Walk Blog

I've posted a blog about the Walk for Autism that my family and I participated in yesterday over at http://loganbuddy.blogspot.com

Take a look. It was a great time by all, and I look forward to next years walk.

Autism Walk

Just dropping a line to let you know that I'm going to (hopefully) post some pictures from the Walk for Autism I will be attending tomorrow morning. I will post them at loganbuddy.blogspot.com, and make a post here regarding them as well.

To all of those who donated, I thank you. To those that are joining me in about 12 hours (and yes, I should be asleep right now!!!), thank you as well.

So much to do, so little time

I considered blogging about the current financial quagmire that our representatives in government have bestowed on us all. Since I'm not well versed in that area, and don't want to sound like a complete buffoon, I won't say much.

I had a interesting conversation with a co-worker today, that made me realize that I have about 16 months left until my oldest daughter will be old enough to drive. My oldest is currently a freshman in high school. I'm not worried about her going out and dating, as I feel she has a really good head on her shoulders regarding that subject. But driving is a WHOLE other area that I am realizing that I'm not ready for. I'm thinking that I need to prepare by maybe finding another 16 year old and get all the "bad parent" stuff out of the way. Or maybe Nintendo can come out with a driving set so they can practice without raising my insurance rates.

Logan is doing well at Step by Step. I haven't updated that blog in awhile, as there really hasn't been much going on in that aspect for some time, so I've been quiet on that side. If you want to read the old posts, the blog is http://loganbuddy.blogspot.com.

Melissa is back at work now. She works at Step by Step. She's happy that she's doing something, and I'm happy for her.

I'm also back at studying again. I'm not in school, but immersing myself into learning about Windows Server products and all I can absorb about help desk techniques. Other than my son, I have a passion for computers and how they work. I've also started a small side business fixing and upgrading computers. It's fun, and I've met some interesting people.

I hope to get to post more of my ramblings here in the future. Not having as much time as I used to is taking some getting used to. I hope to get to also talk to those who read this blog and my blog about my son.

Funny things in life

There are times that I just want to crawl into a hole. Notwithstanding the fact I haven't posted in eight months, but with all of the bad news, and oil prices and other things, it sometimes just doesn't pay to get out of bed in the morning. If it wasn't for the the fact that I need to make money, I"d stay in bed all day.

I've been a busy little beaver as of late. Since my lost post on this particular blog, we've been down (state closing Step by Step), to highs (Federal Court blocking state, and the opening of a new, larger Step by Step that can help more children with Autism). I feel good each time I step into one of the buildings and do the smallest thing for the center. These kids need all the help they can get, and I'm so glad I can help in the smallest way.

I've also purchased a new computer. That's right, I got rid of my Windows Vista machine and got myself an XP Pro computer. Oh the joys of reliability. I've been also working hard on learning Windows 2003/8 server so I can increase my knowledge and skill.

I've been lax on posting here, and need to do better. As time permits, and the muse strikes, I shall post here. I post more often on Logan's Laughter, my blog about my son Logan.

A long time..again

Well, It's been a long strange football season. First, Ohio State (AGAIN!!!) goes to the Championship game, only to be used as a whipping boy for an SEC team.

However, my season can come to a happy conclusion this Sunday. The New England Patriots, at 18-0, have a chance to become the only team in history to play a 16 game season, and go undefeated. I can hear the 72 Dolphins now. They say this did it first...true..you did. However, you did it before free agency, parity, and the 16 game season. You want New England to be 1b. I don't think so. You can't compare what you did then to what they are about to do. Spygate? One game of the year. If New England lost the rest of the year, then maybe I"d buy into that.

I'm super ready for the Super Bowl. I honestly can't wait. Bring on the Giants.

Now, with the recent fight that I'm engaged in with ODJFS here with regards to my son and what type of treatment he is entitled to, let's just say I'd rather win that fight over any other. Those who don't know my son, nor have the skill set to properly diagnose my son, shouldn't be involved in, or allowed to effect, what type of treatment he gets. Let the people qualified to make that judgment do that.

Just my two cents.

It's a hard knock life.....

It's been too damn long since I've blogged here (I've been blogging semi-regularly on my blog about Logan's autism)

Nothing much has transpired, to be honest. Football is here. That is good. Work is a little overwhelming, but I'll deal with it. I have in the past, and I always will going forward. I think I'd rather be busy than slow and bored. My personal opinion though.

In laws are here. It's nice and relaxful this time, so far. I need to relax this week. at least once, anyway.

My Thoughts on Chris Benoit

As many know, I am a WWE fan. I've always enjoyed watching professional wrestling. I've always known it's fake. It's like a soap opera for men. Sadly though, reality has set into it.

On the weekend of June 23rd, a wrestler by the name of Chris Benoit committed an unspeakable horror. He murdered his wife and 7 year old son in their home outside of Atlanta, Ga. He then committed suicide by hanging himself on his weight machine. No definite reason has come out as to why this happened, as no suicide note was found. Steriods were found in the home, along with other prescription drugs. Chris Benoit's doctor has since been arrested and charged with distribution of illegal drugs, namely steroids.

There are so many theories as to what caused Benoit to commit these monstrous acts. From "roid rage" to his son having Fragile X and the stress that entails, I think I've heard all of them. I have no insight into this part of it. I didn't know Benoit outside of watching him on TV.

I've also heard criticisms regarding the tribute show that WWE did the night they found out about the tragedy. At the time, they did not know the facts regarding the case. As the show progressed, the facts slowly came out. I'm in agreement with what they did with the facts they knew. The next night, on their ECW show, Vince McMahon, for all intents and purposes, apologized for the show. Since then, there is NO mention of Chris Benoit (save for the title history section), all of his merchandise taken off, any mention of him in their DVD sections erased. I agree with that as well.

Since then, the media has been all over this case. I saw a show on Fox News (ya know, the Fair and Balanced news channel) last night with three former WWE stars who all had different opinions about the matter regarding Steroids. The hosts of the show were very combative and wouldn't let rational thought get involved. They basically tried to say that all WWE entertainers are on Steriods. This forms the basis of every news media's view on professional wrestling. It's sad that mainstream media only focus' in on it when there is a death. And it's always about "HE/She was on sterioids." It's sad that I never hear about the performers going to Iraq and performing for the troops in a war zone. I don't see J-Lo doing that. I don't see 50 Cent doing that. I respect the WWE for doing those shows for the troops. They deserve that much.

So, after all of that, how do I feel about Chris Benoit? Benoit was one of my favorites. He didn't talk much, but I was fine with that. He was about the action. He probably had one of the feel good stories in the WWE, when he won the WWE title at Wrestlemania 20, which if you've seen any coverage of this tragedy, you've seen it. Him, with his wife and son in the ring. That was a great moment. I've been having a hard time separating Chris Benoit the performer, and Chris Benoit, the man. The man was a monster. I can't even imagine hurting my kids or my wife. I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around this. I probably always will. In the wrestling business, from what I've read and been told by former wrestlers, you are only as good as your last match. In life, you are only as good as your last acts. In this case, Chris Benoit is a monster. He'll always be remembered as such by me.

Nancy and Daniel Benoit, I hope you rest in peace, and are in a better place now. You didn't deserve what happened to you.

Dumb stuff

Why the hell do people insist on being stupid? Is it a genetic defect? Are they brain dead? (Probably)

For instance, why do people ask you to do something, then decide after you are done doing what they ask, decided to do something else. Supposedly, these people are halfway intelligent (presumably) human beings who have the ability to use their minds. I wish they would exercise that ability. I'd also wish they would realize that when you make a stupid request, they are going to get a stupid answer.

I want to keep the names of the useless quiet, because I am afraid of stupid people in large groups. They usually have the ability to rally more stupid people at a moments notice. Because they are all around us.

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.