midnight musings

A lesson

2011-08-17T19:55:00.000-04:00

Ok, so here's the deal. We're a two house democracy. The House of Representatives is comprised of people who represent the population at large. Each Representative represents approximately the same number of people. A little State like mine only has enough people to warrant one Representative. California's population is such that 53 Representatives are required to adequately represent the people there. Now the Senate, on the other hand, represents the States. Each State, large or small, is equally represented by two Senators. This is by design. When a bill goes through the House, Delaware gets one voice, while California gets 53. The idea here is proper representation of the country's population as a whole. When that same bill reaches the Senate, Delaware and California have equal say on the passage of the bill. Kind of ingenious when you think about it.

So I gave that very quick, fairly incomplete civics lesson to make the following statement: The system is broken. The design is still ingenious; it's just the politicians that are screwing up the whole thing. Thing about it. Whenever ANY decision is made by ANY politician, the primary criterion is "How will this affect my chances for re-election." It's a sad fact, but a fact nonetheless. This is the only reason the DNC and RNC exist, and quite frankly I think we need to purge our nation of both entities. "Bring on term limits", you say. Yeah, that battle cry goes up every election cycle, but the folks who hold the power to turn on those limits are the same folks who determine their own salaries... that ain't happenin'.

What to do, what to do. Common sense tells us that if these yahoo's didn't have a reelection to look toward, they may actually make good decisions during their term in office. Not for any lofty goal such as 'doing the right thing' or 'following their conscience'; oh no, dear reader. They would do it to ensure their legacy... the only way to make a positive name for themselves is to make good decisions that positively affect the public. Now, the only way for us (you know, The People) can ensure term limits is to STOP voting these people back into office! Stop going into the booth and throwing the switch for the name you recognize or the one you always vote for. Don't vote for anyone who is already in office, even if you like them, even if you've had dinner with them, even if they've done a good job. It's gonna take a few election cycles for them all to get a clue, but they're smart people when it comes to self-preservation, they'll figure it out. When they do... and ONLY when they do... the DNC and RNC will dissolve and we may just see a steady return to sanity in our government.

Vote Out the Incumbents and dissolve the lobbies. And pass me another Irish coffee. Political discussions make my head hurt.

The Way Ahead...The Road Behind -- A Poem

2011-04-03T08:59:00.000-04:00

Many days and many wanderings in and out of existence, I see
Roads and paths and trails to come, all calling, all beckoning the likes of me.
The colors are vast and ever-changing, the sounds ebb and flow without cease
To push and pull and prod,
Ever channeling my steps toward a thousand destinies.
I stop.
A glance behind reveals a road, a solitary way, set and done,
Where I have been, from whence I’ve come, not many… only one.
And I know at once no matter how far I retrace my journey’s past
I’ll only find this one lone way,
No choice…. No deviation…. All set and fast.
I turn once more to view the ways ahead and find that they
Are made of all the choices that lay the stones of former day.
I close my eyes…
I breathe…
I will not think this time.
Whichever way my heart may lead, I accept the path’s design.

A Virus, A Password, and Tech Support

2011-03-31T22:02:00.000-04:00

I know, we all have stories like this. So, I figure "why not share my latest"? As with all good tales... to the beginning we go, dear reader.

My Dad has a photography business (Timeless Images Photography - shameless plug), and when the digital photography age came upon him, he was forced to do more with his computers than email. His last two computers are XP machines: the older one (circa 2002) is what he uses for personal use, including email; the newer one was ordered at the dawn of Vista but he, like many other business professionals, chose to stick with XP. Obviously, it's the more robust of the two, and it's on this machine that he practices the digital tools of his trade. About a month ago, Dad contacted me concerning his older machine. It seems there was not enough memory to handle Outlook Express (I know, but he's familiar with it and he likes it, so don't judge). Telephone diagnosis on my part was a virus or malware. A visit to his house revealed he had at least received the annoying Antivirus Live malware, but we weren't yet sure he had actually been infected. A simple removal, a wait period of a few days, and my worst fears were confirmed. The problem came back, and the deeper diagnosis on the machine revealed a root kit. Before restoring the computer, however, I tried Combofix as I have had some success using this tool on several other occasions. I held my breath, turned blue, began breathing again, and a week later the problem returned. Last weekend I restored his old tried-n-true to its original configuration, complete with his beloved Outlook Express. He wasn't home at the time, and I did not have his email password, so I left the computer up at the password entry screen for the account and left instructions. Next day I read an email from him (from his newer computer) that he had no clue what the password was....   he hadn't needed to load it since we set up the newer computer, and that was in 2007. Thus endeth background info.

My Dad's email is with his ISP, which shall remain nameless.......let's just say it rhymes with Bomcast. Now, I've had dealings with this company before, specifically with password resets, so I didn't bother trying to talk Pop through this; I just got in my car and headed over for another visit. The online options initiated with the "forgot password?" link took me to a screen that informed me the request could not be handled by this utility and I need to chat with a tech-rep. I started Round One (chat) pretending to be my Dad to avoid any confusion on the other end. He has a business class account, complete with phone service, which I explained to Goombomba (that wasn't the name, but it was pretty damn close), and he resolved to help me quickly and efficiently, asking me to verify the account number, address, and pin for the phone. No sweat. Five minutes later, Goombomba shared with me his epiphany that this was a business class account, and unfortunately he could only help me with residential accounts. This helpful tech-rep gave me two phone numbers to call, presumable in case either of them was incorrect.

Round two. I started with the 866 number and got "Derrick" after punching the right numbers and listening to the phone switching from one State to the next, out of the country and back again. Derrick was happy to help me today, and said as much. I explained that I need to reset the email password, and that the chat tech-rep sent me here.... and explained why he sent me here. For verification purposes, Derrick requested full name, account name, and the last four SS digits...   would I please wait while he brought up the account. Did I wish to reset the password for the email account timelessimages1?   Nooo...   the email is just timelessimages; there is no "1".   "Hmm", he says (obviously, Derrick is a linguistic genius). "The business account only has one email address attached to it and it is timelessimages1. Could this email be attached to a residential account perhaps?" He was so polite. I was beginning to get suspicious. I explained that this had once been a residential account, but had been changed to business class, basically for the additional speed since photographs are an intense upload through FTP. Derrick checked, and sure enough the email was attached to the residential account we assumed no longer existed. Apparently, we assumed incorrectly. Derrick can't reset passwords for residential accounts; he only has access to business class, and would I mind waiting while he transferred me to the correct office? Like I'm gonna say I mind.

Several telephone switch sounds later... oddly familiar telephone switch sounds... enter "Brittany". I rewound my tape, replayed the situation to her, added the chapter starring Derrick, ending with "so Derrick sent me to you since he couldn't access a residential account from his department in business class". Brittany needed to verify the account and asked for full name, account number, and physical address... I was beginning to wonder if they just randomly asked for information that came to the top of their heads. Please wait while she brings up the account. Can you guess what Brittany told me? Yup...   this appeared to be an email attached to a residential account and she worked in business class accounts. Would I mind waiting while she transferred me. "Brittany, I'll wait if you can guarantee me I will talk with someone in residential, since Derrick forwarded me to you claiming he was doing the same thing." Some apologetic words, and then agreement that she would try resetting the password from there......     no dice, she can't do it. She transferred me. Several telephone switch sounds later......    and the phone screamed at me. I had been disconnected.

Round Three. I dialed the 800 number this time, and was half-way through the telephone switch sounds when I decided to hang up and try chat again. Afterall, that was residential, apparently, which is what I wanted according to Derrick and Brittany. "Margaret Rose" was my new tech-rep now. She got the condensed version, and oddly enough, seemed to understand. She quickly found the email account, confirmed that yes, she could help me. She then requested account verification in the form of full name, physical address and last four digits of the account phone number. By this time a monkey could commit identity theft. We're down to the wire now... all she needs is the 4-digit secret pin. Thinking she was talking about the phone pin, I give this to her. "I'm sorry, but that number is incorrect". My response: "Well, darlin, your guess is as good as mine then. Is there something else we can do? I mean, if I had the means I'd give you a DNA sample to go along with all the other personal information I've given your company over the past 45 minutes if that will help" There was a significant pause in the chat at this point. When she did respond it was to inquire whether or not I was near the phone registered to the account, and could she please call me to verify. Brilliant. I waited....   3 minutes...   finally, the phone rings. I answered with "Hello Margaret Rose," to which I received confused silence...   the voice said, "Mr. Derickson, this is Rachael from "Bomcast"...   I am confirming that you are indeed in a chat session with Margaret Rose and will email her to go ahead and reset your password".

Unbefreakinlievable.   All of that for an email password reset. I understand security and all, but I change my passwords all the time (well, she does, because she keeps forgetting them) and I've never seen anything like this. I have my Dad's email password saved in several places around my house now, just in case. Viva la Customer Service!

On Perspective

2011-02-02T22:09:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, when I'm alone, my mind shuts off. I'm just enjoying the nothing, if that makes sense. Problem is, I have this ringing in my ears that will never stop (blame rock-n-roll, listening and performing), so once I notice it, the solitude disappears. I need to turn on the television or listen to music or an audiobook or a podcast or or or or... *sigh*.... until it dissipates into the background once more. Tonight is one such night, and the influence to my thoughts happens to be the movie Daredevil. I've seen it before as entertainment, but tonight I viewed it (peripherally) as a lesson in perspective. What we hear, smell and feel affects what we see and how we see it. No two people can view the same scene and come away with the exact same notion of what just occurred. As a matter of fact, if you check with law enforcement, you will find that exact eyewitness testimony from more than two or three people is cause for suspicion. Each person focuses on a different aspect of the situation as it occurs... each is hearing different aspects in the foreground as the distances vary, and each may detect the same odor which triggers vastly different memories, shaping the scene in a different manner. Each person will have different points of distraction, meaning each person's overall viewpoint of the situation has nuance unique to that person. It's what makes life interesting and flavorful, don't you think? How else can there be debate? How else can we determine the people we're compatible with vs. those with whom we'll never agree? How else will we learn and grow if we do not have the opportunity to learn from another's perspective?

On that note, I think I need to return to my book (novel, novella, or whatever the hell else it may become) and restructure the characters based on perspective. I think this may be what I've been waiting for. What have you put off doing, waiting for the right catalyst to push you onward?

PSA on LDS

2010-07-20T11:44:00.002-04:00

This is a Public Service Announcement.

Do you find yourself flexing your steroid induced musculature when passing any reflection, regardless of how remote? Do you interject yourself into every conversation providing the "ultimate solution" based on your superior knowledge, awesome power and highly evolved intellectual prowess? Do you believe yourself capable of doing everything on your own, even when the task requires two or more people? Does your Significant Other often foster feelings of dissatisfaction and unrequited longing?

If you answered yes to the questions above, you may be suffering from LDS. LDS typically affects certain men between the ages of 17 and 105, and is unfortunately a lifetime malady. Sadly, those afflicted with this syndrome usually are not aware, unlike all those around them after 15 minutes or more in their presence.

Although there is no known cure for LDS, despite claims to the contrary on late-night infomercials, you can avoid embarrassing family members and friends around you in times of social gathers, by following a few simple steps:

Think before you speak
Work through whether or not you really need to contribute to the conversation
If you absolutely MUST speak, avoid words like "I, me, mine"
Use pronouns such as "they, them, theirs, others"
Resist the urge to lift the heaviest object in the room for no apparent reason
Wear loser clothing.. it will give the appearance of bulk even where none exists

We don't guarantee this will completely hide the symptoms of LDS, but there is a slight chance some people will not notice, and this will ultimately widen the circle of people that can stand being around you for any significant period of time.

Remember, in your case... less is more.

This has been a Public Service Announcement

A Book, a Beef, and a Bittersweet Memory

2010-06-06T22:24:00.002-04:00

Have I ever mentioned that I'm writing a book? Technically, it's been in work for about 6 to 7 years now... practically, it's only been about 1 year. As you can tell by the blog, I find consistency and commitment a challenge when it comes to the written word. I should get back to work on it, though. Oddly enough, I feel a responsibility to the characters to finish their story even if the thing never sees the light of publishing day.

Speaking of inconsistency, I'm seeing a lot of news stories on the current oil crisis in the Gulf, the most useful and informative being on the Weather Channel of all places. OK, it's news. But think about this. Back when the Haiti crisis was in full bloom and you couldn't walk into a convenience store, surf to a website, or type a text message without being reminded from every direction that you have an opportunity (and an implied obligation) to donate to the relief efforts, a friend of mine said to watch the next major ecological crisis in this country and note the lack-luster response overall. She was right. Now don't get me wrong, there are a few sites and organizations that are beginning to offer proceeds of sales to help in relief efforts for the Gulf, but I'm not being bombarded at every turn. While the government regulators and BP point fingers at each other and stare, the Gulf Coast is bracing for some major ecological and economic clean-up. Don't see the benefit concerts... don't see the "text for donation" popping up.... don't see the ex-Presidents rushing to organize charity relief. Nice, huh? Guess the Gulf Coast doesn't offer enough prime real estate for a tropical getaway when all is said and done. I'm amazed.

I also find myself missing the common sense one-liners that used to come from my Grandmother.... she had a way of putting things in concise sentences that pretty much closed the matter for discussion. I've actually been thinking about her most of the day.... the old one-room schoolhouse that my grandfather and his brother converted to a home (she outlived that house), the way she loved to sit outside and just be, enjoying the sunshine, the breeze and the familiar salt air I always take for granted until I've taken a trip inland. It just occurred to me why I'm thinking so much about her -- tomorrow would have been her birthday. She would have been 95... or 94... we were never sure exactly what year she was born since my great-grandfather kinda kept that to himself. Happy Birthday, Grandma... I'm sure you're happier where you are than you would be here these days.

Peace

Cold.....

2010-02-21T21:16:00.002-05:00

It's cold. It's cold everywhere. Very cold. The Jet Stream has been uncharacteristically low, which always draws down Alberta Clippers and arctic air, always brings weather systems from the South, always develops lows off our coast that sit and hold the systems steady while feeding them lots of moisture to produce snow, sleet, freezing rain, ice... but I'm not just talking about the weather.

The past year has been a challenge. The economy blew cold and empty... there were pay cuts instead of raises for jobs well done... then more cuts... then more. Good people lost their jobs through no fault of their own... it's just business. More good people, while still working, are hanging on to their homes by a thread and ever-increasingly non-confident prayer. "The worst is over" is what we're hearing, but I'm not so sure. It's a challenge to hold a positive outlook when every day you find there's not only another mountain to climb, but it's steeper, rockier, colder than the last.

And then there are the losses.... already this year, short as it's been. A co-worker of almost 11 years, an Aunt, and now if the grape-vine is correct a good friend and colleague of a quarter century... and all of this in just the past three weeks. With their passing more of the warmth this world held is now gone, and it's just that much colder.

I think, dear friends, that I'm ready for Spring and Summer.... ready for turn-arounds, good news, and life. This cold is getting into my bones and my soul, and I'm ready for it to leave now. It's been a very long winter.

Taking Stock

2009-04-16T23:48:00.001-04:00

Let's see. My sons are men, one with many children, the other one content to wait. My beard is more salt than pepper. My six-pack is nicely insulated with soft padding. It takes a bit longer to get up from the floor after playing with the grandkids or the dog. I don't remember everything EXACTLY as it happened (but, I prefer to call that poetic license). My glasses are on more than they're off... and not for convenience anymore, I find I actually need them more often.

Yup.. I'm seasoned. But, seasoning can be a good thing. All the experiences in my life have been opportunities to learn. I'm slower to anger, and quicker to help someone understand why they have to do what they have to do, instead of just telling them the have to do it; give them a chance to think about what they're doing, thereby learning as I did. I'm appreciated by those who love me for who I am. Instead of a shallow pool of indecision and youth, they see the depth and power of experience; something you can anchor to. I'm not bothered by those who don't get me, by choice or by misunderstanding. My family and my friends are all I need, because they're the very best. They stand by me, fiercely defending, and they know I'm there for them at a moment's notice, no matter the time or circumstance.

I like how I've seasoned. And I'm so thankful for those in my life whom I love. And I'm looking forward to many more years with them in my life.

Living up to the name

2009-02-20T00:07:00.002-05:00

Can't sleep. I tried, I really did. I know I need to. I have to work tomorrow, but that doesn't seem to mean a damn thing to my body. See, the name of the blog is more than my nickname and a clever (or maybe not) addendum reflecting my random thoughts. It's truly musings at midnight in most cases, because I just seem to go through this annoying, aggravating, frustrating, infuriating, someotherkindofating, inSOMnia! It's not even cyclical, it just happens. And you get to benefit from my fits of sleeplessness... poor reader.

Today was moving day at work, which always dregs up memories. You see, I've been at this place of employment for 10 years now, and as with other people in other companies, a fair mix of enemies, acquaintances, tolerances, and friends... some of the truest friends, as a matter of fact, have been met at this particular job. So, why does moving my office make me nostalgic? Because I remember the people who resided in the space ahead of me. This particular office I'm moving into is one of three large offices that used to make up one long room, and I find that it represents a microcosm of life's relationships.

The last occupant was a former boss of mine, and someone I consider a friend. He's one of those people I'm sure I would have partied with in high school had we known each other then and been living on the same side of the continent. He moved to another office Tuesday, I moved in today. Prior to him was someone evidently forgettable because I don't remember him. There are some people like that in everyone's life; someone who just doesn't make an impression... who's just there. You can see their face, and the name is somewhere beyond your reach, but not quite important enough to stretch forth and get. Prior to that, an energetic sort. The school jock who also seemed to have common sense and intelligence. The dude who floats in and out of your life, and you're fine to go have a drink with him once in awhile, shoot the breeze, catch up, move on, see ya next time, smile and wave. He was let go some time back and is actually on site as a consultant. Same principal. Before him, the superbrain. The genius with a passion for his brand of science, who tried to draw you into his world and help you struggle to understand what just came naturally to him. But, like the person who can climb the stairs faster then you and is incapable of slowing down, the voice of understanding just got fainter and fainter as he climbed higher and higher, until you're left standing on a landing thinking "maybe I just better go back down". He's no longer there, either, off making his mark on the world elsewhere. The walls weren't there before him, and the long room existed. Several people occupied the office then, none of them with the company now. One in particular is one of those true friends you come across. One of the rare, honest, straight-forward people who are your fiercest defenders and your very best constructive critics; there for you when you need picking up or when you need a good swift kick to get you going back in the right direction. One of those friends you stay in touch with even when they're not in your daily life, ready to talk when needed or to just be around.

And to think, all this runs through my brain while I'm moving desks and hooking up phones and computers. Is it any wonder I can't sleep? My psyche is wearing Nike's.

Level Ground

2009-01-23T23:22:00.003-05:00

It's 11:25 on a Friday night. The time when the party set is just getting warmed up. Bands are playing their best sets, hook-ups are firming, groups of girlfriends are tightening their bonds, and the guys going home alone are just getting the clue they may have to settle or lose out.

I'm sitting in my living room, lights off, glow from the laptop two feet in front of me, Road to Perdition in High Def 15 feet in front of me. It's an oddly symmetrical scene from my vantage point. My coffee sits awaiting breaks in the flow of words, slowly cooling, not caring that I'd rather have it as hot as it came out of the pot. It's usually at this point when deep thoughts bubble up and give me pause. Thoughts about the future and where I might be going; thoughts about the past and where I've been; remembrance of the fierce loyalty of friends and the bitter betrayals of those thought to be; speculation on current acquaintances; joy in the sure knowledge of trust given and received to and by a precious few.

I realize, all in all, there's balance. I'm not necessarily thrilled with every twist and turn I've taken through life, nor the paths I've been forced down. But the hard times have made me strong, and the good times have buoyed me when I've needed it most. There are few people I trust completely, and they know who they are. There are a few more that I let in to a degree, and I'm fine with what I allow. There are many who are arm's length and will remain so. I don't imagine I'm any different in this regard from most who would read this; only the details would be different, but life in and of itself is the same sort of roller coaster for all of us. It's how we deal with the ride that defines us. My advice? Stay on. Let it finish. You'll find yourself on level ground on a Friday night sometime while the rest of the world is riding. Take advantage of the break before the next run, don't hesitate when it's time to get on again, and.....

......enjoy the ride.

Sunday, Ziphone and Cold Feet

2008-05-18T13:41:00.003-04:00

It's a slow Sunday here. After working six days in a row, I got up this morning like it was a work day (don't you hate that?). What to do with the boredom. I started the laundry, which I hate. I played a few online card games (no, not for money). Chatted with a friend on and off, who was busy with sorting through pics from Europe (recent trip that I did NOT participate in). And I listened to Apple Phone Show. Andy Ihnatko interviewed a "special secret guest" who unlocked his iPhone using Ziphone, and it seemed pretty easy. So easy, in fact, for the first time I'm actually considering unlocking the phone. Of course, the only reason for me to do it is to play with software and third party apps. I don't have a T-Mobile account, and don't intend to. So, since I was bored I downloaded the software. Now I'm just staring at it every so often wondering whether or not to do it. I'm so disappointed in myself... what am I a Geek or a Wimp!?!

****sigh****

maybe I'm just careful... yeah... that's it... afterall, v2.0 is going to be released soon and I don't want to have to restore the phone just to break it again and then I'd have to wait anyway and....

I need therapy.

Time Passing, New Things and Growth

2008-04-16T21:02:00.003-04:00

Yes, it's been awhile. They say what you do on the first day of the year sets the tone for the whole year. Guess I blew that theory right out of the water.

Since that post I've become more involved in various aspects of my job, and have been learning a lot about how corporate finance works. Have you ever watched a horror film and wished you never let that cranial input occur? No recycle bin for the brain. That's pretty much how I feel about corporate finance. I think I was happier not knowing. Is this how cynicism begins?

On the tech front, I've watched Apple release the SDK for the iPhone, and the ensuing disappointments throughout the development community. I'm really not sure what they expected. It was obvious that no matter what, Apple was going to tightly control the release and distribution of any new content that will affect their product. This company has never been one to take unnecessary risks, and they will continue to take great care to protect their product (iPhone) and the bottom line. For all the stereotype of the free spirit liberal mindset Apple gathers from the Microsoft camp, they are quite conservative in their business dealings. Always thought-out, careful steps; almost never prone to knee-jerk reactions to public opinion. My iPhone is still just as Apple intended it, and I'm fine with that. Perhaps if I had another $600 to throw away, I'd buy another just to jailbreak it and have some fun, but how practical is that for the real public?

The family has grown by one grand baby, and Lord help us, another is on the way. I'm thinking of conducting a one student course on the cause of this phenomenon, but I'm afraid there will be daydreaming and many sick days....on my part. Ah well.

I'm getting involved in Twitter again (round two for me) after having been overloaded by all of what I call the Social Quick Networks (Twitter, Jaiku, Pounce, etc). I'm trying to not post too many irrelevant tweets, but frankly there are times when it's rather cleansing just to share boring things with total strangers... with whom I'm oddly becoming attached at some level. What a strange world in which we're all involved.

Chin up campers. I'll be back to bore you more soon. Gonna spend some time on the novel that never ends. Happy April.

Reflections on the New Year

2008-01-01T22:57:00.000-05:00

Another one is here. So much changes in a year, have you ever noticed this? Every New Year I reflect on the changes that have taken place... sometimes the good outweighs the bad, other times it's reversed. Families grow, sometimes by a simple birth, sometimes by the joining of one person to another that brings along children and grows the family quickly. Families also decrease, whether through divorce, tragedy or estrangement. Sometimes the changes that occur come from completely unexpected directions, turning long dull aches to joy. Taking the time to reflect each year helps me see the path I've followed and compare it to the multiple paths ahead. Based on where the road has lead thus far, which of these ahead would be the best? Is there a best? Or are there just choices to make? Do I simply let the future happen, or do I attempted to shape it? Or maybe just give it a hand.

2007 was full of change and challenge, as was the year before, and the year before that. I know 2008 will not be different in that respect. Keeping your eye on the constant prize be it love, security, relationship, friendship, monetary gain or otherwise, may not be the thing to do. Maybe you just let it happen. Relax and jump in the water instead of staying on the road, and let the current take you where it will. You may be pleasantly surprised what you see next year when you look back on 2008.

So, your choice.... road or river.

Happy New Year.

Vacations and Quarterly Report

2007-12-23T22:08:00.000-05:00

Sort of became a quarterly blog, huh? Oh well, it's not like I'm committed... as far as you know.

So here's the scoop on vacations... never, ever ,ever plan them. Because of a new policy at work, I was asked to shed over 160 hours of vacation time between September and January. First week I took off was cool, although it rained. My boss, however, realized my employees were being taken advantage of during that week and asked me not to take week long vacations anymore this year. There goes that master plan.

Next scheduled time off was to balance out Thanskgiving weeked by taking the three days off before then. Lucky me, I end up with double pneumonia the Thursday before... flat on my back my entire vacation.

Next, first week of December. My boss and I mutually agreed I couldn't take that time off.... and now, Christmas.

FINALLY, I have a week off... I'm not on my back, no definite plans, and the rest of work isn't working, so no way to be called.... So what, you may ask, do I do with the valuable time? Why spending my time online, of course. Talking to what has become some of my closest friends. After some of these most satisfying conversations, I have to say I'm very relaxed and as happy as I've been in awhile. Sometimes, no talking is necessary... just being online with others you've become close to is enough. We're sharing our days, and sometimes our lives, in ways never before possible.

Probably the busiest day for me (other than Saturday when the entire world was shopping where I was shopping) is going to be the Big Day... as I'm sure it will be with you. Oddly enough, I will be surrounded by real people... family... people I love and who love me.... and I will welcome the return home that evening to my laptop and my online world. You guess what will be more relaxing.

Puppycat wants to play and is walking across my keyboard to make a point. I won't make it so long between posts next time for the six or so of you that actually read this.

Merry Christmas.

2007-09-03T22:21:00.000-04:00

All right, so I don't claim to be the smartest person the Third Rock has spawned. But really, I've seen this done before.... with success.... and without pain....

The beginning? Okay. Yesterday, the planets aligned, the clouds parted, the air was just right, and I had the day off.... all at the same time. I was actually able to bring down the jungle.. er,, mow my lawn. I have a decent push mower (cleaner cut) with a bag on the back, and things were going so well. A swath of freshly mown lawn was waking behind me, the see of waving green was in front of me, awaiting it's demise, audiobook was unfolding from my iPod/phone. Now, I usually lift the seat from the yard swing and set it on the part I've completed so I can get to the grass beneath it, but yesterday I was feeling just a bit lazy so I simply pushed the mower under the swing, pushing it back. The air beneath the swing bloomed brown..... buzzing brown.... seems a fresh wasp's next was nestled snugly on the underside of the swing. Thank god for laziness. That one little piece of the lawn was going to have to wait.

Fast forward to today. Rummaging beneath he kitchen sink, I found my weapon of choice. You see, I love sitting on that swing in the cool evening, and I wasn't letting a bunch of insects take it over solely on the virtue of possessing sharp weapons strapped to their butts. The can said "Kills on contact" and "27 ft stream". I've seen my friend use this very formula when persuading hornets to shed the earthly coil when we were moving his hot tub. No kidding, the beasties fell in mid-flight when struck by the oily poison. I was confident. I was cocky. I was wrong.

Kneeling low so I could see the mass crawling over their nest, I took aim and fired... seems it was just enough to piss them off. Moving back across the lawn quickly, I was still under the delusion they would fall from the sky,,,,any minute now.... and one of the bastards snuck in behind me and impaled my arm. This brought reality into focus. These things were strategically surrounding my dumb ass. Luckily, my flash of innocence (and stupidity) was short-lived. I raced to the door and got inside before any others could find flesh. Thus began the day-long stand-off. The swing is within 27 feet of the door, so the day progressed with me waiting for the fervor to die down, then I would crack open the storm door and fire another volley of poison, quickly closing the door. I admit it; I took great pleasure watching the infuriated insects slam against the glass of the storm door in attempt to get to me. Does this make me bad?

Oh well, who cares. Their all dead now..... I hope.

iPhone and Home Improvement

2007-08-22T20:19:00.001-04:00

Told you this would be sporadic.

So, I own the iPhone. Lots of people do. It's nice. I love it. Not really interested in trying any other phone out any time in the future which, for a geek like me, is an extremely high compliment. You've heard enough about the iPhone, so I'll stop. That's it. That's my review.

We decided (meaning she wanted for her birthday) to pull up the carpet in our living room, master bedroom and master bath, and replace it with something else. After several trips to Home Depot, Lowe's, everywhere on the Internet, etc., we decided we couldn't' really afford to do it. Then, like magic, here comes an offer for a Home Depot card. Please understand, my credit rating is,,, ummm,,, less than stellar. So when she said "Let's see if we can get it", I said "Sure, I'll waste 5 minutes applying.... a week later we purchased flooring at Home Depot with the temporary card number they sent. I'm not sure if it was Karma or Murphy or something else entirely, but I want open season on it.

We started with the living room, and I have to say, it really looks nice. Finished it up over a week ago, and now things are back to normal in the living room... except for the quarter round molding that I haven't put down yet.... and those 2o empty flooring boxes by the TV... and the 4 full ones.... and the hand truck.... and the fish tank that's still in the kitchen instead of in the living room where it belongs..... and the book case that's outside in the portable storage unit.....

........quit laughing.

Tee Ball, Sportsmanship training for everyone.

2007-06-24T13:24:00.000-04:00

Keep your MLB, go ahead and watch the Minors, play softball if you must...... nothing beats Tee Ball. When my boys were young, Tee Ball was a new thing and they didn't play. I got to help coach Little League for my oldest (the youngest wasn't interested), and I learned many disturbing things about adults. We, as coaches, strove to teach the kids teamwork, sportsmanship and that having fun is what baseball is all about. We were mostly successful during practices. Then, the games started. There was name-calling, jeering, belittling, anger, and the occasional physical altercation..... and all of this among the parents attending the game. I saw father's of sons that I had known for years, father's who doted on their boys and always had nothing but praise for them any other time turn into hecklers and nay-sayers to their own sons on the field. It was sad to watch the embarrassment in these boys as what should have been a fun day of baseball invariably turned into an agonizing chore of falling short of expectations and disappointing their real-life heroes. Don't get me wrong, there were some good days, and not every parent acted this way but believe me, it only takes a few to ruin the day. What we really needed was Little League practice for parents teaching teamwork, sportsmanship and how to have a good time.

Fast-forward to present day. My oldest granddaughter joined Tee Ball. I have to say, this game brings out the best in all of us. Think about it... there is one set of bleachers at the Tee Ball diamond. Both sides sit together, cheering on ALL of the kids on both teams. Everyone gets to bat every inning, everyone takes all of the bases and everyone,,, EVERYONE has a good time. In one particular game we had to pause for a train-delay; my granddaughter, playing "pitcher" began jumping up and down, pointing and yelling "TRAIN COMING, TRAIN COMING" (the tracks run ride beside the diamond). The coaches stopped the game and every player turned to watch the train go by, jumping up and down with excitement while the engineer tapped the horn as he went by. Then, back to the game; no complaints, no eye rolls. How cool is that? At the end of the game, everyone congratulates everyone on a game well played, parents praise other parents' children, regardless of team.

I look forward to the time real Little League rolls around for her. If she decides to play, it is my hope that all of the goodwill learned by the kids AND the parents at Tee Ball level moves with them all to the ball field. Seems that training I was talking about is taking place after all, huh?

Old Days vs New Days

2007-06-03T20:34:00.000-04:00

Sometimes when I'm thinking about nothing, everything comes to mind. I can remember listening for the ice cream truck just before bed in the fading light of a summer day, and I suddenly taste the Mint Chocolate Chip tucked away in the freezer twenty feet away. The first time I rode a two-wheeler melds with the first time my oldest rode one. The birth of my second son when I was 22 somehow collides with the death of my grandfather when I was 3, probably because they both looked so peaceful at rest. Every job I've ever had has just become one long employment, each position naturally flowing to the next until I reach present day. I'm also painfully aware that I don't have as much lung capacity as I did when I was younger. The good news is, it's more than I had two years ago, since I stepped into the modern age where medication was concerned. All this just serves to tell me how short a time my 46 years has been, and how fast it can go.

My grand daughters were here today, and I marvel at their energy. As I talk with friends who still have kids at home, some 10 years old and under, I'm reminded that the chaos I perceive in their homes isn't chaos when you're in the moment... it's life, and it can't be traded for all the gold in the world. I sometimes miss those times, as uncomfortable as I tend to get nowadays with too much activity around me (I call it sensory overload). Don't get me wrong, spoiling children and sending them home to their parents is a wonderful experience. But, there's something about tucking them in, knowing that your guidance and teaching took them through another day and has adding another piece of the puzzle that is their personality. It really is what we live for.

The point is, I guess, if you're in the moment, stop and breathe. Take it in and savor it. It passes quickly, believe me. Before you know it, everything runs together.

The Past (Fast?) Ten Years

2007-05-29T21:20:00.000-04:00

My phone is buzzing in my pocket with a text message waiting. Seems my friend is prepping to move from one State I don't live in to another State I don't live in. We know and have communicated with each other's spouses, directly or indirectly, we've played board games together, card games, bowling, 8 ball, bingo. We know each others kids and their interests. She knows about my grand kids and I know about her parents and siblings. We've shared work stories, given and accepted advice, told jokes, eaten together. We're very good friends...

...and we've never laid eyes on each other. Ten years ago, this would not have been me. I'd have to say I pretty much only talked with people at work, my family, and my best friend on the rare occasion that we'd visit. Then I got online. I've met some very good people here (and a few that I don't care to speak with again), and with Web 2.0 and the Social Networking craze, this world really has become a tiny place is a very short period of time. I take the optimistic view of the phenomenon. All of this interaction must lead to greater sharing of intellect and innovation benefiting science and sociology, and furthering the progress of our civilization as a whole.

So tell me: At this rate of development, what will the world possibly be like when my Great-Grandchildren are growing up? I think the possibilities are, for the first time, truly endless, don't you?

A Milestone

2007-05-23T21:29:00.001-04:00

Let it be known that I was right today......

..... and a woman said so.

Life is good.

Rest, Travel and Indecision

2007-05-20T16:12:00.001-04:00

I told you this thing would be sporadic. I tend to be about as consistent as the weather here; which, by the way, is driving me CRAZY. winter winter winter, summer, summer, summer, fall, winter, summer..... ugh. We're finally having some semblance of spring. Okay, I'm done with the weather.

So, I took a vacation recently. Interestingly enough, this coincided with my twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. Being the good husband, I asked her what she wanted for her anniversary. She wanted to see her family. All right. Since her family is basically in North Carolina (she see the ones she wants in Delaware whenever she wants to), I scheduled my vacation around our anniversary. Two weeks. Then, I gained more responsibilities at work, and my new boss haggled with my Better Half until I was down to 10 working days. ...All right... Then, it's decided we're also going to meet another family member after we go to North Carolina. ......All .. right...... Day 1 was the drive to between East and Central NC, just below the border. Day 2 was the drive to the middle of the State. Day 3 took us to West Virginia, just before the Ohio border. Day 4 was spent sightseeing and catching up. Day 5, back to the middle of NC. Day six was computer fix-it day (which was quite relaxing and enjoyable..... sue me). Day 7 back to the NC border. Day 8, the drive home. Day 9 was the actual anniversary (we slept). Day 10, back to work................................. I need a vacation.

I've officially become completely indecisive. My folks have offered to get me an iPhone (actually placed me on the list) in return for all the work I do to keep their computers running for their business. I want it. I really do. So I get this bout of guilt for costing them more money than I would spend on a phone, or an ipod. See, now it's closer to the release of the thing, and I know my name is somewhere around fifteenth on the list. I just can't help myself. I've waffled back to letting them get it. I'm not sure if that makes me a bad son, or just a very lucky one. The only thing that could make this suck is if I hate the phone. I don't think I will, but who knows, right? On the upside, there are a lot of people who want to see this thing once I get it. It's like coming home with a newborn and everyone wants to hold the baby. You really don't want to let them; yet, at the same time, it's kind of nice showing off what you've got.

Okay, I've lost it. I've just compared the iPhone to a newborn. Time to end this for the day. I'll try to be more sporadic in the future just to spare all two of you who actually read this thing.

Internet Radio

2007-05-10T18:17:00.000-04:00

Okay, boys and girls, I know you've been hearing and reading all about the injustice perpetrated by the Copyright Royalty Board (and it's subsequent refusal to appeal) against Internet radio. Seems the RIAA and it's minions have struck again convincing certain facets of government to join them in destroying any chance that indepent music, new music, and even custom play events of established music be heard without them getting a significant cut of the deal. At least there are a couple of Senators willing to take up the fight, even though it means congressionally controlled fees. If you're lost on this, catch up here:

I'm a huge fan of Pandora, one of the sites that will be devastated if the fees imposed truly come due in July. Pandora is one of the most innovative music outlets I've every experienced. Created by the Music Genome Project, this site creates a station that's taylor-made to your tastes, quickly and progressively more accurate, letting you enjoy your favorite music while introducing you to some fantasic music you would never have discovered on your own. This Project is developed by and for Musicians and musical professionals.

Who believes the RIAA and their ilk has the best interest of artists at heart? This site, and others just as significant and legitimate, will simply disappear July 15 if the Bill introduced by Senators Wyden and Brownback does not get through Congress beforehand. Essentially, on the books, these folks are bankrupt now as the ruling is currently in effect. If you care, if you agree, if you don't want to see this happen to Internet Radio (what next, video?, podcasts?), please click this link, then contact your Senator. Ask him/her to support the Internet Radio Equality Act of 2007. Help keep sites like Pandora alive.

2007-03-23T21:43:00.000-04:00

You know, I've lived in Delaware all my life, most of it in Slower Lower. One thing about this state that can't be denied........ we have chickens. I mean everywhere. Even our state bird is a chicken. Somewhere in our past it seems cock fights were popular, and the toughest bird of all was the Blue Hen Chicken. Hence, the mascot for the University, the Fighting Blue Hen. Now, don't get me wrong. I like chicken as much as the next guy. Fried, baked, grilled, cordon bleu.

Two doors down and across the road are chicken houses. The property next door used to have chicken houses. Next to tourism, I think chicken farming is our number one industry; at least, it seems that way. And, of course, along with the benefits of rural life we sometimes have to deal with the natural by-product of raising livestock.....olfactory speaking. Okay, usually it's only bad when the wind blows in our direction. I'm all right with that, everyone has to make a living, and it's part of local color that certain... odors... have to be dealt with once in awhile. I grew up here. It's fine, really.

However, too much of a good thing is, well... too much. Today, it was warm. Short sleeve shirt warm. Gorgeous day warm. Slight breeze. So naturally, this is the time when the local farmers decide it's a good idea to spread all the aforementioned by-product that's been fermenting in the chicken houses all this time all over the fields... . all of them... everywhere. And hey, let's not stop at simply packing it up in a truck and spreading it. Let's liquefy it and spray fifty feet or more in every direction. Tonight would be a great night to open the windows and let the breeze blow across the bed. Tonight would be a great night to slumber in the yard swing. If only the stench that surrounds us wasn't so damn tangible. I swear, the air seems to have physical properties that can be touched. I've been in this county almost my entire life and I never remember it being this bad. It's like someone had a wholesale event on the stuff, and every single farmer in the county decided it was manure spreading day.

I went to WalMart tonight and bought air conditioners. Vive' la controlled environment.... and clothes pins for the nose.

Looking Back at the Future

2007-03-03T17:12:00.000-05:00

So, when I was a kid I had this vision of the future. It was the '60's and I lived in a college town, which meant my babysitters were basically hippies. My friends and I would watch Route 66, Daktari, Gilligan's Island, Laugh-in, and if we were good we got to stay up for Star Trek. We'd go to the community pool, play in makeshift forts, write and deliver a block newspaper (only one edition as we had to hand-write each one), and look forward to the wonders of our future. We knew there would be flying cars by the time we had kids, and that there would be a button for everything. We even designed streamlined cars that looked like bubbles with wheels, some of them retractable for flight. We dreamed of three dimensional television (in color, no less), communicators and transporters, not to mention computers that talked. We also were absolutely certain space travel would be something the common man would do when we were adults.

For some time, I was disappointed throughout my twenties. No flying cars, no true three dimensional tv, no transporters or communicators... and no space flight for the common man. What happened to the future? Where did we go wrong? Now, of course, I realize it was happening all along. I'm typing this on a device smaller and at times lighter than the Trapper Keeper I used to carry around in school. I'm on the sofa, transmitting this data to the world, basically, without wires. On my hip is a flip phone, my own personal communicator, and people who don't have these are oddities around here. All I have to do is talk to it and it finds the person I want to talk with on the other end. I don't even have to push buttons. I don't have a flat screen television, but I could if I would spend the money on it. A device slightly thicker than a picture frame that I can hang on the wall and watch television programs, movies when I want to on demand, surf the world of information at my fingertips.

Earlier today, I was outside a department store waiting for my lovely to come out with less money, and I swear to you, one of the streamlined, bubbles I drew when I was a kid pulled into a parking space. The side doors slid open slowly without anyone touching them, and a family poured out and began walking toward the store. The doors to the vehicle deliberately slid closed on there own as the family happily made their way toward eliminating disposable income. At that point, my communicator buzzed me, and the device I had clipped to my ear, without wires, filled with the voice of a coworker.

Yup, the future happened while I wasn't looking. I'd like to live another 50 years, please. I bet those flying cars, transporters and regular space travel are right around the corner.

Twitter, Milk and Psycho-Fish

2007-02-25T21:09:00.000-05:00

So I'm getting heavy into the Web 2.0 thing. Non-conformist that I claim to be, I'm such a damn follower. The latest thing I'm getting hooked on is Twitter (www.twitter.com). Listening to Leo too much, I guess. The way it works is, you just type in what your doing at that moment. Checking back from time to time you can see what others have been doing too. Sounds dumb, huh? Well, most addictive things are, I guess. But I don't care. You can see it here on the blog until I get tired of it. I've been playing around with lots of new things lately. I have Skype, as I said before, but no one else I know does. Guess that makes me an early adopter.... or just sad.

Have you ever noticed how calming milk can be? I have a self-proclaimed home-psychologist friend that will tell me I'm just reminded of suckling my mamma's teat, but then he thinks about that sort of thing all the time anyway. Think I'll discount that one. The house is in bed at the moment (except for this 46 year old geek), the TV is off, Alanis is playing in my headsets and I have a coffee mug full of milk. Seems to help soothe the abscess. And if you know that milk doesn't ease the pain of an abscess, just keep it to yourself. I enjoy self-delusional episodes. The mug itself is something my sister-in-law bought for me some years ago, and it's my favorite. It's a Bald Eagle soaring over a wetland landscape that she found at the zoo in North Carolina, and this thing has held coffee, hot chocolate, alcohol, tea, Thera-Flu, orange juice, water,,,,,,,,, and milk. I think milk is my favorite. Of course,,, this could be the Vicodin talking.

I'm house-sitting this week for some friends who are out of town. They have the absolute coolest felines. I mean it. These guys never tell on me when my friends come home. All I have to do is give them a little extra kibble and a scratch, then let the party begin. They even clean up after me. It's like I was never there. Now, the psycho-fish are a different story. These little demon-spawn appeared as though by magic one day in the fish tank. And they never die. I've never seen anything like it. When I walk past the tank, the follow me... in a school... all of them... all 12, no wait, 18,, jeez... 20 now. My friend feeds them blood worms (I think because they prefer human blood, and this is the only way to appease them) by actually squeezing them inside the tank. Not me, Jack. I sprinkle them from a height of 6 inches. The water fairly boils from the ensuing frenzy.

Tomorrow, I'm taking back-up.

Mouth Pain, Toy Anticipation and the Magical Properties of a Fish Tank

2007-02-21T19:30:00.000-05:00

My mouth hurts. Seems I've developed an abscess in the lower right gum related to what's left of a doomed back tooth. It's ultimate demise is scheduled for 10 days from now. Meanwhile, I have some pain medication that's making me think twice about dealing with the pain. As long as I go to sleep, I'm fine, but I can forget about trying to actually function while under the influence of the evil drug. It seems to make my left leg shorter than my right, and causes the fluid in my inner ear to play whirlpool games. Think I'll stick with the Excedrin and antibiotic.

We're watching the grandbaby tonight, and I've made an amazing discovery. When the bottle doesn't work, the tv doesn't work, the annoying sing-along toy doesn't work, and pulling the puppycat's tail doesn't work,,,,,,, there are the fish. This child spent almost an hour talking to the fish tank, evidently resolving the important issues of the day. Tonal inflections indicate a very deep conversation between the finned ones and her, punctuated by the occasional pat on the glass for emphasis and camaraderie. A few jokes were shared, as evidenced by the polite giggles, and I'm pretty sure I was the butt of one or two since she looked askance in my direction once or twice with a knowing chuckle to her swimming friends. This wouldn't worry me so much if I wasn't going to be caring for some psycho-fish for friends who are out of town this weekend. I just know there's a tiny cellphone in the castle where the pleko hides.

Speaking of phones, I've decided I'm going to attempt to further decrease the long-distance bill (currently being handled with a prepaid card, but still a bill nonetheless). I've downloaded Skype and intend to teach my better half to use it to call her family three states away. Of course, first I'll need a headset. Hence, the latest excuse to purchase some geekwear. Enter the Plantronics DSP-400 Digitally-Enhanced USB Foldable Stereo Headset and Software. How's that for a mouthful. The cool part about this little transaction, other than the fact I got it for 90 bucks less than it was selling for last week... oh,, and the free shipping.... is the ability to use this dandy little toy while playing online video games. After all, with virtually free long distance she's not going to be on the skype phone all the time, right?.... RIGHT????

Stop laughing.

Farewell Astoles

2007-01-29T22:00:00.000-05:00

Tonight, I came home to find my oldest son's cat, Astoles (pronounced Astahleez) resting peacefully in my front yard, just beside the road. He had been clipped by a car sometime earlier in the day. A phone call to my son, and he was here before I had his friend buried.

My son got Astoles from someone as a tiny furball when he was living in an apartment that was not, shall we say, pet friendly. At one point he ended up in our care while his new master found another place to live. One day, presumably in our driveway, someone ran over his tail. A trip to the vet and close to a thousand bucks later, Astoles came home neutered with a bobbed tail, and he had been here ever since. He already had the markings of a Manx, and the stub just completed the picture.

I'll forever believe this cat convinced the puppy she was a cat as well. He and the puppycat wrestled and played all the time. Just yesterday afternoon, when my son and grandkids were here, the two of them were in puppycat's crate, nipping and playing. The word "cagematch" was uttered. She's gonna miss the wannabe manx, sooner or later. The other cats just don't play like he did..... they whip her ass.

The epitome of cool, he had grown solid and was definitely Alpha in the pecking order; even if he chose not to lord it over the rest all the time. When he had enough, he let it be known. He was, however, generally very loving and very tolerant of his humans, despite our flaws and inconsistencies, and I'll never forget that. There's a hole in the family now that won't fill anytime soon.

Rest well Astoles............ and farewell

The Crud, Vista, and a new fruit

2007-01-28T15:48:00.000-05:00

*sniffle*......

The most dominant creature on the planet is The Common Cold. There's really nothing common about it anymore. I've had this one for about two months now. Sometimes it's there, kicking my ass and evident... *sniffle*...... and sometimes it's just under the surface, like a gentle undertoe you can't see. But it's still there, all the time, never goes away. Today, obviously... *sniffle*..... it's in full effect. Coincidentally, Winter has finally decided to make an appearance over the past week. Isn't cold weather supposed to kill bugs? On with the post.

I've used Microsoft Operating Systems and compatible hardware since I started this personal computing experiment some fifteen years ago, and I've always hungered for the latest and greatest updgrade for whatever I was using. This is no different for Vista. I've got disks around here with the ISOs for RC1 and RC2 that I played with on this laptop before tiring of the debugging software giving me dialup-like response time. It was okay. I mean, it was pretty. Umm.... okay, it's not pretty enough for me to shell out $400+ for a copy of the final release, but I'll be okay if ever and whenever I get a new laptop or PC, right? Of course, now I'm hearing about all these DRM measures in place that are a result of Microsoft's cooperation (grudging?) with the megalomaniacal Hollywood corporations to pander to their paranoia over High Def digital content piracy. Oh, and let us not forget the semireliable Windows Genuine Advantage. Probably the nicest thing I can say about it is the instant search and IE7. Oh wait, you don't really need Vista for IE7. And, the best thing about IE7 is that it has finally adopted the features I like in Firefox and Opera. Still, the next PC, right?

On the hardware front I decided I wanted to move my webcam from my PC to my laptop today. That's going to be a bit of a hassle. See, when the puppycat was more of a puppy, she thought wire and conduit was very very tasty, ableit a bit deadly. So, I spent an afternoon under my desk making some sense out of the rat's nest assembled there. There's the power cord for the PC, the power cord for the monitor, the DVI cable for the monitor, the USB cable for the mouse, the one for the printer, the power cord for the printer, the connector for the keyboard, the peripheral USB cable for the digital camera, the connector for the speakers, the connector for the mic, the network cables from the router to the PC, the work laptop, this laptop, power cords for each laptop, etc, etc, etc. Anyway, now they're all bundled and wrapped and tied off and safe from the puppycat........and I'll have to undo half of that to get the webcam. And, it's dusty under there which just... *sniffle*..... compliments my cold.

Tonight, I'm looking at Macs.

Perspective

2007-01-23T20:54:00.000-05:00

So it was one of those days. The best part was walking my puppy tonight. This is one of the rare moments I'm forced to be patient. We have a 15 foot retractable leash (pink,,, hush, I didn't pick it out), and she's only an eight pound bundle of energetic fur. Seriously, I think she's a cat trying to pass, but that's another issue entirely.

Point is, the best way to handle this little chore (the dog as well as the walking of said dog), is to stand still and let her wander, ponder or run around me. I usually do this while listening to a podcast or some random music on my iPod. Tonight, however, I turned it off and just listened to the rest of the world. The first thing I heard was my own breathing, and it slowed while I stood. This brought the rushing of blood in my ears down to a trickling stream and expanded the realm of sound, allowing me to hear the wind through the trees behind our place. Some of these old pines protested softly as they gave in and swayed, leaning closer to my neighbor's yard to eavesdrop on a very soft conversation between two of the neighbor's kids over the fence, only recognizable as voices in casual dialogue. I recall a time when these voices were very soprano and imature; a startling contrast to the deepening tones now weaving into the growing symphony. The constant whisper in the background slowly solidified into traffic on the highway a mile away, adding a wash of rhythm reminiscent of waves on a shoreline. High above spreading a canopy of distant roar in it's wake, a passenger jet is carrying it's load of human baggage, spreading they're diversity to destinations unknown. I began to think if I stood there long enough, I'd hear the solar winds racing by this planet, and I actually looked forward to it....... but then the puppycat was bouncing around my feet, whining something about how cold she was. We came back in.

Amazingly, the 23 things I dragged home from work were no longer in my house, and the person I love most in life was waiting for me. Trading 23 problems for 1 joy is a good deal, I think. Of course, now she's in bed, the TV has some inane movie playing that I've seen a dozen times (I can't turn it off,,,, it's an evil device that demands constant power), and I'm blogging while AC/DC plays Hell's Bells in my ears. I wonder what I was so stressed about earlier?

Life really is good. Thanks puppycat....... I guess you can stay.

So, this is a blog.....

2007-01-20T19:35:00.000-05:00

Who knows how long I'll keep this up, but hey,,,, I've surprised my self before. Like the time I called my own cellphone and got an answer. Split personalities can be fun.

About me. I'm an aspiring adult. At 46, I think I may be ready in about 15 years or so. Wish me luck on the progress. I was born with the fragrance of seaspray and still find the sound and smell of surf the most calming drug in the universe. I've participated in the raising and development of two young men who could not be more opposite if one of them walked on his hands 24/7........ ((hmmm,, that would explain why we went through so many pairs of gloves)). I've been married to my lifemate for almost 25 years and have known her for 33. Oddly enough, she hasn't yet run away. No account for good sense.

This blog is likely to be a jumble of random thoughts, history (mine, it's the only one that counts), reflection, and maybe some fiction. If you begin this journey with me, be warned. I sometime change direction without notice, I tend to walk away from things like this for long periods of time, and I'm colorblind,,, so don't expect an accurate description of autumn leaves.

Welcome. And thank you for stopping by.