one good deed

Driving home from work tonight, I'm eastbound on I-94 from Oconomowoc toward State Fair Park. I see a disabled vehicle on the shoulder with the hood up and the driver behind it, thumb out. I pull over and get the guy's attention. We head back to my car to get out of the wind and call for a tow truck. State Patrol dispatches a wrecker and we wait. The man's truck has lost the water pump.

I find out the man's name is Marciel and I ask him where he is headed. In a thick Spanish accent, he tells me he's headed to Chicago. I had noticed the Minnesota plates on his truck. He tells me there's no work for carpenter's in Minneapolis so he's going to Chicago to see if there's work. I ask if he has any contacts in Chicago and he says he's got some family there. Marciel asks me how much farther it is to Chicago. I tell him another couple hours.

Tow truck shows up and we get out of the car to talk to the tow truck driver. He can take Marciel's truck west an exit or two to a garage for repairs, then asks how Marciel he wants to pay for the tow. Marciel doesn't have a credit card, or cash on hand. The driver says that they can include the bill for the tow in with the repair. At this point, I shake Marciel's hand, wish him luck in getting to Chicago and get back into my car.

No one else looked like they were going to stop to help Marciel. I did what I could, but I don't feel like it was enough. I certainly can't afford to pay for the repair to his truck, and I'm wondering how he'll make it to Chicago. I prayed for him as I drove away, hoping that he will complete his journey, as well as trying to placate myself a bit. I don't know what else I could have done.

Mondays....

Summary of my weekend...

Friday, finish work, head to Holly's to pick her up for dinner at a friend's house. Grab flowers on the way. Why? Holly loves flowers, and I'm not real good at giving them and I don't want to give them because I screwed up...I give ice cream when I do that. Dinner and conversation at friend's house....home and bed.

Saturday. Up around 9, head to Mayfair to swap out a misbehaving cable modem and pick up my new glasses. Return home, putz around, head to Walmart to buy digital camera, return home again, clean my apartment....yes...clean. My apartment was trashed. How well was it cleaned? When Holly arrived at my place at around 4:45 for the Brewer game that night, she almost fell over. She was stunned. My friends Tim and Kevin arrived and we all head to the ballgame.

Brewers win..YAY!!!

Sunday...church in the morning, race in the afternoon. Holly brings over some homework to finish. I fix dinner and we watch Extreme Home Makeover. Bedtime.


Monday morning...ack....

Just because it's Friday

I missed the fun

So, while most of were sleeping, a 5.2 magnitude earthquake shook a Southeastern Illinois.

I remember the last one that was just outside Rockford, but missed this one.

That's My King!

Is spring here??

I think....don't quote me on this...but I think that spring may be showing up in Milwaukee finally. I don't see anymore piles of plowed snow anywhere. Warm winds from the south make the flags stand out from the poles they hang from. Baseball is being played. The ground has a squish to it.

The only this missing is testing at The Mile...all in due time.

one of my favorite things

A nice Saturday night in Milwaukee. Sitting here, watching a race on TV, Holly sleeping on my bed as I sit on one of my floor chairs next to her. We had Subway for dinner, and I'm enjoying a beer. Nothing exciting, just an evening at home relaxing.

Take me out to the ballgame

Opening day for the Brewers....not going this year, but I'll be tuned in!!


GO CREW GO!!!

Dear Old Man Winter,

Thank you so much for the lovely snow!! I'm guessing you didn't get the memo that Spring started yesterday, not to mention you were early to the party by showing up on December 1st. Please, the party's over, go back home to Canada. We've had enough for this winter season.


Yours,
Chad

sometimes, it's more than a game...

There's been quite a bit happening lately.

Saturday was the last day for Upward basketball this year. I'd like to say my team won a game, but the closest we came was a tie. Still, I don't coach to team kids the importance of winning, I coach to teach kids to do their best no matter what the circumstances are.

Monday night was the celebration for the Upward season, and I was asked to emcee the night. I got to do the opening greeting, as well as the giveaways we had for both the parents and the kids. My voice is still a bit rough from both the game on Saturday and from whipping the crowd into a frenzy Monday night.

Monday was also the first day of my new position at work. I was approached by one of the higher ups and offered a store of my own. I accepted. To be honest, it's still settling in. To some extent, the reality is there...but my first day still felt like I was just covering the store. I'm sure that as the days turn into weeks, it will all sink it.

I've been getting some solid work from the computer business as well...makes for a busy schedule. Pray that I don't overdo it and am able to spend time with Holly as well.

I leave my brain at home on the weekends

Friday night, Holly and I had tickets to Avenue Q at the Marcus. I picked her up and we had dinner at Friday's at the ballpark, then after dinner headed over to the Marcus Center. We were running a bit behind, so we got the car parked on the top floor of the parking deck. Holly had given me a GPS for my birthday, and I always take it off the dash when I leave the car. We get parked and I power off the GPS and hand it to Holly to put in my glovebox. We hop out of the car, lock it and head inside for the show. We enjoy the show and as we put on our coats to head, I can't find my car keys...check under the seat where my coat was stashed...no keys. We head out to the car, knowing we can call AAA if necessary. I have a tendency to leave one of my back doors unlocked, so we figured we'd try that first. As luck would have it, my driver's side back door was unlocked...so I lean in to unlock my door and Holly's door....and the car is warm...I had left the keys in the ignition with the car running. Ya....I was more concerned about stashing my GPS than anything else when we got there...so my car ran for two and a half hours....

Ya....I'm that spacey at times....

Sad fact

If you consider that there has been an average of 160,000 troops in the Iraq Theater of operations during the last 22 months, and a total of 2112 deaths, that gives a firearm death rate of 60 per 100,000.

The firearms death rate in Washington D.C. is 80.6 per 100,000.

That means that you are about 25% more likely to be shot and killed in our Nation's Capitol, which has some of the strictest gun control laws in the nation, than you are in Iraq.

Conclusion: We should immediately pull out of Washington D.C.

Slow down

I guess you could say I'm on the frontline of the economy; or at least, support for the frontline. I have noticed the downturn that started almost immediately after the mortgage bubble popped. Residential electrical is slowing down. Commercial and industrial is still going, which helps, but residential is down. We're feeling it at work; slow days, especially when I'm not out at a store, like today. Little stock to put away, not as many customers since they don't have as much work. I'm not too worried yet, as spring, hopefully, isn't that far away.

I don't call what's happening to economy a recession...it's merely a slowdown at this point. To me, a recession involves massive layoffs and high unemployment; there are still plenty of jobs out there, and I haven't heard of any major layoffs. Everyone's nervous, I suppose.

Unbricking an iPhone

tonight I had pleasure of unbricking an iPhone for a friend of mine. It's his son's iPhone actually, but Brian asked if I could take a look at it. The son had tried to put an aftermarket firmware on his iPhone, and it broke it. I'm writing this to save people the steps I couldn't find to make it easier for them to get back to working status.

First, you should pop out the SIM card. It's located at the top of the iPhone, between the headphone jack and the power button. You'll need something small to push firmly into the ejection hole, but it does pop up. I used needle nose pliers to slide the SIM card holder further out til I could grasp it with my fingers.

Next, you'll want to make sure the usb cord is plugged into the computer you have iTunes on, but not plugged into the iPhone yet. power the iPhone up, then power it down by holding both the power button and the home button. Continue to hold down the home button after the iPhone is "off" , then plug in the iPhone, then start iTunes manually.

With a minute or so, iTunes should find the iPhone, in "recover mode" It will then ask you if you want to basically wipe out everything and start over. I believe this is your only choice. iTunes will then download the current firmware (1.1.3) and then install it on the iPhone.

After the iPhone was restored, I powered it off, then re-inserted the SIM card. I powered the iPhone back up, most of the functions were there. just for good measure, I did a restore once more, and after that, the iPhone was just like new. I made a test call to my phone on it, and vice versa. I connected to my home wireless network. I browsed the internet on it. I tried to test it as best as I could.

Hopefully, this helps someone save about 3 hours of looking for the way to restore their iPhone after a failed Jailbreak like this was.

Feel free to drop me a line, and I'll answer questions as best I can.

Cheers
Chad

weekend recap

ok, so I took Friday off just to have a day with nothing on my schedule....it felt really nice...

Saturday, basketball to coach at 8:30, lunch with Holly at 11:30, then off to Racine to tech with my buddy Matt. Payment in great pizza at Angelo's.

Sunday...church, lunch, basketball practice, football game. Holly had a lot of work this weekend, and was feeling some stress because of it, so I cooked her dinner Sunday night. I fixed my fabulous chicken, and for desert, we had peanut butter cup ice cream.

Giants win, no perfection for New England...

thatisall

I love being me

OK, this post is not done out of arrogance...just to clairfy that.

At some point this morning, I realized that I love being me. I have a great life: a beautiful girlfriend, awesome friends, a great job...

People call me for tech advice/support.


just....yeah :D

on being resolute

Forgive my Blogger for I have sinned; It's been 35 days since my last post.


I don't do New Years Resolutions....I try to take care of things as they happen, not when I buy a new calendar. That being said, I'm not doing a good job of either.


I find myself being snarky alot lately, and fairly cynical as well. Not traits one desires when trying to be a leader in the church. I think that snark and cynicism have places in one's personality, they just don't need to be the dominating traits on one's personality. The news bores me to no end, with all the coverage of the election. By the time November rolls around, it will have been over two years of solid coverage. So help me God, no one better start campaigning immediately after this election or I will move to Mexico and live like a gringo on the beaches of the Pacific.

I find myself wanting to be entertained alot lately; seeking amusement rather than musings. Am I giving in to the American idea of me me me, or do I lack the initiative to forge my way and no go the easy route, to instead think for myself? Admittedly, the writers strike hasn't affected me all that much, as I pretty much gave up most TV when I started working second shift. I want to read more; Holly loaned me a book and I ate it up...now I'm asking "what's next?"

I keep meaning to join a gym, but haven't done it. I'm developing a belly that's bigger than I'd like, and I'm short of breath more often than I care to admit.

I keep meaning to read my Bible more, but it lies in my bag, carried with me everywhere, read nowhere.

Lets do the Time Warp

Alright boys and girls, let's fire up the Delorean and do 88 mph....

Micah, sitting in my truck, June 2002



My Dad, June 2002, holding my angry nephew


Andy, Sean and Micah. These guys are all in college now. May 2002



My friend Brandon



My friend Jason on his wedding day. He and his wife are expecting their first child.


Me...June 4, 2002

ME again, better side shot of me rockin' the sideburns


I remember that being a great summer. That August, a group of us went on a mission trip to the Texas/Mexico border. The shot of my Dad is from a family reunion in Peoria. I had been in Milwaukee three years at the point. It's now been eight years, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Another Tuesday, another sales meeting for work...good food though.

It's becoming the time of year I started not liking a few years ago...not because I don't like Christmas, but because I don't like what Christmas has become to many people. All the shopping, Black Friday, this toy, that gadget...drives me crazy.

thanks

Thanks


Thanks to all my friends that read this blog.

Thanks to Holly for being simply Amazing.

Thanks to God for everything, for Holly, work, play, church.

weekend kicks

so, what does one do in Milwaukee on a given weekend? Go see a band of course!!

Saturday night, my friend Bettina's band Albatross was playing at Smoking Joe's in West Allis and I was encouraged to come check them out. Albatross is local cover band with a few originals. Gotta say, I was really impressed. Overall, they've got a tight sound and a good sized set list that spans rock and pop from the 70s to today. Click on the entry title for a link to their website.

Imapean, European

Your Inner European is Irish!

Sprited and boisterous! You drink everyone under the table.

Who's Your Inner European?

Winter is trying to push fall aside...since fall arrived late I guess winter thinks it can start early.

My ache from Saturday is mostly gone. Laid 2000' of pipe for the new dining hall over at camp and made some great progress so the gang can get the floor poured soon.

webcam shot

take peek during daylight hours.

Rest in Peace Dustin

Dustin Paul Larson
1981-2007

Tuesday, October 23, 2007
GERLAW - Dustin Paul Larson, 26, of Gerlaw, died at 6:55 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 21, 2007) at OSF Holy Family Medical Center, Monmouth, Ill.

He was born Oct. 12, 1981, in Monmouth, Ill., the son of John and Paula (Bushong) Larson. He was raised and educated in Monmouth and attended Monmouth High School.

Dustin worked at Farmland as a forklift driver since 1999. He enjoyed 4 wheeling and following and attending NASCAR events. But most of all he loved spending time with his son.
Surviving are his son, Logan Larson of Monmouth; mother, Paula (Tim) Lay of Monmouth; father, John Larson of Little York; one sister, Mary Beth (Matt) Giddings of Kirkwood; one brother, Brian (Suzanna) Larson of Monmouth; maternal grandparents, Stewart (Mary) Bushong of Monmouth; paternal grandparents, Phil (Dixie) Larson of Little York; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his stepgrandparents and great-grandparents.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24, at Hoover-Hall Memorial Chapel, Monmouth, with the Rev. Ken Muck of Countryside Bible Church officiating. Burial will be in Monmouth Cemetery. Friends may call on today, Oct. 23, at Hoover-Hall Memorial Chapel, Monmouth, where his family will be present from 6-8 p.m.

Memorials may be given to the Logan Larson Trust Fund.

That phone call you don't ever want to get

7:20pm Sunday night

My step-dad calls. My cousin Dustin died in an atv accident.

I haven't seen my cousin in a few years, but it still stings. I don't know any other details right now, and I'm waiting for my mom to call me later on to fill me in.

You never know when, or how, you might go. I'm 31 and I still have that arrogant sense of "I'm going to live forever."

In the midst of what will turn out to be a busy week, I sit down tonight at home and just rest. I don't really have the energy to do much more than that. The tired feeling has returned and I'm not sure why. It could be the fall out from my late Saturday night fixing a client's computer, or it could be the weather change and my body is trying to fight off my fall bought of bronchitis. Work hasn't been terribly difficult that last couple days, as I'm in Waukesha; there are busy times, but for the most part, it's calm.

Business meeting at church tomorrow night

I think Thursday is open

Friday, picking up a bedframe with Holly, then off to set up Upward registration, which is Saturday.

Saturday, I have a client scheduled. I was planning on going to Chicago that night for a birthday party, but now I'm not so sure.

Anxious. That's how I feel. Anxious. Maybe that's what's draining me.

a night at home to reflect

As usual, I've had alot on my mind lately.

opportunities....some of which I may share later.

Starting Monday, I'm back at the main office in Brookfield for work...it makes what I do much easier without having to worry about leaving Joe by himself at the store.

I've put over 1600 miles on my car in 3 weeks.

I've had a few people tell me that they miss me lately. I miss them too.

so....what's new with you??

not much here...same soup different bowl for the most part.

not on the road as much this month for work.

bought a new car a couple weeks back....the Explorer was just too thirsty...the Focus is much nicer on gas.

Chicago was fun...pictures soon...

places of interest...

So, this is at least part of my Friday with Holly, photographing these locations...


I'm still trying to find the Adams Street Bridge...

things on my mind...

The prevailing thought I have lately is to be pro-active. So often in my life, I've been able to draft off someone else and help broaden their experience/ministry, and I get to be part of it without being the one who spearheads things. I'm told by those close to me that I am a leader; that people will listen to me, and perhaps follow me, and yet, I do nothing. I wait.

I stepped out of 4:12 (the college and career ministry at my church), not because I felt too old, but because I felt it was time to do something else. I feel a pull towards men's ministry, yet there isn't much of that currently. I want to help get something going, but will it be as one who heads it up, or as one who helps enable those who lead?. I wait.

I love Holly more than even I can describe with words. We both know that we want to spend the rest of our lives together, and we've talked of wedding plans and looked at rings and so on and so on. I don't have the money for a ring, nor have I asked her dad for her hand in marriage. I wait.

I enjoy my job, even when there are snags. I'm told that, in time, I'll be given a store to manage. I continue to learn more about the products I sell and how to do my job better. I wait.

At what point do I stop waiting, and start doing? What do I have to be afraid of? I don't feel afraid or fearful, just uncertain. Uncertain of what step to take, to make a mistake, to do something wrong; and yet, waiting in and of itself feels wrong. Perhaps this is why I don't sleep at night...My conscious is not clean, filled with doubt and guilt. I know that the grace of God covers a multitude of sins, but I don't accept that grace. Instead, I somehow think that given enough time, by waiting, the answer will just appear.

So....I don't think I'm THIS conservative....but I found this hilarious :P

Surviving State Fair

ok..so I live across the street from the Wisconsin State Fair. To be honest, it really hasn't bothered me much..

however, there IS a reason I'm posting this...

it seems that everyone who owns a house within 10 block of State Fair is renting their lawn for parking. I walked across the street to get a burger tonight, and coming home, I noticed that people put ramps down, so the renters wouldn't have a hard time hopping the curb.

Also...

Everyone is out, flagging people down to park in their yard...old people, kids, dogs....all with flags to get your attention. They look right at you, expectantly. News Flash...I live here!!!

Aside from that, it's been fine. The noise peaks around 11pm. I'm used to Harley's racing down 84th or Greenfield at this point, so that doesn't bother me so much.

At least these people aren't around when I'm leaving for work in the morning...

seasons

So this whole growing up thing feels overrated...I'm not really fond of bills, getting out of bed before the crack of noon, doing dishes or anything like that...

yet

I enjoy my paycheck, I don't mind getting up for work and I like my truck.

31 doesn't feel old most days, but then again, it feels older than I've ever been

The decisions I make now tend be "feel" more adult. I've stepped out of one group at church to, hopefully, grow another one. It wasn't that I didn't feel welcome anymore, but I felt time for a change...as if to take another step into adult hood. Sounds funny coming from me, doesn't it?

now 5:30am doesn't sound so early, and bed at 10:30pm feels late. I find myself enjoying quiet evenings, just the ballgame on in the background; or the lakefront at sundown, just before it cools off too much; dinner with Holly...

I don't know that my character or personality will change much...after all, I'm Chad freakin' Hohner...there's only one and one is more than enough...but how that character and personality comes out may be different...with tact and substance I hope.

just another day

just another Wednesday in my life with nothing too exciting to report.

changes at work perhaps? I'll know more (officially) soon.

other adjustments? My Sunday evenings are now open.

gas prices suck.

More lies from Moore

More lies from Moore

An article I am across today

vacation!!

I have the next few days off as I'm taking some vacation from work. I picked this time of year as we already get 4th of July off, so why not extend it and take off the 2nd and 3rd as well?

I walked into work this morning, knowing that I had a half day, then off for about a week. To my surprise, the guy the swings around and covers stores is there. I was told he wasn't available, and that Joe would need to cover the store by himself after I left at noonish. So I got the whole day off.

tonight, "Much Ado About Nothing" out in Spring Green, tomorrow night, Chicago with Holly. Tuesday fireworks at the lakefront. Everything else is wide open at this point.

I'm hoping to capitalize on my time off and get some projects taken care of. I've got a couple of computers on my bench to finish up, and hopefully I can schedule some clients as well.

What's new with you? Maybe it's summer, but it seems like some blogs I read have slowed down...mine was no exception. Drop me a line :)

Father's Day??

cat jokes

there's a meme on the internet now regarding cats....this is one of them

is this good or bad?

best of craigslist : Why Geeks and Nerds Are Worth It...

best of craigslist : Why Geeks and Nerds Are Worth It...

'nuff said

CrunchNotes » Nicely Done

CrunchNotes » Nicely Done

worth a laugh

came across this one tonight

that helpless feeling

Holly and I ventured down to Chicago Saturday night to visit a friend and have dinner at this cool little Italian place near our friend's apartment. Great food, great conversation and a chance to encourage our friend as she moves through some decisions in her life.

On our way home, we were westbound on Peterson Ave. heading back to the interstate, when at a stoplight, we saw a homeless man. He was standing in between the two westbound lanes near the stoplight, holding a sign that basically stated"I'm homeless and hungry...will you help me?"

I wanted to help him, but I didn't. I don't like just giving money; I'd much rather take him somewhere and buy him a meal. I noticed it disturbed Holly that there was a homeless man in the road...disturbed not by the man himself, but by the condition he was in.

it's almost three hours later, and I still feel the urge to drive back down to Chicago to find that man and take him somewhere to eat. I passed numerous restaurants on the way back to the interstate, and yet I kept driving. Was I worried about my safety? For Holly's? I certainly wasn't in a hurry to get home.

I felt moved to the point of compassion, but in the end, didn't move at all

a day off

slept in this morning, got up, started cleaning my apartment, which was much needed; more to clean still, but I've made a decent dent. Picked up a shelf unit to organize some stuff in my place.

Heard some cars buzzing the Mile...walked over to check it out. I know Sunday there's a charity letting people take their personal vehicle on the Mile for a donation of some sort...I guess it was also happening today.

Detailed my truck...and while I was doing that, one of my neighbors was on her way out...got to chat with her for a bit before she took off.

off to see Spiderman 3 tonight...Sandman!!!

what the future may hold

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord..
Jeremiah 29:11-14a

To Start my week, I'll be on my own at our West Bend store. It's a one man store, so I have the chance to be very busy. I've been told this is a test to see how well I've progressed, and to gauge my potential as a store manager with Hein. I'm both excited and anxious about it. Obviously, excited due to a potential promotion.

Anxious...let's explore that: I've only been in the electrical supply business for 11 months. I've learned a TON, but there's still quite a bit I don't feel I have a good grasp on. Enter my boss Ron. I emailed Ron a couple weeks ago, asking him what opportunities were coming within the company, and what I should be doing to position myself for those opportunities. Ron stopped by the store I work at in Menomonee Falls and we chatted about it. Basically, I'm in the future plans for the company.

We'll see how things go, and what lies ahead

can't sleep

I hate it when I can't sleep. I have too much on my mind and I'm worrying about all of it.

A shot of scotch to calm me down and hopefully dull what worries me.

overall thoughts from the last few days...

TMNT....I giggled through the entire movie...loved it..

The Gonzalez deal in D.C.: just another attempt to derail the Bush Administration. Clinton fired ALL 93 Federal prosecutors in 1993 without so much as a fart from Congress, yet Bush fires 8 for not doing their job and it's a witch hunt...hmmmm

Take me out to the ballgame: Opening Day is Monday!! I'll be there :P

I'm dual booting Windows and Linux on my laptop, with 2 Linux desktops and one Windows desktop.

more randomness to come

vacation destination

London perhaps?

hint: skip to step 20

oo oo...my turn!!

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

some pictures

I mentioned a couple of posts ago that I was going to the Chicago Auto Show. Here's a couple of shots of me with cars I can't afford :)

meh

Forgive me Blogger, for I have sinned; it's been 10 days since my last post

Well, 31 has come...so far, it's just like 30

Spring could arrive soon and I wouldn't complain

I'm aching to see a live band...as luck would have it, I can do that next Saturday...

work goes well; Joe and I have a mutual respect for each other and a common goal. Makes going in to work easier :)

The Linux experiment continues...I've changed distros (type of Linux) so we'll see how this goes.

I'm trying to take my lunch to work....so far 3 days in a row...tomorrow will be 4 :P

Spent a good deal of last Sunday with Holly trying to get her car taken care of. It seems her oil pan cracked and was leaking oil. By the time church got out, it was out of oil. A couple of folks had noticed it, so she wasn't going to drive off....that would have been bad...I took a look and couldn't see an easy fix, so I took her home, and explained things to her folks while she changed. Her Dad suggested checking to make sure the oil filter was tight, so Holly and I headed back to the church to check. No dice...call AAA to get a tow truck...the wait is anywhere from 20 minutes to almost 2 hours. We run to grab lunch and wait. At about 3:30 the tow truck arrives. We follow him down to Wilde Toyota to drop the car off. Back to my place for a while then off to church for 4:12. Drop Holly off at home then come home and crash myself. Come to find out the oil pan cracked somehow and wouldn't hold any oil...I'm glad she was able to make it to church and wasn't on the freeway between Milwaukee and Madison when it went dry...

I think...thatisall

and so another year has past

31

huh...30 didn't feel so bad.

I wonder what this year will bring.

all good things come to an end

it would appear that Morpheus has died...Morpheus...that's my laptop.

All I know is that is he was running fine when I left my apartment to get dinner across the street, and when I came back...black screen. I've troubleshot everything, short of completely disassembling him, but I'm not sure that would help.

thank you in advance for your sympathy

100

to celebrate my 100th post, I'm letting everyone know that I've now gone Linux full time. I desired a new challenge on the computer front, and since I can't afford a new Mac and don't want Vista, I went with Linux. I found a nice primer on Suse (Soo-say) 10.2 that gives me all the functionality of Windows or OS X.

I turn 31 next Tuesday...go me

haha

http://www.drudgereport.com/flash8.htm


too funny

STEAK N SHAKE!!!

IT'S HERE!! IT'S HERE!! IT'S HERE!! IT'S HERE!! IT'S HERE!! IT'S HERE!! did I mention IT'S HERE?


yeah...so I'm a little excited...ten minutes away instead of fifty...yes, I drove to Gurnee JUST for Steak 'n' Shake, and I took a few of you with me.

I was able to eat at the new SnS in Wauwatosa tonight after work. They're in training mode, so I expected a few hiccups. My server was polite and did a good job, and the food was good....although...the burger tasted a wee bit different than I recall. I'm sure they'll get things ironed out. I found it amusing to be a seasoned veteran in a sea of rookies. The place was full...reminded me of the good ol' days in Pekin, after going out on a Saturday night, heading to the SnS for food.

Busy busy busy lately. My days have been up by 6am, work at 7 til 4:30, then off to a client in the evening, home by 9 or so...wind down...head to bed by 10-10:30. Lather rinse repeat.

Chicago Auto Show this weekend. I'm going with Holly's Dad and Brother-in-law. Should be really cool

I'm getting tired of the cold. It's not so much the cold really, but the wind. And the dryness...my hands are dry. My nose dries out while I sleep, and I wake up having breathed thru my mouth, and my throat is dry as well. Time to snag a humidifier.

Superbowl was fun to watch...even if it rained the entire game.

Daytona.....mmmmmm...racecars.

so.....

so while my Windows box is updating, I'll post from my Linux box :P

Things are going well lately. Work is going smoothly. I believe part of it is my adjustment in attitude that I may very well have a career that I have landed in, as well as the new store. Joe's been in a fair mood lately, so that helps.

I'm going to bed at a reasonable hour, so I can sleep at night and not drag my tail the next day. I've also stopped caffeinating after 8pm on most night, so I sleep better. It seems to be helping as I feel more rested when I wake up.

The hardest part of my day...is getting out of bed. Once I'm out of bed, I'm golden...it's throwing back the covers and setting my feet on the floor that seems to be difficult.

"Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life" Proverbs 22:4

how do you see yourself?

So, how do you see yourself?

I made this little picture at www.weemee.com, courtesy of a link from my friend Julie

How'd I do?

a cold caught me

Forgive me Blogger, it's been 19 days since my last post

it's Friday night, and I'm home sick. Head cold. I don't say "I caught a cold", I say "a cold caught me" because I don't go looking to catch colds.

The walgreens across the street has a layout in mind like a grocery store, meaning, you have to walk to the far back corner for cough medicine and vitamins.

Shockingly, I did NOT get carded when buying my Tylenol Cold Multi-sypmtom ("NEW!"), so it must not have any ingredients capable of producing meth.

I want my head to stop hurting. It feels like it's in a vice. The only time it hasn't lately is when I came home early from work and laid down. If I lay on my back, my headache ebbs and my sinuses open up a bit, but I can only lay down for so long without falling asleep. I have the Bucks game on my clock radio, but even that can't keep me from wanting to do SOMETHING..ANYTHING..but be sick.

the night air on the walk over to Walgreens felt nice, even though it's weird to have a January evening be 45 degrees. I wonder if the warmer temps have anything to do with my cold, perhaps some germs that didn't die off due to the weather not getting cold enough...

bleah

Forgive me Blogger, for it's been a long time since my last post.

I'm angry

I try not to post angry, since I'm working on being more tactful...I tend to shoot from the hip, so I'm going to do my best to hold my tongue...

In case you look at the time, I'm in church right now...I'm up in the sound booth.

I'm tired of feeling like I'm the only one who makes things work at church...no one else would fill the baptismal...so I did it....I'm doing all the sound for the children's program, which meant practices for the last couple Sunday mornings, and yesterday from 9-12ish, then I filled the baptismal for today...

Holly's worried about me, that I'm doing too much...I worry that if I don't do these things, who will? Is that pride...or is it desire to serve?

Forgive me Blogger, for I have sinned; it's been 17 days since my last post.

Patience is the lesson lately. Waiting for things to sort themselves out...work, relationships, waiting for the holiday weekend so I can drive home and see my family.

Work is going well actually...Joe and I had a discussion and things are much smoother now. This week has been slow, since so many electricians like to hunt. One more day...

the side business continues to draw interest...patience in not wanting too much, too soon

patience in waiting for the Steak n Shake to get built in Wauwatosa....so close, yet so far...

Patience with myself, in many areas

Forgive me Blogger, for I have sinned; it's been nine days since my last post

This week was an interesting one. I wasn't home before 8 any night this week. Work was up and down, but ended on an upswing Friday. Monday night was the second night of Upwards evals, and we have 260 kids signed up for basketball...I'm looking forward to coaching again

Tuesday I drove the truck for work...nothing exciting, just a bit of extra cash.

Wednesday I had a client. Turns out we're doing a solid upgrade to replace a motherboard. As soon as the parts are in, I'll go back to take care of business. Holly came over after her class so we could hang out a bit :)

Thursday...long day at work. Got done about 45 minutes after the usual time. Called my client for that night, who told me to take my time and get dinner, no need to rush. Got the computer taken care of, went home, and read a day in the book study we're doing in our young adult group at church.

Friday, work was light. On my way home, I check my phone and see that I have a message. Turns out, an old friend of mine is in the hospital; his sister called me to tell me. I head to Froedert to see Chad. Chad managed to end up in the hospital with a nasty foot infection. A couple of years ago, he was diagnosed with diabetes, and lost a toe then. Now, one of his feet had blistered up and gotten infected, due to walking alot for one of his jobs. The doctors were discussing how much of the foot to amputate. I sat with Chad for a bit, talked seriously about his condition, then lightened up and caught up with each other for a bit. Before they wheeled him off to surgery, I prayed with him. I went to sit with his folks and sister, then his dad and I went to get a bite to eat. After that, we all met up again, then I headed home.

Saturday, inventory at the Mothership in Brookfield. Company provided doughnuts, then off to count. I was partnered with Laura, who's pretty cool. Got a call from Chad's sister Carrie, informing me that the doctors had taken Chad's foot at the ankle, and would have a follow up surgery in a day or two to take some more of the lower leg. I've been thinking about Chad all day. Holly and I have tickets with her folks to Romeo and Juliet, and I think at some point my mind will be distracted enough. It pains me to feel helpless in times like this, when I have a friend going through such a trial. I know God is in control and puts us through nothing we cannot bear, but it's still hurts.

gamebreak

so, I called Detroit in 6 for the Series...

Holly noticed that I'm rooting for the Cardinals.

allow me to explain:

I am sticking by my original predicition of Detroit in 6. This pick was based on the different match ups between the clubs and the pitching rotations. Now, having said that, I would like to see the Cardinals win the whole thing.

thatisall

Forgive me Blogger, for I have sinned; it has been eleven days since my last post...

Once again, many thoughts, but how to expound on them?

Work is interesting...I'm still getting used to my manager/co-worker...he's obsessive and anal, but in a mostly laid back way...I think that makes sense. We chatted a bit today about how I was doing, and overall he's pleased with my work ethic and my ability.

I'm calling it now: Detroit in 6

The purge continues...Holly is a great motivator in spite of me

Got to hook up with an old friend last night...for a while I gave Matt a hand teching at his church...I happened to be in Racine last night, so I stopped by his place for a spell...helped him fix one of his machines and hot rodded his router :D

settling in...

My apartment is starting to feel like home...the network is up, food is in the cupboard, I have adornments on the walls (the sombrero lives on)...

I've managed to, with Holly's help, start going thru my old stuff and throwing out the trash. Soon we'll start sorting thru my old clothes and see what's worth keeping, Goodwilling and what will get voted off the island...

Work continues to be interesting. Today was my first day in the Falls, I think it will be alright...I suppose we'll find out.

To borrow from my friend Katee, I was excited to use my Pick n Save card while paying for my groceries tonight...I saved around 5 bucks....but man it felt nice!

well, I'm all moved in to my new place. Thanx to all who helped...it was greatly appreciated...

more to come later..too tired

that new apartment smell...

sitting in my new place, on the floor, thinking it would be good if I moved the rest of my stuff in. The computers were first, since I needed at least one to set up my cable connection...time to get back to work and move! :P

a new beginning

I take over my new place on October 1st officially. Tonight I called regarding power and other utilities (DSL) and was able to get connected with one call...very nice

I suppose I could post my address here...if anyone wants it :P

funny how things work out

maybe I'm now anxious, but I can't seem to fall asleep tonight...

spent much of yesterday doing nothing, aside from tinkering with my own computers. confirmed my apartment...made dinner for Holly and I, watched Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, then headed over to the Mosaic to catch some piano tunes with our friend Sarah. After that, Holly and I headed to the Twisted Fork to harass my roommate Rob, who manages there. While we were there, watching people on North and Farwell, I see a familiar face walking down the street. As I say to Holly "Hey...that's Jean", Jean points at me and says "CHAD!!"...exchange of phone numbers takes place with promises to call and get together...

That totally made my day and quite possibly my week. As Holly stated, I seem to have a knack for bumping into someone I know, and if I don't, I get to know somebody I bump into.

good things come...

to those who wait...

Monday night I meet with my future landlord to sign the lease on my new apartment.

84th and Greenfield for those who are curious...more details to come as they are available. Phone # stays the same as does my email.

yay :)

tonight I went to look at an apartment in West Allis...I've got a good feeling about it. It's a good price and it's a in a good location for work and everything else that I do. I'd like to have housing nailed down by the weekend, and I might just be able to pull that off...I feel somewhat relieved...

I remember where I was 5 years ago when I heard the news. I was standing in the crane bay at Perlick, working, cutting something on the bandsaw I ran. Rainer came over to me and mentioned that a place had hit of the towers of the World Trade Center. I nodded my acknowledgement and wondered how a place, like a Cessna, had hit the WTC? Rainer told me when the second plane hit...then it sank in...a jet...

I remember those minutes, hours, days and weeks after...I was bumped to second shift, so I stayed up late watching the news every night, not going to bed until 3 or 4 in the morning. I kept hoping that someone else would be found alive amongst the rubble and carnage, that one more person wouldn't die from the attack...

I remember when the US went into Afghanistan, to get Bin Laden. I was keen on the mission that the B-2's were flying out of Kansas City, loaded with bunker busters. I wanted to see Bin Laden face what he had done.

I remember the uncertainty of those days and weeks...not sure really what to do, what to say. I know I call my family more in those days, to talk, to share, to love...

I remember that at some point in the last 5 years, everything got political. We aren't people anymore, but party members, or a demographic.

I remember that on September 11, 2001, the very thing we watched on the news that always happened on "their" soil, happened here.

I remember...

upon further review...

I've noticed in previous posts, I've used the word "relaxed" a good number of times....please mentally replace that with "attempted to relax"...


that is all

Steve Irwin died over the weekend....how sad...at least he got to go doing what he loved.

wake up is now 5:30 am. I'm basically prepping myself for opening stores on the Outer Rim, like today. I opened the store in West Bend for the guy that manages that store while he took care of a matter at home. After he came in, I headed down to Brookfield to finish my day. I'm just going to force myself to get up no later than 6, but I'd like to be out the door by 6:15, a bit sooner, as was the case today. This means going to bed at a reasonable hour, unlike like what I did last night.

A good weekend. Partied with some friends on Saturday, watched the race Sunday night with friends, and went to the ballgame Monday with friends....I felt relaxed and rested actually, for the first time in a while. Maybe once I get a place squared up I'll relax a bit.

No plans tonight...just gonna listen to the ballgame, maybe do some reading if I can stay awake til I want to go to bed, maybe a movie...just trying to unwind.

Charlie's School of Marketing Blog

Charlie's School of Marketing Blog

For all those whiners out there.. this page is for you

For all those whiners out there.. this page is for you

I'm feeling a general level of stress lately. Part of it is work and all that goes with it. Part of it is money and still trying to figure out how to budget my money properly...you'd think at 30 I'd have this figured out. Part of it is trying to find a new place that isn't in the hood within the confines of previously mentioned budget.

Patience...

I feel adrift...and I know why...need to tune in

flux...

the only constant is change

the tiredness continues...I press on

I emailed regarding a place on the East side...great price and all utilities included...I'll know more soon

spent the weekend with John and Katie...just relaxing, eating and playing poker...a nice change of pace after work on Friday..

Friday...grrrr...I was NOT happy. All was fine until about 5 minutes til close...then it all went downhill...oh well...it happens...made getting out of town that much better..

wherever I may roam

Forgive me Blogger, for I have sinned. It's been 8 days since my last post...

on the road for work the last week and a half...it's not too bad, so long as I don't mix up which store I'm at...remembering where each store keeps it's stock is the tricky part for me. Otherwise, I'm up daily at 6am to be at a satellite store by 7 and I'm done at 4:30...not bad...get's a little crazy at some of those stores.

Shakespeare is SOOOOO much better seen live than read. Got to see Julius Caesar on Saturday night with Holly and her folks at American Players Theatre in Spring...outdoors....very cool

Cirque de Soleil is pretty amazing...Sunday in Chicago...wow wow wow. It's like the circus if Brandon Brown did it...really wild and a bit out there :P

softball season is done...we won our final game to finish on a high note.

I find myself waiting...learning patience and waiting. Not trying to be too anxious about whatever happens next, but just living in the now and appreciating what I have in this moment, while looking ahead and seeing what may be on the horizon for me.

a rolling stone gathers no moss...

the apartment search has officially begun...I made a couple of calls tonight on places....92nd and Lisbon is already rented out, so no go on that one, but I found a studio in West Allis not too far from Holly's house that's affordable, as well as another studio not far from where I'm living now....I'll have a chance to look at the 'Stallis place maybe later this week...

on the road this week for work....Waukesha to Brookfield to Grafton yesterday, with today and the rest of the week in Oak Creek...

In flux on things right now...housing, movement on some things at church...missing my youth..haha...funny to hear myself say that...

if you don't mind, I'd like to ask for prayer; I've felt tired quite a bit lately, to the point of being weary. Even with a good night's sleep, I still wake up tired...thanx

to everything, there is a season

work is kicking into full swing for my "official" position...I've been in Oak Creek the last three days and I'll be in Waukesha tuesday, then Thursday and Friday in Waukesha...helping out more than covering, but on the road nonetheless...

I stopped by my old job tonight...said hi to most folks and chatted for a bit...I miss those guys...they asked when I was coming back..I just laughed...

Eric got the job in Minneapolis....I will continue to make plans to move by October 1st...where to...that's a good question...I guess I've ruled out the East side of town, as it's too far to commute for everything in my life...West Allis looks good...

The next six weeks should be very interesting...to say the least ;)


There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

moving?

I may be moving soon...Eric has a good shot at a job in Minneapolis, and Rob may very well follow him there...I don't think I can swing the rent on our current place by myself, so I've been looking at apartments online this evening.

I'm thinking studio...maybe East side, maybe not...less then $500...parking for sure...

we'll see where this ends up

so what is it you DO anyway?

spent half of my work day in Menomonee Falls, opening the store we have there. Interesting to say the least.

So what do I do? I work for an electrical parts house. Hein is the last of the independents in Milwaukee. Everyone else has been bought and become part of a larger entity.

Here's what my job entails:
I work at the counter. An electrician comes in, and tells me what he needs for the job he's working on. I fetch the parts, write up the order, get a signature from the electrician and he's on his way. In between waiting on electricians, the other folks on the counter and I put stock away on our side of the warehouse. We also pick orders that the inside sales team writes up.

I generally enjoy what I'm doing now...it's just been a LOT to learn...basically everything about electrical distribution in homes and business, as well as data comm. Some days are frustrating because I don't know what the electrician is asking for, or I grab the wrong item for a contractor who's short on time and needs to get back to the jobsite.

Another part of my job that will increase as my knowledge increases: I'm the swingman. I cover other stores when someone needs a day off. I work primarily at the Mothership in Brookfield, but I've also worked at our stores in the Falls, Oak Creek, Downtown Milwaukee and Grafton. I've been to every store except West Bend at this point, as I do the nightly truck run on Friday nights. I do the south stock run to Pewaukee, Waukesha, Oak Creek and Oconomowoc. Basically, the stores order from Brookfield, we build the skids of stock and someone drives the North run and someone else drives the South run. I'll be learning the North run this week as well, just so I can be a backup in case of vacations, illness, whatever...

a chance to relax....?

many thoughts, little energy to type...here we go

4:12...let's not give up yet guys and gals...

Israel/Lebanon...enough already

Bush/media...again...enough already...let the man run the country for crying out loud...

Boobs...yeah..I said it...when did such young girls develop so early? and why are they wearing clothes that reveal so much?

Milwaukee Brewers...I'd settle for more consistency fellas..please

work...learning more everyday

Bible...oh how I missed thee

Sunday mornings....I've missed some..and I'm going to miss some more...and I don't want to

iBook....love it love it love it

end of brain dump

patriotism

the thought on my mind all day today was not one of just being an American, but being a patriot. The difference? To me, a patriot stands up for the ideals of a movement, not just the movement itself. America was founded on the belief of certain inalienable rights, handed down from the Creator, to be extended to all mankind. It seems to me that lately other's rights don't matter nearly as much as "my" rights. People are quick to anger when they feel their "rights" have been stepped on, even in a minor insignificant way. Lawsuits prevail as a means of settling disputes, and no one talks out grievances anymore, except thru lawyers.

I found myself in awe last night as I was walking to join my friends at the fireworks. I live in a country that allows me the freedom to travel at will, because I have a freely given privilege to drive; to assemble en masse and not fear retribution; to question the very government that protects me; to speak my mind and read what I want. Where else in the world can I do this? Really..where? I fear the old ways of Communist Russia are returning; you can't be a Nazi in Germany; there's genocide everywhere: Bosnia, Serbia, all over Africa; Dictators oppress those who speak against them; to be a Christian in many areas of the world will get you killed...and yet here's we complain when someone tell us that Christ wasn't who he said he was, or that there is no God.

I find myself captivated by those around me who don't realize how blessed we have been...God bless America? He has...time and time again,and yet we've tried to, or allowed, Him to be pushed aside...why have I not been a patriot for the Kingdom of Heaven? Why have I not stood up for the very One who stands up for me and goes before me daily? Partly fear, partly indifference...afraid to be bold and look "foolish", not caring enough about others to reach out to them...

Friends, do not forget the One who does not forget us.

meat grinder

yesterday felt like I had been thru a meat grinder at work....left work super tired and more than a little frustrated....just one of those days I guess.

A few folks have emailed me or left me a note here asking how my transition to days has gone and how I feel about being back on days after being 2nd shift for so long. Overall, the transition has gone well, although I feel as though I never have enough time, only now it's because I'm scheduling more, instead of working at night. Meetings at church, softball, social obligations...things like that...It's just learing to re-adjust to my new schedule....so far it's been just under a month, and I'm confident my schedule will settle down soon...I hope so.....

The toughest part for me has been going to bed at a reasonable hour...my body still wants to go to bed after midnight, although I'm trying to go to bed sooner...ok..not really, but I want to.


Rob Bell in Chicago next Friday.....cool :)

what a weekend...

as soon as I got done with work on Friday, I was in the truck and headed for Illinois to my grandparents' house in Galesburg. Hit a spot of traffic just outside of Milwaukee, but other than that, smooth sailing. Managed to pick up the Brewer's game quite a ways down the road til the signal finally gave out.

Arrived at the grandparents' shortly after 9pm, got Saturday morning straightened out, hung out with my cousins from Texas then crashed after midnight. My job over the weekend was to drive my grandparents around for a family reunion, so I wanted to be rested for the drive.

Woke up, showered, light breakfast and off we were. Spent the day at Siloam Springs State Park catching up with family, chasing my sister's kids, or should I say, was chased by my sister's kids, eating, and making sure grandma and grandpa were as comfortable as can be despite the heat.

After phase one of the reunion was over, the grandfolks and I drove into Quincy to stay for the night. We had reservations at a nice little motel that is pretty unassuming from the outside. My cousin Barrett looked at me as I was bringing my bag into the motel and said "there's no internet jacks on the walls, I think we're screwed." I fired up my trusty ibook and sure enough, there was motel supplied wireless :) We were good to go after being assured we could get our internet fix.

Had dinner with some family from Michigan and back to motel to get the grandfolks to bed...Barrett and I made a Walmart run since we weren't content to sit at the motel all night....then off to bed after watching some ESPN and catching up on the World Cup.

right now it's breakfast....mostly the same crowd from dinner last night...the grandfolks and I will be heading back to their place after breakfast. I'll make a stop at my mom's and her folks as well before heading back to Milwaukee....I'm glad I'm working days now, otherwise I'd be so tired from changing my schedule....

a night to unwind

tonight I decided to stay in and not go anywhere....the last couple weeks have been full enough already, and so I said screw it and stayed home.  Laundry and chores were accomplished and bed will be soon enough....amazing how average my life feels now :P

so....

I've been a little busy lately....learning alot at the new job, evenings filled with softball, church meetings and various other things.

Friday, get done with work, come home, clean up a bit, pick up Ben and head to Mayfair to get tickets to see Cars...ate dinner, raided the Apple store, muddled around Mayfair, met up with Holly and saw the movie...loved it!! go see it....as a Nascar fan, I enjoyed all the little touches, but you don't have to be a racing fan to enjoy it :)

Yesterday was rather full....softball tournament in the morning that lasted 5(!) games. got some sore muscles and some sunburn, but overall it was a good chance to play ball.

in the evening was a surprise birthday party for a friend, with many folks attendance, including my friend Julie from Des Moines...hadn't seen Julie since Brandon and Emily's wedding 3 years ago, but we've kept in touch...so good to see her :)

I woke up today very sore and my sunburn itched like mad....so I stayed home from church...didn't want to...but I honestly didn't know how I would sit thru service. my legs are very sore from running and playing catcher yesterday...I've aloe'd up my sunburn to help ease the sting...I'm just waiting for the race to come on today, so to kill time I'm watching Mexico vs. Iran in the World Cup.

a new beginning

so today was the first day of the new job....things went pretty well I'd say. Lots of walking around the warehouse picking orders, learning the system. I didn't have as rough a time getting out of bed this morning as I thought I might, and I'll probably head to bed at 11 tonight to be up at 6:30. Next week I'll be up at the counter working directly with the customers, but for the rest of this week, I'm picking orders back in the warehouse.


I spent this evening just vegging out...listened to the Brewers game (ugh) and looked for some new podcasts to download....it's weird being home at this hour and not having to call into work....haha...oh well

one....more.....day

today is my last day at Industrial Wire....I know that grilling out is the plan for tonight, since there's a holiday this weekend, and after work, some of the guys are joining me at BW3s for a drink as a farewell. As much as I've complained about things at IEWC, I'm still going to miss certain things. Mostly the guys I work with and the friendships I've built with each one of them.

Tuesday starts anew...I think the toughest part will be the schedule adjustment, but I've got the weekend to help with that....I guess we'll see....

second guessing

Holly and I watched Serendipity on Sunday night. Cute movie, but it drove me nuts. Not because it's a "chick flick", but because the two protagonists were always so close to finding each other, and yet, so far away. Throughout the movie, after their chance meeting, fate seems to be pointing them back to each other, in spite of the fact that both of them are in committed relationships.

Why do I bring this up. After the movie, Holly and I ran to the grocery store to get something to fix for dinner. I shared with Holly what bothered me the most about that movie: the second guessing of one's decisions. I tend to second guess myself alot...I come across as confident sure of myself, but internally I wonder about my choices...I'll share with you the example I gave Holly.

Since most of the folks who read this are close friends, I can spare some history. When I was dating Sherri, I felt amazing. I was in love with a beautiful woman who loved God and who loved me. We prayed together, studied God's Word together..it was fantastic. So what happened? After all, I wanted to marry her...at some point, after about a year, we both realized our lives were headed in seperate directions: she to the mission field, and I...I didn't want to leave Milwaukee because I felt like I was called to work here. I started to withdraw from Sherri, and we talked about what was ahead for us and agreed to break off the serious part of our relationship and just be friends...easier said than done, but we managed. After we broke up, I spent the next several months (yes, months) wondering what in the hell I had done...had I just blown my best shot at marriage? Was I doomed to be single forever? Keep in mind I was only 26 at the time...I thought the world was going to end. Have I ever mentioned that I struggle with jealousy? When Sherri came to and Easter service at church with someone else I was so filled with jealousy. I had a hard time being in the same room when both of them were together. When Brian and Sherri's engagement was announced at church, I just put my head down and clapped politely. the two friends on my right caught my eye and smile weakly...Tori came up to me after the service and offered her sympathy. I didn't go to the wedding...Sherri asked, thru a mutual friend, if I wanted an invite, and I politely declined. Brian and Sherri had a few more months of training in Waukesha before heading to Oregon for a year. Can I admit that I was relieved that they were going to the mission field? That I wouldn't have to see them on a regular basis, as if to remind me of what I had NOT chosen...

Holly listened to me as we drove down to the Sentry in Tosa village and as we walked thru the store getting our items. At some point, in the bread aisle, I took her by the arm, looked into her eyes and said "I made the right decision with you" She smiled.

pushing on...even when I don't want to

this week has been long...10 hour days at work and not much time otherwise...I've been getting to bed later and later...last night was just after 6am...tonight will be more of the same I'm sure.

Why? I'm at church, it's 4:30am and I just finished pulling the network cable to tie the Mac into the network for Ben. (BTW Ben, you really ought to log out when you leave for the night...mmmmkay? PWND!!)

Why am I pullling network cable this late? I got done working at 2 and I had promised Ben that I would tie him in a couple days ago. Tonight I pushed thru, even though I had to take an unconventional route, do some drilling and eventually, I'll need to affix the cable to something more permanent...

Work has been tough too...the 10 hour days wear me out. I've agreed to stay on and finish out my two weeks and not take the second week as vacation to help out my boss and the guys I'm leaving behind...Holly thinks I'm crazy, but admires my loyalty. My boss wasn't surprised when I offered to stick it out and has thanked me a couple times already. Last night at work I had to fight off the desire to just pack it in and screw off for several hours...we're actually getting ahead for a change.

I'm going to go home now...and sleep I think....I'm hungry.,.....maybe a sandwich before bed....

transitions

this week at work we're pulling 10 hour days in an attempt to dig ourselves out of the hole sales keeps putting us in. I don't mind so much, except that it has really wiped me out in just two days...I was home by 2:30 this morning, walked the dog, and started working on a co-worker's computer....the caffeine finally wore off at 5 and I crashed...got out of bed about 2, grabbed a sandwich and I'm now mentally gearing myself up for tonight. I think the hardest part about 2nd shift for me has been the lack of social interaction with my friends. I see the guys at work, and I've gotten close to a few of them, but they aren't my friends I've had...follow me? I've got goofy hours that result in email tag with alot of my friends, and the occasional phone call during the week, and trying to see people on the weekends...

That all changes soon...I'm hoping to have some time, like a couple days, to adjust back to waking up in the morning, but nothing is too certain at this point.

follow up

ok, so if you've checked my blog since Friday, you will have noticed my short, cryptic post about being a daywalker....let me explain...no, that would take too long...let me sum up:

I start at Hein Electric Supply in two weeks. I'm going to start in the warehouse learning the shipping and receiving end, then I'll move to stocking and pulling and at some point, up to the front counter. I'm salaried, but not losing anything in the move financially, so I have nowhere to go but up. I made the move for two main reasons: 1. First Shift. I wanted my life back, to be able to make my meetings at church and not have to take vacation days to do it, to be able to play softball and soccer again, to see my friends on a regular basis, and most importantly, to see Holly more.

Thanx to everyone who dealt with my schedule this last year and a half...

C

preview of coming attractions

I will walk amongst the living as a daywalker again!!

opportunity..knocks?

so for the last few days I've been wrestling with a potential change in vocation. I have a friend who has contacts looking for an intelligent, well heeled person to fill a position at their various companies...my name was mentioned to both. Interviewed with one on Tuesday (since this IS wednesday morning) and was given a pretty good idea of what I'd be doing if hired...basically, helping build the most expensive condo on Milwaukee's lakefront. Sounds demanding...I'm still chewing on the thought. The other job I interview for in about 8 hours...

why do I bring these up...I was thinking about it at work tonight, and I'm not sure either one presents an opportunity I want to take, or as Holly has asked me, "would I be happy doing X?" I realize that while I don't enjoy what I do currently, I also don't want to bail out for the promise of greener pastures, only to find cow patties waiting for me...

I am a sheep

yeah, so I went and did it...now I'm just like all the cool kids...I have a mypace account...so far the coolest part of it is having friends I haven't heard from in forever write me, so that's good..we'll see what else comes of it I guess...

anticipation?

I feel as though I'm waiting for something, though I'm not sure what it is.

I know that I'm going to receive a reprimand from my boss due to my attendance so far this year. I've been sick more than I care to remember, but it's only been a day each time....the problem is, it's been more than a few times since the first of the year.

I feel like there's something else that I'm anticipating....what I don't know...and that's what's bugging me I guess...

I've got some irons in the fire, so to speak, so we'll see how those turn out...I've decided to be more of the person who would rather move and be stopped than stand still and not be moved