Happy Saturday!

Well, Thanksgiving didn't go as planned at all. I was convinced when I got up on Thursday I was getting a cold. After debating for ever, we decided not to go to Sacramento. So, we stayed home and fixed stuff ourselves. It was a good day, but I feel very badly about what happened. Especially since I was feeling better by the end of the day. Either it was just allergies from the bad winds we've been having, or I've been fighting something all week and am just now getting over it. I've been feeling fine today, although I was feeling a little under the weather yesterday.

Yesterday afternoon, the Irwins (good family friends) came over. We had a great time visiting and playing games. Then my uncle and aunt stopped by. They'd dropped Aunt Jewell off, something we were supposed to do if we'd actually gone. They stayed for dinner and we had a great time as well. Glad I got to see them. And a friend of Mike's came by. We played Clue (Mike won both. :( ) Then we played Scattergories. It was about 1 before I got to bed.

Think that's all for now. Have a great rest of your weekend.

Because Mary and Susansuth did it, I will as well before I go. Probably won't be that elaberate right now. Something about being almost noon. Anyway, a list of favorite children's books seem appropriate. Not necessarily in any order:

1) Trixie Belden Series.
If this comes as a surprise to you, you need to pay a little closer attention to the blog. :) Of course, most of my regular readers agree with me on this. (Hi Val and Donald!)

2) The Accidental Detective Series by Sigmund Brouwer
I'm cheating a little here. I didn't discover these until I was in high school, but this is a wonderful series. And, if you ever find the original releases, get those. I'm glad to see them being reprinted, but they're taking some of the fun character stuff out of them, and I love the character stuff.

3) Stuart Little and Trumpet of the Swan by E. B. White
I HATED Charlotte's Web, but I loved these two.

4) The Great Brains series by John D. Fitzgerald
A smart kid outsmarting other kids and adults. What's not to like? Which brings me to....

5) Encyclopedia Brown by Donald J. Sobol
If I solved one case before reading the solution in each book, I was thrilled. And this actually sparked my first fan fic. I wrote an immitation EB story that used a clue from a book I'd just read.

6) Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle by Betty MacDonald
I wish overcoming bad habbits was as much fun as it is in these books. My family still laughs about the "Thought you Said" chapter.

7) Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis
Discovered these in third grade and got others in my class reading them. Really need to reread.

8) The books of Beverly Clearly
Didn't start on these until I was in late elementary school, but great fun. Think I may have missed a couple. Guess I should try to re-read them.

9) My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett
Great fantasy in a story that kids of all ages can read by themselves. Well, it helps if they can read already, but it's a great first chapter series.

10) Little Pilgrim's Progress by Helen L. Taylor
I was obsessed with all things Pilgrim's Progress for a couple years. Read this book from cover to cover I don't know how many times in a row during that time.

11) My Robot Buddy by Alfred Slote
Another series I became obsessed with. Look out, I've got three of the four and plan on rereading them in 2003. :)

I think I'm leaving some out, but here's the list for now.

I'll try to pop in once or twice over the weekend, but no guarentees. Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Ok, everyone needs to join me and put pressure on Susansuth to keep her end of our non-bargain. That's right. Saturday, when I finally got back into town, I bought Bing Crosby's White Christmas and The soundtrack for A Charlie Brown Christmas. Now, according to the bargain we never officially made, she needs to go and buy this Johnny Mathis CD. Never mind the fact that she already got This Hope's Christmas CD and is enjoying it. Doesn't count at all.

Also, Saturday, I went as saw Santa Clause 2 with Seth K. (not to be confused with Seth and Kiersten.) I enjoyed it, although it's not as good as the original. Just somehow seems to have lost some of the magic. But was certainly better then the similarly themed Nick St. Nick that was on Wonderful World of Disney a couple weeks ago. Now THAT was a waste of two hours.

Last night I got laundry done in spite of the guy who was trying to take over the laundry room. And I finished my "mystery" book. I realized yesterday that I might confuse you with that title. This is the book that I'm not revealing the title of just yet. It might be a mystery, it might not. You just never know.

Right now, I need to write the review of it. Hopefully, it will appear while I'm at my parents. Once it's up at Amazon, I'll reveal what it is. But if there are any guesses, you're more then welcome to express them here. :)

If I don't post the rest of the week, it's probably because I blew away. I'm only half joking. The wind is blowing so strongly out there, it's driving me crazy. Have I mentioned recently how much I hate wind? And that wind was one reason I decided to keep my hair short? After all, the wind doesn't make it look any worse then it already does. :)

My parents wound up being able to get that radio at their Good Guys, so I'm off the hook. Still wish they wouldn't shop there either, but that's not my call. :)

And I'm feeling even better about that guy that attacked Creationist at Amazon. Seems he spent the better part of the weekend attacking a couple of regulars on the board for things they didn't do if you read their messages. Looks like we're dealing with two trolls over there right now. (The other not related to this one at all.) I love the second. Long story, but here's the latest. "You guys mistreated me when I cheated and I almost got in trouble for it. I'm taking my ball and going home." All I'm thinking to myself is "Don't let the door hit you on the way out."

I really enjoyed the signing on Saturday. Spent an hour longer and $15 more then I intended at the store. The exhibit at the Reagan wasn't nearly as good as I was hoping. The main part was nothing but uniforms, which all start to look the same after awhile. What really got me were some of the propoganda posters they had. Asking people to conserve things, start a garden, etc. Made me think. How many of us today would be willing to do things to help our country currently? Little things that would inconvenience us. Unfortunately, we seem to be way beyond that these days. And it might come to that before the war on terror is over.

Last night, I wasn't feeling well at all. Went to bed early. And I still haven't finished my book yet. Yes, the mystery book that I refuse to tell you what it is. I should finish tonight. Hope to, anyway.

Here's an interesting link I found. I don't know how many of you have heard of or seen Michael Moore's new "documentary" Bowling for Columbine, but this isn't the first I've seen about how fictitious it really is.

I kept forgetting to comment on Amazing Race last week. It was so cool to see a part of the world outside the US that I've actually been to. And ending there at Neuschwanstein. I love that place. When we were there, I could have bought a million pictures of that place. Hope they spend a little more time there next week before heading to Switzerland. And maybe it'll be someplace I've been again.

And I think that's all for today. I will talke more about my weekend tomorrow. And watchout, Susansuth. I may be posting something about you, too. :)

(Building suspense, that's me today.)

I really should know better then this. It's happened to me before, yet will happen to me again. It should be right up there with "Never get involved in a land war in Asia" and "Don't go up against a Sicilian when death is on the line." What, you may ask. "Never discuss anything controversial on a public message board."

I pop into a message board on customer reviews at Amazon to see what's going on every so often. In a thread on the review with the most unhelpful votes, someone posted a review on a creation/evolution topic that has 260 negative votes and only around 20-30 helpful. Someone else posted this response:

Pete, thanks for finding such a ridiculously bad review! I just love it when Christian creations attempt to justify their incredulous mythology by attacking theories that developed from simple observation & measurement of the physical world. If it were up to creationists, people would still believe that the universe is geocentric and the quality of life would be no better than it had been during the middle ages.

Well, being me, I just couldn't leave that alone, and posted the following:

Just have to jump in here. (Anyone who knows me surprised? Just checking.)

Galileo was an evolutionist? Didn't realize that since he lived 200 years before Darwin. Newton? Copernicus?

There were just as many great scientists before Darwin came along as after. Furthermore, there is just as much prejudice on both sides of the issue. And both sides are taking measurements of the world and observing it.

I read a book in college while I was taking a philosophy class. The assignment was to research a topic from both sides and present the arguements on both sides in light of the falicies we'd spent the entire semester learning about. I found a book called Scientists Confront Creationism in my school's library. I figured I was all set. However, article after article was full of nothing but logical falicies.

Just some food for thought. We now return you to your regularly scheduled discussion of reviews with lots of unhelpful votes.

Well, it went downhill from there, with the other person pointing out how anti-science the Roman Catholic Church was and how they didn't pardon Galileo until 1992 (as if I didn't know that). He completely missed my point that not everyone agrees that the THEORY of evolution is a fact. Yet he also is going off about how we need to teach many different view points in schools so that students learn tolerance. I didn't actually say it, but I'm thinking to myself, practice what you preach, buddy.

And now, in a completely unrelated rant, my dad called and left a message on my answering machine. They'd like me to see if I can find a small radio for Mom at Good Guys and bring it up for her to try over Thanksgiving.

We had this conversation last weekend. I dispise the Good Guys for the way they treated me at two different stores when I bought a camera from them. It was my last purchase from the Good Guys ever. Kinda like I will never buy a Toyota. Yet my parents, who have left stores for good for the same treatment, want me to go to the Good Guys and get the radio for Mom if they have it. I will probably give in to keep peace in the family, but it really does bug me that they don't have enough respect for me that they actually asked me to do this. I'm hoping I can find it at Circuit City or Best Buy so I don't have to support the Bad Guys.

Ok, ranting for the day over. Must go eat brunch so I can leave for the book signing in time or I can hit the Reagan and be back in time for a good movie showing. Seth K. and I decided to see it anyway.

I got home last night, and basically went right to bed. After spending all week keeping up to date on my TV shows, I have 6 hours from last night to watch. Of course, two of those are Fox News Shows. Have I mentioned recently that I'm addicted to that channel?

The wind's died down the last couple of days. Kinda nice, actually. Weather's extremely warm. I was out at 9 last night with no coat and wasn't cold at all. That's unusual, even for Sunny Southern California.

Yesterday was definately an early Thanksgiving for me. Lunch in the cafe was the annual Thanksgiving "dinner." Went with Ben, which was nice cause I haven't spent any time with him in a long time. Of course, the food wasn't as good as I was hoping for. Especially the stuffing. They had a cornbeard stuffing or an apple/walnut. Couldn't have the second, and the first just wasn't stuffing. O well, I'll get some next week. :)

Then last night, we had our annual "Thanksgiving Feast" with the jr. highers. Here, everyone brings a dish that starts with the same letter as their last name. I brought Bread and Butter. And everyone was shocked when I actually did considering I kept saying I would. Considering the Durons were out of town and we staff were running it, it went very well. Don't know who's speaking in Sunday School. Don't think Dave will be back, but I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Speaking of which, does anyone else have this happen to them? I have way too many friends who seem to ramble on on tangents and don't get the fact that I'm in a hurry. Wednesday, Dave called just as I was getting back with the guys for Enterprise (which was a great episode, BTW.) He proceeds to ramble on about what the high school is doing, after telling me right off the bat that we aren't doing the same thing. Ok, it doesn't effect me (which I had to know before this to know if I was getting together with Seth and Kiersten or not) so get on with it. I was a little rude, but then again, I was being a rude host as Marcus was having to introduce himself to those he didn't know.

Not sure what I'm doing tomorrow anymore. I thought I'd be seeing Santa Clause 2, but both Josh and Pete have now backed out on me, after I invited the other Seth last night. Maybe I'll try to hit the Reagan on the way back from the book signing. And maybe I'll go by myself. We'll just have to see.

Right now? It's dinner time!

Today's Thursday Threesome is brought to us by family and The Back Porch.

Onesome: Through-What torments (or pleasures) do you have to go through to get to your Thanksgiving Day destination? ...or are you one of those who stays home? ...or perhaps someone who works on this holiday?
I have to survive the 5. For those not familiar with it, this in one of the main highways the connects the northern and southern parts of the state. It's straight and surrounded by nothing but fields on both sides. Not especially pretty or interesting for 5 hours. At least the last part of my drive north is interesting when I skirt the Bay Area. And I should have the newest Adventures in Odyssey collection to keep me busy heading north. That is, assuming Scott remembers to get it to me.

Twosome: Thick-Who are you looking forward to seeing this weekend? ...and is this a special gathering with friends and family from far away or more of a routine get together?
The current plan is to get together with Mom's cousins she grew up with and look through family history stuff. We're actually planning to spend Thursday night in Sacramento. Uncle Burton and Aunt Martie should be there, too. Will be lots of fun since I don't see the cousins and their families too often. And of course, once we're back in Santa Rosa, I'm looking forward to spending some time with Grandma.

Threesome: and Thin-Are you going to thin your wallet or purse down a bit on Friday? ...or is it time to do some decorating? ...or are you just glad it's over?
Will still be in Sacramento that day. Although we never do that much shopping anyway. Probably start working on decorating on Saturday and/or Sunday since I don't have to come home until Monday.

Hey, look at this. Bloggers actually going to let me in today. Now, if only I had something really intellegent to say.

Frankly, I haven't been doing a whole lot outside of work, watching TV and reading. I've been working hard this week, for a change. Finished a project Phil gave me last week. It felt good and was fun. I should try that more often. :)

The weather isn't nearly as pleasant as my little weather guy is making it out to be. Sure, it's in the 70's, but the wind is really blowing. And, just in case you missed it, I hate wind. It's so dry around here it's miserable. Hopefully, the weather people will be wrong and we'll get some rain soon.

After taking about a week to reach the half way point of Evanly Choirs, I finished it in two days. Man, I love that series. Then last night I started a new book that will make many of my friends happy to learn I'm finally reading. And, no, it's nothing by Tolkein. Once was quite enough with him.

Got the Ginny Owens EP Blueprint yesterday at lunch time. It's good. I'm finding myself enjoying her "simpler" versions of these songs.

Grandma left the hospital yesterday, but is still feeling nauseous. Guess she's been saying she doesn't think she'll make it until Thanksgiving. The doctors say there's no particular reason for that. But Grandma tends to be like me. When she's sick, she'll never get better. When she's well, she's doing fine and will live forever. Actually, she was saying this on Saturday. But she was having a much better day on Sunday and was talking about seeing me when I'm home for Thanksgiving.

Speaking of which, can you believe it's next week already? Looking forward to the time off work. And I'm taking Monday off, too. The one year I tried to drive home the Sunday after Thanksgiving, it took me 12 hours instead of the normal 8. So now I take an extra day off and spend it with my family.

BTW, anyone else having problems with site meter? Today is the second week in a row I haven't gotten my traffic report e-mail. Just curious if it's me or them.

Tonight, I get to enjoy my Bab 5 DVDs with the guys after Enterprise. And Jeremiah doesn't have a choice, we're watching them. :)

Just a couple of things I want to post really quickly, then I'll be going home for lunch!

Josh and Bonnie came over last night and we watched X-Men, much to Bonnie's dismay. Afterward, we were sitting around talking, and we started discussing Marcus. Don't remember for sure how the conversation went, but turns out that Marcus has known Josh's family for years and Marcus was at the wedding. Not that I remember him from it, but still! Everyone sing with me now. "It's a small world after all...."

Second, a fellow jr. high staffer announced her engagement today. That makes three people I know getting married next year. After a year of no weddings, I may be headed to three. Funny how things change.

Have a good rest of the weekend.

I do not like green eggs and ham. I don't not like them, Sam I Am.

It must be college view weekend. They were doing wild and crazy stuff in the caf for brunch today. There were about a dozen people wearing Cat in the Hat type hats with different colors, and they had people reading from and trivia about Dr. Seuss and his books. I actually won a prize by giving them his real name, Theodore Geisel. And my prize? Dr. Seuss's ABC's autographed by the Student Life staff. :) Hey, I like the book. I'll take it.

And, as an added bonus, they had regular and green eggs. I just had to try the green eggs. I figured food coloring was the only difference, but I was wrong. They put something else in them as well. A friend suggested bazil. Either way, it didn't improve them at all. So, now I know.

"Bible study" wasn't last night. So many of the group had other things going on, we played the "name game" for a couple hours. Had a blast doing it, but of course I came up with the best names after we'd finished. Steered clear of Trixie and co. and Babylon 5. Stumped people with characters from The Scarlet Letter, however. That kinda surprised me. And couldn't get my teammates to say Sydney Bristow. Guess Placerita Baptist just isn't into Alias the same way Santa Clarita Baptist is. :) Still, the guys won, so all's good.

When I got home last night, I stuck in the last disc from my Bab 5 set and watched all the bonus features on it. Only have one audio commentary left in the set and I'll have seen all the special features already.

Also got an e-mail from Dad last night as I was on my way out the door. Grandma's back in the hospital, this time for nausea. But her breathing is better.... Don't know the latest, but hopefully I'll find out more today.

Only 15 more minutes in this work week! And my Babylon 5 DVD's finally came today, too! Guess what I'll be doing this weekend. If you said going through the bonus features, you'd be correct. :) As well as trying to get several other holiday DVD's watched enough to review at Amazon. This the season for Christmas reviews. Wrote two this week, if they'd ever show up.

Speaking of holidays, I tried Quino's new holiday sandwich last night. Was highly disappointed. Something they did with the spices just tasted aweful to me. Won't be trying it ever again. Think I'll go back to the Honey Bacon Club. :)

Really feel like going to a movie this weekend. Thought I was going to get to see Santa Clause 2, but my friends think next weekend will work better. Of course, for me, this weekend is better. Stupid majority rules! :(

Actually have a nice quiet weekend planned. Nothing major going on, and a parenting seminar at church, so I'm not even thinking about going to the evening service. Hopefully get through what I want to watch and the majority of Evanly Choirs. Yep, already on the third in that series.

Can't think what else I wanted to say, but it was something important. Maybe if I remember, I'll blog tomorrow.

Of course, I wanted to end with my thoughts on reality TV this week.
Amazing Race - Aaron and Adrianne finally left!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Of course, being fickle me, I was feeling a little sorry for them by then. And I'm with everyone else, Terry and Ian can so leave now. I was very disappointed they got the fast forward.
Survivor - So they merge, after the one team is down 5-3. Not going to make the game that much more interesting, now is it? And Ken was the first to go. :( I really liked him and hoped he'd win. Guess he won't now.

And in case I don't make it back, have a great weekend everyone!

Good morning, and welcome to today's Thursday Threesome, brought to you by America Sings and The Back Porch. (If you don't get my reference, check out the link. I'll always associate that song with that attraction. And man do I miss the ride.)

Onesome: Shake- Is there anything that makes you shake in your shoes? Any phobias you'd like to share?
Probably my biggest phobia is hights. If someone is getting threatened with hights on TV even, my hands and feet will break out in a sweat. Not fun at all.

Twosome: Rattle- What's rattling around in your mental trunk that you need to take care of?
Let's see. The mountain of papers sitting in my in box I really should take care of. Moving those last couple of boxes I promised Marcus I'd move. What's going to happen next with Iraq. And what I should review next at Amazon. All equally important things, as you can see.

Threesome: and Roll- When you run up against an unexpected challenge, do you adapt and roll with it or scrap your original plan and go with Plan B?
Ask anyone who knows me. When I first hit a road block, I panic. After much thought, I'll eventually figure out how to work with it, either by going with Plan B or by adapting Plan A. But I'm not a great "on the fly" thinker. Give me time, and I can work with you. Just don't pop changes on me at the last second and expect me to fall in stride.

Today, Random Ramblings is please to present "Encounters with Telemarketers."

So last night, I got home around 6:30. There was a message on my answering machine. Since it's as exciting as getting personal mail or an e-mail message, I hit play.
"Hi. My name is (Forgotten) and I'd like to offer you a really great deal on a cell phone."
Wonderful, just when I had my hopes up it was a friend.

A while later (don't remember the time, but I'd guess around 7) I was upstairs watching some TV from last week. The phone rings, and I answer.
"Hello? Hello?"
"Yes, hello. Is John Baker there?"
"What number are you calling?"
The person on the other end proceeds to give my phone number.
"That's the number you've reached, but there's no one named John here." Yes, leaving out the fact that I'm a Baker. Doesn't help at all, and after all the calls I've gotten recently, I'm getting frustrated.
"Well, would you be interested...."
"No, goodbye." After all, if they can't get my name right, I know I don't want it.

Time moves on the 7:30. I'm doing well at getting through John Doe (great new show) before Buffy starts. The phone rigns a third time with probably my favorite of the three. :)
"Hello? Hello?" (I really need to start hanging up if they don't answer right away.)
"Hello. Is Mr. Raker ah Baker there?"
"What number are you calling?"
Once again, my number is receited to me.
"Where are you calling from?"
"New Jersey." I meant what company, but I wasn't clear enough. Either way, I decide to press ahead.
"Look. I'd appreciate it if you and your co-workers would never call me again."
At this point, the man on the other end gets a little testy. "I don't know where you're from, but I'm calling from America, and here you have to accept phone calls."
I'm shocked beyond words at this point. I certainly missed that law being passed. "Actually, I don't."
"Well, you do own a house."
"No, I don't."
"Own an apartment?"
"I rent an apartment."
"Then you are required to accept phone calls." At this point, he launces into some tirade about how it's good for the economy, business needs it. Guess I didn't realise that if I never answered my phone again, the country as we know it would fall apart.
I was sorely tempted to point out that, actually, I didn't even have to have a phone. I was free to make my own choices because I live in America. In stead I just told him how wrong he was and hung up amazed that there is someone that stupid on the phones. If I'd known what company he was calling from, you better believe I'd post it here and never buy from that company again. At the same time, I found his stupidity rather amusing. I've gotten lots of fun with sharing this story with everyone.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Now, for a few quick things.

1) The weather was much less windy, and in the high 70's today. As much as I love rain, I love weather like this more. Sorry Gabi, but today was a perfect weather day, even if you felt it was way too hot.
2) Grandma was back in the hospital over night. She was having trouble breathing. She's doing better and is out of the hospital, but things aren't looking good for the long term.
3) Kiersten called me today. The seminary mailed the letter today, but they couldn't wait any longer, so they had them fax a copy of the letter. Seth was accepted!!!! Which means they'll be moving in Kentucky. :( But that seems to be where God wants them to be, so I'm happy for them.

Had a good weekend, if a little busy. Donald arrived Friday night. He was in and out, spending most of his time with Heather. I see how I rate. :) I did get a chance to trounce him at the Stock Market Game on Sunday night. (We won't mention that he beat me on the first go around, which makes the ratio 2:1 in his favor.)

Mrs. Irwin, Chirs, and their friend Linsay came through Saturday and Monday looking at the college. Saturday was the hardest to coordinate since they were coming from Santa Rosa that day. Actually spent the rest of the time at BIOLA. But I was able to give them a good tour of campus in spite of the rain.

Speaking of the weather, remember how I was talking about how we hadn't had any of those dry windy days I hate so much? Guess what we've had the last couple of days. My skin itches, my mouth and eyes are dry. I HATE THIS WEATHER!!!!!! I will gladly take rain over this any day of the week.

Sunday night was the This Hope concert at church. I think I enjoy them more every time I hear them. Man, can they harmonize. Concert ran long, which means the SNYF started and ended late, but it all worked out. Frankly, I would have been willing to cancel the SNYF and just hear them sing for another hour.

Then last night, the jr. high group went bowling. (Which was why I had to leave at 5 yesterday.) Had fun, but my scores weren't good at all. Barely breaking 100. Then the last game.... We were almost out of time. Almost all the kids had gone over to the video games, so I decided to see if I could get another game in before out time ran out. I'm bowling as quickly as possible, and get 144! Fortunately, there were still a few witnesses around. Obviously, I need to go bowling more then once a year if I want to maintain a high scoring ability.

No time to say hello goodby, I'm late, I'm late, I'm late!!!!

Well, maybe not that late, but I am running behind. I'd prefer to be home by now, so I'm just stopping by to let you know my 15 minutes of fame is down to 14:30. A comment I sent into Instapundit got posted to an already interesting (at least to me) post he'd made. If you're interested, the entire thing is here.

Welcome to the genre edition of The Sunday Op-Ed.

1. Action/Adventure
What am I a picky viewer of? I love certain types of action/adventure (like Spider Man, which I watched again last night.) But I tend to find lots of them are pretty basic and or stupid. The plot must make some sense and I must care something about the characters for it to be a truly good movie.

2. Comedy
What am I watching less of now then I used to? I'm only watching 4 sit-coms this year, and about 12 dramas, with the rest being reality TV. Used to be I'd watch only comedy with the rare drama involved. Of course, in this count I'm including 7th Heaven as a drama, when everyone knows it's really, usually, a comedy.

3. Romance
What is a sub-plot in every genre? I'm to the point that when I start a book, I start looking for the romantic sub-plot, no matter what the book officially is. Not that I ever read a romance novel perse.

So, what exactly have I been up to the last few days? Glad you asked.

Frankly, very little out of the usual. Bible Study went fine on Thursday. And we only had one minor mess-up with the music. My fault, but Kiersten wasn't completely sure what happened, so it was covered just fine.

Speaking of whom, Seth and K were expecting to hear back from the seminary by now. Unfortunately, their letter was mailed out end of this week. Hopefully, they'll know the beginning of next week.

I took my car back to Honda today about the AC. Guess what, it really was the compressor, just like I was told by the auto body place first. And, Honda says it's probably related to the accident. However, they said they'd fix it for me for free as "goodwill." So I don't think I'll complain about the $80 it's taken me to get to this point. They had to order parts, so I'll have to take it back, but at least it appears to be taken care of.

Had Tim cut my hair last night. First haircut in two months. Feels so good. I'm going to miss him and his haircutting services when he leaves for the army in January. Yes, will miss both of them. I just haven't perfected the blend like he does, and this haircut looks sharp. Got a couple compliments on it today.

Donald should be on his way down. We're going to have a late dinner at IHOP with Heather, Pete, and some of Heather's friends. Not sure what the rest of the plans will be. And some of the Irwin clan are stopping by tomorrow for a quick tour of the college.

Well, Sheree's giving me a ride to pick up my car and is ready to go, so I'd better sign off for now. Gabi, enjoy the rain! :)

Seeing as how Mary, Susan, and I seem to be doing things the same these days, thought I'd take the founding father's test they have up on their blog today.

Which Founding Father Are You?

Which works well with something I've been thinking about a lot lately. This this fits me, but I'd have to see the other choices to know for sure. That the first quiz in a long time I've taken that I had a hard time picking answers for. They just didn't seem to fit me.

Ok, Jennie, your turn. Or do you have a little twist on this to offer. :)

And don't believe my little weather guy. It hasn't been updated for two days and it's raining here! Finally! I love rain. In the winter.

Back with more later.

As promised, I'm back for the Thursday Threesome, brought to you my coffee and The Back Porch.

Onesome: Starbucks. Are you a coffee drinker? Yeah? What's your favorite brew? Not? Then what gets you going each day?
I'm not a coffee drinker. In spite of predictions that I'd become addicted in college, it's one vice I never added. Love the smell but can't stand the taste. So what gets me going in the morning? My shower. I spend longer in there then most guys (15 minutes) but letting the hot water roll over me wakes me up. By the time I get out, I'm actually ready to face the day.

Twosome: Christmas. Are you ready? ...or is it still a little early?
I've pulled out a few Christmas CD's and have about half my shopping done. Just kinda fell into it. The day after Thanksgiving, I'll pull out Christmas music and listen to nothing else. And I really need to figure out what I'm doing in the way of decorating this year. The apartment just seemed to get smaller since last year.

Threesome: Blend. Is autumn blending into winter for you? ...or are you already there?
Well, it's cold, dark and sprinkled during the night. We didn't get the Santa Anna's like normal last month, but rain always feels like winter to me. And I kinda missed it last year.

Welcome to the day after the election. While everywhere you turn, you're being treated to commentators’ thoughts on the election, I'm sure mine are the ones you're most concerned about. :) Yes, I'm a conservative, so I'm happy. And you are free to stop reading now. I won't be offended at all.

Florida - Guess the majority of the state wasn't as upset by 2000 as the rest of us were led to believe. I'm surprised (pleasantly) that Jeb held on to his position. By a wide margin, too. I'm sorry that not everyone feels this way, however. (That's for you, Shana and Chris. I'm assuming, based on past conversation.)

New Jersey - The people of that state are blind. I can't believe they fell for the Demo's trick and actually voted the Demo in. That's just wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong!!!! They stole that election, but we'll see if anyone has the guts to call them on it.

Minnesota - They weren't as gullible up there. Repubs won big.

Over all, I feel better about things then I have for a while. Seems like so many of the places I go on-line are hard core liberal. I was beginning to wonder if I was the only one left in the country who saw some of the stupid things Demo's were doing. Obviously, I'm not. Naturally, I'll be watching the Repubs very closely now (Have I mentioned that I've become a Fox News addict in the last month?) to see what they do with what they've been given. I don't think we'll wind up in the mess that many are claiming today, but only time will tell for sure.

I've saved my own state for last. Unlike Gabi, I'm disappointed Davis won again. I voted for Simon for Governor. While I was not impressed with his unproved attack on Davis, I still think he's a better choice then Davis. D's done nothing for our state, in spite of what he claims. I'll say this, if the energy crisis hadn't been two years ago, he would have lost no matter who he was running against!

And I don't have the faith in my fellow state citizens that I hoped to have. The measure to let you register to vote at the poll lost, but by a much closer margin then I'd hoped it would. While it sounds nice in theory, it's extremely dangerous and just asking to be abused. But it was defeated, so I can rest easy.

Back tomorrow morning with the Thursday Threesome. Have a great night and thanks for listening.

So, if I actually want to blog, guess I should figure out something meaningful to say. :)

Talked to my family last night. Someone called the cops on them again over the weekend. Mike answered the door to find two cops standing there. "We've had a report of screaming and thumping coming from your house. Is everything alright?" "Yes." "Can we speak to your wife?" At this point I'm laughing, but Mike invites them in (since they've already come in) and gets Mom and Dad. Eventually, the cops leave. All my family can figure is that it was while Mike and the other college students that were over were playing ping pong, an hour before. Fortunately, there hadn't been serious trouble.

The other time was even better. Mom and Dad were down visiting me. Mike had several of the college students from church over as well as the college pastor. They were sitting up stairs talking when a cop came to the door. He'd gotten a call that they were being too loud. Fortunately, he apologized for coming to the door. Sounded like he was embarrased that he had to do his job in this case. We figure it was a neighbor who didn't want the gathering to get out of hand since M&D weren't home. A little upsetting, but we do get a laugh out of it. After all, if Mike were that kind of person, they wouldn't leave him home alone like that.

Voted at lunch time. I already knew how I was voting, and it took me all of 10 minutes. Then decided to go ahead and order the Babylon 5 season one DVD's from Amazon. Probably would have shipped them by now if I'd ordered them before the release date today, but I was waiting to see if they were the best price. Hopefully, they'll be here soon.

Right now, I'm off to return a VeggieTales DVD to Family Christian Stores. Unopened. Found it much cheaper on line. At a place actually using the suggested retail price and not marking it up. Novel idea. Then it's home to watch the results on Fox before I head over the Seth and Kiersten's. Hopefully, they've found out whether or not they got into the school or not.

Welcome to another week. Like it or not. :)

I didn't spend all day watching movies Saturday. I did head over and play ultimate frisbee in the morning. Had a really good time. Of course, it helps when your team wins all but one of the games you play. :)

Anyway, I decided to head out to Family Christian Stores. Listened to lots of new music trying to decide what to put on my Christmas list. (Still can't believe it hasn't been demanded of me yet.) And I bought the new VeggieTales DVD. So, between that and the shows I'd recorded to watch, I didn't have time for movies.

The Sisters in Crime meeting was interesting, but nothing spectacle. Except that I got to spend money. :) Man, I miss Linda's store.

Went home for lunch, and they'd turned the water off. Of course, I realised this in the midst of washing my hands. :) But I managed to get the soap off by hitting a couple different faucets. Then the water came back on while I was watching Angel. Kinda funny. All of a sudden, I head this noise coming from the pipes.

Called Honda today, and I have another appointment to take my AC in to look at the compresser this time. We'll see what they say. Because of my accident, they still might not replace it under warrenty. Frankly, it'd be nice if they repayed me the almost $80 I've had to spend so far having it looked at, too. But I'm not holding my breath.

And, since I haven't done one of these for a while, think I'll post the results of a quiz.



Not sure I like this. :)

Forgot something rather important. Tomorrow is election day here in the States. BE SURE TO GO AND VOTE!!!!!!!!! I'm not going to tell you how. And I'm sure my readers know how I'll be voting. But either way, be sure to excercise one of our great freedoms here in this country.

I should be on my way to the Sisters in Crime meeting, but I'm going to hit the Sunday Op-Ed first.

1. SNOW
What have I visited, but only been in a storm of twice? Ironically, both have been in Southern CA. You know, up at Big Bear with the jr. high. Newly fallen snow is so beautiful. Especially if you know you won't have to miss a day of work because you can't get out of it. :) (Isn't being a grown up awful?)

2. WIND
What is one reason I cut my hair short? I'm not kidding. I HATE wind with a passion. Especially when it would mess up my hair. Now, that isn't an issue. Although I've been letting my hair grow out again recently.
Speaking of which, I was just thinking the other day we hadn't had the bad Santa Anna winds we usually get in October yet this year. Of course, the winds stronger today then it's been for a while....

3. ICE
What do I seldom have in my drink? Most restaurants fill your glass half full of ice. I prefer just a little to keep it cool, that way you don't need a refill nearly as often.

Posting this, then I'm outta here.

It's Friday!!!!!!! And my weekend plans include watching movies, watching movies, and did I mention watching movies? Sounds wonderful. Actually, I'll probably head over to the Sisters in Crime meeting on Sunday. Then again, I might not.

Last night went much better then I thought it would. We met early for Bible Study. Dinner was included (chili dogs). After a very brief devotional, we made bags for the neighbors of the church, then went out and left them on door steps. Yes, they knew it was from us. I think it went much better then I thought it would. And much better then it could have for sure.

Looks like Susan and I have convenced each other of absolutely nothing when it comes to Christmas music. But it sure what fun. :) At least I enjoyed showing off my lack of arguementative skills when it comes to personal preference.

TV Thoughts:
Amazing Race: How can Adrianne and Aaron come so close and still not loose? Darn it! I know considering the discussion at Val's on Tuesday that I shouldn't say this, but I enjoyed seeing Aaron cry. They were just so full of themselves, it kinda nice to see them humilliated like that. I know, I know, I got my wish when it comes to getting rid of one of the male/female teams. But that team was my favorite of the bunch. Would have much preferred that they stay.
Survivor: This will be very interesting. Still a team game, just living with the enemy. I can't wait to see how this developes. And it means Jan is still in danger. Shii-Ann dug her own grave last night. However, I enjoyed seeing her try to wiggle her way out of it and then accept defeat graciously. Would have liked to see her stay around longer, but that was not to be.
CSI: That was a bad episode. It started out so good, but then the rocker plot was only solved by a confession with no evidense, and the main/magician plot was never fully resolved. Where was the woman who started the whole thing? She's been missing for 6 months but we can't even find her body? Seems like they missed a good plot line to tie in
Without a Trace: Enjoyed it very much. Liked how they ended it, too. One question left, who reported him missing? Even so, much better then CSI.

Off to a Just for Fun. Youth group feeding me second night in a row. :)