Cross in your fingers

I am fall from a theologian, even though I did go to divinity school.  I had a great thought in my mind, or at least it seemed like a great one to me.  Of course it was a week or two ago and now I am cannot express it.  Here is some kind of effort.

I was thinking about the cross.  It being close to Good Friday.  I do not think about the cross very often.  I do not own any cross memorabilia nor have any special attachment to it. The empty cross decorates many churches and is a witness to many people.  In thinking about it, the cross is a good reminder.  Hopefully I will not say anything too heretical.

The cross is a reminder that sometimes you have to suffer.  It is a instrument of pain.  Even the Bible says we are to carry our cross.

The empty cross is a sign of victory.  I know this is a reach, but I was reminded that it looks like a sword stuck in the ground.  In my mind, the sword is at rest.  So victory is achieved.

The empty cross is a sign of God's providence.  Things will work out.  Maybe in the short term not as you wish.  Jesus had to hang on for awhile, but is not there now.  Men in power tried to use the cross as an end (of Jesus' physical life), but God used it as a beginning (salvation for more people than Jesus could have touched humanly).  People have one thing in mind and God has another.  I think there is a verse in the Bible about a saying you intended this for evil, but God was able to use it.  *Side note...I looked it up, thanks internet, to see it referred to Joseph when he had been sold into slavery by his brothers.*

Easter is a big time of year for Christians.  It is about the reminder of God's promise.  God will be with us through the rough times.  God has something better for us.  Just look at that empty cross and then into your full heart.

Rush decision

I do not particularly follow current events, but I do hear snippets.  I saw that a group of sponsors are pulling out support from the Rush Limbaugh Show.  Apparently he made rude comments directed to a young woman.  My thought is that Rush is paid to be controversial.  That is why people listen to him.  His fans because they agree and people who hate him because they want him to say something that can use as a sound bite.

Granted what he said is mean and probably uncalled for, but so what.  I have heard that a couple of professional people have been fired for saying things.  However, what if we were held to strict standards.  Think how many points on our licenses we would have for calling other drivers jerks or even worse.

I know that people need to watch what they say and not be so mean to one another.  At the same time, people need to learn to not take name calling so seriously.  I know that bullying is a serious case and another matter, before you say something negative to me.  I guess it is best to keep your comments to yourself or someone close who will not make it public.  With the access to social media, that can be tough.

Identity Crisis

The other day I get a call from Wendy.  She says that some representative from a credit card collection agency is calling to speak with me.  The representative tells Wendy that I have opened a Sears card.  Wendy tries to assure the person this is not the case, but to no avail.

So I get online at Sears to see if I have such a card.  I want to know what Sears has on me before I can the credit card company.  I have gotten this automated messages in the past and just hang up because I know I have not opened a card.  I track down a number to call and check about the Sears credit card.  To my amazement, the automated voice says I have a card.  To my astonishment it says I have a balance...of $1800.  So I speak to a human representative.  Looks like someone bought a 60 inch Panasonic television and PlayStation 3.

Apparently, I am a victim of identity theft. The people I talk to are really nice.  They ask for information and say the account will be closed.  I am, thankfully, not responsible for the charges.  I will have to fill out some additional information to send it.  My credit report now has a seven year advisement on it.  I do not do much with my credit anyway.

A couple of things get me.  One...the person had my name and social security number, but put another address.  How did that pass the application stage?  Do they not check to see it matches up?  Two...how did the person get credit in my name when I cannot even get credit.  I have only applied for one card and I was declined because I did not have enough credit.

I guess you have to give credit where credit is due.

Taken in tablet form

I really desire to get a tablet.
"Oh, really?  Why do you want one?"
Because they are cool.
"Come on.  Anyone who says 'cool' is not with it.  Would you actually use it?"
Sure.  I think.
"Do you know how to use it?"
Um, not right now.
"Can you afford one?"
Um, not right now.
"Do you know which one you want?"
Not really.
"I can see why you do not have one."

Okay, you caught me.   I want to be the next Moses.  Here is the 11th commandment.  Only kidding.

It would be really nice to have a tablet.  I do think they look interesting.  I am not sure which one I would want.  I am leaning toward one with a bigger screen.  However, they are more expensive and I am cheap.  If the idea is to carry one around, would the bigger screen make sense?  I do not always make sense though, talk to Wendy and be prepared to listen a long time on that one.

I am hoping with all the new technology and companies fighting to produce tablets that the price will come down.  Right now my breaking point is $200 and I would love to pay less than that.   Way less.  At least waiting will give me a chance to save up my money.

Right now I will just have to dream and want one.  The price of the tablet and my indecision is a tough one to swallow.

Jokes on me

Have you ever had a thought that was hilarious to you, but you try and retell it only to have the other person look at you like you are crazy.  Then to hear, "I don't get it."  Unfortunately, that happens to me most of the time.

Humor is definitely a contextual thing.  It is because it is relational.  The punchline happened to us or we are glad it happened to someone else.  Without context the joke is lost.  Most of the comedians today focus on the observation style.  If  the material is not familiar then most people will not enjoy the routine.  Experience is a main part of humor.  Those who experience life are often the ones with the sense of humor.

The key to being funny is taking an ordinary situation and making a person see another side.  If one can do that, then he can laugh all the way to the bank.

Balance beam to the head

I saw some headline saying that a news reporting radio network now wants to consider its reporting to be "fair and balanced."  Of course this is also one of the slogans of a television network.  The radio station and the television station are on opposite sides of the political viewpoint.

My hypothesis is that people do not really care about fair and balanced news.  They will watch or listen to the program because it agrees with them.  We want to be informed about our opinions we already have.  Sure the program may have a guest from across the aisle, but most of the time it is the host yelling over the guest.  The majority of people have their favorite.  Most of the time that favorite is what they already believe.

Well, of course, there is the main reason people watch a certain program.  They think the host is hot.

Lament jello

Alright, this has been on of those weeks.  Fortunately, not one where everything bad is happening, but one where I question my life's purpose.  I will be the first to admit that I do not have any initiative.  That could be why I am lamenting my situation right now. 

I look around and see all that people have.  Not that I do not want them to have it or I want it for myself, but just the opportunity.  It is interesting to see all the gadgets people have, the fancy trips they seem to always take, or even the expensive restaurants they say are their "favorite".

I do have a pretty good life.  A wife who loves.  A well behaved child, the majority of the time.  A job and place to live.  Although they could be better.

I know you get what you put in.  It is one of those times where I wish I had put in more.  I admit I am ready to receive what I wished I put in.

I do know that wishing is like jello, it just slips through your hands.

Garbage in, Keys out

Friday, in our neighborhood, is trash day.  Part of the money I pay to the Town of Cary goes to garbage pickup.  The container is one of those large plastic bins on wheels.  Basically, a large rolling trash can.  I try to put the container on the curb on Thursday night, so no to wake Wendy by rolling the thing at 6 am past the bedroom window.  I try to be considerate, especially when she says do not be a moron.  So the trash can is on the curb.

As I am getting ready to leave the house, I see a paper cup and some other trash that I missed when taking out the bag.  The leftover trash fits nicely into the cup.  So out the door I go with my lunch, keys, and trash in hand.  I go up to the container and try to lift the lid.  I throw it up, since it is connected, to try and drop in the trash.  Part of the trash goes in, some falls to the ground.  So I pick it up and try again.  This time along with the trash, my keys go into the container.  Of course they fall to the bottom.  I put my items on my car and try to dig out the keys.  I just cannot reach.  So I have to lean over the trash can.  Somehow the keys defy gravity and end up on the top of the bottom of the container.   So I have to dig through all the trash to find my keys.  I have to crawl into the trash can.  Plus I have to get on the ground and it is wet, so now the knees on my pants are wet.

I was able to get my keys without making too much of a mess.  However, it was just another example of the annoyances I have faced this week.

Feeling weak

This has not been a great week for me.  It has definitely rained on my parade and I am not sure if it is rain.  I have had the three strike rule this week.  Especially in the area of shelling out money.

Toward the end of last week, I started feeling nauseous and extremely tired.  I do not think it was the big virus, but it was something.  Off and on this week, my nose has gone from being stopped up to running.

For a couple of days I noticed my brakes were making a horrible noise when pressed.  I figured it was time to get them checked.  My car was taken to the shop and I had to have new pads put on.  The old ones were metal to metal.  I was hoping for one figure and received another.

Last week I sent in an application.  I noticed on the website that the place to send it to did not have a zip code.  When I looked it up on the post office website, it was not a valid address.  I thought that is weird, but still sent it.  The application was due on the 22nd by 5:00 pm.  This was the 16th.  Plenty of time, right?  Ha.  Of course Monday was a holiday.  So Tuesday, uh the 22nd, after 5:00 what do I see when I check my mail.  My application in my mailbox, with a sticker saying non deliverable address.  I call the place to see what can be done.  The person on the phone says well as long as it is posted marked by the date, it will be accepted.  However, the post office is already closed.  So I ask can I fax it.  She gives me the number, but is very non committal.  I rush over to work to fax the document.  This is around 5:30.  I see the time stamp say 6:24 pm, but do not think  much about it.  I should have just put the thing the mail with the old label.  I plan to call the next morning and make sure the fax was received.  However, I get tied up at work and receive a call from Wendy.  "Don't bother."  Because the application was not received in time, it is null and void.  Pardon!!!!???  I could have mailed it and you receive days later, but it I fax it the day off and 30 minutes after it is void.  What kind of cow droppings out a rodent's posterior is that?  Wendy pleaded with the lady, because she called the house.  I guess she saw caller id, because the application had another number.  We were depressed, needless to say.

Yesterday, within the first hour of work, my glasses fall off my face into two pieces.  Just snapped and not evenly so I could tape or glue them.  So I had to scramble to get new glasses because I cannot see without them.  The place I previously purchased glasses said the old pair could not be salvaged.  I had to track down my prescription, of course it was expired.  Fortunately, the eye doctor was able to work me in for an eye exam.  My vision had not changed that much.  So it was the cost of a copay.  Then after work Wendy helped me pick out new frames.  She wanted me to get new glasses for several years, but we have not had the chance.  Now is the time.  We pick out the new frames and have to spend $250 by the time it is over.  You may know this, but glasses are expensive.

For those keeping score at home.  My glasses broke and my application was rejected the same day.

Well at least today is Friday.  Hopefully, that is some good news.

What is in store?

The other day Wendy was organizing the house.  She wanted to make room for Ava.  A challenge, considering the design of our house and the items strewn in the house.  Wendy was ready to go through older items and find them a new home.  She went through piles of clothing and commented to me, "I found stuff I didn't know I even had."  Local thrift store, expect some goodies from us in the near future.

I am not much of a collector.  Sure I used to buy comics and CDs.  I am more of a setter aside.  I get something and just put it aside thinking I will use it again.  My definition of use it again often becomes when I have to move it because it is in my way or in Wendy's way.  Wendy while cleaning found a pile of older clothes of mine, that I set aside thinking I would use them around the house.  Ha ha.  They are only sitting around the house.

As long as items are piled together, it does not bother me as much.  Then I tend not to see them until forced to look at it.

I guess the phrase "Use it or lose it" is true.  If something is not used, then it does become lost in a pile of junk.  Or to misquote Wendy, "One man's junk is...in my way!"

Snow what?

Alright, you winter wonderland walkers, it is your turn.  Last night we received some frozen precipitation.  The  first of the year for our area.  According to last year, we are really behind, but that is okay with me.  I would prefer to not see the snow. If it does come, I want it to be gone by the time I need to head to work.  Not because I love work, because I do not want a hassle in getting there.

Today would be a good day for a delay, because the traditional school calendar already has the day off.  Plus it is a federal holiday.  So traffic should be light to began with.

I do not think this weather will last long.  The roads are wet and the snow is on the grass.  The good news is that it is above freezing.

My question is why have the past two Sundays been so cold?  Would not with "Sun" in your name mean nice weather?  It is supposed to happen this Sunday again, with the week in the 60s and Sunday in the 40s.

Give them an inch, it will slow things down a mile.

I love you more today than yesterday

But only because I  have to.  Only kidding.

Today is Valentine's Day.  A day when you are supposed to tell others how you feel about them. Well the positive things at least.  Some see it as a time of loneliness.  However, you always have someone.

Sure, people say that Valentine's Day was created to make money.  "It is too commercial."   So what?!  Tell that special someone how you feel and show him or her.  Okay, maybe, he/she would rather have the expensive toy or fancy feast than spend time with you.  That is okay too because you are the one who puts the toy together and comforts him or her when not feeling well.

I guess you can tell I do not have any money to spend on a valentine...

Happy Valentine's Day Wendy, Joy, and Ava.

Looking forward to the tomorrow.

Tough pill to swallow

Greetings to those in the present and to those in the future,

What is the vendetta against our future generation?  All the talk about abortion and birth control pills, is someone trying to catch them coming and going?  I thought children where our future.  If they do make it, they are going to be upset.  I do not follow the news closely, so I only hear random things.  Like most men, I only hear what I want to hear.

I do not understand this new or is it former mandate about birth control pills being offered without a copay.  I do not take them, so I do not know much about them.  My thought is, is there not a more important drug to do without a copay?!  I have no idea of how insurance works, but if now it is thought the insurance company will do it for free?  Think again.  There will be a different cost.  I am not a business person, but if I offer something free to my customers, I am charging them elsewhere.

Should insurance be reformed?  Probably.  Unfortunately, there is no magic little pill.

I could be the worst person in the world

There, at least to me, are three ways to look at evil in the world.  Or the way people do bad things.  The easiest is when people do outright evil things.  It is just because they can.  The second is when people want to do good but evil happens anyway.  I do not fully understand the whole Susan G. Komen and Planned Parenthood thing, but in my mind that may be what is happening.  The third one, which I am guilty of, is doing nothing.  People who do not care enough to act.  I admit I am apathetic most of the time.  If it does not directly affect me then it is not my business.  Sure, I will give my commentary to Wendy.  However, I will not do anything.  I am probably high on the list of doing nothing.

When one does nothing could be the worst because it involves the most numbers.  If people do care and act, change can happen.  Ask SGK, Verizon, and other companies who tried to make a change customers did not like.

What is good and evil?  I am not an expert on that.  Is the majority always right?  Not really.  Will people who get involved do the right thing?  Sometimes not.

We are called to act.  It is important to act on what one believes.  I believe I care for my wife, but she does not know until I act on it.

The JOY of fatherhood

It certainly seems that having babies is the popular thing to do.

Wendy has put up some posts about the progress of Joy recently.  I guess I should put up a least one, since I have not in awhile.

It is amazing to me what a mimic Joy is.  She loves to cough after someone.  Bye-bye is a favorite phrase to repeat when the phone is hung up.  I am not quite sure where she picked up this, but Joy will hold the phone to her ear, throw back her head, and exclaim "Hmm.  Oh!"

Joy loves trying to climb on the couch.  She can lift one leg, but cannot quite get high enough to get on the couch.  She can extend on her tiptoes and pull things down.  Fortunately, more often than not she will put it back, if you ask her to.

It is a heartwarming encounter to have Joy be happy to see me after a day at work.  I try to get on the floor and play with her.  She enjoys reclining against me and trying to sit on my lap.  At least until something else gets her attention.

Joy enjoys bringing books to read and looking through them herself.  When I try to read to her, she likes to explore the room.  Must be my reading style.

So far fatherhood has been a good experience.  I hope the good outweigh the bad.  Soon I will have a whole new experience with another girl...

Survey the area

I recently took a survey for a company.  The majority of the questions were the same, only worded another way. Is that annoy to you?

If you had to read multiple questions dealing with the same subject would you be irritated if they are worded differently?

To be honest, I am not a big fan of those questions that want you to answer with a range of emotion.

Strongly agree.

Money, like grass, is greener on the other side

I will be the first to admit that I know nothing about money.  I can spend it occasionally, well more than I like.  However, I cannot seem to keep more than I like.

It seems that a wealthy presidential contender pays a tax rate that is below what some Americans pay, yet he has loads more money.  Money is a subject which raises many people's interest.  Especially when another person has more.  A first thought is why does that person have so much and the second thought is how can I get some of it.

Due to the severe outlook of the economy, the majority of our leaders seem to be talking about what is fair.  I did not listen to the speech but apparently the President talked about people getting what their fair share.  What does that mean?  At first glance, it seems that everyone should be equal in the amount of money.  However, if I look at my demented worldview then it would be fair that some people make less and others make more.


Do I want to work harder for my money?  NO!  Am I jealous of people with money?  PROBABLY!  Should it be a motivation to make myself more successful?  YES!  Now I know that money is the answer to success.  It is all about what you do with it that makes you a success.

To my limited understanding, if you truly wanted to be fair, then have a flat tax.  Everyone pays the same percentage.  That is fair.  Of course the rates are going to be skewed because it is harder for a person making $10,000 to pay that 15% than someone making one million.


I am not sure of what the answer is.  I am not sure what the question is either.  That is why people make the big bucks and I seem to spend it.

Putting the Kart before the horsepower

Last night I went to a go kart establishment for a guys' night out.  A friend threw a surprise birthday party.  I do not know the last time I have driven a go kart before last night.  To be honest, I am not much of a driver.  It looked a little intimidating.  People were putting on caps and helmets.  There was the briefing room.  I wondered if I would get claustrophobic in the harness.  Plus what if I had to go to the bathroom?  We even had to sign some release form.

They call our group back to the briefing room.  The attendant flies through the meaning of the flags and signs.  We put on our gear.  The head cap, helmet, and neck brace.  Then we get into the go karts.  It is five minutes of warm up, five minutes of qualifying, and ten minutes of bogeity bogeity.

The track is full of turns.  I worry I may spin out.  I never did.  The dumbest thing I did was pit too early.  I saw a red light after the first part and thought they wanted us to pit.  Turns out I was wrong.  I am sure the attendants thought I was a dummy.

I was the slowest one out there.  So I started in the last position.  After a few laps I did pass someone.  I think he got tired and just slowed down.  However, there was no way I was catching up to the rest of the group.  They were too far ahead.  I was hoping I would not get lapped, but right at the end the leader passed me and then they waved the checkered flag.

We were given a printout of our times.  I did improve since the warmup, but was still five seconds behind everybody.  I do not know how they did it.

It was fun, but I not really my style.  Once we got out of the karts everyone was saying they could not see how professional race car drivers do it.  It was a little tough on the body.  I was slung around some.

I am not sure how I received it, but I have a bruise or scrape on my tailbone.  Probably where my butt was kicked in racing.

Throw the book at me

I read a line in a book that read "everyone has a book in them."  I wonder if that is true?  I think it would be neat to write one.  However, I am not exact;y the best at communicating my thoughts.  Especially on paper.  When I write I am under the assumption no one will read it, least of all me.

All that being written, I have come up with an idea four a book.  It is about success.  There are a lot of books on finding success out there.  So why not one more?  This one looks at success from the roles of a family.  The marketing part is that once I do one, it can lead into another.  Most of the books are written off one another anyway.  I have in no way fleshed it out, but I have the simple premise.

I think the title will be FourFill Your Life.  It looks at success in the four roles of a family.  Admittedly, this is only a representation family.  The Father, Mother, Baby, and Pet.

Father- The responsible one.  Does the tasks of provision.  Decision maker.
Mother- Compassion.  Emotional needs.  Caretaker.
Baby- Centered on personal needs.
Pet- Loyal

I think if you apply these aspects to your life you will be successful.  How?  Read the book.  If I can think how to write it.

Square peg in a round hole

Everyone talks about the way to success is being a well rounded person.  I do not have in the mind the physical kind, but the one who can do it all.  Some work experts say that is not the way to be.

A couple of books that I have read recently on strengths in a life and workplace, have studies to show that it is okay to focus on one thing.  It is okay to be known for that one thing.  Hey, it worked for the "one hit wonders."  Studies cite examples of children who made an A in one subject and a lower grade in another, but the parent focused on improving the low grade.  The premise of the books was to focus on that one thing to increase that strength.

Not to say that you totally forego everything else.  That would not be wise.  It is important to have people around you who can fill in the gaps.  Even the Bible talks about that with the body in I Corinthians 12.

So remember it is okay to be number one.

Thank you, Google!

Wow!

Google just saved me 8 hours.  My e-mail account sent me a reminder that I do not have to go into work today.

Technology is nice.  I have to use the auto feature to remember the websites I visit.  It really saves me a lot of time.

Of course technology is only useful when it works.  If it does not, then it is a monument to a failure.  The machine or the person behind it?  I will let you "Google" that.

Have a good day being off work, if you are.  If not then keep up with others who are not at work.

Failure of resolve leads to old problems

It is that time of year again.  Time to re-evaluate the good, bad, and ugly.  I can already feel my anticipation waning.  I am not a goal oriented person.  I know what I need to do and I do it, if it is short term and not too stressing.  Sure I like to dream about a brighter future.  The difficult part for me is thinking up steps to actually make it materialize.  I fall into routine or lack the initiative to follow through.  They are called ruts because one occupies the same space everyday.

Perhaps that should be new resolve.  To have more resolve.  I tend to give up when it gets tough.  I see the 45 minute prep time and not the 5 minutes of enjoying the dessert.

The thing about life is getting out what is put into it.  I know that I have "lucked" or been blessed into things.  Most, if not all, I have has been given to me.  What do I bring to a relationship?  A lot of times it seems not much.

However, life requires active participation.  If I want a handout, I have to make sure my hand has been emptied by giving to someone else.

Maybe 2012 will be my year of drive and then I can enjoy the ride.

Read the signs

First off a question.  Why when I visit certain websites that require a login name and password is the Remember me button checked but grayed out, yet I still have to type in my information?

Happy New Year.  Unfortunately, it is the same old me.  So far this new year is not getting to a good start.  Joy has not quite been herself.  She developed  a little bit of a runny nose.

Since it is the New Year, it is a time of introspection.  Something I am not good at all.  The sermon from church referred to setting a vision.  I am not goal oriented.  People that are able to write down goals and pursue them are ones that I admire.  I talk about how great it would be to change my circumstances, but I do not put any action behind them.

Will 2012 be the year of change?  I am hoping for paper money!

Surrounded in the Red Sea

Last night Wendy and I, along with some friends, went to see the Campbell University Men's Basketball team play NC State.  It seems that Campbell is having a good year.  Well, they were for awhile.  I think they have dropped four straight, but won their first eight games.  It used to be that Campbell was known to not score well and lose badly.  They did alright against the Wolfpack last night.

I have a few observations.  First, I enjoyed the free parking.  The game was at Reynolds.  I have never been there.  It was a packed house.  An announcement was made that the game was a sell out.  I saw a few seats open.  It was general seating, which was a little hectic.  We had okay seats.  We were to the side and behind some bleachers that were set up.  Fortunately, we could still see the action.

I was surprised how many fouls there were.  There were even two technical against Campbell.  I have no idea what for, but you know how the Baptists are.  One State player did pull down a Campbell player.  It was pretty funny.  It seemed like the referees were calling everything.  The game came down to free throws.  Most of the game the Camels and the Wolfpack were trading shots.  State's offense was off the first half.  Campbell could score when they had a chance.  So the game was tied going into half time.  One of my favorite quotes was from an exasperated State fan, "Great, we are winning."

The second half Campbell lost their shooting momentum and went cold.  State hit their free throws and was able to open a lead.  The Camels did hang on, but lost by six.  The game was close until the last five minutes.  I think a lot of State fans respected Campbell, after knowing State won of course.  On the ride back home, Wendy and I heard the State commentators talking how well Campbell did.  They even said Campbell has some of the top scorers in their division.  Wow.

It is amazing to see the types of people at the games.  You definitely feel the fans presence.  Wendy got into the game pretty well.  She let out some loud cheers for the Camels.  Maybe sometime we will make it to a Campbell home game.

I saw this elderly woman navigating the aisles, barely.  She was  holding popcorn in one hand and the rail with other.  I thought she would fall over any minute.  She was at a slow pace the whole way and then disappeared. A few minutes later she came walking by again.  I wondered what she was up to.

The game was pretty fun.  I can see why people attend them.  Those are some tickets that it is nice to get.

Just blow the dust off

Is it me or does our generation just bring things back in style?  I have to ask because all the television shows and movies are remakes?  It seems like all the books have just been revised?

Is it some smart ploy to make it look like we are actually doing something?

Or is the writer of Ecclesiastes right that "there nothing new under the sun."

Making it presentable

Dear Santa's elves,

Merry Christmas!

Christmas or should I say pre-Christmas brings out the decorator instinct in people.  I admit I am not a big fan of decorations.  It is mainly because I do not like additional work.  I do not enjoy dragging them out, setting them up, and then taking it down to store it.  Plus I am not creative and do not have the decorative eye.  It is hard for me to recognize when something is straight and is it the right color.

Why do people love decorations?  Why do they get so uptight that everything has to be just right?  Do they have to be that obsessive?

After thinking about it, I may have found the reason.  It is all because of one person.  If they can please one person then it is all worth it.  That is what Christmas is all about, making it special for one person.  Because one person made it special for us.

Enjoy those gifts, even if you have no idea what it does.

Whistle while you work

I am getting ready to embark on a week away from work.  When I know a vacation is coming, I have a hard time trying to get motivated.

I would love to work only a couple of months a year and have enough money to last me through the year.  Sometimes I do not mind working, it is the process I do like.  I would love to only work a few hours and be done.  I am reading a biography on Andrew Carnegie, who claimed he could do more work in a few hours then most would do in a days time.  That is my philosophy.  Most people brag about the time they spend at work.  Are we really that busy?  What are we actually doing?

It would be hard to get work done and leave because now everything is by demand.  A person has to be accessible to meet certain demands.  My job in particular is a mixture of things I know I have to do and then other pop ups.

The only true way to coordinate your own schedule is to not do anything.  I doubt that could last very long or be very fun.  Of course you could make others think what you want to do is what they want you to do.

Monthly review

Well I looked back at my blog's schedule and it was exactly a month ago since I posted last.  Wow, how the time has flown.  Especially since I was thinking Christmas was last week.

Has anything happened in the last month? Not too much. Wendy is doing well. Joy is doing well. She is pretty interesting. She loves a phone, until she has to talk on it. Most have gotten that from her mother. Enjoys blowing kisses, saying bye-bye, and saying "roff roff." Who doesn't though?

It is Christmas time. I hope that if you do not get what you want, then you at least get what you need.

Time flies...boy are my arms tired

Nothing really knew to update. I just thought I would see if I could remember how to type. It has been awhile since I have posted anything. It is hard to believe it has been over a month. Where does the time go? I found that I enjoy second hand stores. I am sure you know about my cheapness. Wendy and I went to one the other weekend and paid less for all our items than what retail would have been on one. Granted it can be hit or miss, but finding something is the satisfaction. I found a book that retailed for over twenty dollars and paid fifty cents for it. I did not even have to get shot three times. Has there been anything on tv to watch recently? I have not had the urge to turn on the tv. I know we have shows building up in our DVR schedule. Wendy and I only watch a few shows to begin with. I have been reading briefly and then passing out on the couch. It is possible to give a shout out to my cable company. I know it can be high and seen as an unnecessary expense, but they are willing to work with me and gave me a good deal. Since I plead with them everything couple of months. Yesterday I received a new remote. Our previous remote was sticking and a nuisance. When they updated our box, Wendy asked about a remote. The technician said the experience was probably from our old box. We still had the same trouble. Yesterday I was in the mall and went to the kiosk of the cable company. The representative just handed me a new remote. No fuss. Took it home. Noticed a difference right away. A positive difference.

Icon do it

I have not read much of the news lately, but from the headlines it seems we are losing a lot of people.  The passing of Steve Jobs and before that the "retirement" of Elivra and Leonard Nimoy.

It does seem that our generation does not seem to be producing the iconic figures of the past.  Is it because of our access to more it is harder for the unique to be noticed?  I guess in the past you had one channel with the guy who everyone knows.  Now you have hundreds of channels with nobody you know.

There is not even a standout athlete anymore.  Unless you count the whiny ones or the ones which get into trouble, which is becoming frequent.

I have thought recently how will out generation be remembered?  People that do no real achievements?!  Wow,    we can do more on our phones!  What about other advances?  It seems we are focused more on entertainment.  Look at our famous people today.  People are famous for being born.  Other standouts of our generation-Mark Zuckerburg (love him or hate him), Casey Anthony (probably hate her), any young reality tv star.

I know I am looking at the forest and cannot see the trees.  It would be nice to see a few more trees that produce more than shade.

Razor burn

Sunday morning my electric razor went dead. To its credit I think it has been about two weeks since I had to charge it. Only problem, I cannot find my charger. I have no idea where it is. The razor is pretty new. I had to buy it while away from home because my other razor was beyond repair. Now I misplace the charger cord on this one. I had to order a new one because without a cord the razor is useless. In the meanwhile I have using a regular razor, trying to be more careful than previously. Because the last time I gashed my face in several places.


Why am I having such trouble with razors? Is it time for hair removal procedures on my face?

Lost, found, lost

Over the weekend Wendy, Joy, and I went to spend time with Wendy's parents. On Saturday we rode along for a family reunion in Murfreesboro, which according to my bad geography is close to the Virginia border. Wendy, Joy, Wendy's parents, and me climb into the Griffins' CRV. It has been years since the Griffins have been out this way, but Wendy's Mom has family out that way. Everything was going smoothly. We were speeding along (figuratively, for all you law enforcement) and Joy was content. About an hour into the trip, Joy started screaming. It was the inconsolable death cry. We tried giving her something to eat, but that did not help. We tried giving her something to drink, no luck either. Wendy's Mom pulled into a gas station. Wendy pulled off Joy's jacket and pants. Apparently, Joy got too hot. For the rest of the ride she was alright. Wendy has also said that the car seats are ovens. I think they need to make ones vented somehow, but what do I know about design? We pull into the restaurant for the reunion and get Joy out of the car seat to dress her. Since the weather outside was a little cool. Jacket on. Pants on. One shoe on. Second shoe....uh. It is not there. I search the car and around the car. It must have fallen out at the gas station, about 30 miles back. The reunion is finished. It was pretty nice. Buffet style food. Nice pond to walk around with ducks. Everyone complimented how beautiful Joy is. Wendy's Mom was going to return home a different route, but for kicks wanted to go back and see if the shoe was still there. We make it back to the gas station. Joy's shoe is laying where we dropped it. Sunday morning. I am packing the car with changes of clothes because after the church service and Homecoming luncheon Wendy, Joy, and I are meeting Wendy's brother and family at the Wayne County fair. However, there is a plan change and we decide to go back to Wendy's parents' house before riding to the fair. I bring all the clothes back inside. Well almost. A pair of Joy's socks are missing. I know I packed them in the car, but cannot remember when I saw them. We search everywhere. No finding luck on this though. I feel bummed because Joy does not have too many socks that fit and here I misplace a pair. Maybe they will turn up someday.

Spaced out

I am trying to figure out the new layout of blogspot.


Before I could use spacing to make myself seem more important and for the words to fill up the page.   Like using Courier New font on my papers in school.


However, now when I do a preview it runs together.


What is wrong?

I might have figured it out.  At least according to my preview.

It seemed to be the format in which I was typing.  Push enough buttons and most anything can happen.

Coming out of the shell

Wendy and I have found a new treat. We do not do it often, but we occasionally go to a Mexican restaurant to split an order of fajitas. I know that you know that I had to Google how to spell that because I was nowhere close enough for the spell check to register what I was referring to. The size of the portions of the fajitas is quite large. They give you four shells, so two a piece and there are still enough goodies left over to make a dip for the chips. It is pricey to a cheapo like me, but not when you split it. It is almost cheaper than two separate meals at a fast food place. Does anyone know how to eat concoction like that? I spent more time trying to shove everything back into the shell than eating it. I guess instead of letting the chips fall where they may, you use the chips to pick up the pieces. The good thing is no matter if it is in the shell or own the plate it is still good.

Dropping in

Over the weekend I for a certain period of time could not keep anything in my hands. Everything I touched was an experiment with gravity. Sir Isaac Newton would be proud. But I would rather have a fig newton. Here are two main things that I had the misfortune of remembering dropping. Wendy was out having a girls day. I was taking care of Joy and it was lunch time. I go to the freezer to pull out some chicken nuggets. It was like a lost game of Jenga. I would pull one thing and five others would move. We had recently been to the grocery store and loaded up on some manager specials. They treated me special alright. So I would push them back to be assaulted again. The Wendy's coffee canister fell to the floor. The impact opened the lid. So coffee grounds are on the floor. At this point I am irate. Fortunately, some coffee was saved, but I am sure I lost about half. I place the container back in the freezer. Probably more forcefully than necessary and scoop up the remnant to the trash can. Now the kitchen smells like coffee. There are worse smells I suppose. Some time later, not sure how long transpired, I am making breakfast. I am doing my alternating routine, so it is cereal. Since we have bananas in the house I like to put them in the cereal. It is a way of getting a fruit serving and feeds my compulsion of adding toppings to things. I pull the peeling off the banana. Sometimes I cut as I go, but today I pulled the banana completely out. The banana breaks in my hand. The escapee lands right in the trash can. My reaction is okay, I do not see anything disgusting in the trash can. So I pick it out and put in my cereal. George Costanza style. I always joke that if I am alone my eating habits are bizarre and I eat what is available. Those are just a couple of things that dropped into my mind. I am sure that after reading my exploits people's confidence levels and stomach will drop.

Food for thought

I did forget to add one thing to the post from earlier. I usually do leave something out. So in this case the first shall be last. Wendy, Joy, and I went grocery shopping yesterday. So we went to our favorite store. However, the deals were not there. Nothing seemed to meet out needs...for cheapness. We did not see any manager specials. I did not even the see the cart of quick sale bakery items. It was just another thing that let us down over the weekend. Alright, hopefully that will be the last of the pity party. Who wants cake?

Labor day failed to deliver

Wow, looking at the last post date it has been a long time. What has happened? Not much. The days at work have been busy. This past weekend was a holiday one for many. Yippee for me! It, unfortunately, was not a good one. Wendy and I heard about several people who are suffering with ailments. Including our pride and Joy. It appears she is suffering from diaper rash. The act of changing her diaper puts her in the throes of agony. One night over the weekend, she had us up every two hours. The good news is that she would go back to sleep for an hour 59 minutes or until she had to go to the bathroom. It is somewhat getting better, but not healed. Last night she only got us up once. I did perform a home improvement over the weekend. It was time to replace the kitchen sink, well faucet. We went to Lowe's and saw one that should fit our need. I thought that the faucet exchange would not be too bad. I have seen someone install one in around ten minutes. Of course that person knew what he was doing. Like anything I do, I reached a few hurdles. First how in the world do I get out the out sink?! Wendy graciously Googled some instructions. Of course the instructions did not match our faucet. After wondering what I was going to do it came to me. I had to undo the bottom and pull it out from the top. Another part ot the drama was that the supply lines were connected to the faucet. I did not realize this while getting my supplies. So I had to go to Lowes and pick up new ones. Then I had to put in the faucet. That lined up alright. The sprayer was what gave me the most problem. To hook up the sprayer there was a connector with two plastic push pieces. I had to struggle with the first one, but it went one. The second one was a challenge. Of course I was under the sink where there was no room. I hit my head on something repeatedly. I even called the manufactured I was so disgusted that I could not get the piece to connect. They were closed for Labor Day. After twenty of minutes of banging, yelling, and overall malaise, I look down and there is a plastic sleeve. The connector piece is not exposed and the push piece fit perfectly. After the hookup I turn on the faucet. It works! But the handles turn the wrong way. I had put in the thing facing the wrong way! After a quick exchange it is running. One problem solved, next is replacing the faucet in the bathroom. That is for another day. Another home improvement I attempted was to install a baby gate to block off our unused stairs. Wendy and I have talked about getting one for awhile. Right now we have access blocked with an old stool and the play pen. We see a gate which looks like it work. The front of the box shows our setup. We think perfect. The price was reasonable. We get home and not so much. Another crazy design of our house. The rail extends too far, so we would not be able to operate the gate. Either that or the banister is not far enough out. It does not line up! The rail needs to be taken off, cut, or raised. I figure I can try and take it down. Of course the screws are stubborn. I take a few out and Wendy says forget it, that it is not worth the trouble. Besides where would we store the thing. It is about 20 feet long, bigger than our rooms. So another project we want to do that becomes a reject. At some point the gate has to go back to the store. I cannot say that I am glad to be at work, but this was one weekend that I am glad is over.

Sling it loud

Nothing much new happening here or there. I know I am late to the party, but I did download Angry Birds. I saw I could get it for free and thought why not try it.

I tried it a few times. I did not get very far. I mentioned to Wendy that I had it. She flew through levels and made it all the way to level 21. That sounds pretty high to me, since I only made it to level three. However, she is stuck on that level. She tried for hours. I thought I would give a try. I said I will only try three times. Well three hours later, nothing.

Why do we always get addicted to stressful things? There is something that drives me when I cannot figure it out. I will try until I am given out. Most times I still have not figured it out. Then other times I am just about to give up and it falls into place.

We will see what happens during our next game.

Lawn games

It must be that time of year. Everyone is out in their yard doing some kind of maintenance. So not to feel left out, Wendy and I decided we would give it a try.

For the past several days the neighbors have had work crews in their yard. Wendy said they had a crew with chainsaws take out several trees. Then they had a crew put down grass and mulch. Then yesterday they had people out planting some green life. I told Wendy last night I hope they know these crews because that is going to be expensive. The neighbors' yard was not much to look at before. Now it looks pretty good.

We decide it is time to spruce up our yard. We have a couple of trees near the road that are dying or at least have ugly growth around them. One time, whenever it was, we did trim back and cut a few trees. One tree I had left the stump and vines grew up around it. I figured that one would be easier. So I decide to tackle that one.

Friday night we talk about doing yard work on Saturday. We wake up Saturday morning to a downpour. Well there go our plans, but wait...at 9:00 am the rain quits. So I go out and trim up the growth. I push on the stump and it comes right up. It was pretty much dead. Then it starts to sprinkle. As I am moving the limbs out of the yard, the bottom falls. I get drenched. I head inside. My clothing is stuck to me. As I pull my t-shirt off I hear a sound compatible to listening to a conch shell.

We think well the rain is set in we might as well run errands. So we do a couple of things. The rain stops for good around 2 pm. Around six o'clock I debate about going back out. There is a cedar tree that is almost dead and has growth in it. I decide to go and take a look. I am able to trim back branches. I am able to take the tree down. Now what is left is the stump. I push on it. Not moving. I pull on it. Not moving. I dig all around it. Nothing. I tried for a couple of hours, maybe not that long, but for awhile at least. Needless to say the stump is still there. There has to be some kind of root that is holding it in place that I am missing. I can move it in some places, but not in others.

Well that was my weekend and the rest involved sleeping.

The law of distraction

I will admit. I get easily distracted. Just this morning I was convinced I did something. When I checked, it was not there. Then I remembered I did something else.

I think it comes down to we all want to do something else. Or the little things pop up and block the big things.

Some distractions can be annoy. Yet, there a few that are good. Like having a nice surprise from a loved one. Wendy is good about that. Though I admit I am sometimes to boneheaded to see it.

Here is to distractions. They can be Hey! What does this button do?

It madders

At church Wendy and I are taking a class on raising children. The study is based on boundaries for children. The authors say that children need boundaries to grow into responsible adults, but at first they will not like those boundaries. It is interesting so far, but with Joy being so young it seem hard to apply.

The last lesson was on tantrums and envy. As I was reading thru the chapters, my first thought was I am worse than children. I still have tantrums today when I do not get my way. My tantrums involve sulking and beating myself up. I probably am envious of others...what they have and what they can do. I know these things only lead me to feeling more depressed with my life.

On the bright side, it is never too late to change. That frown upside down. Plus, I have a great wife and daughter. So I do have those things going for me. Other than that what more could I need? Of course they are a few things I want...

Ready for the week end

Last week was a rough week. Everything I touched went wrong. Every machine at work I was dealing with malfunctioned. I was not in a good mood all last week. I think everyday at least one bad thing happened and sometimes more than more.

I was hoping this week would be better, but it has not been great. I suppose even a little bit is am improvement.

I had a horrible headache yesterday. I think it was lingering from last week. It required me (well, Wendy was the pushing factor) to take some medicine. I think it put me out because I was exhausted. I did not feel like watching tv or reading. I even woke up later this morning than normal.

One day at a time because that is all I can handle.

Now that is service

Last Wednesday evening I was ordained as a deacon at our church. I have not been to many ordination services, maybe two if that meaning. And certainly I have not been a major participant.

I was shocked when I received a few weeks ago saying that the church wanted to affirm me as deacon. Our church seems like it has many deacons. Each deacon has a flock of about 4 to 5 families. So they do need a lot of deacons. Our church is good about trying to put people into service positions. Wendy and I have been tapped for a few things already. I know that the odds of me being chosen after awhile were good. Now was the time. I was a little apprehensive because I know it is a big commitment, plus people I know had declined.

The service was based on the passage of Scripture of the interchange between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. My church views deacons as a servant role. So we were encouraged to be living water. The newly ordained deacons, eight of us, were given a cup to symbolize being living water. It was interesting because either the cup had a mineral taste or the water did.

Then came the part everyone associates with the ordination service...the laying on of hands. Most people wonder what is said. I have always heard that you cannot really hear what the people are saying. Most of the people I could make out what they were saying. It is interesting because some people I could tell who they were, but others I could not. I could tell that some people told everyone the same thing as they went down the line.

The orientation meeting is this Thursday night. So I will learn what all is involved. It will definitely be a learning experience.

This count clothing

One, two, three strikes.

This weekend Wendy, Joy, and I visited Wendy's parents. It was one of the few weekends in a long time that her parents did not have abut four functions to attend while we were there.

Saturday Wendy wanted to get a haircut. So we left Joy with Granma and Papa. Wendy was also aware of a sale at a discount children's store. It was a promotion that you could pay 10 dollars for a plastic bag filled with clearance items. Sounds good right? Wendy envisioned lots of great deals. We got to the store around 11 am. It was pretty crowded. A few people were walking around with their bags full. The clerk enthusiastically asks us were we here for the deal. She says that the clearance item are the ones with a red line on the price tag We look through the racks. However, we do not find any items with the red line. Wendy asks a fellow shopper where the items are. The person responds there are sections in the store specifically and a few items mixed in the rest of the inventory. Wendy was looking for sleepers for Joy. Unfortunately, the selection of sleepers is not on clearance. So the good deal is not a deal for us. Wendy had the right point that this store did not have the sufficient amount of items marked clearance to carry out a sale like that. It was supposed to last from 10 am to the end of the day. We, like I said, arrived at 11 and there appeared to be nothing left.

The we go to another store where Wendy had a deal where she could spend 10 dollars and get 20 dollars worth of merchandise. Here we faced another strike out. The selection of baby clothes was not worth it. The only sleeper in the store, not a holiday theme, was over priced.

So we venture to one more store. Wendy wanted to see if this store had any dresses for her she could get for cheap. She did not find anything that peaked her interest. We went over to the baby section, just to look. Buried in other items were a two pack of sleepers. Sure they are the color blue, but that is fine.

Wendy is pretty persistent in looking for deals. It is hard to find a good deal when the selection is not what you want. She will even look through dust bunnies one by one, if there is a chance for a deal. I will fly through them and say that I looked.

Pleased as punch

I wonder where that saying originated. I need to Google it and find out. Just did. It refers back to the Punch and Judy puppets.

Last night Wendy and I watched Taken. It was an okay movie. One of those where the main character can do anything. Liam Neeson was the star. It was interesting to see him be the tough guy. He may have done some tough guy roles in the past, but I think of him in Love Actually.

I do not think I could ever take a punch or give one. However, that is not to say that I would not like to. Have you ever wanted just to start a random fight. I know it would hurt, but I would love to get thrown down a bar. I also think it would be cool to fight like the masters in those karate movies everyone does. You know, where one guy takes on seven. I could never do it though.

There are probably easier ways of hitting on people, ask a relationship expert, but they may hit back.

Hear ye, hear me?

I am not sure if I needed recovery from the weekend or it was just my usual ugh-ness, but I was off kilter yesterday. Even more than usual. Everything I touched did not work at all. It was one of those mornings where I could not even get out of bed right.

All day Wendy was giving me grief because I could not understand her. The words coming out of her mouth. If I said "What?" once, I said 50 times. I would ask her if she said something when she did not and then have no idea what she said when she actually said something.

It must take words longer to get through my thick skull. Sometimes I know someone is talking and I catch a few words, but not all of them. So my mouth might say, "What?" and then brain says (This is what was said.)

Hail to the king of miss information!

Bullet points

Saturday Wendy, Joy, and I were visiting family. One of my aunt's was in from Florida. So Wendy, Joy, and I went over to my mom's old homestead for a get together. While there I got to fire some guns. My uncle had a shotgun (of some kind) and a revolver (of some kind). I do not think I will ever be a gun aficionado. I cannot even play the games where the target is lit for you and hit it. In real life it is very difficult.

I admit I was a little jumpy. Every time for the first I would flinch. It is hard me for to aim. I just sort of pointed and pulled. I did hit one clay pigeon. Well out of 15. Tossing the clay pigeons is tough work too. It never went high for me and always pulled to the left. However, my uncle is a good shot and managed to still hit most of them.

Guns are extremely loud. I think you would definitely know if one was fired. Even with the ear plugs I could hear the pfff. There was a big difference between the noises. It was easy to forget how loud the noise was with the ear protection.

My cousin in law shot a cow pie. He was shooting and we saw some brown fly up. He turned around and asked, "Did I just hit a cow pie?" We looked and he did.

The shooting experience was interesting. I might would do it again. It does require a great deal of practice to be good at hitting a target. Unless of course you have a really big target or a really big bullet.

Cookie cutter

Well we made it to Friday. Unless you are reading this after Friday and then, well, we have another few days.

Most everyday this week Wendy and I have thought it should have been the next day.

It has been a week that has a lot going on, for others of course not me. My aunt from Florida is in NC visiting family. Wendy, Joy, and I are going to visit them tonight. Hopefully Joy will be able to sleep as well there as she does at home.

We also have a church function tonight. It is a covered dish meal and then a concert by a quartet. For the meal Wendy made a dessert. It is a dish she got from a friend. It is dipping cookies in milk and then covering with cool whip. Simple and delicious! Two of my favorite words. In the store we bought the packaged cookies. We went with quantity over thickness, that and price.

Enjoy what is left of your day, whatever is left of it. Remember dessert is best with some kind of topping.

It is one of those talking pictures

Last night Wendy and I watched The King's Speech. It was a decent movie. I know that it won a number of Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

It is about a member of the royalty family who is mistreated because of a speech impediment. He goes to see an unorthodox speech therapist, who becomes his friend. Then the Duke becomes King.

I wonder is the movie called King's Speech because of the character's impediment through the entire movie or because of the speech he gives in the last two minutes. I am not sure. I suppose it could work for both.

I think the lesson of the movie is be careful when you pick on someone because they have a loving spouse, a good friend who makes them better, and of course become king.

I wonder do great people become great because of the circumstance they are in or they are already great and make a bad situation tolerable.

I am now doing my air wave.

Dude, Where's my car...behind that one...ahead of that one

One of the many things that I cannot stand is being in traffic. In a car, I want to arrive at my destination as soon as possible. The roads are a mess in my opinion. It seems like there are so many vehicles out on the road. They are always in places and times you do not expect. Who is always out at 2 pm during the week? It seems like everyone the few times I get to be out on the road then.

I always seem to take the wrong way. I get stuck in a long line of cars and regret my decision for taking that route. Nevermind, it is always the way I go or perhaps the only way, I will still think I should have taken another way.

Other motorists probably see me on the road and realize my distaste of traffic. They probably wonder if I am going through some seizure. They wonder what is that guy's problem with the shaking and frothing at the mouth.

I suppose in the wheel of life, you are either at the top or at the bottom.

Sell outs

Wendy and I over the weekend tried to sell a few things over Craigslist. Months back we had listed some things and had no real offers, only spambots. Over the weekend, we listed some furniture, CDs, comics, and some cookware.

Wendy first thing gets an e-mail about the furniture, she responds, and never hears anything back. Then Wendy gets a few e-mails about the comics, same deal. Wendy does strike pay dirt with the cookware. A person likes it and comes by on Sunday to purchase. Our first sale. Still have not heard anything on the CDs.

It is all an effort to remove some clutter and make a few dollars. Wendy and I are not really sales type people. However, if items are sitting in our house not being used and something can use them, they can have them...for a price.

Chocolate is no laughing matter

People do strange things for chocolate. Most people eat it, but a few people use it for pranks. A 20 year old in Wisconsin got his hand stuck in his gas tank while trying to retrieve some chocolate. Someone had put an unwrapped Snickers bar (Ha Ha)in his gas tank. Did they think he drove a new sort of hybrid? He noticed the chocolate and tried to get it out. Of course it is easier to get your hand into something than out of it. The fire department was called to help him. They had to cut the tank to get his hand out. The man is doing fine now.

I thought people from Wisconsin did crazy things for cheese being the cheese heads. Now I guess they can claim having chocolate hands.

Here is a link to the story if you are interested.

http://www.fdlreporter.com/article/20110628/FON0101/110628074/Firefighters-free-man-s-hand-from-car

Quit your needling

Yesterday was Joy's one year examination. We were anxious to see how much she weighed, since her last check up. She was almost 17 pounds. I have cousin whose 18 week son weighs that much. The doctor did not seem to concerned about the weight. Joy appears to be healthy.

Of course with the one year check up is shots. I am not sure of the shots Joy received. I know it was at least four. Fortunately, she seems to handle them okay. She cries, but is able to calm herself down. The doctor's office also did an anemia check involving a prick to the finger. The nurses talked about doing this first, but the kit was being used. So after Joy calmed down from the shots, she had to get her finger pricked. The nurse came in the room and pricked Joy's finger. At first I thought she might not cry. She had that surprised look on her face. Then the blood and tears fell. I think the nurse was surprised to see that much blood, I know I was. She scrambled to find some gauze. The nurse got a band aid around Joy's finger and we calmed Joy down.

Joy is also on whole milk. We were a little worried how she would respond. She is not known for drinking her formula well. She seemed to like it and not have a problem drinking it. We just have to work on getting her to drink more from a cup. She still likes the bottle.

I am sure Wendy will put up a post about more details and probably the correct details I missed.

Party pooped

Let the good times roll! I think that is because you eat so much and are so tired that people have to roll you out the door. Saturday of course was Joy's birthday party. Sunday Wendy's brother and sister-in-law hosted a party for the 4th. We debated on going because we had been on the go all weekend. After a Sunday afternoon nap, Wendy decided we could make it. It was a pretty good time and had pretty good food.

You know it is a party when there is a water balloon fight and someone's shoes end up on the roof. Wendy's brother was able to knock them off the roof with a finishing pole and a paint can opener.

Today some friends from church invited us over to their house.

I belief that going to parties is now part of the Constitution.

Cashing in my chips

Our counter in the kitchen is now filled with chips and other goodies. The best way to have plenty of the things you do not normally eat is to have a party. You will have enough food to last for days, depending on how much you eat of it at one time. Most of the time is snack food. We almost have enough snacks to throw another party.

Saturday was Joy's birthday party. Wendy and I spent most of that running around doing last minute things getting ready. Mainly searching for things and wondering what we got ourselves into. Wendy's parents were in town and were a big help in getting everything ready.

Fortunately, the party went well. I think everyone had a good time. Who can have a bad time eating cake and snacks? Joy enjoyed her birthday cake. Hopefully Wendy will do a post birthday wrap up.

Now if you will excuse me I have get my breakfast of chips, dip, and birthday cake.

It is a JOY to know you

Dear Joy,

Happy 1st birthday! I know that you will not remember this time in your life. Unless you happen to have a superior memory, like you Mama. You are really a great baby. Everyone always comments how happy and beautiful you are. Of course it is true. Thank you for sleeping through the night. I hear we are extremely fortunate with this.

If I happen to get mad and frustrated, just remind me that you are going to take care of me when I am older.

I hope that you have many more birthdays. Always remember that you are loved.

Love,

Dada

Pull the plug

The other I notice that Wendy is not online as much as she usually is. I think that maybe she is doing something else. I get a call from her saying that the internet is down and that is why she is not online. She did the usual troubleshooting of turning off the power to the modem and router. She even restarted the computer, but nothing. Our internet is bundled with our television and phone, but those services were working. So I sat at work for the next couple of hours wishing I could be at home and wondering what was going on.

Finally I get home and head to the modem and router. I notice the wireless router lights are not on. I am thinking, "Oh, no! That is why she is not seeing a connection." I unplug it and plug back in. Nothing. I try to see if I can reset it, but there was no power to it. I know that if you reset the router you have to set it up again. A task I was not looking forward to. Honestly, I got lucky once and did not know if I could do it again. I bring the router and power cord into the living room to try another outlet. Still no power. At this point I am getting upset. I do not want to spend money on another router and go through the hassle. At one point, in disgust, I drop or toss, dependent on your definition, the router on the floor. Wendy was getting upset with me, "Now it will not definitely work." I admit I have anger issues, perhaps volumes.

I plug the computer directly into the modem, the Internet is alive. However, we do not want the hassle of being restrained to Joy's room for internet. I know it is the router not communicating. I look in a storage place of various electronic devices. I happened to find another power cord. I plug it in and hooray! We have lights and action. I connect the router back to the modem. Then wait for the computer to respond. It does not. I am in agony, did it reset and I not realize it? I restart the computer and slowly we have success.

I am glad that is all it was. Around here power cords like to mess up. I am thankful that a lot of things are now interchangeable. Now if I could only find a new power cord for myself some days.

Clothing line...across the floor

Last night Wendy and I tackled one of our junk rooms. It was the former master bedroom. Right before Joy's birth we moved to another room to be closer to her room. So of course all the things that were in that room were transferred. Now it has become a stockpile and the cats' domain.

Wendy was in her cleaning mode last night. She separated all her clothes. Most she is getting rid of because it is the wrong size and others because it is the wrong style. Now we have plenty of closet space. That was then taken up by my clothes. I was finding clothes that I forget I had. I am guilty of just putting things that I do not use down and letting them pile.

The room still has a lot to go before looking habitable, but at least it is much better.

It is for the birds

On Monday Wendy and I, along with her parents took Joy to the beach. It was the first time in a few years Wendy has been to the beach, due to some scheduling conflicts. It was also Joy's first trip to the beach.

Joy seemed to like it. We put her feet in the water. I do not think she liked it when the water rushed over her, but she never cried. The water was a little rough, so we did not stay out long. We could see shells being carried with the water. It was almost like missiles in certain places.

We let Joy crawl around in the sand. I am happy that she did not try and eat any of it. One time she picked up a white shell and tried to put in her mouth. I am thinking she thought it was a cracker.

While Wendy, Joy, and I were in the water, a flock of seagulls swooped down on a little girl and tried to eat her sandwich. Before we left the beach, Wendy thought she would summon some of the feathered friends. She took a wafer and threw it into the air. The seagulls came to it and then hovered over Wendy. They thought she had more food. Once they realized that was it, they left. Wendy's dad fed the seagulls and let them snatch the wafer out of his hand.

It was a pretty good trip. The weather was nice. We thought it was going to rain on us, but we saw no rain. When we left the house in the morning to go to the beach there was rain and as we left the beach the clouds came, but nothing while we were out there.

Gymminey Cricket

My wife will not brag about her accomplishments, but she is quite the gym member. She has definitely kicked it up notches and brought down the notches on her absent belt. She is looking good. Wendy can put smoke out on those ellipticals. The other night she did 45 minutes on it and last night 50! I get exhausted after doing five.

I invited my brother to go with me to the gym. He put the pedal to the medal on it also. He did not even appear to be winded and I was breathing like Dork Vader. Then he hit the weights and lifted a lot me than me. He has also been more athletic though. He enjoys the outside, like biking, running, and basketball. He said he has gotten a little weak, but he is still one tough bro.

I wonder if Joy will like the gym? She will probably be able to soon lift more than her dad.

Page turner in the other direction

A lot of people say, "I should write a book..." Well I am one person who should not write a book. First of all I could not think of anything to put on the pages. However, I did come up some titles of books I wish I could write.

Shut Up! It could be a book about two things. One how people can get ahead in life by listening. Or could be about inspiration and bringing blessing into your life. Like the phrase in I Kings 17 where Elijah and the King of Israel had the drought. It mentions the heavens were shut up. So it would be how to release God's blessings on you.

I would also like to write a book called Don't Let Your Amens Become Oh Mans. I think this would be about how people are always looking for signs in making decisions. Sometimes we acknowledge some event just because we want it to happen and then what?

A book for the clueless would be Livin in Oblivion . It is for those out there who have no idea what is going on around them. Fingers pointed in this direction. But I am still lost.

I could make millions. Of course I would only be able to sell one or two. Thanks Mom. Well after I bought and gave her a copy.

Up and down

People will do most anything for money. Just flip around the channels. One of the newest shows is 101 Ways to Leave a Game Show. Contestants answer questions to stay in the game. If they answer incorrectly then they leave the show in various ways. Most involve high speed vehicles or great heights. I thought it was a little bizarre the way the final contestants have to choose their answers. Basically it is handed to them because it is the only choice left. At first I thought it was not fair. Now on thinking on it, it just adds to the competition because the contestant is hoping the other is wrong.

Game shows have gone to the point of testing limits. I guess they always have. It used to test intellectual knowledge with trivia. Now it is trivia with making people do extreme things with their bodies. I guess it is good that these "crazy" people are doing these stunts under supervision and not on their own.

It is a tough Jobs watching the Gates

Last night while Wendy was away at the gym, I was watching a movie. It was Pirates of Silicon Valley. After my disapproval of the movie based on Facebook Wendy said that I would probably not like this movie. PSV was about Bill Gates and Steve Jobs forming there powerhouse companies. I had the movie on in the background as I was watching Joy, so I missed a few parts.

I imagine it was meant to be tongue in cheek because of the narration of Woz and Ballmer. They were able to step out of the action and dialogue with the audience. The parts that stick out to me involve Gates running through the airport to catch a plane.

It is amazing to see where drive gets you. Both movies involve people, one can say geniuses, who determine to be successful. They all have different motives for success, but they all get there. Of course they alienate people in their lives who care about them.

I suppose being power hungry only gives you a bigger plate to fill.

Communi-can't

I am not really a gifted communicator. When I try to explain something, the person has no idea what I am talking about and I think I become confused also. I know that communication is the key to getting things done. People who can communicate well are the ways who are successful.

This is just my observation, so it can be wrong, but men tend to talk in hand signals. I guess women are stereotyped as being more verbal. Have you noticed that in most conversations men will stand there and point at something? It is really apparent when working on something. We, men, will just hold out our hand. I guess the thought is that the item will appear there we want.

I think that people, men and women, are guilty of thinking that everyone knows what a person is thinking. Our conversation patterns follow a path of assumed knowledge. Just because it is in our head does not mean it is in someone else's head.

When I have my hand out, I usually just want one thing.

Network to Net worth

Wendy and I watched The Social Network last night. I had heard it was a pretty good movie. Who knows what was true and exaggerated?

I had a hard time watching the movie. Wendy would routinely catch me rolling me eyes or squirming. I guess I had no one to really root for in the movie. All the characters were pretty much annoying. Zuckerberg's friend became the most likable, but only because he tried to protect Zuckerberg and was still treated badly. Maybe Zuckerberg talks the way he did in the movie, but I could not stand the cadence or tone or whatever the word is of the actor's voice. The movie was composed of flashbacks. That sometimes distracts me. Most of these flashbacks were scenes of people partying. The movie made me glad I went to a small college and have decent friends. All the movies with esteem colleges show scenes of men spanking each other and obsessive drinking.

I guess it shows the more money you have the more problems you can have. The key is too have more money than problems.

Under the fatherhood

Yesterday was Father's Day. Since I have a child under a year, it was my first one. I am not too big on celebrations. So here are some observations about my blur in fatherhood.

-I cannot put on Joy's socks. They never seem to line up right and Wendy goes back to correct them.

-I leave a lot of things laying around. Joy will find them for me.

-I will always get a smidgen or more of baby food on Joy's face.

-Babies will cry for what seems like no reason one minute and the next minute be perfectly happy.

-Thankfully, Joy does not do it much anymore, but she decides once she is in the car seat and we are walking out the door it is a good time to poop.

-It is difficult to change a diaper in a public restroom.

-Baby gear is extremely complicated...and expensive.

I know that I have learned some about being a father and I have a great deal more to learn. The most important thing I have learned is that I am thankful for an easygoing, loving, and happy little girl.

Wear are you?

Wendy, Joy, and I met a friend at Southpoint yesterday. We decided to eat at California Pizza Kitchen. On a side note, when saying that restaurant I always saying California Pizza Chicken. Anyway, we had five dollars off a purchase of fifteen. Wendy and I split a Spinach Artichoke Pizza. Sounds nasty, but it was not that bad. Of course I could not taste the spinach nor artichoke. The pizza was not enough for the discount so we added our friend's soda to our bill. We came out 48 cents over fifteen dollars. Hooray! I guess.

Then we went tromping through the mall. My favorite moment of the day was in a ladies store. We were standing around and there were some Muslim women wearing the covered gowns and headpiece. One had everything covered except her eyes. Wendy commented, "What are they doing in here? Like they are even going to wear this!"

For those who stroll while walking, you know that to get upstairs you have to use the elevator. Of course they put the children's stores upstairs. So when make it upstairs in the elevator. On our way down, we are waiting by the elevator. It opens and three strollers come out. So we get out of there way. By the time they move, the doors immediately shut. I hit the call button, but the elevator had already made its way back to the first floor. So we wait some more. Finally the elevator makes it way back to us. Wendy pushes Joy's stroller into the open space. The doors start to close! Of course they have the feature not to close all the way. At this point I am irate though and I kick the door. It does not do anything, but makes me feel better in a small way.

Then we try and decide to get some ice cream. Of course the ice cream store is not there anymore, but the sign is. So our friend looks on her phone and sees another ice cream store across the street. We drive over and circle the lot. No ice cream store. So we call it a day and come home. It is amazing how many stores are out of business yet they still leave the sign up.

By the seat of our pants

Yesterday Wendy and I purchased a new car seat for Joy. Wendy did a lot of research on them and found the one she wanted. We cashed in a couple of gifts cards and had a discounted coupon. So we went over to the store to get it.

They had one that was ten dollars cheaper on the shelf. We thought about getting it, but the store did not have it in stock. So Wendy got the one she was going to get anyway.

We did not have to pay anything for the car seat. That is good news to me.

Then came the hard part. Having to install it. Everyone talked about how easy it is. The clerk and the internet. So I go out last night to put it in. I put the straps in wrong. I get the straps twisted. Wendy wanted to put down a protective mat. Finally after who knows how long, it is in. After my installation she watches the video online and say, "It looks like you did it the hard way."

Today will be the test day. It appears to be tight.

I will never understand why baby equipment is so complicated.

Just visiting

Wendy and I watched The Tourist last night. I guess it was alright. Wendy said she did not really know what was happening and could not get into the movie. It was an action thriller. Sort of like a chase movie. Everybody was after the main character. I guess it is tough when you have the good guys and bad guys chasing you.

It did lead me to a few observations.

Why in a movie can the police never arrest the bad guy? It is early in the movie and they have everything set up, but the bad guy gets away.

Why is the woman that is supposed to be incredible looking not looking good to me? I guess it is the actresses they pick. I have never been a fan of Angelina Jolie's kind of attractiveness. Speaking of Jolie, what is the deal with her lips? She looked like she had a huge gash on it.

Movies love big budgets. Everybody has throw away money.

Oh well. Those are just a few thoughts, but just like most details, I have forgotten them.

Pro create

I am not really a creative person. Most of the time my line of thinking is "Why didn't I think of that?" However, I do respect creative people. I enjoy hearing and seeing things that are interesting and especially funny. True we also need the more practical people who implement the ideas of the creative.

I have noticed that many creative people have weird, or what I would label as weird, lifestyles. Do creative people do things differently because they are focused on something else? Or do we think that different people are creative?

Creative people say that they are only trying to satisfy themselves. I think they have to satisfy a bunch of people. If they do not then their careers do not last long. There is a lot of pressure in being creative. Maybe that is another reason why they are different.

I think I will keep my ordinary life. That way I only have two people to satisfy.

Just chill

I am sitting here with goosebumps on my arms. I guess that beats the alternative from the other end of the goose.

I must keep the temperature at my house pretty high before the air comes on. Part of it is because when the air comes on, it stays on for what seems like an eternity. I am in a place where the temperature is kept according to most normal peoples temperature. However, I am not normal. I will say this upfront.

I am accused of not turning the air on. I do not use the air when I am by myself, unless I absolutely have to. I am also the guy who sleeps covered even in the middle of summer.

I am neither a cool guy nor a hot guy.

Food for thought

Yesterday I did something I rarely do. I ate a restaurant by myself. It was a fast food joint of course. I am sure that I have done it in the past, but I do not like to eat in places by myself. If I am eating a meal by myself then I will just eat what I have available. I know some people have to eat meals by themselves in public places.

Wendy and Joy were eating lunch with a friend. I had obtained a coupon for a free shake, well after you buy a combo, at Arbys. The expiration date was set for yesterday. Since Wendy was out with a friend, she said go ahead and use that coupon. So I went.

It was alright. A little pricey, but everything seems that way now. I got a Reuben sandwich. It was cut into two half sandwiches. So one half was more of a sauerkraut sandwich. The free shake was a Jamocha Oreo. Basically it was a Jamocha shake with crushed Oreo on top.

We have gotten a lot of coupons lately about buying one thing and receiving another. Sometimes it has been worth it. Even if it has taught us not to get that particular item again.

Don't bother me

Why is it that more people have phones yet I always get there voice mail? What are they doing with their phones? When I call some customer service number I have to listen to five minutes of options. Sometimes it is helpful, but if I am going to speak to an operator and get transferred anyway, why not let me speak to a person after the first ring?

I think it all comes down to people not wanting to be bothered. I know sometimes I do not know want to be bothered. When the phone rings sometimes I feel "Now what?" Wendy does not like to talk on the phone. I do not have too many people to call. I try to talk to my parents, but that is only a five minute conversation. Wendy always laughs when I call them because I always say, "Hey, Mom. It is Jonathan." Why then are we paying for 700 minutes, but cannot get anything less?

I do prefer talking on the phone over texting and somewhat e-mail. Maybe I am a more verbal person or I just cannot write. It is probably more that I am in impatient and want to handle something right then. With texting and e-mail I have to wait for the person to respond. Then something is said that goes back to something talked about minutes ago and I have no idea what. At least in talking voice to ear you get an immediate answer or you know the other person does not care.

Oh well, talk to, um, type to, more like avoid you later.

Jaw dropping

Yesterday I could not stop yawning. I know that I received plenty of sleep the night before. Yet, I found myself with my mouth open wide and my hand to my face. I am not sure if it is when I do thing certain things that make me yawn more. I will have to sleep on it and let you know.

What you talking about jive turkey?

A while ago Wendy sent me to the grocery store for a few items. This is usually a dangerous thing because I buy random assortments. Fortunately, I do end up getting what Wendy has put on the list. Well, most of the time.

That night I was glancing through the meat section. I was visiting Kroger, for those keeping score at home. Kroger often has in store items that are close to the selling date, which they put on manager's special. This means they are price reduced. Those words rate on my top ten radar. We have found some pretty good deals. So I am perusing the isle looking for that special sticker. I found a few items that met my cheap price and taste bud. There was a package of turkey legs. It was on sale. I thought, well, why not? So I purchase it.

Fast forward a few days. I tell Wendy we have those turkey legs as we do our daily discussion of what we eat. We both veto the turkey a couple of times. Finally over the weekend I wear Wendy down and the turkey will be eaten for dinner. So I put the legs in the oven to cook. We pull them out. They look okay.

The turkey legs were pretty tough to eat. It was hard to get into the meat. It also was mainly fat and bone. Wendy said they sort of tasted like ham. It was not the greatest in the world. I told Wendy I could not imagine eating a turkey leg from the fair. I hate to throw away food, but I had to toss my piece. I had eaten some, but not much. I am glad that I had gotten it on sale.

To make us feel better we had some doughnuts, which we had bought on manager's choice.

A la cart

Last night Wendy, Joy, and I were at Kmart. She was looking for the baseball card holder sheets for storage for coupons. We were usually a cart to wheel around Joy in her carrier. As we are exiting the store I put back the cart or try to.

There were two rows of carts. I did not really pay attention. So I choose one row of carts and try to place the cart in line. It does not go. I think well I do not have it lined up right. I try again. Nope. Try one more time. Nope. Again. Denied. According to Wendy, it was BAM! BAM! BAM!

At this point Wendy is laughing and puts me out of my misery by informing me the two rows of carts are different. So I put the cart in the row over. Success.

All the way to the car, Wendy is laughing about my lack of observation. I am not sure how I made it this far in life.

Good thing I am not Amish and have to deal with buggies on a regular basis. I would probably put it in the wrong barn.

I second that emotion

I have come up with a new term for Wendy to keep me in check. Granted I may not remember later and when she mentions it, I will have no idea what she is talking about.

Remember in school when you had the scantrons and people always said have your number 2 pencil? You had to use them to take a test. Apparently I was in a mood last night and Wendy accused me (guilty as charged of being testy). My mind today went to the phrase number two.

It could also be used to describe a bowel movement. So why not go further and describe a crappy attitude?

When I am in my funk Wendy can ask, "How is Number Two?"

Maybe it will flush out an answer and hopefully the correct one.

You feel me?

Feelings. We hear so much about them and most people show that they have them. All we want is someone to understand what we are feeling.

I am reading a book by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott called Trading Places. The Parrotts are psychologists who deal with marriage and other relationships. Oh yeah, they are husband and wife. The main theme of this book is empathy. They say the best way to have a good relationship with a spouse is through putting yourself in the partner's view. This leads to true understanding.

It is important to get to the underlying issue. People will not be upfront with you. I know I am not. I will bury the issue that is bothering me and focus on something else. It takes head and heart action to take the time to fully understand someone's feelings. Then the real concern can be handled.

The Parrotts say that most couples feel they do not understand what the other is thinking. It can be difficult. The good news is they say it is not as difficult as it sounds, if you work at it.

If you think like your spouse or the special person, then you can truly understand. It can be a scary thing, but not as scary a misunderstanding between a couple.

Follow the leader

It is amazing to me how many innovators say that the key to success is reading. I live to read, but I admit I am a page turner. It seems that great leaders and other successful types are able to take what they read and relate it to what they are trying to accomplish.

I take a little bit of enjoyment when I see that someone I am reading about is referencing someone I have hear of. I have heard about a lot of interesting people that are being referenced in the books I have read. The hard part is to remember them once I turn in the book.

Word up!

Reasons I love my wife

It is not so anniversary that I have forgotten (LORD, I hope not) why I am writing this. I was just thanking about my lovely wife. Here in no particular order (except the ones she rearranges) are:

WHY WENDY IS A WONDERFUL WIFE

-Without her I would be lost. Literally. I have no sense of direction and she is like a GPS.

-She is a loving and wonderful mother.

-She is committed to what she believes in.

-She is my tech support when I cannot figure out a feature on my computer, phone, printer, watch, well pretty much everything I own.

-She listens to me rant about her favorite shows before throwing the remote control at me.

-She saves me a lot of money with her coupon cutting.

-She gets me out of the house and occasionally lets me back in.

-When I explode, she is there to pick up the pieces.

-She is my fashion sense. You can tell when I leave the house before she wakes up.

-She knows just how long to cook something. I usually burn it or leave it too cold.

These are just a few of the reasons I love my wife. It has been only a few years, but I will have plenty to come up with more reasons.

My wife is always right...

When will I learn to listen to her?

This weekend upon returning from visiting Wendy's parents, we decided that it was time to pick up some more baby food. We had been in Target over the weekend and saw they had some pretty good prices. So Sunday afternoon we load in the car to head to Target. I had played on using a coupon for a BOGO ice cream. Unfortunately, it was not near the Target I expected. That is another story.

Before we leave Wendy wanted to change her shirt. She pulls out a red shirt and says to me, "I wonder if I should wear this?"

I respond, "Why not?"

"Because anytime I wear a red shirt to Target people think I work there."

"There shirts are collared and you are not wearing khaki pants. You should be fine."

We arrive at the bullseye and are standing in the baby aisle. Then you guessed it. A woman pushing a cart with a child and dragging a man behind her comes yelling, "You got a dressing room here?"

Wendy responds, "I don't work here. Sorry."

Never underestimate what people will say.

When I reflect upon it, I wish I had said, "Nope. We encourage people to just use the middle of the aisle."

It seems a lot of stores have a dress code. Maybe it helps some people identify the store employee, it also helps lead to confusion.

Now if I could only pick up a paycheck for the times we have been mistaken for employees...