestions, let me know.
motivational monday - monday's you will find either a quote, statement, etc. that should help get you through the day/week whatever. Some will be serious, some funny, some real, some fake - one day it could be winston churchill and another it could be jack handy (oh yeah, don't let the names fool you into thinking this is all going to be super serious or touchy feely - you know me better than that).
twofer tuesday - I believe you are all familiar with this since I have done it in the past. Plus, many of you have done it too. I'll just be sharing 2 things from the day, week, whatever with you.
WaxOnWaxOff Wednesday - this is your opportunity to shine. During the week, through my comments i will be looking for a good topic that i can write about. you wax on, i wax off. For example, let's say you leave a comment on motivational monday about the author of a quote. Well, Wednesday could be a short bio on that author. Or on funny friday, you make fun of what I put down. Wednesday I'll make fun of you. ;)
therapudic thursday - this is my day to rant and rave - simple as that.
funny friday - this will highlight things I've found humorous, either directly affecting me or directly effecting me. heheh
serious saturday - i know, i know...if there's one day that may get left off here and there it will be this one. But I will attempt to post things sincere and serious and
sonnet sunday - YES! I am looking forward to this. I will astound and amaze you with original poetry. It could be short or long - whatever I'm in the mood for. Hopefully most of it will rhyme, but if not I am going to now declare artistic creativity, so if it doesn't rhyme, it means it's ok. ;)
So - there you have it. I hope you enjoy! Any suggestions, let me know.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)