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?

Curve Balls, Or how Life can surprise you...

Well, I got my wish. They have changed things at work. What are those changes you may ask...well.... I'll let you know when I do. We lost two people. That much is for certain. Funny thing was, we ran better. There is something to be said for running a leaner machine with less parts.

Tomorrow, however, they will only have two. I will be going to the Dayton Hamvention in Dayton Oh with my father. It's is an electronics geek paradise. I've always enjoyed going, and it's one of the things I get to do with my father. Even now, I'm using his computer to write this. However, the prospect of waking up at around 4:30...NOT what I want to do.... but then, it's all part of the Dayton expierence. Like Rain. Lots of Rain. I can't remember a Dayton without one day having rain.

I also plan on seeing Star Wars again in about 2 weeks. Call me a geek, but I just love those movies. I've seen every Star Wars movie in the theater several times. Yes, I am a Star Wars geek.

I'm also planning on starting a computer consulting business on the side. I'm getting some preliminary marketing ideas together. I'm trying to decide what I want to zero in on, and when I do, it'll be fun. I hope....

Review of Revenge of the Sith

I saw the Third and Final installment of the Star Wars Franchise, Revenge of the Sith. This was the movie that chronicled the fall of Anakin Skywalker, otherwise known as Darth Vader.

After waiting for 2+ hours in the theater, the movie finally started. From beginning to end, there wasn't really a low point, or lull, in the action. The opening scene was Anakin and Obi-Wan attempting to rescue Palpatine, otherwise known to us now as Darth Sidious. We all know how it ends. It's the in-between parts that make this movie. Combining drama, action, comedy (I'm beginning to think that Lucas just put robots, or droids, in his movies stricly for comedic relief.)

Each charecter was well done. Jimy Smits as Bail Organa seemed to be brought to the forefront towards the end of the movie. However, the movie stealer of Ep. 3 was Ian McDiarmid, who played Emperor Paplatine/Darth Sidious. I daresay it is an Oscar caliber performance on his part.

Make no mistake about this movie, it is dark. There are two scenes in particular that probably caused this movie to be rated PG-13. I won't spoil it for anybody, but this is definitly dark. But if anyone is surprised by this, then I think they need to re-watch the other movies to realize that Anakin was heading that way anyway.

The Dialouge was good, and seemed to flow well. The locations and scenery really reflected the tone and mood of the film. Lucas has mastered that.

I'm sad to see the Franchise end. It will countinue on in books, and cartoons and TV show at some point, (just NO christmas special with Chewbacca's family!!!! LOL). There is a rumor that someone else may create episodes 7-9, but it is just that.

I hope you get a chance to see this movie. It was well worth the wait.

May the Force be with you.

3 hours, and counting

I am currently waiting for my wife to get ready so we can leave for the theater. I'm excited about seeing this movie. It's been 27 years since I've seen the first one in the theater. It was the first movie I remember going to. Sitting in the front row at the Northland Mall theater (it had only two screens at the time), looking straight up for 2+ hours. It's an expierence I'll never forget.

I'll write my review of the movie when I return for it.

Long time no post

Well, I survived my in-laws visit. They were here for about 8 days. And what a wild 8 days it was. My 9 year fell off her swing set and broke both of her arms. My wife called 911, and the medics, since they are all knowing, decided that she was okay, and didn't even want to splint her arm. They suggested she go to the Childern's hosptial urgent care in Westerville. Now, call me crazy, but wouldn't it have been easier if they would have just taken her via ambulance to Childerns? Maybe I'm a little crazy to think that.

Anyway, She was a real trooper. The only time she cried was when they stuck the IV in her arm in the ER. She's doing well now. From the looks of things, she'll get the casts off next week.

Ahh, next week. The Holy Grail of Star Wars fans everywhere. I've got my ticket to see it at Midnight. I hope there are no guys there dressed as Leia. I've read the book, but I won't reveal anything about it here until about a month after the movie, if the topic comes up.

Anyway, I should be posting on this more regularly, as I do have a little more time to do this now.

First Entry

My first entry into my blog. How exciting. How often will I be posting on this blog? Not sure. Life has this funny way of getting in the way of even the most simplest of things. Having four kids can be exhuasting, but in the end, it is worth it.

In-laws are coming this weekend. It should be a good visit. It usually is. And at least my work schedule is accomadating to it now.

I hope I can get more clarification on what is going on with the job I now have. It's like playing Calvinball. It's always changing. Come May 1st, we are not sure what's going to happen. Hopefully they flesh out what needs to be fleshed out.

Craig