Once again I have added a counter to the blog. If you scroll way down to the bottom you will see a little bitty multi-colored box. It's just under the TS Elliot quote. Click on the box and you will see our stats. They are small because we're not advertising.
Please, please do not change the template, this kills the counter. You may go into the template and add or delete anything you want, just don't go to the section that says "pick new."
Now that I've said that, is the basic scheme of the template what we want? Do we like the colors? Do we like the basic design. If not check out some of the other templates and see if anything else catches your eye. I'm happy to add the counter coding once more if we decide on something else.
All of this is gearing up to ask if we want to go public. We've been doing some good blogging, and we're writing some good stories, posting some good outside articles/pictures. I think it's a pretty dern good blog, actually. Not a webzine yet, but a fine blog.
I'm thinking about making it a little more public. If we get a few outsiders we could create some good discussion. The easiest way would be to roll through sites like BlogExplosion. I use this on my blog some, and it definitely brings in traffic. If the top article is interesting it will definitely bring in more comments too.
If we all say yes, we can each set up an account with BE, or any of the similar sites. The way they work is you surf various other blogs to earn credits. These credits then get cashed by visitors coming to your site. With as many of us as there are we could easily earn tons of credits in very little time. It would be easy to do at work, simply let it be in the background, and periodically click a link to browse some more.
Yada yada, just a thought.
If we do this, we'll probably want to kill the more personal stuff. Definitely keep full names and any real personal info out. It's up to the individual on whether or not you want to post detailed accounts of your last probe.
Thoughts? Desires? Hateful diatribes?
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
trucking
Ok so when my wife reads this she'll freak but that's ok because she loves me. If it works out and we can help this can be my birthday present from her to me.
I was talking with some buddies at work and we all mentioned we wish we could help with out the assistance of corporate crap doing the foot work, you know I'm all about grassroots movements. I called a truck rental place about donating a truck to haul donations down south. Long story short I'm going to talk to the guy tomorrow morning.
So how can you guys help? I need the names of southern Churches of Christ that we could deliver this stuff too. FEMA says to not just drive down and with a truck full of goods so I figured that I could skirt that issue if I had a destination. You guys might have traveled those roads a bit more than me and might know some church contact info near those areas. I know Chuck might have some lines of the P-cola area and that could be a destination but frankly I'd like to head into the abyss to deliver goods, if the whole thing works out.
Let me know what you think or if you have any leads on churches in need.
I was talking with some buddies at work and we all mentioned we wish we could help with out the assistance of corporate crap doing the foot work, you know I'm all about grassroots movements. I called a truck rental place about donating a truck to haul donations down south. Long story short I'm going to talk to the guy tomorrow morning.
So how can you guys help? I need the names of southern Churches of Christ that we could deliver this stuff too. FEMA says to not just drive down and with a truck full of goods so I figured that I could skirt that issue if I had a destination. You guys might have traveled those roads a bit more than me and might know some church contact info near those areas. I know Chuck might have some lines of the P-cola area and that could be a destination but frankly I'd like to head into the abyss to deliver goods, if the whole thing works out.
Let me know what you think or if you have any leads on churches in need.
I got some gas
ok I think we should keep a running tab of gas prices so that we can see where thing whole thing ends.
My Cadillac has an 18 gallon tank Tuesday it cost me $41 to fill up from bottom to top. Gas was at $2.43. I've heard in the hallway the folks at Weigel’s are telling people to fuel up now because it's slated to go up another .30 cents in the next day or so. One of our cheap places was $2.79 this morning. Oh yeah, TN state gas taxes are quite hellish. So where are the rest of you guys at?
18 gallons @ $2.43 = $41
My Cadillac has an 18 gallon tank Tuesday it cost me $41 to fill up from bottom to top. Gas was at $2.43. I've heard in the hallway the folks at Weigel’s are telling people to fuel up now because it's slated to go up another .30 cents in the next day or so. One of our cheap places was $2.79 this morning. Oh yeah, TN state gas taxes are quite hellish. So where are the rest of you guys at?
18 gallons @ $2.43 = $41
Spashiba bolshoy
Being at Disney World, I had read and heard that you can sometimes get stuff extra, as long as you are nice...
Well, me being nice is different when it is a female and it typically comes across as flirting, which I did in front of my wife, and she thought it was funny because she knew I was just trying to get freebies...
But the Russian and German ladies took to me very well.
Example number 1: (Mullins would be proud). We ate somewhere that offered hamburgers and a bar full of toppings you could go hog wild on to put on your burger.
My wife and I don't eat white bread, and after we had ordered and stood in line to get our food, she noticed that there was a chicken wrap on the menu in a whole wheat wrap... So I turned on my smile and looked at all the gals working back there... one took the bait and came to the counter and I asked her if we could get one of those wrapes to put our burger in... she had a russian accent (MIGHT have been german, but doubtful) and didnt understand me too well, so she grabbed a chicken wrap with all the fixins' and added it to our tray. I said "No no! Just the wrap!" She said "I can not get them, they are in the back, making fresh" (I assume she meant being made fresh). So I said "Did you give me this just because I am so good looking?" TO which she blushed and said "Because you are funny."
Example number 2: In Epcot, we hit the German land so my wife and I could have some braughtwurst which we love. The Sips were in China eating, so we wanted to get it to go. After some chit chat with the German ladies about how much german I could speak (I said alot of common phrases you hear in WW2 movies) we got our food. An older lady handed us the food and I said "Can I get a bag?" She said "We have no bags here" Yet a dark brunette gal said "Ill get one!" and left her post, went to a store about 40 yards away, asked the clerk for a shopping bag, and brought it out to us, to which I replied "Danke " and she laughed...
Example number 3: Nothing free, but flattering none-the-less. We were at Typhoon lagoon. The ride we were in line for had 3 slides at the top. My wife took one, Rach took the other, and I took number 3. The lady standing at the top of the slide noticed a man a few feet back wearing the same swim suit as me, and she pointed this out to me as i was 2nd or 3rd to go down the slide. She had an accent to which sounded very much like Russian. I joked with her and said "Hey! You need to kick him out of the park for wearing the same thing as me!" TO which she replied in broken english "You can take yours off!" I said "And do what with it?!?!" She said "you can give it to me" The light on my slide turned green and I took off...
Well, me being nice is different when it is a female and it typically comes across as flirting, which I did in front of my wife, and she thought it was funny because she knew I was just trying to get freebies...
But the Russian and German ladies took to me very well.
Example number 1: (Mullins would be proud). We ate somewhere that offered hamburgers and a bar full of toppings you could go hog wild on to put on your burger.
My wife and I don't eat white bread, and after we had ordered and stood in line to get our food, she noticed that there was a chicken wrap on the menu in a whole wheat wrap... So I turned on my smile and looked at all the gals working back there... one took the bait and came to the counter and I asked her if we could get one of those wrapes to put our burger in... she had a russian accent (MIGHT have been german, but doubtful) and didnt understand me too well, so she grabbed a chicken wrap with all the fixins' and added it to our tray. I said "No no! Just the wrap!" She said "I can not get them, they are in the back, making fresh" (I assume she meant being made fresh). So I said "Did you give me this just because I am so good looking?" TO which she blushed and said "Because you are funny."
Example number 2: In Epcot, we hit the German land so my wife and I could have some braughtwurst which we love. The Sips were in China eating, so we wanted to get it to go. After some chit chat with the German ladies about how much german I could speak (I said alot of common phrases you hear in WW2 movies) we got our food. An older lady handed us the food and I said "Can I get a bag?" She said "We have no bags here" Yet a dark brunette gal said "Ill get one!" and left her post, went to a store about 40 yards away, asked the clerk for a shopping bag, and brought it out to us, to which I replied "Danke " and she laughed...
Example number 3: Nothing free, but flattering none-the-less. We were at Typhoon lagoon. The ride we were in line for had 3 slides at the top. My wife took one, Rach took the other, and I took number 3. The lady standing at the top of the slide noticed a man a few feet back wearing the same swim suit as me, and she pointed this out to me as i was 2nd or 3rd to go down the slide. She had an accent to which sounded very much like Russian. I joked with her and said "Hey! You need to kick him out of the park for wearing the same thing as me!" TO which she replied in broken english "You can take yours off!" I said "And do what with it?!?!" She said "you can give it to me" The light on my slide turned green and I took off...
Bash Bushing
I like Bush, so don't think I am jumping on the bush bashing band-wagon that is so poular these days...
But it is ABOUT TIME that he, or any recent president for that matter, does this:
Click it
Back in WW2, America was asked to do this, and we participated happily! Now we are such a nation of 'give-me-alot-and-give-it-to-me-now' people that I am sure people will call Bush the devil if he suggest we carpool, or turn our AC up a few degrees. People have watched the price of gas go up over the past years and have idiotically went ahead and bought Hummers and other SUVs thinking that oil is infinite.... well, it ISNT!
Again, before I go on... I LIKE BUSH.
However, I am not a zombie, and there are some things about him that has pissed me off (pardon the language, but ive about had it). You Bush bashers may disagree with me on some of these, but this is what I want to see done.
1) AS PROMISED BY BUSH, I want social security reform. He has promised it and promised it, and nothing has happened. Albeit, many democrats call it unethical and use scare tactics to frighten old people, but I still think Bush needs to get this taken care of,despite the others whining. If not, other older folks in the future who actually think they can live off of SS will have NOTHING.
2) Borders/illegal immigrants. Used to in America, you could come here if you had 2 things; a job, and a sponcer; someone who could vouche for you. Now, all you need is two good legs and two good arms and you can walk here. Countless murders have been commited by illegals, and they get sent back to mexico, and no jailtime. Hitting home, an illegal totaled D. Itsons car here in town. The illegal gave the officer a fake name (he didnt have a licesne) and a fake address... it was a total loss for D.s insurance company. And guess what? if a cop finds out he is illegal, he CANT DO ANYTHING TO HIM!
3) Alaska oil. We need it. Bad, we need to stop relying on people who hate America for half our oil needs. The gulf of mexico hasnt suffered any horrible natural disasters BECAUSE of the drilling. The pacific ocean off the coast of cali is fine, people swim and surf it all day long. I cant see any horrible environmental disaster due to more drilling in alaska. Politicians will applaud a walmart being built on top of a once-bird santuary here in montgomery, but gasp at the idea of helping our poor heat thier homes cheaper or our gas prices going down due to drilling in alaska. I mean, dont think the EPA wont monitor every inch they make should htis happen, thats a good thing... itll be okay, calm down... i like trees too... there there...
4) Ironically, environment. Surprised? I mean, I dont want an Al Gore mentality where everytime a hurricane hits Bush will say "yep, thats because we pollute the air too much" (Actually, Robert Kennedy just blamed the Gov of MS for the hurricane for voting down some enviro legislation...wacko See here...) But I do think Bush needs to say things like "conserve more, recycle more". But guys, that wont make a hill of beans anyway to this nation. Remember when we were in high school? Recycling was the thing and everyone did it and alot of companies did it and alot of cities participated in picking it up for you... Now where are all the recycling people??? It takes too much work for the lazy bums of America!
Anyway, I am done. See? I dont blindly follow a man just because of his politcal party... i dont think he needs to be impeached, and many 'hate' him for other reasons... but there are things that tick me off about him...
But it is ABOUT TIME that he, or any recent president for that matter, does this:
Click it
Back in WW2, America was asked to do this, and we participated happily! Now we are such a nation of 'give-me-alot-and-give-it-to-me-now' people that I am sure people will call Bush the devil if he suggest we carpool, or turn our AC up a few degrees. People have watched the price of gas go up over the past years and have idiotically went ahead and bought Hummers and other SUVs thinking that oil is infinite.... well, it ISNT!
Again, before I go on... I LIKE BUSH.
However, I am not a zombie, and there are some things about him that has pissed me off (pardon the language, but ive about had it). You Bush bashers may disagree with me on some of these, but this is what I want to see done.
1) AS PROMISED BY BUSH, I want social security reform. He has promised it and promised it, and nothing has happened. Albeit, many democrats call it unethical and use scare tactics to frighten old people, but I still think Bush needs to get this taken care of,despite the others whining. If not, other older folks in the future who actually think they can live off of SS will have NOTHING.
2) Borders/illegal immigrants. Used to in America, you could come here if you had 2 things; a job, and a sponcer; someone who could vouche for you. Now, all you need is two good legs and two good arms and you can walk here. Countless murders have been commited by illegals, and they get sent back to mexico, and no jailtime. Hitting home, an illegal totaled D. Itsons car here in town. The illegal gave the officer a fake name (he didnt have a licesne) and a fake address... it was a total loss for D.s insurance company. And guess what? if a cop finds out he is illegal, he CANT DO ANYTHING TO HIM!
3) Alaska oil. We need it. Bad, we need to stop relying on people who hate America for half our oil needs. The gulf of mexico hasnt suffered any horrible natural disasters BECAUSE of the drilling. The pacific ocean off the coast of cali is fine, people swim and surf it all day long. I cant see any horrible environmental disaster due to more drilling in alaska. Politicians will applaud a walmart being built on top of a once-bird santuary here in montgomery, but gasp at the idea of helping our poor heat thier homes cheaper or our gas prices going down due to drilling in alaska. I mean, dont think the EPA wont monitor every inch they make should htis happen, thats a good thing... itll be okay, calm down... i like trees too... there there...
4) Ironically, environment. Surprised? I mean, I dont want an Al Gore mentality where everytime a hurricane hits Bush will say "yep, thats because we pollute the air too much" (Actually, Robert Kennedy just blamed the Gov of MS for the hurricane for voting down some enviro legislation...wacko See here...) But I do think Bush needs to say things like "conserve more, recycle more". But guys, that wont make a hill of beans anyway to this nation. Remember when we were in high school? Recycling was the thing and everyone did it and alot of companies did it and alot of cities participated in picking it up for you... Now where are all the recycling people??? It takes too much work for the lazy bums of America!
Anyway, I am done. See? I dont blindly follow a man just because of his politcal party... i dont think he needs to be impeached, and many 'hate' him for other reasons... but there are things that tick me off about him...
I think I'm going to cry
I've mentioned the Child Development class a few times, and you may wonder, sheesh, is Diana taking any other classes. Well, sirs, I am but this one is my most challenging and everyone has warned me about my teacher's test. Seriously, though, I'm the nerd in the front seat asking all the questions because I'm so intriqued by it all. So even though it's my hardest class, it's hands down my fave. And folks have said that her tests get you ready for PRAXIS II, which made me nervous.
Monday we took our first test. I think I did ok.
Yesterday one of the other teachers said that the Development teacher was dissapointed in us.
Today we got the test back. I saw her handing tests to my friends... 64, 72, 70, 61.....
And then she gives mine back.....
I got a 94, babies.
Monday we took our first test. I think I did ok.
Yesterday one of the other teachers said that the Development teacher was dissapointed in us.
Today we got the test back. I saw her handing tests to my friends... 64, 72, 70, 61.....
And then she gives mine back.....
I got a 94, babies.
Best Vacation Ever - Day 1
Rachel posted this to her blog, so I just copied and pasted over:
This is what I posted on the TourGuide Mike website as my trip report. For anyone who cares, I will try my best not to give away any TGM secrets here!Our group: 2 couples and a baby (18 mo)Day: Sunday 8/21/05Actually, let me backtrack to the previous day, Saturday 8/20. On our way to FL, we had a major tire blowout on the interstate going 80mph. I thank God no one was hurt. Also that we were close to a city with a Sam's club where we could buy 2 new tires. So, our requisite Vacation Disaster is now out of the way.So, on to Sunday!We arrive at the All Star Music about 3PM, check in time for everybody and therefore quite busy at the front desk. Longest line we will experience at Disney. ;)Our room, though we requested several times and months in advance, is nowhere near the buses. Ah, well. We have been walking miles and miles to train for the parks, a little extra won't hurt. Did get adjoining rooms with friends/other couple, henceforth to be known as DFs (dear friends). What?! No crib? We also requested that months ago, confirmed by phone and in person at front desk. I call, they say it'll be right up.Time for dinner, no crib, oh well. No biggie. Let's drive over to the Poly and 'Ohana! Alas, we get slightly lost. No worries, we make it in time anyway. Lesson Learned: At the entrance to the MK parking lot/resort area, keep as far right as possible. Will have to make a quick merge to the right to get to resorts. Otherwise must circle MK parking lot and find our way back.Wow! Was 'Ohana the right choice to start of our Disney Dining! A feast. Truly. FYI we were on the Dining Plan and you do have to get pineapple as your dessert. But you will be too full to care by that time. More details in restaurant post later. Monorail to MK an hour or so before Wishes. Tried to hit Toontown but too crowded by TGM standards. Will see later. Wander over to Small World. No line, DS loved it! Revamped song is less irritating. Side note: DF has slight fear of dolls.Wandered a bit more, killing time before Wishes. Found our place in rose garden off Tomorrowland Bridge. No crowd, just a few wise people. My DS toddles up to me with his 1st flower-for-mommy. Sniff!Wishes. A little dissapointing. Did Disney cut back for the off-season? No Tinkerbell at all. 8 minute show. Is this right? Maybe my childhood memories have blown the fireworks out of proportion. Others enjoyed thoroughly anyway.Very sleepy crowd takes monorail back to Poly, takes car back to ASMu. Still no crib. Say they'll have it right up. Doesn't come till 11:30 PM. Wakes up baby, who wails for an hour. First day has me a little stressed. No, pretty darn stressed. By the way, the manager apologized profusely about the crib thing. Couldn't really do anything about it though.On to sleep.Fear not gentle reader! This does get better tomorrow!
This is what I posted on the TourGuide Mike website as my trip report. For anyone who cares, I will try my best not to give away any TGM secrets here!Our group: 2 couples and a baby (18 mo)Day: Sunday 8/21/05Actually, let me backtrack to the previous day, Saturday 8/20. On our way to FL, we had a major tire blowout on the interstate going 80mph. I thank God no one was hurt. Also that we were close to a city with a Sam's club where we could buy 2 new tires. So, our requisite Vacation Disaster is now out of the way.So, on to Sunday!We arrive at the All Star Music about 3PM, check in time for everybody and therefore quite busy at the front desk. Longest line we will experience at Disney. ;)Our room, though we requested several times and months in advance, is nowhere near the buses. Ah, well. We have been walking miles and miles to train for the parks, a little extra won't hurt. Did get adjoining rooms with friends/other couple, henceforth to be known as DFs (dear friends). What?! No crib? We also requested that months ago, confirmed by phone and in person at front desk. I call, they say it'll be right up.Time for dinner, no crib, oh well. No biggie. Let's drive over to the Poly and 'Ohana! Alas, we get slightly lost. No worries, we make it in time anyway. Lesson Learned: At the entrance to the MK parking lot/resort area, keep as far right as possible. Will have to make a quick merge to the right to get to resorts. Otherwise must circle MK parking lot and find our way back.Wow! Was 'Ohana the right choice to start of our Disney Dining! A feast. Truly. FYI we were on the Dining Plan and you do have to get pineapple as your dessert. But you will be too full to care by that time. More details in restaurant post later. Monorail to MK an hour or so before Wishes. Tried to hit Toontown but too crowded by TGM standards. Will see later. Wander over to Small World. No line, DS loved it! Revamped song is less irritating. Side note: DF has slight fear of dolls.Wandered a bit more, killing time before Wishes. Found our place in rose garden off Tomorrowland Bridge. No crowd, just a few wise people. My DS toddles up to me with his 1st flower-for-mommy. Sniff!Wishes. A little dissapointing. Did Disney cut back for the off-season? No Tinkerbell at all. 8 minute show. Is this right? Maybe my childhood memories have blown the fireworks out of proportion. Others enjoyed thoroughly anyway.Very sleepy crowd takes monorail back to Poly, takes car back to ASMu. Still no crib. Say they'll have it right up. Doesn't come till 11:30 PM. Wakes up baby, who wails for an hour. First day has me a little stressed. No, pretty darn stressed. By the way, the manager apologized profusely about the crib thing. Couldn't really do anything about it though.On to sleep.Fear not gentle reader! This does get better tomorrow!
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Destin Connection
When I blog I blog...Long read and possibly boring.
Jodi and I want to take a break for our 10 year anniversary of our first date. We decide to go to Destin. The main reason is it's near my folks and they agreed to take care of Alexandra for 2 nights. :)
We stay one night at my parents to get Alexandra accustomed to the "new" faces. She attaches to my mom. Alexandra has never done that. She is very independent and only attaches to us. Even at day care she rarely asks to be held by the teachers. Maybe it was a blessing from God; we were afraid she wouldn't adjust too well.
The next day, she barely notices us leaving. We get to the hotel at 3:30 to check-in. We asked to upgrade to a gulf-front view. The dude behind the counter said, "sure but only because you are wearing a Bama t-shirt." He was kidding a bit they weren't full that weekend and had rooms to spare. It was a standard double-queen room that showed all the sings of salt water decay. Everything stuck, doors, faucets, and the pull for the shower.
That night our AC goes out in the car, and I don't have to tools to fix it. We decide to "live with it" and find the part on the way back to my folks and fix it at their house.
We have a great time until our second night. I'm pooped (or so I thought). It was actually the beginning of a 4+ day battle with a virus that made me ache, wouldn't let me sleep, and made me sweaty and hot. The only benefit of this was on that second night. At about 1 o-clock in the morning I was treated to an hour long x-rated audio presentation courtesy of our next door neighbors. I almost woke Jodi up to compete with them, but I was afraid she'd make fun of me after we were done (I wasn't feeling to hot either). By the way I think this guys girlfriend was faking.
The next day we get up to check-out and get breakfast. I'm still sore and tired. Jodi drives. We finally find an auto-parts store. The part is about $100. I buy it and install it when we get to my parents (took about 20 minutes).
When we get ther, Alexandra is spoiled to a fine "T" and decided to start teething at "Maw-maws". She was super clinginy for the next two days.
I don't go to Church on Sunday. On Sunday night, Jodi starts to have some symptoms. On Monday morning, I'm out again, and Jodi had an extra-concentrated version of my virus. She was literally stooping all the way to the couch as she was taking Alexandra there to feed. I'm not feeling as bad as she, so I get everything ready to take her to day care. I drop her off, return home, plop in bed.
I'm jealous of Jodi, She was felling pretty good this morning. I was able to keep pace, but by the time I got to work. I was pooped.
I hope this virus is finally gone.
Jodi and I want to take a break for our 10 year anniversary of our first date. We decide to go to Destin. The main reason is it's near my folks and they agreed to take care of Alexandra for 2 nights. :)
We stay one night at my parents to get Alexandra accustomed to the "new" faces. She attaches to my mom. Alexandra has never done that. She is very independent and only attaches to us. Even at day care she rarely asks to be held by the teachers. Maybe it was a blessing from God; we were afraid she wouldn't adjust too well.
The next day, she barely notices us leaving. We get to the hotel at 3:30 to check-in. We asked to upgrade to a gulf-front view. The dude behind the counter said, "sure but only because you are wearing a Bama t-shirt." He was kidding a bit they weren't full that weekend and had rooms to spare. It was a standard double-queen room that showed all the sings of salt water decay. Everything stuck, doors, faucets, and the pull for the shower.
That night our AC goes out in the car, and I don't have to tools to fix it. We decide to "live with it" and find the part on the way back to my folks and fix it at their house.
We have a great time until our second night. I'm pooped (or so I thought). It was actually the beginning of a 4+ day battle with a virus that made me ache, wouldn't let me sleep, and made me sweaty and hot. The only benefit of this was on that second night. At about 1 o-clock in the morning I was treated to an hour long x-rated audio presentation courtesy of our next door neighbors. I almost woke Jodi up to compete with them, but I was afraid she'd make fun of me after we were done (I wasn't feeling to hot either). By the way I think this guys girlfriend was faking.
The next day we get up to check-out and get breakfast. I'm still sore and tired. Jodi drives. We finally find an auto-parts store. The part is about $100. I buy it and install it when we get to my parents (took about 20 minutes).
When we get ther, Alexandra is spoiled to a fine "T" and decided to start teething at "Maw-maws". She was super clinginy for the next two days.
I don't go to Church on Sunday. On Sunday night, Jodi starts to have some symptoms. On Monday morning, I'm out again, and Jodi had an extra-concentrated version of my virus. She was literally stooping all the way to the couch as she was taking Alexandra there to feed. I'm not feeling as bad as she, so I get everything ready to take her to day care. I drop her off, return home, plop in bed.
I'm jealous of Jodi, She was felling pretty good this morning. I was able to keep pace, but by the time I got to work. I was pooped.
I hope this virus is finally gone.
A text book discussion: Rebates
I order electronics alot here for work. Occationally, to my delight, many of these big ticket items come with rebates in the form of electronic 'toys'. For example; I recently bought a few giga-speed switches, to which I learned I was entitled to an iPod shuffle (512 mb). When I got it, I gave it to my wife, and she loves it.
Is this a 'perk' of working in the industry and the position I work in? Am I entitled to give the iPod to the school?
If this is okay, is it less 'okay' if I seek out products that offer rebates for the sole purpose of getting the rebate? Naturally, the products I buy would be needed for work. But would it be wrong to spend a few $1,000 more just so I can reap the benifits?
Example; I need to buy a few new switches for work, so our network will be faster. I can get switches for about $1,000, but if I buy 5 HP switches that run just under $1,400, then the rebate I will get is a 30 inch LCD tv...
Naturally, these HP switches will out perform the $1,000 that I could get by leaps and bounds...
Is this wrong?
If you say yes, what if I asked the controller/accountant "If I buy something, and get a rebate/prize in return, can I keep the rebate/prize?" and he says "Sure!"... would it be wrong then?
Is this a 'perk' of working in the industry and the position I work in? Am I entitled to give the iPod to the school?
If this is okay, is it less 'okay' if I seek out products that offer rebates for the sole purpose of getting the rebate? Naturally, the products I buy would be needed for work. But would it be wrong to spend a few $1,000 more just so I can reap the benifits?
Example; I need to buy a few new switches for work, so our network will be faster. I can get switches for about $1,000, but if I buy 5 HP switches that run just under $1,400, then the rebate I will get is a 30 inch LCD tv...
Naturally, these HP switches will out perform the $1,000 that I could get by leaps and bounds...
Is this wrong?
If you say yes, what if I asked the controller/accountant "If I buy something, and get a rebate/prize in return, can I keep the rebate/prize?" and he says "Sure!"... would it be wrong then?
Phwew!
Well, the hurricane has apparently passed us by with some fairly minor rain and wind. Unfortunately, it smacked one of my favorite places in the world, New Orleans. I saw some photos online of the flooding there and it is catastrophic! Some areas are more than 20 feet underwater. Apparently, they had 2 levees burst and tons of rain there. I remember the last time we were there, we were in the French Quarter and a heavy rain came up. We saw people wading knee deep in the streets then! I can't imagine what a hurricane looks like. Please pray for all the people there.
Monday, August 29, 2005
Movin' On Up
So here's an interesting little tid bit.
I'm getting a promotion.
Well, sort of. It's a temporary promotion. We just lost one of our managers, and since the district is a little crazy right now, me and one other girl are going to be temporary key holders for the next two months. We'll sort of act as the third person. It's not many more hours, so it shouldn't interfere with school, and I get a nice little raise too. I'm excited about it, needless to say.
Schools going well. I love love love my classes. If I had it my way, I'd be there all day, learning about children and their minds. I had my first test today in my hardest class and I think I did pretty well.
Love you guys very much,
Di
I'm getting a promotion.
Well, sort of. It's a temporary promotion. We just lost one of our managers, and since the district is a little crazy right now, me and one other girl are going to be temporary key holders for the next two months. We'll sort of act as the third person. It's not many more hours, so it shouldn't interfere with school, and I get a nice little raise too. I'm excited about it, needless to say.
Schools going well. I love love love my classes. If I had it my way, I'd be there all day, learning about children and their minds. I had my first test today in my hardest class and I think I did pretty well.
Love you guys very much,
Di
the game you'll hate me for
http://laser.narr.as/
here it is. You may not hate me. To ensure you hate me a bit less here are the passwords.
here it is. You may not hate me. To ensure you hate me a bit less here are the passwords.
Picture page its picture page
Go here for all of my pics, and a bit of story time with each picture...
http://community.webshots.com/user/jamisonab
http://community.webshots.com/user/jamisonab
We Made It!
Well, we're back from Disney World! Several related posts are imminent, but I just wanted to say that we had an amazing time aside from one particular incident with a rear tire on our way down! We ate the best food I've ever had at a restaurant. We waited in NO lines. We had much fun and many laughs. That's my basic synopsis. Rachel planned it all perfectly and it turned out awesome. I'll let her give the full report. I just had to throw in my 2.5 cents.
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Blast From the Past
Kristen Eidesmoe got married. You may remember her from such plays as Narnia, the Sound of Music and Chris Roquemore's Girlfriend. For pictures, click here.
Congregational Differences
Amy and I decided to attend the North Central congregation this morning. It is the largest congregation in town, averaging somewhere around 300 people on a Sunday morning. The difference in this service and the worship assemblies we've become accustomed to was striking.
The congregation we are members at, Highland Village, has about 70 members. Many of them are related, and the average age hovers around 60. It is a perfectly nice congregation, and we call it home.
Sunday morning Bible class at Highland Village consists of one of the elders reading from the Bible. For as long as I can remember we've been going through the Old Testament, we're up to Deuteronomy now. The elder literally reads a few versus, sums up what was just read, and then asks for questions. Sometimes someone will pipe in either with another summary of the passage, or will make broad generalizations with an application of the passage. It never seems that the elder has done any preparation for the class. Rarely are there cross references or detailed mentions of any scholarly commentary.
Boring is the word.
This morning we caught the last class of what sounded like something very interesting. The class dealt with a history of the church. Today's lesson dealt with the changes of the church over the last few decades. There was discussion on changing attitudes over instrumental usage and women's roles.
Interestingly it dealt with the issues on a strictly historical basis, and didn't get into any of the actual theology. There also wasn't a lick of scripture read.
Worship was lively. As mentioned Highland Village is smaller and consists of mostly elderly folks, who, I must say can't hold much of a tune. Song services are lead out of the old books filled with the classic standards of Church of Christ hymnology.
This morning's song service was lead by a beautiful baritone with some southern soul. The congregation followed suit and sang passionately and in tune. We sang a good mix of the classics and some more contemporary songs. It was all quite moving.
Although being a larger and more "progressive" church we got the occasional hand rising from an audience member and there was a clap filled song or two. In order to keep the beat, the song leader tended to snap his fingers from time to time.
I've had various thoughts about these issues, and I don't want to get into them here, but needless to say I have not been a part of these things in a long time, and it was quite shocking to see them again.
Highland Village's preacher is a very intelligent (he has a couple of Harvard degrees) and interesting man who prepares very good sermons and well researched Bible classes. He actually reminds me of Dr. Morris, who some of you will remember, in that he often seems to think on a level well above the rest of the room. He also often tells jokes that leave most of the audience staring blankly while I try to suppress my uproarious laughter.
Today's sermon was from a guest speaker, a high school senior, about to embark to college. While he did an admirable job, it definitely seemed like a high school senior preaching for the first time.
North Central had several greeters lined at the doors, who met us with outstretched hands and a warm smile. We were asked a few questions as we introduced ourselves in order to lead us to the proper Bible class. Afterwards many of the members came up and introduced themselves.
At Highland Village, though we have been members there for several years, and the congregation is quite small, we still do not know many of the other members well if at all.
I'm not trying to make judgment on either church. There are very good things, and not so good things at both congregations, as with every congregation throughout the world. Having been a member at Highland Village for many years, and attending a very small church in France the differences with a larger congregation made a big impression on me today. I thought I'd share.
The congregation we are members at, Highland Village, has about 70 members. Many of them are related, and the average age hovers around 60. It is a perfectly nice congregation, and we call it home.
Sunday morning Bible class at Highland Village consists of one of the elders reading from the Bible. For as long as I can remember we've been going through the Old Testament, we're up to Deuteronomy now. The elder literally reads a few versus, sums up what was just read, and then asks for questions. Sometimes someone will pipe in either with another summary of the passage, or will make broad generalizations with an application of the passage. It never seems that the elder has done any preparation for the class. Rarely are there cross references or detailed mentions of any scholarly commentary.
Boring is the word.
This morning we caught the last class of what sounded like something very interesting. The class dealt with a history of the church. Today's lesson dealt with the changes of the church over the last few decades. There was discussion on changing attitudes over instrumental usage and women's roles.
Interestingly it dealt with the issues on a strictly historical basis, and didn't get into any of the actual theology. There also wasn't a lick of scripture read.
Worship was lively. As mentioned Highland Village is smaller and consists of mostly elderly folks, who, I must say can't hold much of a tune. Song services are lead out of the old books filled with the classic standards of Church of Christ hymnology.
This morning's song service was lead by a beautiful baritone with some southern soul. The congregation followed suit and sang passionately and in tune. We sang a good mix of the classics and some more contemporary songs. It was all quite moving.
Although being a larger and more "progressive" church we got the occasional hand rising from an audience member and there was a clap filled song or two. In order to keep the beat, the song leader tended to snap his fingers from time to time.
I've had various thoughts about these issues, and I don't want to get into them here, but needless to say I have not been a part of these things in a long time, and it was quite shocking to see them again.
Highland Village's preacher is a very intelligent (he has a couple of Harvard degrees) and interesting man who prepares very good sermons and well researched Bible classes. He actually reminds me of Dr. Morris, who some of you will remember, in that he often seems to think on a level well above the rest of the room. He also often tells jokes that leave most of the audience staring blankly while I try to suppress my uproarious laughter.
Today's sermon was from a guest speaker, a high school senior, about to embark to college. While he did an admirable job, it definitely seemed like a high school senior preaching for the first time.
North Central had several greeters lined at the doors, who met us with outstretched hands and a warm smile. We were asked a few questions as we introduced ourselves in order to lead us to the proper Bible class. Afterwards many of the members came up and introduced themselves.
At Highland Village, though we have been members there for several years, and the congregation is quite small, we still do not know many of the other members well if at all.
I'm not trying to make judgment on either church. There are very good things, and not so good things at both congregations, as with every congregation throughout the world. Having been a member at Highland Village for many years, and attending a very small church in France the differences with a larger congregation made a big impression on me today. I thought I'd share.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
hairy situation
Well it’s pretty quiet these days around the old blogging hole so I’ll fill the gap with a realization I had recently. This past Friday Jules and I went to her 10 year reunion and I have to say all together it was pretty fun. The graduating class of 1995 from Madisonville HS was around 100 folks and there were maybe that many that showed up including the spouses. Summer casual was the dress code and that means that I wanted to look nice but casual and debated leaving the house without a coat. I should have followed my instincts a bit closer because when we did show up not only was I relieved that I didn’t wear a coat but I was the only one who had on a tie. One guy showed up in shorts and a t-shirt forcing me to realize that for once in my life I was indeed over dressed. So we walked in and Jules saw several folks she knew and started to gab away as the evening began. I got the chance to talk to a few folks before too long and asked what they did. Outside of a salon I have never come across a larger collection of hair dressers and stylists in my life. In my graduating class more than double my wife’s I never knew anyone that ever dreamed of becoming a hair dresser. Even at my reunion I never came across anyone in this field who just happened upon it. It must be something about smaller towns that makes this the highest aspiration someone can tangibly reach for without having to push the imagination. One of Jules friends was working as a civilian, communications, IT tech with the USAF out of Tampa and another was about to begin her masters work in PR or politics after having worked for the Mayors office in Chicago and there were a few other folks who seemed to be doing pretty good but with all the stylists and insurgency force could have accomplished a successful coupe de ta locking the rest of the guests in the hall until everyone had a wash, cut and curl. I go to a barber and pay a total of $9 for my hair cut and I know hair technicians can make really good money I just thought it was strange almost 1/10th of the guests had all chosen the same career path.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Animal Rights?
Graffiti, threatening phone calls, hate mail and grave robbing. Sound like the work of tree hugging, dog-kissing, animal rights hippies? Think no? Just ask the owners of this guinea pig farm.
Watch It If You Dare
Or have too much time on your hands.
For a video of a guy winning Super Mario Bros 3 in 11 minutes, click here.
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