The Big Catch-Up

Where the Hell am I...?

If you’ve asked a question recently, the answer is probably here.

Party at the Barn –
After lots of big plans and many people coming, it finally happened. Not as many soldiers as we would have liked and not as many friends as I would have liked but it was a good time. The Corpsman brother came up and got some ink. I got mine finished… well the outside. We’ll see if and when I get to the inside. Brian (the tattoo’er) sketched out a concept. It’s gonna be cool!













The Corpsman . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Blogger
(click'm for big'm)

The son –
Reserve center on or about June 1, then training in the California desert. Then off to the sand box. Unemployment aside, this is going to be a tough year for me.

The Test –
I passed. I am an official state of Indiana licensed bartender. Should get some apps out today. We’ll see what happens.

JOB –
Good news, guess I have one. They want me to do the contract thing for 4 weeks, then make me an official offer.
Bad news, like I said below, it’s in California… Los Angeles.

Tom –
Sigh.
He has asked me to take him to the Nickel Plate (local Steelers bar). He knows he’s going to miss the ’09 season so he wants to go have some of the bar food ‘one last time’.
We’re going today.
God! I’m gonna miss him!

IMG00133-20090508-2346.jpg

I'm not drunk... I'm just drinking.
It is q good night at the barn!!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Testing

I hate tests.

I've spent the last two weeks in a bar tending school and today... in about 5 minutes. We have our final.

I have to write out the ingredients for 20 drinks and make 12 drinks in 8 minutes.

I'm sooo screwed!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

4 to 6 Weeks

Sigh…

It is amazing the range of emotions I go through while riding.

Tom was told last week, “the chemo is not helping anymore, we are going to stop it and make you comfortable. You have 4-6 weeks.”

No, I guess it wasn’t really that cold when he relayed the info to me but is was that abrupt, at least to me. Since this post in October of ’07. I had gotten used to him being sick and not dying. It’s been 18 months since that ‘Stage IV’ post and he’s still here, I had become complacent. Now …

When I left his house this evening, I was in a rage. If I could have gotten to a computer then, this would have been a VERY different post. But a bit of a ride and some tears on the inside of my ridding glasses and I don't need to kill anything. I want to remember. I want you to know.

***********************
I’d guess about 7 years ago we (me and my family) were a little tight for money. So, I got a second job. I think I was making $8 an hour as a cashier in a Shell station. As football season came around, I was grumpy that I was missing all of the football games, not just the Steelers. See, I was working 10 hours Saturday and Sunday, plus 8 hours 2 or 3 days a week making ‘the shell station’ almost another full time job.

On Sundays (with my Managers permission) I started bringing a 13 inch tv to work. I would at least get to watch whatever game was on the local airwaves. Amazingly, quite a few were Steelers games. Customers would loiter and watch the game for a few minutes, once they figured I was going to do this regularly some would drop their wives off to get groceries then ‘go get gas in the car’. Heh, amazingly ‘getting gas’ would take just as much time as the whole grocery trip. One of those regulars was Tom. He is a Steelers fan. We got to the point where he’d stop at Subway and bring us sandwiches for the late games. He was a Marine… we became friends.

Tom, my friend, this is going to be a tough month. For both of us. Like another friend of mine says, “you are where you are suppose to be”. I am so glad I decided to work at that gas station.

God bless, God’s peace. I will not forget you.

Overheard #2

"some diarrhea is good. It flushes the system of kooties. A lot of diarrhea is... shity"

Fire guys are hilarious.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Overheard

I'm sitting in an EMA CPR and AED training class and an old Marine talking about monies going to public colleges.

"they all are a bunch of God damned communists. How in the hell do they get millions of dollars to teach communism? Aren't we in America?"

I love this guy.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Inquiring Minds

So... about California...

It is a small company. Apparently they have hired 2 or 3 other 'experts' and they got screwed. One nearly took them to bankruptcy.

Yea, they wanted me to work for a bit, to kinda prove myself. I did. Seems they were impressed.

Being previously scorned they are approaching me in baby steps.

The next step is for me to work for them at their place for a month, maybe two. THEN they might make me an offer for full time permanent work. Right now they want me to do a type of contract work. Making a little less than I was, even a little less than Connecticut.

Did I mention it's a small company? Yea, no benefits. None. Not even a company policy on vacation.

I'd be an awful big fish in that pond... really big.

They talk a good game. Making all kinds of promises for the future. Big promises.

I'm all wierded out. I don't know what to do... Probibaly take it. We need the money.

* * * * * *

PS - coolest thing about this BlackBerry thing is I can address menstrual rags when they show up almost immediately. How cool is that? Just a couple clicks and the stench is gone.


Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

All Done

Interviewing is done. Amazing how exhausting two days of question and answers can be... that or the jet lag is catching up with me.

Going to try going to West Coast Choppers in Long Beach before heading to the airport.

Wouldn't it be cool if I got to meet Jessie James?

I get home about 9 tomorrow, gonna be a long day.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

I Love Jack

Almost done with the second double (strong) Jack and Coke. I feel good. Maybe i'll actually get some sleep tonight.

One more day of interviews, then home on saturday. Looking forward to riding in the first 80 degree weekend this year.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Working

Is it a new business model to bring in skilled people and require them to prove themselves by actually producing work or product?

I've been working on a reflector design all day... for free.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

We are everywhere

It is a Steeler Nation!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Grrr

Stupid spell check. That should be traffic.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Traffic

405 105 interchange. How many levels of stopped traffic can you see?

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Yep, I'm in LA

The first class steward(es?) was doing the 'thanks for flying with us, come again thing...'. She had a deeper voice than I do. And was over 6 feet.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Question

Why does everyone stand up to board the plane when they call first class only?

Granted the seats in the waiting area aren't great but they are much better than sitting on the plane.

Crazy, impatient people.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Edit 02MAY09 - because if your last and there is no more room for bags in the over head, they get checked weather you want them to or not. Fuckers!

Overheard

Sitting in an airport BBQ restaurant I overheard a NWA Captain buy the lunch of 5 Navy seamen.

Warms the heart.
I had to thank him my self.

Grrr

So the plan was they (execs at this company) were going to pick me up at the airport and we would go to dinner. They just called... Reserved a rental car for me and will pick me up at the hotel.

Soooo... I will be in this monkey suit all day for nothing. The longer I have it in the more chances I have to spill something on myself. I really prefer to travel comfortably in jeans.

Oh well, at least I look good. (no comments DC...Dazd)

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

An Interview

Thursday last week an acquaintance gave me a lead to elite Lighting. I sent a resume, they called, we talked, they want to see me in person.

LA here I come. Yep, flying to Los Angles tomorrow. Fly back Saturday.

Hopefully I can send text updates while I'm gone.

I hope whatever (if) they offer me will let me stay here and not make me move to the west coast.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Vice Versa

Kinda.

You may remember my frequent trips to The Barn... Some of you may know of or about the Missus' trips to Camp Atterbury for training.

Well, this weekend we switched places. I went to Camp Atterbury for training and she went north to the barn. Granted she wasn't partying like I do but she was there, using The Barn as base camp and helping the local community.

I know she had a good time and some successes. I, on the other hand, was in school. Ground Search II. How to use a compass, how to look for people that might get lost... in the rain. Yea, rained all day Sunday. I got soaked.

The highlight of the weekend was going to a local Buffalo Wild Wings and watching UFC 97. Got back to the hotel about 1am. Good times!

*********

--- overheard at lunch Saturday;

Firefighter to attractive married lady, "so, what color is your equipment?"

Dead silence at our lunch table.

A different firefighter 'whispers' loudly, "I hope it's pink"

Lady with head in hands and turning bright red says, "some is blue and I have green and yes some of it pink."

The whole table burst into laughter.

It was great.

Dreams... Maybe Nightmares

I had two this morning. Thursday morning. Yes I know it is nearly 2am Friday.



1 - I noticed a leak in our bed room ceiling. At least evidence of a leak. The ceiling was sagging and had that shiny wet look.

I called my wife over to see and told her not to poke it because it might rupture causing the drywall and whatever else to come falling down.

She poked it. Made a huge mess.



2 - We (me and the missus) are at some formal function with the CEO lady I interviewed with in Connecticut. She found me and said she had found her dog and cat. I was glad for her. Guess I knew they had been missing.

What I saw was this; the dog was nearly folded in half. Obviously hit by a car. Whimpering and in obvious pain. She said 'doesn't look like he is going to make it.' The cat, also hit by a car was cut open and also in obvious pain.

She had them both in a shopping cart... like you use at the grocery store.

She turned to head back into the function saying, 'they'll be dead soon enough.' And left them.

I woke up appalled.

If this is what my subconscious thinks of her, I'm really glad I did not take that job.





Sigh - why can't I just have raunchy sex dreams like normal people?





Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Down Time

This weekend I burnt off some... "bad attitude".

The missus and I went to see 'Monsters vs Aliens in 3D'

This is quite the funny movie. Even in my hyper frugal state this was worth the money for the escape.

Some time Saturday morning we saw one of those behind the scenes things... you know, where they show you who does the voice for each character.

I had wanted to make a mataneé but a re-attempt at geocaching Saturday afternoon had us trapesing around in the woods too long. I learned I am WAY out of shape. Barley walked 2 miles and I was pooped. I'm not really gaining any weight on these days... Weeks... months off. Just getting soft. I need to fix that.

Where was I... oh yea, the movie.

When (If) you see it, tell me if you can't help but wonder why she ain't naked. Then there is the fiancé... Does one assume 'all' parts grew in proportion? Poor guy would be nothing more than a living dildo. I mean how long can you make raspberries before everything goes numb? Talk about 'straping a 2x4 across you ass so you don't fall in'. Maybe if he could run in place for a few minutes.

I digress... Seriously, it was a good movie. Comedy was funny, the action was sharp, the 3D was unique. And the mad scientist-cockroach having Hugh Laurie's (House from TV) voice, classic.

I recommend it. This one is even worth full price admission.

Edit 02MAY09 - Fixed spelling and spacing.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

The Interview

An interview and the prospect of employment in this economy should not be depressing.

This was.

17 years with one company and 20 years in one industry it is safe to say I'm an expert. Hell, I'm on a committee that writes the test questions for lighting professionals certification.

Today I interviewed for a technicians position with an instrumentation calibration company.

It's all i'm qualified for... An entry level, just starting, shit turd over minimum wage position.

Fuck me. I want to crawl under a rock.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Another Week

I can't believe another week has passed and I'm still not posting like I should... like I want. I'm still getting the occasional comment, so I guess a few are still stopping by now and then.
Big thanks to kat, becky, nancy, tani and airmanmom - you guys make me smile. I'll be stopping by soon, promise.
Thanks to kartman, lobo and DC - you guys don't comment but I know you come by. Thanks again!

Let's see... what's been going on.

21 update - it went well. Took the kid and some of his friends and his gf to BD's Mongolian BBQ. The food there is always good. It's an 'all you can eat cook it the way you want and if you don't like it try again' place. I highly recommend it. Seems he has my endurance for alcohol. He had 1 - long island iced tea, 2 - marguita's on the rocks, 1 - peppermint schnapps about 2 ozs, and 2 - Bailey's on the rocks about 2 ozs each.
He got happy, but never really got drunk. As we were leaving he was heal-toeing a line and touching his nose. Hahaha. Spent well over a hundred dollars but hey, your baby only turns 21 once, right?

Job hunt - ya know, with CareerBuilder sending me daily updates on new job listings, i'll bet I'm sending out 10-20 resumes a week. And still nothing! I've given up on the lighting industry. Right now I'd take anything, especially if it pays decent.
I did get a lead from a guy I used to work with. Seems one of their vendors is hiring. Spoke to the owner and he is giving me an interview this Wednesday. WooHoo!! Again, I'll let you know what happens.

The other son. He didn't call today with any more details. He was at drill this weekend. I figure the COs made them stay late for one reason or another and he didn't have time. Guess i'll call him tomorrow.

The weather here Saturday was GREAT! Bright sunny all day with a high of about 65. Started out kinda cool though. It was 29 when I left the house. Went with the missus to Lafayette for a search. I rode. Had to, it had been too long again. Plus the IPG (Indiana Patriot Guard) was having a meeting in the afternoon. We are planning the 2009 rally.
I left the search about 3 and rode over to Silver Lake. The Barn. Had the meeting, some cookout food, a beer and of course a double shot.
Left about 9, made it home about midnight.
It was a great day. Got to help the wife on a missing persons case, got to spend time and eat dinner with my PGR family AND rode nearly 300 miles!

Speaking of the IPG event, you all are invited! May 8 and 9. Seriously, drop me an email and I'll get you directions. Any one questions you, just tell them you are 'DNR sent ya'. I'll bet someone hands you a beer then apologizes for you having to know me. hahaha

Till next time.
If you can't be good, be good at it!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Barocky Road

In Honor of the 44th President of the United States , Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream has issued a new flavor, " Barocky Road .."

Barocky Road is a blend of half Vanilla, half Chocolate, and surrounded by Nuts and Flakes.

The Vanilla portion of the mix is not openly advertised and usually denied as an ingredient.

The Nuts and Flakes are all very bitter and hard to swallow.

The Cost is $100.00 per scoop.

When purchased, it will be presented to you in a large beautiful cone, but then the Ice Cream is taken away and given to the person in line behind you.

Thus you are left with an empty wallet, no change, holding an empty cone, with no hope of getting any Ice Cream.

Aren't you feeling stimulated?

21

My youngest turns 21 today.

Jeese, am I really that old?

After watching DC and me get drunk he decided he wants us, his parents, to take him out and be his DD.

Responsible kid. Makes me proud.

Anyway... Should be fun. Doesn't have his dad's craving for plane whiskey. So we're gonna try some mixed drinks.

I'll post pics if he let's me take a few.

More about the other son THIS weekend.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Joke Time

jok The Dept Of Defense briefed the president this mornings



They told President Obama that 2 Brazilian soldiers were killedin Iraq . To everyone's surprise, all the color drained from Obama's face. Then he collapsed onto his desk, head in his hands,visibly shaken,almost in tears. Finally, he composed himself and asked, 'Just how many is a Brazilian?'



This is not surprising, since he obviously has no understanding of billion or trillion either.



H/T to DC

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Seems Uncle Sam

...wants MY son.

Just got off the phone with my son. Seems the man I didn't vote for and have very little, if any, respect for has decided he needs my son to fight for him.

I've decided not to look at it that way. My country has asked... You have asked and he has said yes.

He says we'll know more next weekend.

I couldn't be more scared.
I couldn't be more proud.

Stay tuned for details and don't tell the missus. Nick and I agreed not to tell her till he knew for sure.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Update

Hey everyone!



Yes, I'm still alive. I survived the Blues Bash. Not for trying though. Looking back I was in a hurry to get my drink on. Too much of a hurry. I have no idea how much I drank... too much... too much shine, too much Jack and all WAY too fast.



Before the band finished it's first set I had fallen on some lady and was pretty much unconscious. (that is, I don't remember anything).



I have a couple pics... Guess i'll post them. I know there are more floating around. They'll have to be emailed to me... Maybe i'll post them too.



The job search is going slow. One company expressed interest but even that is waning. Plus I don't think I really want to move 1,400 miles east. Still have some money to make ends meet for a couple more months... I fear the recession will out last my cash reserves though. Wonder if I can get bailed out...?



PGR has been busy. We've had about 8 funerals in the last couple weeks. I RC'd Cpl Donte Whitworth. A very beautiful family. He was buried about ten miles from my house. Besides the Marine honor guard, a small group came in. Found out they (a Major, other Cpls and PFCs) were with Donte in Iraq. They were all home on leave but had come to Indy to be with Donte's family. To me, that speaks volumes about the character of the man.



Heading out (actually just got back...) to an IPGR members funeral this afternoon. He was killed earlier this week. Steve Ray. Owned a local pub and would often give a whole weekends profits to the PGR. He was killed when another driver turned left in front of him. Spoke with his kids (one daughter and two sons) this evening.



His older son (his name escapes me right now) said "he was doing what he loved. Riding on a nice day with friends. You can lie in a bed and wither away or you can just go... He preferred to go this way."



Stevie, you will be missed.



Hopefully this is the beginning of some regular posting and reading on my part. We'll see.



Please be safe and watch out for us riders, k? Thanks!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Pic from the Bash

Kinda says it all. Bigger post coming.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

The '09 Version

Remember this... 2008 Mid Winter Blues Bash?

The '09 version started yesterday. I'm leaving today at noon. DC (the bastard) is already there.
Update (with pictures) to follow some time next week after I sober up.

Everyone have a great weekend!

We... He Won

Remember this?

Web Design

Well, with 112,000 votes, it seems CJ and the They Have Names site one a free web page make over. Thanks to everyone that voted. I can't wait to see the new page.

Well Shit

That didn't work. Fix it tomorrow.
Trying to send a long post "Today's Word is Cold" from a new blackberry has it's challenges.

Edit - 19FEB09 @ 1626 - Fixed the post, see below.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Today's Word Is 'Cold' - Take 2

... and sore.

Last time I rode was the long over due 'Therpy' session I had. Today, riding for SSG Burkholder was hard on this old man.

It was 20 here when I pulled out at 1:30 am... seems to me last tome I did this I said something about using a windshield next time. Well, maybe NEXT time.

Door step to staging area was 125 miles, about 2 hours. Things weren't to bad, fingers were a little cold and so were my toes but over all I was doing ok.


Semper Gumbi

The Illinois part of the escort was suppose to stop where we were, regroup, then all of us were going to head down the road.

5 or 6 of us were sitting at a weigh station and we could see about half a mile down the interstate. Blink, blink - we could see the Illinois State Police Escort coming down the highway, when 'zooom', they went screaming by at about 80 miles per hour. The RC (Dan) had this look of dismay mixed with frustration on his face and everyone else was looking at him like, 'WTF - Wow That was Fantastic'. Dan gathered himself and barked 'mount up. Looks like we're gonna have to catch them!'.

The Indina State police escort we were to have jumped in their cars the couple other riders there got on their bikes and 'vroom' everyone was off... except me. See, I know if i sit around fully dressed, I'll start sweating, then when we start riding again I'll freeze. So, put on my gloves, and face mask, zip up my coat, fire up the 'ol therapist and hit the road.

By now everyone is out of sight. I hit 90 for a mile or two and caught them in about 10 miles. Took my place at the rear of the procession right in front of the last police car. He never did ask me what I did to catch up. I wasn't about to tell him either.

The next stop was Mt. Comfort exit on I-70, just east of Indianapolis. This leg was just under a hundred miles. When I got off the bike I could not feel my fingers and I couldn't stop shivering. Being that cold was uncomfortable. Maybe I should be more like the other old guys and buy some electric gear, at least start using the windshield when it is under 32. I called it a day and as the group left heading for Ohio I headed home.

240 miles in 20 degree weather, a long hot shower and a nap with a heating pad and I was ready for the day to begin... after all... it was just 10 o'clock... am.

It Has Been A While

It is nearly 2330 hours and I can't sleep. I wish I could say I forgot what this is like but...alas. I remember it all to well. See, I'm suppose to get up at 0130 tomorrow and ride to escort SSG Jason Burkholder.

I don't even know the whole story... Buy I do know he was killed in action, fighting for freedom. He is to be buried in Ohio tomorrow, and there was a memorial service in Illinois yesterday.

I almost didn't go. I made an excuse, argued it was too short a notice... Too cold... Too far to ride just to 'escort'. But I have to, I have to go. There is no excuse.

I have other things I could be doing... Should be doing. I have to do this. Much to the irritation of those I have an appointment with tomorrow, I may ride to the Ohio line. I may have to.

It is a heart thing and truly, I mean with no disrespect, if you do not already understand, I cannot explain it.

God be with all of the riders that will be out early tomorrow. And God bless the Burkholder family. I pray that you rest a bit easier, knowing that Jason is in my thoughts and I will not forget him.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Help me!

Web Design

Please vote for CJ and the They Have Names site for getting a professional make over.
Click on the ‘Ranked’ button above, then click on the pink ‘Ranked ___ vote now’ button. (You’ll need to scroll down a bit.)

I’m not sure I can even begin to list all of the things CJ dose for the Troops but I do know one thing he does and that’s manage and dedicate his time and money to is the web site “They Have Names”.

If he gets enough votes, the web site will get a professional make over.

So, vote, please. And remember, you can re-vote daily.

Oh, and if you are wondering why CJ does this, read here.

PS: this post stays on top until the contest closes on 15FEB09.

OK… The Interview

Let’s see, where to start.

The interview trip was an add on trip to my twice a year committee meeting thing in KC (Kansas City). I bought the KC airline ticket about 2 months in advance. Then the CT (Connecticut) trip was added. That is, they wanted me there that Monday (the 26th) because of various schedules of people at the company. Interview would start with breakfast at the hotel with the CEO at 8 am.

No problem. Cancel the existing ticket buy a new 3 stop that jumps me all around, no problem.
Heh, right.
The first ticket was ‘non refundable’. Yea, they’ll cancel it and give me a credit for the purchase amount… BUT… to use the credit there is a fee and a processing fee and a convenience fee and a screw you fee and a fee fee. You get the idea. I was money ahead to just buy a second ticket that went from KC to CT and back to Indy and let the other one go, not using the KC to Indy leg.

Fine, whatever. Money hungry bastard airlines. Just FINE!

No issues in KC, meetings went well. The lighting geek in me has so missed the technical side of things. *sigh* it was good for my soul to be yucking it up with those people.

Fast forward to Sunday, the day I left KC headed for CT. Get to the KC airport, get my boarding pass, heading to Minneapolis. Get off in Minneapolis and the gate attendant asks me where is my connecting flight headed… as I say “Conne…” while looking at my boarding pass, I realize that I’m checked into the Indianapolis flight.
Great.
I explain what has happened to the gate lady and she directs me to one of the ticket counters where I can get a new boarding pass and all should be good. Luckily both flights laid over in Minneapolis.

I get my new boarding pass and hesitantly ask about my checked bag. “It is less than an hour before the flight leaves, there is nothing I can do with your bag”, she snaps. FUCK ME!

Why the colorful language, you may ask… Let us take inventory of the situation shall we; I’ve got a briefcase with some reading material in it. I’m wearing jeans, underwear, a t-shirt, socks and tennis shoes… that’s it. I have nothing else. No more clothes, little lone a suit. No razor and I didn’t shave Sunday morning so the beard is like sand paper. No deodorant. Nada, nothing.

OK – deep breath, CT is a thriving area and Hartford and New Haven are thriving metropolis’, right? There has to be a 24 hour something-or-other where I can buy the stuff I need.

Landed in Hartford CT at about 10 pm. Head down to the baggage area to find the unclaimed baggage office to see with is up with my bag. “yep, it is in Indianapolis” the baggage lady tells me in some eastern block accent that is so think I have to strain to pick out the English in what she is saying. It takes the next hour to get her to understand and communicate to the Indy office that I will be there Tuesday and they should hold it for me. She kept insisting they could have it 'here' for me Tuesday morning. Grrr, but I fly back to Indianapolis Tuesday.
Another half hour to get to and out of the rental car lot. 11:30 pm, I’m finally on the road for what Google tells me is an hour drive. Oh, and I haven’t had dinner yet. Good thing there weren’t any deer on the side of the road, I would have had fresh venison. And yes, raw.

Actually found a 24 hour Wal-Mart, thanks to an attendant at a gas station along the way. I get inside and I’m scanning the overhead signs as I walk… pants, black. Shirt, white. Socks, black. Underwear… Cool, I’m outta here. Almost to the check out and, DAMN “white tennis shoes will not go with this”, and head back to the back of the store for shoes, size 9. (Side bar – I always wear a 9. Have for years. These were too small. I nearly broke my finger trying to wedge them onto my foot. I think I know how you ladies feel cramming your feet into shoes. Let me tell you it felt good to get those bastards off at the end of the day. – End side bar) Done, good… SHIT, razor *sigh*, it’s going to be a long night. Grab a 4 pack of disposables, figure I’ll just use hotel bar soap to shave with… and you guessed it. Back into the store for contact solution and a contact case. Back again for deodorant. The whole demented shopping trip took over an hour. (Side bar – I also bought a duffel bag so I could get all of my new travel junk home. Being the thrifty guy that I am I bought a 4 pack of razors and a 12 oz bottle of contact solution. You might have done the same, after all, the bulk stuff is ultimately cheaper, right? Well… razors are not allowed on the plane in a non checked bag, trash’em. And 12 oz of saline at 8 bucks a bottle exceeds the FAA’s “4 ounces max of fluids in carry on bags”… trash it! Damn terrorists. - End side bar)

I finally roll into New Haven at about 1:00 am.
New Haven is a college town and has grown up around its founding father short sightedness. Alas, there are many, maybe nothing but, one way streets in New Haven. The hotel in on one, and I missed it. There is no sign or street address on the building. Fine, down to the next street turn left. I figure I’ll just do the four lefts thing and circle back and try again. Hahaha!! Whatthefuckever. The next two streets are one way the wrong way, yes two in a row going the same (WRONG) direction. On the third, I can go left. (Don’t ask me why I didn’t just do the four rights thing. Call it tunnel vision, sleep deprivation, I don’t know, I just didn’t. K?) I tried to keep count, I was about 4 blocks from where I needed to turn to get back to the hotel but there was construction, closing the road, then more one ways going the wrong damn direction again. Would you believe it took me almost 45 minutes to go 'around the block' and get back to the hotel? *big sigh*

I finally get checked in and up to my room. (see picture below). It’s nearly 2 am and I’m exhausted. As I’m about to lie down, I realize that the clothes, being new and in cellophane packaging, are wrinkled. Not like thrown on the floor wrinkled but those square ‘just came from the store’ wrinkles. I stayed up for another half hour and ironed.

Made it down stairs for the breakfast interview with the CEO. Everything went really well, guess I was running on adrenalin most of the day. The worst part was right after lunch. The VP of engineering took me on a ride around town to see the area and what not. There I am in a car, with a full belly on 4 +/- hours of sleep and the sun shining in on me. God as my witness, I was doing the whole 'head nod/jerk myself awake' thing for the last half of the ride. He said he didn’t notice. I talked with the CEO, the VP of sales and the VP of engineering. Also chatted with some of the other employees. They also had me take a 90 minute phyc test. You know;

If an employee after 3 years of flawless service begins coming in 30 minute late every day, do you;
A – fire her
B – talk to her once and fire her if she is late again
C – talk to her at least 3 times then fire her if she is late again
D – Do nothing

Great stuff.
I must have done ok. They have made me an offer. I guess you could call it that. Dollar for dollar it is about 5% less than I was making here. With the 35% increase in cost of living and 45% increase in housing, plus taxes, the ‘offer’ is a lot less. I will be talking to them this week about how far off we are. I doubt they are going to add 30-40% to their offer, so. I guess I’m not moving to CT.

Pending opportunities are in Raleigh, NC; Detroit, MI; Nashville, TN; San Diego and San Jose, CA.

Holy Crap, 2nd Place

Last time I looked CJ was in 3rd at like 3,000 votes to 12,000… Now he over 22,000!!

Holy Crap!!

Go CJ Go!!

If you haven’t voted, please do. And remember, you can vote once a day.

Edit - Holy holy crap crap!!! CJ's now 1st with over 25,000 votes!!!
WHOO HOOO!!!
BTW - Its been just over 3 hours.

Welcome Home

Welcome home!
2-150FA, Bloomington Indiana.

The Study, New Haven CT

How do they come up with 'rack' prices for hotel rooms? According to the sign this little room is $1,500 a night...

That's more than the rooms in Times Square.

Aahhh Kansas City... I remember

Aahhh Kansas City...
I remember it well.
Wonder if anyone would think I was crazy if I went home via Hays?

DNR IS alive, really

So… how are you guys doing?

Me?

meh

A couple weeks ago the missus and I made it to the Indy 1500 gun and knife show. She picked up a Sig Mosquito .22 and I got a Taurus PT111, 9mm. We both have agreed, the next fair weekend day, we’re hitting the range. Even if we have to drive all the way to Camp Atterbury.

This extended vacation shit is getting old. I think I’m at 6 weeks now. It’s been freezing ass cold around here too. I know, I know nothing like Wisconsin or them other ‘real’ north states but for central Indiana, sub zero is ridiculous. Been making the ol’ furnace run non stop. Gas bill next month is gonna be nice…

What else?

Oh yea, the big coil spring on the garage door broke. It’s amazing how much you take those for granted. I’ll bet our double insulated door is 250 pounds. You know what that means, right…? Broke the garage door opener *sigh* some cheap ass plastic part that they don’t make a replacement for.

Last months gas bill was over $400, fixing the spring thing was almost $200, the new opener was $180 (I installed it or that would have been another $110). Can’t help but wonder what’s next. Don’t karma and fate know about the job situation here?

Speaking of the job situation, funny thing about the lighting industry, there ain’t much in Indiana.

Tomorrow I head out for my bi-annual trip to Kansas City. Then off to an interview. Yep, the first face to face interview. I’ve had several phone interviews… 30 minutes, 45 minutes, some over an hour. I know this because I’ve actually gone over on my cell minutes. Which sucks to the tune of $.45 a minute. Damn Verizon!

Anyway, the interview is in Connecticut, New Haven actually. The home of Yale… yippee. The wonderful interweb tells me there is a 32-36% increase in the cost of living between here and there. The big kicker is housing, it is 45% higher there. That’s just great.

Wow, I just read back through this post… things really aren’t as bad as this makes them sound. Hell, I stay up past mid-night, sleep in til 8, 9 sometimes even 10. I surf the web and watch TV all day. It’s great.

Miss you all, hope to make some rounds here soon.

Hummm...

Why is cyan (sp?) pepper the same color, texture and temperature going in as coming out?

Happy New Year bloggosphere, Happy

Happy New Year bloggosphere, Happy New Year!!

Aaaahhh… Therapy

It had been 23 days since I was laid off and I finally got to spend some time with my therapist Saturday and even a little Sunday.

Saturday afternoon I had a little free time so I just showed up to see if she would talk. Man, she was reluctant at first, her eyes dimmed and almost went shut when I tried to start the conversation. She sounded more like I was awaking her from a long winters slumber. Groaning and moaning “leave me alone”. After begging and pleading and promising not to bother her again, she agreed to talk. And we talked and talked. We started at 1515 and didn’t finish until after 1830. 66 degrees and heavily over cast, we spent the entire time out side. Severe weather (tornado warnings and severe thunderstorm watches) be damned.

Sunday we chatted for about an hour, again outside. In and around down town Indy. Come to find out eh groaning wasn’t so much that I had awakened here, but more a feeling of rejection. The fact that ‘I’ had not been around recently was bothersome to her.

With a promise to return weekly we parted. As I walked away I could hear the occasional ping and ting coming from her heated jugs, I knew she was mind, and I WOULD return, often, for more therapy.

2009

Happy New Year Blogosphere!!

Happy New Year!!

27DEC08, Already

Belated Merry Christmas everyone. I do sincerely hope you and yours had a wonderful day.
God bless.

And an early Happy New Year.

Promise, I'll be blogging again soon.

Anonymous

Anonymity.

Under the veil of anonymity some choose to release a triad of anti comments. Anti comments being just that, they are against whatever the blog owner has said; be it conservative or liberal; pro gun or anti-abortion; waxed smooth of full on natural, they disagree and believe you need to know it. One has to wonder, do they seek out a blog and subject to pick on? Do they look for a link someplace and launch an attack? To what end? I mean what is the purpose? Should I be mad? Should I post cuss words back at them so they can grin and boast that they have hurt my feelings? Do I post pictures of my tears and call them ‘bully’? heh, I make myself laugh.

Trust me when I say, “Scarlet, I don’t give a damn!”, and you are not nor will you ever be ‘my friend’. You are a coward.

‘Anonymous’ has chosen these posts (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) to slander and assault *cough* me, though I do find the attempts humorous. Much like a heavy weight prize fighter would find the bantering jabs of his diapered, snotty nosed 3 year old. Humorous in the feeble attempt, laughing at the fact that they mean nothing.

There is even a complement in there, back handed as it may be, yet it still strikes my funny bone.

I must ask, do you or any of your troll brethren think you really bother me? Do you really believe that your powers of persuasion and your mastery of the English language are so superior that in 500 or so words you will change the core of my being?

Surely you know you are only lying to yourself.

This is my house, my blog, my journal. It is written for me. Everyone is welcome to read and even comment. But behind the veil of anonymity… please. Did your parents not teach you some level of respect for others? Alas, I suspect not. If they did, it has been lost on the empty space between your ears. Still, I bet they ARE proud…

Here, you know my name, my e-mail and many personal things about me. Yet you choose to reveal nothing. Lending nothing to your credibility. Because I know nothing about you, I choose to dub thee Scarlet. (Tom was taken) Not the southern lady in the infamous movie of old but the color, the deep dark sometimes black color of blood soaked rags. You know, the effervescent cloth layered with the stench of decay and rot that can only come from life that has not succeeded. Yes Scarlet, you are the discarded pad that is thrown away several times a day by nearly every woman in the world… about once a month. For that is all the longer you will last. Next year I will still be here, writing. You will be gone and forgotten thrown away with the putrid refuse, to be consumed by the starving dogs of your own hatred.

Believe me when I say, “Scarlet, I don’t give a damn”, that it is about you, your beliefs and the European country you rot in. You are not welcome here. You are not my friend. I will not keep you around here any longer than any lady keeps her rags.

Any more fantasy words of persuasion you care to share should be limited to your own blog, for your own mother. Because, really? Who else cares?

Catching up

Wow! Has it really been over a week… 5th to 15th, guess so.

With no job you probably are wondering what I am doing… Had to do one of the hardest things ever last Monday. KF, the facility manager, had me come back in after 5:00 pm and empty my desk.

Computer files and paper files took over 2 hours and I forgot one whole drawer. Got friends on the inside that will get the last few things for me. 17 years of work life fits, albeit, not so neatly, in the trunk of my car… plus one box on the back seat and one on the front seat. Slept till noon Tuesday, that was a bad day.

I think I know what depression feels like.

I just got the boxes out of the car today. Still can’t stand to look at or in them.

What else… Oh yeah! Saturday the 6th the IPGR had it annual Christmas party. The missus agreed to drive me home so I had a few. By 11:00 I was, how could I describe it, aahhh, yes “Shit Faced”! I haven’t seen any photographic evidence but I think it is out there. If I find some, I’ll post them. I remember a Hairy chest contest, barely. Missus says I won. Somewhere in there I was relegated to water. And some one (D who shall remain nameless C) has this physical anomaly when he does shots, his nipples get hard (so he says, I personal have not witnessed this oddity of nature). All of the wimmen folks had to feel this condition and confirm it was true. Then Angle (a guy) commented on ‘not getting to feel’ and was acting all pouty… I lost it. And of course it was just as I had taken a big mouthful of water. I blew, a.k.a. showered, everyone with mouth spray and about choked myself. Just in case she reads this, Dawn, I am SOOoooo sorry. (She caught the majority of it on the back of her head.) hahah ahem…. *snort* I really am sorry. *wipes tear*

Good times!

The ex-co-workers had a ‘going away thing’ for me at a local tavern on Wednesday. I don’t know why everyone thinks I want to do shots… It was a good time. Got to say g’bye to everyone. The 4th, the last day at work, was a, ‘by, see ya’ thing. They wouldn’t let me back to my desk, just wanted me out the door.

My half brother surprised us by coming to town the end of last week, so we had dinner with him. It’s been about 3 years since we’ve gotten together; it was good to see him. The wife says we are sooo alike, it’s scary. Makes one wonder how much of your personality is genetic and not learned. We grew up in separate families but we look more alike and act more alike than my full blood brother. Weird.

Went to the local Steelers bar this Sunday. Good gawd what a nail biter. Still a little horse from all of the screaming.

That brings us pretty much current.
I'm throwing resumes at everything I can right now. I did get a severance but it will run out, and that make knots in my stomach.

The Ultimate Rejection Letter

In trying to keep a stiff upper lip and a good attitude... the missus sent this. Made me smile, had to post it. Think I'll keep it on file for some of the inevitable rejection letters I'll be getting soon.
**************

Herbert A. Millington
Chair - Search Committee
412A Clarkson Hall, Whitson University
College Hill, MA 34109

Dear Professor Millington,

Thank you for your letter of March 16. After careful consideration, I
regret to inform you that I am unable to accept your refusal to offer me
an assistant professor position in your department.

This year I have been particularly fortunate in receiving an unusually
large number of rejection letters. With such a varied and promising field
of candidates, it is impossible for me to accept all refusals.

Despite Whitson's outstanding qualifications and previous experience in
rejecting applicants, I find that your rejection does not meet my needs at
this time. Therefore, I will assume the position of assistant professor
in your department this August. I look forward to seeing you then.

Best of luck in rejecting future applicants.

Sincerely,
Chris L. Jensen

Change

Sometimes you choose change, sometimes it is forced upon you.

I was working on a 'bad blogger' post trying summarize all of the things that have been going on, what I've been doing.

But...

Today, my boss showed up unannounced.

As of 2:45 today, me and my position at JLG have been eliminated.
It is going to get interesting over the next couple months.

Maybe I'll have more time to blog, maybe I won't want to blog.

Time will tell.

Touching The Face of Grace

I posted this one over at the Indiana Patriot Guard Riders blog.

Go.

Read.

Bring a tissue.

Riders Anonymous

Hello, my name is DNR

It’s been 21 days since I last rode. *shudders*

Maybe this weekend. I can’t stand it. Missed a couple days with highs in the 40s. Bad part is I come to work just as the sun is coming up, and it’s been about 28 here. Then when I go home it’s dark and back in the low 30s. Even it gets into the 40s during the day, I miss it.

Gonna be in the 30s, high of 35 Saturday.

Yep, I’m gonna ride, even if it is 2 miles. My soul needs it.

Thankful - VIII

The 3,000 troops we sent off to Iraq in January are beginning to return home. The first group of 100 returned to the New Indianapolis International terminal. Over about the next 30-45 days, they will all be home. I am thankful that a great majority have returned or are returning safely.

Companionship of a dog(s). I know, seems kind of shallow. This is definitely one of those “if you don’t understand, I can’t explain” kind of things.

40 + years. Yea, the day is near. Another year older. It’s been a good run. Here’s to another 40!

And here’s to another 10, click here to donate to Jim and Flo... and God bless you.

I Rescued A Human Today

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life. She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.

Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

~Author unknown~

h/t to the missus

Just Funny

I walked in to the office men’s room a moment ago and find Joe bent over one of the sinks, swishing water around in his mouth and spitting in the sink...

Tom is in one of the stalls pulling out miles of TP. From the side I can see he is facing the seat and his hands are above the walls waving what must be half a roll of paper around.

Zip, flush... more paper another zip sound, another flush...

I shudder to think what was going on in there 5 minutes ago.

Damn Dogs

My knees hurt.

About 5 years ago I had that arthroscopic surgery on my right knee. Should only be a 20-40 minute thing the doc says. heh, I was under for an hour and 45 minutes. Lots of damage, including an over stressed patella to quadriceps tendon. In order to alleviate that pressure he did some cutting up the muscle to let it stretch out some and relieve the stress my knee cap is/was placing on my knee joint.

I never did get my strength back and the 6+ weeks on crutches stressed the left knee bad enough that it needed attention then too. I never did get it looked at.

Recently, like over the summer, in fact it was the trip out west, before I met up with DC. I was at a business meeting and the group went bowling. I went bowling. Yea, it was fun but Sweet Mother Mary of God! I twisted something and both knees swelled up to the size of softballs, especially the right one. The stiffness and soreness added a little challenge to the week of riding.

After some weeks of babying it and the swelling was almost back to ‘normal’. Yes, it exists in a constant state of swollenness.

Which bring me to yesterday and the title, Damn Dogs.

(See here for my introductions of OD, ND and me)

OD still goes out with an invisible fence collar. ND still has to be escorted, that is to say, taken out on a leash.

So... yesterday I get home and take the dogs out. ND is fast enough and we get back inside in less than 5 minutes. OD is out back, looking for a leaf. Yea, he has a leaf fetish. He’ll walk around the yard in ever decreasing circles until he comes across the perfect leaf, then he will circle the leaf, half in the ‘crapping dog’ position, half in the ‘sniffing the best leaf in the world’ position until, phfft. He finally craps. This ballet can take 10-15 minutes.

I know this is what he is doing. So I’m waiting by the front door.

ND has a ball fetish. She won’t sit in your lap without holding a ball in her mouth. Even comes to eat carrying the ball and drops it next to her bowl. After she eats, she’ll bring the ball and insist you throw it for her till she throws up her food.

Anyway, back to me waiting at the door. ND bring me a ball. She’s too excited to just let go of it and I won’t tug with her with a ball. After a couple second she gives up and drops the ball at my feet and backs up about 4 feet, crouches down and gives the famous border collie ‘lock eye’ stare on the ball. So I kicked it. This is good. Gives me something to do while waiting on the OD to find the perfect leaf.

ND is so fast she usually catches the ball before it gets by her. No mater where I aim it or how hard I kick it, she catches it 99% of the time. After about 10 times of this, I’m thinking, “ok, ya little shit, see if you can catch this one”, and I rare back and clobber the ball....

If you have any bad joints and I say to you my knee ‘popped’ you know. If you don’t have bad joints or knees, how can I explain it... It’s kind of a many rice crispies or many bubble packing bubbles all going at once mixed in with a jab from a rusty spike. All of this sound isn’t so much heard as much as it is felt, through your whole skeleton.

When my foot came back to rest on the floor, I about fell over. It was like standing on a wet noodle. I have no photographic evidence but I’d swear it bent completely backwards and sideways before I regained my balance.

ND thinks my hoping around and groans are a call to play so she popping around like a Mexican jumping bean. Dropping the ball then, because I’m bent over, she races to get it so we can tug with the ball.

Quick enough, the spike dissolves and I can walk. OD comes to the door and all is right with the world... no issues. HA, Riiiiight!

Today, every time I get up from my desk, I am reminded...

DAMN Dogs.

Olives

This morning finds me with the familiar deep intestinal rumblings of overindulgence.

Flashback to yesterday... Had lunch at a little Greek restaurant near here. They sell bulk black Kalamata olives. I bought a pound. Ate over half by 3 yesterday afternoon.

The first trip to the crapper, which I feel deeply is just the beginning, yielded a black coating on my allotment of paper sprinkled with oddly shinny undigested olives skins.

It’s gonna be a good day.

Mr. Daniel's Tonight

2 ounces at a time.

It's a good way to end hump day.

Road House Café

And Cocktails

A small hole in the wall place in Eagletown, IN.

In the 17 or so years I lived here, I’d bet we driven past this place 1,000 times. DC and I stopped in here on our way home form the Lebanon mission for Harold Hancock October 31st.

When you drive by, it’s a road side dive. Looks like a house that someone has turned into a restaurant. Complete with front porch and a mail box attached to one of the porch posts. I don’t know what I was expecting but again, for 17 years, this place has been here. Somebody eats here often enough that it stays in business and the sign and curb appeal wouldn’t attract the weary traveler.

Inside... not much better. Hardwood floors that look like they could be a hundred years old. One row of 4 or 5 booths against the wall, one row of tables down the center and a bar.

As we walk in, the first thing I noticed at a little after one-thirty in the afternoon is that the places was packed. Only one booth was available and the menus were placed on the table, that says to me 'seat yourself' or your gonna loose the only open place to sit down.

The waitress comes over, quick enough and has the usual pleasantries; “how are you guys today”, “Whacha drink’n?”, “Special today is meatloaf, with mashed potatoes and corn for $6.50”.

That was easy, 2 specials.

We look around the place and it see that it’s actually a bar. A good old Indiana, smoking permitted, buy a beer or shot of Jack at 8 AM, bar. They were serous about the ‘and Cocktails’ part of their sign.

The clientele looked and sounded like a group of locals. Yelling across the room, “Hey Joe! How ya been?’, and the reply returned, just as loud. Lunch conversations center around the days work. Someone was discussing brakes and turning rotors, “no body does it right anymore” said one old timer. “All the gawd damned ‘break’ places want to replace the fool rotor.” Says another, emphasizing his disgust with modern day ‘break places’.

Our food arrived fast and hot. Without asking, I’d guess everything was home made and the corn wasn’t canned. It was good. Meatloaf can be dry, this wasn’t, very moist with a good flavor. The rest of the menu had the distinct look of your standard bar fare, burgers, pork-tender-loin and breakfast served anytime.

I’m definitely going back to the Road Side Café and if you ever find yourself west of Westfield on SR-32 in Indiana. Stop in, get the special, tell’m DNR sent ya.

Happy Day

A Veterans day Thanks for you.

Thankful - VII

Almost forgot again.

1 - My brain. Which seems to be failing me in it’s capacity to remember things like this. Seriously though, my health. Yeah I know it is a repeat but I’ve seen things in the past week that make me appreciate the good health I have.

2 - luck... I don’t know what else to call it. A friend has had a run in with the law. DUI. Blew a 0.08. That’s right on the line. I’d almost guarantee I’ve crossed it. I’m SO thankful I’ve been lucky. And thankful to Larry for sharing his story and waking me up. I won’t cross that line again.

PSA - If you drink, please don’t drive. - Thanks!

3 - Attitude. Yea, I got one. So do some of my coworkers. The verbal jabbing is a stress reliever. Makes the day pass quicker. Most of my coworkers are fantastic. For that, I am thankful.

Another Birthday

U. S. M. C.

223 years today.

Happy birthday Marines!

While I was surfing around looking for something witty to post or link to, I came across this, The Marines’ Prayer. Found it at Marines.mil.

God bless the Marines, God bless my Marines.

Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose in deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family. Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Make me considerate of those committed to my leadership. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind

Thirty Thousand

Miles.

December 2nd will be 2 years that I’ve owned the Road Kind.

I’ve driven, ridden, put on over 30,000 miles. I got to thinking about that and this is what struck me.

30,000 miles in 2 years is;

41 miles a day, every day
600 hours @ 50 mph
25 hours a month @ 50 mph
5.75 hours a week @ 50 mph
Slightly more than once around the planet
5.5 round trips from LA to DC
12,000 laps around the Indy 500 track
750 gallons of gas @ 40 mpg
$1,875 in gas @ 2.50 per gallon

I’m actually at 31,500ish. With 28 days to go and the entire week of Thanksgiving off maybe I can add a couple more thousand.

I’ll let you know where I end up.

Thankful - VI

Thanks...

I voted today. I cannot express how thankful I am for that right... for that privilege. I am so thankful for the men and women of our Armed Services that daily secure that right for me. Maybe not ‘fighting’ or ‘in the trenches’ but standing ready.

The wife and I made it to see our son in Louisville, KY this weekend. He is doing well. Lives downtown, on the tenth floor of an apartment building.
I’m thankful, and proud of him.

Friday I went to honor a Korean War vet. Harold Hancock
I am thankful for being a member of an organization that can bring comfort to a mourning family.

Another $10.You can join me here.

Turner Brown

Skinny little white guy goes into an elevator, looks up and sees this
HUGE black guy standing next to him.

The big guy sees the little guy staring at him looks down and says, '7 feet tall, 350 pounds, 20 inch private, 3 pound testicles, Turner Brown.'

The white man faints and falls to the floor. The big guy kneels down and brings him to, shaking him. The big guy says, 'What's wrong with you?'

In a weak voice the little guy says, 'What EXACTLY did you say to me?'

The big dude says, 'I saw your curious look and figured I'd just give you the answers to the questions everyone always asks me..... I'm 7 feet tall, I weigh 350 pounds, I have a 20 inch private, my testicles weigh 3 pounds each, and my name is Turner Brown.'

The small guy says: 'Turner Brown?!... Sweet Jesus, I thought you said, 'Turn Around.'

Square Balls

An elderly woman walked into the Bank of Canada one morning with a purse full of money. She wanted to open a savings account and insisted on talking to the president of the Bank because, she said, she had a lot of money.

After many lengthy discussions (after all, the client is always right) an employee took the elderly woman to the president's office.

The president of the Bank asked her how much she wanted to deposit. She placed her purse on his desk and replied, '$165,000'. The president was curious and asked her how she had been able to save so much money. The elderly woman replied that she made bets.

The president was surprised and asked, 'What kind of bets?'

The elderly woman replied, 'Well, I bet you $25,000 that your testicles are square.'

The president started to laugh and told the woman that it was impossible to win a bet like that.

The woman never batted an eye. She just looked at the president and said, 'Would you like to take my bet?'

'Certainly', replied the president. 'I bet you $25,000 that my testicles are not square.'

'Done', the elderly woman answered. 'But given the amount of money involved, if you don't mind I would like to come back at 10 o' clock tomorrow morning with my lawyer as a witness.' 'No problem', said the president of the Bank confidently.

That night, the president became very nervous about the bet and spent a long time in front of the mirror examining his testicles, turning them this way and that, checking them over again and again until he was positive that no one could consider his testicles as square and reassuring himself that there was no way he could lose the bet.

The next morning at exactly 10 o'clock the elderly woman arrived at the president's office with her lawyer and acknowledged the $25,000 bet made the day before that t he president's testicles were square.

The president confirmed that the bet was the same as the one made the day before. Then the elderly woman asked him to drop his pants etc. so that she and her lawyer could see clearly.
The president was happy to oblige.

The elderly woman came closer so she could see better and asked the president if she could touch them. 'Of course', said the president. 'Given the amount of money involved, you should be 100% sure.'

The elderly woman did so with a little smile. Suddenly the president noticed that the lawyer was banging his head against the wall. He asked the elderly woman why he was doing that and she replied, 'Oh, it's probably because I bet him $100,000 that around 10 o'clock in the morning I could be holding the balls of the President of the Bank of Canada!'

City of Sacramento Dishonors Veterans

I received this e-mail over the weekend.

****************************************

I spent many hours on the phone with various agencies within the Sacramento government trying to get an answer to why the city is celebrating Veterans Day by taking the day off, but not planning ANYTHING to honor our troops. Check this out and make it viral. Make Sacramento provide answers!
http://www.soldiersperspective.us/2008/10/31/exclusive-california-capital-ignores-veterans/


--
CJ
A Soldier's Perspective
www.soldiersperspective.us
They Have names
www.theyhavenames.com
You Served
www.youserved.com
You Served Weekly BlogTalkRadio Podcast
www.blogtalkradio.com/youserved

Happy Haloween

Come to my house at your own risk.

Fwd:

Let's see what happens...

Damnit.... Hold please... See above post.

Thankful - V

Before it completely slips my mind...

This weeks (late) thankful post.

1 - Our Veterans. This week I am attending the funeral of a Korean War Vet. God bless him. God bless them all. AND Ladies and Gentlemen, thank YOU for your service.

2 - Internet friends. Through a barrage of e-mails, from the far corners of the country, I(we) have confirmed a cancer survivor and Steelers fan will be getting some stuff that has ‘shrunk’ too much for me to wear any more.

3 - The cold weather. Now wait, don’t go throwing stones or flaming comments. I have allergies and a good hard frost usually kills or makes dormant everything that makes my eyes water, nose run and sinuses pound. So, yes, I am thankful for a good hard cold snap... now it can warm back up. I got ridding to do.

Another 10.

You can join me here.

Obama = Socialism - It's Not For Everyone

Notice to All Employees

As of November 5, 2008, when President Obama is officially elected into office, our company will instill a few new policies which are in keeping with his new, inspiring issues of change and fairness:

1. All salespeople will be pooling their sales and bonuses into a common pool that will be divided equally between all of you. This will serve to give those of you who are underachieving a “fair shake.”

2. All low level workers will be pooling their wages, including overtime, into a common pool, dividing it equally amongst yourselves. This will help those who are “too busy for overtime” to reap the rewards from those who have more spare time and can work extra hours.

3. All top management will now be referred to as “the government.” We will not participate in this “pooling” experience because the law doesn't apply to us.

4. The “government” will give eloquent speeches to all employees every week, encouraging it's workers to continue to work hard “for the good of all.”

5. The employees will be thrilled with these new policies because it's “good to spread the wealth.” Those of you who have underachieved will finally get an opportunity; those of you who have worked hard and had success will feel more “patriotic.”

6. The last few people who were hired should clean out their desks. Don't feel bad, though, because President Obama will give you free healthcare, free handouts, free oil for heating your home, free food stamps, and he'll let you stay in your home for as long as you want even if you can't pay your mortgage. If you appeal directly to our democratic congress, you might even get a free flat screen TV and a coupon for free haircuts (shouldn't all Americans be entitled to nice looking hair?) !!!

If for any reason you are not happy with the new policies, you may want to rethink your vote on November 4th.

*********************************************************************************

Blog Roll and...

My old blog roll host has gone away. I'm trying to use the new 'blogs I follow' here in blogger but it seems short... I read a bunch more than this. AND it doesn’t seem to go get all of the Google Reader blogs... Grrrr!!

If you were in the old blog roll and don't see your blog in the list below (down under the “They Say IT... NOT ME!!” section), let me know. I’ll do my best to get you added.

After the tattoo party last weekend (I think they totaled 18 people, 2 being tat virgins) and a weekend long search and rescue class, I'm beat and SO far behind at work it may be a day or two before I get caught up.

I need to go edit those pictures I sent in. One police officer and one fire fighter and me. Verizon adds so much crap in pix messages. I'll add some comments and re-post them, I have some more pictures too. Can you imagine getting a tattoo that big on your ribs? This weekend was his 2nd session, they are estimating 2 more, minimum. He'll have close to 30 hours in it when it's done.

Don't worry, the next installment in the Thankful series is in the works.

Also working a PGR mission for this Friday. A Korean War vet, double bronze star recipient. Not as hard on me as an Iraq or Afghanistan KIA, but still...

Better get back to it.

Be good, read ya latter!

540am just getting started...

This message was sent using the Picture and Video Messaging service from Verizon Wireless!

To learn how you can snap pictures and capture videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/picture.

To play video messages sent to email, QuickTime� 6.5 or higher is required. Visit www.apple.com/quicktime/download to download the free player or upgrade your existing QuickTime� Player. Note: During the download process when asked to choose an installation type (Minimum, Recommended or Custom), select Minimum for faster download.

This message was sent using the Picture and Video Messaging service from Verizon Wireless!

To learn how you can snap pictures and capture videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/picture.

To play video messages sent to email, QuickTime® 6.5 or higher is required. Visit www.apple.com/quicktime/download to download the free player or upgrade your existing QuickTime® Player. Note: During the download process when asked to choose an installation type (Minimum, Recommended or Custom), select Minimum for faster download.

its a tattoo weekend in indy again. Its nearly 4am and im next...

This message was sent using the Picture and Video Messaging service from Verizon Wireless!

To learn how you can snap pictures and capture videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/picture.

To play video messages sent to email, QuickTime� 6.5 or higher is required. Visit www.apple.com/quicktime/download to download the free player or upgrade your existing QuickTime� Player. Note: During the download process when asked to choose an installation type (Minimum, Recommended or Custom), select Minimum for faster download.

Mo’s - Who Doesn’t Love Shamrocks

Mo’s Irish Pub
13193 Levinson Lane, Suite 100
Noblesville, IN 46060
Phone: 317-770-9020
Fax: 317-770-9019

www.mosirishpub.com

Maybe it was the company... it always helps to be out with good people. BUT it always helps when going to a new place that the place is good too.

Mo’s could be called a sports pub. Lots of TV’s, the big huge flat panel kind. The décor was old world ‘pubish’ (heh, is that a word!!) though. Hand hewn beams and furniture built with what seemed to be too large pieces of wood. A huge stone fire place and at least 15’ ceilings finished the atmosphere. If the TV’s were gone, you could believe you were in an old world Irish pub.

Our waitress was Jane. On what was a very busy Friday night, she was prompt, courteous and able to crack jokes with and at us. She did a great job.
If you go to a pub, especially an Irish pub you gotta have the fish and chips, we did. And Irish whiskey. I know, you all are shocked. One shot of Jameson for everyone. It was very smooth.

The fish was tasty, crisp and portioned well. Jim, the manager, stopped by to check on us. Again a nice touch in a very busy restaurant.

All in all, Mo’s is a great place and we will be going back. And if you go, ask for Jane, you won’t be disappointed.

This One's Over There

You may remember I run or post on several blogs.

Todays post is over at Indiana Patriot Guard Riders Blog.

Go.

Read.

Remember them.

h/t to CJ.

Conservative Charity

An oxymoron, I think not.

HB over at Fat in Indiana has a post up in repose to momentofchoice. Seems MoC left a comment that says in part;

“...you might be expected to participate actively in helping others as well as yourselves to move this country forward. how anti-american! ... does the concept of having an open heart and open mind resonate with anyone here?”

The comment wasn’t directed at me, I do, however, feel compelled to reply though.

I have been lurking around this interwebz thing for many years now. The last couple, I have been posting here and reading blogs all over the place. I consider myself open minded and very accepting of most any lifestyle any one chooses to live. MoC’s comment about helping others and myself to move this country forward... irritates me. Not so much the comment itself, but the insinuation that I, as a conservative, do not have an open mind or heart and do not help this country, my community or the people here that need help. As HB points out, there is a profound difference between charity and the re-distribution of wealth. From my memory, I recall the liberal sites I’ve been to giving money to Obama, the DNC, Moveon.org or ACORN. The more conservative people seem to give to people, skipping the organizations that inevitability skim some off the top. They also give their time and a lot of it.

I had written a list of my donations, time and money, but cannot seem to word it without sounding like bragging. Suffice it to say, I give, to charities, directly to the needy, to my fellow man. Thousands of hours AND thousands of dollars.

My final thought; if I had more money, I’d give more. My needs being met, I’d be more inclined to buy a little extra for the food bank, drop a little more in the fireman’s boots at intersections. If I have less... if I’m worried about my next tank of gas, my next trip to the grocery store, I’ll give less.

I can’t help but wonder if that is how the ‘rich’ see tax increases....

EDIT: 10/26/08, because I wanted to.

Next Season on Dancing With The Stars

Need a Laugh?

I found som funny over at Big Bad Wolf's place.

Go. Laugh!

A Citizen of Kenya

Barrack Hussein Obama

Is Obama a US citizen?

Did you know there was an official law suit against him requiring him to prove it?

Did you know he has not answer the suit filed on 15SEP08?

Given 30 days and not responding, in any way, has he admitted his is NOT a ‘natural born’ US Citizen?


Go over to America’s Right and read for yourself.

Ht to Dazed, my omnipotent Blog-father

Thankful IV

Recap -

Flo and Jim are from North Indiana. They are IPGR (Indiana Patriot Guard Riders) members, Veteran supporters, Jim is a Vet and their son is serving in the Army.During the floods surrounding the passing of hurricane Ike a couple weeks ago, these fine folks lost everything....“Everything”, An interesting word. Seems to be thrown around a lot these days. Let me quantify their loss for you.

With this post starts my pledge of $10 a week. If you’d like to join me, go to Independent Veterans Society of Indiana and click on the donate button (lower right of page). $10 bucks isn’t a lot but if 10 of us do it, that’s $100 a week and by Thanksgiving...Please join me, won’t you?

This week, I am thankful for -

- The weather. Yeah, again. It has been great around here. Getting a little chilly but still, warm sunshine, light breezes. Great ridding weather and great weather to be out in the woods.

- Upper management at my company. We have been... downsizing for about 18 months. Not so much laying people off, but if someone left we didn’t necessarily hire a replacement. So, last week when the parent company laid off several hundred people we did not need to. Profits are up and holding, sales are down but we’re still making money.

- Gas prices. I saw $2.469 over the weekend. If it holds, that should be a hundred bucks a month to the DNR family bottom line! WHOO HOOO!!!


Yep, another ten spot to the folks up in the nor’t. God bless’m!

Another Year

That makes 2. Actually yesterday.

Doing this for 2 years makes me wonder if I’ve found a new hobby that might last a while. The posting has been lacking content the past few months. (Although, after looking at the numbers below, I’ve posted more and had more hits this year than last.) Work, PGR, volunteering for various things... yada yada yada... blah blah blah, same old excuses, get in the way.

Hopefully I can start a new series and stick with it. Not like the Fiction Friday thing. That got to be like work. This year I’m gonna review restaurants and movies. *crickets chirping*. Hello, anybody out there...? We’ll see how long I can stick with this one.

We (the missus and I along with various friends) go see a new movie about twice a month. The excursion almost always includes dinner, “Dinner and a Movie”. So, I’m gonna start rating and reviewing them both. Heh, There was one rainy day over the summer we saw three movies in one day... Man was that expensive. We’ve even gone out on a Thursday to see the midnight release of a new movie and still made work on Friday. Talk about dragonass... sheesh.

The posts on the 14th were the start. Maybe this will bring some readers back. Maybe some new readers, who knows. If you’ve seen one of the movies or been to the restaurant, let me know what you thought.

I did this last year, seems like a nice trend.

Two year summary;
17,842 visitors, up 12,087 from last year
26,003 page views, up 17,282 from last year
490 posts, up 258 from last year

Where Is Michelle Obama

The closer November 4th gets the more frantic I feel I am becoming.

Have you heard from Michelle Obama recently...? No? me neither. That is why when this post went up at Tanker Brothers, I had to share.

Here are some snippets to entice you;

“...no law that will stop him from becoming the president, just because some American white racists are bringing up the issue of my husband’s adoption...”

“The candidate’s wife treated the Norway-based API as if it was already under the command of a Barack and Michelle-run White House.”

“In a good old fashioned hissy fit, Michelle Obama had picked up the phone to accuse API of colluding with American internet bloggers in an effort to bring down her husband...”

“Meanwhile, there is no doubt that without a single vote having been cast for her husband, that the Rush Limbaugh, Michelle Malkin-dubbed “Michelle, Ma Belle” is already off choosing her gown for his inauguration ball.”

Go. Click here. Read. You’ll need to go to the Canada Free Press page linked by auntybrat over at TB.

Obama = Socialism

I swear to God, my mouth fell open and I put my hand over my mouth like some scared little girl.

You have got to hear this...

Wealth
by luvnews

Plumber - "your new tax plan is going to tax me more, isn't it?"
Obama - "It's not that I want to punish your success, I just want to make sure that everyone that is behind you, that they have a chance at success too. I think when you spread the wealth around, it is good for everybody."

Can you say socialism?

Shamelessly stolen from HB over at Fat in Indiana.

Eagle Eye

Directed by -
D.J. Caruso

Writing credits -
John Glenn (screenplay) &
Travis Wright (screenplay) (as Travis Adam Wright) and
Hillary Seitz (screenplay) and
Dan McDermott (screenplay)

Dan McDermott (story)




Saw this last weekend on one of our dinner and a movie night with another couple. More than anything the company was great. That alone makes for a great night.

Eagle Eye is an action suspense thriller. It was just over 2 hours, if I remember but time flies when you are having fun.

My distaste for the main character Jerry Shaw (Shia LaBeouf) was quick. Mr. LaBeouf does a good slacker with a chip on his shoulder. But as he was sucked into the main plot of the move and taken where he did not want to go, I found myself rooting for him. The female lead Rachel Holloman (Michelle Monaghan) kinda goes over the top in some of the ‘mother instinct’ parts but ultimately gets sucked into the craziness too and together they race to save the world.

The action is all Hollywood and you shouldn’t go expecting to see too much reality.

The ending is not quite what I expected and not done how I would have done it. (heh, I said that like someone would actually ask me. Hahaha)

We saw this at an I-MAX theater. Tickets were $12.50 ea. It was a good movie, worth the price, you should go.

Review Guide

I love to go to the movies. I always get the biggest popcorn and one of those gonzo large drinks. I try to get there early and get the best seat (centered on the screen), I love the previews just about as much as the actual movie. Our movie night almost always include dinner. Usually a favorite place but sometimes we go to a new place.

Since we go out so often, I got this crazy idea to try writing reviews of movies and restaurants. *crickets chirping*

I never liked the stars system especially with the half stars. I mean come on, half stars, just make it a 10 point scale. Still, stars don’t speak to me. Neither do thumbs. What does, you ask? Money. These days, a movie for two, drinks and snacks cost you $50 bucks. That’s a pile of change. Thus, my review scale will be related to how worth the price the movie was.

Movie Review Scale

GO - Fantastic movie, worth the price and a must see on the big screen.
Matinee - not worth the $10-$12 I spent but you’ll miss some of the experience not seeing it on a big screen. Take a rainy Saturday after noon and go to the matinee.
Wait - Wait for the video to come out. Ok for basic entertainment.
Gag - I have wasted my money. Don’t waste yours.

Restaurant Review Scale

WOW - Food was great, service was great. Over all a great experience. Has become one of our new regular stops.
OK - Something was amiss, food, service, whinny kids in the next booth. May go back, everyone can have a bad day.
NO - Something was amiss, again (second try). We’re done. If I go back it will be because someone else is buying and I still won't like it.
YUCK - Many things were screwed up and screwed up so bad that I won’t go back.

Think About This

If Barack Obama would apply for a job with the FBI or with the Secret Service, he would be disqualified because of his past association with William Ayers, a known terrorist.

For this same reason, he would be disqualified from joining the military.

If he is elected President he would not qualify to be his own body guard.