I'm Home

I'm home now. I'll post more as my energy returns and the cobwebs clear. Thank you to everyone for all the get well wishes, posts and emails. I look forward to catching up after 5 days absence.

I did have a heart attack and i'm recovering.

Bits-n-Pieces

Theater of the Soul has an interesting post about a mirror site. It seems it only effects those sites with RSS feeds. It also seems to effect Wordpress users and individual users. That's why I'm posting it here...I know a few of my daily reads are Wordpress sites and individual hosted sites. Here are two links TS found to help exterminate the issue.

Fix Suggestion #1

Fix Suggestion #2

Other Internet related news, The JAWA Report assisted in thwarting attempts of a questionable site feed. You can view the article here: The JAWA Report

KeesKeenis celebrates the 10,000 hits mark. Congrats! Go visit him and keep him progressing to the 20,000 mark.

Army Wife Toddler Mom attempts to hit the 100,000 mark. Let's see if we can get her there this week!

Yes, its Monday and I am exhausted. I usually don't provide a link fest here, but today I'll make an exception.

Note: I'm updating this as I find more sites with interesting tid-bits or site hit goals. It's tough catching up after 3 days of absence...all excused of course.

Friday Meme

Cindi at SOTR tagged me with a meme. I resisted at first but I truly needed a challenge today. I'm not one that truly considers a song inspirational. I'm more about the artist as a whole. I truly believe a song is inept without a quality artist. And an artist is inept without a quality song. I listen to all genres of music, save some, and find qualities that appeal to my senses. On any given week, I'll run the gaunlet from Classical through to Heavy Metal.

List seven songs you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether they have words, or even if they’re not any good, but they must be songs you’re really enjoying now. Post these instructions in your LiveJournal/blog along with your seven songs. Then tag seven other people to see what they’re listening to.

This is tough...I'm more about the artist then a single song.

1. Lips of an Angel - Hinder (Just heard this the other day)
2. Mississippi - Sheryl Crow
3. Runnin’ Down A Dream - Tom Petty
4. I Saw You First - John Mellencamp
5. Enter Sandman - Metallica
6. Easy Come Easy Go - Merle Haggard
7. I Could Not Ask For More - Sara Evans

Ok...it says to tag 7 others. So here goes:

Dragon
Mrs. J
Tony
Crazy Unk
Freddie
Becky
Jerry

Play if you like...If not, truly expect an army to visit your blog. An army consisting of Zombies, Arachnids, G.I. Joes with Kung-fu grip and frogs. JUST KIDDING! Others can leave your list via the comments or post on your blog. If you post on your blog, those not listed, please leave a comment or trackback. I'll post those from the comments Monday.

Everyone have a great weekend! TGIF!

Friday's Reflection

Another work week has concluded. Some important events today and tomorrow. Friday is Elephant Appreciation Day. So if you have an Elephant living close by or know one personally, make sure to tell them how much you appreciate them. If not, please visit this site and print out the coloring pages and mail your local zoo. Elephant Appreciation Day
I'm thinking its a good idea NOT to have the elephants participate in festivities that we equate with Groundhog's Day. Although given the physique differential of the groundhog vs. the elephant, this could mean we'd roll from Autumnal Equinox straight to Vernal Equinox. Not a bad consideration...

Tomorrow is the Autumnal Equinox. My favorite time of year. I so enjoy leaves changing into their fall colors.

This is the time for camping, campfires with s'mores and truly appreciating nature. The creatures are very active as they prepare for the cold winter ahead. Crops are being harvested, small towns are holding festivals and witnessing the metamorphosis Mother Nature decrees each year while driving through the countryside appreciating the true exquisiteness of her artistry. Your last chance to enjoy homemade apple pie, persimmon pudding, last harvest of vegetables from the garden and a barbeque with all the fixins'. If you've not guessed by now, I have a penchant for the outdoors.

Dear readers, I must bid adieu for yet another weekend. Do take the time to visit the numerous links I've incorporated this week. I shall return as time affords and visit my readers. My schedule is hectic and I'll surely be exhausted come Sunday night.

Until then, proofread carefully to see if you any words out.

Class Doldrums

I've signed up for the driest most mundane class imagineable. Last Wednesday was the first night and I figured the instructor was nervous and would not be so scattered in his presentation from here on out. Thank God it's a free class!

8 weeks on mundane topics...8 weeks I keep telling myself. 8 weeks and this certification class will be done. 8 weeks and I can take the certification test and get my license. 8 weeks and I'll never take another certification class like this again. 8 weeks my sanity will return. Loss of hair yes, but at least I'll have my sanity. Or maybe this will be reversed, I'll lose my sanity and still have my hair.

First night of class was an introduction. 2 hours of idle chit-chat with the random technical talk. Noone took notes, that I saw, and everybody was relaxed. Lots of repeat stories with accountable experience involved. I walked away feeling I could survive. I might even pass my certification test and stimulating my self-esteem. Challenging myself to embrace the unknown.

I am actually enthusiastic about attending this class topic. I've always been somewhat fascinated with how this all works. In laymans terms, its the invisible aspect that intrigues me. How this works, how that functions, the scientific data and the journey into new territory raises my curiousity. Analyzing why certain aspects work and why others upset the whole universe hypothesis. Our forefathers were pretty darn smart to decipher these equations of the invisible. Now if I could just harness those brain patterns I'd be a rich man.

So our second night we were informed we'd covered chapter one WITHOUT our books. WHA!?!?!?! Wait...hold it right there Baba Looey! I thought last week was just an informal meet-n-greet?!?!?! OMFG!!! I'm already a chapter behind and we're 15 minutes into class!?!?! I just received my book tonight and I'm a chapter behind!?!?!?

The next 1 hour and 45 minutes covered chapters one and two but not in consecutive order. Steve Irwin woulda been proud mate. We bounced around those two chapters AND the entire book more then a kangaroo on crack. I was busy highlighting and marking pages faster then killing picnic ants after my Peanut Butter-n-Jelly sandwich. Now chapter two is 30 some pages and we covered the first 7 pages pretty thoroughly and skipped right to the last two pages. I finally gave up marking pages in future chapters. My reasoning...in hopes that kangaroo on crack will invoke the Laws of Probability and return sufficiently.

Instructor Chucklehead informs us we need to read chapter two and review chapter three by next Wednesday. What he failed to realize allot of us will be covering the first three chapters. Allot of people left with looks of dismay. I'm sure I'm not alone...

So when I finally returned from my disappointing class, I explained in great detail the events as they unfolded to my demon cat. The dog coulda cared less and everyone else was asleep. And the cat was very attentive so long as his ear was scratched. I'm sure tonight he'll demonize something to repay my venting. Its already a given and expect nothing less. And you wanna know my cats response? Follow the arrow:











My sentiments exactly!

Test Results

The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want, drink what you don't like, and do what you'd druther not. ~Mark Twain

Amen! These past 7 weeks have tormented my pleasures of feasting. My days of beaching myself at my hedonistic establishments are distant memories. My normal diet of eating damn near anything set before me has succumbed to eating healthier. My sweet-tooth has abandoned me for lack of attention.

All-in-all I feel better, lost weight and can now enjoy participating in outdoor activities without fear of hospitalization. I look better also, not pale and gray. I’ve regained some enthusiasm for tasks which hindered my progress in certain areas. I’m progressing towards being myself again.

I received my blood work results today. My cholesterol is now 117! My triglycerides were 136. August 1st results were 276 cholesterol and 368 triglycerides. Quite a dramatic improvement considering I’ve been dieting and taking meds. Now I’m wondering which change is the root cause for such an effect. My blood pressure has maintained an average of 127/75. A dramatic improvement from 164/110.

Now to start some sort of exercise routine to shape this flab/loose skin. No, I’m not looking to win Mr. Universe. Although being physically fit could help enhance my mental fitness.

Wednesday

I opened Blogger today to post and found these:

The chirping is annoying but not as annoying as having nothing worthy of posting.

Maybe more later…

***Update***

Site Design Contest

Bluebird Blogs has a contest. Go check it out...maybe I'll win.

Word Scramble

1. nnteitato
2. reeeartrevb
3. osourlnec
4. hieaptlchtyo
5. nennoses

Leave your guesses in the comments. I'll post the answers Friday. Happy micarsgnbl!

My Retirement Status

Tony over at Blah Blah Blog has a neat blogsite financial portfolio. So I shamelessly borrowed this and found it wasn't too far off. Now if I added a zero or two at the end, I'd sell today!

How much is your blogsite worth?

My blog is worth $11,855.34.
How much is your blog worth?

Another Monday

It’s Monday….again. I really should curb my weekend activities down. I had a busy weekend and today I’m feeling it. Just gone allot and wishing I’d been home to watch me some NFL. I do miss the days of long ago, in a land far away…where I could watch sports all weekend long. I could predict winners and AFC/NFC final contenders regularly and occasionally pick the Super Bowl winner by mid-season. But those days are gone and now its just a matter of enjoying the game. Nowadays I have to watch ESPN just to see who won and lost.

As expected, the Indianapolis Colts won Sunday and Peyton Manning broke a team record. Manning's second touchdown pass gave him 2,797 completions -- one more than Johnny Unitas had in his Colts career. Other notes of interest, Dungy earned his 50th regular-season win as Colts coach. Marvin Harrison moved into 5th place on the career reception list. Arguably this trio is among the elite and with a Super Bowl win under their belts, would seal their places in the NFL History books.

You should really visit Dragon’s Den and see how her Halloween decorating is progressing. She goes all out and rivals the missus on her X-mas décor. I only decorate my yard from March to November by keeping the grass mowed. Dragon also has some neat pictures of her aquarium adventure.

I’m gonna go fill up my java cup and muddle my way through another Monday. Anyone else have comments on their favorite NFL/College football team?

Pimp my Checkbook

Becky of Tall Cool Drink asked a very important question in her post today. "What is going on for the gas price to have dropped that low?" As I crusied through my daily reads, I found very little regarding the sudden drop in oil prices. Maybe I should expand my list a tad. However, Richard Garner delivers a unique common sense approach to the whole ordeal. Outside the Beltway

I am glad of our Oil Overlords, regardless if it's election year or they're just feeling financially bloated and sympathetic. Gas prices were straining my financial well-being and now I can "Pimp My Ride" with new struts and brakes. The sudden drop in prices releases the remaining money required that has been set aside for gasoline. Amazing how gas prices can deter automobile upkeep of the necessities. Yes, its still the little things that amuse me. But absorbing bumps and rapid hair loss stops whilst commuting isn't on my Top Ten Favorite Pleasures.

#1 pleasure today is eating my Subway turkey breast on wheat with all the veggie fixings. Speaking of which, I must finish devouring this gourmet feast.

TGIF

Why are some of the blogs showing an Error 500? It looks similar to the MS "Blue Screen of Death".

Things to ponder this weekend:

If the funeral procession is at night, do folks drive with their lights off?
If a turtle doesn't have a shell, is he homeless or naked?
When the police arrest a mime, do they tell him he has the right to remain silent?
Why is the word abbreviation so long?
When companies ship styrofoam, what do they pack it in?
Do vegetarians eat animal crackers?
Why isn't phonetic spelled the way it sounds?
Why are there interstates in Hawaii?
Why are cigarettes sold at gas stations when smoking is prohibited?
Have you ever imagined a world with no hypothetical situations?
How does the guy who drives the snowplow get to work?
If 7-11 is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, why are there locks on the doors?
If nothing ever sticks to Teflon, how do they make Teflon stick to the pan?
If buttered toast always lands buttered side down and a cat always lands on its feet, what would happen if you tied a piece of buttered toast on the back of a cat and dropped it? My Favorite
If you are driving at the speed of light and you turn on your headlights, do they do anything?
Why do they put Braille dots on the keypad of the drive-up ATM?
Why do we drive on parkways when we park on driveways?
Why is it that when you transport something by car, it's called shipment but when you transport something by ship it's called cargo?
You know that little indestructible black box that is used on planes -- why
can't they make the whole plane out of the same substance?

Busy weekend planned for me. I will make an effort to post and definitely make time to read my links. I've added a few new blogs this week, so please go visit them.

Have a great weekend!

Land of the free, because of the brave.

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty."
- John F. Kennedy

Ok...if some of my daily readers recall, I have a cousin that's being deployed to Iraq. As I type this, I've been informed he shipped out Sunday and is safely in Iraq.

As soon as his mailing address is verified I will email those that wish to send something. I have also been informed since its a short deployment, anything sent will take 4-6 weeks snail mail and 7-10 days priority mail. Not much of a mailing window when he's only there for 4 months, I think.

For those military types that understand all this lingo, here's his unit info: 33d Combat Communications Squadron, 3d Combat Communications Group, 12th Air Force, Air Combat Command

Those that showed interest previously in mailing a letter, class letters, etc... email me at the addy listed on the right and I will pass along the mailing info as I verify it.

Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world, but the soldiers don't have that problem.

Just an Obscure Thought

Ok...I've been known to have quite the imagination. And sometimes my thoughts relentlessly venture where no layman should go. Here's a prime example:

Sitting at my desk today, I was fascinated by a small arachnid "ballooning" the room. Ballooning referring to the event in which a spider dangles from the ceiling while riding air currents to secure a new location. Now before you start giggling and thinking, "This man definitely has waaaaay too much time on his hands", its difficult not to notice when said arachnid is hovering a foot from your face. Yes I toyed with the little fellow...gently fanning my hands to create a raft of air from all different angles. I know its horrible amusing myself at the expense of a simple creature. But then I noticed the little arachnid didn't gain any ground or retreat. I lost interest in the little fellow (actually felt sympathetic) and I took hold of his silk cord to place him elsewhere.

But then it happened...my thoughts ventured into the zone. They kept ringing mercilessly, tormenting my focus, sending my thoughts into another dimension. My thirst for knowledge needs quenching, dehydrated from yet another episode of the Cogitative Zone.

Did the little arachnid just simply run out of silk cord? Had he not retreated simply because he was thrilled with the air rafting? Or was he so scared my desk is now littered with microscopic arachnid poop? And just how much silk cord can an arachnid produce/store and produce quickly upon depletion of inventory?

My head hurts now...

Tonight at 7 pm EST...

Ever wonder what happened to T.V.? Where have all the good ole T.V. shows gone? I’m busy on Tuesday nights and usually get home after 10 pm. Nothing more I’d like to accomplish before bedtime then watch a good show. Last night was no exception. The only trouble was finding something entertaining. Now don’t get me wrong…I do enjoy Animal Planet, National Geographic, History Channel, OLN, etc… But sometimes one leans towards being entertained rather then being informed. Oh sure, I could’ve watched Everybody Loves Raymond, Will and Grace, Roseanne, Seinfeld or many other repeats. They are classics, in their own right, but nothing like watching shows that bring back memories. Memories of days sitting in front of the 19” family television while enjoying the same shows and spending quality family time.

M*A*S*H
All in the Family
Mary Tyler Moore Show
Rhoda
Alice
Bewitched
Good Times
Little House on the Prairie
Three’s Company
Simon and Simon
Magnum P.I.
The Muppet Show

Oh the list goes on forever. And watching reruns of Leave It to Beaver and the Andy Griffith Show endlessly. Those were the good ole days for me. Those shows always bring me solace after punishing myself at work or my extracurricular activities. The TV Land channel does a nice job of running these shows for my enjoyment. I am truly blessed that Lil Dazd enjoys these shows. He has always enjoyed the classics from an early age. It’s too bad he’s not awake when I get home…a nice time to spend some quiet QT.

What are some of your favorite classics?

Tuesday Fun

I've been tagged! Cindi over at Somewhere Over the Rainbow has a word association meme. Since she asked so nicely, I decided to play. Here are my answers:

1. dream - weaver
2. crooked - stick
3. echo - cardiogram (heh)
4. time - saver
5. brave - soul

Now for the next meme contestant. Here ya go MrsJ!

1. Sun
2. Moon
3. Extra
4. Telephone
5. Football

Monday...

I survived Six Flags St. Louis!!! It was a wonderful time and Lil Dazd woke Sunday morning asking what time we were leaving for Six Flags. He had a blast and finally realized we weren't supposed to go back. It's moments like that which are priceless.

I got some pictures and more to write. But today my mind is occupied with September 11th and my upcoming Stress Echo Cardiogram this afternoon.

*****Update*****

My echo went well. They had told me if they sent me home, then they didn't find anything serious. I'll know more when my family doc gets the report. The echo was waaaaay cool and I coulda watched that all afternoon. lol Thanks for all the support folks, it's much appreciated.

Thursday's Ramble

Posting will be light, if at all, the next few days. My schedule is full. Tomorrow afternoon I get my new spectacles. And while I'm admiring myself with said new spectacles, my son will be having his eyes dialated for another exam.

Saturday we take off for Six Flags St. Louis! A much needed one-day vacation and with Lil Dazd being tall enough, we all should have a blast. I am anxious to ride the Superman Tower of Power...here's my review: A ride that plummets 230 feet towards the ground while you crap yourself. The experience of free-fall allows said crap to travel towards your shirt collar but you fail to notice because of adrenaline rush. But if you want the watered down version, go here: Superman Tower of Power

And Monday I have my Stress Echo Cardiogram test. Looks really cool but I'm sure I'll be worn out. lol BP is staying around 130/82 but recently its averaged 130/75. Maybe its from the 16 pounds I lost and the ole ticker doesn't work so damn hard. I found a site that gives a little info on this test. Echo Stress Test

I also added a few more links there on the right...NO, your other right!
Do animated .gif files work here? Preview showed a locked up file. If anyone knows, inform the Dazed and Confuzed One please.

Ramblings

Today my thoughts are obscure. I’ve shielded myself from the outside world for reasons undefined. Occasionally my mood dictates this reclusive behavior and typically has no lasting malcontent. I find myself searching for answers to issues that aren’t directly affecting my every day life. Today, one thought is focused on past family members who served in the military. The one who comes to the forefront of my thoughts is my Granddaddy. He died when I was young and although I retain memories of him, I still wonder what amazing stories he told of World War I. My parents often reflect on how he loved to tell his stories. He would talk for hours on end recounting his days. If memory serves me correctly, he fought in the Battle of Belleau Woods. He was an infantryman for the U.S. Army and served his country proudly. To my knowledge, the only wound he received was a Mustard Gas stain on his legs he proudly displayed. My parents tell me I would sit and listen to his stories, focused on his every word as if I understood the abyss of his nightmare. I cannot recall those stories but have memories of sitting with him in his rocker or sitting at the kitchen table eating Raisin Pie. I often hear my parents recall his stories and wished they’d documented them.

The only relative, I’m aware of, that served in World War II was a cousin of mom’s that fought on Iwo Jima. He carried around a picture of her sister during that campaign and later told the family how he viewed that photograph often. It brought his mind home and surrounded him with an aura of peace and comfort. I sometimes contemplate just how such a small object can bring forth a calm amongst the storm.

I had hoped writing this would liberate my thoughts. I believe the imprisonment of my thoughts revolve around my cousin’s coming deployment. I have no qualms about his deployment as he will proudly serve God and Country. Although I haven’t received any information, I cannot dwell upon the missing facts. He deploys sometime this week or next.

The only consolations are the memories of those relatives who served their country and returned safely. We, as a Nation, must honor those who gave some and those that gave all. We must unite in our honor, regardless of our opinions, to those that have and will preserve our nation’s freedom and liberty. We, as a Nation, mustn’t view this war as an atrocity. We must view this as the world democracies, as we know it, stand against a belief having powerful similarities to the Axis of Evil from World War II. Our forefathers served and died protecting our freedoms and liberties. We, as a Nation, are poised to cross that threshold once again. We must see the parallels between Pearl Harbor and the Twin Towers. We shouldn't hide behind our political beliefs nor our misguided attempts to rationalize our dissent. Our American History clearly defines our resolve and present day shall not be an exception. We, as a Nation, shall not stand cowardly towards our aggressors. Our fellow countrymen fight bravely each day and we, as a Nation, shall honorably support their efforts. I fear that if we abandon our fellow countrymen who are patriotically providing the ultimate sacrifice, we shall reap the bitter harvests that were sown.

“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.”
Abraham Lincoln

Relaxing

Folks...I trust everyone had a great Labor Day weekend. I had an enjoyable time although I'm not sure it was relaxing. Too many things to do with so little time. However, good food as always!

The campground sponsors dinners during the holiday weekends and Sunday was the annual Beans-n-Ham dinner. Folks, there's nothing like beans-n-ham and cornbread cooked over a campfire. A rather large cauldron cooks the ham and beans. And dutch ovens and cast irons assortments cook the cornbread. And yes, everyone brings a dish so the food bonanza is quite the feast.

There were plenty of activities to keep me occupied, if not amused. There was the Cartlympics held annually(drunk people taking golf carts 4-wheelin)and the usual kids games. Did I mention the great food? I'm still a little sore from splitting firewood yesterday. It didn't help matters that I burned all I had split a month ago in 2 out of 3 nights. So before I left, I was instructed to split enough for 2 weekends. The missus is demanding like that...

And in case ya'll were hoping to see pics, it pays to pack ALL the necessities PRIOR to leaving! Yep, you got it. I left the camera along with my cell phone planted squarely on my computer desk. Didn't even realize I'd forgotten them until Saturday night.

Ok...gotta get back to work. I had to come into work today just so I could relax.

Friday Burn-out

I am burned out folks…sitting here typing this feeling completely drained. It’s been an exhausting week with working, doing yard work and assisting with homework. Yesterday Lil Dazd and I went for eye exams. I’ve desperately needed new glasses for at least 2 years now. Not that my eyesight has changed drastically but rather from something I did.

If you are an outdoorsy type person like me, insect repellant is an essential part of your gear. Most people buy Off from their local market. Yes it works great if you’re sitting comfortably outside drinking your favorite concoction. It’s usually has 29% Deet and works quite effectively. However, if your out and about hiking through dense jungles braving Lions, Tigers and Bears (Oh My!) then 29% just ain’t gonna cut it. I buy an insect repellant that claims to have 98% Deet. I’m not scientific by anyone’s stretch of their imagination so I am skeptical of that claim. But I will tell you, it works a whole helluva lot better then the basic brands. And with my sweating during any type of exercise, no matter how minimal, it’s proven itself time and time again.

Where was I? Oh yes…so one day a couple years ago I was spraying this insect repellant and my Someheimers kicked in. I failed to notice the wind direction and when I sprayed it on my extended arm, it blew back in my face. Yes folks…Deet will destroy anything over time. Especially fabrics and plastics such as spectacle frames, watch crystals or straps, combs, and handles of pocket knives. And protective coverings of lenses of said spectacle frames. Yes folks…it has destroyed the lense portion of my spectacles. Actually they’re plastic lenses with a scratch resistance coating. Lately it’s become so bad that folks always tell me to clean my glasses. I just hand them the spectacles and tell them to “knock themselves out” and if they become clean, I’ll have a new respect for them. How can I see? Since it took allot of time to morph into the hideous spectacles, I can see comfortably. But I’ll admit its becoming increasingly difficult.



Insurance…Thank Gawd! Total for eye exam and new spectacles came to a grand total of $391.00. Out-of-pocket expense totaled $34.44. YAY!!! I am so thrilled the missus signed us up for Prescription Eye Care. Yes, I can only use it once a year. But the frames and lenses are under warranty for one year. As long as I don’t let the dog eat them, they’re covered. And as the nice optical technician informed me, “As long as you don’t spray Deet on them, sir, we’ll replace them free of charge.”

My new spectacles will be ready Tuesday or Wednesday. I can’t wait to see again!

I’ll be taking this 3-day weekend and making the most of it. We are heading out tomorrow for some 3 day lake-side fun and relaxation. You all have a great weekend!