Oh fun

It's now officially summer. It's hot as well. Had the AC on almost all weekend.

Melissa's grandmother is here visiting. It's great to see her again. Haven't really seen her in about two years, so it's nice to re-connect again. Melissa's parents are coming either Friday or Saturday.

Saturday will be a fun time. I'm going to my cousin Dani's graduation party. I want to go, as it is a big deal about her graduating. I just won't like the drive. I'm not big on any drive longer than 30 minutes.

Work is going well. Working on the new site, blogging, getting store websites done. Just staying busy there.

2007 Draft

Quick question. What the hell is Bill thinking in New England? Randy Moss? Now, I understand he went to the players for this, and he is taking a HUGE paycut. But I'm more concerned about his attitude. Will he be like Corey Dillon was in when he came in, or will he be the Randy Moss of old? I hope for the former.

Now, I have also been reading that they should just gift wrap the Super Bowl title for the Patriots. Hey, Patriot Fans....That's the wrong attitude to have. While we probably have one of the scariest set of recievers in the league right now, let's not get ahead of ourselves. Our chances are good, no doubt about it.

Let's hope this is a good move.

Utter Stupidity

Recently, a popular blogger by the name of Kathy Sierra was to appear at the ETech conference in San Diego. She had to cancel at the last minute due to death threats made to her within the comments section of her blog and (if I understood correctly) posts on other blogs. There were also some other threats made against her that I refuse to state here. To be honest, I had heard little about her before this incident. But based on some of her previous posts that I've read, I fear that I'll never get a chance to read anything from her in the future.

It should be noted that they have not found the person(s) responsible for this henious act. She is justified in her fear. She has no idea if it's a joke, or if someone is just waiting for her to leave her house. Is it jealousy over the fact that Kathy is a great writer and has more interesting things to talk about? That would want to make me raise my blogging game to make myself a better blogger.

I'm a firm believer in free speech. Always have been. But this crosses the line. I hope those responsible are brought to justice. We don't need to see people like Kathy silenced, because if she is, the world will lose a great and gifted writer.

Her blog is located here. If you read her post regarding the threats against her, I will warn you that there are a couple of graphic photos, as well as some language that is offensive.

Getting there

Wow. What a month. This week is going to prove to be even more fun. My two youngest daughters are going to be at the Invention Convention this week. If they make it to state, I may have to go to Cleveland. While I'd be happy for them (elated would probably be a better word), I'd be skittish about driving all the way to Cleveland for the State finals.

My work blog is going well. I got a great compliment from another blogger here in Columbus. They said that my blog was a good example of a business blog. It's that kind of thing that keeps me inspired to write on that blog daily. Also explains why this isn't updated as much as I'd like, but that's life.

Amey, my author friend, has a new book out. It's called Spilled Ink. She's about to begin a publicity blitz on it soon. I'm proud to say I helped out by writing a press release. I also read some of the poems looking for one that would be good for the release. I'm biased, but I know she has talent. I think it's time the world noticed it. I have a feeling she's going to do well once the world sees this.

That's all for right now. Hope to catch up again real soon.

Update on happenings

I'm enjoying my life right now. I'm very busy at work, which keeps me occupied and focused. I look forward to going into work everyday. I've only had that with one other job, and not like this. It's never the same thing twice, which keeps me on my toes. We just started a huge project, and I'm excited about it. I'm hoping it takes us to another level as a company.

On the home front, not much has changed. Logan was diagnosed with High Functioning autism. In other words, he extremely intelligent for his age, but has issues with social aspects, and some development problems. It hit me hard at first, but now I see it as a challenge. I have to unlearn some things about raising kids and completely alter them to fit this situation. I embrace that because I know I need to for the sake of my son and my entire family.

There have been some entertaining moments in my life as well. I can't go into detail here, sadly due to the sensitive nature of it as well. Suffice to say that just desserts were ordered, and I didn't get stuck with that tab.

I've been enjoying blogging at work everyday. It's nice to have that creative outlet. Working in the promotional industry is awesome. There is something new everyday, and it's a challenge to keep up. And we have been. Now it's time for us to get in the passing lane and become the leader. It's going to be a great ride.

Oh, and only 6 weeks until the NFL Draft. Let's hope that Brady Quinn does an Aaron Rodgers and falls to late first round. Sorry Brady, but you still need to prove yourself. Ryan thought he didn't need to, and look where he's at now. Coaching at West Texas, and becoming the golf coach. Admittedly though, Troy Smith is no first rounder either. I predict he'll go mid 2nd round to late third. Can't wait for the draft. It will be high drama for sure after this free agency so far.

So it's been a while

I haven't said much since the first of September. I must be getting lazy in my old age. Funny thing is that I've been blogging almost everyday (except weekends) at work. My blog is more for SEO efforts, which is necessary for us so we can get our name higher in the search engine rankings. The nice thing about my job is that it is also never the same each day. I always look forward to coming to work in the morning because I know nothing is ever the same from one day to the next. You just can't beat that.

With that said, my personal life has had it's ups and downs. My son has been diagnosed with Autism, although it is a high functioning autism meaning he's extremely intelligent, but has limited or no social skills. It's rough right now, but I am confident that he'll make an improvement once he gets into this school we are looking at. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for this. It'll be rough on my wife and I, but I have a feeling that in the end, all this stress will be worth it.

5 Years Ago Today

Five years ago today, this country was viciously attacked by a group of people with extreme hatred for this country. This act is this generations Pearl Harbor, JFK assasination all rolled into one. The attacked on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the Americans on Flight 93. They did this in the name of thier god Allah. How can a god tell his followers to commit unspeakable acts like this.

The whole day today, I thought back to that day. I didn't know anyone personally that perished in that disater. My heart goes out to those that lost loved ones in the attacks or the aftermath of them. This is the worse disater that this country has ever known. Bin Laden is the worst possible monster that has ever lived.

I remember where I was when I first heard about it. I was in my car on my way to work in Mass. I was about to pull off on my exit when it was announced. The second plane had hit as I was coming in the office. My co-workers at the time were in total confusion, as was I. When I heard about the second plane, I knew that we were being attacked by terrorists. The only question was which group. This was inconcievable that we could be attacked like this. Now, we are watching everyone. The world will never be the same.

There have been so-called experts that say that the video of the attacks from that day should not be shown. They say it's too disturbing. I would say the video of JFK being shot is too disturbing, yet I don't hear anything bad about that. Same with the shooting of Martin Luther King Jr., or the attacks on Pearl Harbor. I think that this is history, and everyone needs to be reminded that we were attacked. We were brought into a war that we didn't want, but will finish.

Always remember 9/11/01. To this day, it makes me angry. Makes me sad. But I will never forget.

God Bless the United States of America. Bin Laden, we are coming for you.

Stoned, and other things

Less than a week after I had the pain of my life (well, physical pain, anyway), I passed the stone. It passed at around 1 am Monday morning. Now, normally, you really wouldn't save it, but in my case I had to. You should see the contraption that I had to use when I went to the bathroom. A funnel with a screen. It was very wierd to use that thing. Now.... as you may have guessed by now... when the stone came out... the screen was NOT there to catch it. I had to fish it out of the toliet. It's always something with me, I guess. The next thing up is a dr.s appointment in October (first available) so that'll be LOTS of fun.

I also went to the Upper Arlington Arts Festival yesterday. My wife wanted to go, so I said sure. I do like going to these types of things, as it does indulge my (limited) artistic side. I'm more into photography than painting (execpt my wife's, who I think is awesome, but I am biased). There was alot there. I prefer Black and White to color photos, as I think they leave some to the imagination and it's just a little more pure than color photos. My opinion only.

I do have a gripe about it. I saw at least three different political candidates at this festival. Mary Jo Kilroy sticks out in my mind as the most annoying. (I think she was there, which is probably why I was annoyed.) I think these festivals should NOT be invaded by these political people. They crap all over the purity of these community festivals with their propaganda and slander (mostly of their oppenents). Being an independant voter, I'm sure they would have loved to talk to me and "sway" me. If they were in the parking lot, or at the enterance, I would have been okay with it, but inside the festival itself, it's a nuisance that takes away from the spirit of the festival. Again, just my opinion.

I also got to watch the first Ohio State Football game this weekend. I have some good feelings about this team. It's going to be a special year. I hope that by the time I go to the Penn State game, we are 3-0 and there is serious talk about a national title run then. No one seems to be taking the Bucks seriously. This weekend will be a HUGE test of the charecter of the Bucks, but I have faith that they will prevail.


That be all for now... I'm sure more will come, especially as it gets close to the move at work. That'll be in November, but there is so much to get ready for, it's not funny.

As for the picture, I just wanted to let you know that Christopher Lee, who played Count Dooku, has released a new album of showtunes. http://christopherleeweb.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=105 is the link to check it out. I really wish I could have made this up......

His next album.. I'm kookoo for Dooku Puffs (the b-sides)

Pain, suffering, and fun stuff

I spent part of my day today in the ER. My whole lower back, stomach and unmentionables were all in pain. I could not get comfortable. After about 90 minutes at home, I decided (well... no choice, but still) that I needed to go to the ER. After what seemed like an eternity (20 minutes, but being in pain it seemed longer) my wife and I got to the ER. I've never seen my wife in such a hurry to get somewhere. I know she was concerned for me, but it still amazed me.

Once we got there, and signed in, and all that fun stuff, it seemed like 30 minutes went by before they brought me back. (I was first back, mainly because of the pain I was in, thankfully) At one point, I almost passed out, and they got me a wheelchair. From an ego standpoint, that hurt. I've always prided myself on the fact I can get through anyhing on my own, including that. When I finally got placed in a room, the pain got worse. When they ask you on a scale, 1 being moderate and 10 being unbearable, I didn't let them finish. It was about an 8. When they decided to stick me with an IV, I was happy, even though I hate needles. Even wierder was the pain started to go away while waiting for the IV. ( I haven't felt any major pain since)

I was in and out the rest of the time there. I remember the CAT scan. I remember the doctor telling me that I had a Kidney stone (which is what they suspected from the beginning) that was about 4mm wide. Now, all I have to do is wait for it to pass. I have to pee using this funnel like device with a screen, so I can catch the stone when it comes out. That's just going to be a wierd expierence for me.

The best thing about all of this is how attentive and caring my wife is. It never ceases to amaze me how much she does care, even though I can be a jerk at times. It takes something like this for me to see it. Makes me feel like a moron now...


Oh... 4 more days to the start of the OSU season. I have a good feeling about this one.....

WTF?!?!?!

Got into an accident the other day. I broadsided this woman in the front of her truck. I got cited because someone had to. However, I really wish that this woman could be cited for stupidity.

I was turning left from the intersection. This intersection, which is about 100 ft from work, seems to be a little dangerous, as there is a hill coming from the west towards this intersection that people like to speed going down. Which I think this woman did. When I stopped at the intersection of Gahanna Pkwy (where I was turning left from) and Claycraft (where I wanted to turn left onto), it was clear. I was at a complete stop.

I went to pull out, maybe going 10 mph, when I saw this woman's truck. She came from out of NOWHERE!!! Even a co-worker said he didn't see where she came from. (He was coming down claycraft) I hit her, and when I did, she was probably going about 15 MPH herself. After the shock, I got out of the car and asked if she was okay. She said she was, but her husband wasn't going to be (Which I thought, who cares about your husband?) And then she uttered the dumbest this. She said 'You didn't even stop."

Obviously she wasn't paying attention. Had I not stopped, she would have hit me. The fact that she even said that to me was asinie. I didn't speak to her at all after that, as she was acting like a complete bitch. I overheard her, while on the phone (I would assume with her husband), call me an asshole. She had co-workers coming out to see what was going on. (She worked nearby as well). I even heard her tell the responding officer I didn't stop. He seemed skeptical that what she said was true. The other thing, if I didn't stop, would that her truck would have been pushed out into the middle of the road. when I hit her truck, We just got stuck. Obviously, this woman is a gold digger.

Karma is a bitch though. Her front driver's tire is bent at a 45 degree angle, so more than likely the truck will be totaled. That's what she gets for lying. I'm a firm believer in Karma now.

And this, the day after my birthday....What next?

Wait..never mind....

Okay...so I haven't kept up with this

I'm just a lazy person..that's all..

Anyways.. I've been very busy with my life as of late. I am working my butt off at my job, between the web marketing and IT items that I work with. Seems to make the day go by better when I'm busy. I'm enjoying my work alot as well. The really nice thing is that I'm appreciated. That is a wonderful feeling.

One thing that I need to throw my two cents in about is the Net Neturality that is being debated on in Congress. What this bill does is create a two tier internet. The network providers (such as Verizon, AT&T, Comcast, etc) can charge a premium to companies such as Yahoo, Amazon, Google to be downloaded faster to their customers. A Fast Lane, if you will. How does this affect the average consumer, you may ask? For starters, those fees that the ISP's would charge would more than likely be handed down to the customers purchasing products from the various sites. Also, I've read a few reports that the ISP's would charge their customers a little more to cover a creation of a Deptartment that would oversee these charges. I hardly call this neutral.

This was brought to Congress by Verizon. With the loss of revenue from traditional landlines to VoIP (voice over internet protocol), mobile phones, digital phones through cable providers, they were looking for an additonal source of revenue to compensate for that. AT&T, Comcast, and Time Warner are all in favor of this bill, as are many republicans in both the House and Senate. This has been a hotly contested issue for some time. A vote is imminent, and it's not looking good. I urge you to write your congressmen and Senator to vote against this bill. This will change the landscape of the internet as we know it forever. (Getting off my soapbox now)

Can someone tell me why it's such a big deal that President Bush swore? Last I checked, he's a human, with thoughts, feelings and desires the same as you and I. I'm not his biggest fan, to be honest, but I think that the microscope this has been under is amazing. He's frustarated with a frustrating problem that has been a thorn in the side of many presidents. Let him vent and move on... geez.... **^$ media.....


Go see Clerks 2, coming out this Friday.....

Oh... go visit my friends Blog at http://alisonsjourney.blogspot.com/ This is a blog by the author of Alison's Journey. Her website is www.ameytippett.com if you want more information on the book or any upcoming projects she has.

As usual, any questions, comments, or complaints... e-mail me at Gambit624g@yahoo.com.

SEE Ya
Craig

Amazing

I would, at this point, generally complain about the lousy weather we've been having here. I saw the sun for the first time yesterday (it's 2 in the morning right now) in about 10 days or so.

After seeing the damage caused by all the rain in the Merrimack Valley where I used to live in Mass, I won't complain one bit. I've talked to most of the friends I have up there, and they seem to be okay. There is only one I haven't heard from that I am somewhat concerned about as they live about 100-200ft from one of the rivers that has crested. Knowing the people of the area like I do, I know they'll bounce back and be back on their feet in no time. I just wanted to let them know that I am thinking of them in this time of need. From what I have read so far, only one person has died as a result of this flooding. This is a blessing if this is true, as it could have been alot worse.

I hope to hear from some of my friends when they are home and the ground is dry.

Fun stuff, and other....stuff

wow.. a record..two days between posts.... I must be high... (no... not really....)

Anyway, things are going well. Getting together with Beau on Saturday to maybe...possibly.. FINALLY get this server up and running. I'll be a very busy person once that starts up.

It's raining here tonight. What grass I have that wasn't burnt by fertilizer will grow nicely. I need to get out and seed part of my yard.. but just haven't had the chance to. Yes.. lazy I know..but still...

My old job went to a pay per call model. That was the worst possible thing they could have done. And they want to keep people? Good luck with that. I hope those two people left enjoy it...

New Job...still awesome. can't beat it.

Update

Hello out there in Blogland. I'm back with another non-sensical blog....


I read something hysterical today. A guy in Maine was sued by an agency in New York City regarding his blog at www.mainewebreport.com. Now, this gentleman was concerned how his tax dollars were being spent. Upon learning that this ad agency did not really track results, yet had purchased Adwords (googles paid search, which I work with for my company) of EVERY CITY in Maine. Now, all of these words, when someone did a search on that city, the Maine Department of Tourism would have a link to it's site. However, they did not track ANYTHING!!! There was no way to tell if they were getting some sort of Return on Investment, newsletter sign-ups, anything. And this New York City ad agency..... DIDN'T EITHER!!!! That's an account I'd like to have. Long story short, the ad agency sued claiming all sort of things, then realized since blogging is protected by the FIRST Amendment, they dropped the suit. Score one for the little guy. I wouldn't recommend you go after a company in a blog and say untrue things, (that's not protected per se,) but you can say how company XYZ is wrong about something or how your state is mis-using your tax dollars. Blogging has giving us a new voice.


In my own life, not much is going on. Job is going awesome. I can say how happy I am there enough. I actually feel like I'm accomplishing something. That's always a plus. I'm happy spring is here and I can go outside and do things (cept for tonight, too tired). Looking forward to the Dayton Hamvention in two weeks. That'll be lots of fun. I'm also working to get a server working so I can host a site, but that's coming along real slowly. Seems my cohorts and I are having issues with computer parts... they can't seem to agree to work..... sad really.

Anyway.. I'll be back someday with more to talk about.

Time flies

And then BOOM!!!

It's been way too long since I posted here. I'm probably not going to say much here. My daughter left for Florida this morning. Getting up earlier than I am used to isn't fun. She arrived safely, which I am glad for.

I got a new job since I last posted. I am a Web Marketing Assistant for a promotional product company. It's an awesome place to work. I really enjoy my work and like the people I work with. I look forward to going into work now.

I'll post more later on this week when I'm more coherent and not bobbing my head towards the keyboard.

Too Damn Long

It's been too damn long since I posted. As I post here, I am watching the Ohio State-Penn State game. It's 7-3 Penn State right now.

Anyhow, much has happened since my last post. My friend Beau just got promoted to Operations Supervisor. I didn't apply for a variety of reasons. Most of all stress. I have enough in my life, and they don't pay enough to compensate for the added levels.

Damn, OSU got intercepted.... I hope this doesn't set the tone for the rest of the game.

Right now, I'm in the middle of a info gathering stage of getting a small business off the ground. I have some friends that are interested in joining me. I'm hoping that this goes somewhere. We have talent and knowledge to do it. But that can only go so far.

Hmm.. Penn State scored again. I'm so happy now.....

In some sad news, my grandfather on my father's side died. It's been two weeks, and I'm still a little torn up inside. A few good things came out of this, which make me happy. First, and most importantly, my father made peace with him. Secondly, I got to re-connect with that side of my family, some of who I haven't seen in over 15 years. Makes me happy that I get to see more family now, and more people to spend time with. I have alot of catching up to do.

I made a mistake in giving my son a toy lightsaber last night. I have a little padawan learner now. I've created a little Jedi.. and I dont' think I can stop it either....

I hope to update this more often.

I'm Wondering, Is that Snow in August?

Strange title, huh? What I'm trying to say is..hell has frozen over because I'm posting on my blog.

Anyway, it's been awhile since I"ve done anything with this. I haven't too much to report except now my family is back in town. The trip from hell is over. I have yet another car (96 Blazer), and my job hasn't changed... ONE BIT!!!!!!.

Yes, consistency SUCKS!!!! When life gets too boring and routine, *I* get bored.

I'm looking to get another job. I've grown too complacent where I'm at and need a challenge. I also need to go back to school. I need to spend time with the family. (Damn, I'm a needy bastard).

I need a challenge in my life. Oh, to those who think they have me fooled. Think again. Think long and hard. I'm not naive. I'm just quiet.

you know who you are.

Okay...so I'm 33 now... I think...

I just turned 33 on Tuesday. It's wierd to think about really. I'm getting old, my body is beginning to feel it. Can't wait till I hit 40.....


On the work front, all I can say is that it's like playing Calvin Ball. For those who read Calvin and Hobbes, you will completely understand. Basically, you change the rules as you go along to suit your needs. Now, most companies would bend or re-interpret exisiting rules, policies, etc. Here, it's the attitude that if one policy doesn't work, we'll cram it down your throat, even if the management feels it should work, but obviously doesn't. Couple that with an average age of 22 of the work force you are dealing with, and you can understand the problem. Even younger people are resistant to change, especially if it forces them to produce or be reduced. (Produce, or Reduce!! Now that's a catchy slogan....) I just hope that I have a job when things go south. But I'm prepared if the opposite happens.

On the personal front, nothing new to report. Just slothing away until Melissa and the kids come home in 4 weeks or so. Again, not looking forward to the drive back, but at least I know I won't be alone as much anymore. My perspective on life has changed somewhat, and I hope for the better. Given the events that have happened so far since I moved back to Ohio, I can only imagine what's going to happen next.

And my condolences and prayers go out to the familes and friends of the victims of both London Bombings. As Londoners showed us, and New Yorkers did after 9/11, we will not yield to those who attempt to cause fear in us. Like Americans, English people are a strong people, and will not yield to terrorists.

Feel free to comment to me directly, or on the comments board proved here. If you want me to discuss a particular topic, I'm open to that on here. My e-mail to reach me, in case you have forgotten is Gambit624g@yahoo.com. Hope to hear from you.

Craig

Wow...it's been a month? Really?

There are times that I think that I need to get away from everything and everyone. Today is one of those times. I'm somewhat of a outgoing and spontanous person. I did something last week that was spontanous. Today, I am basically told what I did was wrong, and to stay out of their life. With recent events and revealations, it is something that I am going to steadfastly do. I only blame that person for what they have said and did. No one else. No one else really is to blame for it. It's sad that life has dealt me this card, but hopefully I'll become a better person for it.

Well....At least I have my health... I think.....

What a wacky 2 weeks it has been. I'm such a bad blogger. (Which leads me to think, what determines a bad blogger.....) Since my review of the Star Wars movie, I've seen it about 5 more times. (Only once more in a theater....) It gets better with every viewing. However, I digress.... but it's my blog and I have a right to......

At any rate, my wife and I had a cookout last weekend, which I think went very well. Nice weather, good friends and family, good food (the high point...), and getting to see my best friend made it all worth while. It's nice to see that my wife is making friends here, although it has been a struggle in other areas.

My ex just bought a new house, and moving out of the one that her and I had together. All I can say is... what took so long? I'm genuinely happy for her to have bought a bigger house so the girls have more room to roam, and live in a little bit better area. I got to see the inside today, and it's really nice.

On the work front, the job is changing yet again, as are the people I am working with. I never know day to day what is going to happen. While part of me finds this to be exciting to be part of such a dynamic position, the other part of me is hesitant to get confident about it. Since it is such a constantly changing position, does it have a chance to change itself out? In other words, how long will that postion be in existance? I know they are looking to cut costs, which I can compeletly understand. However, I don't know what my "cost-benefit" is to them. Hopefully I'll find out soon enough.

Well, my wife's trip back home seems to be also in a constant change. I just found out today that I get to drive BOTH legs of the trip. Needless to say, I'm not happy about it. However, I'll do it. I have a certain disdain for people who back out at the last possible minute, and it seems I'm always left picking up the pieces. To quote C3PO from Star Wars" I guess it's my lot in life, I seem to be made to suffer." I totally hate long drives. I think a drive of more than an hour is a hassle to me. But what fun would life be if it didn't throw you curve balls, eh?