Happy Leap Day!

I had to pop in and wish you a Happy Leap Day. I hope you've been leaping everywhere you go today.

Okay, I admit. I haven't been.

My parents are in town. They got in Tuesday night, so I've been hanging out with them all week. Wednesday, they came over to see my new living room. Last night, we came to see the play at Master's. That's right, after six years we're putting on plays again. This year, they are doing an abridgement of The Importance of Being Ernest. I love the play, but it's been a while since I've seen or read it. And that's probably a good thing because I didn't know what had been abridged. As a result, I absolutely loved it. Everyone was laughing like crazy at times. Very well worth seeing.

As soon as I get off work, I am heading down to Anaheim. Mom and Dad moved their trailer down there today. I'll be spending the next couple of nights in the trailer down there with them. During the day, we're meeting up with Angelique and going to Disneyland. It sounds like the nice weather we've been having the last few days is disappearing at least for tomorrow. It's only supposed to be around 60 instead of the 70's we've been having. It's supposed to warm back up Sunday. Hope that holds true.

Meanwhile, I have my usual Spring cold. As soon as the temps start rising, I catch one. Hopefully it will be mild and won't dampen our fun over the next couple of days.

It sounds like the traffic is rather bad, so I'd better hit the road. Enjoy the rest of your extra day.

Thursday Threesome for February 28th

At least I'm still doing these on time.

Brought to us this week by the alphabet and The Back Porch.

Onesome: A--ny place but here? Are travel plans looming for Spring break? ...or are you staying home?
Spring break? What's that? I may go home for Easter, but I'm leaning toward staying home. We'll see.

Twosome: B--etter to look in the mirror before you leave? Have you ever discovered (say around mid-day) that your clothes really didn't match up?
See, you assume I would even notice after I left the house. I hardly ever pay attention to the mirror or what I (or others) are wearing.

Threesome: C--atch any good movies lately? What should we go see now that the Oscar's are done and over for another year?
As I mentioned early this week, I really did enjoy Vantage Point.

Word Association on Tuesday Again

I'd promise to do this Sunday this week, but I know that won't happen. I won't even be on the computer over the weekend.

Anyway, here's this week's word association.

1. Protocol :: Proper
2. Girlfriends :: Group of women
3. Shoulders :: Head and
4. Coming home :: from a long day
5. Let it in :: Sunshine
6. Honor :: Glory
7. Tyler :: Lane
8. Thriller :: Nail Bitter
9. Angela :: Friend (childhood friend anyway)
10. The winner is :: Oscars

Time for More Random Updates

Seems like it is time to update you on my life.

Life has been quiet.

I went to career group Bible study on Friday night, which was good.

Saturday, I left the house just long enough to go see Vantage Point. It didn't make good enough use of the narrative premise and the constant resets got annoying. But it was still an intense thriller. On the whole, I quite enjoyed it.

I also got caught up on all the TV I've recorded in the last couple of weeks, which meant I saw both halves of the Monk season finale. Very good. I can't wait to see where they go with it from here. And I watched the new Knight Rider. It was just okay, although I could see myself liking a series. I haven't seen the original, so I can't compare the two. But I didn't care for the sex references in the first 5 minutes.

Sunday was church followed by more goofing off at home. I did manage to do two loads of laundry and clean the condo since my parents are coming this weekend. I really should clean it more often, shouldn't I?

This last week was the last for a friend and co-worker. She got downsized to save costs. I am really going to miss her. Friday, we took her out to lunch, which was nice.

I've been fairly consistent with my excersize plan for the last couple of weeks. I'm using the weight machines at work on my lunch hour three days a week, walking or walk/running every morning. I am supposed to be doing crunches at night, but that isn't quite happening.

And it looks like I got my season 1 set of Newhart a day before it releases. Even though I think the show didn't really get good until season 3, I can't tell you how excited I am. I really do hope they release all 8 seasons (although since they haven't gotten around to all six seasons of The Bob Newhart Show, it isn't guarenteed.) Still, at one point I was going to be finishing my novel tonight. Now, I think I'll be watching this show.

I've also finished my reviews for Epinions 10 4 10 for the month. Assuming, of course, that the leads get a book added for me. If they don't, I'll have to write one last review. But that can wait until later in the week.

Thursday Threesome for February 21st

This week's edition is brought to us by first aid and The Back Porch.

Onesome: Liquid-- is falling from the skies this time of year. Be it rain or snow or fog, what's late Winter looking like at your place?
We're actually back to winter weather here. It's been over cast and drizzly for the last couple of days. It's supposed to rain starting tonight through Sunday and then clear up again.

Twosome: Drops -- of sweetener? ...or teaspoons of sugar (okay, tablespoons )? What do you use to make iced tea and other drinks acceptable?
If I can't drink it the way it comes, I don't drink it. (Translation, I don't drink iced tea of coffee.)

Threesome: Bandage-- your owies with a spray or with drops? Have you seen these liquid, no sting, bandage drops yet? Man, I'm thinking these may be ideal to have when you're out and about with kidlets!
You know, I hadn't heard of these, but I may have to look for them.

February 17th Word Association on the 19th

Just a couple days late.... :)

Taken from here.

1. Passport :: Photo
2. Small world :: Disneyland!
3. Radio :: Music
4. Marine :: Hardcore
5. Wall :: Climb
6. Wanna be :: when you grow up
7. Pigtails :: Ribbons
8. Hyphen :: Last name
9. 9.99 :: 10
10. Unrated :: Avoid

More New Stuff

It's funny all this is happening at once, because I had planned this weekend's purchase for a couple months. I bought a new couch!

Keep in mind I've had the same couch since I graduated from college. And it was rather old when I got it used. So this is a major step for me.

I had planned to take advantage of the President's Day sales all along, so Saturday, I went out. I went to one store and bought one. I looked around there, but it wasn't like I went out to every store in the area to see what I could find.

It's tan, with almost velvet material. The material really isn't velvet, I'm sure, but it is sorta like that. The cushions are very think at the moment, but I have a feeling they will compact soon.

One of the major reasons I hadn't bothered was because I didn't know what to do with my old one. But I called the local garbage company, and they will be coming to pick it up on Wednesday. Fortunately, I don't have to be home for that. Unfortunately, I have to have it on the curb between 6 AM and 7 PM, which I guess means I will put it out tomorrow night with a sign that it will be picked up on Wednesday and hope for the best.

Thursday Threesome for February 14th

The Valentine's Thursday Threesome is brought to us by British afternoons and The Back Porch.

Onesome: Tea-- leaves and fortune tellers? Is there anything you do out of habit because of old sayings? ...like not stepping on cracks or staying home on Friday the Thirteenth? ...or eating chocolate on Valentine's Day >?
For the longest time, I avoided the cracks on sidewalks, but I pretty much ignor that now. Can't think of any superstitions I currently observe, but that doesn't mean there aren't any.

Twosome: for-- every time you make it to work or class or an appointment on time, how many times are you late? Just curious...
I am probably late twice for every time I am on time. Wow. I need to correct that.

Threesome: Two-- weeks and the next day is only there twenty-five percent of the time! Does Leap Year have any special meaning to you? ...or is it just one more day of the week?
As a kid it drove me crazy because it meant I had an extra day before my birthday (which isn't March 1st, but that's beside the point). Now, I think it's cool, and I plan to post a review on that day again this year like I did in 2004, but that's about it.

Maybe If I Had Something To Say, I'd Have a Title

Life has been rather quiet for me the last few days. Let's see if I can't come up with something exciting to say.

Saturday I went to see Fool's Gold. It wasn't the best movie ever, but I enjoyed it. Probably closer to a 3.5 then the 4 stars I gave it, but since I can't give half a star, I rounded up.

Sunday I took advantage of the wonderful warm weather and played tennis for half an hour or so with my roommate Paul. Considering I haven't played in over 12 years, I wasn't that bad. Oh, who am I kidding. I was horrid.

The biggest news in my life was yesterday. I switched from Time Warner to AT&T's U-verse for my cable. That's right, I finally have digital cable and a DVR. Even better, the DVR records in High Def! And I've got a ton more channels, including Game Show Network again. Man have I missed it. Clint's happy because we get Speed now. I'm still trying to figure out how everything works, but I'm very happy with it so far.

Another bonus is faster internet at home. Once I started paying attention, I really did notice things moving faster.

The weather seems to be cooling off today, so it looks like our early Spring is over. Guess I'll have to wait a month for real Spring to start to enjoy temps like that again. Bummer.

Word Association for February 10th

This week's word association.

1. Score :: Win
2. Luxurious :: Rich
3. Party :: Hardy
4. Limited edition :: Must buy (which is why marketing people love me)
5. Security :: device
6. Betty :: White
7. Under construction :: Detour
8. Pest :: Control
9. director :: Movie
10. Express :: Fast

This is Why I Live Here

I have to keep checking the calendar. Yes, it really is February. But it feels like Spring. While it is still cooling off at night, it's been in the 70's the last two days. I read outside on my lunch hour yesterday, and it was wonderful. I've had my office window open both afternoons enjoying the fresh air. It makes putting up with the traffic and high prices so worth while.

Yes, it is supposed to cool off next week. We might even get some rain again. But in the mean time, I am going to enjoy every second I can.

I less exciting news, my hip has started bothering me again. I hurt it when Clint and I were wrestling in the pool. It's fine as long as I don't try to do anything like walk or run on it. Which makes playing ultimate Frisbee hard, and I need to sign up for a tournament. When I went in last week, the doctor said I had a mild case of bursitis. He thought I'd be okay, but after a week or walking, it seems to be bothering me. I haven't even started running again. So I've started taking it easy again. If I can't get it to stop bothering me, I'll go back to the doctor next week.

So I've got Bible study tonight, but I've brought what I need to do my taxes, so I think I'll hang out in my office and get those done. I can't wait to get my refund!

Thursday Threesome for February 7th

Welcome to a well traffic edition of The Back Porch.

Onesome: Red-- candles for Valentine's Day? Are you decorating this year? Planning? Scheming? Deferring?
Single Guy. You do the math. :)

Twosome: Light, Green--? ...or would that be 'teal'? What color is your kitchen area? What color should it be ?
Let's see, the cabinets have been painted white, the frig is white, the stove is tan, and the floor in tan. It's fine with those colors, although I would prefer the cabinets having a wood finish as instead of the paint.

Threesome: Light-- up the place and save energy with these newer CFL/twisty bulbs? Have you tried any yet? How are they working out?
I've been using the energy efficient lights for years. But if these are newer, even more energy efficent bulbs, I'd certainly be interested.

Super Tuesday

I know yesterday I said I needed a decision free week. It hasn't happened yet.

After all, today is Super Tuesday, and California is one of the 24 states holding primaries today.

In years past, it hasn't mattered how I voted. By the time CA gets to hold a primary, everyone knows who both nominees will be. But year it is different. While people are saying it will be McCain for the Republicans, it isn't a done deal yet by any stretch of the imagination.

(And yes, things are still up in the air on the Dem side, but since I'm a Republican, I will be talking about them.)

So here was my delima. I am most closely aligned with Huckabee. Yet I think Romney has the best chance of beating McCain in the primaries. Frankly, I'm not excited about any of these three (or anyone else who was running), but that's basically who we are left with by this point.

I have spent all week vascilating over who to vote for. Part of me said Romney because he is our only hope of beating McCain. Part of me said, vote how you really feel, which would be Huckabee.

Heck, I was still trying to decide as I walked to the polling place today.

Ultimately, I pulled the lever for Huckabee. I still don't know if it was the best option. Only time will tell, I guess.

I really do hope it isn't McCain. He's talking a great story now. However, we've got this track record to examine, and guess what. He's about as far from what he claims to be as you can get. I love the fact that he is calling Romney a flip flopper since he is more of the same. If McCain is the nominee, there will really be no difference between him and whoever the Dems choose. And I don't know what I will do at that point.

I Need a Decision Free Week

Okay, I know I joke all the time about hating to make decisions. Well, it's true. I really do. And this last week has seen me facing lots of decisions. I think I'm coming to the other side. And I am happy with the decisions I have been making. But man is it tough.

* HDTV - No, I still don't have a cell phone. But I did buy an HDTV. It started because I noticed that stores were offering 36 months no interest on TV's. Yet I wound up not going for any of those deals because I saved $300 going to Fry's to get it. I got a Samsung 720P 42" Plasma. Bought it Friday night, and so far, I love it.

* Digital TV Service - Naturally, that meant it was time to finally upgrade my cable to digital. At the time, I was just trying to decide between Time Warner service or their package that includes phone and cable. But after talking to a friend at church Sunday, I started considering AT&T's service. When I finally got prices, I determined that Time Warner had lots of hidden costs. Unfortunately, I won't get my new service for a week. I am so ready for a DVR, especially for my blogging for The Disney Blog on Monday nights.

* Disney World - I think I've mentioned that one of the Trixie communities is going to Disney World in September. Yes, the normal problem I have of no other males on the board came to the surface. I thought I had a roommate situation figured out, but it fell through (and with good reason, so that's not the issue.) But I think I am going to start putting my Epinions money toward making up the difference. It just kills me to pay an extra $250. Believe me, I am for saving money if I can.

* Parental visit - My parents are coming the end of the month/beginning of next month for a visit. And somehow, we planned too much we'd like to do during that time. To make things worse, there were lots of other things I wanted to do at the same time. But I think we've got that all squared away as well.

So, needless to say, I am looking forward to a nice quiet week. Once I figure out what to do about needing a plumber to come and fix the leak in my shower. AUGH!

That was certainly an interesting Super Bowl yesterday. I figured it would be a Patriot blowout, but I should have known better. See, I was rooting for them to end with a perfect season. And any team I root for in the Super Bowl loses. Anyway, I was rather bored, and even missed most of the 3rd quarter. But I'm glad I came back for that 4th quarter. The ending almost made up for the rest of the game. What twists! What drama!

Word Association for Super Bowl Sunday

Deep in the middle of the fourth quarter, but it's time for this week's word association.

1. What women want :: Love
2. Epidemic :: Disease
3. Taxes :: Too High
4. Hello :: Good bye
5. Confidential :: Secret
6. Lights :: Camera, Action
7. Summation :: End of Monk
8. Hard feelings :: Misunderstanding
9. Electric :: Eel
10. Fresh start :: New Beginning