Out with the old and in with the same?!

Greetings you are yearly there.

Tonight is the big night. A night for you to party. How is that different than any other night? The hats? Okay, how about celebrities you don't care about on television talking about something? Oh I know you get to write a new date on your checks. You don't write checks? I guess I can't check that off my list. That was a horrible stretch for a joke that just came to me. I think that one hurt on all accounts.

However, tomorrow will be a new year. Will it be a new attitude? I heard from a lot of people who hope so. It seems everyone is ready for this new year. Or at least this 09 to be over. I think instead of the ball drop it will be the sound of flushing toilets that rings in the new year.

This year definitely had it downs, especially nation wide. It did have some up points. Personally I have had worse years. That is the thing about time. As it goes long enough you see the good, bad, and ugly. Hopefully you live long enough to see the good again.

Will this year be the perfect 10. Only time, you, and some judge holding a placard can tell that.

Happy New Years Eve! Remember to look up around midnight.

Insulate for the weather

Greetings droppers of things, especially at midnight

It is that time of year. Yeah, that too. But also the freezing temperatures. We have already had one round with the white stuff from the sky. Around here it was not bad, just some flakes. It did stick around for a few days in a couple of areas. See the calendar a week before Christmas and look on a map where my uncle and aunt live.

I can tell it is getting cold because my thermostat tells me so. The cold air in my house tells me more. I was adjusting the television settings and noticed a cold breeze. Our television sits in front of an unused fireplace. It is only used by the cold air.

I do not think our house is well insulated. It seems the thermostat gets the house at the regulated temperature and then a few minutes later it is needs to do it again. At least the temperature only drops a couple of degrees before the heat comes on. I hope that the high prices of our gas bill do not come on.

Wendy received a form of a snuggie for Christmas. The box said it will lower our energy prices. Always a good thing for me.

So if you do go out or stay in keep your nice and warm. Because if you are nice and toasty, then you will feel butter.

Sorrii

Greetings all you playas

Last night my bro spent the night. See previous post. Self advertising. Do I have to pay myself? Oh well. So after eating some Cookout we played a little bit of the Wii. See my wife's blog.

I wanted to put in Wii Sports, but it kept giving me an error message. We wanted to play the golf and bowling game. It never did work for us. I thought at first it was the system since we have not used it in a couple of months. Fortunately, the system worked. I am not sure why that sports game did not work. It might be something with the disk. We got tired of trying so we played something else.

My bro and I played Wii Beach Sports or something like that. We tried the disc golf. I was supposed how well it let us do. My bro used to play disc golf years ago, so he knew a lot of the technique. Only a couple of times did we go over par.

Then we switched to a football part of the game. It was hard. I could not figure out the controls. I was not able to move around. We had a couple of good plays, but got stomped by the computer.

By the end of the night my brother was ready to watch some real football.

The Wii is pretty fun. Perhaps I need to get some more games and I might play it more. Or it may sit around for another couple of months.

Will Wii ever know?

Air up there

Greetings from the early morning

I just returned from taking my brother to the airport. You are reading this and saying big deal. Well it is pretty early from where I am. I am proud to say I woke up before my alarm. I am not sure how I will feel later today. Fortunately, I do not have to go to work today.

My bro is flying to Michigan. Yeap, that is where the terrorist tried to take down the plane. All I have been hearing in the news is increased security at the airports. I thought oh, boy, I hope it doesn't take him too long.

I think the good news is that with his early flight there should not be too much traffic. He is supposed to be at his destination by mid morning. I am glad the weather is cooperating. At least the flights were on time last night when he checked.

If you get a few moments remember those that are traveling to see loved ones. Or think about getting frisked by security. Whichever one makes you feel better.

Slumdog's Baby Millionaire Mama

Wendy and I watched a couple of movies yesterday. Here are some thoughts just to fill the page.

The first was Baby Mama. It was an okay movie. As Wendy said, "It is a good movie, but over the top." Tina Fey and Amy Pohler did a pretty good job playing off one another. It had a bunch of good actors in the movie. I am a fan of Greg Kinnear, even though I don't go out of my way to watch him. The plot was dragged out so it seemed very long. The movie may have not been worth the full nine months, but maybe a six.

We also watched Slumdog Millionaire. To be honest I am not sure how that movie won awards. I am not sure how many it won. In the first couple of minutes I knew I made a mistake in watching this, but I did sit through the whole thing. I am sure that some people will like the movie because it jumps around through past and present and then finishes the story. It seemed to me that it did things just to do them and wanted the audience to catch up. I was racking my brains the whole movie and I figured what movie the style reminded me of...The Usual Suspects. The movie also got on my nerves a little bit because it was scene of boys running through the streets then rap. A few minutes later same thing. The characters were hustlers. I don't know why that got on my nerves. It seemed like I could not identify with them. All in all I give it two call center operators out of five.

Both movies dealt with love and never giving up on your dreams. If you want a couple of feel good movies then these could be it. Of course you have to sit through all the other stuff.

Exactly two months

Hello all who did not miss me.

I have been off the radar for awhile. I was on a roll and then went into a tumble. I am not sure why I stopped updating. It seemed like I never had much to say. Even though I had nothing to say the world went on.

Things are going well. Halloween came and went. I did not disguise myself for candy. Wendy and I, along with her sister and daughter, were in the mountains. It seems like a long time ago, now it is a long time ago.

Thanksgiving has come and gone. It was good to see family and of course eat.

Now Christmas is in the past. I got a few gifts and more than I deserve. It is time to take down the decorations for another year. I cannot really enjoy decorations because I think about the time involved about putting them up and then away. However, they are for the enjoyment of others. The same thing with gift giving. I am glad that people are better gift givers than me.

Well I hope that you enjoyed all the many parts of the year.

It is a rich man's world

Hello all with the big bucks

It is not just an Abba lyric, but the truth. It certainly does help with things when you have money. I hate the feeling of having a few bucks to payday. I hear about all the things that people do. From vacations to purchases. I feel bad after going out to eat or maybe it is indigestion. Just kidding.

The key to money is having it to put aside. People say money is needed in the future. Unfortunately I need most of it now.

Maybe one day I will be sitting a little higher. If of course cash is still around in the future.

Transformation

Greetings those in disguise

Yeah, I know it is a little early for Halloween. I went to go see Transformers 2:Revenge of the Fallen. I went with a friend who wanted to see it. I had heard so many bad reviews that I was not excited about seeing it, well paying to see it that is. I went because the friend asked. Plus the movie was a buck fifty. I don't think I would have paid more than that.

I guess the special effects were pretty cool. There was an explosion every second. I know it was a movie, but the thing that got me was the fact no really got hurt. Of course, I don't want to see people get hurt. The one scene that got me was that the protagonist and crew were in a car picked up by a helicopter. Then they were dropped through a roof and the car lands and then split open. The people then immediately got up and were fine! I mean come on.

The dialogue was also horrible I thought. It was hard to watch the scenes with the mother. I know I am not a writer, just ask Wendy, but it was almost like the script is the dictionary of slang and catch phrases.

Oh well even with my not liking the movie it made a lot of money. It got my dollar.

A parade of one

Hello all you students of life

Wendy and I went to Campbell's homecoming earlier today. We arrived on the campus around 10:15 in the morning. We found a place to park and proceeded to meet some friends. I guess the parade had just ended. We saw evidence of the ground crew picking up trash or leftover candy in the streets. We would see a crowd of people and then it would be a ghost town or campus.

We walked around the campus some and ended up in the bookstore. I am glad I am not in class anymore. Books were extremely expensive. At least to me. Wendy did order a class ring, 10 years after graduation.

Then we had lunch at the campus grille. It was alright. Wendy got a chicken cheesesteak and I got a regular cheesesteak. Then we sat around and talked with our friends. We decided it was time to leave.

It is strange that with all the people on campus, in the crowd, we did not see anyone we knew. I guess we were in the wrong spots.

On the way back to Cary, Wendy and I stopped at an ice cream shop. A friend was kind enough to pay for our scoop because they only accepted cash or check. Wendy and I had neither. I got one scoop that looked massive. I was wondering if the person scooping was going to stop putting ice cream in the my cone. It was pretty good and cheap.

The good news is that the rain held off. It was sprinkling some when we left but cleared up around Campbell. It actually got pretty warm. Then as we came back to Cary it became cloudy and the rain continued.

Quit bugging me

Hello all you two legged creatures

Wendy and I have been overrun with creatures of four or more legs. We are not sure where they are coming from. I am not sure if I want to know. Only if it was to destroy them. Of course we discover this infestation right before going to bed. So we do a complete sweep. Then I perform a marathon of clothes washing. I have sprayed the house multiple times.

We will make sure those bugs get a leg up.

Take a hint

Hello all you less than romantic husbands

Yes, you can learn the ways of understanding your wife. The most important lesson is listen when she repeats something. That means she wants it! Ah, but how to know if she is repeating herself. Listen. If you hear a word over and over, maybe by the tenth time you get it and it gets louder. B-I-N-G-Oh yeah!

I did get one thing right the other day. I purchase a pumpkin and some flowers for my wife. Awww, how sweet. More likely, eww how cheap. They were on sale. I finally took my previous advice and bought the items. Wendy has been wanting a pumpkin for weeks and she always wanted flowers for no reason. Wait, if I got her the flowers to fulfil her no reason clause, then did I get the flowers for a reason? Do I have to get another bunch? AAAAAAAAAAAauaYUUUYYHGGH!

Oh well, the important thing is I listened this one time. Sure there are other opportunities I miss, but there is always the tenth time.

Slacks that fit

Hello you onederful! Did you miss me? Did you know I was gone?

Not much has been happening on the radar screen for the past several days. I have not gotten the urge or time to update on anything. I have not really been following my webcomics like I used to.

I have not been up to much. Work and sleep. We have been in and out from home. Work had me pretty busy. Wendy and I have dealt with poison ivy.

The same routine. Now I am back to waste your time with it.

Stumped

Greetings earth walkers

This afternoon I did a little bit of yard work. I cut the grass. It was getting to be about that time when half the time it looks high and then not. I can tell a difference now that I have cut it. After cutting the grass, I thought I would try and remove a tree Wendy and I had trimmed a while back. So I took a shovel we recently bought and tried to dig it. I could not really get anyway with the dirt. I keep hitting these thick roots. I tried to rock the tree out of the ground, but it did not move to the groove. I was able to find the roots and use the saw and shovel to separate tree and root. Finally after two hours I was able to the get the tree out of the ground.

Once Wendy arrived home from running errands we went out to the mall to get a chiller. She got her pumpkin spice chiller and I got a cookie chiller. We tried to find some deals, but did not find anything. I did see an interesting new store. It had a bunch of collectibles. I saw comics, posters, and action figures. Some of which I had when I was younger.

I guess it was a day of getting back to my roots.

Suscribe to the diatribe

Greetings all you news gatherers

I just got a charge for letting my newspaper subscription pass. It went out September 13th and I did nothing to renew it or cancel it. However, I kept receiving papers. I thought in the back of my mind that it would stop past the deadline. This was a false assumption. They have been charging me for the papers. I only received one notice about the continued delivery two weeks after.

I asked some of the ladies I work with about the status of subscription. They said I need to psychically suspend the service. I called after work, but could not get anyone. My account number did not show up. I call this morning three times, but cannot get any one. Finally I get someone to cancel my subscription. It was tough work. Then I find out about the balance on the account. I am pretty upset with myself.

Remember that you get what you pay for or you pay for what you get.

Comic con go on without me

Well page turners

I was hoping to go to Baltimore for the weekend to see the sights at the 2009 Baltimore ComicCon. Unfortunately I will not be able to make it. My schedule will not allow me. I should have been more active in looking into the details. I honestly let it slip by me this year. I will get to a comic convention one year. I will find one and start planning. I entertained the thought of going down for just Saturday, but I know my body would not let me do that.

I wanted to meet the webcomic artists I have been reading the past months. See the mystery behind the talent. Someday I will see my dashing princes. Ummm. Or the guys that put forth my favorite time killers.

Look out. Here I come near you or not so near. One day.

No thyme for losers

Hello all you good eats

I realize that I don't go out of my way to go after food. If it is there I will eat it, sometimes. I eat like a college student. I never know where my next meal is coming from. It is hard for me to plan ahead for meals. I would rather have my meals provided.

Buffets are easier for me to deal with than ordering off the menu. I like seeing my choices. I am not decisive enough to order off the menu. It would be nice to live in a hotel and have a restaurant downstairs. Of course I am too cheap to pay for food. I only buy food when I am with other people. Other than that I will eat what ever is laying around.

Maybe you can stomach some more later.

Waving the white flag

I know that you are thinking that it has been too quiet recently.

Well I am back in town. The past two days I have been at a working staff retreat. It was at Fort Caswell. The Friday before we left an e-mail was sent saying that the weather would be beautiful and warm. However, Monday morning what do I see cool temperatures and rain. I had been looking forward to playing croquet or mini golf. It did not happen.

The retreat went well. It is always interesting to see work colleagues out of the office. It is pretty much the time I see anybody. Plus the food was good. I tried oysters, I am thinking for the first time. They were not as bad I thought they would be.

The good thing about coming back into town on Tuesday is that the work week is halfway over.

Model behavior

Greetings from the udder side

Yesterday was a rough day. I was fighting with machines all day. I just might have a couple of black eyes to prove it. I did some bonehead moves, but it all worked out. Have you tried to move a car, but given the keys to someone else? Oh well, the work week is over. Monday and Tuesday I will be gone to a staff retreat. It will be the usual team building exercises and listening to people talk. Of course food. Follow the boss to the goodies.

Last night Wendy and I were in a mood to shop around. We went browsing around in the mall. Our first stop was a coffee shop. Wendy got a pumpkin spice latte and I got some chiller featuring caramel and apple. It was okay. Then we went into Sears to look around. Wendy got me a gift card for a special occasion and I had not used it yet. I had to print off a new one because I could not find the old one. I have seen it, but not last night. So I purchased two short sleeve button up shirts and two pair of nice dress pants. The good news I only had to pay ten dollars. Not bad for two outfits. The weird thing is when I tried on the pants, even though they are the same size, one pair is longer. It must be the style. I now have clothes that Wendy does not despise.

After our mall trip we were still in the mood to wander, but this is Cary. Things close at 9 pm. We went into Lowes to look around and price faucet fixtures. You might have seen Wendy's blog that we dreamed of new home projects. I like the idea of new features, but not the installation. I am not very handy. Every once in a while will get the projection bug. Some take longer than others.

It looks like our home and me are both works in progress.

Gel-ously will get you everywhere

Hello all you reel time viewers

I am glad it is Friday, but I know it will be a bad day. I feel in my fingers. I feel it my toes. It is written all around me and so the story grows. That might be some real lyrics. I am not sure. I was sort of thinking of Love Actually, but I can't remember the lyrics the rocker sings.

President Obama is overseas pushing for Chicago to have the 2012 Summer Olympics. It just dawned on me he was a senator from Illinois. Is something blowing there and maybe not just the wind?

I don't know why this irked me, perhaps it is the mood. I saw that Jon Gosselin (the guy with the spiky gel hair) wants his kids not filmed anymore on that program. He is worried about them being exploited. How many seasons have you been on? Seriously, because I am not counting. However, the minute you get booted off the show then you want your kids off. You are a real humanitarian, Jon. This guy is a one trick pony. The show was about the kids and his loudmouth ex-wife. He is going to have to find a new saddle because he is going to be taken for a ride.

I am glad I do not have to take I-40 to work because it is a mess. Traffic was backed up as early as 6 because...Surprise! Construction! I know we have to have improvements, but do we have to suffer in the mean while. It is mean when you think about it. Know what I mean?

Well it is Friday and I am closed to be fried. Well done. (Really?!) Not really. (Oh.)

Getting nowhere

Hello green lights and red lights. I approach you yellow lights with caution.

I realize that I do not do much with my life. I go to work and come home. Everyone around me always seems to be doing these exotic things or going on fun trips. I would like to go somewhere, I talk about going somewhere, but then I wimp out or something. Then I end up on the couch passed out. Maybe one day I will unravel my travel plans.

I think people are trying to escape because so much bad is going on. The majority of people I know I are dealing with issues. I guess that is why life is a four letter word.

The good news is we are still alive. Might as well do something.

Can't stomach it

Greetings belly dancers

I am not sure what is the culprit, but the past few days my stomach has not felt right. It is probably my eating habits. Oh well I digest.

This morning Marley did a magic trick. He made something reappear. He threw up. It has been awhile since he has thrown up, I am grateful for that. I could hear him retching and I turn to look. There is the unwelcome visitor. I do not know how he throws up such large quantities. I know he likes to eat. When I put food in the dish that does not bother him eating. I have to maneuver around his furry head. He even lets me pet his head while eating. The rest of the time is very skittish. I cleaned the vomit up. At least he hits the litter box.

On a cooler note, it is temperature wise becoming fall. The next two nights the lows will be in the upper 40s. That seems pretty good to me. I had to break out a long sleeve shirt. Then toward the end of the week it will be in 80s again.

I guess we can weather all that.

Bedhead

Hello all you living in Sleepy Hollow

For the past few weeks I have not wanted to get up in the morning. Usually I hop out of bed to do my morning routine of reading, catching up on television, and the occasional nap. These past mornings it has been more of napping. Even before I leave the comfort chamber I look at the clock and roll over. I am not sure if there is anything on television worth watching to keep me awake. It could just be my body breaking down.

Wendy and I played racquetball this morning. She has been going to the gym in the mornings before work. We did okay for not playing in many months. We were able to hit the ball at least three times.

Maybe in the future I will have enough strength to get out of bed in the morning.

Get your mind into the gutter

The leaf does not fall far from the tree.

It has been a pretty decent weekend as far as two days can go. Saturday Wendy and I got rid of some uninvited guests and we saw some friends. Last week Wendy noticed a huge spider web on our back door. Saturday I went out with a broom to clean out the cobwebs. I noticed that on the deck were a bunch of leaves. So I swept them off. Then I look up and see that the gutters were full of debris. I figure I had better clean them, especially with all the rain we have had lately. My hands smelt like wet leaves for most of the day. I had the wash my hands multiple times to get the gunk out of my fingernails.

Saturday afternoon Wendy and I spent time with some college gal pals. As females they like to go shopping, specifically clothes and shoes. They took turns trying on outfits and modeling. They convinced Wendy to buy two pair of shoes, with heels. she actually wore one of the pairs today. I think that was the first time I had seen in a show with a heel. Previously she had said she does not wear heels because of the poor balance. She seemed to do alright. No loss to gravity today.

That night we were going to go to Macaroni Grill, but the wait was too long. We ended up at Chili's. Wendy and I order the Triple Dippers. That is basically your choice of three appetizers that you can dip. It was pretty much all chicken. It was not that appealing as it looked on the menu. I felt not the greatest in the world after consumption.

Today was the 100 year homecoming celebration at my home church. My brother, his girlfriend, Wendy and I went to meet my parents at church. It was a pretty good service and good meal. It was good to see people I have not seen in a few years. Everyone acted pleased to see us. There were a lot of people I did not recognize which is pretty good for a church.

Here is one random one for you. I was trying to make a comparison illustration in a youth Bible study tonight consisting of the phrase "showed his thing." Yep, it was in a room of high school youth. Wendy was nice enough to point it out to me afterward. Teach your children well.

That is enough junk for you to sift through now. Come back when we are having our price reduction sale.

Tool much

Hello all you fixer uppers

I think that I finally fixed the bathroom sink after days of fiddling with it. Maybe I should have used a guitar, but I don't play. Wendy said yesterday that it was leaking around the base. I apparently had not tightened it just right. I hope I don't have to mess with plumbing for a long time. There is a lot of plumbing to do around here, but I don't have the knowledge or the money for it.

I am not very good with my hands. Maintenance issues are not my strong suit. I am not gifted in looking at something and figuring out how it works. It is ironic that at work I am in the facilities department. I can get frustrated pretty easy, as people will tell you. If it does not go as I think it should I get upset. Sometimes with fixing things you have to work with it until you get it. It can be a lengthy process. I would rather have the quick fix. I think if I had money I would be willing to pay for the upgrades.

Tools and supplies are pretty pricey. However, if you know what you are doing and are able to use them then they pay for themselves. I don't know about or how to use 90% of the things out there. Will I ever one day? Probably not.

Well I have to go and make myself useful.

A little slice of life

Hello all you with the knife and fork

Last night after Wendy had a long day at work, we warmed a generic grocery store pizza. I put it in the oven for more than the allotted time because the package mentioned needing to be defrosted. I had it in the freezer. The timer on the microwave does it noise. I pull out the pizza and it looks fine. I serve a piece to Wendy, who lets me know it is still cold in the middle. Oh well, back in the oven for a few more minutes. Later we enjoy. It was not too bad of a pizza. I would try it again. Which is good because I have another in the fridge.

Today is the last day of the work week. It has been a rough week. I don't know if it has been the rain or circumstances. The days have been long. However, now that the week is over it feels like it ought to be Monday or Tuesday. Not that I am looking forward to another couple of days in the week.

Well it is cheesy, but true.

What a drain

Hello all you spouting off

I hopefully fixed a leaky faucet for now. I know eventually we will need new plumbing. Home repair is not my thing. I get no joy out fixing something. It makes me nervous that I am not doing something right.

I went to the local hardware store during my lunch break yesterday. It was an adventure. I was behind 3 school buses because of early Wednesday dismissal. I made it to the store. I did not really have an idea what I was looking for. I brought the parts from home, but they all the look same. I conferred with one of the associates. He recommended I get a seated seal and I thought I had one. So I made my purchase and went home. I replace the seals and realize I don't have the part I thought I had. So it is back to the store to pick it up. I also bought a new ball, but found out it was the wrong size. Before I left the first time I thought I should pick up the seated seal, but of course talked myself out of it. If you are hardware shopping get what you think you might need and then if you don't use it, take it back. It will probably save you in the long run.

It was a rough day. I am not sure if it is working 100 percent correctly. I still don't like the look of it dripping some after the faucet is turned off. Once you wipe the drops off, it appears to work. I fear I may have to replace the ball after all. Once I get the right one of course. The one I got yesterday was not the right size.

So after a disappointing drip, sayings spouting from my mouth, fists flying to face, I hope I have located at least one leak. I hope it will soon be a pipe dream instead of a nightmare.

Work like a rented a mule

Hello all you wild animals or is domesticated?

This morning I went to gym. It was the first time in months. I was only able to work out for about 15 minutes. I did the treadmill for 15 and the elliptical for two. It was not that bad. Then I had to head to work.

The way to work was uneventful, which is a good thing. The only thing of interest is that every light I met was yellow. Fortunately they did not turn red on me, but I still don't understand. Maybe I am Green Lantern and they were trying to weaken me. I am so sick of the state of our roads. It is annoying to drive over rough patches. I am paranoid that my tire will blow. I cannot stand to ride over bumps.

Yesterday I noticed the sink in the downstairs bath was dripping. I tried to use some previous seal rings, but they did not work. It would work temporarily and then drip. I guess I have to get a new kit. It is so annoying to see the water drip. My money goes down the drain. Why do I have to use my money on bills when I want to waste it on other things? I hope I can fix that leak or the screaming you will hear is just me.

It is a wrenched life I lead, pipe.
They probably don't even use lead anymore.

Ring. It's for you. I don't want it.

Hello all you with your listening ears on

I always seem to call Wendy at the wrong time. Her phone rings when she is in the middle of doing something or just sat down to relax. Guilty party? Me. Penalty? 50 years. Most of the time I have nothing to say on the phone. I am like traffic. All pause and nowhere to go.

Wendy and I watched the season premiere of House last night. It was pretty good. I love the jokes. It was funny and moving at the same time. It shows you sometimes just have to live. One person can't control everything. Here's the remote.

I watched a pretty cool show, maybe last night called Castle. Stars Nathan Fillion and some others. Fillion plays a mystery writer who helps out the NYPD, most to one of the detectives dismay. It seemed interesting. Of course the storyline has been played to death. Sometimes it jumps around how they figure out things, but overall a decent show. I suspect I may have to pay attention.

Now back to making phone calls. Anybody there?

And the award goes to

Thank you it was an honor to be nominated.

Wendy and I just to have the television on watched the 61st Primetime Emmy Award Show. Or People I Have Never Heard of in Tuxedos and Low-cut dresses. I guess I don't watch much television in prime time because I had not heard of much of the shows. I know that I have never watched them. It seemed they handed out a lot of Emmys for bizarre things. Like best guest actor in a series? It seemed that the network channels only did well in comedy. Cable appeared to take the other categories.

The award shows always seem the same. Cut to the audience who pretends to be laughing. The host trying to get them to laugh. The winner looking surprised and rambling on thanking people. The other nominees looking upset.

I don't try and watch a lot of award shows, but it seemed that there were a bunch of people who won they first Emmy last night. Wendy made the observation that the majority of the winners were not American. Of these winners most were British.

It is always a good career if you get paid to do what you want and win an award on top of that.

It is the end of an error

Hello all you finale-ists

Well it is that time of year for the television viewers. Some of your shows that you love to watch are leaving the airways, maybe for a few weeks or long term. Other shows you watch are coming back to join you on the couch. Pass the chips.

Season finales always seem weird to me. Most of the time they leave you hanging ready for more, which is the purpose. I mean the show wants an audience. Sometimes I have to wonder what about the other storyline you didn't resolve? The shows always it with some big excitement. It either gets resolved or you have to wait until next season where such a big problem is resolved in the first five minutes. Maybe I am not a smart viewer but I like it when my show answers the questions.

Television shows come and go. You never realize the length of time a show has been on the air. The good ones never seem long enough and the bad ones seem too long. Most shows have a particular following. I hear about many shows, but never bother to watch them.

For you soap fans, your showers just got less interesting. You may know, or Wendy may tell you, that long time running (72 years) Guiding Light has gone dark. Guiding Light and Little House on the Prairie are the majority of Wendy's viewing habits. Sometimes GL's storylines have been odd to me, but someone must like them. They chose to wrap everything up in a marathon of deaths, marriages, and pregnancies. Although they left out some people I thought should be included, from my limited viewing experience.

Well if you find a show to show your support that is why their are DVDs, Youtube, and other places on the Internet.

Couldn't do any worse if I tried

Hello all you out there in the land of the living

I think I have stopped looking forward to Fridays. The only nice part about them is that you don't have to work the next day. However on Friday everyone runs around hectic. It is a good feeling to have everything done. Of course over the weekend you have to decide what to do or your have plans that someone told you do.

I hope this day gets better than the morning. Nothing too terrible has gone on, but I want better all the same.

Well here is to Friday. We have the rest of the day to make it right.

Wet, but not wild

It all comes out in the wash.

According to the forecast, it looks like we will have some rain the next couple of days. I hear that we need it. Plus I am inside most of the time anyway. As long as I have a working roof I am satisfied.

I recently read a book about trivia edited by the people at Mental_floss magazine. They also have a website with the same name. Although without the word magazine in the address. If you enjoy goofy trivia and games then visit the site. The book was based on the seven deadly sins and how people throughout history participated in the more human side of nature. It is amazing that most of the people in power either killed to get there or once there had a bunch of lovers.

I guess it all boils down to love and hate.

Live by the steal die by the steel

Greetings secret ninjas and public ninjas

You could poke somebody's eye out. I read a story this morning about a college student at John Hopkins who killed an intruder with a samurai sword. Apparently a multiple time robber broke into a 21 year old's apartment with the intent to take the student for all he was worth. The student saw the intruder and grabbed a samurai sword he had. The would be burglar approached the student who had the sword. The burglar turned pin cushion backed the student against the wall. The student swung his blade striking the perp. The perp's hand was nearly severed and he sustained a chest wound, which led to his death.

Why would you attack anybody who has a weapon? I guess if you a good guy then you are required. I suppose the burglar was trying to give the student a hand.

Get my point?

Spec-tacle

Hello all you multiple eyes

My glasses are constantly slipping down my nose. I am not sure if it is oily skin or what. Wendy is convinced that I need to get them adjusted. When I take them off they appear to be really wide. I did not think that I have that big of a head. Every time I bend over they slip. I am really surprised they don't fall off, but they hang on. Occasionally they slip almost off.

Like most long time glasses wearers I forget they are there. Until they move of course. One of the problems with being a glasses wearer is watching television while lying down. I don't do it much because I am worried it will mess up my glasses even more. Although it is hard to see what is on television with bad eyesight.

My glasses are constantly dirty. Truth be told or written I probably don't clean them as much as I should. I never realize how dirty until I look at them from a distance. I wonder if looking through dirty specs leads to bad vision. That would be depressing that glasses could harm your eyes.

Maybe one day I will see through the glass half clear.

Swing and a miss

Hello all you Monday mourners

Well, I think the shells went well. At least a few were eaten. We left the rest with Wendy's parents. The reunion went well as far as reunions. The shells seem to be needing something else to be truly good. They were alright, but not wonderful. I guess that is what makes a true chief, knowing what to add to the ingredients.

Last night our friend, Charles came over and we played on the Wii. He was pretty good. He and I played the Wii Sports. Toward the end of the evening we were on the practice portions. He was pretty good with the tennis. I struggled to get one while he was in the twenties. In the baseball home run derby he smacked the ball consistently over 500 feet, while I barely made 300. There was a funny part in the golf practice. The goal was to get close to the hole. I made a shot that hit the flag pin and rolled of the green. Do I get any credit? Nope, it did not count. It was funny and frustrating at the same time.

An athlete I am not, not even in the feet.

What's cooking good looking

Hey, what is eating you?

This afternoon Wendy and I have a family reunion. We decided we would try and make a few goodies to take. Wendy found a recipe for some shells. So we went to the grocery store and picked up the materials. We baked it this morning. It looks pretty good. I will let you know if it is any good later.

I tried last night between naps to make some oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. It was a batch that we had in the cabinets. It was a pretty easy mixture. The powder, an egg, and butter. I mixed it together and put it in the oven. I had to put it on two trays. That was probably my problem. One tray was cooked too much. Most of the cookie was good, but the bottom was burnt. The other batch was so chewy that it was hard to stay together. Needless to say I will not be taking these to the reunion. So Wendy and I have to eat them. Oh well, that is the way the cookie crumbles.

I don't know how we keep misplacing items in such a small kitchen. We have been missing our kitchen scissors for a few months now. This morning I was looking for a pizza stone scraper to clean the pizza stone. I could not find it. I looked everyone where I thought it was. Then I tried to find a pot I thought we had. Could not find that either. Guess I don't have a pot to, you know, uh, cook in.

Well here is hoping I don't have a recipe for disaster.

Tragic hero

Hello all you in wonderland

Yesterday was the eighth anniversary of horrific time in our nation's history. In 2001 terrorists hijacked planes and attacked buildings in New York and the Pentagon. Thousands of people lost their lives and millions are grieving.

I do not remember much about that particular date. I think was in class at divinity school. We were supposed to have a lunch discussion, but we heard the terrible news and spend time talking about what was going on and praying.

I have been to New York a couple of times, but only after September 2001. I have seen the memorial site and the gap that is there. I cannot imagine what it was like before. It must hit hard for many people. I admit being thousands of miles away it is hard for me to put in perspective. I don't think that anything will truly heal those that lost their loved ones. The nation will move on and so will the people who lost, but in their own way.

Last night Wendy was watching Fox News as I was sleeping. I woke up to see some of the coverage and remembrances of people who were they that day. It was amazing to see the thick billows of smoke from the buildings. The scary part was that no one knew what was going on. It is hard to know what to do when you have no idea what is happening. It was interesting to see the firefighters covered with ash as they tried to rescue the survivors. One of the firefighters said something about getting paid to risk their lives.

Heroes are formed in time of tragedy. A hero is someone who responds in time of need. We talk about acts, but it is most likely the person. The acts are the way a hero is expressed.

Take some time to remember the ones you love. When you get a chance to be a hero, give it a try. You don't even have to look good in tights. Although I hope nothing bad happens to you and yours.

Nowhere to run

Hello all you explorers

I wish I had the adventurous spirit to just take up and go somewhere. I have a hard time deviating from my work-home combo. Yesterday was one of those days when I just wanted to be somewhere else. I wanted to get out town or something. I really had nowhere to go. I had even considered just getting a hotel room or anything. Why pay ninety bucks for a bed? We didn't make it though.

Last night was a dinner and talent show at the church. It went okay. There are a lot of talented people in the world. Sometimes it seems that I am one of the few who is not.

Tomorrow, or Sunday, for those who have calendars is a family reunion. This is a pretty important reunion for my Dad's side of the family. Like all things it was probably more important in the past, but it still goes on. It is usually good food (that is free and I don't have to cook) and a time to catch up with family.

I don't know what it is about Friday and work, but why is it that I am always busy on Friday. It never fails that the week is slow, but on Friday it is everything must go. Maybe they spend all week prepping for Friday. It is probably so they can leave early Friday. I wonder if Friday is becoming the new Monday?

Well here is to finding something to do. With or without the ninety dollars.

Something about an alert or not

Greetings to all who read this

This morning I noticed that my phone was not behaving quite right. It was not letting me read my junk mail. That is all I pretty much get with e-mails. I went into the settings and was able to correct it. Now I am back to reading about things I cannot afford.

I saw that Ellen DeGeneres is going to be a judge on American Idol. Another reason to not watch a show that I don't watch.

Hugh Hefner or however he spells his name without the dollar signs is single again. I guess he has technically been separated from his wife for years. The weird thing to me, if I read the story right, is he will be paying her less money now that he is divorcing her. I guess it pays to be married in some ways.

I wonder if older people are nicer than the younger generation. They also seem to want to say hello, while our generation passes one another by. Granted I am not the friendliest, but it is an observation. It is weird that people were more friendly when they lived farther apart. I guess you were happy to see your neighbors when they dropped by. Now that all the houses are on top of one another you probably think of excuses not to see them.

Oh well just some random things to read instead of peeping out the window.

Bored-er line

Hello all you out there peeping in the windows

Nothing much new is happening around my way. It all seems to be happening on the highway. Wendy and I traveled back on Monday early evening. Maybe it was the time of day or something, but 40 was crowded. Plus it was getting dark and rainy. I don't drive well in either condition. It was an adventure getting home. I am glad Wendy knew what she was doing or I might still be on 40. We did make it home and we had a good weekend with Wendy's family.

It was tough going back to work on Tuesday. I was thrown my schedule all day. I was thinking Monday was Saturday, then Sunday, and I finally realized it was Monday. The good news is: a short week!

I wonder if my eyesight is getting worse or least more than normal. I am specifically talking about buffet lines. The past two times I have been to a buffet I have seen something on Wendy's plate and wondered where she picked that up. I did not see it on the line. Of course I am not the most observant guy in the crowd. I would have trouble picking out my friend in a lineup.

From my eyes to your screen.

A 10 hunt

Hello all you who have been out of school for awhile and those in school for awhile

This morning Wendy and I went down the Creek without a paddle. It was Wendy's 10 year college reunion at Campbell. It was sort of a last minute decision. It was a small crowd. Only two other couples, their kids, a fiend of ours who graduated with Wendy, and Wendy and I attended the reunion. I think they were hoping more people would show up. About 15 had registered but no that many showed. It was surprising a good time.

They showed pictures from the yearbook of the people. It was interesting and funny to see pics from those years. Then they fed us a nice breakfast. It was in the cafeteria, but still good. Then they handed out door prizes. Since it was a small crowd they gave everyone there a prize. Wendy was the first to be called and picked out a nice clock. I was next and picked out a Campbell tie. I had wanted one for many years, but have been too cheap to buy one.

Then we went on a tour of the campus. It has changed a lot even in two years. We saw the new convocation center where they also play basketball. It was very nice. It should be with the money they put into it. We saw the new chapel that was not open yet. It does not look that bad. Campbell will probably get good use out of it.

It was amazing to see all that Campbell has grown. There are new things that I would not have even thought about as a student my years ago. Wendy said with all these new things she would love to go back to college.

It was a good time remembering the past and looking toward the future.

Laughing on the outside

Hay! cowfolk and horses

Last night I had a pretty good time. I had two free tickets to Charlie Goodnights comedy club. I invited Charles, a friend from Campbell days who lives in the arena. We met up with my brother and some of his gang. We ate at a brewery in Raleigh. It was a little place with more seating outside. Since it was nice out we sat outside. It was a nice view of the Raleigh skyline. One of our party even snapped a few pictures. The food was okay and somewhat cheap. I got out with ten dollars. Not bad when pretty much everything is that price.

We made it to the comedy club. The intro act was pretty funny, although I had heard some of his material before. The opening act , Glenn Jensen, was pretty good. I have seen him at the club also, but you can always hear something funny the second time. Then it was the headliner, Greg Morton, who was great. I saw him before a couple of years ago. I enjoyed it again last night. It is an amazing act filled with costume changes. All of us laughed very hard. If you hear he is coming to town I would recommend seeing him. If you like that kind of thing of course.

The coolest part was that he stood around after the show. We got to talk to him and he was the most personal comedian I have seen. He was joking with us and glad we made it out to the show. It was great. I even got my picture with him and Glenn Jensen.



I will let you guess to see who is who.

Wendy and I have a short day at work today. We are looking forward to that.

Have a great Labor day weekend and don't do any work.

Bumps and scrapes

How do do how

All this week I have been confused about what day it is. I have been ready for Friday since Monday afternoon. It is slowly getting there.

Yesterday afternoon as I was walking Rustey, the dog Wendy and I sometimes dogsit, we saw some horse residue of horse de ouvres. I saw it before Rustey and my only thought was to avoid it. On the way past it he did not pay it any attention. However, on the way back, before I realized what was happening, he gobbled one up. He just ate it whole. I was thinking, Aah, crap! I had heard some dogs eating two scoops but have never witnessed it. I have no idea why they do that.

This morning as I was going to work I ran off the road. On purpose. There was a left turning lane just out of reach, but enough for me to squeeze by. So I took my chance. I did not realize there was a big hole on the side of the road. KaBoom! Fortunately, everything seems to be in working order, except my sanity. I was furious for awhile. It tried to wreck my morning.

I also cut my finger this morning. I was taking a toner cartridge out of the box and it got my cuticle. It bleed awhile. So I put a band aid on it. It is on my middle finger of my left hand. I just noticed the finger. Yippee! It is messing with my typing. So I guess I can't land that secretary job. Dang, now I can't wear that short skirt and lean over the water fountain.

I think I have done enough damage today.

Sticks and Stones will hurt you

Greeting all two of you (me included)

Last night Wendy and I watched the Family Stone. I think you would have to be stoned to fully appreciate the movie. Alright, the movie was not all about drugs, but there were a bunch of references. It is about a dysfunctional family (in my opinion) getting together for Christmas and meeting one of the son's new girlfriend. Of course the family does not like her and shows it. Then you have the usual mishaps and the the couple realizing they are not meant for each other.

All the characters in this movie were bizarre and had their quirks. Each one at one point seemed like the "bad guy", but then I suppose was able to be redeemed. It had the stereotypical happy ending of happiness and true love (of pot? Just kidding.)

On a heartbreak scale I would give this movie about a week to get over. The good news for those out there single start dating someone with a large family and you could walk away with your true love.

I find it taxing

Hello all you consumers and producers

I saw that today the state sales tax is going up one cent. I guess what they say is true, "Watch those pennies." It would be hard to do and probably not wise, but I think for every 1,000 job loss or unemployment percentage someone (not me) ought to pay. It is probably a bad idea because then the state would be in more of a financial bind and raise taxes again. It is disheartening to hear about job losses.

Wendy and I finished watching the movie Knowing last night. I could follow the first half, but not the second half. I must have missed something. One minute he is stalking this woman, the woman is uncooperative, then cooperates, gets hysterical, dies, aliens, and everyone dies. It was very weird.

It has been hard to get motivated lately. I am not sure what it is. Maybe instead of depressing I am regressing. It is back to a time of shutting my body down. I have lost interest, even though I am being charged it.

Know your movies

Hello all you screen savers

Wendy and I tried to watch the movie Knowing, but the DVD did not cooperate. It got to a certain point and would not play any more. Why is it that movies that you don't care about always malfunction so you feel like you have to watch it again? The movie seemed interesting, well for not making halfway through. Never fear though, Netflix is sending a replacement.

Fortunately, well maybe, we had another movie to watch. It was Twilight. That teen vampire movie/series. In my opinion that movie sucked. Maybe I don't like teen drama. It seemed the acting was off. There...were...so...many...pauses in the movie. I could fall asleep and wake up in the same scene. I think that movie made a lot of money because they saved so much in writing the script. It was not the vampire part that bothered me it was same story of the misfit teen girl and the bizarre town. The town they lived in seemed crazy, but I guess if you had vampires and hinted a wolves your town would be odd too.

Some things that bothered me about the movie. Okay first of all all the guys hair. I don't know why but the hairdo of some guys where it wraps around their face like a masculine beehive. I don't get it. Guys in general seem more feminine than the girls in movies today. A second thing was about the vampires. Granted I don't know much, but there were things I had not heard. A vampire does need any sleep. Come on, what is the point in living that long? Or maybe it just feels that long. Then the glitter in the sunlight. What is that about? So sun does not kill them, it makes them beautiful? It seems like recent vampire movies have been going out of there way to debunk old school vampire habits.

So in review...Knowing left me still not knowing because I didn't get to watch it all. Twilight. All that glitters is not gold.

Hmmm, okay

Greetings to you reading this

I saw two stories that made me wonder what is going on. Both had a little bit of irony in them and probably deep down a bit of sadness.

A woman in Florida attacks a news crew for investigating a story about underage strippers. The woman rushes out of the house with a garden hoe. Insert your jokes here because the news channels are already doing it. How does your garden grow?

The second story is a little more sad for you animal lovers. The president of an animals right group left her dog in the car for four hours. The dog did not make it. Apparently the woman did not know her dog was in the car. The dog usually accompanies the woman to work. I guess it was a case of miscommunication since the dog was blind and deaf.

Just two stories to get your day started somehow. Remember always check your place for guests, uninvited and invited.

Clogging away

Hello all you weary or wired

I can tell that school is back to business this morning. I left at my usual time and was greeted by more cars than I have seen all day. Even a motorcycle patrolman was out making noise this morning.

It just seems like so much is going on. Why can't any of it be good? I am sick of hearing bad news. It seems that each year Wendy and I get assaulted one way or another. We catch one break to have it break in our hands.

I was under the impression practice makes perfect. That is not true with life. The older you get the more things get complicated. When you are young it is either be fed or sleep. Then it is no cookie. Then it is go to bed. Then go to school. The get a job. Then the job may go away. A family member gets sick or hears some other bad news.

I wish I had my own island. I thought about this years ago. Something like Fantasy Island. You know where people came and got their wish or relaxed. I have never seen the show, but I thought it would be cool. It could be Parker's Paradise. I would invite my friends to get a break from the world. I would wear a suit all the time, be a recluse, and still see my friends. First, I need to be independently wealthy. Then find the island. A man can dream can't he?

Kahnnnnnnnnn do!

Something to share but nothing to give

You can take it anyway you want too.

Last week was an incredibly long week. It feels like two weeks had been wrapped up in one. No bow however. Not much going on. Wendy did buy a shredder the other day. Now we can get rid of the paper trail. I do wonder about one thing though. You can recycle paper, but not paper shreds? What is that about? Don't they have to shred the paper to recycle it? I don't know these things I just put the materials in the tub.

Wendy and I watched a couple of movies from the 1980s. Well we both fell asleep through one. It is amazing to hear the music and see how they incorporate the cheesy animation. Of course they were 80s teen movies about overcoming youth. The underdog wins and the bully gets it in the end. It is amazing how some actors and actresses look so old, but I guess they were young. Young people play old people and older people play younger people. The circle of life.

Bull me over

Hello fans of seating down and having activity around you

Last night my friend Charles invited me to a Durham Bulls baseball game. Actually it was to help him sit at table for NC Greenpower at a Durham Bulls game. He had seen some information about this online and wanted to check it out. So I had agreed to go with him. The focus give away last night was if you brought an incandescent light bulb we would give you a CFL light bulb. Also we were asking people if they wanted to sign up for a newsletter.

The props were located in a tub, along with a little dolly. We got to the park early and were able to park in the media lot. We went up to the table they had set up for us. Charles and I got out the green NC Greenpower table cloth. They had cups and pens to give away. The pens were made out of recycled material. Needless to say they were big hits.

Three people actually traded in bulbs. We had twelve people to sign up for the newsletter. Charles was at least hoping for ten. It was pretty fun. Most of the people of course would not look at you or just say hey and walk by. Some actually stopped and talked to us. We talked to someone who works for James Scott Farrin, the legal firm. She is in the communications department and was actually in the Spanish version of the commercials. We also got some free funnel cake. One of the guys selling it as he was walking by on his runs would chat with us. On one trip he said that a guy in his section had bought a whole bunch of them. Apparently the purchaser's group did not eat one, so the vendor gave it to us.

It was a pretty good time. I would consider doing it again if able. I do have respect for those that sit behind those tables. I am one that does not make eye contact with people behind the table. The people behind the table are trying to pass the time and for the most part they are passionate about the product. Unless they are the rare exception they enjoy when people stop by to chat.

We did not really watch the game. When we left in the eighth inning the Bulls were up by one run. I have not heard the final score.



Green team!

Birthday wishes

Hello all you getting older by the second the first time around

I had a birthday recently. It was considered one of the milestones. 3.0. People say it is all downhill from there. Well great, I guess I don't have that far to fall. However, some people are saying that 50 is the new 30. I would not have guessed that I would make it past 25, now I am at 30. I am already falling apart. No big deal it is a day at a time.

I don't really see the big deal about celebrating the arrived out of the test tube. I am not one of those people that dread my birthday; I see no reason to celebrate. A birthday is just another chance to be disappointed. I enjoy telling people happy birthday, but I am not really a gift giver. That may be partly why I am ambivalent about the yearly anniversary. I just never think about. The older one gets the less birthdays seem to matter. There are people who go all out at certain years. However, overall, people seem to say another day where people randomly talk to you and wish you well. Most of the time I never do anything on my birthday anyway, so not much to celebrate. My parents are not real big celebraters, that may be the biggest reason, some would say, as to my birthday blahs.

Wendy loves birthdays. She had approached me for weeks prior to probe what I wanted for my birthday. I could not think of anything. Of course they is stuff I want, that I don't want. So the day arrived. I had left for work while Wendy was resting. I get a phone call from Wendy saying there was some kind of mess (crumbs and food) in the kitchen. I had wiped down the counters that morning, so I was thinking what in the world. Then fifteen minutes later she surprised me by showing up at my workplace with breakfast from McDonald's. You ask how can you be surprised by breakfast it happens everyday? Wendy had called to surprise me. She is very sneaky in a good way. She told a couple of people at work it was "big day." Birthdays are one of those things were people somewhat know about, but forget, then are reminded to acknowledge. It was good to have breakfast with my wife. For lunch my supervisor took my out to eat. The night before my brother took me out. Back to the present, that night a friend took me out because we were heading to a baseball game. That will hopefully be another story. Most of my celebrations were meals. I did not have cake on my birthday, which is fine because I had some the other day.

The thing that gets me about birthdays and technology is the updates we can now get. I received several Facebook notes wishing my happy birthday. I am not bragging. This greatly surprised me. I heard from people that I have not talked to in about two years. I guess since it right there on the homepage when somebody's birthday is why not drop a line.

All I really wanted for my birthday is for something not to go wrong. It had been one of those weeks. Looking back I cannot think of anything that went majorly wrong, so mission accomplished.

Throw the lever

Hello all "It's alive!"

The other day I was working with a machine known as a personalizer. No, it does not create Frankenstein's monster or bring anything human characteristics. With the machine you can place people's names on items, for example I was placing names on portfolios.

I had nine to do, which is not too bad. You have a name plate and a group of letters. You place the letters backward to get the right impression. The longest part is waiting for the machine to heat up. The machine heats up and uses foil to leave an impression on your product. When the temperature is high enough I pull on a lever to bring the name plate down on the product.

There is a small lever which holds the name plate in place. As I was working with the first name, the lever broke off in my hand. I was not happy. It was late in the afternoon and the portfolios were needed in the morning. I was very upset. It was not a good time. Fortunately, we had an older model and were able to use that lever. Unfortunately, yesterday we were unable to get the switch in the right position. So I was unable to do the portfolios. I tried, but none would come out right.

So we called it a day. This morning my supervisor took a second look at the machine. He realized the correct position of the lever to hold the nameplate. We put it in place, screwed it in, and bingo. Everything was ready to go.

I was able to finish the portfolios for the meeting this morning. One problem solved.

Time waster

Hello all you rock around the clockers

It seems that the world is full of things to waste your time. What else are you going to do anyway?

Computer- I could spend hours on the computer. Sometimes I do. Most of the time it is looking for something that I found once and can never find again. I try to check certain sites for updates and sometimes I am rewarded. Often I am trying to come up with wacky updates of my own. Mostly they are not worth the lack of effort I put in them.

Television-Why is it that nothing is on when you actually have time to watch TV? Yet, the television will come on first thing when I get home and stay on up until bed. Every few minutes I check the guide to see if anything is new. Re-runs.

Work-Unfortunately, a necessity but still a time waster. It takes away a good chunk of the day. Time that can be spent sleeping, watching TV, or anything else.

Shopping-I know we are based on buy and sell, but have you tried to find what you want? Wendy and I have a hard time finding what we are looking for, okay can afford. So we meander the aisles. Then we either walk out of the store without a purchase or find something completely unrelated to what we wanted.

Reading this blog-Sure it may help you plead insanity, but I know you have better things to do.

Rising to the occasion

Hello all you sleepyheads

I saw yet another article dedicated to one of my pass times...sleep. It was talking about the differences between those that go to bed early and those that stay up late. Those that go to bed early and wake up early (I could be considered one of those) are disciplined and like getting things done. I also saw that they could suffer more from depression. That flies in the face of early morning chipper. I guess because the early bird gets the worm and who wants a worm? I wonder if once you get your chores out of the way what is left? By the time whoever is a later riser wakes up and is ready to start you are ready to wind down. I can relate. Wendy is a night owl as you might gather from previous posts.

I saw that if you toss and turn you might have problems dealing with things. I sleep through the night. Once I am out, I am gone. Then it is morning. I don't let things bother me, until a certain point. Wendy sometimes tosses and turns.

As you know I don't remember much about my dreams. Wendy remembers her dreams.

So it looks like Wendy and I are on separate sleep schedules. I have the morning to do my stuff and she has the night to do hers. So we can always be watching you...

Driving me crazy

Hello all you on the road

You have eight more years to stay off the road. This morning I renewed my driver's license. Yep, it was time for me to get a new one. Well once they mail me the new license. I cannot believe that the cost was $32. That averages to about $4 dollars per year. Driving is sometimes nice, but it costs a lot of money. First you have to have insurance, a fee for the license, and not to mention buying a car. Then there is gas and maintenance. It just keeps adding up. Sometimes it is better not to know.

Here is my experience at the DMV. The office opens from 8 to 4:30. Of course this is when I am work and I knew it was going to be a busy week at work, so I knew I had to go today. So I go into work early to get some things done. Then at 7:45 I am at the DMV office. To my dismay there is already a line at the door. It is sad for to stand in line to wait for something to open. I know I was one of those, but it is still sad. The door opens and people proceed in. There were the young ones trying to get a license, people who have moved, and people me who need to renew. I stand in and get to the counter. The woman behind the counter looks at my license. She gives me a number and tells me to sit down. I sit there for about ten minutes. My number is called. So I go the desk where another woman is waiting for me to take the sign test. She asks me do I live at the same address (yes), any ailments (no). I look into the eye machine and she tells me the read the lines. I read some of the first and then to my shock all the others are blurry. She says read this one, I try without much success. Read this one, same result. Here is a line that amuses me...

Me.."B, V, uh.."
Her.."Those are numbers."
Me.."Oh."

Then she told me to read the signs. I think I did okay on them. She never really told me anything. She tells me to sign the scrap of paper, so I guessed I passed. Then I go over to a group of chairs to wait for my picture to taken. I sit there for about five minutes. My name is called and picture is taken. A piece of paper is handed to me and I am told my license will arrived in the next 7 days.

Overall it was not a bad experience. It could have been worse. As I was leaving there was no line outside the door, but about 30 people seated waiting to be happy. The thing that I don't understand is why they only have about 4 people helping. I don't know. I don't have to go back for about eight years. Maybe by then they will have the process online for renewal. Naaa.

New date, no news

Hello all you staying up this late

I know this post is a little late for me and a few days late. It seems like I have not posted in awhile. I have tried to post at least something everyday. We have been housesitting for the past few days, so I have not had a personal Internet connection. It has been a hectic time at work. This week will be busy also.

As I was walking the dog this morning, at the house where we sat, I saw about eight deer. It would have been cool to have a pic, but I did not have my phone. I thought to myself should I take it and I thought naa. So as I am walking Rustey, I look up and see deer just standing around. they run off by the time we get farther down the road. Fortunately, deer are not mean and don't charge us. If they did I think the interest rate would be too high.

Speaking of other animal news, maybe reptile, I saw a black snake the other day. It was again while walking the dog. It was further down the path, so it slithered off. I am glad it was away from us and not toward us. I am also glad I was the one that saw it. I am sure Wendy would have not been thrilled to see it. I had been thinking before as I walking over roots I hope I do not step over a snake.

Wendy and I had Chinese food today. It was pretty good. It was a new place that was recommended to us. Of course the set up looked the same as the other restaurant we go to. Wendy said it was the best egg roll she has had. I got my usual General Tso Chicken. I may have to order something else in the future. The past couple of times I have ordered it, I have not been able to finish. Of course the platters are known for being big portions. Which I am thankful for because of the budget. It is nice when you can eat twice for five dollars.

So it was a pretty good weekend. It would have been better if Wendy was feeling better. I suppose you take what you can get.

Count on it

Hello all you out shaking your head in disbelief

I did something very stupid yesterday and into this morning. I was trying to print addresses on a set of labels. The label template I needed was not listed in the program I was working with. So I have to enter the information into a new template. I enter then information in and it keeps giving me an error saying that my page size needs to be much larger. I put in all the figures I know how to do and still the same result. I am about to lose my mind. This was at the end of the day yesterday. So this morning same results. I am about to lose it.

I look down and realized I was putting the wrong number of labels down. The total number of labels was 10. It was two across and five down. I was putting that it was ten down. No wonder it was not working. As soon as I made that correction, it accepted me. I was able to get the labels printed.

It seems like I do a lot of empty headed things. I know God is thinking "How is this guy still alive?" or "I won't need to waste a lightning bolt on this guy. He does the damage to himself."

Remember make sure you enter the right information. It really does help. I guess I should be glad that the program is smarter than I am.

Look to the stars

Hello all you out in the great expanse

After many weeks I finally got to see the movie Star Trek. It was an okay movie. The thing that confused me was the new aliens. Granted they were not major characters, but they had cameos of these aliens I had never seen. I know that in each movie they bring out some new species. I thought the movie was supposed to take place early in the series. I don't know, granted I am not much on my trek history.

Another thing was that Kirk was always hanging over a drop. He would do something crazy, that eventually became heroic, and then end up having to hang on. I guess that is why he is up in the stars because he has trouble keeping his feet on the ground.

I don't mind the time shift. It does not bother me. That has been a plot that is used often in science fiction. It has even been on soap operas, in the guise of dream sequences.

I had been looking forward to seeing GI Joe. It may wait until it leaves the first run theatres. the previews do not really make me want to see the movie. I probably will just to see what it is about, but I am not going to break the bank to see it. From what I seen online, people are giving the movie a hard time. At least the movie had a fan with my brother.

It's not you, it's me

Hello all you hiding in the spotlight

I am not sure if you saw or care, but Hillary Clinton was in the news making some noise. Apparently she was in the Congo giving some kind of briefing. I think a teen asked her a question. Supposedly it was mistranslated by the French. I don't know the full details, but it seems the way the question came out asked her about Bill's opinion on a matter. Hillary erupted saying she was the Secretary of State and she was not going to channel Bill.

I can relate to someone asking about what another person thinks. It is sort of frustrating when a person asks you want another person is thinking. The question that always gets me is "How is (insert name here) doing?" I usually say fine and add as far as I know. Do we truly know how anyone is doing or what they are thinking. Some people are easy to read. Of course the more time you spend with someone you should pick up on their body language. Should being the word I use. It still takes me awhile. Until I hear the audible sighs. Oh well, I will get there one day.

However, when you are in the public realm you must be more careful what you say. Unless you like the attention. That is not to say that those in your immediate life don't need special attention because they do. So just be careful what you say. I guess the words of someone ring true, "If you can't say something nice, then don't say anything." Unless you get paid big bucks to repeat gossip.

Something fishy or acting crabby

Greetings those under the sea

Wendy and I were talking about going to the beach this weekend. Unfortunately that fell though. It was manly my fault because I had my man listening ears. So we went to Wendy's parents. We had planned to come anyway because of a family reunion.

Saturday night we went to a seafood restaurant. It is a chain called Mayflower. It was alright. I tried the fried crab cakes. They were okay. The hushpuppies were like onion rings. It was not too bad. Wendy had fried tilapia. She gave me a bite. It was alright. I guess I had been so used to the tilapia we put on the grill at home. It tasted a little weird to me, but it must have been because of the frying.

So even though we did not get a chance to go to the beach we still ate seafood. Maybe that counts for something. Not much granted. Maybe sometime we will make it to the beach. Sand me your results now.

Talk is cheap, if you do it right

How-do folks on the plain

I admit I was not in the best of moods last night. It was one of those nights where I was not satisfied. I had semi plans, but they fell through. I even gave up a chance for ice cream. I am a stupid, stupid man. Some may say there are the same. I will see that and raise you twenty. Full House with a Flush. I know I do the sour grapes thing. I look forward to something and it needs to be tweaked and whoomp it becomes not worth the effort. Sometimes if I can't get what I want, I don't want anything. Even though I don't know what I wanted. See exhibit A.

Wendy last night discovered something new. Skype. I guess it has been around for awhile, but one of her friends told her about it. Wendy tried and talked and viewed for about two hours. It was pretty cool. I was amazed that our laptop could do all that. All it took was the webcam and a mike, both of which are in the laptop. There you go instant communication. I have seen the future and it shows me friends. The sound was okay. There were a few hesitations. Although I admit I don't have the greatest hearing. It was still pretty cool. The best part was it free from Skype to Skype. The only way to beat free is if someone pays you.

I news it

Greetings you people in 3D

I saw two interesting things that made me stop and stare off into space. (Well here is one that I just thought of. Star Trek is hitting the buck fifty movie. I have been waiting for this for a couple of weeks. I was slack and did not see it, but I still wanted to see the big screen for a small price.) I was turning the pages of the local paper this morning and saw a bizarre news story. The dateline was somewhere in Alabama. A senior citizen woman was cleared of charges from using the restroom in a public place. The court decided to drop the charges. Apparently the woman has incontinence. She was in line at a bank and the teller would not let her go to the restroom. She finished her business and left the bank hoping to find a bathroom before her next business. However, she could not make it and had to go behind some bushes. A cop happened to be (pee-ping) nearby and arrested her. She was out on 500 dollars bail. It is strange, but the maximum punishment for public urination is 3 months in jail or 500 dollars. Now I am no legal eagle, but how can the bail be the fine? I am not sure what will be the outcome now. The funny part to me was the attorney's name...Wettermark. What is that running down my leg? Oh yes, justice!

The next article of interest was a clip I saw while I had the national news on television. A policeman was helping a motorist change his tire when another tire comes rolling by at 60 mph. It just missed the officer and had he not moved a few seconds earlier he would have been "tired." It did put a mark on his handgun. And you thought your job made you feel run down.

Well those are a couple of things to keep me going and going. Watch those skidmarks.

The good, bad, and ugly

Hello to you living day by day

In case you are keeping score: The good is some news, the bad has been the past few days, and ugly has been my attitude.

Finally had a bit of good news this morning. I was glad to hear it because I was beginning to not enjoy this week. Things kept piling up and getting on my nerves. I have been in a bad mood all week. My days have been trying to get even. My tightrope of sanity was about to break.

It is funny how it is the little things that bother me. Most of it is admittedly minor annoyances. I don't think I will be able to do anything about them except stay in the house all day. Wendy or the cats will probably not let me do that.

I think things will get better. Either that or I will go into a psychotic rampage.

On track

Greetings you eternal seekers of the sunshine

Yesterday was however many days we had some rain. It seems we have been getting some measure of rain or storm each day for awhile. I heard that we have been pretty dry recently, so it is good someone gets some rain for a rainy, uh, make that dry day.

I cut the grass yesterday. I do not remember the last time I cut it. It looked high in some spots, but not too bad. It was high as I cut it though. I had not been motivated to run the mower over since the weather has not cooperated much. It seems that most people in our neighborhood have not been trimming their grass either. Our neighbors have a high patch in their yard. It will be tough for them to cut.

I went to the Y with Wendy last night. It was the first time I had been to workout in several months. It was hard. We walked on the treadmill and the elliptical. I was not really sore, just ready for it to be over. It was not as bad as I thought it was going to be. Every time I get off the treadmill my legs feel like they are still moving. The elliptical did not seem to affect me. Although it takes me a minute to get it started.

I did get in my exercise yesterday, most of it all in one place.

Moanday

Greetings to those on the brink of insanity

Yesterday was a rough day. I had no intention of getting up yesterday morning. I got a full night's sleep, but wanted more. I woke up just to take another nap. I did not feel like moving. I should have let that be my guide.

At work just about every machine my supervisor and I were working with needed more repair than the job took. It started off with a light, then moved to a folding machine, and at the end of the day our UPS machine. My supervisor summed it up with, "It has been one problem after another." My feelings were not hurt with the end of yesterday.

I hope that today is better because I have a lot of work to do. I hope none of it requires babying a group of machines.

Dream a little dream for me

Hello you dare to dreamers

It is pretty rare that I remember having any dreams. I hear that everyone dreams every night, even if you don't think you do. If I do remember having a dream, then the moment I wake up it is gone. I hear that some people keep a notepad right by the bed to record their dreams. It seems vivid when I first wake up and then the moment I take a step it jars the dream out. I begin the forget what I just dreamed. I think I get the sensation I dream when I go to bed late. I am not sure if has something to do with the interrupted sleep pattern or the dream has to go into overload.

This past night I feel like I had a strange dream. Since the memory of the dream is already leaving this might seem incoherent. What else is new about my writing? I do not recall if I was part of the storyline or just an observer. The parts that seemed funny to me, I recall being an observer.

In one part of the dream here was some kind of fundraiser between Michael Jackson and someone. I am not sure who it was. I get the feeling that Michael Jackson was raising money for Barack Obama. The amount was 16 million. Does that mean anything? In the dream the TV kept showing the money results like a race. It seems like people were going crazy.

I feel like one another part of the dream was some kind of movie. It seems like it was set in the future and there was an alien attack. I remember the president was played by Scott Bakula. He had gray hair and silver shiny jumpsuit. The part that I found funny was he was on the phone talking to the aliens. You know how they dramatize the phone conversation. The lead talks in that low determined whisper. It seems that in every movie the president is on the phone. My funny thought was that is why the country is in debt. It is all those long distance charges. You would think the president would have a better plan.

Unfortunately, or fortunately, those are the only things I remember about my dream. I know Martin Luther King Jr I am not.

At the Car Wash

Hello all you sprayers and scrubbers

Yesterday I had to take a company car to a car wash so that someone up the food chain will have a set of wheels. I did not have much going on at the moment, so I was available. Plus the woman was going to be in the building that day instead of Monday.

So I made my way to the car wash. Don't worry, if you were, it was a full service car wash. I pull up for the attendant to take one of the company's credit cards. Whoops! I am informed that their machine is malfunctioning and at the moment they are only able to accept cold, hard cash. Well dependent on the location of the money. Of course I had no cash. So I ask for the nearby SECU. The attendant tells me it is a few miles up the road on the right. So I go down the road and find the bank. I withdraw money, a little extra for myself too. Thankfully I had gotten paid early that morning. Thank you direct deposit. This was on my card, not the work account.

I head back to the car wash place and now there are cars in front of me. When I first pulled up there were no cars around. Fortunately I was second in line. The attendant took my money and did whatever it is they do. They wash, scrub, dry, and vacuum.

I return to the car. I had noticed that the skies were getting dark. As I fuel up the vehicle at the gas station near the building, it begins to rain. Why is it that is seems to rain when you wash a car? This week however, it has rained every afternoon. It is one of those rains that pours down for 10 minutes then stops. Maybe storms a little bit.

When I get back to the building my supervisor reimburses me. That concludes the adventure of the car wash, the storm, and all that I had to dew.

Pain the butt

Hello to those who are seated and paying attention

As you might know Wendy and I have Maya, her niece, staying in town with us. Last weekend we took Maya to the pool. Both Maya and Wendy enjoy the pool. At this particular giant tub of water is a water slide. Maya went down the slide at least 20 times. She even convinced me to go down it. I went twice. The first out of obligation and the second out of stupidity.

The slide itself is not bad. It is made of twists and turns which deposits you into 3 feet of water. The only problem was that in the twists and turns I must have bumped my rump. I have had a sore tailbone for the past couple of days. Fortunately, I do not feel it all the time. It seems to affect the most when I sit on the furniture at home. I am not sure if it is the way I am sitting. I must lean further back when I sit here. I know when I first sit down it is like a swift kick.

Some of you may have seen this, but what is the deal with impression left after you get up from a chair? I always seem to leave two big crevices in the seat. One more and I would be tres cheek. An attempt at a French joke that fell behind. I know that men are not known for their butts. Except for Beavis and Butthead. Most men have no butts so their pants seem to sag in the back. It should leave room for the big wallets and sport trophies.

Well I took my crack at it. Try not to be a difficult derriere.

Lip service-Now feeding billions

Hello to all you out there and in here

Not too much to report on the homeostasis. Wendy and I are taking Maya back to her mama on Saturday. We helped a friend prime the walls to her former apartment last night. It was not too bad. The walls only had to be primed for my friend to move out. The group was surprised we knocked it out in two hours. The job that is, nothing was broken.

On the way to work this morning I noticed a traffic pattern. When you want to make a left turn at a light, it seems that the first car speeds by. Then the next car drives slow. This causes just enough pause for you not to go so another car can come along. I guess I can't fault the slow driver. Odds are that person is driving the speed limit. I suppose we cannot punish the law followers.

I wish that I had a job with early morning hours. I would not mind working from 5 am to about noon. Of course I say that now. I think I would like this anyway. That way when I go home for lunch, I get to go home. Then I have the rest of the day to do what I want. Probably read and fall asleep. A man can dream can't he? Especially if he naps several times a day.

Since Maya has been in town, I have seen my share of the Disney channel. I have to say that the kid actors do a pretty good job. They have more talent and money than I do. I am also impressed with the writers and creators of those shows.

Well that has been a random assortment. They say you get what you pay for and this was free. So you can take that how you want.

Naglected

Hello all you who wished I was gone

I know I have not filled you eyes with the random lately. I have been in the area, sort of. It has been a busy past couple of days. Work has been standing room only. Wendy and I have her niece in town with us. She has been beating me badly in Wii contests. Now I know why I am not allowed inanimate objects.

It has been a rough couple of days. It seemed for a few days this weekend we kept getting hit with bad news. I hope that it works itself out. We will make it even if we have to read the instructions.


I think things are beginning to get back to normal. Work is its usual pace. We will have Maya until the end of the week. My life is boring as usual.

So if you see me wandering around, just point me in the right direction.

Air today

Breathing...check.

Hello all you given to flights of fancy.

This morning or near the time of this post, I am taking a friend to the airport. It is amazing with the suggested 90 minute early arrival to the airport before the flight that an early flight becomes an earlier flight. My friend leaves at 7:30 am so that means she gets to the airport at 6 am.

Good thing I am a morning person. Also a good thing we live close to the airport.

Quiet storm now with extra noise

Good morning those safe and dry

Last night we got some storms (check your viewing area). I was surprised at the strength of them. Earlier in the evening the radar had storms to the west and east of us, but not above us. Hours later we were hit with the rain.

I woke up about one o'clock. I looked over and saw that Wendy was not in bed. She could not sleep and went downstairs. So I went downstairs for a little bit to join her. It was raining pretty heavy and even thunder and lightning. I think it continued through the night. Fortunately we were able to get some sleep.

I think the rain is supposed to start slacking off today. So if you are in those weekend plans I don't think the moisture on your body is rain. It is probably sweat.

Large and in charge

Hello all you refrigerator raiders

Wendy and I watched the movie "Phat Girls" last night. I was thinking that it was going to be a stupid movie, but I was wrong. It was actually pretty funny. They had lines in the movie that bordered on wrong, but fully built residence in hilarity. The basic plot in the movie is the main character is struggling with weight as her identity. To struggle against the fit/fat debate in society she develops a sassy attitude, but deep down wants to be loved. It ends the way Hollywood loves to end romantic comedies. She finds true love and gets the amazing career.

It is all about the attitude. She recognizes a love for herself and acceptance. That is why those movies are enjoyed because it shows that one can make a difference. We don't have to bodify our selves to the world's image. Follow your dreams. Oh, it doesn't hurt to have the boss like your ideas either.

Sticking out like a sore thumb

Hello all you with opposable thumbs

I know you are sick of hearing about my struggles at work. Well hopefully this will be the last for the time being anyway. Today was a day of minor annoyances. Little things did not work for me today. I enclosed both my thumbs on two different copiers. Once this morning as I was trying to open a drawer. Then I did it this afternoon with the other thumb trying to close a drawer. I think I will be able to go back to hitchhiking in the next day or two.

Just a quick question. Why do things that you think will not take that long always get drawn out?

That is about it for me. Maybe I will have something better to report. Now, laundry wants to be rescued.

Stood up

Hello all you leg stretchers

Today was a long day at work. However the time did go by fast. I was standing at two machines all day. I am trying to finish up a job, but I am still working with it. You know how you wish to be done with something so you put in a long length of time. That was me today. I hope to finish the task I have been working on because I have a couple more tasks to do after that. I think this will be one of those busy weeks.

I think I did get my rest in this morning. I slept a lot last night and laid around this morning. I will see how the rest of the week goes.

Picture this

Hello all you people in the background

This weekend Wendy and I went to visit some of my relatives. It was sort of a family reunion on mom's side. My aunt who lives in Florida is in NC for her yearly visit. So my mom, her older sister, and older brother were all together this week in the house where they grew up. When I was young, my family would go visit a lot. Since we have gotten older we don't get to go too often, only on special occasions.

It was good to see my aunts and uncle and cousins and nephew and nieces, oh my. It is amazing to see children that you don't see too often because they grow up so fast. The last I remember seeing the children they were walking around a little bit, but now they are full throttle. Children are pretty funny until they start crying. I got to meet the newest addition to the family. She spent the time in her daddy's arms sleeping.

Plus you cannot go wrong with not-your-home cooking. There was a lot of variety to choose from and it was all good. I have to say that Wendy and my families do well in the food department.

Last night before we left, boxes of old treasures were taken out. The boxes were full of photos, cards, and other mementos. You forget how young you looked when as you see yourself as a baby. It is pretty weird to see your parents as children and teens. It is amusing to hear them say, "What was I wearing?" Just remember when your parents break out your baby pictures there are probably some funny ones of them in there also.

It was a pretty good week to see family on both sides. This week will be a work week most likely.

Weekends, lies, and videotapes

Hello all you who are out and about,

It is almost the weekend. Many of you are off work or about to get off work or just getting ready for work. The phrase heard most on Friday afternoon is "What are you doing this weekend?" I got to thinking about that today. Most people say, "Oh not much" or "sitting around the house" or "hanging out." You might even get the old standby of "rearranging my sock drawer." Who wears socks anymore who the prevalence of sandals and flip flops? Nobody really says anything worthwhile. I know after a long week that it is enjoyable to relax.

What if people just made things up?

I think it would go like this--

"What are you doing this weekend?"
"Oh, just starting an intergalactic war. Thanks to NASA reviving the space program. How about you?"
"Me? Just trying to get into the Guinness Book of Records for eating the most cupcakes. I am up to 312."

I know our lives are not this great. Plus if you said this then the person would you how it went Monday. You probably don't want to talk to them anyway. So out of convenience we do give the standard answers.

However with the wide access of Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and camera cell phones we can know what you are doing this weekend. Mostly because you are broadcasting it. I don't need to ask. I can log on and see what you are doing. By the way that is a nice shirt, can I borrow it? You can leave the cupcake stains if you want.

So have a wild weekend. Whatever you do just smile and nod when they ask.

Lessons from the lake

Hello all you swimmers and non-swimmers

I have returned White Lake. It was a pretty good experience. I wish that Wendy could have gone, but she could not get off work. Wendy's parents rented a place at White Lake for a couple of days. They were down since Monday. Wendy's sister and her daughter joined them. Hence we have Chance.

I took yesterday and today off to join the family since Wendy was not able to go. I left Wednesday morning after my dentist appointment. It went okay for a trip to the dentist. I reached White Lake around 11 am. The place where we stayed was pretty nice. It was capable of sleeping ten. We had six, so we were okay. The place was pretty clean and close to lake access. I was surprised that it had two televisions with cable. Most of the beds were bunks and cots. I slept on a cot. It was comfortable enough for me to sleep.

The lake itself was okay. It was only four feet deep. Which is fine with me since I am not a great swimmer. Most of Wednesday I spent in the lake with Wendy's dad wading in the water. Wendy's niece and her friend did not want to get into the water until the evening. By the evening they were ready to get in the water and enjoyed diving off the pier.

I tried to put on sunscreen so I would not get burnt. I think I did pretty well. I do not feel burnt. There might be a little redness on my right shoulder.

There are some observations I have from the trip.

1) I saw a guy who was purple. I am not sure if had too much sun or what. It may have been the reflection, but to me he looked burnt. Fun in the sun anyone?

2) I saw a woman who was in her 60s or had not aged well in a two piece swimsuit. Grandma give me a dollar in a card so I may cover my eyes.

3) People love tattoos. I saw a bunch of people with them. Most that had one had multiple ones. It was most often women that had them. Must be an accessory thing.

4) Children like to whine. I could hear all over children and their parents discussing matters. I am not sure who threw the worst tantrums though. Wendy's niece and her friend were in bad moods when I first got there, but made up.

5) Girls are strange. Wendy's niece is 10 and so was her friend. One minute they would act 17 and the next like they were 5. One day I might understand girls. Naaa.

It was a good trip and I had fun. Wendy's dad has already booked the place for next year. I'll see what happens.