Ensign Eddie's Extravaganza

Remembering Spot - 5 years

2011-08-01T10:30:00.002-05:00

I can't believe it has now been five years since Spot had to leave.

Admittedly, I don't think about him every day. However, I do think about him a lot and the hurt is still there. I still miss him so much.

Time keeps on slippin'

2010-08-01T18:22:00.005-05:00

It was during this hour four years ago that I said goodbye to my best friend in the world. It may seem strange that one would consider a cat to be their best friend, but Spot was with me for over fifteen years. He had been with me almost as long as I had been in my house. He greeted me when I came home, cuddled in my lap when the mood struck him, and trusted me to take care of him. I feel he chose me, not the other way 'round.

Spot was picked up by my family as a scared kitten stranded in the middle of a busy road in Grand Prairie. My first real memory of him was his first night here. He had been hiding under my bed for most of the day (as most scared kitties are likely to do in a strange place). Someone (I can't remember who) wanted to see Spot, so I started to crawl under the bed to get him. I couldn't find him and soon someone told me to look on top of the bed. There was Spot, curled up ON the bed. He was mine and I was his from the moment on. After sweating out a week of trying to find if he had other owners looking for him, Spot became my buddy for good.

Not everyone had the best relationship with him. He was a terror at the vets and my sister had more than a couple of run-ins with his claws. But he was always the sweetest, most loyal feline companion this lonely guy could have ever asked for.

So, Spotty, thank you for taking me in. I hope I did right by you, even at the end.

I miss you.

Goodbye, Chelsea

2009-10-06T20:58:00.009-05:00

Today, my parent's beautiful cat Chelsea went to join her brothers Elliot and Marvin. Even at 16 years old, it seems too soon. I will miss her.

Spot - Three years gone (8/1/2006)

2009-08-01T02:21:00.002-05:00

Three years ago today I lost Spot.

You will always have a place in my heart, buddy.

Elliot - One Year

2009-07-11T11:24:00.005-05:00

I haven't posted here in a while, but I did want to make note that this past Wednesday was one year since we lost Elliot. I find it hard to believe that a year has already gone by.

RIP, buddy.

1,460 days to go

2008-11-07T14:44:00.002-06:00

Obviously I am not happy with the results of the election (and eagerly await November 6, 2012). But, I am first and foremost a patriot so I sincerely hope the new administration does a good job (as I define it, not as they might).

On the plus side, we finally got Joe Biden out of the Senate.

One Day To Go...

2008-11-03T14:44:00.002-06:00

Well, election day is tomorrow. As you might have guessed, I support the Republican candidates. In fact, I already voted last week. I just cannot support Senator Obama. I think most of his statements and ideas are just flat-out dangerous for our country. Whether it be stifling free speech (via the Fairness Doctrine), decimating the military (as the last Democrat President did), destroying the best health care system in the world (by bringing the whole system down to a much lower common denominator), or his plan for "economic justice" that will curb initiative and innovation as too many people sit around waiting for a handout instead of being part of the engine that is our economy.

You might not agree with me. That is your right. However, there are some out there that would call me racist because I refused to vote for Senator Obama last week. Race has nothing to do with it. I choose not to support him based on the content of his character, not the color of his skin. I think someone once said that's the way it ought to be...

The McCain Miracle

2008-08-29T16:56:00.003-05:00

A few months ago I started hearing about Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as a possible VP candidate for John McCain. I looked her up and was very impressed with what I found out. However, I never thought McCain would have the guts to pick her over some of the more establishment candidate names that were being bandied about.

But, lo and behold, he picked her this morning. With a strong record of valuing personal responsibility and fighting public waste, I think she may be more of a fiscal conservative than McCain. This country could definitely use two of those types in charge. Especially when the other option is a pair of socialist liberals that seem to think every dollar in your pocket should go to the government.

So what, exactly, is the McCain Miracle? Simply that he made a decision that has actually made me EXCITED about this election. I can't wait!

The Three Amigos

2008-08-11T22:34:00.003-05:00

Here is a picture of Spot, Ferrari and Cymbah (who can be partially seen in the upper left).

(on loan from the pettygirl collection)

Midnight?

2008-08-11T22:21:00.003-05:00

I was going through a box from parents' old house and I came across a picture. I am not sure, but I think it is my first cat Midnight.

Sadly, I don't remember a whole lot about him. He didn't live as long as any of us would have liked, but he did sire MJ (Midnight Junior) with the beautiful Tiffany.

However, I still remember getting him. My sister Susan was going to get a new kitten and picked Tiffy. For some reason, her little gray littermate caught my eye and we ended up with two kittens that day.

I'm sure my sisters will chime on whether or not the picture is of Midnight. I suppose it may be MJ, but I don't think so. But I think you will agree that's a beautiful cat.

In Memorium (8-1-06)

2008-08-01T00:01:00.002-05:00

The pain is mostly gone....but the ache will always linger.

I still miss you Spotty.

Goodbye

2008-07-08T21:09:00.002-05:00

Elliot lost his battle this afternoon. Thanks for any kind thoughts that all of you have sent our way. We're really going to miss him.

Elliot

2008-07-07T23:12:00.008-05:00

Anyone that has read my blog knows that cats are important to me. And losing one of them usually hits me pretty hard.

Tonight, it looks like one of my parents' cats, Elliot, is about to move on. He's in his twenties and has lived a good life, but that really doesn't make it easier.

Although he has lived with my parents for most of his life, our paths did intersect for a while. When my cat MJ died (while I was still living at home), we adopted each other. He's been special to me ever since (as he has been to all the members of my family).

He has gotten progressively weaker (especially in the last few months) and I doubt he will be with us much longer. Although it will probably be for the best, it will still hurt when he's gone. Shoot...it's hurting already.

There's not much that can be done. But I just wanted anyone who passes this way to know that there was once a great cat named Elliot.

And he is loved.

And he will be missed.

Trying to decide...

2008-06-16T09:46:00.002-05:00

I'm trying to decide which set of sports fans I find more obnoxious:

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. fans (including, unfortunately, those in the broadcast booth)

-or-

Tiger Woods fans that yell "It's in the hole" at the top of their lungs the second he strikes the ball.

Tough call.

Birthdays

2007-11-26T12:35:00.001-06:00

I turned 44 yesterday and feel every bit of it. This feeling was not helped by a toilet repair that went very, very wrong (but that's a story for another time, perhaps).

I had a nice lunch with the family. Mr. and Mrs. AVGeek were there as well. I think everyone had a good time. I know I did. If it weren't for that darn toilet it would have been a good day all around...

Of course, the other "birthday" I celebrated this month was the second anniversary of the beginning of this blog. Although, admittedly, I have kind of let it lay fallow for a while. Perhaps December will be a better month for blogging.

Anyway, I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and enjoyed the Cowboys smacking down yet another team. Let's hope it keeps up this Thursday when they take on the Pack.

It's that time again...

2007-11-01T09:13:00.000-05:00

NaNoWriMo 2007 kicks off today. Are you the next member of Oprah's book club? Give it a shot and find out!

Apparently....

2007-10-12T09:12:00.000-05:00

...I'm not the only who likes The Big Bang Theory.

What I Think is Cool

2007-10-11T12:52:00.000-05:00

My buddy AVGeek left an infernal tag in his last post. Since I am now honor-bound to comment, I thought I would respond with a post of my own (instead of having it buried in his Comments section). The fact that it gives me a good excuse to finally make another post is just a bonus.

So, what do I think is cool? Well, I have decided to answer that by letting you know which new series of the nascent television season is my favorite.

So far, I have been entertained by several of them.

Shows such as Reaper with Ray Wise as one of the wittiest Devils ever seen.

Journeyman has been interesting. As has it's NBC stablemates Life and Bionic Woman (which I admit I have watched much of yet).

But, to me, NBC's strongest entry is Chuck. I have enjoyed all of the episodes so far (and it has gotten stronger with each one).

Still, it's not my favorite.

Over on ABC, the only new show that I plan to follow is Pushing Daisies. Witty and quirky, this show makes me smile. I hold out hope for Samantha Who? and look forward to its premiere on Monday. I also sampled Cavemen and Carpoolers. You will notice I have not taken the effort to make links for them. That should give you a hint about my opinion of them.

There are several others that I am still sampling (such as Aliens in America, Back to You and Moonlight).

But that's not why you are here, is it?

So, what's my favorite show?

Believe it or not, it's The Big Bang Theory

Okay, probably not what you were expecting. Well, neither was I. It's easy to dismiss this as a frothy, useless comedy. However, I have found the writing to be very witty and not condescending to the geeks (even when they do geeky things). And for some reason I find Kaley Cuoco much more attractive to me than her 8 Simple Rules days. I think that is partially because her character is much more intelligent and she's not playing a high schooler. Also, I find Jim Parsons' Leonard to be one of the funniest new characters on TV.

So...there you have it.

There's no hope for me, is there?

One Year...

2007-08-01T12:53:00.000-05:00

One year...

12 months...

365 days...

8,760 hours...

525,600 minutes...

31,536,000 seconds...

No matter how large the number, it still seems like it was only yesterday that I lost Spot.

I miss you, buddy.

Happy Birthday, Star Wars

2007-05-25T22:23:00.000-05:00

I can't let this day go by without acknowledging the 30th anniversary of the release of Star Wars. Simply put, the advent of Star Wars is the most influential non-personal event of my life.

I still remember the first time I saw the film. It was June 10, 1977 at the much-missed Northpark Theater in Dallas, Texas. Yes...I still have the ticket stub somewhere!

I just finished re-watching the film. Of course I chose the non-Special Edition version just like I saw it back in 1977. I find it sad that today George Lucas cannot see in the film what we all felt back then. But that is the subject for another blog post.

For now, I simply salute this film that rocked my world.

Tiffy and Midnight

2007-04-06T21:02:00.000-05:00

The only good thing about being an OCD-infested packrat is that eventually you come across something you forgot you had. For instance, early last year I put up a picture of some of our cats from years gone by.

Well, here is another picture of Tiffy (Tiffany) and Midnight (my first cat). You can see Midnight much better in this picture. It's not the best quality, but I like it. I hope you do, too.

Where's edieraye?

2007-04-01T19:07:00.000-05:00

Since around the first of the year, edieraye's blog has looked like garbage whenever I click to it. Is anyone else able to read it?

edieraye, where are you?

More Maggie

2007-04-01T12:25:00.001-05:00

Another picture of you-know-who.

...and Mickey Ignores

2007-02-20T21:43:00.000-06:00

It looks like Mickey has heard it all before from Maggie...

Maggie Says....

2007-02-20T21:15:00.000-06:00

I like this picture of Maggie. It looks like she's telling it like it is.

Testify!

This is my first attempt at using Flickr on this blog. If you click on the picture you will be transported to the picture's Flickr page where you can see Maggie in even more pixels! How cool is that?

EEE version 2.0

2007-01-02T22:15:00.000-06:00

I finally updated to the new version of Blogger so I thought I would give the thing a little makeover.

I'm not quite happy with it yet, so expect some changes in the future. But it's a start.

Oh, and happy belated New Year.

A Rare Moment

2006-12-02T20:15:00.000-06:00

A rare moment of peace from Mickey and Maggie.

Enjoy!

Another failure in the books

2006-11-30T19:30:00.000-06:00

Well, it's the end of NaNoWriMo month and, needless to say, I didn't come close to writing my novel. But I have some ideas for next year. For instance....get an idea. And do a little research. And turn off the TV. But mostly, don't start writing about an event that is still too fresh in your mind.

My hats off to anyone that tried (even if you didn't get any further than I did). The NaNoWriMo community is a hoot and I definitely plan on trying it again next year.

Me and Richard Petty

2006-11-25T12:24:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone,

I now have some in common with Mr. Richard Petty, one of my favorite drivers. His famous car was numbered 43. Today, the birthdate on driver's license indicates that my number is 43 as well.

It's been an eventful year for me. Shortly before I began this blog over a year ago, I lost one of dear cats, Cymbah. A little less than four short months ago I lost Spot. I'm still not over that one.

But on the plus side, I had several good things happen (I've written about them previously on the blog....I leave it as an exercise for the reader to find them):

- I took in Mickey and Maggie. They can't replace the loss of Cymbah and Spot, but they are an absolute joy (yes, I know I owe all of you some pictures!).

- On the work front, I took over a new position and things have been going better than I expected. Apparantly, the people I work with think higher of me that I do myself.

- I finally got some overdue dental work done. I can't wait to finally pay the bill in February (note the sly sarcasm in that statement).

I think that's enough for one year.

It's been HOW long?!

2006-11-15T13:01:00.000-06:00

I knew the date was near, but I didn't realize it had already passed. What day, you may ask?

Why, the anniversary of this blog. It was a year ago yesterday that "Ensign Eddie's Extravaganza" entered the blogosphere.

A lot has happened to me over this past year. I plan to write more about it this weekend. Of course, I've been planning to write that novel too, and yet it still sits there mocking me.

Anyway, it's been a pleasure to write to all of you this year (even with all of the heartache it brought). Hopefully, this coming year will be better.

Well, I'm going for it

2006-11-04T10:33:00.000-06:00

I have officially joined the NaNoWriMo site as "Ensign_Eddie" (of course).

Now I just have to write the thing...

Can you NaNoWriMo?

2006-10-31T12:20:00.000-06:00

I didn't realize until looking through Lifehacker that NaNoWriMo starts tomorrow.

What is "NaNoWriMo"? It stands for "National Novel Writing Month" and the intent is to write a 175-page (50,000 word) novel in a month. Specifically, the month of November.

It doesn't matter if the novel is complete garbage...the intent of the exercise is to produce quantity instead of quality. To get something...anything...on the page.

I plan to do this. I haven't decided if I am going to "officially" join at the website, but I am at least going to do it on my own.

I think everyone should try something like this at least once in their lives. This is going to be my turn.

Check out the website at www.nanowrimo.org

Here's to Hugo

2006-09-20T22:04:00.000-05:00

Today, during a speech at the UN, Hugo Chavez (President-for-Life of Venezuela) called President Bush "the Devil".

All I can say is that two can play that name-calling game.

So...let me be the first to call Hugo a big doody head.

From the Archives

2006-08-17T22:36:00.000-05:00

This picture was taken on June 11. I hadn't posted it before now because it was really washed out by the flash. But I really liked the pose so I tried a little Photoshop magic on it. I hope it's not too noticable.

I still miss Spot an incredible amount, but I'm sure glad I finally bought a digital camera last year. I have many pictures of the old boy that I probably won't ever share with anyone (especially the ones from his last days), but I have them. They both comfort me and make me sad all over again. I guess that's to be expected, though...

Maggie's confused by this "mouse" thing...

2006-08-17T22:23:00.000-05:00

Rest in peace, buddy...

2006-08-02T23:04:00.000-05:00

2006-08-01T21:08:00.000-05:00

he's gone

6:10PM, August 1, 2006

Another update

2006-07-30T21:42:00.000-05:00

Well, I suppose some of you may be wondering what's going on with my dear old cat, Spot. In short, he's still with me. He's still mobile and seems to be able to go where he wants.

I took the problem of his lack of eating into my own hands by feeding him with a syringe. He doesn't enjoy it much, but he's eaten more in the past three days than he had the entire week before. Perhaps because of this, he doesn't seem to have declined as quickly as I expected.

Before any of you say anything, I'm not fooling myself. I know that he will be gone soon, but I take whatever little victories (and time with him) that I can. If he wants to lay on a pillow and purr as I pet him, I'm taking it as a bonus.

As I read that last paragraph, I feel I must admit that I do take a few moments several times a day to believe that healing is possible. I know that may seem weird, but I believe that with God, anything is possible, even this. I don't think it's probable (and most of the time I prepare myself for the inevitable), but, as I said, for a few minutes...for as long as I can muster...I believe he will get better.

Please don't think less of me.

"What a crappy week"

I said that this evening to my Dad at supper. But as I look back, obviously the situation with Spot has been front and center on my mind most of the time. However, I have had more time with him than I expected (and it has been mostly quality time), so that's not so bad. In addition, my two kittens, Mickey and Maggie, went to the vet to be "Barker-ized" and came through their surgeries in fine shape. Even a project at work (for which I am responsible) was successful. In other words, my feeble management skills didn't screw up the people doing the real work.

So, there have been some successes amongst the extreme heartache.

And that, my dear friends, is the last I am going to write about this until the situation changes. There are some other subjects that I feel lead to write about that I plan to start soon.

Life must go on, after all. Even if it seems a little bit emptier.

Hanging in, but not much hope

2006-07-25T19:52:00.000-05:00

Well, the news from the vet wasn't good. My poor kitty's pancreas and kidneys are shutting down and most likely by the end of the week he will be gone.

I can't tell you how much this hurts. At least with Ferrari and Cymbah I had months to be prepared. This has come on very suddenly. Again, I covet your prayers.

I would like to leave you with a picture I took of Spot last night (before I only suspected the truth...it wasn't confirmed). It's hard to accept that this face is not only sick, but soon won't be with me anymore...

I need your prayers...

2006-07-25T07:16:00.000-05:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a while.

However, this morning I am taking Spot to the vet. He has not been eating well as of late and appears to be getting weaker. Last night he seemed to be walking a little wobbly, although he seems to be a little better this morning.

A few months ago he was diagnosed with pancreatitis and we have had to deal with that. It doesn't help that he really doesn't like the food required to treat that condition.

Anyway, I hope to have good news to report. But I'm not feeling lucky.

Please keep Spot and me in your prayers.

Two Lugnuts Up

2006-06-09T14:25:00.000-05:00

I just got back from a showing of Cars with my nephew. We both loved it. Do yourselves a favor and brave the crowds to see this one.

Incredible. Beautiful. Funny. Poignant.

And talking cars.

Two lugnuts up.

Three's a crowd?

2006-06-07T22:21:00.000-05:00

The ice is beginning to thaw...

2006-06-03T09:56:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately, I have not been able to get good pictures of the new kittens (at least not good enough to put up here on the blog). I have been playing with camera settings in order to take pics without using the flash (I just hate that washed out look). This effort has been somewhat successful, but I'm still working out the kinks.

However, something happened yesterday that I just had to have a picture of, so I used the flash. Mickey and Spot were both on the chair together for about five minutes without batting at each other. The spell was broken when Maggie tried to join the party. I bet you can guess how that worked out....

Anyway, here is the photographic evidence:

Mickey and Maggie

2006-05-19T23:41:00.000-05:00

Meet Mickey and Maggie. Maggie is the tortoise- shell cutie in front and Mickey is the black kitten in the back. I expect their coloring to change somewhat as they grow older.

I picked them up from my vet, Dr. G, this morning. They are strays that were taken in by another of Dr. G's clients who just didn't have the room to keep them. I had asked Dr. G to keep me in mind for some new mouths to feed earlier this year. If you go back to the beginning of this blog you will see why I do have the room to keep them.

My other cat, Spot, has not been the same since I lost Cymbah last year. I am hoping that these new "bundles of joy" will at least give him some amusement while I'm at work. At least he hasn't swatted at them yet.

By the way, the names were given to them by their rescuer and I liked them. Well, actually the male was named Mikey. I misheard her the first time and thought she said Mickey. I guess it's not surprising that a Disneyana fan like me would make that mistake.

However, for some reason I have unconsciously called him Mikey several times today so I'm wondering if that really is his name. Hmmmm....what do y'all think? Where's T.S. Eliot when you need him?

I'll put up some better pictures soon.

Blast from the past

2006-05-08T22:48:00.000-05:00

A few days ago I received an interesting e-mail. My old college buddy Jim sent out a bunch of inspiring pictures from Iraq (as opposed to what we normally see on the nightly news....but that subject's for another time) and included me on the distribution.

What he probably didn't know is that I had lost track of him a few years ago. Needless to say, I was very pleased to be able to reconnect with him. I've already exchanged one set of e-mails and am proud to include his blog It's All Up In The Air over there on the right side of this page.

Jim is an airline pilot (and is also with the Phoenix Air Guard) and has some very, very cool pictures on his blog. Check it out!

Jim is also the only person besides avgeek and his wife Amos to ever call me Scooter. In fact, I think he might have started it....

The last toothy post

2006-05-06T18:36:00.000-05:00

I know it's been a few weeks since I posted. But I figured I should at least get online and report that my dental work is finished. I don't have to go back until January (and that's just for a regular checkup).

Man, I can't believe it's over. But is it weird that I'm going to miss seeing my dentist and her assistant? I mean, who am I going to talk to about American Idol now?

Anyway, I'd like to give a public shout-out to Dr. Jennifer Lee Scott and her staff. They made a trying time very easy. And they never once made fun of this old fool.

Remember people.....FLOSS.

Old Choppers

2006-04-16T16:30:00.000-05:00

My long dental nightmare will be over in a little more than a week (a week from Tuesday, to be precise). I have the front porch done as well as a new Calatrava bridge on one side (at least it seems to cost as much as one). The last step is to erect the second bridge on the recently contructed footings (to push this metaphor way past it's expiration date).

*whew*

Anyway, I thought I would actually post a picture of what everything looked like before the construction crew began work. To see it, click here. *WARNING! Not for sensitive viewers*

Have a great week, everyone. And Happy Easter.

How Cool Is YOUR Birthday?

2006-03-26T09:49:00.000-06:00

This morning I was listening to a repeat of Mark Davis' Thursday national show. For some reason he and his cohorts started talking about how many celebrities were born on each of their birthdays and who's birthday was the lamest "celebrity-wise".

Well, of course I had to check out mine. I already knew about Amy Grant, but I was surprised at how stacked my day (November 25) was. Here are some of my favorites:

1835 - Andrew Carnegie
1844 - Karl Benz
1846 - Carrie Nation
1883 - Merrill C. Meigs (Flight Simulator fans should know this one)
1914 - Joe DiMaggio
1920 - Ricardo Montalban (KHAN!)
1920 - Noel Neill (Lois!)
1925 - Jeffrey Hunter (Pike!)
1926 - Poul Anderson
1940 - Joe Gibbs
1944 - Ben Stein (Beuller!)
1945 - Percy Sledge
1947 - John Larroquette
1951 - Bucky Dent
1951 - Bill Morrissey, American musician
1953 - Jeffrey Skilling (former CEO of Enron ---oops!)
1960 - Amy Grant
1960 - John F. Kennedy, Jr.
1965 - Cris Carter
1965 - Bernie Kosar
1968 - Jill Hennessy
1971 - Christina Applegate
1976 - Donovan McNabb
1981 - Barbara and Jenna Bush

Although no one famous was born on my actual birthdate (1963), that day is famous for one particular event. It was the day President Kennedy was buried.

If you would like to check out your birthday, just go to wikipedia and enter your birthday in the seach box. Let me know if YOUR day is cool or lame!

New Choppers

2006-03-22T21:23:00.000-06:00

As I wrote last month, I have been in the midst of some pretty serious dental work. Not only did I have the extractions, but I also needed six crowns in the front, two bridges and several fillings. Yikes.

Well, as of now, the front porch (sorry avgeek) is done. Also, all the work on the right side of my mouth (a bridge and some fillings) is complete except for the permanent bridge (which will be placed in two weeks). So far, so good.

Anyway, I thought I would let all of you know what's going on with all of this. I originally started talking about this with an entry called "The Price of Stupidity". Well, now I know most of the price. Besides the pain and discomfort, the price is actually about the cost of a new car. Heh.

However, the RESULTS have been better than I had hoped. But I'll let you decide...

Kitty Trio

2006-02-22T07:13:00.000-06:00

I recently came across this picture of some of my family's furry friends from days gone by. I estimate it to be around 25 to 30 years old so please excuse the poor quality.

The orange and white majestic tabby at the bottom is Tiger. Even though I was very young, I still remember when my sister brought him home as a young kitten from our elementary school carnival.

The attack cat in the center is my other sister's cat, Tiffany. She was a beautiful cat that was taken from us way too soon. She was also the mother of my second cat, Midnight Junior (aka MJ).

The grey stretcher in the back is Midnight, my first cat and father of, you guessed it, MJ.

I don't know why I decided to post this today. Partially, I guess, because I haven't posted in a while and felt the need to put up something. But I also just like this picture so I thought I would share it.

I still miss all of the cats in this picture. I realize that some people just don't "get" how some of us can get so attached to our pets (even those that are long gone). For those people, all I can offer is my pity.

Stay well and hug your pet today.
-S

P.S. For those interested, the record album in the picture is the soundtrack album to the musical remake of Lost Horizon. Not really important, but I was impressed that I remembered it.

Checking In - Day 3

2006-02-11T22:39:00.000-06:00

Well, after three days, I'm pretty surprised how well I came through my "little procedure". I was luckily spared most of the pain and nausea I have been told about. Except for a minor bit of discomfort I feel about as good as I always do. Unfortunately, I guess that means I have to go back to work on Monday...drats. I would like to think Dr. Pedro Franco and his staff for as easy a time as was probably possible.

Today I have been watching way too much Olympics coverage. I don't see how I can keep this up! But watching the Opening Ceremonies I was reminded of a thought I have every time I watch one of these. Namely, that there sure are a lot of beautiful women in this world of all nationalities.

Take care, folks. And remember to floss.

Ow

2006-02-09T12:10:00.000-06:00

Well, the deed is done. What an....interesting....experience. Especially when I started coming out of it during the last two teeth. Fun city.

Anyway, once again thanks for all of the kind thoughts from everyone. Now I'm going to drink milkshakes and watch DVDs for a few days.

Stay well,
-Scott

Won't be long now...

2006-02-09T07:50:00.000-06:00

Well, in about an hour and a half I begin the "procedure". I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of my friends and family that have offered their encouragement. It is very much appreciated. Hopefully I'll be back later this afternoon to give a status report. If not, then look for it tomorrow.

Hmm...who would have thought I would rather be at work today? :)

The Price of Stupidity

2006-02-05T23:37:00.000-06:00

I've been going back and forth about whether to blog about the subject of this entry. It really doesn't portray me in a very positive light. But, you see, I've been really stupid. And it's time to pay up. And part of that is facing both my problem and all of you.

What happened, you asked? I ignored my teeth. For a long time. A really long time. Therefore, Thursday I go under the knife to have six of those buggers removed. Three wisdom teeth and three in various states of broken-ness that can't be saved.

There is a chance if I had had the wisdom teeth removed when my dentist told me to (at least ten years ago) this might not have been so bad. But I was stupid. I was afraid. And now it's gonna cost me. A lot.

If I had been more rigorous in taking care of them and going to the dentist at the first sign of trouble, that would have definitely lessened the problem. But I didn't. I was afraid. And now it's gonna cost me. A lot.

I was stupid. But, on the bright side (I guess), at least I finally mustered the courage to face this and take care of it. But it's gonna hurt more than if I hadn't been so afraid to take care of it a long time ago.

Don't let that happen to you.

I plan to blog about the experience so stay tuned. It should be interesting. Did I mention I was afraid?

However, to prevent this entry from ending such a somber note, check out this.

Four Things Meme

2006-02-03T14:00:00.000-06:00

I was tagged here.

Four jobs I've had:
I've only had two
1. Software Engineer
2. Warehouse worker
3. N/A
4. N/A

Four places I've lived:
I've only had three
1. Southwest Dallas (across the street from Duncanville)
2. Grand Prairie
3. Oak Cliff
4. N/A

Four websites I visit daily:
1. The Digital Bits
2. TV Shows on DVD
3. TV Guide Online
4. Home Theater Forum

Four television shows I love to watch:
1. Battlestar Galactica
2. Stargates SG-1 and Atlantis
3. The Office
4. My Name is Earl

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Chopped Steak
2. Oranges
3. Popcorn
4. Taco Bueno Tacos

Four albums I can't live without (at least for the moment):
1. Amos's 2005 Christmas Mix
2. That Christmas Swing - Dave Williamson Big Band
3. Chicago X (all of the Chicago albums, actually)
4. Star Wars Episode IV - A New Hope Original Soundtrack

Four DVDs I can't live without (at least for the moment):
1. Star Wars Trilogy
2. Get Over It
3. Fantasia Anthology
4. Gilmore Girls

Four places I'd rather be:
1. Disneyland
2. Walt Disney World
3. London
4. Las Vegas

Four people I am tagging to do this meme are:
1. amos, avgeek's Significant Other (via proxy)
2. suze
3. Petty Girl
4. ZanyMuggle

Random Musings for the First of February:

2006-02-01T09:37:00.000-06:00

Nanny McPhee is a great film for children and adults. I don't think teens will go for it, however.

Why do I always get the feeling that when a politician says we need to get rid of partisanship he or she really means you better do what I want.

In the past decade or so it has not been unusual for me to have missed seeing the pictures nominated for the Best Picture Oscar. However, this is the first year I can remember that I haven't WANTED to see at least one of them.

Why does February have two R's? The first one is rarely used (except by the pretentious).

Why do people that scream for tolerance rarely have tolerance for those that disagree with them?

Similarly, why does diversity in the corporate world usually mean Christians can't celebrate their religion at work?

Why does this post -- that seemed like a good idea at the time -- sound like a lame Larry King rip-off?

I'll try to do better next time.

Cellular Nation

2006-01-16T11:54:00.000-06:00

Years ago, Lily Tomlin made a concert film. One of the things I always remember from that film was her idea to pair up all the people that walk around talking to themselves so that they appeared to be talking to each other.

If she were to make that film today, a simpler solution probably would have been offered. Just give each of these folks a fake cell phone and teach them to hold it to their ear.

I don't know if anyone else has noticed, but, in my opinion, the cell phone has really started to worsen the experience of living in society. A few days ago I went to the ATM with my dad. Since he was filling out a deposit slip, I finished with my business before he was ready. As I waited, a young girl came in with a cell phone planted on her ear and an inane conversation on her lips.

I wish I could recount the conversation but my mind has mercifully flushed it. But the point of this, really, is that this person was walking around in the world...the world I, my dad, and the rest of society exists in...totally disconnected from all but the person on the other end of the cellular line.

Now, in truth, the conversation probably wasn't that bad. Certainly no worse than if the other person had physically been there. And, also to be fair, an ATM is not a place one is really expected to interact with other humans (the little machine spitting money at us is usually more interesting, anyway). But this phenomenom is not restricted to these types of situations.

Has anyone else been in a store when someone enters already talking on their phone? And then notice as this person goes to pick up the milk or Ding Dongs or whatever, take them to counter, check out, and then finally pay without once --- ONCE --- stopping their conversation to acknowledge the people around them? Of course, as a fellow customer, these doesn't actually concern me in any material way. But what about the cashier? They are being shown that they are not even worth the most cursory pleasantry from this person and their important conversation. Surely life, and phone calls, are not so important that we can't take a second and interact with a person that we are, in fact, interacting with.

And how about all those people walking around with phones literally stuck in their ears prepared to use them at a moment's notice? I guess it doesn't hurt (to them) that at least a certain segment of the population will think they are important. After all, they have to be prepared to immediately take a Very Important Call. Well, I'm not impressed. And, on the off chance the person really is that busy, I feel sorry for them.

And don't even get me started on those walkie-talkie cell phones. I can see the meeting at NEXTEL in my mind: "How can we make cell phones more annoying....I know, make it so people have to yell into them and others have to hear BOTH sides of a conversation!" Sheesh. Even as an avid non-smoker, I still preferred Winston being the NASCAR sponser to these NEXTEL clowns.

Now, it probably sounds like I hate cell phones. I don't. I think they are miraculous things that are incredibly useful. They definitely have uses both practical and urgent. I'm sure there are many people walking around today that are alive because someone had a cell phone available in that person's time of need. On a less serious note, I'm sure many meals have also been saved because one spouse called the other at the grocery store. And of course, the simple ability to call ahead that you're going to be late can't help but ease anxiety in the mind of a loved one.

But a cell phone is a tool. As with all tools, it can be abused. So, the next time you're out and the phone rings, at least give half a thought to those around you. If you go to the store, at least give the clerk the impression that they are more than just a cog. If you are out at dinner, don't spend ten minutes talking to someone else on the phone (unless, of course, it actually is important). At a movie theater, turn the durn thing off. In other words, a cell phone is not a license to be rude.

But, more importantly, a cell phone shouldn't be used as a crutch to disconnect from the world around you. It's actually a pretty amazing place most of the time.

Bliss

2006-01-08T22:46:00.000-06:00

I've been thinking about this whole "finding your bliss" thing for the past week or so. It's become obvious to me (with the help of Rich Dad, Poor Dad author Robert Kiyosaki) that what I'm really looking for is financial independence.

So, my goal is to reach financial independence by the time I am 50 years old (8 years from now). I don't think this will be easy, but I am going to try. After reading Kiyosaki for a while, one of the things you come away with is that obtaining wealth -- being "rich" -- is hard work. And the hardest work is developing the proper mindset. So, for this year I intend to work on my thoughts and educate myself about the various markets (both paper and real estate), as well as try to find mentors that can help me through this transition. And any of my friends who want to come with me are welcome. Hopefully I'll have something cool to write about next January.

Of course, the flip side of this decision should also be obvious...I can't leave the old j-o-b just yet (I doubt the banks that lent me money for my house and car would like me to take a year off). So, I'm also committing myself -- a recommitment actually -- to remaining in my current position as I take this voyage of discovery and doing the best work I am capable of doing. I must say it will be weird. But I owe it to my coworkers, my customer, and the banks I still owe money to.

As avgeek says....MTC (More To Come),
-Scott

For reference: www.richdad.com

A New Year, but more of the same

2006-01-02T17:50:00.000-06:00

Just thought I would put out a quick post to recognize the new year (it appears that doing this is required by the Blogger bylaws). Anyway, tomorrow I return to work after a two-week reprieve, but I doubt anything will change.

Hopefully, this year will bring me the new vocation I have been seeking. Not a new job, mind you, but a new vocation. If I'm going to work for "the man" I might as well stay where I am. I like the people I work with and the money is way more than I deserve. But the joy of the work isn't there anymore. However, getting to see my friends there is enough for now.

But I'm on the lookout for my bliss....I just hope I have to courage to follow it once it's found.

And, what the heck....Happy New Year, everybody!

The Twelve Geek Days of Christmas: Day Twelve

2005-12-23T07:44:00.000-06:00

So...I've come to the end of this little blogging exercise. I hope those of you that have followed along have gotten a chuckle. I realize that the list I have compiled is rather materialistic - and at least one entry is a little stalker-y (and Lauren, if you read this, call me) - but it is all meant in fun. The reason for the season is obviously more important than three TiVos (besides, I already have those).

Anyway, I hope that all of you have a wonderful holiday. Inevitably, the close of the year causes many of us to look back at the year as a whole and take stock. Humans (or at least this one) tend to focus on the bad things, but my final hope for you, my friends, is that you can also see the good. The happy times, the successful times, and, most importantly, the peaceful times.

As a Christian, I want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas. If that salutation does not hold as much meaning to you as it does to me, then I wish you a happy day and peace.

Live long and prosper....seriously,
-Scott

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true geek gave to me

Twelve great ideas
Eleven bags of Cheetos
Ten plastic models
Nine Batman comics
Eight iPod Nanos
Seven plasma displays
Six Laur'n Graham websites
Five Don-key Kongs!
Four calling cards
Three TiVos
Two RC cars
And a Par-tridge Fam'ly DVD

The Twelve Geek Days of Christmas: Day Eleven

2005-12-22T08:47:00.000-06:00

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true geek gave to me

Eleven bags of Cheetos
Ten plastic models
Nine Batman comics
Eight iPod Nanos
Seven plasma displays
Six Laur'n Graham websites
Five Don-key Kongs!
Four calling cards
Three TiVos
Two RC cars
And a Par-tridge Fam'ly DVD

The Twelve Geek Days of Christmas: Day Ten

2005-12-21T10:11:00.000-06:00

On the tenth day of Christmas my true geek gave to me

Ten plastic models
Nine Batman comics
Eight iPod Nanos
Seven plasma displays
Six Laur'n Graham websites
Five Don-key Kongs!
Four calling cards
Three TiVos
Two RC cars
And a Par-tridge Fam'ly DVD

The Twelve Geek Days of Christmas: Day Nine

2005-12-20T08:22:00.000-06:00

On the ninth day of Christmas my true geek gave to me

Nine Batman comics
Eight iPod Nanos
Seven plasma displays
Six Laur'n Graham websites
Five Don-key Kongs!
Four calling cards
Three TiVos
Two RC cars
And a Par-tridge Fam'ly DVD

The Twelve Geek Days of Christmas: Day Eight

2005-12-19T09:52:00.000-06:00

On the eighth day of Christmas my true geek gave to me

Eight iPod Nanos
Seven plasma displays
Six Laur'n Graham websites
Five Don-key Kongs!
Four calling cards
Three TiVos
Two RC cars
And a Par-tridge Fam'ly DVD

The Twelve Geek Days of Christmas: Day Seven

2005-12-18T10:19:00.000-06:00

On the seventh day of Christmas my true geek gave to me

Seven plasma displays
Six Laur'n Graham websites
Five Don-key Kongs!
Four calling cards
Three TiVos
Two RC cars
And a Par-tridge Fam'ly DVD

The Twelve Geek Days of Christmas: Day Six

2005-12-17T08:16:00.000-06:00

On the sixth day of Christmas my true geek gave to me

Six Laur'n Graham websites
Five Don-key Kongs!
Four calling cards
Three TiVos
Two RC cars
And a Par-tridge Fam'ly DVD

The Twelve Geek Days of Christmas: Day Five

2005-12-16T07:42:00.000-06:00

On the fifth day of Christmas my true geek gave to me

Five Don-key Kongs!
Four calling cards
Three TiVos
Two RC cars
And a Par-tridge Fam'ly DVD

The Twelve Geek Days of Christmas: Day Four

2005-12-15T07:54:00.000-06:00

On the fourth day of Christmas my true geek gave to me

Four calling cards
Three TiVos
Two RC cars
And a Par-tridge Fam'ly DVD

The Twelve Geek Days of Christmas: Day Three

2005-12-14T07:42:00.000-06:00

On the third day of Christmas my true geek gave to me

Three TiVos
Two RC cars
And a Par-tridge Fam'ly DVD

The Twelve Geek Days of Christmas: Day Two

2005-12-13T07:43:00.000-06:00

On the second day of Christmas my true geek gave to me

Two RC cars
And a Par-tridge Fam'ly DVD

The Twelve Geek Days of Christmas: Day One

2005-12-12T08:41:00.000-06:00

On the first day of Christmas my true geek gave to me

A Par-tridge Fam'ly DVD

There's no business like snow business

2005-12-08T23:09:00.000-06:00

Ah, Dallas got it's annual day of frozen precipitation yesterday. As usual, there are some "intellectuals" (read: Yankees) on TV that are clicking their tongues at us poor Texanites that can't drive in ice and snow.

They forget one thing: we don't know how to drive in it because WE DON'T HAVE TO KNOW. Sure, we treat it like a vacation...it is! It's a blissful deviation from the norm that makes the world seem a little more special.

So, the next time someone from up north looks down on us because of our icy driving habits, I'm just going to smile....and think of all those poor folks up there that are getting ready to shovel their driveway for the umptenth time.

Cheers everyone and have a snowball on me,
-S

Spot on the Prowl

2005-12-04T23:04:00.000-06:00

Just thought I would end this week with another picture of Spot. He doesn't get outside much and I am just about to shoo him back in the house....from the look on his face I think he's on to me.

Have a good week, everyone.

MYOB?

2005-12-02T00:29:00.000-06:00

Once again the media here in Dallas (and probably a lot of the rest of the country) has been gnashing their teeth on Michael Irvin. With breathless anticipation they skulk around waiting to pounce at the merest sight of weakness from Mr. Irvin.

The latest news is that *gasp* a crack pipe was found in his car and he has been suspended for a few days from ESPN. I feel the world tilting on its axis as I type....

Really, folks, why is this news? He doesn't even play football anymore. For that matter, why is possessing "drug paraphenalia" even a crime? Now, if they had found drugs, I'd be the first one there with a noose. Actually, no I wouldn't. I don't care. It's not news.

I hope that Mr. Irvin's explanation is the truth (it's been in all the papers so I won't waste time repeating it here). It has the ring of truth and so I am deciding to accept it as such. But, in the end, it doesn't matter what I think about him.

I will leave you with one last thought on this subject. I am currently re-reading C.S. Lewis' The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe in anticipation of the upcoming film. I read a passage a view days ago that made me think of Michael and his current situation (and, indeed, inspired this post):

"But what are we to do?" said Susan. She felt that the conversation was beginning to get off the point.

"My dear young lady," said the Professor, suddenly looking up with a very sharp expression at both of them, "there is one plan which no one has yet suggested and which is well worth trying."

"What's that?" said Susan.

"We might all try minding our own business," said he. And that was the end of that conversation.

Peace,
-S

Selling out

2005-12-01T23:24:00.000-06:00

Well, if you look at the top of the blog (just below the title block) you will see some ads. Yes, I have sold out and am ready to get my piece of that penny-a-click pie (or half-penny or whatever the going rate is).

I figured I would try it out for a while to see if it's not too obnoxious. If it is, I'm sure you fine folks will let me know.

-S

Argghhh...

2005-11-27T12:36:00.000-06:00

Here I sit on a Sunday afternoon with no NASCAR and no Cowboys. I guess I'll have to try to find something useful to do for a change.

A few changes around here

2005-11-27T12:18:00.000-06:00

I've been playing with the Blogger template and have implemented a few changes to the blog.

First, I've added my own links to the sidebar (to your right). These are just some blogs I like and then some links related to hobbies I enjoy.

Second, I've modified the comments section so that they appear under the post instead of wisking you away to a dedicated comments page. Just click on the comments link below any of the posts to see them. Unfortunately you still have to go to the Blogger comments page to add your own words of wisdom. BTW, a special shout out to Trader Sam at The Head Shrinker blog for showing me this was possible.

Finally, I modified the template to display an icon of Spot (see his post) in front of every post and up on the address bar. He is now preserved for cyber-posterity.

I'm going to be trying some other things in the future so stayed tuned.

-S

Happy Birthday to me....

2005-11-25T22:12:00.000-06:00

Well, today my odometer hit 42. My descent toward decrepitude continues no matter how much I try to ignore it. Despite my pleas, family and friends refused to let me suffer in silence and insisted in reminding me that time is, indeed, passing.

That said, I am still appreciative of the positive thoughts (and the presents didn't feel too bad, either). But if anyone else out there considers giving me more "reminders", consider buying some toys for needy kids instead. I hear the Angel Tree has been set up and is open for business.

It's interesting how milestones such as birthdays can sometimes make you try to evaluate where you've been and where you're going. As I look back, I can't help but feel that I've kind of squandered this gift we call life. For a while I thought I just hated my job, but I don't think that's really it. I have increasingly noticed the feeling that I am meant to be doing something else. Unfortunately, I have no idea what that "something else" could be. Perhaps the universe will give me an answer before I really do get old.

As for now, I will just have to content myself with playing with my presents.

Cheers,
-Scott

Presenting....Spot

2005-11-25T22:04:00.000-06:00

Well, I've shown pictures of Cymbah and Ferrari. I figure their companion (who is thankfully still with me) deserved a picture as well. Here he is in all his glory...Spot. Yes, he's named after Data's cat from Star Trek - The Next Generation. Everyone thought I was crazy naming him that....now no one can imagine him being named anything else.

He's gotten a little clingy since Cymbah's passing. But I'm sure he'll be his same, ornery self in no time.

Cymbah and Ferrari

2005-11-17T20:49:00.000-06:00

Here is a picture of Cymbah with her "brother" Ferrari. Ferrari passed away two years ago in November of 2003.

Cymbah and Ferrari came into my life when I bought my house in 1991. My sister moved in with me and brought these two critters with her. Over the years I became as attached to them as she was.

Back in the spring, Cymbah's vet informed us of the bad news: a cancerous tumor. At the time we were told she only had a few weeks to live. She lasted over six months. She was a tough old cat. It was only literally the last day that she lost her mobility. The day before she was still following me around meowing.

Ironically, on the day she passed, I was sick and stayed home from work. I never get sick (I hadn't missed a day of work due to illness in over two years). I can't help but wonder if there was a higher purpose that forced me to stay home that day.

I wouldn't say that I was grateful for that stomach flu.....but I was grateful to be home with her that day.

Rest in Peace, Cymbah

2005-11-14T22:49:00.000-06:00

My dear, sweet cat Cymbah finally gave up her long fight against cancer this past Tuesday.

She is now with her brother, Ferrari, and her pain is at an end.

Cymbah, I will miss you.

And so it begins...

2005-11-14T21:00:00.000-06:00

Yes. A new blog. Just what the world needs right now. Yeah, right.

So...what is the point of this place? Not much, really.

It's just a place for me to share my thoughts with others that might be interested. Of course, if you don't know who I am, you probably aren't really interested. I'm okay with that.

On the other hand, if you come across something that does interest you....cool.

See ya around the web.