Still a Long Time

I should be in bed right now. I didn't get much sleep last night. Instead, I'm playing around on my computer.

And yes, I am on my lap top and I love it. It does a couple weird things, but I will get used to it.

Just upgraded my blogger account, so I will post this for now and see how it goes.

Thursday Threesome for December 21st

I'm officially off work until next year! But, before I leave the office, I'm going to do the Thursday Threesome for today. Which is brought to us this week by something few people have and The Back Porch.

Onesome: Plenty-- of time, take a deep breath. Overnight/Saturday delivery could work for you... So could a trip a few hundred miles away if you're into shopping on Sunday! How are you doing? Do you have it together?
As I said yesterday, I have all my presents bought and wrapped. I just need to pack before I leave tomorrow.

Twosome: of-- all the states, I'm hearing the worst reports from Ohio! It has no snow! No snow, no Christmas! What's to be done? Is it looking like the normal Christmas weather there for you?
It always seems to get bitter cold right before Christmas. And it's been bitter cold. About normal here, I'd say.

Threesome: Time--Time? Good grief, the 24th is days away, and most men haven't even awakened a sense of urgency as yet . Is anyone done, finished, wrapped and resting?
Yes. I'll be going home to watch The Santa Clause now.

I'm Getting Bad About This

Has it really been 8 days since I updated this thing with life news? Yikes!

Remember who, when I ordered my computer, I said it wasn't going to arrive until right around Christmas? I was wrong. Instead of shipping between the 18th and 21st, it shipped last Friday and arrived at Mom and Dad's Monday. If I'd known, I could have had it shipped down here and been using it already. O well. At least it won't arrive after I plan to leave to head back south. And I'll have it to use when I'm up there for Christmas.

Speaking of which, I am proud of myself. Every year finds me rushing to wrap presents and watch Christmas specials in the last couple days before I leave. Usually, I do it at the same time. This year, I wrapped presents while watching the Survivor finale via tape Monday night. Then tonight, I watched Frosty, Charlie Brown, and the Grinch. still haven't gotten around to watching the original Santa Clause. Maybe if I get off work early tomorrow?

And this is inspite of the fact that I spent all weekend partying. Friday night was the jr. high Christmas party. Saturday I went to Mysteries to Die for's annual Christmas party and got to catch up with Joanne Fluke. Then I met up with Debbie and Casey to see Eragon. I liked the movie at first, but the more I thought about it, the more I felt the story was a little too easy. Of course, when I found out that a 700 page novel was turned into a film less then 2 hours long, I suddenly understood why I felt that way. Anyway, Sunday night was the Christmas carol sing at church followed by Kurt and Kellie's Christmas party. A packed but fun weekend.

Tomorrow is the last day of work for the year. And I think I'm in pretty good shape. I have almost all of the work done I need to get done. Just a little bit of year end payroll stuff to do tomorrow (like printing W-2's) and I'll be good to go.

Tuesday, we had a potluck at work. I made a cheesecake, and it was a huge hit.

Also yesterday, I went to the movies again. My friend Adam and I went to see The Pursuit of Happyness. We found it to be rather depressing. I'm not sure either of us liked it. It was a last chance to hang out for a while since he's heading to IBEX next semester. The bum!

But today I got the best news of the week. Remember that sweepstakes Epinions is running? I won $100! I so seldom win sweepstakes that I'm rather surprised. And thrilled. Yes, I'll still be entering next week's as well (for one things I've got reviews written that will qualify), but I won't be upset if I don't win again.

Thursday Threesome for December 14th

Need to get this up because I really need to get to youth group.

Brought to us by Burl Ives and The Back Porch.

Onesome: Holly-- Hmmm... Do you have holly where you are? Is it used for decorating? ...and if not, what types of greenery are used to show off the season? Inquiring minds and all that...
No holly here or Northern CA. Lots of evergreen to decorate for the season, however.

Twosome: Jolly-- Jolly Elf or The Grinch? How is your Christmas experience going so far?
Except for conflicting Christmas parties this weekend, I'd say it's going very well.

Threesome: Christmas-- Hey, I miss ol' Burl Ives singing the song in this header: who does your favorite Christmas song? ...and which song is that? Yes, yes, you're allowed more than one ...
I've got way too many to list, so I'll just go with my top pick - "Come on, Ring Those Bells" by Evie.

Since Thanksgiving (aka Catch Up Part 2)

So here's part two of the catch up. You see, I've been very busy since I got back from Texas.

That first weekend back, I went to Kurt and Kellie's cabin. Ok, actually it's their families, but still. They've only promised they were going to invite me up there for years. And I had a great time. There were 10 of us, some of whom I had met only a couple times. But that didn't stop us from having fun like we were old friends. We played Pictionairy and another game as well as some Nintendo 64. They have darts, mini ping-pong, foozeball. The only down side was watching Monster House. I was right. The movie is horrid.

I once again got the desire to get a laptop. Yes, I think seeing my brother's at Thanksgiving had something to do with it. As is the fact that my computer seems to be getting slower by the day. And the harddrive is full. Anyway, a week ago Kurt took me town to the Apple store trying to get me to buy one. It didn't work. But I did order a Dell Saturday. It's being delivered to my parents since it's supposed to arrive during Christmas. I so can not wait!

Also this weekend, I got together with Debbie, Josh, Bonnie, and Casey to see The Nativity Story. Then we hung out afterward and played games. It was great to hang out with them.

Of course, that does without saying. Having out with friends is always fun.

I am spending as much of my free time as possible at Epinions right now. They are having a sweepstakes contest right now for first reviews. Most of the prizes are $100, but there area few $1000 prizes and a grand prize of $2500. Yeah, I've got to pay for my lap top somehow.

Catch up Part 1

See, I told you I would update at some point.

Let's see if I can cover Thanksgiving.

The only bad part of my trip to Dallas was the parking. I had to park on the roof of the parking garage. I was hoping I wouldn't have to leave my car in the sun. But I got right on one of the Van Nuys Fly Away buses to LAX and got to the airport in plenty of time. In fact, it only took me 20 minutes to check in, check my bag, and get through security. Certainly can't complain about that. And can I just say I love non-stop flights?

Thursday was focused on food, of course. Which was very good, of course. Mom and SiL are great cooks, of course.

For the next few days, we hung out at the house or other stuff. Played lots of games, including Backgammon. Turns out all of us have recently learned how to play. That was lots of fun.

I made it to Half Price Books this trip. Didn't buy any of the books I need to complete series, mainly because some of what I wanted was already on my Christmas list. Did still manage to buy a couple books by authors I've wanted to try.

And Monday night, we went into Grapevine and ate at the Rainforest Cafe. Everyone else has been to the one in San Francisco, but I haven't. They all enjoy eating there, so it was nice to finally eat at one, even if it isn't the "official" one. The bad part was our waitress. She was a grump the entire time. Then she spilled something and it went all over my shirt. Fortunately, it came out when I washed it.

The weather was beautiful the entire time we were there. 70's or 80's during the day. Made it really hard to come back to 50 degrees here. Yes, it was freezing when I got home. Barely hitting 50 and getting down to freezing at night. Hey, for me this is cold! But they had a bad storm a couple days after we left, and their weather really changed as well. Makes it not quite as bad I had to leave.

Thursday Threesome for December 7th

Wow. I really do intend to post things other then Thursday Threesomes. Really. But in the mean time....

Onesome: Christmas-- shopping: done deal? Haven't started? "Oh, man! Yeah, I need to make a list!" (I'm thinking this one may sort out by gender...)
Well, I'll be the exception to the list. I have something for everyone but my dad and I know what I am going to get him. I just need to actually do it.

Twosome: is-- it time to decorate yet? ...or do you still have another week or two to go?
We're long past decorating. I put everything up last Sunday.

Threesome: Coming-- or going? ...or staying home? Are you visiting or hosting this Christmas? ...or both?
I'll be heading to my parents like normal. And we'll go to my uncle and aunt's Christmas day like normal.

Thursday Threesome for November 30th

Yes, I know I owe you a blog about Thanksgiving. But you aren't getting it today.

Instead, we'll do two Thursday Threesomes.

The first is brought to us by retail.

Onesome: Black-- I saw a white Christmas tree the other day all done up in "black and white"; I was thinking an Oakland Raiders fan might like it! Do you have any color preferences for your Christmas decorations? ...or maybe a theme you've found somewhere that resonates with you?
I don't have a color theme. I love colored lights and use them on my tree and outside. My decoration theme is hodgepodge. I've got ornaments that were gifts from friends. I've got some I bought on vacations. And I've got some that reflect my hobbies, like my collection of the Snoopy ornaments from Hallmark.

Twosome: Friday-- leftovers? ...or do you have plans to order a pizza in to counteract all that turkey ?
We had leftovers Friday night but none the rest of the weekend.

Threesome: Sales-- Okay, the big question: are you going to 'attend' any of the "Black Friday" sales? ...and if you are, are you hard core serious like the 5 am "be there" crowd?
I usually don't. Didn't again this year. Might in the future if there was a very good reason. But I would not be part of the 5 Am crowd. Seriously, I want my sleep!

And now today's.

Onesome: Sweet-- or sour? What type of sauces do you like on your dishes when you 'do Chinese'?
I guess sweet. I don't like Chinese good, so I don't get it.

Twosome: Baby-- back ribs? ...or steak? Tofu? Chicken? It's your choice; what would you like for your next meal "out"?
Steak, chicken, hamburger. I'm not that picky. I will not be doing tofu, however.

Threesome: James-- town flood? What do flood your mashed potatoes with, gravy or butter? ...or do you like them plain?
I love them with butter, but plain is just fine as well. Under no circumstances do I like them with gravy, however.

You are such a fraud

So Friday night, I get home from the movie (I'll get to that in a minute) and there are two messages on the answering machine. One of them is from Sprint wanting to double check some info on a recent order. Um, I didn't place a recent order.

Then the second one comes on. "If you are Mark, press 1. If not, press 2." I almost just hit delete, but I was looking through the mail and didn't get to it before the voice continued. "This is your credit card company. We think there's fraud on your account. Please call us back within 24 hours."

You'd better believe I called them back the next day.

And they were right. Someone had gotten a hold of that credit card and was using it to charge all kinds of phone stuff. They'd already charged around $700 in two days. Which explained the call from Sprint.

Since they person obviously had my phone number, I have a suspicion as to how they got the info. But not enough to go on to actually report anything. But my credit card company has canceled that card and is sending me a new one. The biggest problem I can see is an item I ordered with that credit card still hasn't come. I might have a fight on my hands trying to get a refund. But we'll just have to see what happens.

That was a scary way to end my Friday night. The majority of it was quite fun. Debbie, Paul, and I had a great dinner at Souplantation before going to see Casino Royale. They liked the movie more then I did, but I didn't really enjoy it. Too long, drawn out, and boring. Guess I wanted more of an action flick.

I did indeed hang my Christmas lights Saturday, enjoying mid 80's.

Sunday night, we had the first SNYF we've had in months. It was lots of fun. Although Kurt needs to come up with a game besides 4 men on a couch. I'm tired of loosing to the girls. :)

Last night was a youth staff meeting, which went well.

And Reba is back! I had really been missing having a sit com of some kind on my schedule. Sunday night's episodes were good. I especially loved their in-jokes.

Tonight I have to go home and pack so I am already to leave when I come into work tomorrow. Tomorrow afternoon, I fly to Dallas for almost a week. See you when I get back, and have a great Thanksgiving.

I Knew I Lived Here for a Reason

It's day like today that make me love living in Southern CA. The weather is perfect. It had to hit at least 80 today, probably closer to 85. I sat outside and read on my lunch hour to enjoy the beautiful weather. I have my office window open. The big downside is that I was inside working instead of out enjoying it. Just makes me more determined then ever to hung my Christmas lights tomorrow.

Yes, I intend to hang my Christmas lights tomorrow - before Thanksgiving. Originally, I was going to be busy the 2nd, but those plans got postponed a week. Still, I decided I liked the idea of hanging the lights so I can just plug them in when I get back from Thanksgiving and enjoy. And the fact I'll get to enjoy our great weather is just an added bonus. Beside, I'd feel really stupid if I waited and it was miserably cold on the 2nd.

In other news, I have an exciting announcement for those of you who live and die by my reviews. Both Amazon and Epinions now offer RSS feeds for individual reviews. Epinions even offers the ability to put reviewers reviews on your "My Yahoo" and Google pages. Now you'll be able to see the reviews as soon as I publish them.

Thrilling news, isn't it? I'm sure I'd be a little more excited if I knew what it really meant. It's some internet term, but I can't figure out what it really does.

Meanwhile, there's not much else going on in my life. Bible study was fine last night. The big excitement is I can't believe Emmett Smith won over Mario on Dancing with the Stars. I sure thought Mario was the better dancer. Oh well, I am going to begin getting a bit of a break from my full time TV viewing now that November is drawing to an end. That show's off and Lost is on hiatis. Maybe I can focus more on my DVD's, like the Darkwing Duck set I finally finished this week. Only took me two months to get through it.

Right now, however, I'm off to watch Bond. James Bond.

Thursday Threesome for November 16th

Gotta get this in really quickly before I leave for the day. Brought to us this week by the rain soaked south and The Back Porch.

Onesome: A Day--or so ago? Oops, wrong meme. Wait, that might be cool... "A Day or So Ago, I saw ......" You fill it in !
The final of Dancing with the Stars. And, frankly, I'm surprised that Emmett Smith won. I thought Mario was the better dancer. And I thought he had the bigger fan base, too. Although I thought it was funny that for two weeks in a row the judges scores were identical.

Twosome: in-- case of rain, do you carry an umbrella? ...or do you just hoof it in a hat?
Umbrella? Hat? Real mean let the rain fall on their heads. (Of course, having a buzz cut helps with this.)

Threesome: the Rain-- in Spain? Nah, how about locally: has the rainy season kicked in for you yet? Snow? Nothing? Come on, it's almost Thanksgiving here in the States!
Nothing here. It's still in the 80's during the day. Normally, it's down to the 60's by now at least once. I think the lowest it's been is low 70's. Not that I'm complaining in the least.

Finally Behind Me!

I have such a feeling of relief. This morning was my court date about my ticket.

Since I had taken the tint off the two front windows, I was just trying to get the fine down to the $10 I thought I would have to pay. I get into the courtroom, they call my name. I'm showing the bailiff that I have corrected the problem (the sign off from two weeks ago) and tell him why I'm there. He tells me that tinted windows are now a non-correctable offense and I might have to pay the entire thing. Naturally, that didn't make me very happy.

They call every one else, and make us listen to a tape. Then finally the judge comes in. Makes a few remarks, then begins dealing with the tickets. I'm the second name he calls. "Dismissed. Just pay the $10." So I did.

I can not tell you how incredibly happy that makes me.

I got into work an hour and fifteen minutes late this morning. Still, I think that was totally worth it. Saved myself $107. And, since I worked through lunch, it's not making that big a difference in my schedule.

Health wise, I was feeling so good Sunday night, but I am doing better now. Can't seem to do too much, still. Took the youth down to the mall for an event this weekend, and then went to see Stranger than Fiction. Between the two, I think I wore myself out. Guess I just need to be more patient. Really wish I had that virtue.

Thursday Threesome for November 9th

Welcome to this week's Thurday Threesome, brought to us this week by reporters and The Back Porch.

Onesome: In--cumbents? Do you have any left after Tuesday's happenings here Stateside? You don't have to go all political, especially if you hit things yesterday, but where there any surprises to you? ...and if your area didn't vote, well then how's the weather ?
Actually, we have all our incombents here, which is really no surprise. The main reason I voted was for the ballot measures, and I think I did about 50/50 there. Which is surprising since I usually do worse.

Twosome: the-- Headlines can be a bit bizarre. Do you have any good ones you've run across lately?
None come to mind

Threesome: News-- at 4:30, 5, 6 and 11? When do you watch the news channels? ...or do you? Are you more on-line? ...or maybe even one who reads the paper?
I read a few news/opinion/politics blogs, and I watch Fox News Channel very regularly. Especially Special Report with Brit Hume.

Election Thoughts

So, the US mid-term elections were yesterday. I'm sure it's not big surprise to anyone who knows me that I'm not happy with the results. Yet I'm not as upset as I thought I would be.

I'm not happy with the idea of the Democrats running both houses of Congress. (I think they'll wind up with the Senate when all is said and done in Virgina.) I have started following politics fairly closely the last four years or so, and I honestly don't think they get the war on terror. And I'm not just talking about Iraq, but the entirity of the danger we as a country face. Frankly, them being in charge of my security scares me.

On the other hand, I was getting frustrated with the Republicans in charge. They seemed more concerned with appeasing the Democrats then actually acting like a small majority they were.

Then there are domestic issues. I know we'll get a tax increase. And no matter how it is spun, letting tax cuts "expire" (why were they temporary in the first place again?) is a tax increase. And, no matter how it is spun, it will impact me. I'm not happy about how much tax I pay already. I certainly don't want to pay more.

But I am happy with how the Republicans seem to be handling things. They talk about learning from this and returning to their roots. There will be new leaders for the Republicans in both houses of Congress. If this turns out to be more then just talk, I will be very happy by the next election. I am already happy comparing the Repubs reaction with the Dems from two years ago (How could we loose?)

Of course, everyone is promising to compromise and get along. I would expect nothing less on the day after the election. I expect that to be gone by January if it lasts that long.

I was shocked to learn today that Rumsfeld has resigned as Secretary of Defense. I'm one of the few Americans who isn't horribly upset over Iraq, but the idea of getting some new ideas certainly exites me.

No matter how things turn out, I think the next two years will be very, very interesting.

So Where Was I?

Why is it I keep intending to blog, but never make it here any more?

Anyway, here's the latest in my on-going sagas.

Last Tuesday, I went to take care of my ticket. The officer looked at my windows for 30 seconds and then signed off that I'd fixed the problem. So far, so good. Then I went to pay. There was supposed to be a $10 processing fee if I corrected the problem by the date nor a fine if I didn't. However, the officer checked the non-correctable offense box, which meant they were going to charge me the fine, too. Only way I can get it corrected is to go to court. So I have a court date for next Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the last area appears to have stopped draining! I am keeping my eye on another couple areas, but I think things are winding down again. At least I hope they are.

This weekend was a blur. Saturday, I had lunch with Debbie and Casey. Then I went to try to get Donna Andrews' signature on her latest book. Unfortunately, I arrived after the program started, but she signed the book for me really fast.

See, I was supposed to be half an hour away for a play. I barely made it as the play started. Debbie and Casey had saved me a seat, but I didn't get to join them until the second act. We saw Catch Me if You Can, which bears no relationship to the movie from a couple years ago. It was a great comedy/mystery with a twist at the end that I just loved.

Then Sunday, we met up again to see The Santa Clause 3. While it wasn't as good as the original, it was still very entertaining. We all really enjoyed it.

However, all this running around has made me pretty tired. Maybe I'll make it to bed early tonight. Well, that is, as soon as Heros is over.

Thursday Threesome for November 2nd

Brought to us this week by The Wizard of Oz and The Back Porch.

Onesome: Off-- to do something productive? What are your spare time hobbies? ...or do you have a life ?
Watching TV, reading, and writing reviews. Can't we at least count those last two as productive?

Twosome: to see-- beyond the horizon? Where would you like to take your hypothetical 'unlimited' vacation?
Some place with nice beaches and plenty of snorkling/swimming/sailing opportunities. Hawaii, The Virgin Islands, some place like that.

Threesome: the Wizard-- There's always (or should be) a fix-it wizard around the place; do you have one you can call on to take care of those minor repairs that crop up? ...or are you "it"?
I'm it, but only after lots of advise from others like my dad. I am so not knowledgeable on any of this stuff.

Up to the Minute News

So, I'm sure you're all waiting with baited breath to find out what I learned Friday.

The doctor was very encouraging. Mostly. The small holes I have do happen. It can be caused by fluid under the scar or the knot of the under stitching. If it heals on it's own, I'm fine. If it doesn't, I'm supposed to go back and he'll see if he can find the knot to remove it.

One of the holes seems to have disappeared completely. The other two are getting smaller. I think they will go away on their own. At least I hope they do.

Saturday, I got rid of the tinting on the driver's and passenger's windows. I bought a glass scrapping tool for two bucks at Wal-Mart and spent about an hour and a half doing it. Started with the driver's side. That took the most of the work because I never could get too much to peal off at once. In fact, there is still a tiny bit on one edge I just can't get to come off. But it's hidden behind the rubber surrounding the window, so you'll only notice it if you are looking for it. Most of the passenger side came off in three big pieces. After the driver's side, I was so thankful for how easy it was. Even the very edges came off with hardly any fight.

Now I just need to get the fix signed off on to get this whole ticket thing behind me.

Meanwhile, I also decided to try this tool on my sliding glass door. The tape residue used to hold up the For Sale sign was still there. Every so often, I try to take it off, but nothing really worked. This tool took it off right away. It looks so nice!

Joanne Fluke sent me the cover of the next book as well as the recipe card. Now I've got to find an excuse to make Key Lime Pie.

That's about all the news here. I forgot to do laundry yesterday, so I've had to stay up late tonight to do it. And the dryer just buzzed with the last load, so I can get to bed. Night all.

Thursday Threesome for October 26th

What do you know, I'm on time this week.

Stolen from The Back Porch.

Onesome: Sasquatch-- Big Foot? Yeti? "Harry and the Hendersons"? Maybe? No way? Sure, we have the entire family over for dinner every Thanksgiving? Whaddaya' think?
Well, if Trixie thought she saw one in The Sasquatch Mystery and Sandy Dengler had Jack Prestor see one at the end of Murder on the Mount, they have to be real, right?

Twosome: and Haunted-- It's All Hallow's Eve next week; are you haunted by little creatures in your neighborhood extorting goodies from you? ...and do you do your part to provide an entertaining experience for them? ...or do you lock the doors, kill the lights and hide from the horde?
If I am home, I have candy. Of course, with all the stairs in a condo complex, I don't get that many kids, especially little kids. Half the time, I'm not home because the youth group is doing something. That will be the case again this year.

Threesome: Homeland-- ghosts and spectres: do you have any local stories of 'haunted' places. ...or are there roads you grandmother told you to never travel alone, especially when the moon is full? Just askin'...
None that I'm aware of.

News

I've put off blogging for a while since I was waiting until I knew something. I'm still waiting.

Friday, I noticed that one of the strips they put over my wound when they took the staples out was wet. Looking at it further, I decided it was opened a little. I called, but the most recent surgeon was out until today. So I went into the walk in clinic. Instead of the long wait time I expected, I was right in and out. The doctor who looked at it said it was normal drainage that should clear up. Sounded great to me and I left.

Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be doing anything other then draining. And I've got another spot now. Both of these spots are very, very shallow.

Monday, I called to get an appointment with the doctor for today. While they would have given me one on Friday, Monday they said they couldn't. I'd have to leave a message, have him call me back, and then they might set one up for me. He finally called me back about 20 minutes ago and agreed to look at me. He's out tomorrow, so I go in Friday afternoon.

Grrr. I would have preferred going in today and knowing what's going on. But at least he's going to see me.

In other news, I went down to Mysteries to Die For this weekend and picked up an autographed book they were holding for me as well as two more. I've got to get busy reading. I've got lots of books to read before the year is up.

Other then that, I took it very easy this weekend. Napped both Saturday and Sunday. Didn't get any reviews written (and I'm pretty behind on those), but I have gotten two written in the last two days. Including the new Third Day Christmas CD. I love it!

Majesty, a musical group from the college, was at church Sunday. They did a mini concert in the morning and a full concert in the evening. I wouldn't have minded if they hadn't done some of the same songs for both. Still, I really enjoyed it.

Thursday Threesome for October 19th

What do you mean it's Friday afternoon. If I'm doing the Thursday Threesome, you are in the Thursday timewarp.

Onesome: Payin'-- Hey, 'they' tell us fuel prices are down! What are you payin' this week for a gallon of gas?
I paid $2.45 this week at the cheapest station in town.

Twosome: the-- heck you say! There's an election coming up here in the US; do you plan to vote? No, no need for your soapbox. ...unless you want to .
Yes, although I can't seem to find my sample ballot. If I've gotten it yet.

Threesome: Bills-- Which bill(s) do you absolutely dislike paying? ...and by that I mean the one you "have to-have to" but wish you didn't have to. Tuition/books? Power? The newspaper?
The mortgage because it takes so much money.

Returning to Normal

Or at least what passes as normal for me.

Mom and Dad left Saturday to head back home. And did I mention all the stuff they did around the condo. Not only did they clean, but Dad cleaned out the stuff that had accumulated in my room that needed to go to the garage. Including the extra mattresses for my bunk beds. Plus he rearranged stuff in my room and hooked up the new to me TV. My room looks so nice right now!

This new TV was my grandmas. I've been meaning to get it from Mom and Dad's but keep forgetting. It's newer then the one I was using in my bedroom, which means a remote will work with it. Unfortunately, the original remote got lost. But Mom and Dad got me a universal remote. Can I tell you how wonderful it is to be able to adjust the volume from across the room? Yes, I'm lazy. :)

The down side of the TV is that the picture is dark and I can't figure out how to adjust it. It's annoying, but I can deal. Why? I have a TV that accepts cable and works with a remote!

Sunday, the youth had a car ralley. They had to follow various clues to locations all over town and do tasks at each one. Think of it as a mini Amazing Race. I knew I wouldn't be up for driving and doing the tasks with the kids, so Kurt put me at one of the locations. From what I could see, everyone had a great time.

I worked six hours each two days last week, and I've put in eight hours both days so far this week. I am definitely recovering faster this time around. Last time, it was April before I was back to work full time. And I have just barely enough vacation time left to cover the two days I'm taking off after Thanksgiving.

God is good. All the time off I've taken this year, and I haven't missed a penny of pay. That's pretty miraculous right there.

I Stayed Together!

Yep, I'm back south now. In fact, I've been at work for most of the day. And I'm getting very tired.

But the big news is my appointment yesterday. They took the staples out, and I stayed together. I really had expected to open back up. But I didn't and I still haven't. So I'm going to take it very easy, but in theory, I should heal this time around.

Since they went in the same place as last time, this means I'll have a much smaller scar then I would have had, too. Longer, but much thinner.

Give me another few weeks, and I should be as good as new and all this mess will finally be behind me.

For the first time in months, I'm beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel. And I don't think it's a train!

The Full Story

So, here's the longer post I promisd about what has been going on with me.

Sunday, the 24th, I woke up with pain on my right side. And I hadn't been feeling well for a few days before that. Finally, that evening, I decided to go into the walk in clinic. After they looked at me, they sent me to emergency to check out my appendix.

It took all night for them to reach any conclusions. And, for the record, I don't recommend spending the night in emergency. Anyway, about 6 AM, they finally decided that my appendix was the problem. Of course, by this time I was feeling great.

And by this time the operating rooms were filling up with the cases for the day.

I was taken to a room to wait for an OR. Then my doctor came in to say he was thinking about not operating since my appendix had already ruptured. He was going to keep me for observation, but that was it. Mom and Dad (I'd called them by this time), didn't like the idea, and the more I thought about it, I didn't either. They called Pastor Jon, who came down to help me fight them, and we began to wait. When my doctor came back in, he had decided to operate, so we geared up for a fight for nothing.

The rest of it is rather a blur. I think I was in surgery for around four hours. They went in via the wound that hasn't healed, so I will only have the one scar. Of course, they did make it bigger. Took out my appendix as well as a foot of my long intestins and six inches of my colon. (I think I have that right.) They were infected and that's why my wound still hadn't closed from February. In fact, it wouldn't have closed without further surgery.

I got out of the hospital on Friday and we came up to my parent's on Sunday. I don't get the staples out for another week. The hope is that by leaving them in longer, my wound will stay closed.

Meanwhile, I am doing better every day. Still, a little sore, but I think I'll be able to gt by with no pain pills today.

I just hope this is it. I really don't want to have more surgery for another 40 years or so.

Checking In

I know long absenses from this blog seem to be happening more and more frequently. But this time I have a good excuse.

Last Monday, I had emergency appendix surgery and I've hardly been on the internet since. I'll try to update with the long story later, but just wanted to post a short note saying I'm ok, recovering, and at my parent's for a week or so.

The worst part? I missed Trixie camp as a result! :(

Thursday Threesome for September 21st

And here I was going to be out the door by now. But let's get this done really fast, shall we? Brought to us this week by Baskin Robbins and The Back Porch.

Onesome: Ice-- skating? Yes? No? Rinks? Ponds? No way?
It's been a long time since I did it, but I used to enjoy it when I did. Always rinks because, even where I grew up in Northern CA, it never got cold enough for a pond to freeze over.

Twosome: Cream-- soda? The work of evil scientists or a true pleasure in life ?
I enjoy it, but there are other drinks I like more. So is nuetral an acceptable answer?

Threesome: Social-- Are you considered to be a social person? ...or are you more likely to not be comfortable with a bunch of people around you? ...and wait a moment: how about in a classroom situation? Is that different for you?
I am uncomfortable in a situation with lots of people I don't know. However, give me a good group of friends, and I'll be a very social person. Of course, I love to read and watch TV, which are very anti-social activities. Classrooms don't make an difference for me.

Today Be...

Today be Talk Like a Pirate Day.

This blog be in full support of celebrating it.

If ye be wanting more fun, check out the crazy lad and lassies at Jix today.

ARRRRR

Word Association for September 17th

How long has it been since I did one of these?

1. Running :: Walking
2. Alternative :: Medicine
3. Cope :: Pain
4. Lots :: Big (as in the store)
5. Sympathetic :: Character
6. Barn :: Red
7. Totally :: Radical
8. Baby :: Faced
9. Undeniable :: You
10. Watermelon :: Summer

Long Overdue Major Catch Up

So it's been over two weeks since I post anything about my life? Yikes! I am getting lazy, aren't I?

So what would you like to know?

I've decided three day weekends should be mandatory every weekend. We can get by on a 32 hour work week, right? Labor Day weekend was absolutely wonderful. I slept in every day (despite setting an alarm for church Sunday). And the extra day off was nice and relaxing. I actually felt human by the time Monday night hit. I had been feeling pretty lousy the week before.

And I hung out with friends lots. Kurt and Kellie set up a game night with their friends for Saturday night. And then some friends got together for a BBQ on Monday. Both were lots of fun.

I am indeed sharing the worship leading responsibilities for youth group. It's nice. Keeps the pressure off me and gives the youth some variety.

My car spent last Thursday at the Honda dealership. The compressor on my AC decided to give up the ghost and they had to overnight a new one to the dealership. The good news? It was covered by the warrenty.

And I got a new battery for my car, too. I saved $20 by going to Sears. Of course, it took them two hours to install it while I waited. Maybe it would have been just as cheap to have Honda do it while they had my car afterall.

This week, I got pulled over by a cop for the first time. Why? Because of my tinted windows. When I bought my car, I paid to have the deal tint my windows. The car came back with the driver and passenger side windows tinted. I questioned this, but was told I was ok because I got it that way from the dealer. Obviously, I was lied to. Now I'll have to pay to have it fixed. I asked a friend who is a cop about it, and he was shocked. He says they never pull anyone over for that or write the ticket for it. That must be why I've survived six years with out getting a ticket for it.

The worst part of the whole thing? It happened right by church right before the mid-week adult Bible study started. And Kurt saw me. He was already giving me a hard time about it. I wonder how many people saw me.

I saw the wound care specialist Tuesday. She says that I should be healed within a month. Sure hope so. And she told me that the time it's taken me to heal isn't abnormal for where the wound is.

Wednesday night I went over to some friend's for dinner. They are trying to sell their place and move out of town since he has a job as a pastor in that town. It was nice to catch up with them once more before they leave. I don't see them more then three or four times a year, but I will certainly miss having them around.

And I think that hits the exciting events for the last couple of weeks. Maybe now that I've posted this my lazy streak will have passed.

Thursday Threesome for September 14th

Brought to us this week by the first thing you see and The Back Porch.

Onesome: Common-- Quick and easy: the most common name you can think of! Okay, let's make it a first (given) name...
John

Twosome: Household-- cleaners? What is your "go to" cleanser when you have to clean the place up? Are you a Lysol Junkie, an Orange Blossom Special or maybe a Bleach it to Death type? Come on, come clean !
What's a cleanser? Seriously, I guess I'd have to go with Formula 409.

Threesome: Products-- come and products go. What's on your list as a "wanna' have" for this Fall (no, not for Christmas; we'll save that for later).
There are a few books by favorite authors coming out I know I will have to get. That's about it.

Five Years Ago

I'll never forget that phone call. I was getting ready for work when Donald called to ask if I had the TV on. Since I didn't, I turned it on and stared for the next 15 minutes trying to figure out what was going on.

Since I live on the West Coast, the news was already several hours old. The events had happened while I was still asleep.

I wasn't sure if we'd work that day or not, so I came in. We did because we had work that needed to get done. And, frankly, in California, we weren't that effected.

The thing that freaked me out the most was the fact that I had been in Virginia two days before for Trixie Camp. And some of the attendees were supposed to be traveling home that day. I remember reading the boards and waiting for word as everyone checked in and the releaf when the last few people did.

That night, I went home and watched the coverage for several hours. When I couldn't take it any more, I watched Toy Story.

Living in CA, it didn't effect me on a day by day basis. I could pretty much go about my life and just hear about it on the news. Yet it bothered me as an American. My country was under attack.

Of course, I also found a new apartment to move into that day. Even with everyone else going on in the world, life went on here.

And that seems to be the lesson we've learned five years later. Yes, it was horrid, but life goes on. How many have been directly effected by what's going on? We all whine about gas prices, but that's about it.

And the lack of daily reminders seems to drive our current political climate. We don't feel the urgency we once did, so now we bicker and fight about everything.

And there are some people who refuse to believe the obvious. Apparently Andy Rooney asked last night why we haven't tried to learn why the terrorists hate us. Personally, I take them at their word. Just a week and a half ago, they told us to convert to Islam or die. Seems pretty simple to me. They hate us because we aren't Muslim.

Why look for a deeper meaning when they hand one to us?

By the way, if they are waiting for an answer from me, I have one for them. I WILL NOT SUBMIT! You can continue to attack. Kill me if you think it will do any good. But I will not submit to you and your terror ways.

For more, read this excellent editorial. It nails much of what is wrong with our country's response to this.

Thursday Threesome for September 7th

If it's been a week since I posted, it must be time for the Thursday Threesome again.

Onesome: How-- many Apples in your orchard? Didn't we just ask this one? Are you a Mac-o-phile, a Windows user, or one of those penguin people (Linux users)?
If you did ask this before, it's been so long I've forgotten. I'm a Windows user, by default. Default of work using it and that being what Josh helped me get for hom.

Twosome: High is-- what in height for your family? Are you a tall group? ...a short stack? ...or a mixed lot?
My brother is the giant at 6 feet. We're all fairly short.

Threesome: Up-- ...and down and all around: Labor Day marked the end of Summer for those of us in the US (regardless of how the plants felt what with the temperatures out West and hurricanes in the East). How about you: what signals the change of seasons this time of year for you?
When the air starts feeling crisper and it actually cools off at night.

Thursday Threesome for August 31st

I almost went to The Back Porch and did this around noon. Now I wish I had.

Onesome: Fluffy-- is as fluffy does! It's almost lemon meringue season at that pie shop. Do you do fluffy pies? ...or is it fruit all the way for you? (Okay, Southerners: go ahead and expound on rhubarb...)
I like pie. Next question. (There's a season for lemon meringue? I thought you could get it year round. And Joanne Fluke's Lemon Meringue Pie Murder was set in the summer, if I recall correctly.

Twosome: Bunny-- slippers? Yes? No? Barefoot? Shoes? What do you schlep around the house in when it's cold outside?
Either barefoot or in slipper socks, a slightly thicker sock that keeps my feet marginally warmer then being barefoot.

Threesome: Rabbits-- Have you ever had little furry pets? What varieties? Are there any in your future?
I'm allergic to animal fur, so no.

Since the Trip (aka Catch Up Part 2)

You know, generally when you post "catch up part 1" it's good to post part two soon. Not almost six days later.

You'd think things have been busy or something.

The Wednesday after I got back (a week ago), I saw the wound care specialist again. They thought the wound's discharge was a different color. I hadn't noticed. Took a culture and I got the results back on Monday. The results showed I had an infection and they put me back on anti-biotics. It's a mild drug, and the first time I've been on one since March.

Part of me doesn't know if this was good or not. I've been hearing all along "Of course it's infected. That's why it won't heal." But I don't see the harm. After all, it is a ten day dose.

But the real shocker happened Thursday. Guess who is back in charge of worship time for the youth. Yep!

Actually, I'll probably be sharing it with one of my former co-leaders who is now in college and wants to join jr. high staff. Fine by me. We may alternate, which would give the kids a real variety. And that variety is a good thing. I played by guitar last Thursday for the first time in a while, and it felt great. We did requests, and I did fine even with the break. Of course, they picked songs I could have done in my sleep, which didn't hurt anything. And they are songs the youth really enjoy.

We don't quite have everything ironed out yet, so we'll have to see what develops.

Did nothing exciting over the weekend. Watched Arsenic and Old Lace when it was on TV. Not nearly as funny as the play, but not as bad as I thought it would be.

Been working like crazy to get caught up at work. Actually, did a pretty good job this week. Classes have started, so everything is back in full swing. Which means caf food instead of TV dinners.

Yes, the exciting eating habits of a bachelor. :)

The Trip (aka Catch up Part 1)

It's been over a week since I updated, so let's get to it.

Friday, I took off for parts north, more specifically my parent's. There was an accident on the way up, but the back up wasn't more then a mile or so, which really wasn't too bad. Other then that, the trip was uneventful, the best kind.

Unfortunately, things didn't turn out quite as planned before I left. My uncle and aunt didn't wind up coming with us camping, but I did get to see them for a few hours on Saturday, which was nice. My sister-in-law's family came over Saturday night, and we celebrated everyone's birthday.

That made it late when we left to go camping. Still, we got up their, got our spot, and then went to bed. After discovering that the refrigerator wasn't working right for the gas setting. We had to keep playing with it all weekend to get it to work right.

Sunday, we got up and going late. The rest of the family decided to hike into the nearby town. I had done it before, but forgotten just how far it was. As in two hours one way. That really wore me out. I was dragging by the time we got into town. Only because I didn't want to have anyone sitting with me waiting, I walked back, too. I probably really shouldn't have because I was wiped when I finally made it back. So, the part where my family tried to kill me was certainly the low point.

However, the weekend itself was wonderful. It was great to be back at Hendy Woods. I don't think I've been there for 9 years. And we had a great time hanging out and playing games. If I had it to do over again, I wouldn't have gone on that hike, but that's not that big a deal in the grand scheme of things.

Unfortunately, we had to leave Monday. We all wanted to stay another day or two. Had did with my SiL's folks and some of her family's friends.

Tuesday, on the way down, I got to see Donald and Heather and eat lunch with them. Had a really nice visit.

And that was my trip out of town.

Thursday Threesome for August 24th

Yep. That's right. Mark went on vacation and all you get is this week's Thursday Threesome. If it's any consolation, this week's edition is brought to us by classic game shows and The Back Porch. Not helping? Deal with it. :)

Onesome: Name-- Ah, what about names? How did your blog name come to be? Is there a story there?
A fairly boring one. I knew I'd just want to talk about whatever was on my mind, so I decided that Random Ramblings would fun good. Since my initial readers were Trixie folks, and I always brag about living in Sunny Southern CA, I thought that would make a great ending. Of course, if I ever move, I'm going to have to change the name of my blog. :)

Twosome: that-- and this. We've all thought about a change of locations from time to time: is there any place you'd like to try living for a while? (You can go back home when you're done with the tryout .)
Not really. I like living here and don't really want to move. Especially if I have to move back.

Threesome: Tune-- us into what you're listening to lately. ...anything on your radar we should be aware of?
Actually, this year has been rather slow when it comes to new releases I've been crazy about. Nothing really comes to mind.

Quick Update

It's almost quitting time, and I want to get home. But since I won't be around to post for a while, I thought I'd better do an update right now.

Got back from the doctor's a little while ago. This was the dye test to see how deep the wound is. Much to the his disappointment, I think, it shows that it is just a surface wound. So I am beginning to think more and more that this is something that the wound care specialist can hopefully get healed up.

He does want me to go for yet another CT scan. I figure why not take these tests and make sure there's nothing wrong while we wait for it to heal.

But tomorrow, I leave for a trip to my parents. My brother and sister-in-law should be there by now. We're all going camping at a state park we love but I haven't been to in 8 or 9 years. I so can not wait!

Thursday Threesome for August 17th

What do you know? I'm doing my post before noon today. Miracles never cease!

Brought to us this week by something I've enjoyed for the last three months and The Back Porch.

Onesome: Free-- isn't always free! What "freebie" have you discovered over the years that really isn't?
Since I usually read the small print, I don't get bitten by the non-free freebies. Which means that none are coming to mind right now.

Twosome: Amazon-- It's been a bit since we've done our Amazon Survey: do you use Amazon? Good? Bad? Indifferent?
How, can I put this? YES!!!!!!!! I'm a top 100 reviewer on the site, and order lots of books from them if I'm not planning on going to a signing for that author. For the most part I like them, but occasionally wish they would ship stuff faster. If you use their free shipping, it seems like they take their own sweet time about shipping it. You know, if they feel like it that day.

Threesome: Prime--Time! Are there any shows you are looking forward to seeing in the Fall lineup on TV? (okay, football counts ).
I'm looking forward to the return of favorites like Veronica Mars and Lost. There are a couple new shows I plan to try out, but I don't know if I'll get hooked on them or not.

I think I posted on my blog when it happened, but I got a three month trial of Amazon Prime for free. I have loved it and bought more then I probably would have. However, the trial is coming to an end next week. Back to ordering $25 at once and waiting a week or more for things to come I guess.

Not Centered on Health

That's right. This post is not going to be all about my health. Especially since there's not much new to report.

So I'll tell you what I did this weekend instead.

Saturday, I made a last minute decision and went to see Canyon Theatre Guild's production of Fiddler on the Roof. I wasn't going to go, was going to go, wasn't going to go...then I went. And I'm really glad I did.

This was the first time I'd seen the play. Granted, I was in it when Master's did it back in 1999, but that hardly counts, right? Anyway, I really enjoyed it. And I was surprised how much I remembered very clearly since I hadn't seen/listened to it much since then.

But here's what made me very glad I went. Turns out I knew two people in it. Unfortuantely, one of them normally plays the middle daughter but her understudy got to play that part for that performance. The other one was in it at Master's. Got a chance to talk to them afterwards. All in all, a great afternoon.

Then, I had something to drop off at Kurt and Kellie's. I hadn't thought about the fact that it was around dinner time until I was on my way over. They had, and invited me out to dinner. We went to Chi Chi's, which was lots of fun.

Donald and Heather were in town this weekend for a wedding, so they came over after church on Sunday. We played Apples to Apples then watched the outtakes from the Alias season sets. It was great to be able to spend so much time with them.

Then there's the bittersweet news. After 10 months at Epinions, looks like I will be leaving. I know, I know, you've heard that before. But this time I don't have much of a choice. They are changing their policies to prohibit cross posting of reviews. Well, there's no way I'm going to write two different reviews for each item. And there's even less of a chance I'm going to leave a top 100 position at Amazon for another site.

There are things about the community I will miss. I've made some friends there and I enjoy rating reviews. However, the thought of not trying to take my huge number of reviews at Amazon and make them work at Epinions is incredibly freeing. I didn't realize how much the desire to get things cross posted was taking the fun out of my hobby.

They're still working on the new policy, and I'm going to see how it all shakes out before I decide what to do with what I currently have there. But unless something drastic changes, I won't be posting anything new and won't be spending much if any time there in the future.

Word Association for August 13th

From here.

1. Kim :: Possible
2. Designate :: Driver
3. Liner :: Garbage Can
4. Weed :: Pot
5. Infusion :: Center (as in where the wound care specialist is)
6. Nutritious :: Meal
7. Favorites :: Bookmarks
8. Transform :: Change
9. 42 :: Hitchhiker's Guide
10. Sunday afternoon :: Lazy

So Tired....

I don't know why, but I have been dragging most of the week.

Granted, last Friday I didn't sleep well. And I didn't sleep well again Tuesday night. Fine. But then why haven't I caught up yet.

Wednesday night, I had the lights out by 10 and was asleep shortly there after. Last night, I was out by 10:30.

Both mornings I slept through my alarm clock.

And I still have been dragging all afternoon.

I'm really looking forward to tomorrow when I get to sleep in until whenever I feel like getting out of bed.

What really scares me is the possibility that I could be getting sicker again. I'm hoping it just means my body is fighting something and will get better with a couple days of rest. But we'll have to see.

In other news, it's official. Nick is head to Azusa Pacific for at least a year. Not only does this mean I'm loosing a great friend, but he's been the force behind jr. high ministry for the last year. This is going to be hard to overcome.

Of course, I've seen this happen before. I know God will once again provide. I'm just doing my usual panic before He steps in.

You'd think I'd learn.

Thursday Threesome for August 10th

It's Thursday. It's after 5. Must be time to do this week's Thursday Threesome, which is brought to us by Frisbee golf (which is NOT related to the true sport of ultimate Frisbee) and the Back Porch.

Onesome: Disc--overy channel madness: did you catch the Mythbusters show with the bit about the Mentos and Diet Coke (episode 57)? Have you tried it at home yet? What am I talking about? Psst: it's a fun project with the kids...
No and No. (That was easy.)

Twosome: Golf-- Do you play? Do you watch? Do you care? Even the Opens? Just wondering...
I used to play. I have clubs. I wouldn't mind playing again. I don't watch golf, however. Don't really watch any sports.

Threesome: Season----ing salt? What spices do you routinely use when you're cooking up a little something for yourself? A little tarragon? Cinnamon? White pepper? What perks up a meal for you?
Whatever the recipe calls for. Although I must admit to liking cinnamon.

Two for the Price of...Well...Two

Yes, I did have to pay for both those doctor visits yesterday. But my co-pay is low so it's not too bad. Of course, with the frequency this year, it's getting pretty expensive.

Anyway, you probably are here to learn what I learned.

The wound care specialist was very encouraging. Said the wound is 1.5 centimeters shorter and .5 cm narrower. The deep part is still as deep as it always was, but she thinks it will heal from the outsides in given enough time.

Then I saw the surgeon. He still is concerned there's something underneath causing it to not heal. He suggested a dye test to determin if there was something deeper no one could see. Sounds reasonable to me, so I go in for that in a week and a half. Until then, I really won't learn much.

The wound care specialist did say she thought it would be two months before everything healed, so I still have a long road ahead of me.

In other news, Debbie and I went to see a play Friday night. Finally, after years of hearing about it, I made it to Glendale Centre Theatre. They were doing Arsenic and Old Lace, which neither of us had seen before. And we loved it. Laughed the whole way through, in fact.

That was my excitement over the weekend. Went to church Sunday, but that was about it. Finished Chocolate Bridal Bash, too. That makes my 7th book since July started. Just three more to go and I'll have read 10 books in two months. Meanwhile, Paul hasn't started one....

Things are Going to Get Interesting

Wednesday, when I got home from work, I had a message from the doctor I've been seeing for months about this wound wanting an update. After playing phone tag for two days, we finally connected this morning. While I'm desperately trying to get the deposit for the day together (but that's another story). He decides he wants to see me as well, so I now have two appointments Monday. The first is with the wound care specialist at 4:45 PM. Then I have one with him at 6:15. I wonder what kind of advice I will have by the time I get home Monday.

Meanwhile, we had a very small turn out at youth group last night. Lots of the youth were at camp this week. Frankly, I'm glad to see them going. I know that some of my biggest spiritual growth came from camp. For years, no one from our church really went. I'm thrilled to see that trend changing.

Work has been crazy the last couple days. Our annual audit starts Monday, so we're rushing trying to get everything finished for it. Plus Jason and Phil have had to take time off for various reasons. I wonder how long we'll wind up working this weekend.

But tonight, I'm going to a play with Debbie.

Which means I should post this, close down the credit card batch, and go.

Thursday Threesome for August 3rd

Got to get this in before I need to leave. Brought to us this week by waiting rooms and The Back Porch.

Onesome:Time-- wasters in your life... Just a brief jump onto your soapbox: What is the biggest bother you have in this department? I mean, something you can post without incurring familial or job related problems ...
The internet in various ways is a big time waster. Playing poker at Yahoo, trying to keep up with message boards, writing reviews.... Still haven't gotten over my addiction to epinions, either.

Twosome: to-- beat the heat! It seems like it's all sort of hot all over the Northern Hemisphere this Summer! What are you doing to handle the heat? ...and for those Down Under? Well, your turn may come in just a few months; do you have any plans for then?
Staying in air conditioned buildings as much as possible. :) Of course, my electric bill was almost $90 when it came this week.

Threesome: Fill-- your cup with a cold something! What are you drinking this summer to keep cool? ...and if you're a tea drinker: is it "ice tea" or "iced tea"? Just curious...
My usual water and fruit juice. Love them both.

Keeping Up With the Blog

Every so often, you need to post about your life, right? At least if that's the "theme" of your blog.

My wound continues to...I don't know. I'm keeping the dressings changed once a day. I just can't tell if it's getting better or what exactly it's doing. I think part of that is because I don't really know what it's supposed to be doing with this new dressing on it.

On top of that, I have decided to get stomach cramps once a week the last couple of weeks. This week it was yesterday. Instead of going home and writing reviews (which I really need to do), I went home and lay around watching TV. It worked. I fell better today. Well, except for my back, which is killing me at the moment, no matter how I try to sit.

Man, I'm getting so old!

On a happier note, I got together with Debbie Saturday and we went to see Pirates again. I think I enjoyed it more the second time around, although I still wanted some kind of resolution. Still, knowing one wasn't coming made the disappointment so much less.

Friday night was the career Bible study. I stayed late talking, and it was really nice. Then I got home and was inspired to look through the Trixie Camp memory books. I started about midnight, and it was two before I went to bed. Really enjoyed the walk down memory lane, however. We've had some great times on those trips.

Ok, now I am going to give all of you out there a marketing tip.

Yesterday, I got some mail here at work from Union Pen. It was a sample pen to "help you celebrate your institution's 80th anniversary." It's a sample, and we can then order more to give away to people for $1.25 a piece.

First, the obvious laugh. I have no clue how they got my name since I have nothing to do with any decisions like that. Our purchasing manager or one of the VP's would have been a much more logical choice.

However, here comes the really funny part.

The pen itself has a great 80th anniversary logo on it. Then it has Masters College and Semina on one line and Santa Clarita CA 91321-12 on the next.

Did you catch that?

See, while we sometimes refer to ourselves as Masters, on something like this it would be Master's, which is our official name. Further more, we'd want something with Master's College and Seminary on it. I don't see why we'd want all nine digits of our zip code on the pen, but if we did, we'd want all nine, not seven of the nine.

This really makes me want to rush out and order a bunch of these pens.

Of course, I did get a free pen out of it, so it's not all bad. And I get to mock them every chance I get, too.

Word Association for July 30th

I'm posting this, then heading straight to bed.

1. Italy :: Food
2. Honk :: Horn
3. Shades :: Sunglasses
4. Tool :: Shed
5. Modern :: Times
6. Tension :: Neck
7. Conservative :: Liberal
8. Weight :: Height
9. Insurance :: Car
10. Political :: Party

Two for the Price of One

This week features two Thursday Threesomes. Both can be found at The Back Porch.

The first is brought to us by backyard chefs.

Onesome: Cooked to?-- Okay, the easy one: if you're having grilled meat (steak/hamburger) this weekend, how would you like it cooked?
I prefer stuff medium. Cooked, but not charred.

Twosome: Medium-- to large? ...too large? What do you think of the big ol' plasma screen HDTVs available now? I mean, would you if you could?
A part of me would if I could afford it. Of course, with the small space in my condo for a TV, it would be pretty much like sitting in the front row of a movie theater all the time. So it's probably a good thing I can't afford it.

Threesome: Rare-- Footage: one of the major news services recently announced they would make archived news coverage available for personal purchase on DVD. Is there any one piece/segment/area of old news (or new) you'd like to have on your bookshelf to view "whenever"?
Not really. Although if I were in a news segment, I might be tempted to purchase it. Depending on what the event was and how I was portrayed, of course.

And this week's is brought to us by the realities of life and The Rolling Stones.

Onesome: You can't always get what you want- Have you ever wanted something really badly and had it fall through, only to look back later and realize that things ended up better for it?
When I was a student at Master's, I really wanted to be on WOW staff, their student leadership in the dorms. I didn't get it. And the next year I was so busy I barely had time to turn around. I was so glad I didn't have anything else in my life I had to do.

Twosome: But if you try sometimes- Is there anything you you've ever wanted so badly that you were willing to give up on other things while you tried to get/save up for the one big thing?
When I was in 4th Grade, I saved my money like crazy to get an Atari 2600, not buying other stuff so I could save every penny to get one. Still have it and play it occasionally, too.

Threesome: Well you just might find you get what you need- Most of us have been at spots in our lives where what we want and what we need are not always the same thing. Money's tight and that new toy you want isn't going to happen because you need to get the brakes on the car repaired or you need textbooks for school. What have you really, really wanted, but you had to give up because of practicality? And did you ever figure out how to have both the want and the need?
There are no examples springing to mind right now. Which I guess means I've lead a very blessed life.

Public Service Announcement

Tomorrow, we get the opportunity to celebrate two more great days. Not only is it Walk on Stilts Day, but it is also Take Your House Plant for a Walk Day.

Note: Management takes no responsibility for anything that happens if you try to combine the two.

Wounds

Seems like that title summarizes my life right now.

This being the first weekend without game night, I don't have anything exciting to report. I spent all day home doing nothing both days.

Played poker at Yahoo for several hours. Made and lost about 500 pretend dollars over that time. Such is life.

Sunday I did go down and get the stuff changed in my wound. Probably should have done it Saturday, too, but I didn't.

Did see the wound care specialist yesterday. She decided to switch me to Calic something. Supposed to be more absorbant then the Aquasilver. And they gave me some, so I can change it myself every other day. I'd much rather do that then go down there every other day. Especially with gas prices. Plus, on days I change it myself, I get to shower. I am so looking forward to tomorrow!

So explain this to me.

Last night, I sat down to watch a little TV while eating dinner. Friends was on, so I figured that would be good. However, that channel (a local one), was broadcasting in Spanish. All the other channels were in English, and I could watch the show in English through my VCR, but if I tried to watch that channel only through the TV, it was in Spanish. This morning, it was fixed.

We had a movie night for the jr. high last night. We watched National Treasure, which is still lots of fun.

That's Appropriate

Today is "Hot Enough for You?" Day.

Considering it has been over 110 degrees here for the last three or four days with humidity (although not like on the East Coast, I'll admit) it certainly has been hot enough for me.

I've stayed indoors almost all weekend. I'm not completely stupid.

(No comment on that, please.)

Update

I was going to do the Thursday Threesome yesterday, but never got around to it. I could do it today, but I think you probably want an update on yesterday instead, right?

Right?

Look, just because you can't comment until I post this is no excuse for the silence. :)

Frankly, I didn't learn much at the Infusion Center yesterday. I saw a nurse who seemed to basically just know enough to do what she is told. She but in something or other that covers the wound and kills an infection that has grown in the area. It can't get wet, so I can't shower until I go back Monday. (Just don't tell my co-workers). Of course, I also don't have to change the dressing three times a day right now.

Monday, when I go back, I'm supposed to see the wound care specialist herself.

I was given a second piece of this stuff to use if the first one got too messy with gunk from the wound. I had to replace it this morning. Fortunately, the infusion center is open over the weekend. I have a feeling I'll be in there getting it replaced again. With as much as it has put out in the last few days, I don't think it will stop now, but we'll have to see.

This no getting wet stuff killed me last night. We did a relay race that Kurt has been putting together for weeks. It ended with a giant Slip N Slide. Everyone looked like they were having such fun going down it. I wanted to join in the fun. But that would have defeated the purpose of seeing the doctor yesterday, so I didn't.

Opening

Warning: This post considered by some to have way too much information. Read at your own risk.

Now that I have everyone's attention and they are committed to read from start to finish, I shall continue. :)

When I got home from work Monday, I discovered that that part of my wound that had been puffy earlier was starting to open up again. It started as a hole, but has now connected to the unhealed part, making for a wound that's about twice as big as it was Sunday.

Naturally, I was glad I had the appointment yesterday. After a quick look, the doctor said, "You should see a wound care specialist." Well, duh! I hope Dr. San learns something from all this so future patients don't have to go through five months of waiting before they get referred. Anyone, one was willing to come down and see me, but I had to wait until she was available. I was told it would be by 4, so at 4:30, I but a bandage on myself and went to ask. She'd been delayed but would be down. Sure enough, a few minutes later she came in. Frankly, didn't have too much to say other then not to worry about it opening up again. But I have an appointment to be seen in the infusion center (wound care clinic) tomorrow afternoon.

All told, I was there for oever two hours yesterday, most of it waiting to be seen. But I was finally seen by the right person. Hopefully this translates to treatment that actually works.

Plus I finished my book while I was waiting.

Sometimes, You Just Can't Come Up With a Title

Especially when you just ramble about whatever happens to be on your mind at the time.

The rest of last week was fairly quiet. Which can be good and bad. It gave me time to realize what my non-healing probably means - more surgery. And considering I'm supposed to be camping with my parents in a month, that really concerns me. I need to go camping. I need the break. And if I wait until afterward, then I'm getting dangerously close to Trixie Camp with recovery time. This isn't making me happy.

Adding to the pain was not getting the recognition I thought I was going to get at epinions. I really did think I'd earned a Top Review badge in movies. Oh well. With 255 reviews over there, I can't stop now.

Meanwhile, game night is most likely winding down. Debbie has a new opportunity she wants to persue and needs to free up other time from her schedule. With Konrad and Carol leaving, it drops the regulars to three with others who come semi-regularly. Unfortunately, it seems like the natural time.

All of this combined to make me pretty unhappy Friday night. Fortunately, I had career group Bible Study that night. Being around people and focusing on God was exactly what I needed.

Saturday, I left the house around noon for a book signing. Lee Goldberg was there selling his new Monk novel. Additionally, the couple who just finished the Monk Episode Guide were also there. Naturally, I had to buy that, too.

Unfortunately, the bookstore ran out of Lee's novel. That really was upsetting because it's the next book I plan to read. Fortunately, they were doing another signing later that day, so I headed from Thousand Oaks to Westwood. And they had the book! Crisis adverted.

Of course, that meant I didn't have time to go home before game night like I had originally planned. So I showed up empty handed. But, being the nice people they are, they let me stay anyway. We played Lord of the Rings Monopoly and Kristine won.

As of Friday, I still hadn't found out when my refer appointment was going to be, so I decided to call first thing this morning to set one up. That resolve was hightened when I woke up this morning to find a swollen area at the top of where the wound had once been. I poked at a little, and all kinds of stuff came out of it.

Fortunately, when I called, they got me in to see someone tomorrow afternoon.

Unfortunately, this makes the theory that I have a track in there somewhere that needs to be opened and drained not seem as crazy as it did a week ago. But there's nothing I can do by worrying about it. I'll just have to see what they come up with tomorrow.

Word Association for July 16th

Time for today's word association.

1. Video :: Tape (So last century, I know.)
2. Fantasy :: Story
3. Homework :: So Glad I Don' Have Any
4. Crush :: Dude (thanks to that turtle from Finding Nemo)
5. Late :: Night
6. Husband :: Wife
7. Soccer :: Ball
8. Wine :: Grapes
9. Before :: After
10. Romantic :: Date

Upcoming Days to Celebrate

Just a heads up that this weekend has two very important days.

Saturday, July 15th, is Gummi Worm Day

Sunday, July 16th, is Ice Cream Day

Despite their poor service (waited an hour for ice cream last night), I can think of now better way to celebrate then to go down to Cold Stone Creamery and get ice cream with gummi worms in it.

Except for the fact that I don't like gummi worms or bears or anything else like that. So I'll skip Saturday's celebration and head down for some ice cream Sunday. Seems like the least I can do.

Thursday Threesome for July 13th

Gotta get this in before I go. Brought to us this week by Entertainment Tonight and The Back Porch.

Onesome: Entertainment- What's your chosen form of entertainment in your free time? Do you go to the movies, a concert or just sit and read or indulge in your hobbies?
I think yes would be the fastest answer to this question. While I did go to a concert this weekend, I usually only make one or two a year. The big ones are expensive! I watch TV, read, go to movies or watch a DVD, and hang out with friends during my free time. Yes, I'm including game night in that. So I guess you could say I play games for entertainment, too. Especially since it is true.

Twosome: Music- What's your choice for mucical entertainment? Classical, rock, pop, hip hop, a little bit of everything or something completely different? Do you have a favorite band/singer? If you could see anyone, alive or dead, perform live, who would it be?
Recently, I've pulled out a few of my soundtracks. I do enjoy certain musicals. For the most part, I like Christian music and range from adult contemporary to pop with a little folk and rock mixed in.

Threesome: and Movies- What's on your "must see" list right now? Do you actually go out to the movies or prefer to wait for the DVD?
If I don't see a movie in the theater, I generally don't wind up seeing it. I think I rent a movie once a year or something. Part of the reason is I buy lots of movies, so if I'm home and want to watch a movie, I don't get beyond my bookcase.

As to my "must see" list right now...since I saw Pirates this weekend, I can't think of anything. Heck, I'm not even sure what's coming out in the next few months. Next year, Pirates 3 and Spiderman 3 will most certainly be on my must see list.

I really haven't meant to wait a week.

Really, I hadn't meant to go this long. I even tried to blog yesterday, but Blogger was upgrading when I did. See, it's all their fault.

I had a great weekend, too. Saturday, the game night crew went to see Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. I enjoyed it, although I felt the last half hour could have been much better. Still, you'll find me in line for the third one come Memorial Day Weekend next year.

Afterward, we went to Soup Plantation for dinner then Java N Jazz to hang out and try to come up with some activities for the next few months. With Konrad and Carol gone, we're hoping to spread the load around a little more so Debbie and I don't get tired of hosting. Of course, we'd have another couple host homes if I weren't alergic to cats.

Sunday night, I went to a Kristen Chenoweth concert. I just found out about it Friday, so I wound up going alone, but I had a great time. She is quite the character, mocking herself when she forgot a lyric or something.

And I've finished my second book of the contest. I just need to get busy and review them both.

Although I wouldn't be surprised if we call the contest off. Paul hasn't had a good week and I don't think his heart is in it. But I'll let him make the call.

Yesterday, I had yet another doctor's appointment. My doctor has finally decided that he doesn't know how to get me completely healed. So I'll be seeing someone else within the next two weeks. Hope it's sooner rather then later. And hope he gives up his idea that there's a track going up to my belly button. From the sounds of things, I don't have any of the other symptoms. Plus, I really don't want yet more surgery. But I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens.

Thursday Threesome for July 6th

You know the best part of a short week? On your second day of work, you get to do the Thursday Threesome.

Onesome: Counting-- Do you ever have to do any form of inventory work? ...and you think what sorts of thoughts about it? Students, you aren't out of this one: what about book returns and such?
Despite the fact that I'm an accountant, I have never had to do an inventory work. I've recorded the results of other's inventory work however. Frankly, I'm glad. It sounds to me like boring detious work.

Twosome: Pots-- Do you/have you ever done any outdoor or camping cookery? How did it go? ...any tips for the gang?
If I went camping more on my own, I'd have more stories. I have done the hot dogs over a fire thing, but obvious not enough to have any tips to share.

Threesome: and Pans-- What one pan could you simply not do without in the kitchen. Mark can maybe slide on this one, but I'm betting his deadpan humor will come up with something...
A challenge. I am tempted to loaf around and not come up with anything, but maybe with a little thought, I can rise to the occasion. If I don't, it might be like going from the frying pan into the fire. And if that hurts a quarter of what I think it will, I don't want to do that.

Of course, Dan, I actually do have a favorite pan. I couldn't live without my springform pan because I need it to make Joanne Fluke's wonderful Cherry Cheesecake. And the mixer I got for Christmas does a great job of mixing up the batter, too.

Relaxed

This weekend was fairly quiet and relaxed. I did nothing unless I wanted to do it. Means I didn't get nearly as much done as I planned to, but I enjoyed it.

Friday night, I actually cleaned the condo for game night Saturday. So Saturday I could just goof off until everyone showed up. Kristine made some delicious enchaladas and we played Racko until Konrad and Carol came, then we played Wise and Otherwise. Oh yeah, and Carol brought cheesecake. I still have some of that to finish off.

Unfortunately, Konrad and Carol left for Colorado on Sunday. As in permanently. :( I thought my friends understood they couldn't move any more. I got to have lunch with them and Debbie before they left, however, which was nice.

Monday, I came in for a couple hours and put together a deposit and processed first of the month donations. I just knew that it would be too crazy if I tried to do it today. And Paul moved some furniture into the condo. In fact, the only thing in his room now that is mine is the fan.

Tuesday, Debbie and I went to see Superman Returns. We both really enjoyed it, although it sure is long. I did something I never do and left as soon as the credits started. And there was a line in the restroom when I left.

Then we went back to Debbie's and had a yummy dinner of spagehtti followed by cheesecake and rootbeer floats for dessert. She had rented Failure to Launch, so we watched that and then played two games of Backgammon. We each won one, so we ended with a tie.

I did my normal beginning of July head shave over the weekend, too. (Yes, Faith, I put that in just for you.)

Didn't make it to fireworks this year. Saw a few going off as I was driving home, but not the official show. Of course, considering that I got us no where near the show last year, it was better not to try. I don't regret not going for a minute, but next year, however, I will plan well ahead, camp out, and completely enjoy.

Why Should July 4th Have All the Fun?

Today is the start of the dog days of summer.

Coincidentally, today is also the start of air conditioner appreciation days. And have I been appreciating mine in the 100 degree heat.

Both events run through August.

Finally, today is also compliment your mirror day.

Enjoy.

Word Association for July 2nd

Yep, I'm doing one of these again.

1. That :: This and
2. Fishbowl :: Living in a
3. Church :: and State
4. All about :: Me
5. Fist :: of Death
6. Tagline :: Written by
7. Agree :: Disagree
8. Leak :: Evil
9. Jessica :: Simpson
10. Superman :: Fly

30 Minutes

Only 30 minutes left in my work day. Since my brain has been off since at least Wednesday, I am so ready to leave. Plus my boss and I are the only ones left in the office.

We get a four day weekend coming up. I am so looking forward to that. I think lots and lots of vegging are in order. If I get the house cleaned tonight. I am hosting game night tomorrow.

Unfortunately, I will have to come in and do a little work Monday. With today being the last day of the fiscal year, I will put together a deposit. Then I'll process our credit card transactions from the weekend and the first of the month credit card donations. I figure it will only be an hour or two's work. Still, it means I'll have to leave the house every day of the weekend. A day at home doing nothing really sounds nice.

I don't know why I'm so burned out right now, but I am. This rest will be good.

In other news, I actually haven't read in over 48 hours. That's right. My roommate and I are having a contest. During July and August, he's going to try to read 3 books and I'm going to try to read 1o. Considering he doesn't read at all and I read a book a week, this will be a challenge for both of us. We'll see how it goes.

But I am going to cheat. I am going to start my next book tonight when I crawl into bed. I just can't help myself. I'm going through withdrawls!

And I'm getting discouraged with my wound. I'm trying not to be overly sensative, but the small progress it is making is driving me crazy. Have I mentioned recently that I am ready to go swimming? I'm tired of having my life on hold for this. It's been six months!

I need to give it to God. I know that. But I keep taking it back again.

Needless to say, patience has never been a virture I've had an abundance of.

Of course, this is rather ironic considering that on Wednesday, I gave my parents a pep talk about how fine it was going and not to panic and demand more from the doctor. What a difference 48 hours can make.

I'm down to 25 minutes. Probably by the time I finish up the credit card batch for the day, I can leave.

Thursday Threesome for June 29th

Welcome to this week's Thursday Threesome. This week's edition is brought to us by nature and The Back Porch.

Onesome: Butterflies-- June 21st has come and gone; it's Summer, and the Monarchs have pretty much finished their migration. How about you? Any travel plans? ...or are you staying "safe and sane" on the 4th?
I'm sticking close to home. Probably watch some movies. We get the 3rd and 4th off, but I'm planning to come in for a little while on the third and process credit card transactions, such as first of the month donations.

Twosome: are-- What are you reading this Summer? Do you have any recommendations for the gang?
Well of course I recommend the latest Trixie reprint. :) Yesterday, I finished Shamus in the Green Room and loved it. I'll get the newest Monk novel in a couple weeks. Can't wait to read that one!

Threesome: free!-- As we do every so often: Have you found any free software or cool extensions lately to share with each other? Fonts? Butterflies?
No, but thanks for asking.

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

Wow, it's been almost two weeks since I updated about my life. Can't believe it's been so long!

I'll start by updating you on what you all really want to know. I won our game of Yahtzee on Saturday night at game night! (I think I spelled it right. Fortunately, I didn't have to spell it to win.)

Wait, that wasn't what you wanted to hear about? :)

I seem to be recovering from my surgery more quickly this go around, which makes me very happy. The doctor has been encouraging as well. I'm basically to the point I was before the surgery three weeks ago. Yes, still a spot that's deeper then the rest. And none of it has scarred over yet, but the rest is very shallow. I must admit to being very nervous about it actually finishing up right now. Translation, I hope we got the problem licked this go around. As I say, the doctor thinks things are going well, so we'll have to wait and see, I guess.

Meantime, it has really heated up around here. Decided it's summer. And I so want to go swimming that not being able to is driving me crazy.

Actually, I've been pretty busy in real life this last week. Went to Kurt and Kellie's Tuesday night and hung out with some of Kurt's friends, meaning former jr. highers I haven't seen in years since they've left the church to attent other churches now. It was nice to see them again.

Wednesday, we took the jr. highers to see Cars. Enjoyed it just as much the second time around.

Thursday was youth Bible study followed by career Bible study Friday night. Yep, I finally made it back for the second time this year. Speaking of which, I also decided last week I didn't need to join my church's men's Bible study on Monday nights. I think I have enough Bible studies in my life, couples with church and chapel during the school year. That and the fact that Monday was the only night I was home last week.

Saturday was the aforementioned game night and last night we had a youth staff meeting. Changes are in the works, and I think they'll be good. We'll just have to see what the time table is.

In spite of all that, I also read Murder on the Rocks last week. Decent mystery set at a bed and breakfast, but I really wish I could have gotten a feel for the town earlier. The beginning could have been better written, but on the whole I enjoyed it.