Middle America's Worldview

Been quite awhile before I blogged. Been busy on a new SQL class, completed my Perl class (passed).

We are also busy with the kids sports. Daughters in Basketball and son with Soccer, busy busy.

I also been spending some time creating a new website for my platform. This will help me have a one stop launch to the other sites/apps, I use. I was on 3 games for facebook but cut back to only one. Amazing how much time is wasted on those games.

With the introduction (to me) of Facebook and Twitter, I haven't been blogging for quite some time. I must admit, having a known viewership allows me to post more mundane things day to day. Additionally, I don't feel I have to have a minimum of 3 paragraphs to write, in order to make it my while, unlike blogging.

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The other day, I had a scary thought. After reviewing the 1950's in comparison to the 60's, you can really see the moral decline of America. It was a radical influx of ideas along with sexual promiscuity and drugs. I suspect these would-be world changers believed it was all for the better of America society. Many of them, moved onto positions in our society, having the impact in cultural change.

I am looking now at the diversity of our electronic and drug war, thinking I have now become the free thinker.

Taking a look at the software industry, you have two cultures battling it out. There's the open source community and the proprietary buisineses. Each claiming their ideaology of software is better.

Taking a look at the drug community, you have the holistic/natural community that is opposed by big pharmaceutical drug companies with patents.

Viewing each climate, whether it's software or drugs, there are two distinct sides. Interesting enough, both have many similiarities. One side wishes to contain and build wealth on restrictions. The other side, wishes to have a more open/availibility type of community.

I am finding myself directed to the open side. Free-thinker.

Ever notice when you start that sought after movie, or think you acquire that time to do something special and behold something comes up. Distractions.

You plan an event, perhaps down to a T. Boom, something comes up. Distractions.

You try to read or watch that tv show that's been in the DVR for a week already. Someone calls to discuss frivoulous things. Distractions.

My dad always tells me, "Best laid plans of mice and men". I am sure he heard it somewhere as well. But it's true. No matter how much planning or thinking something might occur, Murphy's Law tends to intervene.

This holds true of the important things of life, as well as the small stuff.

Telling your wife you will do something, but things seems to intervene. This causes frustration on her part, and friction between the two. Distractions.

If a soldier is given a task to complete, will he be distracted on the battlefield? I guess it depends on the soldier and his/her dedication.

I think on these things randomly. I, personally, get distracted easy. Call it a short attention span. However, perhaps I can kill some of these distractions by restricting my viewing/activities.

As you 3-5 viewers might have guessed now, my job has me in front of a PC all day. I guess you can call it a desk job. If I am not in a conference call, viewing a webex, or simply working on projects, I monitor interfaces. Many times, all at the same time. Irregardless, I am in front of my PC all day long.

Last Christmas,I was given a pedometer. Out of curiosity, I wondered how many steps I really took each day.

Before I show my number of steps, check this out.

How many steps per day are enough? Dr. Catrine Tudor-Locke has been studying pedometer walking and released a new opinion in the January, 2004 issue of "Sports Medicine."

10,000 Steps a Magic Number?

A goal of 10,000 steps per day has become common, based on promotion in Japan by pedometer companies and its adoption by walking clubs. But there was no body of research to back up that number. Numbers as low as 6000 steps a day were shown to be correlated with a lower death rate in men in the Harvard Study.

Many people view 10,000 steps a day as too few for children, yet not achievable by many who are aged, sedentary, or who have chronic diseases. Some suggest instead of using a blanket 10,000 steps per day that instead the goal be based on the individual's baseline plus an increment of steps. For example, a woman who wears a pedometer in her ordinary activities notes that she logs 4000 steps per day. Her goal should be to add the equivalent of a half hour of walking to her day, for example 2000-3000 more steps per day.

They say average number of steps is 3000 per day.

So here are my steps. I noticed the higher ones are those days, I had extra activities (errands) in the evenings. I didn't "try" to walk any more. I just did my normal routine.

Mon- 3391
Tue- 2360
Wed- 2124
Thur- 773
Fri- 147
Sat- 5351
Sun- 6540

Total all week, 20686.

So, if I took the 10,000 rule, only 2 days of walking done in a full week.
Wow.

My wife informed me, I am posting too much boring political stuff. So here is a bit of an personal update.

Our Sunday School class took on the 'Love Dare' challenge between spouses. I totally loved the move FIREPROOF and thought this was actually a good idea.

I knew it would be difficult, but after day 5 it's a bit harder than I even knew it would be. The Love Dare puts a light (sometimes an uncomfortable one) on your own flaws. As I read this daily, aspects really stand out and personally hits me.

Here are some random snippets that stood out to me.

Day 1 "Love is built on two pillars that best define what it is. Those pillars are patience and kindness."

Day 2 "A kind husband ends thousands of potential arguments by his willingness to listen first rather than demand his way."

Day 3 "Why do we have such low standards for ourselves but high expectations for our mate? The answer is a painful pill to swallow. We are selfish."

Day 4 "Men for example, tend to think in headlines adn say exactly what they mean. Not much is needed to understand the message. His words are more literal and shouldn't be over analyzed. But women think and speak between the lines. They tend to hint. A man often has to listen for what is implied if he wants to get the full meaning."

Day 5 "There are two main reasons why people are rude: ignorance and selfishness.

So I am up to day 5 today and have already learned alot. Even though I have only begun reading this, I do recommened it to all couples, especially those married.

You can check out Fire Proof my Marriage for additional information.

There is also a free online 40 day Love Dare for those wishing to take the dare!

I watched a funny video over the weekend called "An American Carol". I normally don't like slapstick, but there were some funny parts in this video.

Netflix users can link it here.

David Zucker directs a star-studded cast in this comedy about Michael Malone, a sarcastic, unpatriotic documentary filmmaker who wants to abolish the Fourth of July holiday -- at least until he is visited by three ghosts who want him to reconsider. But can the spirits of America's past, present and future spark a genuine change of heart? Kelsey Grammer, Jon Voight, Dennis Hopper and Kevin P. Farley star in this modern-day, Dickens-inspired fable.

The film is definitely politically incorrect. I was surprised to see how many stars are actually in this film. My favorite scene is where Bill Orielly (played by Bill Orielly), was interviewing Michael Malone and Rosie O'connel.

I was pondering the game risk, then a thought on applying the strategies with life.

It would be interesting to do a pet project by applying the same skills to a possible corporation takedown.

I was listening to a CD referring Christian Financial Practices and my mind wandered on applying Risk.

The project would be simple enough. Take a company or cooperation. You would have to first identify the key players (CIO, Board, ect.). Map out the primary base and divisions, creating a heirarchy. Then you would find their main funds, expenses, ect.

Once you identify the landscape, you would then strategize the means of cutting off the funds, creating chaos, ect.

The question would be which company or cooperation would be a good target?

One of our friends had sent our son the game Risk. I haven't played it in years and was curious how the kids would take it. Surprisingly, our son hung in 2 hours on our first game. This in itself was a surprise. Our daughter was hooked. I played 2 games with her alone already.




The Risk game itself is a fascinating game. I am not sure if we are playing the easy version or not, the rules seem to be self-explaning and easy to move through.

I can see us playing this more as time allows. We noticed a game takes around 2 hours to play.

We found ourselves safely in Texas. It was a long drive, started at 6:30 a.m. and arrived around 7 p.m.

We were also lucky enough to hit Austin traffice around 5 p.m., Yeah.

Much has happened, since my last personal post.

We are about to head over to Texas. We had set this time up nearly 3 months ago, but as it is, a ice wave happen to hit our area this same time. So, it will be slow going. We are re-routing our normal path. This new route will add 2 hours on our travel. Sigh.

It's hard to believe next week is Christmas. Somehow, it just doesn't feel like Christmas, yet.

Say what you want on certain Chiropractors but I have one that actually does the job.

For the last 2 months, my right foot/heel was killing me. It was worst in the mornings out of bed, or if I happen to sit a certain way. I finally made it to the Chiro yesterday (I don't go unless I really have too).

The diagnosis? Plantar fasciitis.

He also mentioned it's really painful, especially in the mornings. Duh.

He popped me here and there and then put a red laser treatment on it.

This morning is the first morning it actually didn't hurt when I walked on it. I go back next Monday for another treatment.

I can't believe it. I am still feeling that measly mile from Sunday. Walking around the house my leg muscles (shins) are still tight and I literally feel them. Crud, how will I make the 5K next year, if one mile kicks my A$$ now.

Talk about a wild ride. I was late getting home Friday evening. The plane was late getting into Memphis, TN due to fog, then weight. But I finally made it home from a week at Corporate.

Once home, we drove to Tulsa on Saturday. Spending the night, we did the Route 66 marathon. Rather, I watched the Marathon runners. My wife ran the 1/4 (7.2 miles) marathon and it was really cool! I managed to make the kids marathon 1.3 mile, barely. The kicker is my wife after her 1/4 marathon, also ran it with the kids.

The plan was to have her keep up with the little ones, while I run with the older ones. Sounds good. When the shotgun blasted, the kids bolted and left me. I thought "Oh crap". I barely caught up with them. Let's just say, I need to start running/walking.

The kids and wife gained a medal! I am so proud of them.

My week in PA is nearly over already. I have only today and then travel home tomorrow.
While up here, it's normally the same. Work, grab something to eat, hotel.

I was able to gleam some additional information on what is occurring as well as the feelings of the employees. I have grabbed a surprise for the kids and my wife (wink).
So, I am in good shape.

First day down, 3 to go up here in PA. Not much to say on a personal level. I wasn't able to get on the company's network till 11 a.m est regardless that I want to work around 7 a.m.

On the bright side, for resolution, they pulled my hard drive and placed it in another PC that had triple ram. Sweet. I love upgrades.

I couldn't sleep last night, so was able to watch Sarah Conner Chronicles, Heroes (I mean Villians), and a show called My own worst enemy. I may have to watch more of these, because it was rather interesting.

The week went quick. An emergency School Board meeting was called for Thursday night. However, I was unable to make that one. I make an effort to be early on everyone, but I had a sheduling conflict on this one. I was maintaining the presentation sounds/powerpoints, ect. for the Fall Co-op.

That night went well. I was really surprised to hear the positive feedback from the kids in my classes. It was a bit hard to draw them out, to inquire. However, they started to warm up in the end.

For Thursday classes, I purposely made them light and easy, bringing soda and cookies. It was really a pleasure to do the classes. I would definitely do it again, if the offer was made availible.

We went and watched the best movie I have seen in years. I laughed out load as well as grew some wet eyes. My wife and I watched Fireproof last night. We bought the tickets online in advance and was glad we did. It looked to have been sold out again.
I cannot say enough how much I really really am glad to see this.

Those who have seen it, check out Fireproof my Marriage.

The wife is at work, while I pack up and we are heading to Texas for a week.

I had a great time over the weekend camping. I especially enjoy the peace and quite, being unplugged from the computer. Personally, I could really get into it. Cooking steaks over a campfire, pulling wood in, ect. Sigh. But as much as I like it, I have to return to the 20th century (or is it the 21st now?).

Shall I really provide yet another hectic week of todo's?

Not counting my real job during the day;
Monday - Cubscout meeting
Tuesday - My girls birthday party with my mom and her cousins.
Wednesday - My girls birthday party with wifes mom and dad (my dad my show up).
Thursday - 1/2 day at work, but last day of Co-op. That night Co-op Presentation.
Friday - A real night of with my wife! We re-plan to go see Fireproof.
Saturday - Wife works her 3rd (or 4th job), leave for Texas for a week.


If that isn't enough to make myself grey, I have a ton of crap to get done for the above and before we leave for Texas. Sigh.

I had a great weekend. The fact of no on-call for work is a given. Friday night my son and I went to a Dad's/Lad's retreat. We camped out under the stars in a tent, with a little over 20 other dads and lads. Very nice. He was able to get muddy from waist down and we spent some quality time alone. This was our 2nd time to go to one of these. The first time, he fell out around 9 p.m. just when the campfire stories was going. This time, I had to pull him into the tent after 11 p.m. Such a drastic change since we been on that Gluten Free diet.

We arrived at the campsite around 6 p.m. and setup camp. Some were there, but many trickled in afterward. After the kids played, ect. we ate hotdogs, chili, ect. 3 dads had a hotdog stick each that had 5 prongs. They were knocking out 15 dogs at a time.

As the night fell, everyone sat around the campfire while singing commenced. Then out of no-where a Kapow! Someone came running toward the camp, turned and another Kapow!

One of the dads is a Civil War buff (and history teacher). He had a full confederate soldiers outfit with a replicate Muzzle used in the army. He portrayed a solider in the Civil War telling the kids of the battle he is in. (Speaking of the actual battles occurring in our area during the Civil War). Afterwards, he answered any and all questions regarding the war. The kids loved it.

The next day, we moved up to another area and had the kids play games, they use to play long ago (before electricity). Kick the bucket, capture the flag, and king of the bucket was among them.

All in all, a great time. It made me really want more of this type of time with the family.

Never freaking ends. I am in a somewhat bum mood this morning. Seems the weekends just fly away and we are staring at yet another week of work.eat,sleep, and running.

Sigh.

The endless cycle.

On a high note, I was able to attend the "Worldview Weekend" over the weekend. It was held locally Saturday night. There were 3 keynote speakers and each were awesome! I went in with a $50 dollar limit and purchased the $49.95 box special. Hundred dollars more and you could have every book, dvd, offered. But, I didnt really want to push that much anyway. The seminar was free to attend and it looked to have a full house that showed up. I didn't hear the head count, but the speakers mentioned more than once they were surprised how many showed.

The 3.5 hours went rather quickly. The archeologist showed rare video of findings at the real Mt. Sinai. Artifacts showing a mennorrah dating 5-6 hundred years before Christ, minimum. It looks to be the earliest known writings of the Jewish people. Very cool.

To check out Worldview Weekend, check out the site.

We had another special board meeting last night. We all hope this is the last one till our next regular board meeting.

This last weekend went too fast. I had to be up early Sunday morning for work. They were upgrading their servers again. This time effecting 4 facilities. After about 2 hours, they retracted and called it off due to complications.

So with the work Sunday, School Board Monday night, my work/eat/little sleep run continues.

I have at least 3 conference calls scheduled today, already.