I firmly believe that there is life on other planets in this great big universe we call home. I even believe that there is intelligent life. If we have been visited or not is another question for another post. Right now I want to talk about life as we know it.
Whenever I see an article about scientists finding planets that are in the right orbit for life I wonder what they are talking about. I know they mean life as we know it, but that seems so limiting. Seriously, have these people never seen a sci-fi movie? Why can't there be life that our little minds can't even comprehend? Here's one; Transformers. I know, go ahead and laugh. But if you think about it, looking for life as we know would totally exclude Cybertron. Aren't the Autobots and Decepticons "alive?" What about a planet where there is some sort of gaseous life form. Or a whole planet of rock people. Doesn't seem like water would be needed for those, but we have some sort of hang up about looking for planets with liquid water. By the way, liquid water is just water. Ice and water vapor are the other choices so saying liquid water is a bit redundant.
Am I alone in wondering about this?
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Friday, September 30, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
John Smith
I have been trying to think of the "right" thing to say all day today about Grand-pa Jack. Jack. John Smith. Such a common name for someone so special. Jack was the real deal. He was an honest to goodness hero. Not just a war hero either. After fighting in WWII, he took advantage of the GI Bill, and used his education to help put men on the Moon. As if being a war hero, and a participant in the space race wasn't enough, he was a loving husband and father. And an amazing grandfather, not only to his actual grandchildren, but to those few of us graced to be part of his life.
I never knew my grandfathers. I wish that I had, but wishing will never make it so. Jack treated me as one of his own. He was kind and funny. He loved his family, and always put them first. His marriage to Peggy is one to be admired by all. Sixty-Two years they were together. If I can even spend half of that amount of time with Lauren I will consider myself blessed.
I loved Jack's stories. I will share my favorite one, and I think you'll see why I like it. One Sunday, we were leaving church and everyone was chatting about this or that, and I think Lauren mentioned something about her trip to Australia. I was helping Jack to the van and he stopped and looked at me.
"Have you ever been to Australia?"
"No Jack, I never have. I would love to go sometime. Have you been?"
"Oh yes. If you are ever in Sydney by the McDonald's on Kings Row, be careful. That's where all the hookers hang out."
"Okay Jack, I'll keep that in mind."
He started walking again, and that was the last he said about it, but it always stuck with me. What a wonderfully random, yet awesome thing to say. Was he telling me that to warn me, or was he telling me that just in case I was looking?
I told Peggy this story last night before he passed, and she confirmed it. It turns out she was with him on that particular trip with a couple of friends of theirs. Not only did Jack and their friend get approached by a couple of ladies of the night, but a guy approached them too! Peggy said the first thing that caught her eye so many years ago with Jack was his sense of humor. That must be where my fondness for him comes from. Maybe that's what Lauren sees in me? Maybe attraction is a genetic trait. If so, I pray I can live up to be 1/4 the man that Jack Smith was. He will be truly missed.
I know that Jack is in heaven. I saw cirrus clouds in the sky on my way home today, that's how I know for sure. There have been cirrus clouds in the sky whenever someone close to me has died. It is one of the few things I remember about the day of Bobby's funeral. It's like God wraps the Earth in a protective blanket to comfort those of us left behind. I wish I could see Jack and Nanny meeting for the first time. They are going to get along famously. Jack was in a dance band. Nanny will love that.
Rest in Peace Jack. Your family, all of us, miss you.
I never knew my grandfathers. I wish that I had, but wishing will never make it so. Jack treated me as one of his own. He was kind and funny. He loved his family, and always put them first. His marriage to Peggy is one to be admired by all. Sixty-Two years they were together. If I can even spend half of that amount of time with Lauren I will consider myself blessed.
I loved Jack's stories. I will share my favorite one, and I think you'll see why I like it. One Sunday, we were leaving church and everyone was chatting about this or that, and I think Lauren mentioned something about her trip to Australia. I was helping Jack to the van and he stopped and looked at me.
"Have you ever been to Australia?"
"No Jack, I never have. I would love to go sometime. Have you been?"
"Oh yes. If you are ever in Sydney by the McDonald's on Kings Row, be careful. That's where all the hookers hang out."
"Okay Jack, I'll keep that in mind."
He started walking again, and that was the last he said about it, but it always stuck with me. What a wonderfully random, yet awesome thing to say. Was he telling me that to warn me, or was he telling me that just in case I was looking?
I told Peggy this story last night before he passed, and she confirmed it. It turns out she was with him on that particular trip with a couple of friends of theirs. Not only did Jack and their friend get approached by a couple of ladies of the night, but a guy approached them too! Peggy said the first thing that caught her eye so many years ago with Jack was his sense of humor. That must be where my fondness for him comes from. Maybe that's what Lauren sees in me? Maybe attraction is a genetic trait. If so, I pray I can live up to be 1/4 the man that Jack Smith was. He will be truly missed.
I know that Jack is in heaven. I saw cirrus clouds in the sky on my way home today, that's how I know for sure. There have been cirrus clouds in the sky whenever someone close to me has died. It is one of the few things I remember about the day of Bobby's funeral. It's like God wraps the Earth in a protective blanket to comfort those of us left behind. I wish I could see Jack and Nanny meeting for the first time. They are going to get along famously. Jack was in a dance band. Nanny will love that.
Rest in Peace Jack. Your family, all of us, miss you.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Sanibel Island Day 2
Today's post brought to you by Lauren (with input from Matt).
Today we got up at the crack of dawn to go on a snorkeling/dolphin excursion. It was worth the early wake-up call because we saw tons of dolphins! I was nicknamed "Lauren the dolphin spotter" because I found the first two pods of dolphins on our way out to Cayo Costa. Our captain, Captain Jack of the "Salty," did a great job. He would pull around to where the dolphins were and they would play in our wake. We got some great video and pictures of the dolphins porpoising behind the boat. (Matt says, "Shouldn't it be called 'dolphining?'")
When we got to Cayo Costa we went snorkeling. The visibility wasn't fabulous but we had fun anyways. It was Matt's first time snorkeling. We got to play with some underwater scooters too, which was super fun. We may have gotten some video of coral, but we won't know until we can download it to the computer. I also got a quick kayak fix in. We would highly recommend Sanibel Island Cruise Lines...great trip. On the way back to shore, Matt spotted the third pod of the day.
The early morning and the sun and saltwater and the snorkeling led to a glorious midday nap back at the hotel. We then headed back to Sanibel for dinner at Matzaluna which had wonderful Italian food and one of the best margaritas I have ever had. Even though it was starting to storm, we headed to the next island over, Captiva Island. We stopped for some shopping but most stores were closing up since it was Sunday evening. The weather wasn't conducive to picture taking but we enjoyed the scenic drive in the rain. We also discovered where they keep the rednecks...(the arrow could probably be pointing in all directions).
We then headed towards the lighthouse end of Sanibel to get ice cream sundaes at Pinocchios. Matt had the "beachwalk" sundae which was made with Pinocchio's signature ice cream, "dirty sand dollar". I had a mud slide.
Tomorrow we unfortunately have to leave our vacation spot. We may stop at Mote Marine Lab in Sarasota on our way back to reality...can't hurt to see a few more dolphins and manatees and maybe a sea turtle or two.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Today we got up at the crack of dawn to go on a snorkeling/dolphin excursion. It was worth the early wake-up call because we saw tons of dolphins! I was nicknamed "Lauren the dolphin spotter" because I found the first two pods of dolphins on our way out to Cayo Costa. Our captain, Captain Jack of the "Salty," did a great job. He would pull around to where the dolphins were and they would play in our wake. We got some great video and pictures of the dolphins porpoising behind the boat. (Matt says, "Shouldn't it be called 'dolphining?'")
When we got to Cayo Costa we went snorkeling. The visibility wasn't fabulous but we had fun anyways. It was Matt's first time snorkeling. We got to play with some underwater scooters too, which was super fun. We may have gotten some video of coral, but we won't know until we can download it to the computer. I also got a quick kayak fix in. We would highly recommend Sanibel Island Cruise Lines...great trip. On the way back to shore, Matt spotted the third pod of the day.
The early morning and the sun and saltwater and the snorkeling led to a glorious midday nap back at the hotel. We then headed back to Sanibel for dinner at Matzaluna which had wonderful Italian food and one of the best margaritas I have ever had. Even though it was starting to storm, we headed to the next island over, Captiva Island. We stopped for some shopping but most stores were closing up since it was Sunday evening. The weather wasn't conducive to picture taking but we enjoyed the scenic drive in the rain. We also discovered where they keep the rednecks...(the arrow could probably be pointing in all directions).
We then headed towards the lighthouse end of Sanibel to get ice cream sundaes at Pinocchios. Matt had the "beachwalk" sundae which was made with Pinocchio's signature ice cream, "dirty sand dollar". I had a mud slide.
Tomorrow we unfortunately have to leave our vacation spot. We may stop at Mote Marine Lab in Sarasota on our way back to reality...can't hurt to see a few more dolphins and manatees and maybe a sea turtle or two.
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Saturday, May 28, 2011
Sanibel Island Day 1
We got a little bit of a late start this morning, but made it to Sanibel around noon. We drove around for a bit looking for a good place to have lunch and came across a little place called the Over Easy Cafe. I had a grilled cheese with bacon and Lauren had a turkey club. It was really good. It reminded me of a place you would see on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on the Food Network. Actually, most of the restaurants on Sanibel look like a place you'd see Guy Fieri at filming an episode.
Next we headed over to Tarpon Bay Explorers where we went out on a little boat tour of Tarpon Bay. We had a very funny and knowledgable guide named Captain Dave. He pointed some bird rookeries, where we saw pelicans, cormorants, a reddish egret, and some plain old white egrets. We also saw 4 manatees. Two mommies and two babies.
Next we headed over to the J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge to take a tram tour through the park. Along the way we saw osprey, yellow crowned night heron, more egrets (reddish, great, snowy, not so great), roseate spoonbills, a great blue heron, a little blue heron (no medium blue heron), and a red shouldered hawk. There were also plenty of the unofficial Florida state bird, the mosquito. Lauren is convinced that there were also some no-see-ums, but I didn't see any.
After the tram tour we headed over to the Blue Giraffe for dinner. I was disappointed though, because I was really looking forward to trying some giraffe steak. It seems they were out. I settled for plain old cow steak, and Lauren had Filet of Sole with some Crab and Lobster stuffing. We also had dessert. Hot fudge sundae for me and Key Lime pie for Lauren.
We then headed to the Sanibel Lighthouse around sunset. It was beautiful watching the sun set in one direction, and then turning around to see a giant thunderstorm rolling in. We managed to snap some great pics before it started raining though, so it was a successful excursion. We managed to make it halfway over the causeway before the rain hit us.
Stay tuned for tomorrow's post... We're going snorkeling and hopefully dolphin watching.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Next we headed over to Tarpon Bay Explorers where we went out on a little boat tour of Tarpon Bay. We had a very funny and knowledgable guide named Captain Dave. He pointed some bird rookeries, where we saw pelicans, cormorants, a reddish egret, and some plain old white egrets. We also saw 4 manatees. Two mommies and two babies.
Next we headed over to the J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge to take a tram tour through the park. Along the way we saw osprey, yellow crowned night heron, more egrets (reddish, great, snowy, not so great), roseate spoonbills, a great blue heron, a little blue heron (no medium blue heron), and a red shouldered hawk. There were also plenty of the unofficial Florida state bird, the mosquito. Lauren is convinced that there were also some no-see-ums, but I didn't see any.
After the tram tour we headed over to the Blue Giraffe for dinner. I was disappointed though, because I was really looking forward to trying some giraffe steak. It seems they were out. I settled for plain old cow steak, and Lauren had Filet of Sole with some Crab and Lobster stuffing. We also had dessert. Hot fudge sundae for me and Key Lime pie for Lauren.
We then headed to the Sanibel Lighthouse around sunset. It was beautiful watching the sun set in one direction, and then turning around to see a giant thunderstorm rolling in. We managed to snap some great pics before it started raining though, so it was a successful excursion. We managed to make it halfway over the causeway before the rain hit us.
Stay tuned for tomorrow's post... We're going snorkeling and hopefully dolphin watching.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Monday, April 11, 2011
New Camera
So I've been looking at cameras a lot lately and came to the realization that I am not a good enough photographer to use a DSLR. It would be a waste of money on me. So I've been looking at cameras that fall in between DSLRs and your regular point and shoots and came across the Nikon Coolpix P500. I liked it for a lot of reasons, but the two that drew me in were the 36x zoom, and the fact that you can record in 1080p with it. I love my little waterproof Sanyo for what it does, but it is lacking in features. It is great at the beach, the pool, the waterpark, etc. It is not great for shooting indoors, or stills. So I was at Best Buy yesterday and they had the P500 on sale as an open box item! It was such a great deal I couldn't believe it. I asked the guy working there if there was anything wrong with it and he said it was just missing the software that comes with it. I thought about it for awhile, and decided to get it. I got a spare battery as well because I learned my lesson with my current camera. Video really eats up the battery. I took it outside, loaded the battery and find out the zoom doesn't work. Dang it. I thought I had found such a great deal only to have one of the options I really wanted didn't work. I took it back inside and explained the situation. The guy at customer service called one of the girls in the camera department over, and she started trying to make it work. She brought over a brand new one and tried that one, and it worked perfectly. They asked if I just wanted to swap them out? I explained that I had gotten this one as an open box item and the girl said, well this one is open now too. So I got a brand new one at an AWESOME discount!
Well, since I have this fancy new camera, I had to take it out fora spin, right? So Lauren and I went to Lake Parker in Lakeland to do a little Geocaching. It was a lot of fun, and we found two micro-caches! This is the first time we have been able to find any micros, so we were pretty excited. We also saw three gators and a bunch of birds. There are still several caches there that we didn't find, so I imagine we will be going back. :)
Here are a couple of pictures from our excursion:
Until next time, peace!
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Well, since I have this fancy new camera, I had to take it out fora spin, right? So Lauren and I went to Lake Parker in Lakeland to do a little Geocaching. It was a lot of fun, and we found two micro-caches! This is the first time we have been able to find any micros, so we were pretty excited. We also saw three gators and a bunch of birds. There are still several caches there that we didn't find, so I imagine we will be going back. :)
Here are a couple of pictures from our excursion:
Until next time, peace!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Saturday, April 2, 2011
James, Spartacus, and Jesus
I got a surprise phone call on my way home from work today. I got a call from James, who is in Africa. Djibouti to be specific. After some internet problems on his end, we got to talk for almost an hour. He is doing okay, all things considered. He does not know for sure when he will be home again, but the soonest is looking like the end of May. He said the unrest that was going on in the country several weeks ago have stopped. At least from what he can tell. He did say that watching the movie "Hotel Rwanda" is not a good idea while in Africa. He will definitely have some awesome stories when he gets back. I'm looking forward to hanging out with him again.
I took a few days off from updating because I have been distracted by a new show. Not new really, but new to me. It's called "Spartacus: Blood and Sand." You can find it on Netflix streaming. It is like a cross between 300, Gladiator, and Caligula. If you can get past the blood and sex, it is a very interesting show. Has anyone else watched this? I'm only on episode 6. Does it continue after this season?
Now to Jesus. Lauren and I have started going to church at Relevant Church in Ybor City. This church is definitely a new experience for me. My friend Wendy and her husband go there and she invited us. It is basically a rock concert with a sermon thrown in the middle. I really like it. It is different from what I got comfortable with out in Phoenix at CITD, but it's good different. Our weekends can get pretty busy, but I think we are going to try and go regularly.
That is all for now. I hope this finds everyone well.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
I took a few days off from updating because I have been distracted by a new show. Not new really, but new to me. It's called "Spartacus: Blood and Sand." You can find it on Netflix streaming. It is like a cross between 300, Gladiator, and Caligula. If you can get past the blood and sex, it is a very interesting show. Has anyone else watched this? I'm only on episode 6. Does it continue after this season?
Now to Jesus. Lauren and I have started going to church at Relevant Church in Ybor City. This church is definitely a new experience for me. My friend Wendy and her husband go there and she invited us. It is basically a rock concert with a sermon thrown in the middle. I really like it. It is different from what I got comfortable with out in Phoenix at CITD, but it's good different. Our weekends can get pretty busy, but I think we are going to try and go regularly.
That is all for now. I hope this finds everyone well.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Turkey Burgers
So I made turkey burgers for dinner tonight and thought I would share my recipe. I know what you are thinking... Matt, why aren't you posting this on your recipe blog? Because no one looks at that says I. I'll probably throw it up there too, but for now here it is:
Ingredients:
1.25 pounds of Ground Turkey
Half of a large red onion
1/4 pound of bacon
2 cloves of garlic
2 jalapeños
A-1 Steak Sauce to taste
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
I start by cutting the bacon up into tiny little pieces, like bacon bits, and frying until crisp. Next, chop up your onion, jalapeños, and garlic. Drain the grease off of the bacon and let the bacon sit on paper towels until crisp and cool. Once cool, mix everything together and make into patties. And that's it. Fry or grill however you prefer. I used an electric skillet.
I topped mine with some sharp cheddar cheese, mayo (miracle whip really), ketchup, mustard, and pickles. They were quite tasty.
Enjoy!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Ingredients:
1.25 pounds of Ground Turkey
Half of a large red onion
1/4 pound of bacon
2 cloves of garlic
2 jalapeños
A-1 Steak Sauce to taste
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
I start by cutting the bacon up into tiny little pieces, like bacon bits, and frying until crisp. Next, chop up your onion, jalapeños, and garlic. Drain the grease off of the bacon and let the bacon sit on paper towels until crisp and cool. Once cool, mix everything together and make into patties. And that's it. Fry or grill however you prefer. I used an electric skillet.
I topped mine with some sharp cheddar cheese, mayo (miracle whip really), ketchup, mustard, and pickles. They were quite tasty.
Enjoy!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Views
Since the posting of my YouTube video on the Bok Tower website, it went from 54 views up to 119. I know this doesn't sound that exciting, but it is to me. Now all I need to do is figure out how to start making money doing this so I can quit my job.
- Posted using BlogPress from iPad
- Posted using BlogPress from iPad
Friday, March 25, 2011
Technology
So I FaceTime'd with my brother Nick tonight and was just blown away. I had played with FaceTime a little when I first got my iPhone, but this is the first time I used it for a significant amount of time. Nick (it's really Katy's) got his iPad 2 today and we chatted via FaceTime for about an hour. This really is the freaking future. Nick was even able to stream a movie while we chatted. I know am a fanboy, but this really is an amazing machine. People that hate Apple will always try and find something wrong with their products, "It won't do this, or it won't do that.". I have had this since the day it came out and I have not once said that. It has lived up to the hype and then some. Does Apple make expensive computers? Yes. Do they make computers that almost always work? Yes. Is it worth paying more for the security of knowing that you will have little to no problems with their products? I think so. Do I like answering my own questions? Sometimes. :)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
I'm Famous!!!
Okay, maybe not yet, but I am on my way. Let me start at the beginning...
At the beginning of the year James, Tim, Tiff, Lauren, and myself went Geocaching at Bok Tower Gardens. If you aren't familiar with Geocaching, check out www.Geocaching.com or watch my videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/mroberts795
So today, I got an email from a guy with the Bok Tower Gardens communications department. Here is what he said:
"I'm putting together our eNewsletter for Bok Tower Gardens and this time around we're doing a small write up about Geocaching. I was wondering, if you are agreeable, if you could send me some high resolution photos that appeared in the video for use on our website?
You're video was fantastic and I think it shows the true spirit of what geocaching is about!"
I of course said yes, and that I would send the photos tonight. He responded to thank me and offered to give me and my group a tour of the tower next time we come out. How awesome is that? So I sent him ten photos saying that I had more if he wanted them. I also told him that he can link my videos to the newsletter if he wants. Could this be my first step towards fame and fortune?
Probably not, but it's fun to dream.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
At the beginning of the year James, Tim, Tiff, Lauren, and myself went Geocaching at Bok Tower Gardens. If you aren't familiar with Geocaching, check out www.Geocaching.com or watch my videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/mroberts795
So today, I got an email from a guy with the Bok Tower Gardens communications department. Here is what he said:
"I'm putting together our eNewsletter for Bok Tower Gardens and this time around we're doing a small write up about Geocaching. I was wondering, if you are agreeable, if you could send me some high resolution photos that appeared in the video for use on our website?
You're video was fantastic and I think it shows the true spirit of what geocaching is about!"
I of course said yes, and that I would send the photos tonight. He responded to thank me and offered to give me and my group a tour of the tower next time we come out. How awesome is that? So I sent him ten photos saying that I had more if he wanted them. I also told him that he can link my videos to the newsletter if he wants. Could this be my first step towards fame and fortune?
Probably not, but it's fun to dream.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Murphy's Law
So Lauren and I have been talking a lot about vacation plans for the rest of the year, and have been getting excited. In May we have planned a little weekend trip to Sanibel to get away from reality for a couple of days. And then Murphy's Law rears it's ugly head.
The day after we book the trip, the battery in my truck dies. Not the worst thing that could happen, but it is definitely an unplanned wallet stinger. This has to happen to other people right? It can't just be me.
All my life it seems like just when I am making some headway, something knocks me back. Don't get me wrong, I'm not struggling now like I have in the past. I have definitely seen lean times. Well, figuratively speaking that is. :) Maybe I am just bad at life? Would my battery have died if I hadn't bought this iPad I am typing on?
This is not a new pattern in my life by the way. I have more examples. A month after I bought this truck, I lost my job. When I got my job at Barnes and Noble, back in the day, it was the same day Summer left. Granted, that ended up being a blessing in disguise for both of us in the long run, it was not fun the day it happened. I know everything happens according to God's plan. I can't help thinking that sometimes, God is distracted by other things in the world and my plan goes off track momentarily.
Did I really just blame my dead battery on the earthquake/tsunami/nuclear disaster in Japan? Yes. Yes I did. Am I serious? No. No I am not.
Okay, I have been sitting in this food court too long. How long could it possibly take to change a battery and do an oil change?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
The day after we book the trip, the battery in my truck dies. Not the worst thing that could happen, but it is definitely an unplanned wallet stinger. This has to happen to other people right? It can't just be me.
All my life it seems like just when I am making some headway, something knocks me back. Don't get me wrong, I'm not struggling now like I have in the past. I have definitely seen lean times. Well, figuratively speaking that is. :) Maybe I am just bad at life? Would my battery have died if I hadn't bought this iPad I am typing on?
This is not a new pattern in my life by the way. I have more examples. A month after I bought this truck, I lost my job. When I got my job at Barnes and Noble, back in the day, it was the same day Summer left. Granted, that ended up being a blessing in disguise for both of us in the long run, it was not fun the day it happened. I know everything happens according to God's plan. I can't help thinking that sometimes, God is distracted by other things in the world and my plan goes off track momentarily.
Did I really just blame my dead battery on the earthquake/tsunami/nuclear disaster in Japan? Yes. Yes I did. Am I serious? No. No I am not.
Okay, I have been sitting in this food court too long. How long could it possibly take to change a battery and do an oil change?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Facebook Politics
So I have quite a few friends that enjoy starting political debates on Facebook. I have to admit that sometimes, my voyeuristic side comes out and I really enjoy reading them. I try very hard to not get caught in the middle of these, but every once in a while...
So I posted a quote earlier that I thought was amusing having to do with NPR. I did not intend to start anything, and it didn't get super heated, but it made me realize how passionate people are when it comes to some things. I don't think that is a bad thing by the way, I think it is a good thing. Ensuring people have the right to express their views means that I also have the same right. What bothers me is when it gets out of hand.
This has not happened on my page, and I hope that it never does, but I know some people that used to go at it politically so much on Facebook, that they don't even talk anymore. Now, it's not like they were best of friends to start with, but they were at one point in time, (high school) friends. It would really concern me if someone stopped talking to me because of my political views that may occasionally show up on FB. I am so much more than my political views. I like music. I really like movies. And I may have a bit of an addiction (that I am managing) to video games. But back to FB. This is the same website that allows you to "poke" people, and if I remember correctly, you could even throw a sheep at someone. Is this really the place for serious debate? Seriously, I'm asking. Is it? If so, by all means let us debate. But be forewarned... I may end up throwing a sheep at you.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
So I posted a quote earlier that I thought was amusing having to do with NPR. I did not intend to start anything, and it didn't get super heated, but it made me realize how passionate people are when it comes to some things. I don't think that is a bad thing by the way, I think it is a good thing. Ensuring people have the right to express their views means that I also have the same right. What bothers me is when it gets out of hand.
This has not happened on my page, and I hope that it never does, but I know some people that used to go at it politically so much on Facebook, that they don't even talk anymore. Now, it's not like they were best of friends to start with, but they were at one point in time, (high school) friends. It would really concern me if someone stopped talking to me because of my political views that may occasionally show up on FB. I am so much more than my political views. I like music. I really like movies. And I may have a bit of an addiction (that I am managing) to video games. But back to FB. This is the same website that allows you to "poke" people, and if I remember correctly, you could even throw a sheep at someone. Is this really the place for serious debate? Seriously, I'm asking. Is it? If so, by all means let us debate. But be forewarned... I may end up throwing a sheep at you.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Are you sure?
Let me start by saying this is not directed to any one person. I would also like to point out that I love my girlfriend very much.
Why is it when women, young ladies, girls, (whatever the acceptable term is), ask me a question my answer is always followed by "Are you sure?"
Want to eat here for dinner?
Yes.
Are you sure?
Want to go to the store after this?
Yes.
Are you sure?
Can you switch your schedule to this, just for this week?
Yes.
Are you sure?
I could go on and on. Do I just look unsure when I answer these questions? Have I been so wishy washy in the past that this is an automatic response? Is it because the female is unsure and wants me to take the responsibility of saying no in case it turns out badly it will be on me? Do any of you guys out there experience this, or is it just me? Let this be a warning to all you ladies out there that read this, I'm going to start saying no.
Want to eat here for dinner?
Yes.
Are you sure?
Now that you mention it, I'm not sure. I would rather eat at this place that you don't like.
Want to go to the store after this?
Yes.
Are you sure?
Now that you mention it, I'm not sure. I would rather go and play video games for a few hours.
Can you switch your schedule to this, just for this week?
Yes.
Are you sure?
Now that you mention it, I'm not sure. I would rather work when I want to work and you can work around me.
Of course, I'm not that much of a jerk. Don't get me wrong, I'm kind of a jerk sometimes, but usually I'm a pretty easy going guy. So in the future, if you ask me a question and I answer definitively, let's assume I'm sure.
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Why is it when women, young ladies, girls, (whatever the acceptable term is), ask me a question my answer is always followed by "Are you sure?"
Want to eat here for dinner?
Yes.
Are you sure?
Want to go to the store after this?
Yes.
Are you sure?
Can you switch your schedule to this, just for this week?
Yes.
Are you sure?
I could go on and on. Do I just look unsure when I answer these questions? Have I been so wishy washy in the past that this is an automatic response? Is it because the female is unsure and wants me to take the responsibility of saying no in case it turns out badly it will be on me? Do any of you guys out there experience this, or is it just me? Let this be a warning to all you ladies out there that read this, I'm going to start saying no.
Want to eat here for dinner?
Yes.
Are you sure?
Now that you mention it, I'm not sure. I would rather eat at this place that you don't like.
Want to go to the store after this?
Yes.
Are you sure?
Now that you mention it, I'm not sure. I would rather go and play video games for a few hours.
Can you switch your schedule to this, just for this week?
Yes.
Are you sure?
Now that you mention it, I'm not sure. I would rather work when I want to work and you can work around me.
Of course, I'm not that much of a jerk. Don't get me wrong, I'm kind of a jerk sometimes, but usually I'm a pretty easy going guy. So in the future, if you ask me a question and I answer definitively, let's assume I'm sure.
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Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Hmmm
So I was at work today and something happened and I thought to myself, "this would be something good to blog about." Here's the problem, I forgot what that was. I guess I need to start making notes about things to blog about. Oh well. They can't all be deep and insightful. Be good.
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Monday, March 14, 2011
Go Live
So, today was the day that a lot of us at work have been waiting for for a long time.
A little history for those that don't know: For several months I have been part of a data validation team at work. What's that mean? Since I have worked at SWFC we have used several different database systems to track our students. Admissions used two different ones, registrar, bursar, and financial aid used one, and financial aid also used a couple other systems. Someone realized that this is a pretty inefficient way to do things and started looking into other solutions. We finally settled on a program called "CampusVue." So back in October or November, I was asked (along with quite a few others) to be part of a data validation team to ensure that the new system matches the old systems. For many different reasons, the validating was not going well, so the higher ups re-evaluated the situation and decided to trim the team down to have only one person for each department. Everyone that got chosen was some sort of Director of something, or at least an Assistant Director of something. Except me. Because of my prior experience with Admissions, and my knowledge of the college (hehe, that rhymes) I was chosen as the "Subject Matter Expert" for Admissions.
That brings us to today. After many weeks and months of work, we went live with our new system. As with any large data migration, there are still a few kinks to work out, but I am really enjoying the way the new system works. I won't bore you with a lot of details, but let's just say once it is running smoothly our jobs will be a lot easier.
Hope everyone is well. I am doing my best to blog everyday. I just wish my life was more interesting. :)
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A little history for those that don't know: For several months I have been part of a data validation team at work. What's that mean? Since I have worked at SWFC we have used several different database systems to track our students. Admissions used two different ones, registrar, bursar, and financial aid used one, and financial aid also used a couple other systems. Someone realized that this is a pretty inefficient way to do things and started looking into other solutions. We finally settled on a program called "CampusVue." So back in October or November, I was asked (along with quite a few others) to be part of a data validation team to ensure that the new system matches the old systems. For many different reasons, the validating was not going well, so the higher ups re-evaluated the situation and decided to trim the team down to have only one person for each department. Everyone that got chosen was some sort of Director of something, or at least an Assistant Director of something. Except me. Because of my prior experience with Admissions, and my knowledge of the college (hehe, that rhymes) I was chosen as the "Subject Matter Expert" for Admissions.
That brings us to today. After many weeks and months of work, we went live with our new system. As with any large data migration, there are still a few kinks to work out, but I am really enjoying the way the new system works. I won't bore you with a lot of details, but let's just say once it is running smoothly our jobs will be a lot easier.
Hope everyone is well. I am doing my best to blog everyday. I just wish my life was more interesting. :)
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Spring Forward
I think today is the day of the year that I miss Phoenix the most. Why do we still do this? I never thought it was strange until I moved to Phoenix, and I realized how weird the rest (almost) of the country is. If your blanket is not as long as you want it, would you cut one end off and sew it on to the other side? Maybe this is so frustraing to me because I have a hard time waking up in the morning.
On another note, I went to Disney today with some of Lauren's family on her Mom's side. I know her Dad's side of the family pretty well, so this was a good chance to get to know the other side. I had a lot of fun. It has been years since I have been to the Magic Kingdom. It is definitely a lot of fun to watch a three year old experience Disney for the first time, but it is definitely not a park geared to adults. I did have fun though, don't get me wrong. I just don't see myself going there over the others any time soon. We got some video that I will edit and post at some point, so stay tuned. (Like anyone is actually reading this)
Well, off to bed. Excited for the "Go-Live" tomorrow. I imagine I will have a blog explaining that tomorrow night. Be good!
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On another note, I went to Disney today with some of Lauren's family on her Mom's side. I know her Dad's side of the family pretty well, so this was a good chance to get to know the other side. I had a lot of fun. It has been years since I have been to the Magic Kingdom. It is definitely a lot of fun to watch a three year old experience Disney for the first time, but it is definitely not a park geared to adults. I did have fun though, don't get me wrong. I just don't see myself going there over the others any time soon. We got some video that I will edit and post at some point, so stay tuned. (Like anyone is actually reading this)
Well, off to bed. Excited for the "Go-Live" tomorrow. I imagine I will have a blog explaining that tomorrow night. Be good!
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Saturday, March 12, 2011
What Does Plain Mean?
I met Patty and Brian for lunch at Panera today and had a weird thing happen. I eat there fairly often with them and I usually get the Italian Combo, plain add mustard. The last time I ordered that they put banana peppers on the sandwich. I said, "I'm sorry, but I wanted this plain." The girl making the sandwich said, "That is plain." I looked again and asked why there were peppers on it. "That's how they come, even when they are plain." I asked politely to have it made without peppers and went on with my life. Today when I ordered I told the cashier that same story and asked if they could please make it plain, no peppers. She said , no problem, plain is plain. I thanked her and waited for my sandwich. Which of course, had peppers on it. Am I going crazy? Does plain mean something different than it did a few weeks ago? How can anyone think that it's okay to put peppers on something that was ordered plain? Now I feel challenged to continue ordering that sandwich plain until I actually get a plain one.
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
New Chapter
I am going to try and start a new chapter in my blogging life. I went back and read some of my old blogs and realized that I was blogging from a narcissistic place, looking for comments and interaction. Don't get me wrong, I still like attention. Now, I am going to just blog and if people read it, great. If not, so what. I haven't really decided what direction my blog will go yet, but that's okay too. Probably some life stuff. Maybe some reviews. Maybe some fiction. Who knows where this will end up. If you read it, I hope you like it. Thats all for now. Be good!
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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