In this holiday season and with all the various groups trying to not offend anyone, I'd like to take a moment to wish everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!! If you take offense at my saying this, tough. Has anyone else noticed that while the various groups work very hard to avoid these words, especially our outspoken atheist crowd, that they still happily take the day off work and get paid for it? Sorry folks, you can't have it both ways.......'nuf said, except, MERRY CHRISTMAS MERRY CHRISTMAS MERRY CHRISTMAS MERRY CHRISTMAS MERRY CHRISTMAS MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!! Enjoy the season and spread some love while you're at it.
BTW NORAD is tracking Santa again this year, way cool!
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Random thoughts, etc.
Okay, you can thank (blame?) John Carmichael for getting me back on the bloggosphere, even if only for one post today....
The blizzard... wow, that was a good one. It has helped me reestablish some of my faith in humanity as the neighborhood digs it's way out of this mess. A few of us have snow blowers (a fun toy and very useful in this deep stuff as well) and none of us has hesitated to loan the blower to other neighbors, to blow off the driveway of the elderly lady near-by that lives alone, getting the idiot's trucks unstuck as they venture out into the mess (four wheel drive just means four wheels to spin, duh), and other feel good types of things. Maybe back to work tomorrow, we'll see.
Now, the real reason I am blogging today, John has tagged me "it" in the blogger world with the challenge to blog about the five things people don't know about me. Like John, I will qualify that as the five things MOST people don't know about me. Okay, here we go:
1) I attended high school on a 48 square mile island that is rich with World War 2 history. The island is Saipan, and it is part of the Mariana's Island chain near the Mariana trench.
2) I used to be a VERY good windsurfer, near the infancy of the sport. I haven't successfully attempted to windsurf in many years, but it was one way for me to expand the size of my island while living in Saipan.
3) I have appeared in three and starred in one Japanese television commercial. In one I actually windsurfed with one hand while holding a plate of ice cream in the other, while wearing a full white suit, tie and all.
4) I am more the instigator than people realize. My forte is planting the seed and watching someone like John get blamed for the whole thing, all in good fun of course. I would never intentionally get anyone else blamed for something I did nor for the idea, and am always right there to own up to my own mistakes, etc.
5) I am shy. It takes me some time to warm up to other people and to open up as well. Having John as my best friend (my wife Linda not included of course) and his being so very not shy (to but it mildly) has helped me in that arena somewhat. And since I am often associated with him in various situations, it shocks many people to hear this, but alas, I am and sometimes it really comes out.
Okay, that's it for now, a long post and maybe (only maybe) I'll get back into this blogging thing. Thanks John for the impetus.
The blizzard... wow, that was a good one. It has helped me reestablish some of my faith in humanity as the neighborhood digs it's way out of this mess. A few of us have snow blowers (a fun toy and very useful in this deep stuff as well) and none of us has hesitated to loan the blower to other neighbors, to blow off the driveway of the elderly lady near-by that lives alone, getting the idiot's trucks unstuck as they venture out into the mess (four wheel drive just means four wheels to spin, duh), and other feel good types of things. Maybe back to work tomorrow, we'll see.
Now, the real reason I am blogging today, John has tagged me "it" in the blogger world with the challenge to blog about the five things people don't know about me. Like John, I will qualify that as the five things MOST people don't know about me. Okay, here we go:
1) I attended high school on a 48 square mile island that is rich with World War 2 history. The island is Saipan, and it is part of the Mariana's Island chain near the Mariana trench.
2) I used to be a VERY good windsurfer, near the infancy of the sport. I haven't successfully attempted to windsurf in many years, but it was one way for me to expand the size of my island while living in Saipan.
3) I have appeared in three and starred in one Japanese television commercial. In one I actually windsurfed with one hand while holding a plate of ice cream in the other, while wearing a full white suit, tie and all.
4) I am more the instigator than people realize. My forte is planting the seed and watching someone like John get blamed for the whole thing, all in good fun of course. I would never intentionally get anyone else blamed for something I did nor for the idea, and am always right there to own up to my own mistakes, etc.
5) I am shy. It takes me some time to warm up to other people and to open up as well. Having John as my best friend (my wife Linda not included of course) and his being so very not shy (to but it mildly) has helped me in that arena somewhat. And since I am often associated with him in various situations, it shocks many people to hear this, but alas, I am and sometimes it really comes out.
Okay, that's it for now, a long post and maybe (only maybe) I'll get back into this blogging thing. Thanks John for the impetus.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Signs that They are Growing Up
As most of you know, Daniel and Josh are 9 and 7 now in the 4th and 2nd grades respectively. Daniel has joined flag football this year and this coming Saturday is his first game. It is a non-competitive, fun league and the coach is taking the right attitude, have fun and learn about the game. Or as I like to say, we PLAY football, so have fun.
It wasn't that long ago these boys were learning how to ride their bikes and we would watch them carefully every minute they played outside. It continues to be an adventure raising my boys. I love them dearly and am excited as they continue to grow up seeing the people they are develping into.
It wasn't that long ago these boys were learning how to ride their bikes and we would watch them carefully every minute they played outside. It continues to be an adventure raising my boys. I love them dearly and am excited as they continue to grow up seeing the people they are develping into.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Are You Kidding Me....
Just read this headline and part of the article and am truly amazed at the Australian knee jerk reaction to the tragety of the Crocodile Hunter's death. I guess they are finding rays mutilated and killed. Have they forgotten the basics of what Steve taught, living with and learning about the wildlife around us? Grow up people, or as Steve would say...."Crikey!"
Sunday, August 13, 2006
End of Summer
Today marks the last Sunday of the summer vacation for Linda and the boys. They start back in school on Thursday. I think they've had a pretty decent summer vacation. Here are a few highlights.
1) Linda spent 10 days in Spain with her dad and little sister.
2) While Linda was in Spain, the boys and I got to spend boy time together.
3) Linda took the boys to overnight scout camp (2 nights) I had to work.
4) I spent one day out of three with the boys in scout day camp while Linda was in Spain.
5) Linda interviewed for and got a new position at the school where she works, she will now spend half of her day working with the kids and science stuff. She seams excited about the new adventure.
6) We spent a day at the Colorado Renaissance Festival, celebrated Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company's 50th anniversary, swam at our community pool and a nearby water park, and played with friends.
7) Sadly we were not able to get to Oregon this year to visit my mom, dad and grandma, nor were we able to go camping very much, but we did camp some.
It is hard for me, as I continue to work my job, to remember what is was like to have summers off, and I try not to be resentful of my family and the fun they get to have in my absence. But, Linda does her best to make sure I don't feel it too much by still getting up in the mornings with me and by taking such wonderful care of our boys and the household chores.
1) Linda spent 10 days in Spain with her dad and little sister.
2) While Linda was in Spain, the boys and I got to spend boy time together.
3) Linda took the boys to overnight scout camp (2 nights) I had to work.
4) I spent one day out of three with the boys in scout day camp while Linda was in Spain.
5) Linda interviewed for and got a new position at the school where she works, she will now spend half of her day working with the kids and science stuff. She seams excited about the new adventure.
6) We spent a day at the Colorado Renaissance Festival, celebrated Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company's 50th anniversary, swam at our community pool and a nearby water park, and played with friends.
7) Sadly we were not able to get to Oregon this year to visit my mom, dad and grandma, nor were we able to go camping very much, but we did camp some.
It is hard for me, as I continue to work my job, to remember what is was like to have summers off, and I try not to be resentful of my family and the fun they get to have in my absence. But, Linda does her best to make sure I don't feel it too much by still getting up in the mornings with me and by taking such wonderful care of our boys and the household chores.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Colorado Smoking Ban
Today is the first day of the Colorado smoking ban. Not a bad thing. While I have enjoyed smoking a nice cigar on my weekly pool nights, adding to the smoke in the room, and while I will miss being able to do that, I understand the need. I will enjoy the smoke free environment as well. I have some friends who smoke and I have some friends who dislike the smoke in the bar a great deal. So things will change.
Today I read a letter to the editor in the Denver Post this morning from a Pastor Emeritus of the Lovingway United Pentecostal Church. He wrote, "...if you'd rather stay hooked, not to worry: In the 'Great Hereafter,' you'll find you've made one of two choices: smoking or non-smoking!" Did this pastor emeritus just did tell me I'm going to hell because I choose to smoke? My relationship with God is personal, and not foisted on anyone else, because it is my own. How dare this man tell me or anyone else they are going to hell because they smoke. It is closed minded tripe like this that turns me off to organized religion.
Today I read a letter to the editor in the Denver Post this morning from a Pastor Emeritus of the Lovingway United Pentecostal Church. He wrote, "...if you'd rather stay hooked, not to worry: In the 'Great Hereafter,' you'll find you've made one of two choices: smoking or non-smoking!" Did this pastor emeritus just did tell me I'm going to hell because I choose to smoke? My relationship with God is personal, and not foisted on anyone else, because it is my own. How dare this man tell me or anyone else they are going to hell because they smoke. It is closed minded tripe like this that turns me off to organized religion.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Father's Day
As father's day approaches and I reflect for a moment on what it means to be a dad, I just wanted to take a minute and say thanks to mine. You have and continue to share with me your life, your beliefs, your hopes and desires and have helped make me who I am today. You allow me to be my own person and love me without reservation no matter which direction I choose. I can only hope that my kids feel the same way about me as life goes on. Thanks Dad! Happy Father's Day.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Long Time
I know ,I know, it's been a long time since my last post. I've gotten a number of complaints from my few readers regarding this and I am hereby pledging to them that I will try harder to get to this machine and post something more often.
My last post was quite a rant about work. As I continue to tell everyone, I love my job, I love what I do. I am still, however, having issues with trouble employees that I only "own" part time. But enough whining.
Just a quick note about respect today, as it applies to me, my work, and my life. I try to take the tack of treating everyone with respect and professionally, especially in the work place. I see a lot of people who choose to take a different tack, using emotion and whining and threats to try to get what they want while they try to make their new world fit into their old box. What I say to them is; open your minds people. You might learn something, and together we might actually accomplish great things. Keep your mind closed and we'll never advance. More to come.
My last post was quite a rant about work. As I continue to tell everyone, I love my job, I love what I do. I am still, however, having issues with trouble employees that I only "own" part time. But enough whining.
Just a quick note about respect today, as it applies to me, my work, and my life. I try to take the tack of treating everyone with respect and professionally, especially in the work place. I see a lot of people who choose to take a different tack, using emotion and whining and threats to try to get what they want while they try to make their new world fit into their old box. What I say to them is; open your minds people. You might learn something, and together we might actually accomplish great things. Keep your mind closed and we'll never advance. More to come.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Musings for the Evening (Work Rant)
Another weekend is coming to an end, and I'm getting ready to start the stress of the week that will inevitably hit first thing in the morning. The team I have working for me is heavily dependant on me and my getting them the answers. I am striving to inspire some initiative in them. The hardest part is that I am responsible for their outcome (as the lead on this effort) and the easiest way would be for me to just try to do it all myself. They haven't yet proven to me that I can trust them, that I can keep doing the top level, management stuff and know that they are getting the rest of it done, and done right. We as a team were/are handicapped form the start on this project, since not a single one of us has been involved in the decision making process that has been going on for some time, nor do we have actual experience with what we are doing. We are trying to learn the hardware, the software, the plan, the process, and the people, whole trying to produce quality product on a short fuse. UGH! Don't get me wrong, I am enjoying learning all this new stuff, but I am frustrated and feel my hands were tied from the start.
Bottom line, as always, I will not fail. I will do what it takes to ensure my team does not fail in being ready on time as well. No matter the naysayers on the sides of the team that we need support from. Give me what we need or get out of our way. Don't try to drag us down into your pit of despair, we will take a positive outlook and drive to the finish.
Bottom line, as always, I will not fail. I will do what it takes to ensure my team does not fail in being ready on time as well. No matter the naysayers on the sides of the team that we need support from. Give me what we need or get out of our way. Don't try to drag us down into your pit of despair, we will take a positive outlook and drive to the finish.
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