Prop 8 Rally and Protest

J attended the Prop 8 Rally and Protest yesterday. There were about 6,000 in attendance so it was quite an impressive turnout.

I probably should have attended myself but having just returned from the week long Philadelphia trip, I was too tired and needed a day of rest.

I still don't see how anyone thinks recognizing same sex marriages reduces or diminishes the significance of a male/female marriage! Don't even get me started that 'marriages' as a religious institution have no place being decided in politics. See my March 16 2008 post for my stance on that position.

Obama as President

It appears to be over.  Current results indicate Obama as the 44th President of the United States with 284 Electoral Votes, McCain at 146.

The popular vote isn't done and neither is the electoral vote, but enough polls have closed to imply success.

Congratulations to the whole country!

Election results (cont'd)

It's looking promising...Obama at 200 and McCain just took Texas to get him to 124.

I would agree that this year, this election, I didn't feel like I was having to settle for the lessor of the two evils! I truly believe that both are competent and have the right idea about change and getting the country back on track. 

I just believe stronger that Obama has the better policy, programs, and vision for success. Let's see if this holds true through the rest of the night and the pending results.

Election results

We're watching the election results. Pennsylvania has gone to Obama so that's certainly a good start. Let's hope the pendulum keeps swinging in that direction!

I have a feeling it's going to be a long night, and an even longer week for the Washington gubernatorial results.Even after the polls close they're anticipating the count of the absentee ballots to take about 4 days. Apparently they count approximately 100,000 (or was it 190,000) ballots in a day.

Either way, I'm glad that there is such a large turn out for all the elections.

Fall is upon us...

Only 30+11 and yet some days I feel like I'm falling apart. 

Just this morning, I think I strained my neck just drying my hair. Sure, I have a pre-existing neck issue, but come on now!  Drying my hair! Really?!

For Halloween we watched Alien & Aliens. My fav is still Aliens. There's just something about a butt kicking Sigourney Weaver that seems to make everything better.

Hung the Christina's World (Andrew Wyeth) print today. J got it back from the frame gallery, and it looks really nice. 

A brief update...

The campaign is running full steam ahead. As is John McCain’s age. How anyone can ignore the fact that Gov. Sarah Palin is no ready to be the President of the United States. I’m in it to the end with Obama. His tax plan is better for those of us that live in reality (ie…under $250k/year).

J had his birthday this month. 36! When we met he was 23 (I was 29).

I know I’ve not talked much about work, it just seems inappropriate (to me anyway). Anyway if you’ve seen the news in the last month, you know that the largest thrift in the US was taken over by the FDIC and sold to another company at the end of Sept.

It’s been a very stressful time. Trying to get info out of the new company about how they plan to integrate the companies, and how they are (or aren’t) going to take care of the employee population.

So far, I think they are making a concerted (and expensive) effort at doing the right thing. They will be covering key programs, that for all intent and purposes, they have no obligation to provide. They will be protecting things like vacation hours balances, 401(k) matches, pension balances, etc.

We watched “Across the Universe” last night. It was better than I anticipated. There are covers of many of the Beattle’s classics, that I think I enjoyed more in this format than I did the originals, as crazy as that sounds.

Other than work, I really haven’t had the left over brain power for anything else. Least of which would be the gym. I afraid to stand on a scale. Each time I try this I seem to find a new high point, and I never seem to be able to get back down to any kind of acceptable low point.

dirty rotten scoundrels

I just found out that my best friends have been robbed!  I can't believe it.  The nicest people I know, who'd do anything for friends and family (and have on numerous occasions) and this is how the cosmic world of karma comes back around.  That some sick sense of humor!

I've never had the unfortunate experience but I can only imagine how vulnerable and weak that must make one feel.  Ones home is ones security, refuge, place of solace and comfort.  To have that violated by someone would be unthinkable.  

Luckily no one was home, no one was hurt, and the dog and the cats weren't harmed.  

absence makes the heart grow forgetful....

I can't believe it's been a month since my last entry.  My apologies to all 8 of my viewers!  :)

Not much has been happening since the Grand Coulee trip.  I am in the process of composing an entry regarding last weeks business trip to Huntington Beach so there is that to look forward to.

In the financial news, I'm still pretty blown away by the events of that last two weeks:

• US Treasury taking over Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac
• Lehmann Bros. filing Ch. 11.
• Merrill Lynch getting acquired by BofA
• AIG in serious trouble and looking for relief

Our co's stock has been fairing no better.  Closed at $2 on 9/15.  Sept of last year it was in the mid-40's.

My 401(k) has taken a beating.  Regardless of the couple thousand I've put in (and the employer match) my overall balance is only about 1,500 more than it was as of 12/31/07.  Boy I hope Social Security holds on for me to use, because I'm certainly not going to make it on my little 401(k), as it gets smaller every day.  I think I'm going to lower my withholding election to 5%.  Just enough to keep my full employer match and still get some tax break, but anything more than that amount at this point and it seems to be useless.  Granted I probably won't put it in savings, but even if I spend it, I'll at least feel like I'm getting something for my money versus seeing the continual losses of my 401(k).

I did have the day off today.  That would have been nice, had I been productive.  I managed to get out of the house for my daily coffee.  Washed the truck.  Watched some West Wing (yeah, it's still my favorite tv show).  Then took a two hour nap.  My allergies have been weird this week and the sinus headache was bad enough to where I just needed to try and sleep it off.  But it's back to work tomorrow, even if only for a three day workweek.  I'm taking this coming Friday off.

Grand Coulee Dam

I've been wanting to check out Grand Coulee Dam for quite some time now.  We finally did.  We left Saturday morning, stopped in Ellensburg and had lunch (we ate breakfast foods, but it was noon, so technically it was lunch) at the cute Little Yellow Church Cafe.  Yes, it was a church, it has also been a residence (which is what I would do with it if I could), and an architects firm.  The food was good, and the service friendly.  Definitely worth checking out if you're going by, near, or through Ellensburg.

On to Coulee.  Google maps said the trip would be about 4 1/2 hours.  Not counting our stop for lunch, we made the trip in 4 hours.  It seemed long, but would be very short compared to the drive home, but more about that later.

First a few facts about Grand Coulee Dam...

- 6,809 Megawatt hydro electric dam, largest in the U.S. (4th largest in the world)

- 5,223 feet in length (almost a mile)

- 12 million cubic tons of concrete

- 3 time wider, and produces 3 times more electricity than Hoover dam

To say that the sight is overwhelming is an understatement.  I grew up in Mt. Morris NY, near the Letchworth State Park, which contains a dam so I thought I was prepared for this one.  I was wrong.

It's hard to appreciate the overall size and immenseness of the dam, even in the pictures, but believe me, it's pretty cool.  The dam created Lake Roosevelt, and Banks Lake.  Both are huge.  

As dorky as it may sound, the laser light show that is projected onto the main spillway of the dam was also a lot of fun.  It's about 40 mins and portrays the history of the Columbia River (which come to find out has 14 dams on it, 3 in Canada, and 11 in the U.S.) and more specifically Grand Coulee.

If nought for all the granduer and magnificence of Grand Coulee, I would have called the rest of the day a waste!

Got up (relatively) early to head back home to Seattle.  I thought it would be fun to head back via WA Route 2 versus I-90 like the way we arrived.  So off we went.  Hit Leavenworth in about an hour and a half (about what I anticipated).  Stopped for lunch at Gustav's.  The food was only OK, and the service was less than spectacular.  For what we spent, could have enjoyed McDonalds as much probably.

We got on the road, hoping for only another 2 hour trip.  Route 2 is for the most part, not much more than a two lane road (one lane in each direction) and follows the scenic Wenatchee River.  Well, there are two major, pain in the ass problems with Route 2.  The first being that you run the risk of getting stuck behind some yahoo who can't/won't do the speed limit!  Here is where the fun begins.  After about 30 - 40 mins of this, we finally get to the section where 2 opens up into two lanes each way.  Wow, you think, I'm going to make up some lost time and be home in no time, and so did we.  First made it through Douglas, and whatever the name of that other small town was, and we were looking forward to Monroe.  But alas...it wasn't to be so.  For the next hour, as we approached Goldbar, Sultan, and some other truck stop on the way to Monroe, we were stuck in stop and start traffic!  It was ridiculous.  The worst part being, was there were no accidents, to brekdowns to speak off.  It's because there is only one stupid road, and stop lights every couple of miles that forced everyone to crawl along.  Needless to say, never again am I taking Route 2, anywhere.  I don't care how many miles I have to drive out of my way to take I-90 or anything else, but to have the trip to Grand Coulee be 4 hours and the trip home almost six, no scenery along the crappy little way home was worth the extra two hours!

Anyway, a definite thumbs up for Grand Coulee.  Check it out.  If you leave early enough you could do the whole excursion in one day.   Caution, be there before 5 if you want to catch the free tour of the complex.  I'd recommend spending the night because then you get to check out the laser light show.  I'd do the trip again.  

Phelps phinale...

We were vacationing at the Grand Coulee (future entries on this topic to follow) dam on Saturday but managed to catch the closing events of what has turned out to be swimming Olympics of the century!

Phelps

8 of 8

Gold 4 x 100 Medley

The men pulled it out again.  Phelps butterfly and Lezak's freestyle closing leg were simply amazing.

Torres

Silver 50 Freestyle (dive and dash).

It wasn't the gold that most were hoping, but it's still an amazing Silver.  At 41, and after 4 (or is it 5) Olympics and 100 Relay medals she has earned and individual medal.  If any one is looking for an inspiration, here you go!

Phantastic Phelps

We're at 7 of 8

Phantastic Phelps does it again.
Gold 200 IM
Gold 100 Butterfly
OK - so my post is spanning two days, but none-the-less, he's still amazing!  My-oh-my, what a finish.  I think more time was spent reviewing the finish, the clocks, and the replays, than the race actually lasted.  In the end though, the finish was the same.  

Phelps in Phirst!

Dara Torres...need I say more.  She's 30+11 (like me) and she's awesome (also like me).  Too bad I can't swim anything near like she can.  Hell I won't even torture you (or my own self esteem) with what I look like in a bathing suit, and believe you me, it's no full body suit like they wear either.

OK, Get your mind out of the gutter...it's not a speedo either! Just a simply pair of box cut swimming trunks.

Phelps Phenomenon

5 down, 3 to go.

Gold 200 Fly
Tonight we got to see the Boston Bullet take the 200 Fly. Is there a kink in Phelps armor? He looked a little tired (dare some say dogged) after the 200 Fly. Believe you me, I know I can't do a tenth of what he is doing every day. When they showed his schedule for the day it 8000+ meters (5+ miles)! That's crazy.

Gold 4 x 200 Freestyle
Need we say more. I'm glad we spanked the French, AGAIN! All that and the first Team to ever beat the 7 min mark.

Have a good night. Stop, Listen, and Watch...and enjoy the Olympics.

Olympic update

The Opening Ceremonies were simply amazing.  My favorite portions:
2008 Drummers


2008 Tai Chi participants

My comments and updates certainly won't be as exhaustive or as fancy as NBCOlympics.com, or as the news channels, but these were what interested me...

Swimming:
Phelps 3 for 8 so far
Gold 4 x 100 Freestyle Relay (over the arrogant punks from France!)
Gold 200 Freestyle
Gold 200 IM

Piersol Gold 100 Backstroke
Coughlin Gold 100 Backstroke

Gymnastics:
China Men's Artistic Team Gold

Truly an emotional and motivating cycle for the Team event.

A little yard maintenance to make you happy...

I need to Thank B&B for the tip.  I had Mr. V come and give me an estimate today to mow my yard.  He's going to come every two weeks, for $40. He starts tomorrow.  I can't wait.  I so think it's going to be worth it.  Of course, now J is saying that for $40 he'd continue to do the yard.  Hell, if I'd only known that was an option.

The trip to Portland was fun.  We came back late Saturday.  There wasn't anything real exciting to do that would have justified the additional $100 for the next nights stay, to then return on Sunday.

We are taking another road trip in a few weeks.   We're actually going to go up to Coulee, to see the Grand Coulee Dam.   I'm really looking forward to it.  We'll leave on Sat 8/16, spend the night, and come back Sun.  As dorky as it sounds I think the laser light show they do at night, displayed on the side of the dam will also be cool.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder...

Did you miss me? I can't believe it's been almost two months since my last posting.

So much has happened, but yet nothing too exciting.

I did take a ride down to Mt. Rainier. It was definitely a much more comfortable ride on the Victory Vision than it would have been on my old Suzuki Hayabusa. The Vision amenities really paid off. The cruise control came in handy, the electric windshield was perfect for the changing wind conditions, and being able to include the iPod and have my music on hand was a pleasant addition to the ride. I wish I could find more people to have additional rides like that.

What else...oh yeah, J and I took a few days and went down to Portland, OR. I'd never been down to Portland for more than a few hours on business so it was a nice little trip to explore the city. We went out to a few bars and clubs. Ground Kontrol is a really cool retro/classic video game arcade, that is also a full service bar. It was fun. I played quite a few games of the original Space Invaders. What a flashback. There was Asteroids, Donkey Kong, Galaga, Ms. Pacman, and too many more to list hear, but needless to say it was quite fun.

We then went to a Gay Bar called Silverado. The bar scene really hasn't been my cup of tea. I've only been to a club once or twice in the last couple of years here at home in Seattle so I wasn't sure how much fun I was going to have. This was certainly different though. I would go again, maybe not next weekend, but if I were going to be visiting Portland again, I would certainly go again.

K lost her cell phone last week. We looked all over for it, we called it, we searched her last stops for that afternoon but to no avail. Maybe now she'll get an iPhone. :) I can only imagine what a pain in the butt that must be though. I mean how would I replace all the phone numbers and contact data if I lost the data source...ie the phone. That certainly continues to be an advantageous selling point to my iPhone. It's ability to stay sync'd with my computer means I've always got at least to sources for the data. My phone, or my comp.

Speaking of computers. About two weeks ago, mine died. I had a Toshiba laptop, that I purchased about 4 to 5 years ago and this is actually the 2nd catastrophic failure I've experienced with the computer. The 1st was when the LCD display crapped out on me, and this one, the diagnostic came back as a bad motherboard, which could only be ascertained from a "PCI Express Error code" that was only viewable when the laptop was attached to an external monitor. I have upgraded to a Mac Book Pro (17" display). So far, I'm quite pleased. It's been years since I've used a Mac and I'm sure it'll take me a while to figure out all the quirky little features, but so far, I'm very pleased with my selection

And a note to piss off my friends...

Um, yeah, I started my Holiday shopping today. They were just making fun of me because I had my shopping just about done by Sept of last of year, so we'll see if I can't beat that timeframe this year.

Believe you me...this is definitely out of character for me. I used to be a fanatic procrastinator, running around the malls like a mad-man, or on the web at the last minute buying gift cards. Well, not anymore. Last year was the turning point, and we'll see if I can keep it up this year!

Jingle Bells...baby :)

Sex and The City

So what can I say. I saw it, and I loved it. To those that were complaining because it was 'just' a long episode. Zip it! It was a lot of fun, the old chemistry was there, and the story(s) were well written, wonderfully acted, and meaningful.

The Hulk comes out on Friday (6/13) and looks to be a lot of fun, as does The Happening. It's going to be a fun movie month for sure!

More to come later.

Lost, BSG, and my Birthday, oh my....

I can’t believe it’s been nearly a month since my last update.

Let’s see…most memorable I guess is my birthday. 5/27 was my birthday. I don’t believe in profanity on the web so I’ll avoid using the “f” word (or # meaning ‘f’orty). So I’m going to stick with 30 + next # to equal my real age.

I don’t look my age, or so my friends keep telling me. But maybe that’s why they are my friends. So, am I where I thought I would be at 30 + ##? (nice try, you aint getting my age out of me that easily). I don’t know. Having done 8 years of service in the Navy I believe I got started in my real life/career much later than my counterparts. I’ve spent years perfecting my skills and acknowledge (not boasting) that there aren’t many in my field who are as knowledgeable as myself, have the project experience, or effective management experience as I do, so yeah, maybe I’ve caught up.

I’m still can’t help but wonder if this is all there is for the rest of my career. I mean is this really all there is? I hope not. I still think I want to go to Law school and become a Lawyer. I really enjoy the research aspect of the legal profession, I’m good at the debate, and I enjoy the translation of legal jargon and code (so I’m weird, that’s never been doubted). I can’t afford to become a starving student again at my age, so quitting my job and going to school full time is out of the question. So, what’s that leave me. I guess I should finish by current BA/BS degree and see if Univ of WA or Seattle Pacific offer a night time Legal program that I can do part time. It’ll take me forever, but won’t it be worth it? I’ll certainly be pondering this situation more in the coming months, but I can’t wait too long, I’ve got to take action by 2009 at the latest, I’m not getting any younger you know. J

Lost has taken a two week hiatus, but tomorrow it’s back for the season finale. The last few episodes have been really awesome. We’ve had it confirmed that Claire is dead, and that is why/how Aaron gets off the Island. So many of us are theorizing that when you die on the Island, that your spirit maintains a corporeal form, and the living people can’t tell the difference between the dead and the living, hence the importance of Myles role (the one who can communicate with the dead). So, maybe those that have regained health while on the Island really haven’t regained health, it’s just that they are dead, and they don’t know it, and neither do the survivors, yet! J

I think there are still questions about who/what Jacob is. Some of us think that Jacob is an essence or spirit that can take any shape/form he needs to communicate with his selected few.

I’m a little frustrated that the writers can’t seem to stick to any single time flow direction. In previous episodes we’ve Jack and Kate fighting and Jack telling Kate that she shouldn’t be caring so much for Aaron because she’s not even related (implying that he is) but yet we don’t see where he finds out that Aaron is his nephew until a few episodes later.

Battlestar Galactica (BSG) has also taken two weeks off, but it too is back on Friday. I think we’re up to episode 8 or 9 of the 10 we’re going to get for this season. They still haven’t revealed the 12th of the final 12. At least the last episode has had a bit more action. The hybrid being plugged in and yelling ‘jump’, and the damaged base star jumps away with President Rosalyn onboard. This will be interesting.

A brief update, at least for TV's sake :)

Another two weeks, and nothing new. Well, that's not completely true. I did spend the day on the motorcycle yesterday. It's been a lot of fun. The Victory Vision is very comfortable and time/distance friendly. I've had some chance to use the heated hand grips and the heated seats and they are really nice. I need to find a way to take some kind of road trip and put it to it's paces.

The most exciting thing this past week was the release of Iron Man with Robert Downey Jr (RDJ). It was pretty amazing. Being somewhat of an Iron Man fan, I was a little concerned (dare I say skeptical) of RDJ's ability to portray Tony Stark in a manner which befits his comic book stature. I think in some aspects he missed the mark a little bit, but in others, he brought to life personality traits that are hard to communicate in print.

RDJ had this interesting ability to deliver his lines with co-stars in a fluid fashion, but even more peculiar was his nack of delivering this lines while adding his own quips and one-liners, as if he was expressing verbally what he was thinking. It really made all the difference, to me anyway, in how RDJ portraited the idiosyncratic genius that is Tony Stark. Definitely a must see on the big screen. Is it worth full price? Absolutely! I may even have to go check it out again, and it's not even been out for a week. If you haven't heard, be sure to stick around for a sneak peak/trailer at the very end of the credits. I'm not going to give it away, unless you ask me to, but it could be a fun peak into what's coming!

I'm looking forward Batman - The Dark Knight. We'll see how odd it will be to watch what has become Heath Ledgers final performance, albeit not being seen until after his unfortunate, and certainly untimely passing.

Lost has been good even if not 'answer providing' as promised by the producers. It's almost too confusing to get into. Are they really dead like Hurley claims? Is this their version of heaven based on how they want it? Why is Miles suddenly so interested in Clair? Does she now she her dad (and Jack's) because she dead as well? Is Miles surprised that no one has picked up on this because they don't realize that some of them have seen other dead people before and now they don't know the difference?

What about Ben appearing to call upon the black smoke thing? We know Danielle turned off the fence and that was how it was able to get in, but how did Ben call it? What was that little room off his panic room that he accessed via the arcane stone door with the Hiroghlyphs?

And his trip to Tunisia? A year into the future? Oct 2005! He also claimed to have arrived by boat, but we know he didn't because we saw him in the desert. Also, his first breath, as exhaled in the desert, was very cold, you see the 'frost' as he expelled his breath. What about the vomiting. Is there some medication that can be taken to help facilitate transfers between current/real time and Island time? I remember they gave Juliette some concoction to be taken for he sub ride, but was it really to help her mentally adjust between the two 'realities'.

Oh hell, the questions just keep coming, and yet every episode continues to bring more, with no answers in sight! Can I stand two more years of this?!

I'm a week behind on Battlestar Galactice (BSG) so nothing new to report there yet, other than to say, so far this 4th (and final season) isn't that exciting! I obviouslly enjoy all the special effects and the space shots and all, but so far it's been only about the people. It seems they are trying to lead us to something about people's nature and why as human's we are so quick to judge and condemn others because they are different, but can't they throw in a space fight sequence or something?

I'm afraid another 6 episodes of this will make it hard to want to wait for the last 10 (to be aired at some unknown date and time).

A new Vision, Victory Vision that is...

I purchased a 2008 Victory Vision, replacing my 2005 Suzuki Hayabusa. I'm pretty excited. I know that it would be inappropriate to even consider comparing the two bikes because they are completely different styles and serve completely different purposes so I won't even try.

Having said that, the Victory Vision is pretty awesome. I got the Touring model with full bags, but I plan on removing the rear trunk and only using that for longer trips. Heated seats, hand grips, stereo, aux/ipod input, cruise control, full electronic windshield, Victory 106 cubic in engine with a six speed transmission. I can't wait to put some miles on this summer! Maybe even a trip or two. I don't know where I'll go, but somewhere will have to suffice.

Now if I can just get J to want to learn to ride. I think it would be awesome if we could take trips together. I'd love to drive down to Portland, or maybe up to Grand Coullee damn, they'd be such easy (and inexpensive) trips on motorcycles.

Pics to follow, once I take some.

A Week's Gone By...

I don't know if there are many Battlestar Galactica fans out there, but I thought last weeks season premiere episode "He That Believeth In Me" was pretty good. I'm a little disappointed that we are only going to get 10 out of the 20 episodes before they take another break. They've confirmed this is the final season, so why not just give us all the episodes?

Who do you think is the last of the Final 5. Those that I've talked to about it are split between it either being Starbuck or Admiral Adama! I'm not quite sure yet myself. There are compelling arguments for both.

Only two more weeks till LOST returns. I hope the intensity stays at the levels it was before the little hiatus!

Today here in Seattle we finally got a little taste of spring. It was in the mid 50's, clear, and sunny. We've been experiencing crappy February type weather until today, meaning, below 50, overcast and showers. Hell, we even had snow on 3/30 and 3/31!

L & H are back from there trip and I haven't seen them yet. We have to have them over for dinner. I could whip up one of my new specialties, some good wine, and dessert. I don't see them as much as I should, or as I'd like, but it's my own fault. I get pretty self absorbed in my work and many times after a 50+ hour week I don't have the energy for nightly entertaining and visiting. I need to make a stronger priority of maintaining those relationships. They do mean so much to me.

I mean really, B&B and L&H were the first one's I came out to, and they've always been the most supportive and loving people. I wish I could have had that kind of support when I was growing up and dealing with all these issues as a confused teenager. We were all confused, but add to that the self-doubt and insecurity of knowing that you're different, but you can't acknowledge it, no will accept it, let alone support, and you're even more isolated and alone.

I know, one might ask, how can someone with 11 brothers and 5 five sisters (yes, that's 17 children all together. One Mother, one Father, all single births, no twins and no adoptions) ever be alone when growing up, but believe it's not only possible, it happened. Some day I'll start sharing some of the family stuff. It's hard and can be painful, but yet there is also many fun and cheerful memories to reflect upon as well. Hell, who has a normal childhood anyway. Talk about urban legends. I don't believe there is any such thing as a 'normal' childhood. Those that claim to have had one are either in cavernous denial, hiding something, or lying!

A toast, to our health, to the weather, and to TV.

Sorry for the delay in the posts. I’ve actually been quite under the weather. I spent three days sick, and actually had to take time off work. I took a day or two off as vacation to rest and recuperate, and spent another week just trying to feel better. Everything started as a really bad cold which then progressed to a sinus infection. I took 10 days worth of horse pill sized antibiotics, and presto-chango…I am on the road to recovery.

I wouldn’t say that I’m completely healthy, but certainly getting close. Not well enough to go back to the gym yet, which was my intended plan for March. I then fell back to hoping for an April start but no luck yet. Maybe next week.

Well it’s April 2 and up until Sun 3/31 we were still getting snow. So where’s the global warming at? I wouldn’t mind a few degrees of global warming right about now. Today wasn’t too bad. At least it was sunny, and 50. We’re still running about 5 – 7 degrees below average temperature. I haven’t even been able to think about taking the motorcycle out. It’s just been way too cold, and more importantly, too rainy!


If you’re interested, here’s a pic of my bike. It’s been a lot of fun. I didn’t think I’d like it as much as I do but I have to admit, it’s a blast. There’s something about being out on the highway when the sun is shining, and the traffic is clear, and it’s just you and the asphalt.

Work has been going pretty good. I’ve been staying busy leading a complete Operational Excellence review (Six Sigma, Lean Processing, etc.) of all of our business processes. The SIPOC’s, the swimlane Flowcharts, it’s been, dare I say, fun.

In another few weeks we’ll be enjoying Lost again. Next week The Office returns. This Friday, April 4, Battlestar Galactica returns for season four! I can’t wait.

Lost Update (Oceanic 6)

So, we've met all the Oceanic 6. Jack, Kate, Hurley, Sayed, Aaron, and Sun. I still can't help but ask, is Jin really dead? If I'm not mistaken the date on his tombstone was the same date as the crash? Coincidence? Why that date? He obviously lived beyond that, so what is someone trying to hide by using that date? Why didn't he make it off?

I wasn't necessarily surprised to see Michael on the boat. He's validated that he is Ben's spy. But, where is Walt? Still with Michael's mother? In what form did he take when he appeared before Locke? Was that the Island manifesting a vision that Locke would recognize?

What about Regina commiting suicide? Was it because of the proximity to the Island? Was it because of the transmissions coming and going between the boat and the Island (she was the one taking all the satellite phone calls)?

The boat's captain still can't be trusted. The black box from Oceanic Flight 815 seemed a bit too convenient. Of course both sides has since stated that the other side (ie Widmoor or Ben Linus) have created the massive cover up the like of which would have included having all the spare bodies, a full plane, media, etc. Which side to believe?

Did Sayed really do the right thing by turning Michael in as the traitor? I guess we'll have to wait until 4/24 to find out. I can't believe we're taking another break, even a small one of only 4 weeks.

Civil Union or Marriage?

As the founding fathers clearly intended a segregation of duties and responsibilities between State and Church (and they did!) why do people get so disproportionately uptight regarding Civil Unions?

I believe there is no reason why all states don't recognize civil unions, regardless of the sex of the persons in the relationship. Any state eligible rights or privileges should be made available to all it's citizens, not just those that meet certain religious requirements.

If any couple then wants to have their civil union recognized by their church, then let them get married. The ability to get married so should not bestow any additional state rights or benefits. It's a religious ceremony and has no place granting, or detracting, state level rights and benefits.

I think politics is the last place that should include discussion of whether or not gay relationships are acceptable from a religious point of view. Each person, as a citizen, is granted the same rights based on the constitution, and no religious practice or viewpoint should enable the ability to have those rights limited on any such grounds.

iPhone review

Well, I've had my 16gb iPhone for just over two weeks now. All in all, I really like it. It appeared big at first, but after a while, you realize how slim it is, and it just disappears in your pocket seeming to take up no room at all.

I am a little disappointed that there is no MMS capability. Yet? Someone can send you a pic but you have to use AT&T msg service to then retrieve the image. And the only way to send images is via email. You can't take a picture, and then send it, via MMS. Maybe a future upgrade?

The function I find I'm using more than I thought I would is the web browser. The ability to have mulitple 'home' pages saved and just a touch away has been a lot of fun. It's certainly cut down on trying to type in a bunch of addresses when you want to switch pages.

It goes without saying that the iPod features are pretty standard and certainly meet the usual expectations set by any previous iPod model (even though I have the 'new' 160gb classic - which is my usual media device).

LOST update

OK - I know my blog should be about more than just LOST but for now, that's the most fun thing in my life!

So, did Kate really call that little blonde headed boy Aaron? Does that mean Claire is still on the Island, alive, dead? But why doesn't jack want to see the child? This also explains why when Kate and Jack met at the airport she said 'he' was waiting for her. Did she mean Aaron?

So, would Aaron be one of the Oceanic 6? He wasn't a passenger per se, but with Clair being so close to delivery at the time of the crash....

And what about Miles extorting Ben for $! What's going on there? I thought for a second he was going to come out and admit that he was Ben's spy.

OK - I'm still getting more and more frustrated with Locke. What in the heck does he think he is doing, or hoping to accomplish with his crazy antics!

Oh, by the way, I got a new iPhone today. I'm still trying to figure all the features, but so far it's fun. I can wait to show B&B.

I have tomorrow off, so no work for me. No real plans, just run some errands, maybe take clean work out clothes to the gym so that I can be ready to start working out again. Also thinking of going to find the City Courthouse and see what the process for a Handgun permit is, and potentially a Concealed Weapons permit.

I spent so many years shooting firearms while in the Navy that I find that I actually miss the target practice at the range. I think it would be fun to get back into that again. No, I'm not a card carrying NRA member, but I don't think there is anything wrong with having a handgun purely for recreation (ie...range target practice) purposes.

Correction to Oceanic 5

OK - K and I got talking at work and she made a good point. Would Ben really be one of the Oceanic 6? He wasn't on the plane and isn't a survivor of the crash, so why would he be celebrated as one of the Oceanic 6. So, my thanks to K for keeping me real and on the up and up.

With that in mind, a few interesting oddities from someone who obviously has more time on his/her hands than myself....:)

Charlotte Lewis - Charlotte is an anthropologist hired to work on Naomi's team. Full name Charlotte Staples Lewis hmmm … C.S. Lewis?

Miles Straume – “Straume" is the name of a city in Norway, and a Norwegian word meaning "penalty" or "punishment".

Daniel Faraday is a physicist who was hired to work for Naomi's team for unknown reasons.
Faraday invented the Faraday cage, a cage that prevents electro-magnetic radiation from permeating it.

The SI unit of electrical capacitance, the farad, is named for Faraday. The face of Michael Faraday is visible on the Bank of England Series E £20 note that can be seen in the secret room at Ben's home in the Barracks. ("The Economist") Faraday worked on a theory that combined the interchangeability of electricity and magnetism, with the interchangeability of gravity. He was not successful.

So, maybe Faraday is Ben's spy? Tomorrow's episode could prove pretty interesting. Unfortunately, I think that puts us at episode 4, half way through the 8 episodes that NBC has indicated will be provided this season.

Jumper (a movie or my life?)

We saw Jumper today. It was pretty good. The special effects were definitely worth seeing on the big screen. Hayden Christianson was pleasing to the eye and cute to watch. Jamie Bell sure has come a long way since Billie Elliot, and King Kong. A lot of loose ends so someone is obviously leaving room for a subsequent films!

Started cataloging my wine today. Got through the first five cases. Didn't realize I had that much, and there are still two cases to go. The new wine fridge is certainly coming in handy. I got about two and a half cases loaded into it. It was nice to get the wine out of the garage and out of the boxes.

Tomorrow being President's day and all, I'm looking forward to having the day off. J and I will be working on organizing some of the numerous boxes in the garage and trying to make some room in there. Hopefully, we'll be able to clear enough space to also clear the boxes out of the kitchen so that we can bring the butcher block stand back in.

We've made good progress seeing as how it's only been six or seven weeks since he's moved in. He may shrug and roll his eyes a bit at the 'only' part of that statement, but in a caring and flirting manner. The adjustment has been going well I think.

The house isn't as big as it used to feel when I lived here alone, but it's definitely been worth it. I know I can be a bit obsessive compulsive at times, but he's held up well so far, and has keep his patience. I do enjoy the extra intimacies that come with sharing a bed, sharing more time, even the little things we do together, like watching TV.

I still can't believe at times that he's been a part of my life for 11+ years. Sure we've had our struggles, what relationship hasn't. But, we've worked at it, and are certainly the better for it. I've grown a lot, and he'd be too humble to accept that a lot of that growth has been because of him and our relationship. I've been fortunate to have someone so patient, caring, and open!

Oceanic 5

Happy Valentines day everyone...

Two of the Oceanic 6 revealed in one episode. Pretty shocking. So we now know 5 of the Oceanic 6! Who could the 6th person be?! Although the waiting was torturous, the last 3 episodes have at least appeased me enough to make watching Lost enjoyable again.

Kate
Jack
Hurley
Sayid
Ben

Who do you think the 6th person is? Drop me a 'comment' and let me know your thoughts.

I certainly found Sayid's future pretty interesting, but yet, his meeting with Ben implies that he's doing it to save those who were left behind. He gets entangled into the weirdest things.

I hope Desmond finds some answers. He's been a pretty tortured soul as of late. The pilot guy (I forget his name) seemed to have the look of acknowledgment when Desmond inquired about Penny.

And what is the deal with Dan (the physicist) and his payload experiments? Regina recorded the trajectory to their exact location and yet it arrived on the island 31 minutes later. And why was he only supposed to talk to Regina? Why was Dan warned to get off the phone if 'George' got on the line?

I wonder if the hidden room Sayid found in Ben's cabin/house was where he was getting all his info. He had a stockpiile of clothes, passports, so that would explain his comings and goings off the island (back when there was a sub). But, was there any electronic equipment, or was he physically having to leave the island in order to get the data?

As Sayid was in bed with Elsa did anyone notice her bracelet? It was the same one that Sayid took off from Naomi's body. Did Sayid give it to Elsa? Was that just a coincidence? Is anything on that show a coincidence?

Have a safe and happy President's Day weekend. If you're fortunate enough to have Monday off, relax and take it easy. Enjoy the extra day.

Capitalist or Conscientious Consumer?

Dare I ask?

I went shopping today. I thought I needed a new scarf. You know a nice scarf, european in style. One of the long ones that european men wear, multiple loops and very chic!

So, into Nordstroms I go. I found and purchased a simple black cashmere scarf. It's very soft and warm, and plenty long so I can double and tie it or I can wrap it, many times. Very cool.

Then I get to thinking that I need some new pants to replace my current slacks which are starting to show a little wear. I don't like buying pants. Like most men my age I'm in denial regarding the impact of time and my waist size, and it's hard to be in denial when you have to pick out pants. Anywho...I found two pair of flat front slacks in khaki and dark brown.

At this point one would think I was done, but that wouldn't explain the title of this post now would it? Did I escape unscathed at that point (or did my bank account) you ask, remember in the Nordstrom's flagship store you have to go past the men's shoe department to get out of the store. Therein lies my next dilemma (or infactuation)

So there I was looking for replacements to my old Diesel sneakers, and my Kenneth Cole buckled slip ons. I successfully found some replacements to the sneakers but alas I can't make the mental (or financial) leap to $380 Prada sneakers so those will just stay on my wish list.

I did however find some To Boot New York shoes that are really cool. They'll go with just about anything. Casual slacks for work, business casual (button down and sport jacket), and even Jeans. They are so comfortable. So, two pair later. Yes two pair...you know I have to have them in black & brown. I finally make it out of there!

I've included a pic of them just in case you're interested....

(To Boot New York - Viejo's)

Here endeth the lesson. Did I answer the question? I certainly hope not!

TV updates

Well, I got my wish. First episode of Survivor and Johnny Fairplay is gone. At least now I can look forward to the rest of the season without that slime ball getting in the way.

Lost was interesting. As it turns out it's been that they're after. Didn't see that coming. And what makes the 4 weirdo-s so special. Naomi, supposedly the toughest (and the squad leader) get's herself killed. Daniel got a screw loose, Miles is wound way too tight (although he appears to have some kind of para-normal ability), Charlotte a little too arrogant for my taste, and the helicopter pilot (name?) appears to be the only one with an actual connection to Oceanic Flight 815 (that we can tell so far).

As an extra, a link to a cool, fun, hip, energetic, and wacky You Tube video that B sent me this week. I bet C loves it, all the motion, the drums, the beat, the action. It's pretty cool. Check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XC2mqcMMGQ

Enjoy. Have a good day.

West Wing

The West Wing complete series set arrived - yahoo!

I'm staying up to start watching the first season. It's going to be awesome.

Tomorrow night - new LOST. Here's to hoping it's as exciting as last weeks!

Oh yeah and Survivor starts new tomorrow as well. I pray that Johnny Fairplay is the first voted off because I never liked him! Not because of the grandma lie either, I don't like him because he's just plain ol' slimey.

Super Bowl Sunday?

The NY Giants win the Super Bowl. Having been born and raised in NY one would think I'd be more excited, but alas! Actually, I don't really care all that much though.

Football's never been one of my interests. I find it hard to even follow the Seahawks. They did pretty well this year, but unfortunately they didn't make it past round two of the play-offs, so my interest quickly waned thereafter.

I'd be more than happy though to share my interest and enjoyment of Tennis, and how many hours I spent watching the recent Australian Open. Needless to say, I'd be hard pressed to have even considered the fact that Federer wasn't going to take it again. It's too bad about Roddick though. I was hoping he was going to make it further!

I ordered the complete West Wing collection today. Boy, do I miss that show! I don't lament the loss of many tv programs, but I'd have to say that West Wing is the show that I've missed the most. Even more than Seinfeld! It's due in a week or so, so I'm sure that first weekend will be spent reacquainting myself with all the old friends, via a complete review of at least Season 1 (see 1/31 posting if at this point your exclaiming...wow...he's kind of a geek!) :)

J and I also picked up the Rock Band game for the XBOX 360. We haven't purchased the 360 yet because there is still some work to be done on the game room but hopefully in the next week or two we'll be able to pick up that system and complete his collection.

Oh yeah, and I have tomorrow off. For those of you getting up for work tomorrow, my apologies. I know how most of us feel about Monday's. However, my employer has a strict 'Vacation Cap' policy, and I can't keep more than 160 vac hours on the books so I've got to take a day or two off a month. If I don't, I'm not able to earn any additional accruals and the hours are lost.

I know I'm a confirmed work-a-holic, but one of my work goals this year is to not lose any vacation accrual. Last year, out of a potential 120 hours, I was only able to actually earn 80 of those, because the other 4 mos I was at the cap! This year, I can earn 160 and I'll be damned if I'm going to lose any accrual this year. So far so good, beginning of Feb and so far I've managed to take enough days so as to earn both Jan and Feb's accruals.

House work

We're continuing on our quest of organization. It's only been a month since J moved in but we've been making good progress.

We picked up the new ottoman (very cool leather ottoman with storage), picked up an inexpensive (but complimentary) rug for the living room floor, and hung the pot rack (and cleared out two cabinets by hanging all our pots and pans).

Tax Refund

Got my Tax refund today. Surprisingly, it's days ahead of what was projected, how cool.

I'm going to use it to by J an XBOX 360 and the Rock Band game to go with it.

LOST

So, the season starts anew! About time...

So many questions?
Did Hurley really see Jack's dead father in the rocking chair?

Was that Jacobs cabin? Previously Ben had said something to Locke to the effect of...you don't really find Jacob's cabin, the cabin finds you.

Was that Jacob that we saw look out at Hurley through the window, or was it the one-eyed Russian?

Who are the Oceanic Six? Jack, Hurley, Kate, and ?, ?, ?.

If only six got off, where is Claire and her Baby, Sun and Jin, Locke, Sawyer, Ben , Danielle, Alex!

Who was in the coffin? I think it could have been Ben. I mean why else would Kate say that there would have been no reason for her to go to the funeral.

What if it was Michael? Naturally, many of them would still be upset at Michael for having conspired against them for his own freedom.

Who is George (who parachuted in off the helicopter)? Could it have been Michael in his boat with Walt that ran into these others searching for the Island (George and Naomi's group) and that was how they suddenly got so close?

Too many questions, no new answers...but WOW what an episode.

The annual tax task

I've never denied being somewhat of nerd (or geek) at times.

I've also admitted to being somewhat obsessive compulsive at times. As if anyone who knows me would be surprised at that comment.

Anyway, I finally filed my taxes today, and can I say, how awesome is Turbo Tax! In and hour I had completed my W2, a few 1099's, deductions (for things like Mortgage interest and State Sales tax) and wah-lah...I'm done, and expecting my return in 9 - 14 days.

Now I've got to decide what to do with the refund.

The foibles of being human...

I get so pissed at myself when I do stupid things like what I did this morning.

I was outside waiting for the bus (not normally an issue but we're experiencing a cold spell for Seattle, in the morning it's been about 30 - 32 degrees). I waited the usual 10 mins (must have just missed the 7:40).

Eventually, along comes the 7:50 and I reach into my pocket, and guess what's not there?! You got it, my wallet, so - no bus pass.

So, after being outside in the cold for 10 mins I have to walk back to the house, get my wallet and wait for the next bus. I know it's my own fault, but can anyone say dumbass!

What about today

Well, let's see, there was Cloverfield. Not too bad. I liked the human interaction side of the drama. It's fun to try and imagine how one would actually wrap their mind around such an event.

What would I do?!
Would I really think I could go back and find J!?
Would I try?!

Oh, the endless possibilities....

For those of you not in the know…I certainly wasn’t until this morning…Jan 18th is Winnie The Pooh day.

Just thought you might want to have a little pooh bday (OK that doesn’t look as cute in type as it sounded in my head).

This year's motto

I don't do New Years resolutions. I believe that if I am going to do something, why wait till New Years to do it or why need a resolution.

It's either self evident that it needs to be done, or important enough to start immediately versus waiting.

However, I do believe in the occasional motto, so here's one for the beginning of 2008.

"Pain is only weakness leaving the body" (author unknown)

Start of a new year:

Apparently the City of Seattle can't even hire an effective pyrotechnic company to handle the annual fireworks off the Space Needle. Supposed to be an 8 minute show, and 45 secs into, the fireworks stop.

The music continues to play and about 3 mins later the fireworks resume, but for only about 20 secs and then they end again.

Some would say 3rd times a charm, but not always so. The fireworks finally finished but only after being set off by hand as the pyrotechnics crew climbed on and around the needle to set off the items by hand.

Well, J has moved all his stuff in. That's about as far as we've gotten though. It looks like a fort of boxes has taken up residence in the living and dining rooms.

Very excited to have him move in, but it will certainly take a while to get everything organized and put away. Will definitely be a while before we're ready to start having house guests or hosting events!

My warmest thoughts and wishes to everyone, and may you all have a healthy and productive New Year.